novelxo Chapter Chapter Twelve
After what seemed forever Tanis and his new found army left for the realm of the Dark Knight. Lord Feragett, Lord Nargus, King Toirin Talis, and Lord Tanis Thalin rode before the column of troops led by Perrick and Artitous, as well as the head retainers of the other three lords. Perrick and Artitous insisted that they ride back with the other lieutenants of the army so as to not appear to be rising above themselves in their peers’ eyes. Slowly the column moved to the south. It was reported early on that the army had someone following them. Scouts had been unable to identify the person or group following but every last one of the scouts had seen something following alongside.
King Talis fell back several times stating that he felt something out of the ordinary. Yet even the elven king came back with no answers. All he would say is that there was some force at work that he could not identify. Tanis fell back several times looking for any sign left by a follower and always came back empty handed.
At sunset the army made camp and Tanis ordered a larger than normal watch to be posted around the camp. They would not take any chances with security. Lord Nargus was nowhere to be seen as the camp was erected. Well after the fires were lit and the meal was prepared and just about finished, he reappeared. Tanis walked to him and said, “Lord Nargus! Where have you been? We waited for a long while for you before we ate. We finally ate before it grew too cold to eat. Have you eaten? I will order a meal prepared for you if you have not. King Talis went to eat with his troops. He said he would return before too late to enjoy a pipe and some ale I had brought for the three of us. He wishes to speak of the coming battle and how we plan to stage it. I had some ideas for it and would speak of them tonight.”
“Lord Tanis,” said Nargus, “I would love to hear your strategy this evening. Give me time to wash the dust of the road from me and I will speak to you as soon as I am done. I have eaten so do not trouble yourself with preparing anything for me. I will see you all in a few minutes.”
Tanis returned to Feragett and sat beside him. Tanis said nothing and just stared into the flames of the campfire. He even missed Feragett trying to give him a tankard of ale and a pipe. Startled, Tanis jumped to his feet and thanked Feragett for the drink and pipe and apologized for his inattention. Before long the two were laughing and rubbing elbows when the elven king, Talis, came to the fire. The elven king looked pale and disturbed as he took his seat.
“Father, what is wrong? I have never seen you so shaken. Please lighten your load on our shoulders. What has happened?” asked Tanis.
“I was going to tell you that your father-in-law had joined our company. It was meant to be a surprise for you my son. Well it has been reported that he was found dead in the forest slightly after we had finished setting up camp. After a thorough search we found about twenty dead elves and nearly double that in men were found. They were all killed by daggers and killed in a manner that did not allow for any of them to call for help. I have many elven trackers searching for clues as to the killer’s identity, but in this I think we have a lost cause until the killer or killers reveal themselves.” said Talis.
“Father, do not look so lost. The elves will find our killer or the dragon will. If he does not then the men will. One way or the other, we will have our killer. Now sit and enjoy a pipe and ale. Relax your mind and rest.” said Tanis. It was here that Lord Nargus returned to Tanis’s campfire.
“I hope I have not missed much,” said Nargus as he approached the somber gathering. Looking around Nargus dropped his eyes. “Obviously I have. Someone please inform me of what has happened so that I may share in your despair. Has our coming been detected? I had hoped it would not. I have brought word that our ranks have swollen as we passed to the realm of the Dark Knight. Local lords are flocking to your banner, Lord Thalin. Though this does not look the time for rejoicing.”
“Many of our troops were slain this night. About sixty. The elves and the riders search for clues to the murderer or murderers. They will be found but still it pains me to see so many lost in the hours before the battle begins. There is a traitor amongst us and that traitor must be rooted out.” replied Tanis as he lit the pipe in his hand. “Nargus, sit and have an ale. It is a fine draft and it would be a shame if it were to go to waste on the likes of these poor sorts that surround this fire!” laughed Tanis, “Besides, you know it will be impossible to live with the elf if we let him out drink us. We really must catch up for I believe he has already had his third cup and we have not even started our first.”
“How could I refuse an offer put in such a manner,” said Nargus and the whole company around the fire burst into laughter that lasted deep into the night.