Chapter Twenty One

Delvakhan heard both Amadagu and Mora curse under their breath as they broke skirted through the woods of Hnor. For almost a week since leaving Thor Syle they had continued to try to find a way past the Rhiyan troops that seemed to fill the Marvan plains. While the druid could move at will beyond them, Mora, Delvakhan and the small contingent with them needed physical means to move safely.

While the day remained tolerable if not helpful with its slight chill, the nights continued to dip into a much deeper cold. It only served to slow their progress down and made meals merely cold chunks of bread and even colder wine. Mora would not allow a fire explaining it was a sign all Rhiyan troops searched for with great pains. Delvakhan had become tired of it all while waiting for Amadagu to return from scouting.

“I am a King and I sit here cold and miserable without even a warm meal to give me some sort of comfort.” Several of the men turned and listened with interest to his words.

“Watch you mouth King of the South, you run the risk of breaking your men’s morale.” Mora warned quickly and quietly. “We are all suffering, but it is what we must do.”

“No, it is what you must do. Just as easily we could have sent someone to notify the Rakshar Empress. It did not require us to do it.” Delvakhan complain, still not lowering his voice. “In fact, he could have done it in a fraction of the time and without any of us suffering.”

“I don’t understand his methods; however I know enough to trust his judgment. If he said we had to do this, then we have to do it.” Mora almost spat the words. “Now keep your voice down.”

“He’s right this is senseless, we can’t even cross their lines to get to Hammerhold.” Their captain commented. “We would do better to rejoin with our fellows and Nohric.”

“You will bite your tongue Captain or I will remove it.” Mora was on him before he could finish sighing. While her voice was almost a whisper, her command resonated through them all. “I thought you of the south had more to you, at least that is what one would believe looking at Nohric.”

A screech caught their attention as a dark shade seemed to fly overhead. Immediately everyone became silent and ducked their heads to blend in more. Quickly Mora pushed Delvakhan against a tree and lithely started darting between trees tracking the shape.

Not a hundred feet from Mora, the shape landed and formed into several cloaked women. Looking directly at Mora and the troops at the edge, they screamed out again and charged directly at Delva.

“Witches of Sarna! Do not let them get Delva.” Mora yelled out. “Don’t let their claws cut your skin, they are poison.”

Drawing her weapons Mora moved to intercept the front witch. Just as she reached the first one, the witch turned and swiped her claws through the air. Dropping to her knees and sliding on the damp cold ground, Mora slid under the claws. Using her momentum to return to her feet she stabbed the witch through her back. As the blade pierced the skin, Mora felt the bone give way to her weapon. The witch fell dead face first.

Three more witches appeared on the other side and immediately killed two soldiers. All three lunged at Delvakhan. Defensively the King of the South repelled a set of claws with Bhor Wethrin. Using all his strength he forced the sword past the point of impact and drove it forward into the witches face, cleaving half of her skull. Instinctively rolling forward just to the side of his foe, another set of claws missed him completely. Rolling to his back he watched as a staff crushed the side of another of his attacks. Amadagu swung wide past the attack causing one of the first set of witches to stop before colliding into his weapon.

Before she could recover, several swords lanced through her body at all levels. Instantly the final witch turned to flee only to have Mora drive her weapon through the witches chin until the blade protruded her ear. With her other hand, Mora snatched the witches wrist and twisted it to the sound of cracking bone.

Taking a quick count, Mora and Amadagu nodded to each other. Three of their men were dead, but the King had survived. Delvakhan was already cleaning his weapon when they approached him.

“They know we are here now, we will have to move quickly.” Mora stated calmly, not as careful as before to keep her voice low and private.

“We are returning to my Uncle to join the fight. There is nothing we can do for the Empress, we have only wasted time.” Delvakhan responded. “You want me to help a stranger.”

“Where are you not a stranger boy?” Amadagu rudely pointed his staff at Delvakhan as he spoke. “You were born of the South, nothing more. You were raised with the Rakshar as an outsider. Where is your home?”

“I… I don’t know. I just know I don’t want to be here.” Delvakhan stated. “I just do what I am told. Train with these people. Lead these people. When does my decision actually mean something?”

“When you aren’t acting like a foolish child.” Amadagu responded quickly. “And if your Mother were here she would tell you to do your duty. Your duty is to the people of the south. Those people need your Rakshar friends. So you will complete that duty.”

Delvakhan paused and flopped to the ground, tossing his weapon to the side. “I don’t want any of it.”

“Get up.” Mora demanded, kicking his sword back toward him. “Get up you scared little child. What you need your mommy here to hold you?”

Filled with anger, Delvakhan snatched the sword and lunged toward Mora. Easily she deflected his attack and sent him headlong into the cold ground. As he stood up, Mora pointed her weapon at his throat. Her free hand was held up against Amadagu and the soldiers.

“Listen to me King of South. You made the decision with loans you subjected to your title. No one questioned you about it. Every decision that hasn’t been in the midst of me and Ama has been your own.” Mora continued to lecture him. “Now that you don’t know what to do doesn’t mean you turn and run. You take your position and you wear it proud and you fulfill your duty, even when frightened. Even when lost. If for no other reason than your people need it.”

Tears filled his eyes as he dropped his head low. Carefully he slid the blade into its scabbard as his body tightened against his tears. Sheething her own weapon, Mora stepped forward and knelt before him.

“Delvakhan, you are not alone even if you don’t have a home. I understand this like no other here. My home too was taken and those I trusted are gone. I promise you this; I will stay at your side, good or bad.” Mora set her hand on his cheek. “Be a King.”

Breathing deeply, he finally lifted his head. “Then we cut through them and we stop playing this hiding game.”

Everyone paused and looked at him. Amadagu nodded with a smile as Delvakhan caught his eyes. Saying nothing more Delvakhan strode in front of them all, right at the front lines of the Rhiyan forces in the distance.

****

“They are avoiding Thor Syle completely. They appear to be crossing the North River just at the waterfall.” The messenger was out of breath, yet stood tall as he delivered his report. “I saw no demons, but there are at least two legions of Rhiyan soldiers.”

Nohric nodded and turned to his commanders. “Split the forces. Take a small contingent and get behind them. The North River is swelled just before the waterfall and it will keep them slowed. If they are this far past the Marvan Plains, Sorc is in danger. We’ll let their fear keep them from Thor Syle.”

“We can’t be sure this isn’t a decoy.” Commander Harris commented. “We are betting a great deal they won’t hit Thor Syle.”

“Other than dragons, name one thing in all the lands we all agree is to be feared?” Nohric questioned. “We all have hard an untold number of legends of the Timewalker. No, they are avoiding Thor Syle; there is no other reason to cross the North River. The could easily slip along the cost and cross quickly at the southern outlet. They are going for Sorc.”

“I agree General. We don’t have time to debate this. I will swing the main forces around the western portion of the lakeshore. We can only hope to give Sorc more time.” Commander Dargo added. “My family is at Sorc.”

Nohric placed a heavy hand on both of his Commanders. “Gentlemen, we have to stop this force. The reports of the demons that took Ildomar is something we can’t allow to spread. Whatever we need to do must be done.”

“You are going to Sorc then?” Harris questioned. “Take my boys with you General, please.”

“Of course Harris, I have several to keep safe.” Nohric squeezed both of their shoulders a bit harder. “Use the Silence to communicate, but only those we three know. If they are going to break through...”

“If we fail, Sorc has to know. We will make the call early. Pride will not interfere.” Dargo interrupted him. “If we don’t get help from Hammerhold, we will not be able to hold their numbers.”

“Our King will not let us down, he has my blood.” Nohric answered with a sheepish smile.

“I would be more confident if it were you General.” Dargo answered. “If he fails…”

“Xhuri help us.” Was all Nohric could say.

****

“We are under siege!”

The words rang through Tova faster than the wind. Already Elidra was sequestered into a safe room with Burakani and several of his Silence members as they planned how to hold Tova.

“The Ministry finally decided to attack?” Elidra questioned.

“No, we are being attacked from Keybridge.” Burakani frowned as the look of shock filled Elidra’s face. “Why are you surprised? Did you think the hundreds of men our Emperor sent out in service would be happy with your stunt? They want through and they want it right now.”

“Let them pass then.” She answered plainly.

“Empress, they want Tova first. Most aren’t even aware of what else is happening in the world. They only know they want this city and a return to their homeland.” Burakani answered angrily.

“Baron Burakani let me ask you a simple question. It is one that regularly seems to be ignored by the Rakshar.” Elidra’s own anger filled her words. “Have you even bothered to try and talk to them? Explain to them what is happening?”

“No…Why would they listen.” He stammered.

“No. Of course not.” Elidra moved toward the door. “And this is why you couldn’t be a real leader. You never learned not everything is a fight.”

“And just what are you going to do? You think because you are or were their Empress they are going to listen to you?” Burakani turned his back on her.

“No, they will listen because I am the one that freed them and I am the one willing to communicate with them. You would do well to learn this.” Elidra left boldly but not without catching his eyes one last time and turning in disgust.

****

“My sisters never returned.” A completely cloaked woman spoke from behind her concealing hood. “We can be assured its Mora; they are drawn to the bloodline.”

“I will investigate myself. It is time for you to complete your task. I want that child.” Seom Joliel commanded. “Zhandoga, take your troops and amass around Tabath. Keep watchers along the coast. Once I deal with Mora, I will join those pressing south to Sorc and the Timewalker.”

“Are you sure you are ready for battle my Lord Seom?” The cloaked woman questioned carefully.

“I am more than ready.” As he answered, the Seom of Rhiya slammed his fist into the table. His power spread from his naked fist and exploded the table.