Children of the Sun and Moon

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Duke Dubar paced nervously. The Easterners ships were spotted on the horizon two days ago, yet not one had made any attempt to come into the harbour. He stopped his pacing, looked out the window, and caught his breath. One of the ships had finally moved in closer, and looked like it would dock within the hour. Sighing with immense relief, he set to find Captain Moore and Baron Lychen. Both would need to be present at the meeting.

  The three men gathered in Dubar’s study. They had met with the Easterners here many times, and wished to keep them contained. They were to be allies in a war, but none of the men trusted them. There were four of them this time. They had only met with Changru, whom appeared to be a type of leader and Testra. The two new men in the group were introduced as Morleg and Boroten. Dubar, having met with the Easterners many times over the years, had no trouble with their accent. The deep, guttural sound they produced when trying to speak the king’s tongue was amusing, but no one laughed. The men were easily around seven feet tall, and built to be fighters.

  Their dark tanned skin showed many scars, and Dubar could only assume they were from battles. There was a danger surrounding all of the men, and no one wanted to offend them.

  “Thank you for coming. I hope your trip was not eventful,” stated Dubar. Changru smiled. His face so tanned it had taken on a leathery appearance. His smile was not one of humour. His teeth were brown, and it looked as if he was smiling to amuse Dubar.

  “It be good.” He turned to his men and muttered something in their native tongue, and all four began to laugh. “Yes, it be good,” responded Testra.

  Dubar turned to his associates, but did not get any help. “Well, that is good news. Now, shall we set about our business?”

  “We come to say no help now.”

  “What do you mean no help now?” inquired Lychen.

  “Emperor says no help now. Needs to still get warriors. Will come within a year.”

  Dubar’s face turned red. “A year! This is unacceptable! We assumed since we saw so many ships in the distance you had brought the men we required.”

  “No,” stated Testra. “We go in two sunrises. Then come back with trained warriors. Emperor has said it so.”

  Dubar collapsed into his chair. This was not what he had expected at all. “When you return, will the warriors be ready? We were hoping to train them in our fighting ways.”

  “They will fight our way. You will win.” The statements made by the Easterners were so matter-of-factually none of the men could even voice their concerns.

  Duke Dubar finally spoke. “Then return to your ships. We will see you within a year.”

  The four men bowed, and then left the stunned duke, baron and captain to their thoughts.