The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) (3 page)

“Events forced my hand.” stated Ader.

Brelg tensed.

“You promised us. We would be the ones to tell him. She counted on it. She didn’t want him hurt.” said Brelg.

Ader glanced to Kael then back to Brelg.

“I didn’t promise, I swore to you I would
try
to keep it as you asked. I could not. The boy was in turmoil. Too much was happening. Doubt entered his mind and he needed answers. I gave him some.”

“Your answers filled him with doubt about us! Who we were! Why we were involved! Were we just players in the game?” growled Brelg. “You filled him with doubt about her!”

Ader glanced at Kael once more and then smiled to Brelg.

“He
never
doubted her. Confusion over the details maybe, but I’ve seen his thoughts. He never doubted her love.”

Brelg turned to Kael and the boy nodded.

“He’s right, father. Seeing you again made me realize one thing. I’m Kael Brelgson, no matter what they tell me.”

Brelg grabbed Kael once more in his bear hug.

“And I will always be your proud father.” said Brelg. “She loved you both so much.”

The pair embraced for a moment longer then Brelg turned to Ader.

“I’ve done what my Creator asked of me.” stated Brelg. “But I  grow weary with the weight of my struggles.”

“Patience my friend. The time is nigh when all will be decided.” returned Ader.

“Can’t the decision be made without us?” pleaded Brelg. “ I’ve lost half of my family. I dread the future.”

“Your life has been filled with both great sorrow and great joy, my friend. You were called upon and you answered. You are blessed in the eyes of Avra. However, now is the boy’s time. He must answer his own call. It is not for you or I to decide his path. Only Kael can determine what is best for Kael.”

A weariness crept over Brelg’s face. His father’s exhaustioned distressed Kael.

“You knew from the first morn I laid the boy in Yanwin’s arms. I told you then and I repeat it now. He is yours to love and be loved by, but one day he is to be called. He will decide what to do then.” continued Ader.

Kael looked nervously between Ader and Brelg.

“Don’t worry, father. Nothing is going to happen to me. I’m not leaving you again. You can finish up your business here and we can go home.” stated Kael hopefully.

Brelg halfheartedly smiled at the boy. He reached out and put a hand on Kael’s shoulder.

“I’m afraid that’s not true, son.” said Brelg. “My business here will take a lot longer than you think. When it’s over, I’m not sure I’ll be going home.”

“What .... what are you talking about?” said Kael frantically. “Let’s get our things together and go. Why must we stay here? Why can’t we forget all this and go back to “The King’s Service”?”

“Because that is precisely what I am in Kael, the king’s service. I am a part of this Kael. I cannot stand idly by.” replied Brelg.

“Why not?!” questioned Kael. “Why do we need to get involved?! What does one man matter in this conflict?”

Brelg cleared his throat. The soldier in him returned. He set his jaw as his back went ramrod straight.

“What have I taught you?!” exclaimed Brelg. “Are we to run from this? Are we to hide while others fight for us? One day there will be no one left to fight for us, Kael. What then? Do we wait in Kelky until the Ulrog arrive? Do we lay down in front of them and let it end?! I am a Zodrian! I still have some fight in these old bones, and enough in this old head of mine to show them what a man of Avra can accomplish! Add this one man of Avra to others and we will become a force to be reckoned with! 

The Deceiver looks for us to be disheartened. The Lord of Chaos hopes his seeds of uncertainty have been sown deep. I see it in the eyes of the recruits as the dead return from the front. I see it in the eyes of the people as their children go hungry while we try to get supplies to the Guard. I see it in the eyes of the court and King Macin himself, as our calls for reinforcements from the South go unanswered. Now is the time for people to step forward. To sacrifice all and show others the way. This is what He called me for all those years ago, Kael. This is what your father was born to do!”

Kael hung his head.

“I’m sorry. You’re right.” muttered the boy.

Brelg hesitated, then smiled at his son.

“Besides, I’m a bigger part of this than you know. It seems your grandfather, the king, decided to make me some sort of duke or earl in my long absence from the Capitol. I’m not sure which. I was supposed to command an entire army of militia in support of the Guard.”

“But you rejected  my father’s offer.” came a voice from the doorway.

Manfir stood leaning against the doorjamb.

“Apparently, Sergeant Brelg feels he would do a greater good training an army rather than commanding it.” continued the prince.

“I’ve never been good at the overall plan.” replied Brelg smiling. “I’ve only been successful at the battlefield level. Find me a trouble spot and ask me to fix it. That’s where I thrive.”

Manfir stepped into the room and Brelg extended a hand toward the prince. Manfir advanced and threw his arms into a tight embrace around the old soldier.

“No more secrets brother.” whispered Manfir into Brelg’s ear. “We have lost much together. Now is  the time to regain our kinship.”

“Well met, my prince.” replied Brelg.

  The pair broke from their embrace and stepped apart.

  “I believe Rin’s time on this world is over.” smiled Manfir. “The enemy thought the heirs of Zodra and Astel went missing from this world. Perhaps our emergence will cause Izgra some consternation. At the very least, it feels good to wear the proper name in public again.”

“I suggest we keep the Astelan heir under wraps for a short time longer.” stated Ader.

Manfir nodded and turned back to Brelg.

“Where is Cefiz?” asked Manfir.

Brelg scowled and looked to the floor.

“He is probably in the kitchens with the cooks and the serving girls.” grumbled Brelg.

Manfir clenched his teeth and appeared angry. Kael was puzzled.

“Cefiz is always at home in the kitchen.” smiled Kael.

“We shall see.” muttered Manfir. “Brelg, what of this Colonel Udas, this ‘Hero of Rimdar Pass’?”

“I’ve learned very little.” replied Brelg. “The story regarding Rimdar has been retold by his men so many times there are fifty versions.”

“A great battle?” questioned Manfir.

“The absolute opposite.” returned Brelg. “Two men scouted a new supply route. A Keltaran Hammer unit set upon them. The stories say they fought valiantly and one man fell. Udas took a nearly fatal wound yet somehow managed to escape, treat himself,  and make it back to the Zodrian lines.”

“What would a single Hammer unit be doing all they way over by the Rimdar? They would be exposed to one of our only strong points!” exclaimed Manfir. “It makes no sense.’”

“It doesn’t need to make sense to a people starved for good news and heroics.” replied Brelg. “The people embraced the pair and praise them in the streets.”

“Well, I hope the General Staff doesn’t praise them.” said Manfir. “Two men on a scouting mission near the Scythtar is shear idiocy. What unfortunate soldier did Colonel Udas get killed?”

“He didn’t travel with a subordinate. He journeyed with a superior officer.” stated Brelg.

“What?!” exclaimed Manfir. “This Udas appears to fit the role of  a simpleton, but what member of our officer’s corps decided to perform such a feat of stupidity?”

“The corps lost a member of the General Staff. Apparently, General Ellow fell to a Keltaran battle ax.” stated Brelg.

Manfir turned and eyed Ader. The Guide raised an eyebrow.

“This raises many more questions than it answers.” said Ader. “What has Ellow been doing these many years Brelg?”

“The men loyal to me claim he quickly disappeared into obscurity after his betrayal of Yanwin’s letter.” began Brelg. “King Macin is loath to admit mistakes and hates frequent reminders of his failings. Ellow was such a reminder. The commander of the supply corps realized how his presence irritated the king. Ellow stayed out of sight and Macin held no reason to remove him from his post.

Ellow continued to keep the front supplied, albeit at the bare minimum. The staff tried in vain to determine if Ellow or his troops diverted contraband once more. Either the snake and his ilk found an ingenious way to hide their black market, or the nation truly is unable to support this war.”

“How does Udas figure in this?” asked Manfir.

“Udas functioned as Ellow’s second in command. He saw to the daily operations of the river wharfs and has as much knowledge as Ellow concerning the supply chain.” relayed Brelg. “It seems that upon his return from the front, he assumed control of all of Ellow’s duties. Macin allowed it, seeing no one more suited to take control of the situation. Pressure is on the king to promote him to the General Staff, a position the colonel vies for. A certain segment of the population turned the fool into a hero and he laps it up like a pig at the trough.

Macin bridles at the suggestion. Ellow was the first supply officer ever made a general, and those memories are not fond ones for the king. I’ve heard that he swears not to make the same mistake twice, but the people cheer Udas and his troops as they move through the streets. Macin is desperate to raise the city’s morale and his resistance to the idea falters. Udas’s supply troops are using their popularity to their advantage. They parade through the crowded streets without saluting other units. They seize many of the important security stations here in the city.”

“That explains why Sergeant Deling moved to the Southern gate.” stated Ader.

“Udas claimed he wanted to control the North gate so he could verify the departure of the supply wagons and their cargo. An accusation surfaced that some of the supplies collected for the troops never left the city. Somehow, they circulated back into the Capitol itself at inflated prices.“ said Brelg. “Udas’s troops secured the gate and sent Deling to the South. Macin and the General Staff were too preoccupied with the front to care which of the home units monitored the gate.”

“I don’t like it.” snarled Manfir. “Who’s in charge of the Guard? These supply troops are not trained for combat. They are not Guard regulars. They are men rejected by the Hold. Ulrog don’t stand on our door today but I certainly don’t want Udas and his supply units in charge when they do.”

“My sentiments exactly.” replied Brelg. “However, I don’t occupy the standing or possess the time to do anything about it.”

“Perhaps I can do something about it.” smiled Ader. “I’ve something at work right now that  may take care of this problem for us.”

“Go on.” prompted Manfir.

Ader hesitated as he thought it  over.

“You will know if and when it accomplishes its task.” smiled Ader.

“More secrets?” said Kael and he narrowed his eyes at the Seraph.

“But Kael, some of my secrets afford me such pleasure. You must allow me to keep a few of them.” responded Ader in a false pout.

A page stepped into the room and bowed.

“His majesty requests the presence of the Elven emissaries and their entourage immediately.” stated the page.

Manfir bowed his head and replied.

“Tell the king that the Elves and his son will be there shortly.”

“This is for all of us, Manfir. Brelg included.” said Ader. “ It’s time for us to make some decisions. Kael, go retrieve the others. We will see the king together. ”

CHAPTER 2:  THE DAGGER BENEATH THE THRONE

The group gathered in the hallway. Brelg startled as Granu stepped into the corridor. The Keltaran was out of his robes. His size was even more impressive in a simple tunic and deerskin pants. Ader looked questioningly at the giant’s attire.

“I agreed to be a representative of the Elven crown.” rumbled the Granu. “I do not wish to confuse King Macin and force him to needlessly focus on the other positions I hold. The Abbot of Awoi is not needed today.”

“Agreed.” replied Ader.

Granu turned and approached Brelg. The giant bowed his head and put a closed fist across his chest.

“I am Granu of Keltar.” stated the giant. “I pledged myself to the protection  of your son. Is this acceptable to you, Lord Brelg?”

Brelg eyed the Keltaran from head to toe.

“If you are true to your word and fight like a Keltaran warrior, then it is acceptable.” replied Brelg. “If you falter in your pledge or break it in anyway, I will cut you down.”

The pair stared into one another’s eyes for a moment.

”So be it.” stated Granu.

Manfir spun on his heels and  led the group to the main corridor.

“We will cross through the yard and exit through the northern door.” stated the prince.

Brelg nodded and the group turned right at the main hallway. Ahead the light faded from the training yard. They walked forward and passed underneath an arched opening. An enormous inner courtyard opened to the dusky sky above. Placed about the yard were several training areas still teeming with recruits. In one area long bows were lined up on a rack and recruits practiced on targets fifteen yards away. In another,  several large wooden posts were placed in the yard and recruits stood near them with swords at the ready.

As the group entered the yard , a hush fell over the recruits and their instructors. Many did not recognize Manfir , but could tell from his red cloak that an officer from the General Staff entered the yard. Additionally, the huge figure at the back of the group appeared to be a Keltaran, confidently strolling through the training yard of the Hold.   Brelg motioned a hand toward a barrel-chested figure standing amongst the recruits. The drill sergeant turned and barked at the group gathered around him.

“What are ya’ lookin’ at!” snapped the sergeant. “This may be the first time some of you look upon the enemy, but it won’t be your last. So get prepared. Troop engage!”

Several of the young recruits looked about in confusion. Finally, a young man standing near one of the heavy wooden posts raised his blade and hacked toward the post’s midsection. Others soon followed suit.