Omnixius
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DKP 6-7 Divide and conquer
🕑 Added 2020-12-05 00:30:43 +0000 UTCThe sun was well over an hour away as Lilly, and the others hid behind a hill studying the far bank. Lilly's keen dragon sight made spotting the enemies easy, as she slowly counted their number. Numidel returned early from his patrol to inform them that the enemy holding the bridge was significantly reduced. Gersius and Lilly flew out late into the night to search for the missing men, finally locating them in two camps north and south of their original position. Lilly was enraged, believing their plan to cross the river on ice bridges was betrayed to the enemy. Gersius took a moment to calm her and assure her that this was exactly what he wanted. They returned as he began to plan, eager to get moving before first light. Now Lilly completed her count, estimating the enemy strength at a paltry eight hundred.
“Half of them aren't even in their armor,” Lilly said in confusion.
“They don't believe we are coming for another four days,” Sarah replied and glared at her husband. “Your plan has worked.”
“You used Yarvine to trick them into dividing their numbers,” Thayle said in shock. “You intended to attack the center the whole time.”
“I did,” Gersius replied.
“The riverbank is too steep,” Lilly said. “Even if I freeze the water, our soldiers will have to climb that hill with those men attacking from above.”
“We are not going to the water,” Gersius replied and turned about to look at Chiune. “Governess Commander Chiune, can your women bridge that river for our cavalry and then lead the infantry across?”
Chiune smiled even as her head nodded. “It would be an honor, Lord Dragon Knight.”
“You're going to bridge it the way she got into the keep,” Lilly said. “We will be across the river before they can put on their pants.”
“Precisely,” Gersius said.
“But once we are over, the two armies will descend on us from both sides,” Thayle added.
Gersius nodded. “I am counting on it.” He turned and held a hand high, giving the order to prepare to charge.
“Not even going to wait for the sun to come up?” Sarah asked.
“Would you?” Gersius replied as they both smiled.
Sarah shook her massive head and looked at the distant camp. “I will light it up enough for our armies to see.”
Gersius turned to Chiune and nodded. “Go as quietly as you can. The moment the enemy calls out an alarm, I send the dragons in to occupy them.”
She nodded and silently gestured to her forces, leading them out at a fast trot. He watched them go then turned to Lilly and Sarah, eager to begin the fight. “Fly up and join Numidel and Shadros. I will use the bind to let you know when to dive on the camp.”
“You are a brilliant tactician,” Sarah said with an approving nod.
“Are you surprised?” he asked.
Sarah shook her mighty head. “I never expected anything less.”
Gersius watched her fly into the sky, followed by Lilly, soaring upward into the night to join the two dragons already circling in the clouds.
“What made you think of this plan?” Thayle asked in awe as the cavalry moved up to take the lead.
“Seeing your women in battle did. I realized the forces of Ulustrah have much more to offer than anyone was giving them credit for. After seeing Chiune in battle, I knew I had to open my eyes to the many ways your blessings could be used.”
“And you devised a plan to combine them with the other faiths?” Thayle asked.
“Yes,” he replied with a heavy heart. “Unfortunately, I only know how to limit our casualties. The other army will suffer terrible losses.”
Thayle put a hand on his shoulder as he watched Chiune's women divide into two wide columns, opening the road to the bridge. The enemy didn't notice their advance until the first green shields began to appear, then alarms rang out from the far bank.
“Calvalry charge!” Gersius ordered even before the bridge was complete. He turned his thoughts inward and focused on Lilly. She was too far to hear him, but not for him to pull on her strength. He drew just enough for her to feel it and begin the attack.
“Infantry on me!” he commanded. “At the quickstep, forward!”
They ran at a modest pace, the cavalry just reaching the bridge when the back of the camp exploded in bright light, a line of searing fire tearing across the ground. Clouds of white followed it as the camp erupted into chaos. Ten seconds later, the lead cavalry was across and spilling into the shattered ranks; the slaughter had begun.
The enemy resisted in small pockets, unable to form a cohesive line from the shattering attack. By the time Gersius was across with the infantry, the enemy was in full retreat, being run down by horses and dragons.
“The other forces are sure to see the fires,” Thayle said. “They will be coming.”
“They will be here just after sunrise to attack from two sides,” Gersius said. “We will be waiting.”
They both looked up as a man flew through the air, swept aside by Sarah as she touched down in a group of them.
“She is terrifying sometimes,” Thayle said in a gasp.
“She is,” Gersius replied. “And I am going to use that.”
Thayle sighed and led her infantry to secure the perimeter and heal any injuries. In the next half hour, the camp was secure, and his army waiting for word. It didn't take long for the scouts to report three armies were approaching. One from the north, another the south, and the third, a smaller group, approaching from the west.
“You should send us dragons to deal with the smaller force,” Sarah suggested.
“No, you will be needed to deal with the rival dragons here,” he replied, watching the sky.
Sarah's eyes went wide, and she too looked up, as did Lilly and Shadros.
“Do you think they will come?” Sarah asked.
“I am certain of it,” he replied. “This is an all out attempt to deny us entry to the empire. They will not spare using the dragons now that we are across.”
Sarah growled a low rumble and looked to the two smaller dragons behind her.
“You two stay with me and avoid anything large than your size. Numidel and I will handle the big ones. You work together and flee if needs be.”
“I am not leaving you in a fight,” Lilly argued. “I will avoid a dragon too big for me, but I am not going to abandon you when you need me.”
“Why are we fighting other dragons?” Shadros asked with a confused look.
“Because they hate Balisha,” Sarah said. “And we do not.”
“You do not,” Shadros said. “I have no cause to care for her.”
Lilly turned on him and glared into his eyes. “Your mother died to protect a sword meant to aid Balisha in her return. Are you going to see her sacrifice wasted?”
Shadros flared his nostrils and looked away, his aura burning with red. “I will follow you.”
Lilly breathed a sigh of relief, and the three took to the air to await the arrival of the enemy dragons. Gersius called Mingfe forward as Gams set about organizing the center to reinforce any line that faltered.
“I need the women in position,” Gersius said.
“You are sure this plan will work?” Mingfe asked.
Gersius nodded. “It will seriously limit our casualties and force our enemies into a dangerous position.”
“So be it,” Mingfe replied and began issuing orders to gather up the selected women.
Gersius watched as the men of Astikar formed into lines. Two on each side of the camp. Two women joined each man standing close together directly behind them. The enemy's army was larger and approaching from three directions. He would have to employ the pikemen, skirmishers, and Chiune's company to hold the road and keep the remainder of the women of Ulustrah in the center. These would be dispatched to plug holes and strengthen positions as needed. Gams would oversee the overall battle, allowing Gersius to lead the forces of Balisha personally. With the lines formed and the last decisions made, he stood tall and waited as horns began to blare.
“This plan of yours had better work,” Gams said as he joined Gersius's side.
“It will work. I have faith in it.”
“Faith is what your plan is all about,” Gams laughed.
“From the north!” a cry went up, and Gersius turned to see a dozen banners cresting a hill as lines of soldiers came over it.
“On the south!” came a second cry to reveal twenty banners of noble houses coming behind a small detachment of horses carrying heavy knights.
“The southern army is stronger. That heavy cavalry will cause serious harm,” Gams pointed out.
“I will take my forces to the south and reinforce them. Make sure the rest wait until I give the signal,” Gersius said and drew his divine blade. He turned to a group of women in silver and blue and gave them a firm nod. “Raise our banner. Let them know who they fight.”
A pole went up, revealing the nature of his army and their purpose to the world. The banner hung in a long rectangle with a rounded bottom. It was dived by a line that ran from the upper left to the lower right, with a white field above a purple one. Balisha's silver moon was in the center with a highly decorative blue dragon on the left and red on the right. Bellow in the purple field was a single prominent golden diamond. It was to signify that this was the first company of Balisha's battle priests, and they were not going to yield.
Cries of death to the traitor of Astikar echoed from all around as Gersius raised a hand high. A silver dragon's claw formed in the air and made a fist sending his forces into motion.
Priests of Astikar turned about and put their arms out around the pair of women behind them. They chanted in clear voices as red light formed in their palms and formed a ring. Thousands of red flashes went off as the rings raced down and formed a circle about the women now protected by a bulwark of faith. So long as the priest who cast the blessing lived, no enemy could cross that circle, and the women inside would be unharmed.
Orders to charge were given, and the enemy forces came racing in, eager to engage in battle. The priests of Astikar linked shields and formed a solid wall, two men deep, and waited for the tide to crash on them. Just before they reached the lines, green shields went up, and men slammed into them, breaking their charge and causing them to stumble out one at a time. They threw themselves on the shields of the priests of Astikar with no momentum or strength and died in droves. The women worked in pairs throwing up barriers of weeds and blocking green wards. Chains went up to stop men who were about to break through, leaving them easy targets. When a man was injured, he stepped back, allowing the man behind him to take his place. He then stood before his pair of women as they healed him before retaking his position as the second in line.
From the moment the first men died on those shields, Gersius knew the enemy had lost. It was a slaughter, and the fools realized they needed to target the women. Arrows flew, as well as blessings and weaves, raining down on the women just behind their lines. The air filled with sizzles and pops as red barriers of light flashed when a projectile was deflected. Not a woman was injured despite the hail of death coming from above. It was the perfect pairing, turning both faiths into a nearly unstoppable force.
“Lilly!” Sarah echoed in his mind causing him to look up. His eyes searched through the sky to count seven dragons circling above.
“Ayawa!” Gersius called, bringing the woman forward. “Are they ready?”
Ayawa nodded. “I have the southern warriors spread out all around the battlefield.”
Gersius pointed to the sky with a look of determination. “If any of those come low enough, fill them with arrows.”
Ayawa nodded and turned about, whistling to alert the men and women in waiting. Gersius continued to watch the sky as dragons breathed at one another and finally collided in a dance of death. Numidel was the first to score an impact, tangling with a blue near his size. The two began to claw and rake at one another while spiraling in a twisting flight. Sarah caught hold of a red, but her wing was raked by a second red a little smaller than Numidel. Lilly and Shadros looked tiny from here, but he could see them both trying to tear at the second red and part it from Sarah as it snapped viciously at them.
“Balsiha protect them,” Gersius whispered and turned his focus to the battle.
“Forces of Balisha on me,” he said as several hundred women and a few men formed up behind him. He lifted his helm and set it on his head before taking a deep breath. “We break the southern formation first. Then wheel round and assist with the advance on the west road.”
“For Balisha!” a woman called and was quickly answered by others as swords were drawn, and Gersius began to march toward the southern line. Thayle was leading that front brilliantly, fighting with the men of Astikar as if one of them. Gersius took his forces around their lines and turned the flank, crashing in from the side. Blessings of dragon claws led the way, tearing shields away from men and leaving them confused. The soldiers leading the charge drew on dragon strength and battered swords aside, cutting into the enemy with zeal. The air filled with frost, chilling muscle, and slowing the men as they froze inside their ice-cold armor. Rapidly Gersius and his forces cut a swath into the side of the formation, causing the line to buckle. The enemy commander alerted to the danger, sent in his priests of Astikar to resist the army of Balisha, and for the first time, a significant number of priests and priestesses met in battle. They charged in on their horses, but ice quickly covered the battlefield, toppling horses and men alike. The men rapidly reformed and pressed on, coming like a tide of doom, hurling hammers the whole way. They crashed into one another with fanatic determination; both sides committed to wiping out the other.
Immediately a woman of Balisha fell, the skill of the professional soldiers of Astikar shining through. Gersius drove on, cutting one man down, then another, determined to make them notice him. Blessings exploded all around as hammers of Astikar met dragon claws of Balisha. He was proud of the faithful fighting at his side and proud of the determination they showed even as some of their numbers began to fall. The air overhead filled with fire as one of the reds swooped low, Sarah firmly on its tail. Arrows flew from hidden locations, pelting the lead dragon to little effect. Gersius knew the scales of a dragon that size were thick and near immune to arrows. Still, the leathery wings were not, and a few dozen arrows would make flying painful.
He met a priest of Astikar with veteran stripes on his shoulder and took a moment to salute. The man snarled, hurling insults as he ran in, condemning Gersius as a traitor. He met the charge head-on, matching divine strength with dragon strength as the two began to dance with mighty swipes. For an instant, the world was gone, reduced to only these two men. Gersius looked into the eyes of his opponent, searching their depths for the character of his soul. All he saw was rage, a blind need to crush the enemy by any means necessary. It wounded his heart to admit it, but maybe Sarah was right. Blind faith wasn't faith. It was cowardice, allowing a man to hide behind a falsehood and place the blame of his failings on it. True faith was learned and disciplined, a finely honed understanding that wasn't open to confusion or misinterpretation. A quick thrust opened the man's guard, and a shield bash stumbled his feet. A moment later, his sword found the gap between chest and helm. The man fell with a gurgle, as Gersius coldly turned to find another.
To his right, the woman named Channi arrived. Her small group picked up a few members from among the militia, but they were still tiny compared to the enemy forces. Her line charged a group of priests, going for the strongest forces on the battlefield. The priests of Astikar linked shields prepared to meet them, but her front line stopped just short. Gersius was amazed to see what unfolded next, as the lead forces in her line buried their tower shields into the ground. The men directly behind them turned about and used their shields to create ramps that the soldiers behind ran up and leaped into the air. Mercenaries dropped behind the priests of Astikar, forcing them to break their line and turn. When they did, the mercenaries on the other side lifted shields and began to stab with spears. The poor priests were surrounded before they knew what was happening and quickly began to fall.
In minutes the truth was evident to anyone who had a chance to see the bigger picture. His lines were holding, the enemy unable to break the combined blessings of Astikar and Ulustrah. So long as his priests of Astikar stood, the women of Ulustrah were untouchable. So long as they stood, the priests of Astikar were near invulnerable. He gave the order to the faithful of Balisha, turning them loose to slaughter as he took stock of the situation.
The southern army was breaking, its number dwindling for no real gains against his lines. The flank was turned and being overrun, threatening to encircle and trap them against the river. Gersius was grateful the enemy was so eager to attack. Despite the strength of his lines and the cleverness of the strategy, it had one glaring weakness; it couldn't maneuver. Had the enemy chosen to engage at range or simply gone around, Gersius would have been forced to abandon the position. However, the enemy's overzealousness was his undoing, as they rushed in eager to press the line and push him back. They handed him all the advantages and played into his hand perfectly. Now that their numbers were thinned and fully committed, it was time for the second part of his strategy, ensuring they couldn't get away.
“Women of Ulustrah!” he shouted in a clear dragon voice that carried over the chaos of battle. “Trap them!”
A chorus of women's voices rose over the screams of the dying as thousands sang a sweet song. Behind the enemy's lines, walls of thick vines began to grow, forming a barrier to prevent retreat. The enemy soldiers immediately saw the danger, and panic began to sweep their lines. Those few lucky enough to be far enough back turned and fled, abandoning the doomed army.
Gersius spoke again, offering them a chance to surrender, but they cursed his name and called him a traitor. With eyes closed, he took a deep breath as Sarah's words echoed in his head. Mercy was still important to him, but perhaps mercy was best served by an example.
“Forces of the dragon knight,” he called with a voice devoid of compassion. “Slaughter them.”
The chains were off, and his army set to its grisly task. He resumed personally leading the forces of Balisha, smiling to see one of their maneuvers being put to good use. They could summon a spectral dragon's claw, about the size of one of Lilly's feet. With it, they could rake a distant enemy or push them back, but they could also grab. This allowed them to snatch wounded members of their order from under the enemy's feet, pulling them back to be healed.
He led the charge, cutting into the enemy that was now trapped. They quickly began to lose ground, and when they did, the women of Ulustrah switched to tangling their feet. Unable to reach the women and break the disruptions, they became easy targets, crying in rage as they were cut down.
When it was clear this battle was over, he turned his attention to the road. Taking the faithful of Balisha, he went to reinforce the men holding the approaching reinforcements. His advance was halted as a large form crashed to the ground before them. It was a great blue dragon, its body shredded by the claws of his rival. A moment later, Numidel also hit the ground, looking nearly as severely injured, and limped for a nearby crowd of priests. Acolytes and priests of Vellis were on hand to run to his aid, quickly calling on healing power.
Gersius felt apprehension from above and looked up to see the two larger dragons doubling up on Sarah. She glowed with orange light and threw them back with divine power as a hammer of Astikar formed in her hand. She sent one of the dragons to the ground with a mighty swing, a trail of blood following it like rain. The last dragon turned to run, but she hurled the hammer striking it in the back as it too crumpled and began to fall.
“She is as skilled in the air as she is on the ground,” Thayle said as she came up beside him.
“Sarah is a weapon of holy might,” Gersius commented. “And this battle will send a strong message to Calathen.”
Thayle nodded and put a hand on his shoulder. “This battle is over. I am moving these forces to assist with the northern fight.”
He agreed and resumed his march on the western road. The fighting there was more bloody, with conventional forces squaring off in the usual way. He ended that stalemate by bringing divine power down on his enemies and was assisted a minute later by Lilly and Shadros, now free of the battle in the sky. The enemy crumbled in moments, unable to resist the charge of Balisha's holy ones, combined with the might of the dragons diving on them. To the north was a similar picture, with Thayle attacking from the side while Sarah hit the enemy from above.
In an hour, it was all over. Three dragons and nearly five thousand men were dead. Scarcely a handful of the enemy escaped, mostly the leadership on horseback who fled early. They would run back to Calathen, spreading word of the disaster and that Gersius could not be stopped. Let the Father Abbot brood in his false security, knowing Gersius was coming.
It was only after the battle that the wagons and supply carts were brought over the far hills to stop at the river. The women of Ulustrah were exhausted, and forming another bridge with their shields was out of the question. They were forced to spend a dozen hours felling trees to build a crude but effective bridge and bring them over. Gersius was well pleased to see Yarvine survey the slaughter and realize she had a hand in it. He made a point of Gathering his army and announcing that the battle at Calathen would be much the same. So long as he and Thayle bore the swords of the divine, no one could stop them. The camp cheered with bloody weapons raised in Salute, but he saw the expression on Yarvine's face.
“So, what now?” Lilly asked as the last of the wagons crossed over, the sun low in the sky.
“We travel for an hour so we can camp outside this carnage,” he replied as Sarah touched down in the field to the side. She surveyed the damage and noted how complete the destruction of the enemy's army was. With a firm glare, she stomped over and looked down on him from high above.
“What happened to forgiveness?” she asked.
Gersius took a deep breath and looked up at his dragon wife as her blazing eyes judged him.
“I headed the wisdom of my wife,” he replied. “Her counsel was wise. An example made here might frighten the rest into standing down.”
“They will still fight at the city,” Sarah said. “And the tactic you used here will not help you.”
“I am aware,” Gersius replied. “Let us move the army and be away from this place. It isn't good for morale for the soldiers to linger in such slaughter.”
Sarah agreed and went to get her saddle, then paused and looked back. “Why don't you ride on your other wife.”
“What?” he said, looking up.
“I said you should ride on Lilly,” Sarah replied.
“Why?” he asked, not sure what she was getting at. Thayle took his arm and turned him about to see Lilly sitting nearby, watching with earnest eyes.
“Gersius,” Thayle whispered. “Let go of the battle and listen to your heart again.”
He was struck by the fact that in the moment of battle, he completely blocked the sensation of his wives. Even now, he felt nothing of them and had to look inward to feel the sensation flow. Lilly was hungry for his attention; her need calling to him with a clear voice.
“I see,” he replied as Thayle turned him loose. “I would like to ride on Lilly.”
Her eyes brightened as she stepped closer, lowering her head to nuzzle him. “I felt so worried to be away from you,” she admitted. “I don't like my loved ones being spread out in a battle.”
“You can't protect us all,” Gersius said as a hand came to her snout. “You have to focus on the task at hand and trust in us to do our part.”
“I want to take you all back to the valley and keep you safe forever.”
He smiled and planted a kiss on her nose that made her aura blaze with light. “Go and get your saddle, my love. We will lead the march and talk.”
“I suppose I can carry you,” Sarah said, looking down at Thayle.
“I have a better idea,” Thayle said with a smile. “Why don't you change so that we can ride on Lilly?”
“What?” Sarah sputtered.
“Then we can all be together,” Thayle suggested.
“If that is the desired outcome, you should all ride on me,” Sarah argued until she too felt the call of Lilly's heart. Her head turned to see the little blue dragon staring up at her.
“Please, Sarah,” Lilly begged. “I would love to carry you.”
With a huff, Sarah relented and agreed to change, taking her human form as Lilly returned with her saddle. Gersius helped Thayle into the saddle, then lifted Sarah before climbing up himself. Thayle now nestled comfortably into Sarah's chest as she was pulled to Gersius's.
“See, isn't this better?” Thayle asked as Lilly began her march.
“It only makes sense that you would ride on me,” Sarah pointed out. “I have a much bigger saddle.”
“Sarah, I have had a very stressful day. Please relax and enjoy the moment,” Thayle sighed.
Sarah nodded and wrapped an arm around Thayle, pulling her in tightly. “I am trying to enjoy the moment. I just wished to point out the error in logic.’
“There is plenty of room on Lilly,” Gersius replied as his mood began to dip. He turned back to look down the long line of wagons to see the distant one near the end.
“I know what your thinking,” Thayle said, interrupting his brooding. “I don't know why you won't let me kill her.”
“I do not want you to soil your hands with her blood,” Gersius replied as Sarah and Lilly read their thoughts.
“You're thinking that the enemy dividing their army is proof that Yarvine is working with them,” Sarah said as she looked over Thayle's head.
“You know she is,” Thayle remarked. “All of the trouble she has sown in the camp was to undermine our authority. She was trying to steal the forces of Ulustrah away from Gersius. She deserves to be publicly exposed and hung.”
“Thayle, please, this is not who you are,” Gersius insisted.
“No, it isn't,” Sarah agreed. “It's who I am. I didn't want to believe it at first, but now that I understand the double binding, I see it clearly. My being a part of your bind is harming you and changing your hearts.”
“That isn't true,” Thayle argued.
“Isn't true?” Sarah laughed. “Just a couple of days ago, you wouldn't hear of Yarvine being anything but a holy representative of your goddess. I join your bind, and now you desire to hang her with no remorse. I detect no hint of compassion in your voice, and I suspect if I had this aura sight, it would be lacking there as well.”
“A lot has changed,” Thayle said. “It wasn't all you and Yarvine. Much of it was Alayse and the events at the rose temple. She made me realize I couldn't afford to be so soft. I should have removed Alayse from command and returned here to shackle Yarvine and send her east for interrogation.”
“Child, this is not the same heart that won my love on the road,” Sarah replied. “I would rather leave your bind than see you change to become like me.”
“You can't do that,” Lilly insisted. “I love you.”
Sarah hung her head and let out a shuddered sigh. “I didn't know what that truly meant until just now. I love you too, and because I do, I will not allow my heart to damage your family.”
“Our family,” Gersius reminded her. “And it is not complete without you.”
“You slaughtered those men after arguing with me to show them mercy,” Sarah pointed out. “Lilly seems to be the only one not tainted by my presence.”
“I killed those men because I could see the fanaticism. I offered them a chance to surrender when it was clear they would not win. Their fanaticism drove them to fight on, desperate to resist me. It was at that moment I realized what a blessing you were to us.”
“I am a blessing to you?” Sarah asked in shock.
Gersius nodded and tightened his grip on her waist. “Thayle said it herself. We can't afford to be soft, even when our enemies are misled. Too much is at stake to be merciful and allow our enemy an advantage. I have been just as weak as Thayle, holding back and holding on to a hope that somehow I can win without shedding blood. The divines knew what they were doing when they sent you to us. We needed your heart in our bind to help us overcome that deep desire to hold back and do what needed to be done instead.”
“A powerful observation,” Sarah admitted. “I hadn't seen it that way before.”
“So I can kill her?” Thayle asked, shattering the mood.
“Not yet,” Gersius replied. “I assure you, Yarvine's days are numbered, but she has a role to play yet. Besides, the vision is clear. You are not the one who kills her.”
“You think Yarvine is the woman in the vision?” Thayle asked.
“I am certain of it,” Gersius replied.
“Then who is the woman that kills her?”
“If I tell you, it will burden your heart,” Gersius replied. “It will also make it difficult for you to keep the secret.”
Thayle looked away with a shake of her head, the displeasure palpable over the bind. “Which one of us did you get this sneaky nature from?” she asked.
“That part is of myself,” Gersius admitted. “My mother could tell you stories.”
“I want to meet this mother,” Thayle grumbled.
“So do I,” Lilly added as she looked back. “I can't wait for you to meet my mother.”
“I have met Ayawa,” Gersius laughed.
“You know I meant my birth mother,” Lilly stated. “I look forward to telling her how wonderful my husband and wives are.” She went to continue but stopped as all heads turned to Sarah, who felt decidedly uncomfortable.
“Is something wrong?” Thayle asked with a smirk.
“I hadn't considered the possibility that I would have to stand before another dragon and address her as mother,” Sarah replied. “I am not even sure how to explain this relationship.”
“What is there to explain?” Thayle teased as she nestled in tighter.
“Child, don't be ignorant,” Sarah quipped. “You know full well this relationship is unusual. A dragon does not take husbands or wives, and they certainly do not count humans among them. I have to wonder what Lilly's mother will think of this relationship, not to mention I will have to bow my head to a younger dragon.”
“Oh, my mother isn't younger,” Lilly interjected.
“Hush, child, there are no ancient dragons left. I have searched the dream for them extensively while I was trapped in that temple. I found only a tiny handful that was close to my age, nothing older.”
“But, my mother is older,” Lilly insisted.
Sarah huffed and put an arm around the woman leaning into her chest. “I suppose I had better learn to adapt. I have a relationship to honor.”
“You can take all the time you need,” Gersius insisted.
“What we need right now is to think about our next moves,” Sarah said, changing the subject to something she found more palatable. “What were our casualties in this fight?”
Gersius and Thayle smiled as he listed off the total losses. Sarah and Lilly were shocked to hear they suffered only eighteen deaths in a battle of thousands. If the goal had been to send a message, it had been sent loud and clear and would shake the foundations of the empire.
“Then the example has been made,” Sarah nodded. “Let's hope the fools ahead grow faint of heart and refuse to stand against you.”
“Let's pray they do,” Gersius added, hoping to avoid such wastes of human life in the future.
They stopped to make camp an hour later and hurriedly went about their chores. Gersius called all available members of the camp to a rousing speech where he boldly proclaimed their victory. With his wives at his side, he declared the enemy crushed and the few obstacles that remained in their path insignificant. This brought a great cheer from the camp, as they praised the dragon knights and his dragons. Again he reiterated that with the swords of the divine, nothing could stand in their way. He would shatter the gates of Calathen, and they would march into the city to claim their prize.
As the night descended, they parted ways, Lilly to her flock to pray for the souls of the two that were slain. Sarah to her few women who helped hold the road, and Thayle to a meeting with her leadership to discuss the bold strategy used to defeat the enemy. She also sent a messenger to Yarvine with a note instructing her to turn over the scryer in her wagon. Thayle expected the person to report to her directly. If not, she would come and drag them away.
Yarvine came herself, flanked by all six of her guards, dropping any pretense of being in charge. She argued that the scryer was her personal servant and not a tool of Thayle's bloody conquests. Thayle didn't care, and it took all her strength to look the woman in the eyes and not kill her where she stood. If not for Gersius and his plan to use her, she would be lying in a pool of her own blood. She demanded the scryer be turned over immediately, ignoring any further comment from Yarvine. It was then the woman grew bold, pointing to Thayle and mocking their plans.
“Do you really think you can shatter the golden gates with that sword?”
Thayle turned about, angry that Yarvine knew their plans and would warn the enemy. For whatever reason, Gersius wasn't concerned, but it caused her blood to boil, and that anger poured out.
“I will channel Ulustrah's power, opening a door for her to act. She will tear those gates from the walls and throw them down!”
“Even with the sword, you couldn't possibly channel so much divine power,” Yarvine countered. “Child of the goddess, heed my warnings. I may not have been a friend to you, but as a prime, I know the cost of wielding such power. You know as well that the human body is limited for a reason, and the price you pay will be dire. You will burn from the inside out, and even if you do survive, you will never be able to link again. Is your husband going to sacrifice your faith on the altar of his conquests?”
“Get out,” Thayle said in as calm a voice as she could muster, her hand instinctively reaching for the sword that was no longer at her waist. She grit her teeth as Mingfe put a hand to her shoulder to steady her. Yarvine took the hint and turned away, her guard flowing behind as they marched away.
“I have never seen you so angry,” Mingfe whispered.
Thayle took a calming breath and replied with a voice devoid of emotion. “I have refused to take a life for most of my time as a priestess. The ones I have been forced to take, I have lamented and prayed for forgiveness. But I tell you now. I would gladly kill that serpent and feel no remorse for it. It angers me that I must hold my hand.”
“And half the women of this camp would denounce you for it,” Mingfe said. “Let's hope your husband is right and her purpose isn't done yet. He seems to think she can be a powerful weapon in your hands.”
“Maybe,” Thayle replied. “But we are holding the blade while the enemy still has the pommel. If our grip on her slips, we will be cut instantly.”
“Then let us hope our grip is sure,” Mingfe replied.
Gersius set the sword of the dragon knight beside glitter root and stepped back. It was cleaned and polished, the blood of many washed from its surface. It was a terrible irony that a sword meant to symbolize Astikars power was now being used to slaughter his servants. He uttered a quiet prayer over the blade and bid the divines to guide him and protect the one who was about to act. With that, he left the meeting tent taking his guards to find Gams and make sure all was ready for the morning.
No sooner was he gone than shadowy figures began to slip in, using the entrance from the landing tent. Several of their numbers made their way to the wine table, while three prominent figures went directly to the private chambers. One of them wore a heavy cloak and hood, a silver bowl held firmly in hands. She went to the table where the sacred weapons rested and drew them from their bindings. Yarvine smiled as she raised the weapons high, allowing the candlelight to dance on the blades.
“Let's see you take the city without these,” she laughed and tossed them to the ground. “I will need only a few moments to complete the curse and break the weapon's power,” she said to her guards. “Make sure nobody enters this chamber until I am done.”
The guards nodded and moved away as Yarvine took up her bowl and began to chant. A pleased smile spread across her face, but a moment later, the expression fell, as did the bowl of blood from her hands. She looked down to see two blades sticking out her chest just before her assassin drew them back. With a scream, she fell as Gedris turned on the guards giving them little time to react. They drew swords, and with cries of rage, threw themselves into battle. The screams and shouts drew attention from outside the tent, and soldiers began to pour in, catching the others in the middle. They rushed into the private quarters to discover what was transpiring and quickly subdued all sides, dragging them out while runners were sent.
Ten minutes later, fifty members of the leadership, including Gersius and his wives, stood before the line of prisoners. Gedris stood among them as Tavis and Ayawa rushed in, demanding to know what had happened.
“This woman murdered the prime of Ulustrah,” one of the guards said.
“What?” Ayawa barked. “Gedris wouldn't have done such a thing. What were you fools doing in the tent anyway?”
“Prime Yarvine wanted to make peace and came to bless the holy weapons,” one of their numbers replied.
Gersius stood before Gedris and looked at her with a firm gaze.
“Tell us what happened.”
Gedris swallowed and relayed her story. “I was practicing in the yard behind the tent when Yarvine appeared. She was carrying a silver bowl and told me she had come to ask your forgiveness for her behavior and to bless the holy weapons and ensure your victory.”
One of Yarvine's guards smugly produced a pleased “hmm” but nearly choked when Gedris continued.
“She doesn't know I am a priestess of Ulustrah and could see the lie. I pretended not to be concerned and went back to my practice. They went inside, and I snuck to a door to watch what they did.” She paused and looked down the line of men and women in the armor of Ulustrah. “Yarvine and two of her guards went into your private chambers, while the others did something to your wine.”
Gersius snapped his head to the wine table and motioned two soldiers to guard it. He turned back to Gedris, who trembled under his gaze as he bid her continue.
“I moved to the wall of your private space and used a knife to make a small hole. Yarvine had your swords and was speaking over them. I could see her bowl clearly now, and it was full of blood. She told her guards that she needed only a few moments to complete a curse that would break the power of your weapons. I didn't know what else to do. If I raised the alarm, help might come too late to save them.” She began to cry as Gersius reached up and lifted her chin.
“Be at peace,” he whispered. “I can see your light. I know you are speaking the truth. Take a moment to steady yourself and tell us what happened next.”
Gedris nodded and relayed the rest. Yarvine ordered her guards to the doorway, creating an opening. In a panic, Gedris slipped under the tent and lunged, burying her blades in Yarvine's back. The scream they heard was her dying breath as she crumpled to the ground.
Gersius took her hand and pulled her out of line, taking her to Tavis and Ayawa.
“Take her and keep her safe,” he urged them.
“What do you plan to do?” Tavis asked.
“Please, take her away from here. I do not want her to see what is going to happen next.” Tavis nodded and put an arm around Gedris, leading her and Ayawa away. Gersius waited until they were gone, then turned his gaze on the six guards who stood in line before him.
“You poisoned the wine my wives drink,” he said in a voice that trembled with rage.
“We did no such thing,” one of the women said.
Gersius shook his head and walked through the assembled crowd to the table, taking up a bottle of wine and carried it back.
“Then you will have no objections to having a drink?”
The speaker went ridged as Gersius poured the wine into a glass and held it out. “I insist.” When she didn't willingly take the wine, Gersius handed the glass to Lilly and grabbed the guard, wrestling her to her knees and tying her hands. He took the wine glass and pulled the woman's helm and mask away to reveal the fearful eyes underneath. “You cannot lie to me,” Gersius raged, grabbing her jaw with a powerful hand. He squeezed until she cried out in pain and quickly drowned her in wine.
At first, the woman sputtered as she choked on the wine, but a moment later, her eyes glazed over, and she began to choke. In seconds she fell over, rolling to the side with lifeless eyes.
“They tried to assassinate you all,” Lengwin said from the side. “Even a prime of Ulustrah was aiding our enemies.”
“Yarvine may have been compromised, but these are not followers of Ulustrah,” Gersius said as he knelt and turned the woman's head, revealing the tattoo on the back of the neck.
“What does that mean?” Lilly asked.
“These are assassins, sent to protect Yarvine as she sowed discord in our camp, and worked to undermine us.” He sighed and looked to the surviving guards as his heart sank. “Thayle, I need you to bring these fools to your army and make them answer the questions you need answered. Prove to your women that Yarvine has betrayed Ulustrah and worked with these assassins to undermine your authority. Their truth will finally put an end to the divisions in your camp.”
“Then what?” Thayle asked.
“Though they tried to poison us, and I want to punish them myself, their deaths will make a greater example to your camp. They came in masquerading as followers of your goddess and attempted to destroy your command. When you are finished wringing the truth from them, deal with them as their crimes deserve.”
Thayle nodded and went to lead the prisoners away when Gersius called to stop her.
“After the example is made, I want every member of this camp questioned again. Sarah and Lilly will be on hand to deal with anyone who refuses. Make them proclaim they are with us and test their light. Any that fail are to be executed.”
The dire look in Thayel's eyes told him she understood, and he waved the soldiers off, leading the prisoners to their deaths.
“You knew this was going to happen,” Lilly said as the crowd began to disperse.
“I saw Thayle's vision,” he replied. “I knew Gedris was destined to kill Yarvine from the moment I saw you two sparing.”
“You intentionally told them about the swords to draw her out,” Lilly added. “You planned all of this.”
“He most certainly did,” Sarah said with a smile. “He is a very cunning man.”
“But why allow any of this to happen?” Lilly asked. “Why put anybody at risk when you knew?”
Gersius turned and walked up to take her hands. “If I killed Yarvine and proclaimed that I knew she was going to betray me, many of the women would have revolted. If I allowed Thayle to kill her with no proof, the outcome would have been worse. The divines were not warning us that the swords were going to be stolen. They were warning us that Yarvine was going to expose herself and the swords were the key.”
Lilly nodded but still looked confused, so he continued.
“I used Yarvine's betrayal to our advantage. Now we have prisoners who can testify that Yarvine was a liar, and we have a powerful lie in our favor.”
“What lie?” Lilly asked.
“The lie of how I am going to invade Calathen. Yarvine obviously believed it, or she would not have come for the swords. By now, she has sent several messages to warn them of the plan in the event that she failed. Our enemies will be ready, waiting for us to use the vines to open the doors. They will undoubtedly have an army waiting in the courtyard in the event the gates do fall. I am hoping they will be foolish enough to place the bulk of their best soldiers here.”
“But that is what we are going to do, isn't it?”
“I am not going to use the swords to shatter the gates,” Gersius said. “I have a better plan.”
“You lied to us about your plan?”
“He told you he was keeping secrets and would explain it when the time was right,” Sarah interrupted. “Don't you see why it was so important you not know?”
“No,” Lilly said with a shake of her head.
Gersius rubbed her hands and opened his heart. “I am sorry I had to keep this from you, but it was too important. If I told you the truth and an agent loyal to Yarvine asked, she would have seen the light of your lie. I needed you to believe that this was my plan all along, so any questions you answered would be truthful.”
“Oh,” Lilly said and looked away. “You were afraid Yarvine would discover the lie by asking one of us.”
“Exactly,” Sarah said. “He told me only because he knew Yarvine or her agents wouldn't dare approach me, but you and Thayle are different. You are very accessible to the camp, and Thayle has already admitted to being asked that question many times.”
“I understand,” Lilly admitted and looked into his eyes. “How will you do it then?” she asked in a whisper.
Gersius leaned over and planted a kiss on her lips that she eagerly welcomed. His hand came to her cheek as he leaned back and smiled to see those beautiful blue eyes.
“I will tell you soon, but you are not going to like it,” he replied.
“If you don't tell me soon, you're not going to like it,” she countered.
“He hasn't even told me this part. I believed his lie about the swords,” Sarah added as Lilly smiled.
Gersius sighed and looked at Sarah with a slight smile. “I am sorry, but you will not like it either.”
“Then perhaps it is the wrong approach,” Sarah argued.
Gersius knew there might be another way, but not a better way. If his plan worked, the enemy would be devastated before they knew what hit them. With a heavy heart, he set about the task of ordering the bodies removed and all of Yarvine's remaining possessions seized. The thorn in his side was removed, and her deception turned against his enemies. Only time would tell how successful it was and what price would be paid at the gates of Calathen.
Comments
Sam4005
You made me happy 😊, shes finally gone, praise the you !!! XD ty for chapy, was a good one
WhiteRabbit
Finally! Wish Gedris took longer on her lol
