Sauragia

Chapter 12

As night fell on Saurahall, the festivities began to wind down at the Palace, and King Henrik stood up to make his farewell speech to his loyal subjects. They cheered him heartily again, then most retired to their homes to sit around their tables and partake in all the special dishes prepared for the occasion. Some dinosaurs who had no one else to celebrate with or were simply from rather poor families were invited to join the residents of the Palace for dinner in the Great Dining Hall.

Together they made a festive atmosphere as they lined the tables in the hall to divvy up the grand feast fixed by the cook and his helpers. There was food aplenty to go around, and it was generously served out following a toast to Saurahall and Cardolin proposed by Lieutenant Rorke. The gate guards were brought out loaded platters by a couple of kitchen aides so that they too might partake in some small way. Good feelings and good smells filled the air as the dinosaurs dug in to their celebratory supper.

Johnny and Astron finally had the opportunity to congratulate each other on the day’s contests as they sat and dined together. Halfway into the third course, Johnny leaned toward him.

“I’m almost full, mate. What about you?”

“Getting there. Why?”

“Well, I was thinking maybe we could skip a couple courses tonight. Maybe take a turn in the garden, watch the stars, and so on.”

“Oh! Well…” Astron hesitated to miss his dessert, but ultimately gave in and nodded slowly. “All right. Isn’t that against the rules, though?”

Johnny shrugged. “We’ll still be on the Palace grounds. Besides, with practically everyone in here, who’s going to know, right?”

“Fair enough.”

They excused themselves and headed out to enjoy the quiet, sweet-scented seclusion of the gardens upon this starry night. They were rather late turning in, but in the heady atmosphere, no one much noticed. The festivities at Saurahall went on well into the midnight hour—the first hour of summer—at the end of which dinosaurs everywhere walked off, full and tired but very happy, to bed.

Several miles away, just outside the village of Greenley, King Edward and his lot were not sleeping. In fact, they were not even tired. Anyone familiar with Edward’s band knew there was only one thing that could make them forego their rest at this hour, and that was the chance of looting. From their cover at the forest’s edge they had watched the last of the celebrating villagers go inside to sleep some time ago. Now that everyone was most assuredly asleep, the time to strike had come.

Edward turned to the loyal Ulric.

“Take them head-on, Ulric,” said he. “Burn it all and leave none alive. But do save some nice things for me, will you?”

Ulric smiled wickedly through his crooked, jagged teeth. At once a high-pitched yowl, somewhere between a wolf’s cry and the call of a victorious bird of prey, split the night. Over the last hour, the dinosaurs of Edward’s horde had slowly crept up to the village under cover of the scrub to either side. Now they all sprang up and ran forward toward the unsuspecting inhabitants of Greenley. Summer was here, and so were the Saltrak.

Later that morning as the sun rose high and early, so too did Saurahall. Or at least part of it. While many residents awakened late that day due to their long night, those with families, as well as the Guard and the Force, were up and about as usual. Even the soldiers who typically lazed about longer like Rob had risen and assembled in the Court Chamber to attend the King’s Ceremony. This was where he recognized Saurahall’s forces on their fine work for the past season and gave special mention to those who had worked especially hard.

“My friends, I would like to congratulate you all on another fine season of service to Saurahall and the Kingdom of Cardolin,” he began. “I know it can be hard at times for fighting young dinosaurs like yourselves to deal with long periods of peace like we have thankfully had this last spring and beyond. But, being a good soldier means more than just knowing how to hack away with a blade, as good Captain Torilis has no doubt told you many times.” There were murmurs and nods throughout the assembly as Richard took a modest bow.

“None have proved this more than you these past months,” continued the king. “There are some who have done exceptionally well in their duty, and I would like to recognize them now.”

He proceeded to name off several members of both the Guard and the Force and the deeds that had earned them this notice. Among his Guard he even passed out a couple of outstanding service medals for jobs well done. He also granted two senior members of the Force positions within the Guard, which they had requested and Captain Torilis had approved of.

“And finally,” said he, “I would like to give special mention to our newest member of the Guard and excellent sword fighter, Astron. This young warrior has done his duty throughout the past few weeks without argument or complaint, and has done it with speed and efficiency. We look forward to his continued exploits in the coming months and years.”

Astron went a touch red at the special mention and all the looks and remarks that accompanied it, but a gentle nudge from Johnny was enough to calm him.

“Once again well done to you all,” concluded Henrik. “You may return to your duties now, and keep up your superb efforts.”

The assembly was prepared to disperse at a word from Captains Torilis and Humphreys. Even as the commanders prepared to give the order, however, there came an urgent cry from down the entry corridor.

“My lord!”

All eyes turned to see the two gate guards walking into the chamber, supporting a very weary and forlorn-looking dinosaur between them. The rows of soldiers made way for the trio as they approached the king. “My lord,” resumed the guard on the right. “This dinosaur says he has an important message to relay to Your Majesty concerning the safety of Saurahall. He insisted we let him through.”

“What news do you bring, good Alvarosaurus?” asked the king.

“Last night,” said the downtrodden dinosaur, “my home was attacked…burnt to the ground.” He paused to take in air. “None survived, but I escaped and ran…to tell you.” He was heaving for breath. “Cardolin…Saurahall…is in danger.”

“Calm yourself, dear friend,” said Richard. “Who was it that did this?”

“It was the Saltrak,” replied the villager. “And their leader, King…Edward.” At this point the sorry dino collapsed onto the floor.

“Is he dead?” someone asked.

“No, just exhausted,” said Quintilius. “Poor fellow must have run all morning to get here so soon, eh. He’s prob’ly from Greenley, or what used to be Greenley if what he says is true.”

“No doubt you are right, Lieutenant,” said Henrik. “So, Edward has made his move at last.”

“What shall we do, sire?”

“Get this brave fellow a place where he can rest and recover in peace,” responded the king. “Captains!” He turned to Torilis and Humphreys. “Assemble your troops. Richard, take no more than twenty to the point of the raid. If there are any hostiles left in the area, dispatch them. Report your findings to me. Hubert!” A few had to stifle their giggles at hearing Captain Humphreys’s first name, given the gravity of the situation. “Split your command into small groups of runners. Inform all villages within twenty miles of here, and advise them to seek shelter in Saurahall or the nearest fortified settlement in the worst case. Send a message to the town of Allington upriver as well. Tell them to be on alert for Edward’s horde.”

Both captains nodded and turned to attend to their duties. The mood had suddenly gone from one of jollity to great solemnity. And as Captain Torilis ordered his troops “To arms!” there was no doubt that matters had just turned very grave indeed.