War of the Crown

3. Ravensguard

THREE

Ravensguard

SUMMER 965 MC

Crows circled overhead as Gerald Matheson looked across the battlefield, taking in the bodies that stank in the heat of the day. Men made their way amongst the c*****e, seeking those who still lived to carry to the healers' tents.

As the Marshal of the Mercerian Army, he'd seen his fair share of battles, but even after all these years, the death and destruction that followed such things still sickened him.

"Our casualties were light," said Urgon. The Orc chieftain had come to stand at his side, his eyes, like those of his comrade, sweeping the field.

Gerald looked at him, noting for the first time the grey that speckled the Orc's hair. "We fared better than the Norlanders, but I fear another victory like this could well end our chances of carrying this war to its conclusion." He paused for a moment. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so glum. Your tribe did well today. Without their aid, the city wouldn't have fallen."

"And if you hadn't been able to hold the Norlanders in check, we would have been slaughtered. It appears we both did our duty this day."

"I suppose that's true, now that you mention it."

"And is the war going how you thought it would?"

"Not precisely," said Gerald. "I hoped most of the fighting would be done by now. Instead, the Norland capital still remains in enemy hands, while an earl runs around with another army."

"Yes, but Hollis is dead, Thurlowe captured, and Rutherford has no army left. I would say, on principle, the campaign has gone well so far."

"I didn't know you had such an interest in strategy."

"I have always had an inquisitive mind," said Urgon, "and you are a fine example to learn from."

"Careful now, or my head might begin to swell." Gerald's eyes returned to the field. "I wish we could have avoided all this bloodshed."

"War is something best avoided, but there comes a time where there's no other option. You brought war to this country in retaliation for their invasion of Merceria. What else could you do?"

"I suppose that's true, but I don't need to like it."

The sound of horses drew their attention, and they both turned to see the approach of the queen.

"Your Majesty," said Urgon. "You honour us with your presence."

"Come now," said Anna. "I'm a person, just like you and Gerald here. Let's not worry about such formality. After all, this isn't the court of Wincaster."

"How are the Saurians?" asked Gerald.

"Ecstatic that they were able to assist. That reminds me, Ghodrug, the Chieftain of the Black Ravens, is coming to visit this evening. I'd like you both there if it isn't too much of an inconvenience."

"I would be delighted," said Urgon.

"As would I," offered Gerald. "Though I'm not sure what I can add to the conversation."

"You're my marshal," said Anna. "I'll need your military assessment of the campaign. We might have defeated Hollis's army, but there's still a long way to go before this war is over."

"Yes," added Urgon, "and there is still the matter of the spirit army. Have we any idea where it might be found?"

"Not yet," replied the queen, "but we're keeping our wits about us. Now, I must be off. I'll be expecting you two at sundown, so don't be late." She rode off, leaving them with their thoughts.

Aubrey flopped to the ground. "I'm exhausted," she declared. "I don't think I've got another ounce of energy left after all that healing."

"That bad?" replied Beverly. "I thought our losses were light?"

"They were, but the Norlanders took a terrible toll. It's a good thing the Orc shamans are here, or I'd be completely overwhelmed."

"You'd best rest while you can, then. We must march shortly."

"So soon?" the Life Mage said.

"We can't rest on our laurels. There's still another army out there, and the last thing we want is for it to threaten our supply lines." Beverly noted the approach of a familiar face. "Don't look now, Cousin, but I believe your rest is about to be disturbed."

"Sophie?" called out Aubrey. "Is everything all right?"

The maid wore a worried expression. "It's the queen. She's feeling a little under the weather."

"Really?" said Beverly. "I just saw her talking to Gerald, and she looked fine to me."

"This morning she was quite ill, and I was wondering if you might be able to take a look at her?"

"I can," replied the mage, "but I'm afraid I've no energy left for casting."

"Still, you can examine her, can't you?"

"I suppose so. Let me drag my sorry arse off the ground here, and I'll come and check on her."

"I'll join you," said Beverly, "if only for moral support." She held out her hand, helping Aubrey to her feet. "Lead on, Sophie."

They made their way through camp. With the city of Ravensguard now in their hands, many commanders would have billeted their warriors in town, but Gerald insisted on maintaining discipline. For this reason, the army of Merceria remained camped outside its walls, all except for the rangers who were helping the Orcs of the Black Raven in their occupation of the city.

The queen's tent was guarded by a pair of soldiers who, upon recognizing the visitors, allowed them entry inside where Anna was discussing matters with the High Ranger, Hayley Chambers.

"Still no sign of Lanaka?" the queen was saying.

Hayley shook her head. "He was seen fighting the enemy cavalry, but so far, we've been unable to locate his body."

"Could he have gone after enemy horsemen?"

"By himself? I suppose it's possible, although I would imagine that unlikely. It's more reasonable to assume he's amongst the dead and wounded."

"Keep an eye out for him," declared the queen. "He's a valuable ally."

"Yes, Majesty." Hayley noted the entry of Aubrey, Beverly, and Sophie. "With your permission, I'll get back to the search."

"Of course," said Anna. Her eyes swivelled to the new arrivals. "What's this, now? Even more visitors?"

"I brought them," said Sophie. "You haven't been yourself of late."

"Nonsense. I feel fine."

"Even so, this morning, you could barely get out of bed," the maid scolded, "not to mention how little you've eaten these past few days."

"I've been exceedingly busy overseeing a war."

"That's still no excuse to avoid seeing a healer. You're a queen, Majesty. You can't ignore your health."

Anna's face fell. "I suppose you're right."

"So, you've been tired?" asked Aubrey.

"Yes, but I've had troubling dreams recently. I thought that's only natural, considering we're in the middle of a war, but it's starting to wear me out."

"And why aren't you eating?"

"I'm too busy."

Aubrey put her hands on her hips. "What's the real reason? Come now, Your Majesty. You can't fool me with your flippant answers."

"My stomach has been testy of late, and I've had a hard time keeping anything down."

Aubrey smiled. "Well, that seems to make sense, all things considered."

"What does?" said Beverly.

"Well, unless I miss my guess, I'd say our Royal Sovereign is carrying a child."

"Are you sure?" said Anna.

"Give me time to regain some of my strength, and I'll cast a spell if you like, but I already know what it's going to say."

"Wait," said Beverly. "There's a spell to tell if someone's expecting?"

Aubrey laughed. "Not exactly. The spell is called detect life, and it has a number of uses, but it can also tell when there's a child inside someone. So yes, I suppose you could say it reveals if someone is expecting."

"This is glorious news," said Sophie.

"This couldn't have come at a worse time," countered the queen. "We're in the middle of a war."

"You're still in the early stages at the moment," soothed Aubrey. "I see no reason to worry."

"Should I be riding a horse?"

"I don't see why not. My mother rode until very late in her pregnancy, right before I was born, in fact, or so I'm told."

Beverly laughed. "That explains your gift for riding."

"Gift?" said the mage. "You had to teach me how to ride. How can you call that a gift?"

"You must admit you picked it up extremely quickly, and look at you now, you're a natural in the saddle, Cousin."

Sophie cleared her throat. "Is there anything you can do to help her keep down food?"

"I'm afraid this isn't my area of expertise," said Aubrey, "but I'll consult with Kraloch. I'm certain he's seen a birth or two."

"Of Orcs," said Sophie. "Have you no one with Human experience?"

"Well, I suppose I could ask Revi."

"No, you can't," said Beverly. "He's off with Sir Heward, remember?"

"Oh yes, I'd forgotten. Well then, I guess that answers your question. I'll talk to Kraloch. I'm sure Orc births are not so different from Humans."

"You're not exactly filling me with confidence," said the queen, "but thank you for your candour."

"The Orcs make a kind of porridge," suggested Beverly. "Maybe you'd be able to keep that down?"

"At this point, I'd be willing to try anything."

"How are you feeling at the moment?" asked Aubrey.

"Not too bad, but the mere thought of food is upsetting."

"I'll inform the others the meeting this evening will be AFTER dinner," said Beverly.

"Thank you," said Anna.

Kraloch examined the hunter. "How is it you came to be wounded so?"

Gorath grimaced. "Lord Thurlowe took exception to me jumping on the back of his horse and stabbed me with his dagger."

"Well, you are lucky. The injury is not serious. Now, hold still while I cast my spell."

The shaman dug deep, calling on the power within him to invoke his magic. When his hands glowed with a white light, he placed them on Gorath's leg, and the light faded into the wound, knitting flesh, then slowly dissipating.

"There," he announced. "All is as it should be."

"Thank you, Master Kraloch."

"Master, is it now? We have known each other for many years, Gorath. I think you can dispense with the formalities."

"But you are an elder now," insisted the ranger.

Kraloch stared back in surprise. "Am I? I never stopped to consider it, but I suppose I am. Strange how quickly time passes when one is kept busy."

"When was the last time you were back home, in Ord-Dugath?"

"Not since we joined the Mercerian cause. You?"

"Like you," said Gorath. "I've been far too busy."

"Does something worry you?"

"I have spent a good portion of my life away from the village of my birth. How do I return to such a simple life and settle down?"

"Who says you have to?" said the shaman. "Your life is yours to tread, my friend. Let no one tell you otherwise."

"And what of you? Do you miss it?"

"I see Hawksburg as my home now, as do many of my tribemates, but for me, it is different."

"How so?"

"I am still in communication with Kurghal, and she keeps me abreast of events at home."

"With your spirit magic?"

Kraloch nodded. "I talk to her at least once a ten-day. Why? Is there some message you wish passed along?"

"No," said Gorath. "I have no one left there now, not since the death of my foster mother, Arshug."

"Still, you have made friends amongst the rangers, have you not?"

"Yes, and I shall cherish those for my remaining years."

"Then you should regret nothing," said Kraloch. "You must accept the choices you made, for they have forged you into the Orc who stands before me this day… or maybe I should say ranger?"

Gorath grinned. "These Humans are an interesting race. On the one hand, they value the ability to fight, and on the other, they wish to avoid it whenever possible. Why do you think that is?"

"They are ruled by their hearts, as we must be, and like us, know fighting is something to be avoided on occasion."

"Do other Humans feel the same?"

"Not at all," said the shaman. "Our brethren to the east often find themselves beset by violent kingdoms of men. We are fortunate that the Mercerians are so well trained for battle that they know the full cost of fighting."

"I am not sure I comprehend."

"Let me put it more plainly, then. The Mercerians will fight if it should prove necessary, but realize that in any war, there is death; thus, they do their utmost to avoid it if they can. It is a lesson they have taken to heart, especially their queen."

"She is, indeed, a remarkable woman."

"She is," agreed Kraloch, "but it is more than just her. She has surrounded herself with like-minded people."

"Much as our chieftain, Urgon, has."

"You are merely trying to flatter me. Now, there are other patients to attend to, so unless there is something else you require, I must be off."

"Thank you for healing me, Master—"

"What did I tell you about calling me master?"

"Sorry. Thank you, Kraloch."

"That is much better. Now get back to your duties as the High Ranger's aide."

Gerald entered the tent only to notice the rest of the party already there. "Sorry I'm late," he muttered.

"No need to apologize," said Anna, in the Orcish tongue. "Now come, sit over here to my right. There is much to discuss." She turned to Ghodrug. "You may continue."

The Orc stood. "You returned our ancestral lands to us, and we shall honour your wish to treat the Humans there the same as the Orcs. In return, we want to help you in your quest to rid the land of the oppressors you call the earls."

"Might I ask what help you mean?"

"I offer you hunters, many of them highly skilled with the bow."

"Can I suggest an alternative?" said Urgon. "The marshal has shown us how to fight in formation with long spears as did our ancient ancestors. You might consider having your hunters do the same."

"And how long would that take?" asked Ghodrug.

"A few weeks at most. My hunters are already used to such things and can assist where needed."

"Have we enough spears?"

"There are a lot of extra weapons from Ravensguard," said Gerald. "I'm sure something can be arranged."

"Then I will accept your proposal."

"Might I ask how many hunters you would be providing?"

"Three hundred," replied Ghodrug. "The rest must remain to keep the peace in Ravensguard."

"Understood," said the queen. "I'd like Chief Urgon to oversee that, if it's all right with you?"

"Of course, the Ravens would be honoured."

Anna turned her attention to Gerald, reverting to the Human tongue. "Now that we've taken the city, what's next?"

"That's a good question," he replied. "I've given it some thought, but there are a lot of unknowns. For sure, we'll need to capture Galburn's Ridge, but the fact of the matter is that's likely to take some time."

"Is it even possible?"

"Herdwin assures me it is, but I have my doubts. When we were there last year, it impressed me as a difficult place to attack."

"And what of the last holdouts, Lords Calder and Waverly?"

"Waverly's lands lie far to the northwest. If anything, it'll be King Leofric who has to deal with him. Calder, on the other hand, is much closer."

"He's the Earl of Greendale," said Anna, "and his lands lie to the north of our present position, correct?"

"As far as we know. Of course, there are no reliable maps to be found, so at this point, we have no sense what the road situation is like, and since our loss of cavalry, I haven't had the horsemen to spare in order to find out."

"So we march north?" said Urgon. "Has Sir Heward not already been advancing in that direction?"

"He has," said Gerald, "but his orders were to only go as far as a town named Anvil. Any farther, and he risks being outflanked, at least until we can catch up with him."

"And General Fitzwilliam?"

"His main force is holding at the crossroads at Oaksvale. Herdwin has advanced to Galburn's Ridge, as has the rebel brigade under Princess Bronwyn."

"And will that be enough to take their capital?"

"Fitz would like to move his men up to assist once the siege commences, but with this spirit army out there somewhere, he's loathe to give up a strategic location."

"I believe it's safe to assume it's not behind us," said Anna. "Send word for him to advance on the capital and assist Herdwin. The sooner we can take it, the better."

"Sieges often take months," warned Gerald, "and in the meantime, I've been considering another strategy."

"Go on."

"I'd like to march this group north, hugging the western side of the mountain range."

"You expect to find Lord Calder?"

"I'm hoping as our approach gets noticed, it'll draw him out."

"Anything else?" asked the queen.

"Yes, do you remember hearing about a place called Ironcliff?"

"Yes, Bronwyn told us it was a Dwarven stronghold in an area known as the Gap. What about it?"

"I thought I might send a small detachment there to make contact. Let's hope they can be persuaded to lend us aid."

"You feel they might fight for us?"

"If we're lucky," he said, "but at the very least, we might be able to convince them to remain neutral."

"Who would you send? Beverly?"

"No, I can't spare her, and in any case, we'd need someone who knows the Dwarven language."

"Well, Herdwin's at Galburn's Ridge," said Anna, "and you're certainly not going. You're needed here."

"I was thinking of sending Revi. He has the spell of tongues, so he could speak with them."

"Yes, but we can't send him all by himself. What if he was attacked along the way?"

"Naturally, we'd send an escort. I thought Lord Armin might appreciate the offer."

"That works," said the queen, "but if an enemy army is in the area, we need to make sure they're well protected."

"I'll scrape together a hundred horsemen. That'll give them enough men to fight if needed and enough speed to avoid contact if possible."

"I shall draft a letter for the Dwarven king. Have we any idea of his name?"

"Unfortunately not," said Gerald, "nor do I even know if they have one. Maybe their ruler is a queen? I'm led to believe it's not unheard of amongst the Dwarves."

Anna chuckled. "Very well, I shall give them two letters, in case it's as you suggest. When would you like this flying column to depart?"

"Flying column? Is that a term you learned from your books?"

"It is, as a matter of fact. The term is attributed to an ancient kingdom of the Continent. They don't, in truth, fly, of course, but they were mounted warriors, said to move so fast it was as if they were born upon wings. It sounds impressive, doesn't it?"

"It does," agreed Gerald. "I'm sure Arnim will like the reference."

"And Revi?"

"You know what he's like. All he truly cares about is his research."

"That being the case, how are you going to convince him to go?"

"By telling him that it'll shorten the war and allow him to get back to his magic."

"That's my Gerald," said the queen. "Always on the lookout for new ways to inspire. Any idea when the rest of this army will be set to move?"

"Not for some time yet. We still have wounded to look after, and these Norland prisoners are a handful. Ideally, I'd also like to see Ghodrug's Orcs ready to march before we move."

"I see. Shall we say the end of the month? That gives you ten days."

"Ah," said Urgon. "A ten-day. How fitting."

"Will that be enough time to train the Orcs?" asked Gerald.

"They will learn the basics. The rest can be taught as we march."