Omnixius
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🕑 Added 2021-03-13 02:44:47 +0000 UTCGersius and his wives were up before dawn, with thoughts of the valley heavy in their hearts. He had come to realize just how much Lilly wanted to live there, and even more surprisingly, Sarah's need for it. Thayle was right. Sarah was hurting for her place in the order of dragons and filling the void by mothering her wives. She even expressed a sincere desire to have more, eager to care for them with all her heart.
He was also surprised at her desire to manage the home, caring for it as the family's matron. She had a strong desire to lead the household and Thayle, and Lilly were all too willing to let her do so. Thayle seemed even to be negotiating with Sarah over how the home would operate, with Sarah promising to handle everything.
When they first awoke, they all curled to him, snuggling in tightly as the dream faded.
“Take us home someday,” Thayle whispered to him. “I want to live with you and my wives in happiness.”
Sarah looked at him timidly and nodded in agreement. “Now that I understand what you want for this family, I want it just as badly. I need them to take care of so I can feel fulfilled.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were hurting over the loss of your place in the dragon order?” Gersius asked.
Sarah closed her eyes, and he read her thoughts. She hadn't realized it herself until they came to the valley, and Thayle verbalized it. She knew something was missing from her life and assumed it involved the desire to know what love was. Now she knew it was her place in the order of dragons. Something she aspired to for years, and her great age was calling her to do.
Gersius pulled her into his arms and assured her that they would take any woman she found worthy. She shook her head at him and insisted they all had to agree on her. He rubbed at her back and told her she was the wisest and most caring of them all. Any woman she found worthy would be a treasure among women.
“Do my wives feel the same way?” Sarah asked as she leaned back so Lilly and Thayle could look up.
“I agree with our husband,” Thayle said. “But if I object to a woman, I want you to take that seriously.”
“Of course I would,” Sarah said. “If either of you strongly objects, I will also. I would not risk upsetting my existing wives for another.”
“Do I get to bring some home then?” Lilly asked.
Gersius started to laugh as Sarah let out a growling sigh. “I will consider any woman you bring home, but you have to promise me you will not be upset if I reject them.”
“I am aware that I am too trusting,” Lilly said. “I didn't trust any human, but Gersius feels such a strong respect for them and a deep desire to fight for their protection. I can't help but feel something of that over the bind, and it leads me to be open with them. I will try and be careful about who I grow attached to and talk to you if I start to have feelings.”
“That is very mature of you, sweetheart,” Thayle said with a smile. “Our little dragon is growing up.”
“Well, stop it,” Sarah commanded. “I like her just the way she is. Innocent and sweet.”
Lilly laughed and settled to Gersius’s chest as he tried not to laugh with her.
“Why isn’t our life like this all the time?” Lilly asked. “Look at how happy we are.”
Gersius got control of his humor and rubbed at her back before replying. “Because a great moment in history has come, and the divines wish to restore Balisha to her rightful place. A group of men and dragons wishes to prevent this from happening and are causing great harm in their efforts. The divines have selected us to fight against them and ensure Balisha’s return. But always remember, one day, we will be free of this burden, and every day will be like this. Until then, we have to press on and set things right so that everyone has a chance to be as happy as will be.”
“I could listen to you answer her questions all day,” Thayle said. “You speak with such dedication and passion.”
“He has a way of putting purpose behind his explanations,” Sarah agreed and looked up. She let out a gentle sigh as she looked around her surroundings, her mood over the bind suddenly confused.
“Is something wrong?” Gersius asked.
Sarah shook her head and regained her composure before replying. “I was just having a moment of confusion. Despite this form, I am still a dragon and have been for many thousands of years. Sometimes I can't believe where I find myself or how I feel. I look around and see I am in a human bed with a human man and woman and another female dragon. I have no grounds in my culture or nature to explain why I am here.”
“You are where you belong,” Thayle said and reached up to grab her shoulder. “This was always meant to be a choice for you.”
“Tell that to my mother,” Sarah said. “If she were still alive, she would have some choice words for me.”
“I want you all to meet my mother, but I worry what she will say too,” Lilly added.
“We can worry about that after the war,” Gersius said and tapped Lilly on the rear. “For now, we have to get up and get the camp in motion.”
“It should be easier now that we are taking advantage of the soldiers of Balihsa,” Sarah said. “It was genius to make them the night guards since so few of them are sleeping.”
“I thought it was a good idea,” Gersius agreed with a smile.
“Oh, is our husband getting prideful?” Thayle asked.
“He should take pride in who he is,” Sarah said as she looked down into his eyes. “He is chosen of the divines after all. Now all of you out of bed. We have a war to win so we can start setting things right and get to our valley.”
Gersius admired how Sarah took charge, brushing their hair and choosing clothes for them to wear. She made a fuss about how they needed more outfits that were fit for their station. She wanted her wives to shine like jewels before the camp, as befitting their titles as future empresses. When the girls were dressed, they assisted Sarah, sitting her down to brush her hair, and then Thayle showed Lilly how to braid it. Sarah sat and let them braid her hair into two long strands that they then pulled through her golden ring. They then wove the strands into loops that fell about Sarah's shoulders, giving her a lovely hairstyle.
“Now off with you both,” Sarah said when they were done. “Prayers need to be completed and the camp broken down for the march.” She then turned on Gersius, sauntering over to him to help with his shirt and get it perfectly straight. “You need some clothes as well. Almost all of your wardrobe is functional, and hardly any of it is for show. You can't keep wearing the same outfit to every function. You need more options.”
“There will be time for that after the conflicts,” he replied as she folded his collar.
“Are you planning to march through Calathen and press right on to the Doan?” Sarah asked with a shake of her head. “Your empire will be fractured, and order must be established first. You will have to spend some time in Calathen establishing your rule before you can rush out to save it.”
“Time may be of the essence,” he insisted. “We know nothing of the situation on the border or when the Doan will make their push.”
“And if you rush out to meet them before establishing some kind of rule, you might be pushed on from inside the empire,” Sarah said. “The Father Abbot might have had to blackmail Duncan, but I am familiar with human sensibilities. Many of them will have gladly excepted bribes to stand against you and will see an empty throne as a reason to act.”
Gersius took a moment to consider her words and realized she was right. Many in the empire were untrustworthy and could even be fully in allegiance with the Father Abbot. They would lie and manipulate the situation to their benefit if he was not firmly in control. Some time was going to have to be spent entrenching himself as the legitimate ruler of the empire. Until then, he could send Gams ahead with the bulk of the army to reinforce the borders and get a firm picture of the situation. Then he could organize a counteroffensive and drive the Doan back, across the serpentine.
“And all the way to the gates of our enemy, wherever that is,” Sarah added as she read his thoughts.
He nodded in return and went for his boots as Sarah choose a red dress for her outfit. It was a simple but elegant gown that tied a the front and left her arms bare just below the shoulders. It was trimmed in golden thread woven into an intricate pattern of scrolling form and complex knots. After they were dressed, he suggested they go to the morning meeting and see what challenges awaited them. Two days were lost to Thayle's abduction, and he was anxious to get a full report of the army's current disposition. Gams had given him a reediness update the night before, but now it was time for the other leaders to speak. Jessivel was there with his reports from spies and scouts from all over the land. He was first to stand up and speak, addressing the leadership with a report that made every one pause.
“Every town, village, and city for miles is flying white flags,” Jessivel said. “Not a single gate is barred, and messengers are waiting on the roads ahead to tell you they surrender.”
Gersius was stunned by the report and asked him if he was sure. Jessivel said every agent who reported it had the same story. And his scouts had already entered some of the cities and spoken with the men waiting. They no longer supported Calathen or the Father Abbot and refused to fight the true Dragon Knights.
“This is amazing news,” Lengwin said and looked to Gersius. “The miracle of the other day has shown the people who you are. They don’t dare stand against you.”
“The carnage of Duncan’s city no doubt helped,” Sarah added with a dry tone.
“Lady Sarah,” Lengwin began with a gentle bow. “All of us regrets the terrible bloodshed of that day, but it has only served as an example of the Father Abbot’s cruelty. The people blame him for what happened and for the terrible treatment of the order of Ulustrah. I would wager he is a prisoner in his own city, afraid to leave the walls of Calathen for fear of reprisals.”
“The people are also aware the women are free and marching in our camp,” one of his bishops added as he turned to Sarah. “You and your family are saviors now and have won the hearts and appreciation of the people.”
The word family struck Sarah, and her mood flared over the bind. Gersius smiled as he read her thoughts, and she glanced at him, knowing full well he was. She put her hand over his where everyone could see it, relishing in showing them she was his.
“Then let us surround this prison and ensure he doesn’t escape,” she said. “How soon can we reach the walls?”
All eyes turned to Gams, who sat with a stone-faced expression at the far end of the table. He wore his old armor of rank, polished to a fine sheen though dents and scars from age-old battles were still prominent on his chest plate.
“Yesterday, I would have said a two weeks minimum,” he replied. “I was assuming we were going to be fighting across half the empire and protecting our rear as we traveled with great caution.” He paused to consider his next words carefully. “But if the lands ahead have surrendered and messengers can be sent ahead to gather supplies and needed materials, then we could push hard and reach the walls in five days.”
Gersius glanced to Sarah and used the bind to speak as the other leaders scoffed at the idea of reaching the city in five days.
“I need you to have Lilly practice that weave I had her learn. She must be able to do it under pressure when the time comes.”
“What are you planning?” Sarah asked silently.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on an image as Sarah’s face went wide then firmed up.
“A waste of valuable materials,” she scolded. “Lilly won’t do it.”
“I knew you and Lilly would object,” he said. “But I need you to trust me; this will ensure our victory.”
Sarah shook her head in disdain but realized the conversation at the table had shifted, and eyes were now on them.
“Do you think it is wise to push our armies so hard?” Lengwin asked as if repeating himself. “They need to arrive at the city ready to fight, not exhausted from a hard march.”
Gersius looked to Gams and remembered the very aggressive timetable. He also remembered why time was so important and what they hoped to build in the valley.
“You said so yourself,” Gersius began. “The Father Abbot has the artifacts of Astikar in his possession, and the sooner we relieve him of such, the better.” Lengwin reacted as if being reminded and nodded his head even as some of his bishops continued to object.
“Perhaps we should ask Governess Commander General Thayle if she is in agreement,” a sharp voice said as Gersius tuned to confront Alayse. He almost smiled at the bold women who Thayle put in charge to represent the order of Ulustrah in these meetings. Alayse had a cunning mind for battle but was far top aggressive, willing to suffer losses if it meant getting into a fight faster. Her appointment to this position was one of honor, showing Thayle trusted her to represent the army of Ulustrah’s best interest. Still, Thayle wanted to get to the city as quickly as they all did; she would not vote for delay.
“I am sure Thayle will voice any objections she has later,” Gersius replied. “She has special access to my attention.”
Alayse looked agitated and folded her arms. “Ulustrah marches with you, not for you. The Governess Commander General has her own orders to take the city.”
“Child, don't be so abrasive,” Sarah cut in. “Our wife knows what is at stake and has sacrificed greatly to get here. She has made it known to her husband that she will follow his lead in this matter so as to preserve a strong unbroken chain of command.”
Alayse seemed more upset at being called a child than being told Thayle had already bowed to his leadership. She nodded her head in acceptance, but the scowl on her face said everything that needed saying.
“Have the scouts triple the range they are looking ahead, but they are not to approach Calahten,” Gersius said, now addressing Jessivel. He turned to Ayawa and Tavis, who leaned against the wall at the far end of the tent. “I need you and the southern warriors to watch our flanks. This might still be a trap of some kind, intended to lure us into a false hope.”
“At least your mind still works,” Ayawa remarked. “If you had taken this reckless pace with no eyes to your flank, I would have called you insane.”
Her words brought a few laughs from around the table as he began to lay out plans for dividing the army into three mixed units. This brought some argument, but he pointed out that the soldiers collected from Duncan's city, along with the addition of vast numbers of Ulustrah, gave him more flexibility. He believed the enemy no longer had the strength to threaten him in the open field. Now they had to rely on their walls to keep him at bay. This would allow him to sweep a much larger area for the resources they needed and arrive at Calathen on three sides.
“You may want to push the timetable back to seven or eight days then,” Gams suggested. “coordinating three armies over large distances takes time.”
“The dragons can be used to carry messages and orders. Sarah and I can visit every army to get updates and issue orders in under two hours.”
“Speaking of the dragons,” Ayawa interrupted. “After seeing the size of Sarah's saddle, I wonder why we don't use the dragons as siege engines.”
“Use us as siege engines how?” Sarah asked, a clear distrust in her voice.
Ayawa stepped forward and explained her plan to use the massive girth of Sarah and Numidel's saddle to lift forty to fifty soldiers each. These would all be archers of some kind, and she suggested they make use of the dove shields. This would make the larger dragons a double threat. Not only could they use their devastating breaths, but they would be able to deliver a hail of arrows where ever they went.
“And what about our suspicions that more dragons protect the city?” Sarah asked. “I won't be able to fight properly with soldiers on my back.”
“What dragon will be able to reach you if fifty arrows are rising to greet it?” Ayawa asked. “And you only need carry us for the battle at the walls. Once the walls are breached, you land on one of them, and we jump off, acting as a shock force to hold the causeways to the inner city.”
Gersius nodded to hear her suggest holding the causeways. Calathen's outer walls had never been breached, but even if they were, there was a second inner ring of walls. The exterior walls were connected to them by three causeways with drawbridges. If he could prevent the enemy from retreating from the outer walls, he wouldn't have to fight for the inner ones. Still, even if they could put fifty men on each dragon, that would mean a minimal force to hold two causeways. The third one would be open for retreating forces unless he could use the enemy's tactic against him.
“How much can you lift in flight?” Gersius asked.
“Me?” Sarah asked.
“I am wondering if we can put Ayawa’s strategy to greater effect,” he said. “What if we used the same cages the enemy did to carry additional soldiers into the city. You and Numidel could drop a cage at two of the causeways to block the road and deliver a defending force. Then you could deploy your riders to the last causeway and block them all.”
Sarah narrowed her eyes, but he saw her thoughts and tried not to smile. Her dragon nature was screaming that she wasn't a horse, and carrying soldiers into battle wasn't as glorious as fighting in one. Still, her logic began to win out as he used the bind to speak silently. He pressed on her the need to deploy these forces quickly so as the block the escape routes. Then it would be up to her to secure the skies and break the defenders on the walls.
“We have no war cages,” Sarah said once her temper was under control.
Gersius nodded but leaned back in his chair. “No, but we have a land full of craftsmen and woodworkers. We can have cages put into construction to be ready by the time we reach the city. In the meantime, we should look for volunteers to ride in the saddle and begin taking them up. They need to be accustomed to flying so they can function properly in battle.” Sarah growled but consented to his plan and agreed to begin taking them up to help them become accustomed to flying.
“I can show you how to modify the saddles so they can function as platforms to fight from,” Ayawa added as Sarah started to simmer in her displeasure.
“We are only doing this to ensure victory,” Gersius said over the bind. “You only need to deliver the forces and then take your proper place in the sky as we break the gates.”
“I won’t even have you on my back,” Sarah growled in his mind. “But I suppose that honor was always going to be Lilly’s.”
“You know as well as I do that if they have dragons, you and Numidel are best suited to meet them. If you were on the ground acting as my mount, it would prevent you from shielding us,” Gersius assured.
“And what if the dragons fly out to meet us?” She asked.
“If that happens, then you will have to secure the skies first, and we can launch the attack afterward,” Gersius said and squeezed her hand. She huffed at that but accepted her role and urged him to continue.
The meeting advanced to the usual matters of logistics and always food. Feeding so many while trying to march aggressively was going to be a challenge. Gersius was hoping the people of the land would be the solution, offering tithes of food to feed his massive numbers. They discussed the disposition of wagons and how they would divide them to keep three armies on the move. Gersius left all of those details to Gams, who had planned many such campaigns in the past. He also suggested they requisition any horses and wagons they found along the way to keep the army moving and on schedule.
When the meeting finally ended, the camp was already being packed. The sun was over the horizon, and in the distance, the women of Ulustrah were singing their last prayers. Lilly was someplace in the camp of Balisha having a very emotional reaction, and Gersius wondered if these flares of emotion were why her blessing had been so powerful.
“What is that girl doing?” Sarah said as she looked into the camp. “That’s the fourth time in as many days she has reacted like that.”
“She is finding it very hard to contain her emotions of late,” Gersius said. “She feels pain when any of her faithful are lost in battle. She even prayed over the dragon you killed, pleading with Balisha to welcome the dragon’s solus into her heaven.”
“She amazes me with how readily she has embraced these human emotions,” Sarah replied. “I still struggle to understand them and reconcile why I am so eager to experience them.”
Gersius turned and took her hand, giving her a gentle squeeze. “You were trapped in that temple for longer than I can imagine and forced to do something very private with a dragon you considered a friend. Now you are free and exposed to a completely new way of being, and all those years of pain are looking for release. Not to mention you are of the age where you should have younger dragons like Lilly coming to you in the dream to seek your wisdom and council. You are longing for a life that was stolen from you and thrust into one very different.”
“At least I have my two wives to care for,” Sarah said. “And that obstinate fool Shadros.”
“He is coming around,” Gersius encouraged with another squeeze. “Thayle told me he has seen the truth, but his pride will not allow him to admit it yet.”
“I can get the truth out of him,” Sarah said. “But it would be better if he could admit it himself. It would certainly make it easier to talk to him if he was over this foolishness.” He could see she didn't want to dwell on the thought and put it out of her mind to focus on the day's tasks.
Gersius and Sarah headed to the assembly area where Lilly and Thayle met them. Lilly took her dragon form and fit her saddle over her back just behind her wings. Gersius and the others climbed up and waited for the column to assemble. Thayle sat in front with Sarah in the middle and Gersius behind. Thayle told them she had already heard of the forced march and the decision to split the army into three. She was perfectly happy with his decision, but Alayse was pushing her to take more direct action in leading the army of Ulustrah.
“We can’t have two armies competing for resources,” Sarah quipped. “That fool woman cares about nothing but what matters to her, and everybody else be damned.”
“Alayse is a good commander,” Thayle said. “But you’re right. She wants all the glory for herself and Ulustrah. She hates the idea that our army is effectively marching under the dragon knight.”
“You are the dragon knight,” Gersius reminded. “And your army is marching under us. I would change any of the plans if you objected. You know that.”
Thayle agreed she knew it, and Alayse would have no effect on her decision to march as one cohesive army. They then moved on to how aggressively they would strip the lands of resources. Gersius wanted to be as light as possible but would not risk running short of supplies. However, since many of the cities were open to them now, riders were sent ahead to begin a more organized collection. The goods would be ready and waiting for them to gather as they passed by. This would speed up the advance and save them a great deal of time.
“What about the cages?” Lilly asked.
“You heard about that already,” Gersius said with a nod. “I want to use them to carry soldiers directly into the city and block our enemy's route of escape. If we can isolate them to the outer walls, then the inner city will fall much easier. Once we have the inner city, the conflict is over, and they will have no choice but to surrender.”
“I doubt they will surrender,” Sarah said. “They know how much blood is on their hands and what will become of them if they are captured. This is a fight to the death just as the raven guard did in Duncan’s city.”
Gersius hadn't wanted to consider the possibility that nearly every member of the raven guard would resist to the bitter end. Hours of fighting and bloodshed in small pockets all over a burning city. He wanted a decisive victory with an overwhelmed enemy that would lay down their swords. Still, Sarah was right. What justice would be brought to bear on the raven guard? Was surrendering even an option?
“It isn’t,” Sarah said. “I will not endure even one of their number surviving the day.”
On that somber thought, Gams walked up and called to Gersius. He would draw up plans for splitting the army into three and establish routes as they marched. The official division would happen the following day, but for today, they were ready.
“Thank you,” Gersius said with a nod. “Gams, when this is over, I want to know what Channi was promised. I will see to it she is paid well above her agreement.”
Gams nodded and told them to get going, or they would not make it in time. Gersius gave Lilly the command, and off she walked down the road, her blue tail trailing behind as she led the way. It wasn't long before they encountered their first village, and just as Jessivel had said, it put up no fight. Two men of his scouts were waiting well outside the village boundary with a wagon of goods already collected. This allowed them to bypass the settlement, but men and women lined up at a safe distance to see the dragon and the army that followed it.
“This is a welcome change,” Thayle said as she noted the crowds in the distance. She felt a twinge in the bind and turned around to see Gersius, who was transfixed by the sight.
“Husband?” Sarah asked and turned to stare at him as well.
“This is how I always dreamed it would be,” Gersius said. “Lilly arriving as a symbol of hope to end the war and bring about a new age.”
“I was never going to arrive like this,” Lilly said as she turned her head about and looked down at him. “My wings were broken, and I couldn't be in this form.”
“She is right,” Sarah said. “Like it or not, she needed to experience Whiteford and all the pain that followed to get you to this moment.”
Gersius closed his eyes and let out a deep exhale. “The divines had a plan all along,” he admitted. “But my faith didn’t hold up when it was tested.”
“Please don’t say that,” Lilly urged. “Balisha told me it was always her plan for you to become a priest of hers. That means Astikar tested you to your breaking point on purpose so you would willingly go.”
“But what about Sarah?” he asked. “She was meant to be my reward. Why take her away from me if this was meant to happen?”
It was Sarah who sighed now and answered the question for him. “Because I am the blind one.”
All eyes turned to her as she began to think her thoughts out carefully. “As we all know too well, I carry a great deal of anger and pain. I would never have embraced this relationship without Lilly to show me the way. I would have been insulted to be asked to share the binding with you. My arrogance and belief in my superiority would have made me unsuitable to you. I needed to see Lilly and her love for you to break through those barriers. This was the only way you were ever going to call me your wife.”
All four of them were silent as that thought echoed in their minds. It was Thayle who finally surmised the situation, pointing out that every step of this journey, from Lilly's wings to Gersius's loss of his men, was meant to break down the barriers in their hearts so they would be ready for something new. The divines were preparing the soil of their hearts for significant changes and a grand purpose. Even Thayle had to face her fears of marrying and committing to having children when she fully believed it would be the end of her service to Ulustrah.
“We were all tested,” Sarah agreed, “And now we aren't just stronger; we are one in a way that cannot be broken.”
“A family,” Lilly said with a giggle. “A word I hardly ever used before.”
“We are a family,” Sarah agreed. “I never dreamed I would use that word to include humans and be grateful for it.”
TheThe army marched, passing another town that had supplies and wagons waiting. Gersius ensured that masses of the women of Ulustrah visited every town to shower them in blessings, ensuring strong harvests and healthy children. He wanted the people to know he intended to pay them back for their sacrifices. Scouts began to return with reports of towns claiming that until a few days ago, a small raven guard presence had existed there. It would seem the Father Abbot didn't trust the good people to see the light and ensured his will was enforced. The people also began to tell stories of murder, seizures, and worse committed on those that refused to condemn Gersius and the women of Ulustrah. These acts of cruelty now drove the people to give deeply, hoping their contributions would bring the false father's downfall.
When the sun began to set, Gersius called a stop just outside the walls of a large city called Wylich. It looked to be a prosperous place, and its gate were thrown wide as guards all but pleaded with his advanced forces for mercy.
The city was quietly occupied for the night, and priests were sent to deal with any illness, injury, or pain they could remove from the people. He made his call for engineers and master builders, bringing the cities' craftsmen together as he laid out plans for the war cages. They would have to be made of wood as there was no time to build metal cages, but the nearby timber was strong and plentiful. Several men assured him they could build such cages to hold a hundred men but didn't think Lilly could lift them.
Gersius wasn't concerned about Lilly lifting them and assured the men that he had dragons who could.
That night the city came alive as people relieved that discover Gersius came in peace, celebrated his arrival. Singing and dancing filled the streets, and the people welcomed the army as saviors. As Gersius laid out his plans for the advance with Gams. Sarah arrived in a mood. She was concerned that many of his soldiers were in the city, enjoying the festivities when he looked up and smiled.
“They are enjoying an end to the suffering our passing could have caused, and a little celebration will be good for them. Perhaps you should take advantage of the city as well.”
“Take advantage of it, how?” Sarah asked, not following his logic.
“You wanted outfits. You should take the girls into the city and get them some,” he suggested.
“What about security?” Sarah asked. “Thayle was snatched away from us just days ago.”
“Thayle was abducted because she was outside the camp alone. This time you and Lilly will be at her side, and the city is full of our soldiers, but you are welcome to take an escort.” When Sarah didn't react, he pointed out that the shops would be closing in a few hours, and she had to hurry. With a smile on her face, Sarah ran out to collect her wives as Gersius turned back to Gams and set his plan in motion.
Comments
WhiteRabbit
Thanks for the chapter! Calahten -> Calathen TheThe-> The
