The upper floor was much like the lower, except along the far left wall, several casks of ale were neatly stacked three high. Lanmore removed his pack and threw it on an empty bed, and motioned for Lee to do the same. He then escorted him back outside around the side of the keep to the quartermasters. In exchange for the wooden token, he was given his tunic embroidered with the sigil of Angraaland on the sleeves one red star, signifying his rank as lieutenant, and studded leather armor. Lee was offered a sword, but told the quartermaster that he would use his own; the quartermaster looked down at it and nodded approvingly. A large, burlap bundle containing an officer’s coat, boots and trousers were the final items to complete his transformation into officer.
“Anything else you have to buy on your own,” said the quartermaster, grumpily. “There are smiths and armorers in Kratis who can outfit you, if you want something sturdier than plain leather. If you need your sword tended, I’d go there. I don’t trust the garrison smithy.”
Lee thanked the man and left.
It was nearly full dark by the time they returned to the barracks, and the day watch was beginning to file in. All took notice of Lee and Lanmore, and immediately hissing whispers could be heard throughout the room. Servants were busy readying the table for the evening meal.
“We needn't bother with this lot tonight, unless you want to,” said Lanmore. “I intend to take my meal in the bunk, then get a good night’s sleep.”
Lee knew he should at least try to gather information, but felt it may be better to speak with Lanmore in a more relaxed setting. “I think I will do the same.”
Lanmore called over a servant and instructed him to have their meals brought up. The meal was a simple beef stew and salted bread, along with a cup of sweet wine. As simple as it was, Lee was grateful for it. After a servant retrieved their plates and cups, Lee stripped off his clothing, and changed into a pair of heavy cotton pants, and thick wool socks. He felt his muscles relax as he eased into his bunk, and had to fight to stay awake.
“May I asked you a question, sir?” Lee rolled over so he could see Lanmore.
“Ask,” he replied, yawning.
“How did you end up in the service of the Reborn King?”
Lanmore smiled and slid down beneath his blanket. “I was captain of the Kaltinor city guard, once. I was accused of theft and treason by the city temples, and forced to flee or face execution.” He laughed softly “I journeyed north to Hazrah and caught word that Angraalwas seeking soldiers. I heard that a man could remake himself here, no matter what burdens his past carried. It sounded like a good idea at the time, so off I went. The funny thing is, as it turned out, it was Angraalthat controlled the temples in Kaltinor, and probably gave the order to have me accused.”
“If you know this why not return?”
Lanmore closed his eyes “I have pledged my fealty to the Reborn King. I couldn't return even if I wished. You'll understand when you're in his presence. When that happens there's no turning back…ever.” He drifted off into a deep sleep.
Lee awoke abruptly a short time later, and instinctively reached for his sword.
“Don't move!” yelled a harsh voice.
He looked up to see five soldiers, all pointing crossbows at him. He raised his hands.
“What is the meaning of this?” roared Captain Lanmore. “Answer me at once!”
From the stairs, Lord Pollus strode toward them, glaring at the captain. “It would seem, my dear captain, you have brought a spy with you.” His gaze fell on Lee. “Don't bother with denials…Lord Nal'Thain.”
Lanmore leaped from his bunk. “Barath?”
Lee's eyes never left Lord Pollus. “How did you find me out?”
Pollus laughed. “Your son, my lord. How else?”
Chapter 17
Linis had returned just before dawn, as the armies were readying to march. He and his scouts had found the cliffs unguarded, though they had seen Vrykol lurking.
“The Vrykol fell back the moment we approached,” Linis told Theopolou.
Theopolou nodded and left to inform the king. Linis joined Kaylia and Selena, who were made to join the rear guard. Kaylia clearly was unhappy about this.
“I don't like being treated like I'm some helpless child in need of protection,” complained Kaylia.
“We can't afford for you to be harmed,” said Linis. “If you are killed or captured, what would happen to Gewey?”
“Besides,” Selena added, “you may not need protection. But I do. And I feel better with you at my side.” She smiled. “And didn't you promise your husband that you would stay safe until his return?”
Kaylia grumbled angrily, but said nothing.
Soon the army began to march. Nehrutu, Mohanisi, the elf bowmen and human shield bearers, led the way. Theopolou led the elf soldiers just behind the front line, along with Chiron. The other elders scattered among the elves serving as captains. The Althetans were just behind Kaylia, Selena, and Linis, led by King Lousis.
Selena was surrounded by what was left of the Valsharan guard along with a few knights that had arrived after the siege. Ertik had refused to let her out of his sight, and spent most of his time seeing to her every need.
“How are you faring?” Came a boisterous voice from behind. It was King Lousis, astride a great black warhorse.
“We are well,” replied Selena. “And you?”
“I long for battle, High Lady.” He leaped from his horse with the vigor of a much younger man. “I hope that the elves don't win the day before I arrive.”
“I hope they do,” said Selena. “I would not see you in peril. Your people need you. As do all free people of the world. In these times a stout heart and firm resolve is in short supply.”
“I think they need you far more than they need me, my lady.” His friendly smile was a welcome respite from the nervous tension of men and elves preparing for war. “Your name will become a battle cry after today, and Valshara, a symbol of hope for victory.”
“I hope not, your highness,” said Selena. “I would not have men and women going to their death with my name on their lips. Though I fear it may be so.”
The entrance to the road leading to Valshara was a half-day’s march. Soon the men began singing songs of victory and glory, and though the elves did not join in, it seemed to lift their spirits nonetheless. Theopolou had sent a small advance force to secure the road and paths leading to the cliffs, and reported that the way was clear.
“Whatever they have planned, it is to wait until we are within the cliff walls,” said Linis. “They know we come, yet refuse to guard an easily defensible road. Our numbers would count for nothing in that narrow passage.”
“Are you worried?” asked Selena.
“I am,” he replied. “You should stay near me at all times.” He tapped Kaylia's shoulder. “You, too. I will not explain to Gewey why I allowed you to be hurt.”
“He knows full well that I can look after myself,” Kaylia shot back. “If something happens to me, the fault will be mine.”
“That will not matter to him.” He looked up and saw the Stone of the Tower come into view. His face grew solemn. “Frankly, at this moment, I wish he were here with us.”
All nodded in agreement.
Word came back that the advance force had secured all access points to the cliffs and that the road was abandoned. The temple, however was not. From the cliffs they spotted dozens of archers lining the battlements, and smoke billowed up from within.
Slowly, the army funneled into the narrow valley, guarded from above on each side by fifty elf archers. It took a full hour before the Althetan soldiers began to creep forward.