Sauragia

Chapter 23

In the days following the initial attack, action between the two sides was reduced to minor skirmishes along the outer walls between archers and spear throwers in which few were actually killed. The Saltrak would pick out a group of soldiers on the walltop and launch several arrows in their direction. The Saurahallers would drop below the battlements, then rise up and shoot back, by which time the Saltrak had usually moved. It was rather like a game they played, albeit a very deadly one. But it was a game in which the Saurahallers lost slightly more and were kept on edge besides so, King Edward allowed it to continue.

“Been rather quiet for the last couple days, wouldn’t you say?” spoke Rob as he joined Astron on a walk through the streets one evening. “Aside from all the little missile exchanges, I mean. When do you suppose they’ll strike again in earnest?”

“Before too long, I’d say,” said Astron, giving a friendly smile and nod to an elderly couple who saluted him as he walked by. “Captain Humphreys thinks the same. I don’t know a lot about this Edward the Slayer, except what my parents told me long ago, but one thing I’m fair certain of is that he’s got determination. He’ll come up with something, and in short order.”

“My mum and dad agree too,” said Rob. “I just came from a visit. My aunt’s in because of the siege, you see, and they can’t wait for Eddy to try again. They’d love to see him get another good walloping like we gave him before.”

“Why’s that?” asked Astron.

“Well, he supposedly raided some of their property when we lived out east, and they still hold a grudge. Especially dad.”

“You haven’t always lived here?”

“Well, I was born in Saurahall, yes,” explained Rob. “But before I came along, my parents lived on a little farm. They came here because it was a safer place to raise a young one.” He paused. “Funny, considering how it seems to be about the most dangerous place in the whole realm now.”

“I have to agree with you there,” said Astron. “Though, I must admit, this is the whole reason I came to Saurahall. Fame and fortune. That’s what my father told me to go after, and he said that glory never comes to those with faint hearts.”

“Right you are, Astron, old lad. Or rather your old dad. And look at you now! Not a season into service and you’re practically Captain of the Guard.”

“Acting Captain,” corrected Astron. “Until we have proof that Captain Torilis is dead, as well as Lieutenant Rorke, I refuse to accept his title as mine.”

Rob shrugged. “Whatever you say, old chap. But you have to admit, you’ve come a long way in a short time. And me too, for that matter. Gone from lowly guard to second-in-command.”

“Oh, darn!” Astron stopped abruptly.

“What is it?”

“I forgot to visit Johnny today! I usually see him every evening.”

“Calm down, old lad. I saw him this morning, and he was doing just fine.”

“Oh. Well, that’s good to know.”

Rob shook his head as they continued walking. “Odd, isn’t it? You never really see the importance of things when you’re fighting or keeping stock of supplies and such. Guess that’s the nature of war though. Helps pass the time and keeps your mind off what really matters.”

Astron regarded his friend more closely for a second. There was more to Robert Winstone than his effervescent young exterior showed. He sensed an intelligent and very wise soul hidden somewhere deep—very deep—down inside. But it was there, and it came out in statements such as the one he had just made. He nodded toward the nearby staircase leading up to the walls.

“Speaking of which, what do you say to one more tour around the walltop before turning in tonight?”

“If you insist, Astron,” said Rob, looking up at the starry sky. “It is rather dark up there, you know, what with the sun gone down and all.”

“We’ll find a lantern or something,” said Astron as they started up the stairs by the main gate. “Should be fairly quiet I imagine, but we ought to make sure.”

“Righto, mate. Lead on.”

And together they ascended the staircase to patrol the ramparts on this quiet, starry night.