Wartune

  * * *

  Yannick was not a fit man. Years of luxury had given him a fair sized belly, and his jowls shook like pudding as he lurched upwards. He bore two days’ worth of scruff on his face, and had a fat red nose. His hair was long as was the fashion when he left Yaloran, and tied back so it would stay out his face. He carried no weapon within the city, though he was permitted to do so. He knows that it would likely bring him more trouble than good.

  True to her word the journey was short but the exercise rigorous. He was sweating heavily when Sophia told him to they had arrived. He immediately sat on the ground and tried to clear his head. He looked at Sophia. She was young but strong. Her skin was pale. Many said it was because the magic that stirred within her burned away here color. Her eyes were almond shaped, her nose small and high on her face, and her chin sharp. Yannick had never seen her smile, not once in his ten years in the city. Her hair was cut short, and she wore the flower embroidered robe that her mother had given her as a coming-of-age gift.

  Sophia left him alone for a moment and checked for others nearby. When she thought him ready, she spoke again.

  "Stand up." There was no broaching her authority. "Look past the training grounds. By the edge of the forest."

  Yannick stumbled to where she was standing, then squinted his eyes to see into the distance. Sophia waved her hand, causing the light in front of his eyes to bend slightly, aiding him.

  He turned his head with irritation. "Soldiers practicing their bow-skills, this is why you tore me away from my prayers?"

  Sophia stared at him silently, until he returned his gaze to the soldiers. Sophia waved her hand again.

  "They are younger than most of the soldier, aren't they. Wait...that one has a... a wooden leg. I've thrown him a few coins. The child beside him...I've also seen her begging for food. They'll never be soldiers, what are they doing practicing?" Yannick was amazed.

  "While you are sleeping off your daily hangover, this is where he comes. Every day, he meets them here. He has prepared special tools for those who would normally not be able to draw the bowstring, taught others to wind the crossbow."

  Yannick stared, confused. He looked to Sophia, visibly shaken by the image before him, by what Muda was doing. But as quick as it came, it was gone, and irritation consumed him.

  "Pfah. He is weak and he blankets himself in more weakness. The blood of kings and he surrounds himself with an army of cripples while he himself hides, too frightened to lift a sword?"

  Yannick turned away from Sophia, and began to descend.

  "We have had enough of this place, he and I." He said as he went. "I will no longer allow this weakness to fester. We leave on the morrow."

  With that he was around the corner, leaving Sophia with her thoughts.

  Alkorn

  The moon was halfway through its journey when they left the estate. They brought only the necessities, abandoning most of the household to Debra's forces. Those who chose not to accompany him were given gold, and told to hide, the rest Alkorn brought with him. They would not be of much use in camp, but Alkorn knew what Debra would do to them for even the smallest inkling of information.

  They killed six spies as they left. Erik had known about them for weeks, since long before the banquet in Alkorn’s honor. He had been feeding lies, and believed he had convinced them that the escape would not happen for another week.

  There was a lot of risk in their plan. They were relying on Debra’s own vanity, hoping that she would not predict them leaving so much behind, even when escaping for their lives.

  Once the spies were dead they split into small groups, each taking a different path. They considered bribing the guards in advance, but decided the risk was too great. They would deal with them when they arrived at the gate. They could be bribed then, or if necessary, disposed of.

  Alkorn’s party reached the rally-point first. They chose an alley, and tucked themselves away while to wait for the others. After almost a bell they saw the first signal, and a few moments after that they saw the next two almost simultaneously. No motion came from the gate. Most of the guards were probably asleep, a few practicing their swordplay or their spells.

  Alkorn quickly moved towards the gate with his soldiers. They used minor magics to disguise themselves, but knew they would soon be noticed in the still night.

  The massive wooden doors cracked open just as they were about to reach them. Alkorn signaled for everyone to stop, then motioned one of the soldiers to edge forward and check what was happening. One of the mages cast a cloaking spell, then the soldier moved towards the doors. He pulled out his blade, and used the flat to push the door just wide enough that he could see through. When he was confident it was safe he signaled the rest of the soldiers to advance. His eyes didn't even have time to widen as he was engulfed in flames.

  His screams sliced through the night's silence, followed by Alkorn's gruff commands.

  "To me! To me!" The soldiers rushed towards him. An archer behind Alkorn shot a single arrow, ending the burning soldier's torment.

  They formed a tight circle around the general, but he forced his way through and took up ranks. The crackling of burnt flesh filled the night air, and then a feminine laugh rang out. It started soft, almost a giggle, before launching into hysterics. When the laughter finally calmed Debra walked through the gigantic gate, followed by two dozen knights.

  Alkorn's own soldiers released a flurry of arrows, but they were reduced to ash before they made it halfway. The soldiers drew again, but Alkorn signaled them to stop. He waited for the last remnants of Debra's laugh to subside, then spoke slowly.

  "You have no right to stop me."

  Debra let loose another sharp laugh. "You would leave when your country needs you the most? You are a traitor. I think that is reason enough.”

  “Once again you hide behind your lies.”

  “Your transgression here will be hidden,” Debra replied, ignoring him. “You are still the people's hero and it would not do to have them know about your weakness. Perhaps under better guard this time." She paused, thinking.

  "And a reminder, of course." She looked to the soldier beside her. "Kill them. All except the general." The guard nodded, obviously pained by the order but afraid to disobey. The knights drew their swords. They tried to move together, but Alkorn could see their lack of training immediately. They were too close together, stepping on heels. When they came they wouldn't be able to move properly.

  Alkorn signaled his soldiers to move back into a smaller road. They would be three across, and would be able to hold off the untrained guards until another plan could be formed.

  Debra was prepared. Her archers appeared on top of the walls and began to launch arrows. Alkorn's troops managed to shield themselves and take down two of the enemy, but six of their own were dead before they reached cover.

  Just as Debra's soldiers arrived, a mage covered the path in ice. Debra's soldiers had spikes on the bottom of the boots and crossed the ice quickly, while Alkorn's slipped and struggled.

  Alkorn knew they wouldn't last long. They had already lost a third of their soldiers. He sliced at an enemy soldier's arm, then pushed his back and signaled for everyone to scatter. The two soldiers beside him charged forward, sacrificing themselves while the others retreated.

  Alkorn was down an alleyway in seconds, followed by two others. He had a few places within the city he could hide. He would rest for a few days, then contact Erik and make a new plan. Debra would have split the army by then, but a small force could be effective.

  Alkorn suddenly noticed that no one was running behind him. He looked back and saw two bat-like creatures feasting on the remains of him soldiers. Their black, sinewy wings tore chunks of flesh and carried them to their mouths. The creatures didn't even stop to chew, just tear, swallow, tear, swallow. Alkorn raised his sword and prepared to charge.

  Debra walked out from behind them.

  "I wouldn't do that." She said. "They are not entirely obedien
t to me and I don't want you to get hurt."

  "You're insane," Alkorn told her, "So many deaths..." He grit his teeth.

  "The throne is mine, no lost prince or hero general will take it from me." She said, then looked up.

  "You should have worked with me. Together we could have saved this realm..."

  Alkorn tried to follow her gaze but saw only black.