Part 64

 Greza followed Onata, Tempest, Alethia and Verin into his personal tent. She closed the flaps behind her. Verin went to his table that was covered in maps, reports and a large two-handed sword. He picked up a jug of wine and pored himself a glass.

“What did I just agree to?” He asked after taking a drink.

“I’m not sure,” Tempest said.

“I believe you just agreed to become the heir to an empire you despise,” Alethia said.

“Desperation,” Greza said.

“It’s the Enemy from the prophecy, Verin. Accept it,” Alethia said.

“Not you too. I get enough of that from Greza.”

“Maybe they were right about this,” Tempest said.

Verin lowered his glass and cocked his head at Tempest.

“They got you believing?”

Tempest shook his head.

“I don’t know about all that Victor garbage, but they might have been right about the Enemy. The timing is correct and if we don’t stop it, sounds like they’ll destroy the Empire.”

“A new race,” Alethia said. “I wonder who they are.”

“Doesn’t matter. We have to destroy them,” Verin said.

“And that leads me to the next matter,” Tempest said. “You’ve just agreed to fight for the Empire against an army of armored horse-men of two million soldiers.  Not a million, but two. What are we supposed to do?”

“I think fleeing might be called for,” Alethia said.

“Greza? What do you think?”

Greza had to clear her throat before answering. She still wasn’t used to being asked her opinion.

“I think we can win. It won’t be easy, but I know we can.”

“Because your religion says so?”

“No, because they’ve already shown their weakness,” Greza said.

“Weakness? In what way?” Onata asked.

Greza looked to the others but they seemed as baffled as Onata.

“They’re stripping anything edible from the countryside. Think of it. Two million horse-men. How much food do they need on a daily basis. They crossed the vast wasteland to get here, so they either have one extremely long supply train or they have a limited and shrinking supply with them.”

“We starve them,” Verin said with a growing smile.

“Yes, I thought this was what you meant when you said you had a plan,” Greza said.

“No, I was thinking something very different.”

“Starve them, eh?” Tempest said.

“At what sacrifice?” Alethia asked.

“It won’t be pleasant,” Greza said.

“Verin?” Tempest asked.

“We’ll have to evacuate every farm and town in their path: basically all of the western provinces.”

“That’s impossible,” Tempest said.

“Impossible or not, we have to do it and put everything we leave behind to the torch. We can’t leave anything for them.”

“You’re talking about destroying half the Empire.”

“To save the whole, yes. Once the Enemy is gone we can rebuild.”

“It won’t be that easy,” Alethia said.

“No, it won’t be,” Verin said. “They’ll come to battle sooner or later and we’ll have to face them.”

“And you have a plan for this, correct?” Tempest asked.

“I believe so.”

They spent most of the night making plans and discussing strategy. When Tempest and Alethia went off to bed she was about to leave with Onata.

“Greza, could you stay a while?” Verin asked.

Immediately she began to plan out her apologies for refusing his advances. Was this the conversation she had been dreading? Had she lost his confidence?

She nodded to Onata to go on without her and she turned around to face him.

“Of course, my Duke.”

He held out a glass of wine for her and she shook her head.

“I figured now would be a good time to start drinking,” he said.

“Now would be the worst time.”

“Probably true. Come, sit.”

He sat down in his cushioned chair and leaned back. She took the simpler chair by his side.

“Grez, you really believe that all this is your prophecy coming to life.”

“It’s plain to see.”

“And I’m destined to save the Empire and start a dynasty, right?”

“That is correct.”

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Don’t want to what?”

“I don’t want to be an emperor. I don’t want some forced marriage to same vapid royal slut. I already have most of what I want. If I can free the slaves then I’ll be more than satisfied.”

“Then this is your chance.”

“But I don’t like the price.”

“We don’t always like the role required of us. You don’t think I have other desires?”

“You? I thought you wanted this?”

Greza smiled and shook her head.

“I want to serve the Divine Lights, that is true, but I didn’t want this,” she said and held up her battered gauntlets. “I don’t want to hurt people but it seems that I’m unusually good at it and the Lights are making use of my gift. Who am I to argue?”

“Then what would you want?”

“A quiet life away from all this. I just want to be left alone where I can read and maybe find new talents. Maybe start a family like the one I never had.”

He put his glass on the table and leaned forward.

“Really? I would never have guessed. I thought you loved all this.”

“Sometimes, but it isn’t what I’d ever chose. It was chosen for me.”

“I had no idea.”

“And you, my Duke?  What is it you want?”

“Safety for my people. I’d do anything to make sure everyone has enough to eat and a roof over their heads. I’d make everyone equal. No one would hold the lash over another again. They’ll regret making me heir. If I become emperor I’ll tear down their high palaces and use the rubble to make houses for the poor. I’d kick them all out into the streets and let them beg.”

Greza watched his face as he spoke. He wasn’t joking or exaggerating. He was saying exactly what was on his mind.

“Wouldn’t that only cause more suffering?”

“They deserve to suffer, Grez. All their lives for countless generations they grew fat off the labor of our brothers. They have to be punished.”

She had to stop this before it grew into the prophesized tyrant.

“Many don’t know any better. They were born into this life and told from birth that this is how things are.”

“They have eyes, Grez. Don’t try to defend them. You of all people know what cruelties they’re capable of.”

“I do, but that’s because they haven’t been taught. Teach them, don’t destroy them.”

“Justice. I’ll teach them about justice. Maybe after they learn their lessons I’ll show some mercy.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Maybe.  Yeah, I’ll save their Empire, but I’ll destroy it another way.”

“Verin! Revenge is beneath you. This is your chance to create the peaceful society the world needs.”

“I’d love to believe you, Grez, but I don’t see people accepting a bunch of good will. I’ll have to be harsh to change anything.”

She left his tent more saddened than confused. This wasn’t the Verin she loved. This was something else. Had he been hiding this bitterness beneath his smiles or was he just voices dark thoughts that he’d regret in the morning?

She didn’t know the answer and the possibilities kept her awake most of the night.

In the morning Verin met with the Imperial generals and they all began to make plans. They showed Verin the movements of the Enemy horde. They were slow and methodical with occasional bursts of shocking speed and savagery.

Their only chance to prepare the evacuations and burnings was to slow the Enemy down.

“You really think we’ll win?” Onata whispered.

“I do. But I think the cost will be very painful.”

“How bad?”

“Very bad.”

Part 63

For the next two weeks, the Combined Army camped within sight of two Imperial armies. Niether side moved while they waited on the temporary truce. By the eighth day Verin’s own spies were sending word of an army from the west poring into the Empire’s territory. No one knew what to make of it.

Barilus returned two weeks later with a larger delegation with men and women in more elaborate robes than his. Some wore decorative armor with swords on their hips that had never been used in anger.

“Looks like they brought us some counts and barons, maybe a few generals,” Verin said. He didn’t sound impressed.

“They come to beg surrender, I imagine,” Greza said.

Verin chuckled.

“If only, Grez. If only.” Then the smile vanished from his face. “No, I got enough of an idea on what they want to talk about. And it won’t be very pleasant.”

This time the meeting place was a cleared out circle with cushioned benches. The soldiers were to remain out of hearing range.

Verin stood in front of his simple chair. Tempest and Alethia were on either side and Onata and her were behind them. Decaron and the other mercenary generals were also there.

The Imperial delegation made their way through the camp. Their progress was easy to track because they carried tall banners and the Imperial symbol of the Golden Lion.

It was all so hypocritical. They spent so much time and effort to make themselves seem so important. Yet all they did was sit around trying to think of new ways to entertain themselves. They made their peasants and slaves do all the work while they sat on couches fanning themselves. How long could society withstand supporting such useless people?

She tried not to show her disdain as the delegation entered the circle. Barilus was at the head but he was no longer the leader. A man with a bigger staff and taller cylindrical hat was the one everyone circled around.

“Duke Trimalius, the Emperor’s brother,” Decaron whispered to Verin.

“Moron?”

“Quite intelligent. More so than his brother.”

The procession came to a halt and Barilus stepped forward. This time he did all the formalities Greza remembered from the nobles and then some. He introduced everyone in the procession and went on to explain that they were sent by the Emperor himself.

That got her attention. Only the most important issues received the condensation of the Emperor. The large delegation and the Emperor’s authority told that this wasn’t an ordinary meeting.

She saw that the others felt it as well. Something was different.

“I’m Duke Verin and these are my people.” He waved his hand around to indicate everyone on his side. “Please have a seat and let’s talk.”

The delegation took their seats in a half circle with Duke Trimalius at the center. The Duke cleared his throat.

“Duke Verin of the Combined Army, I have been authorized by the Emperor himself to treat with you,” Trimalius said. “I bring a matter of the urgency to you that we must discuss.”

“I’m listening,” Verin said.

“We request that you cease all hostile action against the Empire.”

“Why should I do that?”

Greza noticed the lack of disrespectful tone from the emissary. Usually the Empire loved to talk down to everyone, but they were treating him as an equal. Things must be more desperate than they realized.

“As you have heard, there is a vast army from the west. They crossed the wastelands and arrived at our borders and are currently causing untold devastation in our western provinces.”

“Why should I care? Isn’t that good news for me?”

She knew Verin. He was playing a game with them, pretending he wasn’t worried about this new army.

The Duke cleared his throat and for the first time looked uncomfortable.

“I’m sure, Duke Verin, that you’ve heard details of this army. As of yet, all reports have been vague and from a distance. We received our news from a carrier two hours ago. This army from the west is a race we’ve never encountered before. They are not an army of riders as we previously thought. They are a race of half man-half horse. They wear heavy armor, are well practiced with the bow and will slaughter everyone they see.”

Verin shot quick glances to his companions and Greza shot one to Onata whose mouth was hanging open.

The Duke continued.

“That is not all. They use another previously unknown race as scouts: a race of half woman-half bird. They ride as one vast horde, far more numerous than all our armies combined. They charge in fast and hit with the power of a lightning bolt. Our Western Territories Army has been annihilated in our first encounter two days ago.”

A burst of murmuring came from the mercenary generals. Even Decaron seemed unsettled.

“You are being uncharacteristically forthcoming with me,” Verin said.

“Indeed. It is because we have no other choice. I don’t need to insult your intelligence but you see that the Empire is on the threshold of destruction. Your army from the east and this unheard of enemy from the west. As our recent battles have embarrassingly proven, we are not in a position to defend from one, let alone two.”

“Why tell me this? A truce won’t save you from them if they’re as bloodthirsty as they seem.”

“There is no dealing with them. They kill every messenger we send.”

“So then, why tell me?”

The Duke looked to his fellow officials and they gave him their nodding permission.  Then the Duke stood up and banged his staff on the ground five times.

“The Empire is in dire need now more than ever in its entire five thousand year history. We need someone who can lead our armies to victory against this unknown enemy. The Empire is prepared to grant you land and titles in exchange for leading yours and our armies against these western foes.”

The mercenaries again burst into conversation but Verin held up his hand.

“I have no use for land or titles.”

Then Berilus stood up.

“Duke Verin, you claim to fight for the people, the same people that are being slaughtered by the thousands. They’re my countrymen. If you truly came to help them, then save them.”

Duke Trimalius patiently waved for Berilus to sit back down.

“Very well. The Emperor did not believe you would be swayed so easily. We know why you have come. You may not believe it, but we do understand.”

“You’re right. I don’t believe it. I know this army is slaughtering people and I will cease further hostilities against the Empire until you can deal with this enemy yourselves. Once that is over, then we will so.”

“No!” Berilus shouted. “You still don’t see, Verin. This isn’t an army like yours. They cover the horizon. They shake the earth beneath their hooves. Our scouts have estimated that their forces number at least tw million.”

“Two million!” Verin blurted out. “Impossible.”

“Not impossible. True. If you stand aside now and let them destroy the Empire, there will be nothing left for you to claim and then this savage horde will descend on you and destroy everything you hold dear. If we don’t work together now to stop them, we are all dead.”

Trimalius stepped forward.

“As reward for your service to the Empire and leading our armies against this enemy, the Emperor will crown you heir to the Empire and give you his daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Then, this is how Verin finds the Princess.  She was watching the prophecy unfold before her eyes. She didn’t feel nearly as surprised as most everyone appeared to be. The details were certainly horrifying and the number of enemies seemed impossible to overcome, yet she knew this was all meant to be. There was a way to defeat them and Verin would find the way.

Still, being proclaimed heir was surprising. That would explain how Verin could start a dynasty. She would never have thought the Empire willing to give a mercenary such honors.

“Think about it, Verin,” Barilus said. “Once you are Emperor, you can make whatever laws you deem just. You can free the slaves and make the world how you wish, all you need to do is defeat this enemy.”

Verin scratched his head and looked over to her. Greza nodded for him to accept it. His shoulders sank.

“Tell me what else you know of this enemy,” he said.

“They seem to be organized into twenty separate hordes. At times these hordes will split up to forage for food and scout. They strip the land of anything edible. In battle they are unstoppable.”

Verin stood up and began pacing around.

“What think you, gentlemen?” Verin whispered to his generals.

“You think it’s as terrible as they say it is?” Tempest asked.

“They are telling the truth,” Alethia said.

“You don’t need magic to see how desperate they are,” Decaron said. “I’ve never seen Imperial officials act so…frightened. They’re not telling us all, but I think the part they aren’t telling is the gory details.”

“A million horsemen?” one of the generals said. “How are we supposed to face a million fully armored horsemen?”

“We have our Combined Army, the rebel provinces, and the five remaining Imperial armies,” Verin said.

“Which aren’t worth a damn,” Decaron said.

“Not yet, but we can make them,” Verin said.

“You have a plan already,” Greza said. She could see it plainly on his face.

He smiled.

“I do, Grez.”

Verin then turned around to face the Imperial delegation.

“Tell your Emperor that I accept his conditions. I will lead your armies to victory against this savage enemy. I will need to consult with your generals immediately. We need a war council.”

Within the hour they had Verin’s generals and five Imperial generals gathered around a table arguing over maps. Word was being sent back to the Imperial Capital by carrier hawk.

“I’ve been doing some math in my head,” Onata said.

“I hate math.”

“So do I, especially after this. Our Combined Army with the Imperial armies come out to about two hundred thousand. At most.”

“Ten to one?”

“And we’ve seen the quality of the Imperial forces.”

Greza cracked her knuckles and tried not to let worry cloud her face.

“This won’t be an easy fight.”

It wasn’t just the war. It was what came after the Victory.  

Part 62

Greza rode back to the occupied city and went straight to her room. All she could think about was Verin dying from some Assassin’s blade. If this Assassin appeared, she’d kill him.

So many of the Victor’s Companions had appeared, all that was left was the Princess and the Assassin. But what if the Assassin was already here? It wouldn’t be until after the Victory that he’d make himself known. It could be anyone and if she ever found him, she would kill him before he could destroy Verin.

Onata knocked and let herself in without waiting for an answer.

“They said you were back. We’re having a meeting in the throne room,” Onata said as she walked in and looked around. “You’re much neater than I am.”

She wanted to tell Onata to go away because she couldn’t think of anything good to say and wasn’t in the mood for any of her jokes.

Onata paused and cocked her head to the side. The bells on her horns jingled.

“You alright?”

“I’m well enough.”

“You don’t look well enough.”

If she didn’t do something Onata would keep pestering her. So she slid her feet onto the floor and stood up.

“We have a meeting to go to,” Greza said.

“Wait, did something happen?”

“It’s nothing.”

Greza led the way to the meeting where all the Mercenary generals and captains were. There were about thirty of them with their most trusted assistants. As usual, Verin was in the center pointing at a bunch of maps with colored wooden pieces.

She took her place behind him and he gave her a quick nod and a warm smile.

For once that smile didn’t comfort her. Now when she saw his face she saw his death by an assassin.

Even worse was the thing she was trying not to think about: the Scourge. Verin turning into a tyrant was impossible. He was the Promised Victor. He was the blessed child that would grow up to save the world.

“Three armies?” Decaron asked in his overly dramatic manner.

But it did get her attention.

“That’s right,” Verin said. “The Empire’s sending three armies our way. We’re good but we can’t take on three at once.”

“Then we can’t allow them to meet up,” Decaron said.

“Clearly,” another general said.

“My Satyr scouts can destroy bridges, block passes and cut down trees,” the blonde woman general said. She was a large woman with her hair in several large braids. She usually stayed silent during the meetings and seemed content to go along with what the others said. Maybe she was just quiet.

We’ll need to send every scout we have to delay two armies,” Verin said. “We can take them if we face them one at a time. It might be one battle after another, but we can do it.”

He was sounding far more confident about this than she did. She wasn’t feeling confident about much at all at the moment.

They continued on to discuss the best place to face the enemy armies. The vast plains of the eastern provinces didn’t give them a lot of variety in their choices.

Greza tried to pay attention. This was important and she had to understand it. However, her mind kept wandering to that book written by a forgotten mad prophet. He had been right about everything. Was it possible that he was wrong about Verin?

*

It took two weeks for the first enemy army to arrive. They were supposed to have linked up with two other armies but due to the scout war that slowed them down, they missed their deadline and Verin’s armies attacked and routed the first army with little trouble. The Combined Army charged into the defending Imperial lines and they broke after two assaults. Their cavalry was chased off in the very beginning, leaving their flanks wide open.

Their spies reported that it was an enormous embarrassment in the Capitol and that the people were questioning their soldiers’ and generals’ ability to defend them. Their civic morale was at an all time low.

Also, two provinces were now in open rebellion. Their small armies weren’t a threat individually, but they denied those resources to the Imperials while adding strength to the Combined Army.

Their army was camped on the plains waiting for their scouts to report the position of the nearest enemy army.

The mercenary officers and generals were gathered around their fires. Verin was standing off to the side, lost in thought. She knew that expression well. He seemed to wear it more often these days.

She shook thoughts of him becoming a tyrant out of her head and approached him.

“What worries you, my Duke?”

“Rumors and hearsay.”

She took a few more steps closer so she could be right in front of him. He looked up from the ground and gave a half smile.

“Don’t worry about me, Grez. It’s my job to worry.”

“Mine as well.”

“I don’t understand why you believe in me. Yes, I know about your silly prophecy, but can’t you see that I’m nothing special?”

“No, I can’t see that.”

He was anything but ordinary. He was unlike any man she had ever known. He was the only man she cared about. If she could spend the rest of her life at his side, she could die filled with joy.

She loved him.

She had never been in love before, not even close to being so, but she knew that this is what it was.

She loved Duke Verin and knew perfectly well how ridiculous that was. He would never look at her with any degree of equality. She was just a soldier in his army.

Then she heard orders being shouted out in the camp and a few moments latter a soldier from one of the allied mercenary armies ran up to Verin and saluted.

“Duke, a…ambassador from the Empire is here and wishes to speak with you.”

“How many with him?”

“He has a whole entourage. Maybe thirty.”

“Not some local official then. Good. That means they’re taking us seriously.”

“Bring them up?”

“Only bring him and two others.”

“Yes, Duke.”

The messenger then ran off.

All over soldiers were coming from their fires to get a look. There wasn’t much else to do at night.

She hurried and found Onata near the kitchens and dragged her back. They took their places behind Verin who was sitting on a folding chair. There was another chair placed on the other side of the fire. A circle of officers and soldiers surrounded them a good fifty feet away.

She tried not to get distracted by wondering what an official from the Empire wanted. She was distracted enough as it was.

The crowd was parting to make way and soon the three men in bright robes covered in official seals of office appeared. They held staffs with the official seal of the Empire on top. It seemed so pompous and hollow.

The lead one, was the youngest. He was clean shaven and probably considered handsome, but he was nothing in comparison to Verin. His hair was in a neat tail and he had bright blue eyes that were almost startling in clarity. The other two had white and gray hair and beards, each longer than the other.

“Welcome to my camp. Have a seat if you would,” Verin said.

The young official nodded and took his seat. The two old men took positions behind him, mirroring Onata and her.

“This is an unexpected honor. What may I do for you gentlemen?” Verin asked.

“Duke Verin, I am Barilus Togasha. May we dispense with the pleasantries?” The young official asked.

“I’d be glad to, but I must say that that’s not very ambassadorial of you. Shouldn’t you be smiling and acting nice?”

“Not to honorless barbarians.”

“At least we’re being honest.”

“I’ve come to demand the cessation of your raids on our western borders. Your savagery and wanton murder will not go unpunished.”

Verin sat back and cast a confused glance at Greza and then at Tempest.

“I don’t follow,” Verin said.

“And here I thought we were being honest,” Barilus said.

“What western raids? As you can see, we’re still stuck here in the east. I have no forces in the west.”

“The western border provinces are some of our weakest but most loyal. They’d be easy pickings for a small diversionary force.”

“There’s nothing out there but dried wasteland. What would I want with those?”

Verin waved his hand as if to dismiss the issue but Barilus leaned forward.

“No, you listen to me, peasant Duke. Five towns had been slaughtered leaving no survivors to tell the story. The news that sent me here out of my warm palace was that Dynastak, the largest border city, was burnt to the ground with everyone in it.”

“You can’t expect me to believe that an entire city was destroyed with no witnesses.”

“There were witnesses. A group of hunters saw the whole thing from a distance”

“What did they see? I can tell you right now that it wasn’t us.”

“They said they saw an army of horsemen, so many that the dust cloud filled the horizon.”

Verin let out a long breath and then theatrically looked around.

“You know, I know we’ve been destroying your armies like we were fighting little girls, but there’s not that many of us. We’re mostly from poor countries that don’t use a lot of horses because they’re too expensive and take up too much space. We’re heavy infantry because that’s what we’re forced to be. If I could field an army of numberless horsemen, I would. But I can’t so I don’t.”

“I have your word, your sacred word that these raids are not your doing?”

“Absolutely. They must be a rebel nobleman because its not me and there’s nothing out there in the wastes.”

Unless there was.

Greza cracked her knuckles as she thought. A numberless host of destructive enemy from no where. No one had explored what was past the Wasteland.

She leaned over and whispered into Onata’s ear.

“The Great Enemy.”

Onata had been reading the sacred book and her brow furrowed.

“From the prophecy?”

“Who else could it be?”

Varlius cleared his throat and spoke up.

“It seems your two companions have something interesting to say.”

Verin turned around and raised an eyebrow.

“We were just…it’s not important,” Greza said.

“No, please, let us hear.” Barilus said.

Verin shrugged and waved his hand for her to speak.

“It’s just from the prophecy, my Duke.”

Verin rolled his eyes.

“Prophecy?” Barilus asked.

“It’s a silly idea they got from their dead religion.”

“I would like to hear them, if you would humor me,” Barilus said.

“Well, Grez, you opened your mouth. Time to step up and speak.”

Varilus’ face was an unreadable wooden mask. They both sat there, watching her and waiting. Such attention was always as comfortable as being trapped out in a hail storm.

“Ambassador, me and my companion here are followers of the Path of Light,” Greza said. Varilus’s mask slipped and for a moment he seemed genuinely surprised. “According the prophecy of the Promised Victor, there will rise a threat that would destroy the Empire if not stopped by the Victor.”

“See?” Verin said. “It’s silly. Let’s move on.”

Barilus held up his hand.

“You are followers of the Path of Light?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you believe the prophecy. Wasn’t it already proven to be false?”

“Greza, that’s enough. Let’s move on to something important,” Verin said.

Barilus shot a glance to Verin.

“You’re invading my homeland and I’m not trying to kill you at the moment. The least you could do is permit me to hear this woman’s story.”

Verin threw his hands in the air.

“Please go on,” Barilus said.

“Well, we believe the Victor did not die. He was kidnapped and raised as a slave. He does not know who he is but I do. He is alive and fulfilling his divine mission. I also believe that these raids are the first wave of the Great Enemy that will come and threaten the existence of the Empire. Only the Victor can save us.”

Her voice had been clearer than she could have hoped for and she didn’t feel like a total idiot.

“See? Ridiculous, isn’t it?” Verin said.

Barilus smiled.

“I find it fascinating. I suppose the next question is obvious. Who do you believe to be the Lost Victor?”

She looked around at the hundreds of people standing around the fire. Soldiers from every army and officers were all listening to her at that moment. This was meant to be. She only had to have the courage to speak the truth.”

“Duke Verin is the Lost Victor. At his side are the Raven and the Bull. He has united the most powerful army on the continent in time to meet the threat that could destroy us all. The prophecy is true and here he is.”

She waved a hand at Verin and held her gaze on Barilus to judge his reaction.

The crowd was silent.

Barilus sat there with his hand on his chin, moving his gaze between her and Verin and back again.

Hushed whispers began spreading through the crowd and soon the roar of debate was sweeping through the army.

“And you don’t believe this?” Barilus asked Verin.

“Not a word.”

Barilus looked to Greza.

“And what is your name?”

“Greza.”

“Just Greza?”

“Just Greza.”

“I will remember you. This has been far more fascinating than I had imagined.”  He stood up and brushed his robes off. “I believe that these attacks are not your doing. We will send further word within the next day or two. Our armies will not attack you in that time. May I ask for a two day break in fighting?”

“You have two days,” Verin said.

Barilus thanked them and left with his men.

Verin turned to Greza.

“That was odd, Grez. I don’t know if I should be furious or if I should be laughing. I think you just convinced half our men that I’m some prophesied hero.”

“The evidence fits.”

“It’s too early to tell if I could use this to my advantage or not. I really hope this doesn’t backfire into my face.”

Part 61

Greza hated these celebration parties. She understood them and in truth, wanted to celebrate herself, but not like this. It was all the loud laughing and constant talking. It hurt her ears.

She appreciated the music but thought the feasting was a waste. No one else seemed to share her opinion so she kept her mouth shut. 

Verin was at the head of the table and she was sitting on a chair behind him and away from the table. Onata was walking around the crowd, talking, eating and laughing with the others. She didn’t drink at least. Like her, she was still on duty.

An endless parade of local dignitaries, businessmen and nobles came to see Verin, the new conqueror of the city. The rumor going around was that that had bee the Impire’s largest army. They had several more but that was the capitol’s elite divisions. If that was true then victory was possible.

Verin was talking to a Minotaur in simple robes. He didn’t look like a noble. Probably a religious figure of some kind. Aside from her own, she had no interest in religious discussion.

“Greza, come here. I think you’ll be interested in this,” Verin called out. Greza approached his impromptu throne. He indicated the robbed Minotaur. “This is Dattano, he’s a monk of the Church of the Exalted Hero. He says there’s an ancient monastery of the Divine Path not far from the city.”

Greza paused and looked to the Minotaur. He nodded a greeting to her.

“What’s in the Monastery? Is anyone still there?” She asked.

“As of last year there was still one monk there. I know there is a relic and a library at least. I’ve only been there once.”

She looked to Verin who smiled and nodded.

“Grez? You want to go there?”

“But, my Duke, you have many enemies here.”

“I do, but I also have lots of friends. Tempest will take your place while you’re gone.”

“Really?”

This was more than she could hope for: one of the ancient Grand Monasteries of the Divine Path. If the monk was still there he could teach her far more than she’d ever learn by herself.

The rest of the night passed with her eyes on the crowd but her head filled with books of heavenly knowledge. And the opportunity to talk to a monk who has devoted his life to learning of the spiritual was even greater.

She barely slept that night and gut up before dawn to head out on her own. It would be safer to travel with someone, but this was for her alone.

Greza rode out of the city gates with a wave to the guards and followed the directions Dattano gave her. She travelled down a narrow dirt road that wound through low hills covered in short but wide trees with some kind of purple fruit on them.

As the sun rose above the distant mountains it revealed a cloudless sky and singing birds. It was a beautiful day and she closed her eyes and let herself feel the sun on her face. The gods were generous at times.

Five miles out of the city she saw the monastery up on the hill, just like Dattano had told her. It had tall and simple gray stone buildings rising up from behind a wall that looked more like a fortress than a holy place. The buildings had tall spires rising up from the middle of the roves. She had never seen architecture quite like it before.

As she came closer she saw the thick wooden gates were closed. Weeds and vines covered the walls almost covering the carvings of men and women in elaborate robes that were spread out evenly near the top of the wall.

How ancient was this place? Was it from before the First Empire and the time of the Falling? If so, how had it survived the massive destruction that tore across the continent?

It was another question she’d have to ask the monk.

She rode up to the door and knocked with her steel cestus. She waited a minute and knocked again, louder this time. If no one answered, she was going in.

On the third knock she heard the sound of the locking mechanism turning with a terrible grinding sound. It was rusted and hadn’t been used or oiled often.

When the door opened an old man, hunched over with age walked out. He had a long white beard that went to his waist and his eyes didn’t see her. They were as grey and lifeless as the stone of the walls.

“Hello?” He called out.

“Hello, I’m Greza, a follower of the Path.”

He faced her and he raised an eyebrow.

“Tell me, follower, what do you expect to find here?”

“Knowledge.”

“Any other library would do then. I hear the palace in the city has an extensive library.”

“I want to learn more about the Divine Lights.”

“There’s books about that too.”

This man didn’t seem to want visitors. That or he wanted something else. The Path was about walking through life being true and honest with ones self and with others. The monk had no time for vagueness and half truths.

“I come seeking knowledge about the Promised Victor and his mission.”

The monk smiled.

“Finally, progress. Why do you want to learn about him? Isn’t he dead?”

“I believe I’ve found him.”

“Believe?”

“Know.”

He nodded his head and ran his hand through his beard.

“So, you found the Victor. What more could you need to know? Let him do his job.”

“I need to know the nature of the great threat and also his companions.”

“Don’t the Teachings tell us who the companions are?”

That they did. She knew who they were. All they lacked was the Princess. But she hadn’t come here to learn about them. If she had to be honest with herself, she came to find out if she had any part in this.

“I sense hesitation, child,” the old monk said.

“I fear that my answer may be selfish.”

“Perhaps, but will it be honest and true?”

“Afraid so. I’ve found the Victor and most of his companions. Many things in the Victor’s life are told in the scriptures, but…”

“Tell me, child.”

“But I came to find out if I had a place in this or if I’m just a bystander with no role.”

He smiled showing a mouth with only half its teeth. He then led her inside the courtyard where she tied her horse and followed him inside. There were no candles or lanterns inside the dark monastery. Only a few slits let in streams of light.

He took her through the chapel that was filled with cobwebs and the statue of the Personification of Light which here was a woman with raised arms. A giant cobweb stretched from her left hand to the nearby pillar.

Greza wondered what the Lights thought of the statue and its condition.

He took her through a side passage that was almost completely dark but he didn’t even pause. He was used to the darkness.

Finally he led her to an octagonal room with windows around the base of the domed ceiling that were made from thin slices of bone. It was pretty but didn’t let in enough light to read.

“So, you wish to find out if you’re mentioned in the more obscure scriptures.”

“I want to know if I belong here or not. Am I a part of this or is my small mission accomplished?”

“Do you think it’s done?”

She thought about it. Verin himself still didn’t believe.

“No.”

“Then it’s not done yet.”

He walked to a shelf and ran his fingers down the spines, counting the books as he went. Then he pulled out a book that was so ancient the cover was crumbling and the pages were brown.

“I believe you may find this enlightening.” He turned around and extended the book. “I’ll be in the chapel praying. Come find me when you’ve found what you seek.”

He then left through the passage they entered in from. Now she needed a place to read. She went to the far door and had to shoulder it open. It led to a well maintained garden full of vegetables of all kinds. The old blind man was remarkable self sufficient.

She found a stone bench and sat down.

The book had no title on the cover. She opened it and the dried leather cover creaked. The pages were thin and brittle and she treated each one as delicately as she could. She took off her gauntlets and got comfortable.

The inside said the book was copied form the original and was the writings of “The Mad Prophet, Ezzanshial” in the time of the falling, before the first written prophet of this new Age.

She had never heard of this book. There were many lost books of scriptures, some only hinted at, others mentioned by name but lost forever. This one had had no mention from anything she had ever read.

Greza began skimming through the pages looking for anything relevant to the prophecy. He appeared to have several prophecies, many which had already come true. Either this book was a fake or this man had truly seen the future.

An hour later she reached a chapter where he first mentioned the Promised Warrior King. She slowed down and began reading with more attention.

Here this Mad Prophet Ezzanshial told of the Warrior being taken as a baby and hidden away for years. Why hadn’t anyone else written about that? It didn’t make sense. That seemed to be a rather important detail. She continued reading.

78. And in the time of the Confusion where men grow idle and proud, where mothers forget daughters and sons forget family, war will rage across the continent. The Promised Warrior will return to his people that he too had forgotten and conquer the kingdom in the name of peace.

79. But he shall not be alone. Ever with him are his Companions, his lieutenants set for him from the foundation of the world. Long has Zarrandal has spoken of the Bull, the mighty warrior that shall be the Warrior’s strength. Iriasas has told you of the Raven, the sorceress that bends the world to her tortured will.

80. There will also be the Guardian, the dark woman that shall protect his life against all threats not of the Path’s making. The warrior, upon the eve of victory shall find the Consort. This royal princess shall marry him and together they shall start a dynasty that may last two Ages if the Divine Lights will it.

81. And the Dark Prophet Aurian dreamed of the Assassin. The Assassin will strike the Promised Warrior down after the Enemy has been cast down.

She almost dropped the book. Assassin? There was a part of the prophecy that was going to kill Verin? She would never let that happen. Even if it meant breaking the Divine Light’s plan, she would stop this Assassin no matter the cost.

Greza took a deep breath and continued reading. She had to know, no matter how painful the truth was.

82. But the Assassin is only a part of the Divine Light’s path. For he is sent to fulfill the prophecy as instructed. The Promised Warrior will save the Empire from annihilation as he was willed to do. However, he was not created for the throne. He will grow more cruel with time until he becomes the Scourge.

83. The Scourge will lead the Empire down a path devoid of light from which it will not emerge for a thousand years.

84. For that, the Assassin will slay him and maintain the Path of Light.

This time she purposefully threw the book down.

That was wrong. She wasn’t going to listen to some lunatic. He had to be wrong. Otherwise the other prophets would have mentioned him.

None of this made sense. Who was this assassin? There was no possibly way Verin would turn into this Scourge. It was all wrong. Whatever it took, she was going t protect Verin from this Assassin. She didn’t care about anything else.

She stormed into the chapel and found the Monk kneeling in prayer.

“That book is full of lies?” She said and pointed back toward the library.

“It is? Aside from the part you clearly did not appreciate, what was a lie?”

She thought about it. Technically, nothing. Everything the lunatic had said had come true, but that didn’t mean this Scourge business was true.

“Well, nothing, but this business with the Assassin. I can’t believe the Promised Victor turns evil. That’s impossible.”

“You’re angry. You didn’t find what you came for and instead found something that displeases you. I am sorry, I really am, but that is the will of the Divine Lights. Do you have faith?”

“Of course I do.”

“Isn’t faith about believing, even when you don’t wish to?”

“I suppose.”

“So, you are not a part of the Victor’s prophesized companions. Is it fame you seek or justification? Your faith should be justification enough.”

“He can’t turn evil.”

“That’s why the Assassin is there, to prevent that from happening.”

“What do you know of this Assassin?”

“Hardly anything. There is a book out there that speaks of him. He is a great warrior…well, I say ‘he’ but we don’t know which gender or where the person is from. All we know is that he will come after the Victor sires a child and defeats the Enemy.”

Greza sat down on a creaking bench and rubbed her temples.

“Not what you expected, huh?” The monk said.

He stood up with some effort and came over to sit beside her. He patted her knee.

“This can’t be right,” she said.

“It is. That is not the only book that speaks of this.”

“How do you know so much about what I’m seeking?”

“Simple. I was told you’d come here one day and seek to find your place, that you would not find it and that you will have a terrible choice to make.”

“Told? By who?”

He pointed upward and smiled his haggard smile.

Part 60

Greza faced the giant human and went into her defensive stance. She looked him over for weaknesses to exploit. He wore heavy army that would stop her punches. He was large and strong and couldn’t grapple with him.

Only two things she could do. She could try to go for his head, but it was out of her reach most of the time. Or, she could go for his joints. No matter how big and tall he was, a well placed strike would still break them.

Those were her only options.

The giant charged forward at a calculated pace she recognized from her own training. He maintained control of his movement, able to act and react with little hindrance.

She took up a defensive stance with her arms up and to the sides so as not to block her vision. It was called the “Bull” stance.

The man reached her and jabbed at her. It was a probing attack to test her defense. She knocked it to the side to open him for an attack of her own but his other hand was already reaching for her. If he managed to grab her, the fight would be over. He could pick her up and do whatever he wanted.

She stepped back out of reach just in time to dodge another fist. He was fast and kept her ducking and weaving to avoid being hit. His reach on her was so great that she couldn’t get in enough to land a shot.

There was no way she could win this fight without getting very lucky. All she could do was wait for an opening that might not happen.

He punched with his left arm and left his side open for just a fraction of a second. She took it. She pushed his arm further in the direction it was already moving to throw him off balance. As his side was open she snapped a kick to his knee.

Before her foot connected his left arm surged back like a landslide, pushing her away and struggling to stay on her feet. He was strong. She was strong as well, but this was about weight. He could push her around all day because he had the leverage and she didn’t.

She backed away from him as he approached at his measured pace. His arms were up and ready to attack.

Greza knew she couldn’t beat him. He was just as strong as her but had more reach and weight. If she ran she’d leave the path open to Verin and that wasn’t going to happen.

Her trainers would tell her that when she was in trouble to open her eyes and look around her. She was definitely in trouble.

Greza continued to step away from him while keeping her guard up and looked to her sides and glanced very quickly behind her.

Nothing to her sides, but behind her was a squad of gunners running up to the front lines. Only there were allies on the other side of this man. If they missed, they’d hit friendlies. She had to get him closer, but she didn’t know if she had time for that.

The man charged her, ignoring caution. He was confident and had every right to be so.

She continued to retreat while fending off his attacks. What she didn’t dodge she deflected out of the way.

“Gunners!” She shouted back while keeping her peripheral vision on her enemy. “Gunners! Shoot this man!”

She spared a quick glance and saw that two of them were pointing her direction.

That glance cost her. An armored fist struck her breastplate and she was lifted into the air and landed on her back. Her helmet flew off and for a second she couldn’t breathe. Blackness threatened to encircle her but she remembered her training and rolled out of the way just as his foot came down right where her head had been.

She felt the thump the ground took from his massive weight. As strong as her bones were, he would have crushed her skull.

An enormous hand clamped down and grabbed her by the hair.

“You were entertaining, Ork.”

She tried to pry his hand off but this man was unusually strong, stronger than what was natural.

Then there was a loud crack and the metallic ‘ping’ of metal striking metal.

The man let go of her hair and stepped back.

Greza rolled away and leapt to her feet.

There was a small hole in his breastplate. Then another gun fired and another hole appeared in his bicep armor.

The man looked up at the gunners and bared his teeth. Another gun fired and she heard the ball streak through the air just passed the man’s unarmored head.

He brought his forearms up to cover his head as he turned and ran. Gunfire followed him as he disappeared into the chaotic battle.

She took a moment to catch her breath.

One of the gunners ran up to her. He had a simple breastplate and helmet with a wide circles for eyes.

“You alright, mam?”

She nodded.

“I am now.”

After resting for a minute, she dove back into the battle. She grabbed an enemy soldier’s halberd and bashed the haft into his face. Another enemy she punched his helmet in. Blood spilled down onto his shiny but thin armor. Their armor was more fit for a parade than a battle.

She could tell they were winning. Even from the most chaotic mess of things, she could see the enemy were falling back.

Suddenly there was a loud ‘thump’ sound that she felt as a warm wind on her face. She looked over and saw a giant fireball rising up from the middle of their army. Bodies flew into the air as another explosion blasted a hole in their army.

“Magic!” Someone shouted. Then dozens more began shouting something about a wizard. Many began running away but she ran towards the trouble.

A blast of lightning shot into the air followed by another one that she saw tear through their ranks. Arcs of purple lightning weaved its way through several squads at once, locking its victims in place as they cooked in their armor.

A unit of gunners opened fire but their bullets hit an invisible wall before they reached their target.

The enemy sorcerer was a clean shaven human. He was old but was standing upright with the health of a young man. He walked at a leisurely pace as his stretched out hands shot lightning and fire.

Then a streak of what Greza could only describe as ‘black light’ came from behind her and hit the enemy wizard. An explosion of white light erupted a few feet in front of the wizard. The dark ray left the afterglow of bright light on her eyes as she tried to blink it away.

Greza looked over and saw Alethia strolling through the retreating troops. Her black hair was blowing behind her from the wind of the explosion.

The Imperial wizard looked around and backed up a few steps.

“Run and I’ll let you live,” she said.

“What are you willing to sacrifice to beat me?” He called back in a clear voice.

“Everything,” she said.

They looked at each other for a long moment, judging who would give up their most cherished memories to defeat the other.

Apparently the wizard saw something in Alethia’s eyes because he nodded and turned away.

She had never seen magic unleashed on the battlefield before and now she wished she never had to see it again. One person could cause so much damage. If Alethia wasn’t there then they would have been nothing they could do to stop him.

Around mid-day their forces began to break up and go into full retreat. As the battle ebbed away from her she picked up a random helmet from the blood soaked and muddied grass and walked back to the hill where Verin and the other generals were.

Alethia wasn’t there.

She walked up to the gathered officers and sat down on a rock.

Verin noticed her and smiled.

“Greza, there you are. I’ve been looking for you.”

She was too tired to form a coherent sentence so she just nodded.

“Glad you’re here,” he said.

He broke away from his officers and walked over to her.

“You’re unhurt?” He asked.

She nodded.

“Thank the Divine Lights.”

He paused, then patted her on the shoulder before returning to his men.

Onata came up and sat down beside her. She was covered in black gunpowder marks and dirt. Her hair was a mess and she was holding her dented helmet in her lap.

“Hard day?” Greza asked.

Onata nodded.

Part 59

The two armies faced each other across an empty space filled with potential death that everyone could feel. Greza knew this feeling.  Already she thought she could smell the blood.

Greza pulled her carbine out of its sheath and laid it across her lap.  Something didn’t feel right.  The itching that had been building up since last night was now like a burning coal in her stomach.

“Watch Verin with both eyes,” Greza said.

“Always do,” Onata said.

“More than usual.”

Onata cocked her head.

“Something wrong?”

She wasn’t sure how to answer that without sounding crazier than people already thought she was.

“I don’t know.”

Then a black horse with a black rider trotted up next to her.  What was Alethia doing there?

“You should probably stay in the rear, Alethia,” Onata said with a raised eyebrow.

Alethia shook her head and Onata shrugged.

Greza leaned over and whispered to Alethia.

“Why are you here?”

“I have a bad feeling.”

Greza closed her mouth and tried to block all faithless thoughts from her mind. Yes, there was danger but she had to put her trust in the Divine Lights. If Alethia felt it as well then the danger was serous. She hoped knowing of the danger was enough to guard against it.

“I won’t let the Promised Victor come to harm,” Alethia whispered.

“We’ll both watch over him.”

Alethia narrowed her dark eyes and gave one nod.

Horns and drums blasted out the signal to march.  As one, the brigades moved forward with the thunderous trampling of thousands of feet and the deafening clanking of armor and weapons.  The back ranks had to wait for the front to move like the bellows of a blacksmith.

Two miles away the Imperial army lurched forward.  They had many more impressive looking banners than the combined army and their cavalry had silly looking plumes of bright feathers. 

“The Imperial Chargers,” Onata said. “The best they have.  They call them the Sword’s Edge.”

“How experienced are they?”

“Their last battle was ninety years ago.”

Verin had set their command on what passed for a hill on these plains.  It was a slight rise that gave them just enough height to see what was happening.  She looked to the left and right and saw that the ranks on the wings were twice as deep as the center. 

Greza pointed a metal cestus at the right flank.

“Why the double depth?”

Onata raised her hands and shrugged.

The Imperial Army didn’t have the well practiced precision of the Combined Army’s veteran mercenaries.  Their advance was loose and sloppy with some units going ahead of others, thus creating gaps in their defense. 

Their garish cavalry were charging in from the flanks, much too soon from what she could tell, but then she wasn’t an expert general.  The Combined cavalry hadn’t moved from their position as they kept pace with the infantry. 

She hadn’t read any of these tactics in a book and never heard them in a lecture.  Verin was trying something unheard of.  Perhaps that was why he was worried.

She wished he had told her. Did he not trust her or was she still not back in his good graces despite what he said?

The Imperial army was rushing right for their center. They probably felt confident about their numbers and wanted to smash the Combined Army right there and then.  If she knew she could win, that’s what she’d do. 

But to assume they’d win sounded like supreme arrogance.

The first vollies of gunfire opened up like distant popping and gray clouds of powder smoke emerged from the front lines. The battle had started.

The tempo of the gunfire increased until individual shots blurred into one mass sound like a roaring river. Blocks of Imperial infantry moved closer in preparation for a pike charge to break their center. 

Verin raised his hand and scouts ran off to relay orders. A few minutes later the cavalry moved out. They raced out to the sides and met the enemy cavalry.  She saw less puffs of smoke from gunfire from the Imperials. They used older style chargers with sabers and the Combined forces used far more guns. 

Greza watched the cavalry battle unfold and almost ignored completely the rest of it.  The combined cav were outnumbered but their massed gunfire soon had the Imperial horses on the run. 

A cheer rose up from the allied generals and officers.  She thought it was a little premature for all of that.

The two armies continued sharing gunfire as the Imperials crept closer.  If they charged too far away, they’d be slaughtered by gunfire. Charge too soon and they wouldn’t get enough momentum.

Instinctively she knew the golden moment they should charge, so she was taken back when they broke into a pike charge too soon. 

Fools.

Onata laughed.

Even with pikemen dropping in disgusting numbers, they crashed into their front ranks with a rise in noise she heard from the rear.

Artillery was focusing their bombardment on the wings of the Imperial army, keeping them from charging.  Still the heavy combined flanks didn’t move in to support the center.  What was Verin Thinking? 

The Imperials were losing far more men than the combined army, but if they broke through the center it wouldn’t matter, the battle would be over. She continued to watch from her saddle as the Imperials slowly pushed their center back. If it stretched any more it would break.

“Greza!” Verin shouted.

Her head snapped over to look at him.

“I need you, Onata and Tempest to take our reserves and support the center.”

She didn’t want to leave him in a battle, especially with this bad feeling, but an order was an order.

“Yes, my lord!” She shouted and then spurred her horse over to where the reserves were.  Tempest was right behind her, already barking out orders. Onata was rounding up some halbredeirs and once they had a sizable force together, they charged for the front.

She had to trust Verin’s safety to Alethia for now.

She left her horse in the hands of a young boy and she charged forward on foot with the infantry. Onata stayed mounted and Tempest was next to her. Even from her limited view and knowledge, she could tell that the center was bowing inward under the pressure of the enemy assault.

An enemy pikeman bust through the ranks and he was followed by several others.

“There!” Tempest bellowed. 

The Minotaur charged forward and crashed into the Imperial soldiers.  Onata fired her crossbow and instantly pulled out and fired a pistol.

The hole in their ranks was made and they had to plug it or the entire battle was lost. What was Verin thinking with this formation?

The auxiliary infantry ran forward and engaged the escaping infantry.

Greza stood back and watched. The sickening feeling was only growing stronger.  Something was wrong.

Then her head hurt as if a bullet had struck it.  Clutching her temple, she turned in the direction. 

A giant man wearing heavy battle armor shoved his way through the mass melee and walked directly towards her. She knew him. She recognized the shaved head and scar. He was looking at her and cracked his knuckles.

It was the man from the border station, the man she couldn’t beat. 

He took up the same fighting stance she was about to take up.

She looked for Tempest and saw him surrounded by enemy soldiers and Onata was too far away to notice her.

She was alone.