novelxo Chapter Chapter Ten
Tanis emerged into the dining hall as the noon meal was being cleared from the tables. Perrick went immediately to the kitchens and ordered a double portion for the lord of the realm. Artitous went to Tanis and Tanis assured him that only nightmares spoiled his rest and those of his own mind’s creation. “If you worked so hard in getting me my responses as you do in mothering me than we march for war tomorrow with ten thousands at my back. Is there any response?” asked Tanis. Perrick came in the tray and sat Tanis down for his meal.
“The news from the elves was as we expected. They will come when you call. I wish I could say as much for the dwarves. Our rider has not returned as yet and the land of the dwarves is closer than that of the elves. I have taken the liberty of sending out a patrol to find out what has happened to our messenger. The Dark Knight has been tracked by magical means to lands three weeks south of here. His rule extends to the edge of your southern border and has taken up residence in the border town of Tallic Parc. This town as it turns out is mostly dwarven. I fear the worst. Either they have aligned with the Dark Knight or they have been conquered. Either way we can expect little help from them and expect to see them supporting our enemies.” rambled Artitous. “I miss them as well my young pupil. May I share a secret with you Tanis? Well no, not now. It may not be appropriate for you to learn this now. Not after everything else we have been through. Definitely not before what we have to do.”
“Artitous. It is too late to keep it hidden now old friend. Out with it. You know that I can handle anything. It just takes time when the wound is deep as it is now. I know that I will cry myself to sleep many a night before the pain eases. It will never heal, but maybe I can go on.” said Tanis.
“Always in a rush to learn what you do not need to know. I will reveal my secret when the time is right. Not a moment before. By the way, Perrick has had no luck in locating your now missing mother-in-law. She appears to have vanished as mysteriously as she arrived. Though some of the guards seem to think she may have headed south two days ago. Others say she left yesterday night late in the evening. Still others seem to think she is still in town reporting having seen her this very day around the market. Which story is correct? I have no way of telling. I have not been able to trace her since I found out that she still lived. I would have sworn I saw her perish in that lava flow. Well, I will ponder more on this. Worry only about figuring how we approach this town three days march to the south. The Dark Knight may flee farther back into his kingdom and we may have to march the entire three weeks to his capital. Well you two figure that out. I must finish figuring out how this woman hides herself so well.” said Artitous.
At that Artitous walked from the room and headed to his rooms high in the tower. His mind was heavy with thought. He was sure that day so many years ago that the wife of the elven smith died. He had seen her fall. He had seen her heading toward the river of fire. He saw her die. This was impossible to comprehend. He had seen her die. There was no return from death unless... His thoughts were quickly silenced as he felt the blow to the back of his head. The last thing he remembered as the blackness took him was the laughing face of Tanis’s mother-in-law.
Tanis nibbled at the food Perrick brought him. His appetite had not quite returned yet. Tanis asked for maps of the region to the south. All the way to the Dark Knight’s capitol. He also wanted maps of the major cities between McCryden and the Dark Knight’s home. Tallic Parc was the first map he wanted before him. It was time for serious thought and important strategy. They were to try and save as many people as possible. No unneeded deaths in this campaign. No one should have to face the loss he had unless it was absolutely necessary. No one died unless it was unavoidable. Some will die Tanis realized, but the losses on both sides could be kept to minimum. He knew deep down that the fighting would end with the destruction of the Dark Knight. The people would not fight on if the leader was removed. As soon as the Knight died so too would the battle.
The maps were brought in and Tanis poured over them. The town was a fortress. It looked about the size and shape of McCryden but the walls were placed every few blocks. This would be hard nut to crack, no matter how hard they tried. The best bet to preserve as many of the citizens and warriors as possible would be to get them into the field before the city. Perrick noticed the lack of any hidden tunnels or sewers. There would be no sneaking into the city as they had so many years ago when they took McCryden.
Tanis felt that the Knight would believe him an easy victory and another notch in scabbard. The Dark Knight would meet him on the field. He was sure of it. The man would not run. Tanis was an untested general and the Dark Knight was the greatest of the world’s generals. It would be no contest between the two. The Knight’s confidence may be the very tool that would bring the man down. Tanis could only hope.
They were planning for the possibility that the knight would run when the rider sent to the dwarves arrived in the dining hall turned war room. “My Lord,” the rider began, “the news I bear is poor. The dwarves are under the rule of the Dark Knight and can not openly assist us. They will be pressed by the Knight into service in the battle if you were to pursue it and they can not go against him. He has threatened to destroy their homes and families if they do not stand with him.”
“Grave news, young friend. It will not be well to face our friends across a field of battle. I hope they are smart enough to think that they must appear but it does not mean they are to fight as well as they can.“, said Perrick.
Tanis grinned and sent the messenger back to the dwarves with this message.
Dear Friends,
In the coming battle, if we find ourselves pitted against each other
I ask you only one thing. If fight you must, then fight badly.
Your Friend. Tanis Thalin