Aelethia's Hope. Leandra Martin

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СКАЧАТЬ Fallon will have to have at least fifty-five thousand troops at his disposal to even think of winning against both King Dainard and King Kevaan. Kevaan has Charbonneau locked down and has adequate troops in McLain as well. He wants troops sent in to surround the city of Kingswell in order to take back the castle. I want us to spread out. I think one garrison can hold down the docks. Our best strategy would be to send the rest of the garrison into the three towns across the border, Thornycroft, Trowbridge and McLain, to put in added men. If we can keep a perimeter around those three, we may be able to stave off the troops coming in from the coast until reinforcements are dispatched. Maybe we’ll have a chance of taking Kingswell and Lachlan Castle back.”

      “How long will it be before King Dainard can get more men in to help?” Pter asked.

      “He’s sending troops into Danyl to assist Duke Ulric right now. He has messengers on their way to Salador in the Free Province to talk with Chancellor Jaxon. The west must be warned, but if we’re lucky, we can enlist their help. The elves have already pledged their allegiance, and the dwarves are preparing themselves as well. If the kingdom can build armies in every province, we can surround the castles and keep Fallon’s troops from breaking through.”

      “What about the giants? And the creatures Fallon has brought forth from the pit?”

      “They will be a challenge to be sure. We have no way of knowing what kinds of creatures he will have. Of the fifty-five thousand troops, I’m guessing over half are going to be sinister things from the depths of hell. We won’t know what we’re dealing with, I’m afraid, until they’re right in front of us. The more solid forces we can obtain, the better.”

      “This seems all too overwhelming. I don’t understand how we can fight against something we know nothing about.”

      “The elves and the sorcerer Sol will know what to do when it comes to those things. The messenger also said that the princess is on her way out of Vallis and travels with escorts. Unfortunately, he also said that Fallon will get the same news. A messenger was seen riding back to Lachlan to update the duke about that. She will be out in the open now, and I assume he’ll make his move while she is relatively unprotected. She’s evaded him long enough; he won’t wait any more.”

      “I still don’t understand this whole prophecy thing. How can this woman save us all from Fallon’s spells?” Pter asked.

      “I don’t know, but from what I’ve heard, she’s more than what she seems.”

      “I don’t know about you, ole boy,” Decklan said, patting Pter on the back now, “but I can’t wait to meet her. A beautiful woman of nobility who is tough enough to fight for the freedom of the whole kingdom. That’s a lady I’d kill to have.”

      “Do you ever stop talking about women for even a second?”

      Decklan laughed. “Not if I can help it. Come on, don’t tell me that she doesn’t intrigue even you.”

      “Maybe a little, but only out of awe.”

      Thorne laughed at his friends and the finest men he’s ever had the privilege of being in charge of. They were completely opposite those two, but they would take a sword to the head for each other if it came to that.

      “Alright, Decklan, give your superior a break. You may not know it, but Pter has wooed many a maiden over the years. But I didn’t hire him for that. I hired him to keep the arrogant puppies like you in line.”

      Decklan saluted his general. “Yes, sir, General.”

      “What am I going to do, sir?”

      “I know how much you want to be in the fray, boy, but I have a duty to protect you. I’m sending you back to Eston for the king to put you where he sees fit.”

      “But I thought I would help you here.”

      “I’m riding out with the men tomorrow. Heading into Boones Ferry to prepare my garrison there. I have work to do and can’t be worrying about a boy under my feet.”

      “I’m no boy! I want revenge for the death of my family and my people.”

      “And you’ll have it, just not here. ‘Tis an honor to be in the king’s ranks, boy. It’s a squires rank for you.”

      That seemed to have calmed Maddon down, and Alban could see the pride finally gleaming in his eyes.

      “Yes, sir.” He saluted Alban just as his lieutenant had.

      “That’s better. Go get all your stuff together. I have four very able bodies ready to ride out in the morning as your escorts. I have already sent word to King Dainard that you’re coming. He’ll see that you get placed in the ranks, I promise.”

      “Yes, sir.”

      Maddon saluted again and left the war room and the three men sitting around the table.

      “I’m going to actually miss the lad. In the few weeks he’s been here, he’s learned a lot. He’s a fine boy and brave too. I see that one going far. King Dainard should be proud to have him among his men. He’s braver and heartier than a lot of men twice his age,” Pter said now. He looked at Decklan. “You could learn a thing or two from him, Decklan.”

      “Aw, Pter, you ole softie. I never thought I’d hear you speak so fondly of someone. It’s nice.”

      Pter leaned across the table and slapped Decklan on the back of the head. “If only I felt the same about you.”

      “You do; you just won’t admit it.” Decklan smiled at his superior.

      Pter changed the subject. “What do you want us to do, General?”

      “I want all the troops ready to ride out tomorrow. I’ll leave Captain Colay here to hold down the fort and the docks. We’ll ride into Boones Ferry and see what we can do to hold Fallon’s troops off. King Kevaan will handle the troops that are holding the castle hostage. Once he has enough men, he’ll storm it and take it back. But we need to keep more from riding in. Make sure you and your men are ready by six a.m. tomorrow. We ride out, ready or not. Anyone not prepared gets left behind, and that will make ole Alban very sore to say the least. Don’t disappoint me, gentlemen.”

      They both saluted him as they stood. “Yes, sir!”

      ***

      Alekzand’r Morgan and his men, four guards and two elves, rode through the desert sands, the hot sun beating down on them, their lips chapped and cracked. The horses were doing better than expected, the elves having given them some kind of elixir in their water to keep them hydrated for long periods. They had reached the border into the Free Province two days before and were on their way to Salador. There had been no sign of any villages or towns and they were starting to wonder if they would ever come into contact with anyone.

      When night came, they stopped wherever they were and made camp. It was too dangerous to travel through the desert in the dark, with all the scavengers and black wolvins lurking about searching for food. The cold night forced them to make a fire, but it was good for keeping the hungry creatures at bay as well.

      They were sitting around eating their nightly rations of warm meat and bread, smoking and talking. Alekzand’r was tired, and he would be relieved when this was all over, but knew that his wish would СКАЧАТЬ