Back in the city, he heard a muffled cheer which echoed from near the docks. Looking over his shoulder, he saw more warships arriving and gauged that the number of soldiers was approaching the ten thousand Sephonis spoke of. His eyes settled on a number of ships that were different to the military vessels moored in Boraila. He never believed that he would see the day when mercenary ships sat alongside his own fleet. He also knew that these ships were the reason Sephonis had summoned him to the temple.
As he continued up the hillside, Draliak noticed several men standing outside the temple gates. They wore storm grey cloaks but the commander saw chain mail beneath which had been blackened. Each man had a number of weapons but all were of different designs and no two seemed the same.
Arriving at the temple, Draliak ignored the malevolent stares from the men as he walked past. At the inner doors stood a number of Shada-Kavielian soldiers who saluted him as he approached.
“
Commander, I am to escort you to the high mage,” announced one soldier.
Draliak nodded, following him into the temple and through the quiet halls until they came to a closed door. Voices could be heard beyond and the soldier knocked twice. Draliak shook his head and wanted to simply barge into the room rather than wait until called in.
“
Enter,” came Sephonis’ soft voice.
Draliak moved forward impatiently before the soldier could react and opened the door. Inside, he saw Sephonis and Balthus standing before a blazing fireplace with a third man. He knew who the stranger was already and the commander’s expression certainly did not mask his distaste at having to be in the same room as the man.
“
You sent for me,” stated Draliak, moving into the room and hearing the soldier close the door behind him.
“
Commander, you are aware that our Tyllasi allies arrived in Boraila recently I assume,” Sephonis said. “I thought it best that you met with Vortain.”
Draliak did not reply and turned his gaze upon the Tyllasi leader. Vortain was taller than both the high mage and the invoker but matched the commander in height. His face was almost hidden by long black hair and a thick beard but eyes the colour of deepest emerald watched Draliak intently. He wore the same storm grey cloak and chain mail as his men outside but two wicked curved blades hung at his side.
“
I have waited a long time to meet the infamous Draliak,” stated Vortain, his deep voice holding an unusual accent.
Draliak held his anger back. Here was the man responsible for the deaths of many Shada-Kavielians, both military and civilian. His crimes should have meant his instant execution but Sephonis had no doubt ordered his past forgotten in return for the Tyllasi support during the invasion.
“
You are a lucky man,” the commander said calmly. “Had I caught up with you back in the waters around Shada-Kaviel, our first meeting would have been a very different affair.”
Vortain’s eyes glinted. “Then our decision to come here and support your war was a timely one. I would prefer us to be fighting on the same side.”
Draliak looked back to Sephonis. “What are the plans for the Tyllasi now that they are here, high mage?”
“
Vortain will take his ships south along the coast of the Rotian Kingdom and will begin attacks on the settlements. This will give the Rotians further concern and will stretch their military resources.”
“
They will send ships north,” Draliak pointed out.
Sephonis nodded. “They will, but Vortain’s men are proven warriors on the waves. The Rotian fleet is small though. We even have ships waiting further out to sea so as to stop any Rotian vessels trying to head north to the neighbouring lands. No doubt they will seek help when they realize what is happening.”
“
Only from the north,” said Draliak. “They would not seek assistance from the lands beyond the eastern mountains.”
“
What if a lone Rotian messenger reaches the northern lands?” asked Vortain, frowning. “Surely you cannot watch all of the roads and cover the whole border.”
“
I have ways of seeing,” replied Sephonis. “Do not seek to understand how though.”
“
And if a man from the north selling goods happens to cross the border on his way to Barentin?” challenged Draliak.
Sephonis smiled. “No man, woman or child will leave or enter the borders of the Rotian Kingdom. I have…allies who will see to this.”
At this, Balthus glanced at the high mage. He knew that the Dar’ota was involved with this border protection but his mind raced with thoughts of how and what would happen to those trying to flee north. He wanted to question Sephonis further but would have to wait for the right moment.
Vortain shrugged his acceptance. “As long as you are confident that no other ships will join the battle, then we will do our part,” he said to Sephonis. “What of the settlements along the river?”
The high mage shook his head. “Insignificant. It will not be long until all river settlements have been abandoned anyway. By now, news of the destruction of Barentin and Tamriel will have reached the nearest villages and the people will be moving south quickly.”
“
Have you not considered placing men at each settlement, high mage?” Draliak asked. “They would be useful as watchpoints.”
“
Once the first great battle between ourselves and the Rotians is over, we can begin moving our forces further into the kingdom.” Sephonis gave Draliak a wry smile. “You will not have long to wait, commander.”
“
From what I hear, these Rotians are not strong fighters,” remarked Vortain. “Is this true?”
Draliak was already beginning to dislike the sound of the tyllasi’s voice. “They are not to be underestimated. They fight bravely against the odds but we have had the element of surprise up until now. The true test will be facing their soldiers and cavalry on an open battlefield.”
“
I will not be underestimating them.” Vortain glanced at Balthus. “Unlike some.”
Balthus stepped forward and looked up at the tyllasi. “It is not wise to mock me.”
“
It is not wise to threaten
me
,” snapped Vortain, towering over the invoker.
“
Enough,” growled Sephonis, causing both men to step back.
“
I apologize,” muttered Balthus, turning away.
“
Your task is simple,” the high mage said to Vortain. “You are to stay in Boraila for the next five days and then sail out to begin your attacks along the coast. Do not go up the river and do not get too near the Rotian capital of Vylandor.”
Vortain’s eyes flashed with anger momentarily at being given orders in this manner but he could not meet Sephonis’ gaze long. “I understand.”
“
Return to Boraila frequently. You will make your reports only to myself. Now, do you have the maps?”
“
I do.”
“
Then you may go back to your men. I expect no trouble from the Tyllasi whilst you are our guests here.”
Vortain nodded and headed for the door. As he passed Draliak, the Tyllasi leader paused momentarily as if to say something but then decided against it and continued out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
“
He does not react well to being given orders,” noted the commander. “That will be a problem.”
“
I have no doubt that at some point Vortain will disregard my orders,” sighed Sephonis, turning to face the fire. “It will be his undoing.”
“
Then why use them?”
“
You’ve answered your own question. We will simply
use
them to cause havoc and distraction. When the time comes, we will no longer have need for their services.”
Draliak shook his head. “It is a dangerous game we play. Vortain will be hard to control.”
Balthus suddenly spoke out. “I see now your concerns with the man, commander. However, I am sure that the high mage would not allow Vortain to move above his station.”
“
Balthus is correct of course,” said Sephonis, turning back to face them. “Do not worry about the Tyllasi though, commander. You have other matters to attend to.”
The high mage moved to one of four chairs in the room and lowered himself into it. “Our forces nearly number ten thousand now and we await more warships. Most of our soldiers are here in Boraila or on the outskirts protecting the roads. Another contingent was left at the fortress. What is the feeling amongst the men?”
Draliak was surprised somewhat by the question. “They are eager for more victories. Some have seen combat already. Those who fought at Barentin and Tamriel have been passing on their knowledge of the Rotians, such as it is. Plus, the men who helped you to take Boraila and those who joined us for the attack on the fortress all have experience. They will be key in the battles to come.
Morale is high. The men are excited by this new campaign.”
Sephonis was silent for a moment. His grey eyes stared at Draliak but yet he seemed deep in thought. “They have fought well so far,” he finally said. “However, they must be patient now. We wait to gauge the Rotian reaction to our presence here.”
“
Saroth is in the capital as we speak, is he not?” Balthus asked.
“
He is. As soon as he learns of their plans, he will return here to make his report and we will know what to expect.”
Draliak wanted to be as confident as the high mage but there were too many questions on his mind. “What if his contact in Vylandor refuses to divulge such information?”
“
Then Saroth will find a new source of information and dispose of this Talgan Akalla. You know how persuasive Saroth can be, commander.”
Draliak nodded. “I will ensure then that the men are continuing to train in preparation for this next stage. I aim to arrange new patrol routes and watchpoints around and outside Boraila.”
“
An excellent idea. Begin straight away and we will talk again soon.”
Draliak bowed his head respectively and turned to leave the room.
“
I advise you keep an eye on the Tyllasi also, commander,” said Balthus. “We don’t want them causing unrest in the city.”
Draliak did not reply but, for once, he agreed with the invoker.
“
High mage, may I speak openly?” asked Balthus, waiting until Draliak had closed the door.
“
Of course.”
“
You requested that the Rotian soldiers captured at the fortress be brought here to the temple and now you keep them locked up. I don’t understand why.”
Sephonis smiled. “You also want to know more about how I am watching the borders.”
Balthus hesitated but then nodded. “Yes. I am intrigued.”
“
I believe that you know the answer to that. You are not some inexperienced magic user, Balthus, so you must at least have an idea how I can do such a thing.”
“
Wardstones.”
“
Correct. I have sent men to place the stones along the border and they will remain there to deal with any who cross into or out of the kingdom.”
“
You sent soldiers?” asked the invoker.
“
Yes, but soldiers embued with the power to move quickly and strike silently. A magical enchantment I bestowed upon them.”
“
What of the captured Rotians?”
Sephonis sighed. “You are full of questions today. I sense that there is doubt in your mind, Balthus.”
“
Not doubt, high mage. I am merely curious as to the intricacies of war, including what we do with the prisoners.” Balthus saw Sephonis’ eyes narrow and swiftly continued. “Of course, if I have asked too many questions then I apologize and will hold my tongue.”
“
Your thirst for knowledge reminds me of myself decades ago. I understand why you want to know the reasons behind every decision made here but I will reveal all in due course. For now, respect my wishes and do not concern yourself with the Rotian prisoners. I also do not wish you to enter the hall in which I commune with the Dar’ota. When the time is right, you will be allowed to join me.”
Balthus bowed to the high mage and tried to hide his frustration. “As you wish. What would you have me do?”
“
Go out into the city,” replied Sephonis, waving his hand towards the door. “Walk the Rotian streets and talk with the soldiers. Breathe in the anticipation of our imminent victories. I expect you to return to your studies of the invoking arts later this evening.”
“
Very well. I will do as you ask.” Balthus left the room, unanswered questions floating in his mind.
Sephonis watched him leave and returned his gaze to the fire. He had given Balthus too much free rein when he first sent him with Draliak to Barentin, resulting in the encounter that left the invoker scarred. He would need to ensure that he chose Balthus’ assignments carefully from now on. Until the young Shada-Kavielian became more experienced in dealing with the enemy, he could not risk sending him into another major battle.
As he pondered on giving the invoker his next task, Sephonis found his thoughts shifting to the question about the prisoners locked below. Only he and the Dar’ota knew the fate of these Rotian soldiers and he imagined the reaction should Draliak find out. He would surely ask questions as to what happened to those Shada-Kavielian soldiers Sephonis
altered
and sent to place the wardstones.