Terry W. Ervin Page 14

  Having swallowed a mouthful of the bitter ale, I had to agree; even the fish soup deserved a better companion. I reached for my pouch to leave the bone-thin serving maid a copper or two. “Time to go?”

  “No, Flank Hawk.” Road Toad looked about and shook his head. “Time to talk.” He leaned close. “Best aspect about this place, it’s loud and people intentionally avoid listening in.”

  It took effort to hear Road Toad over the din, so I nodded in agreement. “Talk about what?”

  “What happened and what’s coming.”

  Good, I thought. I’d wanted to ask Road Toad some questions but hadn’t gotten the chance. I looked around to see that nobody was listening before leaning close and asking, “Did the imperial seer use your memories to show officers and wizards the enemy’s weapons?”

  “No,” said Road Toad. “And I’m sorry to say yours was at my suggestion.” A low but quick wave of his hand signaled for me to let him finish. “What the imperial seer did takes a lot of energy. I’ve seen master seers strain to perform such a spell for twenty minutes. You were in there hours.

  “The king and his war council needed the best intelligence available, and it was either you or me who would’ve been sent to the seer. Now, you’re wondering why I suggested you?”

  I nodded, annoyed at not being asked, but still curious.

  “You and I were together during most of the fighting,” said Road Toad. “We saw the same thing. What the seer could draw from either of our memories would be essentially the same. But, while you were with the seer, I was being questioned by military advisors. My training and knowledge of tactics both on the ground and in the air far surpasses yours. You wouldn’t have been able to answer their questions.”

  He leaned back a bit, grabbed his ale but thought better of it and pushed the tankard away. “The imperial seer will not be able to do such a spell for at least a day, maybe longer. Even so, a lesser seer can recall the visions from the bowl for others to see. They’ll be able to correlate my tactical explanation with your vision of events.” He grimaced and took a drink anyway. “Even as we dine the king’s war council meets.”

  I didn’t consider our meal, or any meal, at the One-Eyed Pelican as dining. “What’s going to happen?” I asked.

  “I don’t know. There were two Crusader officers at my debriefing. They didn’t ask any questions, but their presence there, and the company that died rescuing Prince Reveron, tells me that they’re joining us in this war.”

  “There weren’t any in the seer’s chamber with me,” I said. “I’ve heard they’re immune to magics.”

  “Most,” said Road Toad. “And the prince informed me that he intends to see me reinstated as a serpent cavalry officer.”

  That statement sent me leaning back in my chair. Here I was, in the King’s City. A mercenary who didn’t really know much about fighting or being a mercenary. I knew no one but Road Toad, and he was going to return to his old life. “Oh,” I said. “What about Prince Halgadin, the king’s eldest son? I thought he wants you dead?”

  “Time of war, remember?” Road Toad saw that I wasn’t convinced. “It’s up to King Tobias, but Prince Reveron said the Crusaders at my debriefing knew who I was—what I’d done for their countrymen years before. If we’re allies now, with the Crusaders, my exile for saving some of their soldiers from the Necromancer King’s forces…”

  “I don’t know,” I said. “I know being a serpent cavalryman is what you want. But my father told me what happens to people who cross noblemen.”

  “I was a major,” he said, with a raised eyebrow, “and would be again.”

  “No, I don’t mean it that way. I just mean, I know what a lord can do to someone who crosses him. What can a crown prince do, even to a major?”

  “True, Flank Hawk. I’ve considered that. But if it’s offered to me, I’ll take it.” He strummed his fingers on the table with a smile. “And I intend to request you to be my aft-guard.”

  “Me?” I asked, louder than I should have.

  “Why not?” He began ticking points away on his fingers as he said, “You’re a natural with a crossbow. You don’t get sick in flight. You’re steady under fire.” He grinned. “And if there’s any trouble to come of my recommissioning, I know I can trust you more than any other man.”

  “But I’ve no military training. Not formal at least. Not on dragons.”

  “Prince Reveron speaks well of you. If we’re in his bevy, there will be no questions. You’ve faced panzers and Stukas. Word of your standing up to a bone golem’s hellcry will get around.” He patted me on the shoulder. “Even if I have to help it along.”

  “I don’t know, Road Toad.”

  “Ha, Flank Hawk. What better way to fight the Necromancer King? Besides, remember Lesser Seer B’down, the Prince’s seer?”

  “Yes,” I said. “He made the enchanted circle in the pavilion that allowed the prince to speak unheard by the enemy’s spies and magics.” Having recently relived the escape from the ogres and near drowning in the river, and all the other close calls, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go into combat again. Or at least not right away.

  Road Toad said, “I recall part of the conversation Prince Reveron had with his seer. It seemed the lesser seer anticipated the prince rescuing and returning with us.” Road Toad rubbed his chin in thought. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t more to that seer’s vision.”

  I looked straight into Road Toad’s eyes. “I also recall the prince saying to his seer that he trusted you more than he did him.”

  He shrugged. “He trusts me. I trust you.”

  “And I trust you.”

  We laughed and even drank the bitter ale to our little circle of trust.

  Road Toad and I shared a loaf of hard bread and a bottle of weak cherry wine. While we ate and drank, Road Toad explained the responsibilities of an aft-guard and speculated on what the war would bring. It was difficult to tell how long the sun had been down from within the One-Eyed Pelican, but we both knew it was time to get back.

  We stepped out onto the narrow, dirt-packed lane in front of the rundown tavern. A drizzle had just started. Road Toad looked at the cloud-covered sky extending over the sea. “We’re gonna get wet.”

  I shrugged and followed him as he headed toward the cliff. “But we’ll have a warm bed,” I said. “Better than under a tent with leaves and a blanket.”

  It couldn’t have been more than an hour after sundown. The only men we saw were sailors heading to the various taverns to drink, gamble and whatever else the shorefront offered. Twice I spotted individuals lurking in the shadows, but none bothered us. Still, I watched for any threat that might appear from alley, alcove or even roof.

  “The tunnels will be closed for the night,” said Road Toad. “We’ll take the north stair up.” He walked, alert like me, as if on night patrol. Then he made turns that I didn’t expect. I stayed close, but allowed ample room to draw our swords. The rain came down a little faster, making the packed dirt slick.

  I was out of my element in the city. Road Toad wasn’t and his alert observations and determined stride told me trouble was on our tail. It had to be more than a lurker or two from the shadows. The muffled rattle of gear and splash of footsteps kept pace a ways behind us. I wondered why Road Toad didn’t want to turn and face those following us. I figured he was trying to lose them or find the right place to slip behind them.

  I was wrong. We came down the main road and took the branch that led to the north stairs. The rain was steady now, and I wondered how slippery the thick wooden stair-planks would be. Heights didn’t bother me and, although the stairs narrowed where they twice doubled back as they climbed the cliff face, a sturdy railing ensured even the most clumsy wouldn’t fall.

  I’d have felt better with my crossbow or spear instead of a sword. At least on the stairs, especially if those following outnumbered us, it would be to our advantage—unless they had javelins or bows.

  We reached the stairs. Both
Road Toad and I looked back when we started to climb. Four men wearing dark garments had taken the fork to the north steps too.

  Road Toad spit over the railing. “This could get interesting,” he said quietly as we began tromping up the worn steps, with me to his left next to the cliff.

  “There’s only four,” I said, knowing we’d been in far worse situations. I’d rather face four men than two battle trained ogres anytime.

  “For now,” he said. “They’re not armed as thieves, and I’m not sure they’re intent on killing us.” We reached the first double back on the stairs. “I think I have an idea who might be waiting for us at the top.”

  “At the top?” I asked, looking down at the four men who’d reached the stairs and began to climb. “Who?”

  “You’ve met Colonel Brizich?”

  I nodded, and peered up through the rain, toward the top of the cliff. “He doesn’t think much of me.”

  Road Toad grinned. “I’ve never been popular with him either. Long story. But the short end of it is, since you’re linked to me, you’ll never be, well, popular with him.”

  “Grand Wizard Seelain doesn’t like him,” I said. “They exchanged words in the imperial seer’s chamber.” We reached the second double back. I took a couple of deep breaths to relax. Thinking of Wizard Seelain reminded me how poorly I fought with my sword against goblins on the battlefield. She’d come to my rescue then. I didn’t expect the same from her tonight.

  We were nearing the top. “If things go bad,” said Road Toad, “make a break for it.”

  “No way I’ll abandon you.”

  “If I’m right, this is about my past. You—”

  I slapped him on the shoulder, and interrupted him. “I know I’m not much with a sword, but I’m your aft-guard, right?”

  “Ha Ha,” he laughed loudly. “Let’s see what awaits us.”

  We reached the top and walked off the stairs, onto the wooden platform. It extended twenty feet before ending in a pair of steps down. Back along the edge of the cliff ran a double-railed fence. Two men stood along the fence to the north of the platform and one leaned against it to the south. Twenty feet ahead, on the platform’s edge, stood two more men.

  The darkness and rain made it difficult to distinguish features, but the capes lying wet against their bulk indicated armor. Except for them there was no one nearby; the lights of the nearest inn seemed a hundred miles away.

  One of the men twenty feet ahead took two strides forward. I recognized his voice. “Jadd,” sneered Colonel Brizich. “Visiting your old haunts?”

  “Colonel Brizich,” replied Road Toad in a merry voice, “how unexpected. It’s a dreadful evening to be out and about. Would you like to take our reunion under a roof somewhere? I’ll even buy you a drink.”

  “I’m sure you would. But this won’t take long,” the colonel said, resting his hand on his sword’s hilt, “if you’re cooperative.”

  Road Toad put his fists on his hips. “You must think much of our sword skills.” He looked around and then over his shoulder to the four men who’d reached the platform, “if you’ve brought eight capable men, and expect it to take a while.”

  “I’ve seen your associate’s sword in action, and these men are quite capable and loyal.”

  I turned part way so I could watch the men who’d advanced a few strides from the stairs.

  “Let’s get on with it,” said Road Toad. “Why are you here?”

  “It’s been rumored that you’ll be offered a commission.”

  “It is possible. But who am I to question the wisdom of the king?”

  “Turn it down,” said Brizich. “You’re not wanted.”

  “Now that doesn’t make sense. If I’m not wanted, then no offer will be made,” said Road Toad in a thoughtful voice. “Am I right?”

  “Enough talk,” said Brizich, reaching for his sword. “You had your chance. You and your fledgling mercenary are about to fall victim to some ruffians who robbed and tossed you over the cliff.”

  My sword cleared its sheath at the same time as Road Toad’s and the eight men around us. I planned to feint a charge as the men near the stairs closed, hoping one or more would slip. After all I’d survived, to be killed by one of the king’s own men.

  A man’s bold voice from along the fence stopped everyone in their tracks when he asked, “Did I hear that a robbery is about to take place?” A soldier with a spear walked past the circle of men and stood next to Road Toad. It was the guard from the tunnel with the scar on his chin. “Things like that shouldn’t happen on my watch.”

  Brizich said, “Your watch is long over. This is none of your business.”

  “Brother,” said the guard to Road Toad, “are you in need of assistance?”

  “It would appear so,” answered Road Toad.

  “One more won’t matter,” said Colonel Brizich, raising his sword.

  “Are you sure there is only one?” asked the guard. When he did, seven sailors with clubs and daggers leapt up the stairs and onto the platform. The four surprised swordsmen who’d taken the stairs turned to face them. Even in the night rain, I recognized three of sailors from the One-Eyed Pelican.

  “How many friends have we?” asked the guardsman.

  One of the sailors answered, “Six of me friends fer now. Ten more inna minute’er two.”

  “Guardsman,” said Brizich, “you’ve stepped into something that is none of your business. I have many friends. You’ll live to regret this, but not long.” He lowered his sword. “Things happen in war, and your brother won’t be around to look after you.”

  The guardsman laughed, which surprised me, and Brizich too, as he cocked his head at the guffaw.

  “Colonel Brizich,” the guardsman said, tipping his spear toward him, “one more moment of your time before you tie some unbreakable oath to your threat. In addition to many friends, you have a wife and five children.” The guard stood up straight. “Let it be known, I have many low friends in even lower places.

  “One of your sons serves aboard the Evanescent Thunder. Your wife enjoys carriage rides among the pines. Your youngest son has apprenticed to Groxel the Enchanter.” He paused before adding, “Things could happen, when you’re at war and not around to protect them.”

  “You would kill innocent women and children?” Brizich asked in a low, accusing voice.

  As much as I was happy to see the veteran guard, what he threatened felt wrong to me. But I was in no greater position to influence his actions than I was Colonel Brizich’s.

  “I would not,” said the guard. “But my low friends might if something questionable should befall me. Or my longstanding military career should encounter an unwarranted setback.”

  The colonel and the guard stared at each other through the rain. Road Toad stood beside him, while I, the sailors, and the men loyal to the colonel waited to see what would happen. I adjusted my grip on my sword. Despite the rain, I wanted to be ready.

  “Jadd,” growled Colonel Brizich, “I’m not sure what god you pray to, but he favors you this night. Nevertheless, if you’re wise, you’ll decline any offered position as a serpent cavalryman, or any other commission.” He signaled to his men who followed him toward the distant maze of buildings.

  We all sheathed our weapons. The sailors gathered around us, chuckling and jeering the retreating colonel and his men.

  Road Toad extended his hand to the guardsman. “Road Toad,” he said. “And this is Flank Hawk.”

  The guard shook Road Toad’s hand. “Corporal Drux,” he said. Then he shook my hand. “It is late. I am wet and cold.”

  “Thanks, gentlemen,” said Road Toad to all the men. “We were in a tight spot.”

  “You’d have done the same for me,” said Corporal Drux.

  “That I would have,” said Road Toad. He pulled a handful of coins from his pouch. “Your friends deserve a good drink and meal for venturing out in this wet night on my behalf. I’d be honored if you’d see to it for me.”

/>   “Consider it done,” said Corporal Drux, supported by the sailors’ jovial agreement. “Until we meet again, Brother and Mercenary Flank Hawk.” He said to the sailors, “You know the rules. The south stairs.”

  Before I knew it they were gone, and Road Toad slapped me on the shoulder, his hand smacking water off the waxed cloth. “Let’s go,” he said, “to those dry beds you mentioned earlier.”

  “They’ll feel good, but after what just happened, I don’t know if I’ll sleep too easily.” As we walked I asked Road Toad, “Why did he call you Brother?”

  Road Toad held up his hand, showing me his tattoo of the fox jumping over a rising sun. I’d seen it so often that I didn’t think about it, or actually have to clearly see it in the darkness.

  “He has one too? Like you and the prince?”

  Road Toad nodded.

  I thought back to earlier in the day. “You didn’t show him your hand when we met. How did you know?”

  “I knew, as did he,” said Road Toad, half teasing, but not willing to say any more on the subject.

  After a minute I asked, “How did he know you were in trouble?”

  “That, I don’t know.” Then he bumped his shoulder into me as we walked. “But I’m sure glad he did, aren’t you?”

  I bumped him back. “What kind of question is that?” We laughed. “What I would like to know,” I said, “is if you could help me find a competent enchanter?”

  “Short Two Blades’ Talisman?” he asked. “I’ve been wondering about that too.”

  Chapter 13

  Western United States

  2,873 Years before the Reign of King Tobias of Keesee

  A battery of six interceptor rockets from silos at Fort Greely in Alaska and four more from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base raced skyward. An experimental tracking and intercept aircraft from the Vandenberg base was already aloft. While it strained for altitude, airmen activated its advanced tracking and targeting systems, and prepared its powerful laser should any warheads survive the kill vehicles housed in the interceptor rockets.