Omnixius
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DKP 5-30 I am in command
🕑 Added 2020-08-28 21:47:58 +0000 UTC
The meeting went on for hours as Gersius organized his command structure. Gams was his second in command and would oversee the day to day operations of the army. He would also organize the forces into fighting units according to how Gersius planned to use them. The women of Ulustrah would be organized under Thayle and as a separate army, and she would appoint her own commanders.
Yarvine attempted to put herself into that position and suggested she should appoint the commanders. Thayle tried very politely to convince her otherwise, but Yarvine insisted that she command the woman of Ulustrah. Gersius intervened and made it clear Thayle was in command. He pointed out that Lengwin was the highest-ranking member of Astikar present, and did not lead the military arm.
Yarvine remained cordial even as she argued that the forces of Ulustrah were not organized in the same fashion. Gersius pressed her, stating that Thayle was chosen by Ulustrah herself to be her champion, and by Balisha to be a dragon knight. She would not be second to anyone except the divines. If Ulustrah disagreed, she could take it up with him. Thayle looked alarmed at his challenge of Ulustrah, but Yarvine only nodded and smiled as she relented.
Lengwin then took over the meeting, laying out his new organization, and the changes. This included the colors and the open invitation to women to join the order. The changes caused a few comments, but Sarah was on hand to stress she was Astikar's champion. There would be no denying that women belonged in the order. She commented on her desire to hunt down and destroy the raven guard and was quickly mocked. Yarvine tried to argue that the raven guard was loyal to Astikar and not her enemy.
The mood in the room went dark as Sarah reiterated her desire. They would all burn, and she would be the one to burn them. Astikar could judge their loyalty when they stand before him. Gersius added to her desire stating that he would not allow them to continue. They were going to be judged and sentenced with the same level of mercy they themselves showed.
The meeting ended, and the members parted. Gersius pulled Tavis and his family aside to speak to them privately. He was worried about Prime Yarvine and wanted to know what they thought of her. Their response only made him more concerned when they explained how she nearly destroyed her army twice. They described in detail Yarvine's terrible decisions. She refused to accept or heed the warning about the dragon. Then refused to allow the army to be roused and moved to a defensible position when it was confirmed they were about to be attacked. He heard how she callously discarded the equipment captured on the road because it was of Astikar. Ayawa went to great lengths to point out that it nearly ruined their escape. Yarvine might be a chosen of Ulustrah, but she was arrogant and proud, believing her titles to be more important than tactical decisions. She interfered with the first company leader, even threatening to strip her command for not following her orders. Gersius was rather impressed with their accounting of this Chiune and her skill in battle. She sounded like a solid leader with a good mind for tactics. He was even more taken when they explained that she claimed to be specialized in cracking fortifications. It was Chiune who used the shields to cross the walls of the keep so easily.
He was troubled by their account of Yarvines dire need of privacy, even going so far as to have a warded wagon to prevent magical spying. She had six masked bodyguards who never spoke or interacted with the other priestesses. Two guarded her wagon at all times, two guarded her, and two were usually asleep, working in rotation.
Gersius turned to Thayle and Gedris for advice as to why a prime would behave so strangely. Thayle was of the mindset that she was paranoid after narrowly escaping Calathen and then the lands around it. Likely the woman was bitter about the state of affairs and even blamed him for it. He was inclined to agree, but Gedris had a very different opinion. To Gedris, Yarvine was false, choosing her words carefully to avoid saying anything that could be tested as a lie. In one instance, she did lie, by suggesting that she knew little about him. Gersius couldn't think of a time when he had met Prime Yarvine, but they didn't need to meet to know about him. Thayle spent years in her little temple, and she still knew his name and some of his legend.
Gedris was careful to impress the opinion that Yarvine had another agenda. Ayawa agreed and thought of the carrier pigeons being used to send messages. Gedris then reminded them that Yarvine had her own scryer, secreted in the mysterious wagon.
Thayle urged caution when dealing with her. She didn't want to upset Yarvine any more than was necessary. A prime deserved respect even if she wasn't a good battlefield commander. Gersius was willing to grant this provided Yarvine made no further effort to undermine Thayle's command. She was a champion, a general, a dragon knight, and his wife. She would be empress one day, and Yarvine would learn to respect that.
He could see the conflict on his wife's face and the distress in her aura. She felt angry and confused over the bind as she tried to ensure he and Yarvine didn't battle one another. He suggested contacting Eastgate and talking to Prime Arlin to let him know Yarvine was with them and questioned his decisions. Thayle didn't want to send such a message, but Gersius pressed her. Yarvine needed to get out of the way so they could win the war. Her meddling would only make it harder and lead to unnecessary deaths.
He then called an end to the tense discussions and moved on to planning the advance. He wanted Ayawa and Tavis to take command of the scouting and reconnaissance. They agreed and pointed out that many southern warriors were with them. They would make excellent scouts and considerably increase their effectiveness. Gersius was all too happy to hear that. He bid them make use of the warriors then sat down with a map of the lands leading up to the empire.
He wanted to take a path directly into the empire, marching head-on for Calathen. He would stop in several major towns and cities to pacify them and to make demands. Any territory that resisted his advance would be conquered, and its rulers removed. The nobility that stood against him would be made to pay a fine or lose their titles and holdings. Tavis and Ayawa looked concerned at his plan, pointing out that looting wasn't in his nature.
He took a moment to settle their nerves and explained that the money was needed. It would ensure people didn't starve in the coming winter and guarantee his victory in Calathen. If he could think of any other way, he would avoid making such demands, but there was no other way. The road to Calathen would be blocked at every turn, and no doubt, the kingdoms were prepared to fight. There was one he was thought might not, a land ruled by a man with strong ties to his family. He hoped that tie would give him some room to negotiate and avoid bloodshed. Tavis didn't think it would matter and reminded him the Father Abbot had a persuasive club with the raven guard. If false priests were bolstering their numbers, then the kingdoms were doomed no matter which side they chose.
The matter of his sister came up, and a brief discussion of searching for her. As much as he wanted to find and protect her, he knew there wasn't time or sufficient manpower. He needed every soldier he could muster on the march, and couldn't risk sending out thousands to hunt for one woman. The blue-haired woman was more interesting, but ultimately she too would have to wait. Whatever role she played in this would have to be discovered later.
The path he picked would take him through only three major provinces of the empire before reaching the heartlands where Calathan stood. There was some discussion about pressing some of the southern regions, particularly if he failed to gather enough wealth in the three previous kingdoms. Once the city was taken, he would send Gams with most of the army to the border keeps. Gams would reinforce their lines while Gersius organized the empire and raised a second army. It was hoped this would take no more than two months, but if provinces resisted or marched against him, it might take longer.
Tavis brought up that the enemy could bypass the border keeps and attack anywhere. Gersius understood and, as part of his war efforts, would insist that every province keep a detachment of cavalry for rapid deployment against such forces. It was the best he could do under the circumstances, pointing out that taking the war to the Doan was the only way to end it.
Thayle reminded him that there would be tens of thousands of women in camps all across the empire. He hadn't forgotten and had plans to force their immediate release and restore them to homes and temples safely. He was more concerned about the coming harvests across the empire that were now deprived of their blessings. More so, husbands and sons who were once labor on farms, mills, and manufacturing were languishing as guards in these camps. How much vital material was being lost while men and women sat idle? How long would it take to get those materials flowing again? And, how much of it would be done before the winter set in?
None of them could answer the questions, and it soured the mood. Gersius decided to end the discussion, stating he wanted to meet some of these others. In particular, he wanted to talk to Two Crows, Chiune, and Jessivel. He wanted to ask Jessivel about his sister, having been unwilling to bring it up in the meeting. He didn't want such a personal matter exposed to the general population.
They parted, and he took a moment to speak to his wives. Thayle wanted to spend time with Yarvine to help soothe her concerns. He agreed and wished her well, turning to speak to Lilly. He needed her to make an effort to learn the weave and asked her to begin right away. She kissed his cheek and hurried off to catch up to Tavis and see if he could teach her now.
He spent the next few hours searching the camp with a bodyguard of his own. A woman of Ulustrah and man of Astikar accompanied him everywhere. He was concerned at the sudden influx of strangers who had not been put to the test. The members of his camp were questioned by Thayle and a select group to test their loyalty. There were now thousands who had not been tested, and little time to organize the effort. He brought up the idea of testing them all, but Thayle said it would take weeks. In addition, her heart was set on having a small party for Tavis and Ayawa to welcome Gedris to their family. Organizing mass testing of all the new faces would make that impossible. There was always too much to do, and time was so precious now.
He found the southern man Two Crows and was impressed by his size and demeanor. The man was solid as the stone of the earth and direct with his words. He too cautioned Gersius to be wary of Yarvine saying the woman was a poison in the stew. A term that, although unfamiliar, delivered the intended meaning. Two Crows admitted to spying on her and having her men watched. It would appear that Yarvine had Tavis and Ayawa under almost constant scrutiny as well, particularly Ayawa. He couldn't say why, but one of her guards was often assigned to watch Ayawa closely.
Gersius didn't like the sound of that at all and didn't see why Yarvine would care about Ayawa. Certainly, Ayawa didn't care about her and was grateful that she was his problem now. He pondered this mystery when Two Crows pointed out that his people were still watching her. She had dispatched a pigeon, not twenty minutes after returning from their meeting. Gersius nodded, now profoundly concerned with who she was communicating. A pigeon could fly great distances to its roost and easily reach friendly and hostile ears. Whoever it was, they couldn't be contacted by scryer, or she would certainly use that method instead. He thanked Two Crows for his aid on the road and continued service to the army and made his way. He decided there was a new person to speak with and made his way to the camps of Ulustrah. He sought out the tent set aside to act as a temple and the private space in the back where Jaylis sat.
The scrawny bald man was where he always was, sitting with his legs crossed, staring into a bowl of water. Gersius entered the small private space, drawing the curtain closed as the man looked up.
“My Lord Dragon Knight,” he said with a nod of his head. “What brings you this day?”
“I want to ask you a question,” Gersius said. “Have you ever spoken with the temple in Calathen?”
Jaylis nodded his bald head. “Many times, my lord.”
“Who is the scryer there?”
Jaylis's face twitched for a moment, and a flashing appeared above his head, indicating a choice was being made. Gersius wondered why that question brought about a strong decision, but Jaylis answered before he could ask.
“His name is Malson, an old scryer like myself, I believe.”
Gersius nodded as Jayliss aura pulsed with the light of truth. “Do you know if Yarvine’s scryer is this Malson?”
Jaylis scratched at his chin as the flashing returned. Gersius didn't like where this was going but kept a calm face, unwilling to betray his concerns.
“I have not been made aware she had a scryer with her,” he lied.
Gersius played along, nodding his head as if unaware of the lie. Most of the camp didn't know he and Lilly had the aura sight, and that was paying off now.
“Do you think you could find out for me?” he asked. “I would like to know if we have two scryers. It will make relaying messages much quicker.” It was the truth and showed no lie in his light. He did want to be sure there were two scryers, and it would help with relaying messages. Jaylis didn't need to know that it was also to answer a nagging question.
“Of course, my lord. I will see if I can learn who this man or woman is.”
Gersius let it go with that and left the tent, picking up the two guards outside the door. “I was never here,” he told them as he walked past silent nods and led them into the camp. Since he was among the tents of Ulustrah, he sought out Chiune. She wasn't in the outer camp, and he was forced to hunt for her inside the walls. At last, he found her arguing fiercely with Captain Sallins about the disposition of supplies and the care of noncombatants.
“I hope I am not intruding,” he said as he walked upon them.
Sallins immediately fell into a bow. “Not at all, my Lord,” he said solemnly.
Chiune hesitated but bowed her head. “It is an honor to speak to you.”
Gersius nodded ever so slightly and then took a resolute stance. He questioned them both about the road here, and what their orders were. Sallins was supposed to be moving east to take part in shutting down the west road to Eastgate. The Father Abbot wanted the tide of women flowing from the east stopped. He admitted that he should have been part of that army that met Chiune’s women on the road.
He stumbled on one of the camps by accident and was shaken by what he saw. He demanded that the women be held in better conditions and cared for properly but was flatly refused. He was torn between his orders and the desire to march back to Calathen to report on the conditions when Jessivel arrived. Jessivel showed him the truth, and Sallins immediately switched sides. He could not bear the shame that was being visited on the order of Astikar.
Chiune and her force was the very army of women Sallins was sent to prevent getting through. Her orders were to meet Thayle at a city right on the border of the empire. Gersius questioned why that city had been chosen, and she couldn't answer. All she knew was what the scryers told her, and that her destination was there, as was Alayse of the second company.
Gersius knew that name from Thayle, who had a sordid history with the woman. Thayle admitted to having once been her lover, and nearly her partner. The two were very close until Thayle refused to be her second in command and choose a simpler path. Thayle and her began to fight aggressively over it, and it tore them apart. Still, by Thayle's accounting, this Alayse was an excellent leader and fighter with a temper to match her sword skill. She was also fearless and quick to draw blood, something he could use but had to be carefully controlled.
He asked Chiune how she felt about being under Thayle's command, and the woman admitted she didn't like it. She had years of active combat experience on Thayle and felt the position should be hers. However, she was quick to admit that it was clear the divines wanted Thayle, and as such, she was ready to follow. Gersius thanked her for her open and honest words and asked one more question. Where did she find Yarvine?
Chiune looked annoyed for just a moment before answering. Yarvine was on the road heading east as they were coming west. She traveled in a full wagon, with six guards and two others, a man and a woman. The man was a scryer named Malson and was most often inside the wagon. The woman was a handmaid, who saw to the Prime's needs and did her laundry.
Gersius was pleased to learn the name of the scryer and decided to ask another question. How did Yarvine escape Calathen?
Chiune replied with fragments of a story about how Yarvine wasn't in Calathen when the fighting broke out. She was in the countryside visiting friends when the order to act against Ulustrah was given. A friend sent warning, and she fled immediately, heading east as fast as she could.
“Do you not think it is odd that she made so little progress?” he asked, noting how little ground she covered in the time since that command was given.
Chiune shook her head. “I honor my prime as best I can, but I do not doubt that she dawdled and dragged her feet. She acts as if this war will not harm her because she wishes it not to. She interferes in all my decisions and countermands many of my orders. She has been a thorn in my side since she arrived. I would not be surprised to find out she spent more time reprimanding people on the road than traveling it.”
Gersius could see the strain on Chiunes face to speak so about a prime of Ulustrah. He took a hard stance and looked her directly in the eyes to offer her some solace.
“You are under Governess Commander General Thayle's command now. If Yarvine wishes to interfere with your or your orders, she will have to take it up with Thayle.”
“I understand, Lord Dragon Knight,” Chiune said with a dip of her head.
He hoped that would be enough but sincerely doubted it. He'd seen meddling high priests and bishops in the order of Astikar as well. Men who were sure their rank in the order somehow gave them insight to lead in battle. He had trouble with a bishop Divek, who was certain Gersius wasn't fit to lead. Likely, Yarvine would work to establish herself as the leader of the forces of Ulustrah, with Thayle as her second in command like Gams was to him. Gersius would not allow it under any circumstances, even if he had to send her away. Sarah could deliver her to Eastgate to be rid of her meddling if needs be. His mind turned back to Alayse and the second company. If those women were on the move, they might be at the meeting point already. He would need to send scouts to find out and deliver instructions to meet them on the march.
“If you don’t mind my asking,” Chiune began, interrupting his thought. “What is this red light that loops around you? Why does it gather around your wives as well?”
He wanted to laugh at how that always drew strange looks from the followers of Ulustrah. He decided to share the secret of it, but bid her keep it to herself.
“I am bound to Lilly, as is Thayle. The light is the magic of the bind, showing to whom I am linked.” He left out the fact that Lilly was bound to him in return, but it wasn’t a lie, only an omission. She would see nothing in the light to alert her that anything was amiss. He wasn’t sure if he could trust her yet, but her honesty had thus far been impeccable. He would keep an eye on her, to make a close friend and ally provided her intentions proved genuine.
He made his farewells and went looking for his final confrontation. Jessivel's camp was easy to find, with tents emblazoned with white eyes in red stars. His men looked up as he passed, standing at attention and bowing heads as Gersius made his way to the largest tent. The guard at the front poked his head inside to announce his approach and then pulled the flap wide for Gersius to pass. Gersius was impressed by the look of these men; they were attentive and disciplined with a readiness to them. He knew that the seekers often recruited the most inquisitive and diplomatic of the order. Then trained them to be able to stand before kings and ask pointed questions without causing insult.
He walked into the tent to find Jessivel leaning over a table with his second in command Herris standing at his side. The two men looked aggravated as if having just been in an argument. He came to stand before them, looking across the table as the two exchanged a tense glance.
“I have a few questions for you,” Gersius said when neither man acted.
“Of course,” Jessivel said. “We were just finishing our conversation.”
Herris glanced at him to indicate that wasn't true, but Gersius paid it no mind. He took on a looming stance studying the men across the table. “Ayawa says you questioned some of the guards in the camps you liberated. You discovered that they were seeking a woman, my sister. What else have you learned about that?”
“Nothing,” Jessivel replied. “The guards only heard snippets and were asked a few vague questions. They used her name and a brief description in a vain effort to find somebody who noted her passing. They also believed she might have been mistaken for a priestess of Ulustrah and placed in a camp.”
“So you know nothing about where she was seen or going?” he pressed.
Jessivel cleared his throat and shook his head. “I know she is going east and is supposed to have escaped the empire into the common lands. However, they were given a new task before they did much searching.”
“The woman with blue hair,” Gersius interjected.
Jessivel nodded. “They seem to be very upset at her presence. They don't want a woman name Carrigara and this Hellen to meet.” Jessivel leaned on the table and looked at Gersius with deep concern. “Now that I see this dragon of yours and her hair, I can assume this other woman is a dragon as well.”
“That is a safe assumption,” Gersius replied. “However, none of my dragons know who she is.”
Jessivel looked lost in thought for a moment before his attention came back. “How much of your family is still in the empire?”
“None,” Gersius replied. “When the Doan attack came, I was sent in immediately. My sister was already cut off and trapped. My parents and extended family made haste to move east even as I was deployed to the front. My father suspected this war was going to be more than it appeared and moved quickly.”
“Then he knew something,” Jessivel interrupted. “He must have suspected some trouble.”
“My family likes to be prepared. It is why their trading network extends to the silver isles. They like to have safe havens to retreat to when circumstances call for it.”
Jessivel nodded and glanced back to Herris before speaking. “Both women are moving east and being hunted by the raven guard.”
Gersius couldn't deny this was strange but easily coincidental. That the blue-haired woman had tried to gain access to the palace was the most alarming fact. What purpose did she have in trying to speak to the king regent? He looked up to see both men watching him and then leaned over the table himself to meet that gaze.
“Tell me about the assassins again.”
Jessivel related the entire story about how they were meant to capture him and his dragon if they could. Nobody knew where Gersius had fled to after Eastgate with the two most common guesses being the south common lands or the far east. Gersius decided to share his tale of crossing the mountains to the north, riding on Lilly's back. He left out Numidels temple and a great many details, but his account made the men nod.
“Had I known you and she were so close, I might have guessed,” Jessivel sighed and then looked into his eyes. “Gersius, I meant what I said. I had no idea what they were planning. I even tried to warn you that Dellain was after your posting.”
The light of his aura reflected the truth, but Gersius didn't soften his expression one bit. He kept his eyes firm as he leaned up from the table and folded his arms. “I believe you, but there is much pain linked to those fateful orders. Lilly is very angry at you for sending us there.”
Jessivel bowed his head. “I was only following orders, I thought were just.”
“And I obeyed those orders believing I would be safe in the arms of my brothers.” His face betrayed him as his pain came to the surface. Both men looked confused, and even a bit worried as Gerisus dismissed his guards to wait outside. Once they were gone, he turned back to the two men and made them promise what he was about to tell them never left that tent. When they nodded, he explained in great detail what happened when he arrived at Whiteford. They had already heard bits of it from Tavis and Ayawa, but both men went pale at the description of butchery and torture. Herris even turned away, walking to the far side of the tent, unwilling to show his face.
“I have no idea how to ask you to forgive me,” Jessivel said when the tale ended.
“You do not need forgiveness,” Gerisus replied. “You were doing as you were told by a man you should have been able to trust. Your only sin is how smugly you delivered those orders. You were very pleased to see me sent running by your command.”
“That is my shame,” Jessivel said with a lowered head.
“There is a way you can make it up to me,” Gersius replied.
“How?” Jessivel asked as Herris finally turned around.
“As much as I want to find my sister, the woman with blue hair is more important. She and this Carrigara are linked somehow, and I need to know more about them. You have a network of spies spread across the land, do you think you could use them safely?”
“To find out more about our mystery women?” Jessivel asked with a nod. “There will be some risk, but I am sure I could learn something.”
“Good,” Gersius said with a relieved tone. “I am concerned that this dragon went to the palace. I am concerned that the Father Abbot is so frightened of her that my sister is a lower priority. I suspect she can shed some light on many of the mysteries that are still haunting us.”
Jessivel agreed, and Herris began to suggest places to begin looking when Gersius had another thought. “Oh, and I have been made aware that Ulustrah's second company should be on the march to the empire's border. I do not like how these armies of Ulustrah were told to meet Thayle where she was never going to be. See if you can learn anything about where they currently are. I will send Sarah to investigate the town and see if they are there now.
“Why were they sent there in the first place?” Jessivel asked.
“I have no idea,” Gersius replied. “But I intend to find out. I will have the scryer contact Eastgate and ask why they were sent. In the meantime, see if you can learn anything about this scryer Yarvine has.”
“I have already tried to speak with him,” Jessivel said. “He is guarded like a prisoner, and not permitted to speak to anyone but Yarvine.”
More concerning news that didn't sit well with him. Prime Arlin was open, accommodating, and eager to help. Yarvine was his opposite, being closed, secretive, and quick to hold back. Maybe she was the one he needed to speak to next. He made his final comments and picked up his guards outside to hunt for Yarvine. He used the feeling of Thayle in the bind to guide his steps and found her walking out of the second gate.
Thayle looked angry and upset, feeling strongly of both over the bind. He called to her, and she brightened just a little then felt worried as he approached.
“I take it you spoke to Yarvine,” he said before she could get a word out.
“I did,” she said with a downcast face. “She is not happy that I am leading the forces of Ulustrah. She wants me to make a statement to establish her as the leader of Ulustrah’s forces with me as one of her commanders.”
“No,” Gersius said flatly. “I made that point clear in the meeting.”
“She is a prime,” Thayle argued. “She was chosen by Ulustrah herself.”
“Then, you need to sit in prayer and ask Ulustrah to send me a sign because I will not allow it otherwise,” he said firmly. “I will go and make sure Yarvine understands.”
“Gersius, please,” Thayle begged, putting a hand to his chest. “She is an honored leader of our faith. We don't need to be seen insulting a prime when we need my sisters' cooperation.”
“You are her champion,” Gersius said, putting his hands to her shoulders. “You carry her sword and her favor into battle. If Yarvine wants to lead, let her prove her worth in battle, not cower behind her lines.”
“Gersius, people might hear you!” Thayle said, glancing at the woman of Ulustrah that was his guard.
“Do not worry about me,” the woman said. “I will follow you over Yarvine without question.”
Gersius smiled, but Thayle felt no better at east over the bind. He pulled her into a hug and held her tight. “You were chosen to lead by Ulustrah. You will dishonor that if you yield to Yarvine. If I do nothing to settle this matter, it will only grow worse. Did you send that message to Eastgate?”
“I did,” Thayle said with wet eyes.
He rubbed her back, holding her tight. “I need you to send another. Ask why the first and second companies were ordered to march. I want to know why that location was chosen when they had no idea where you were.”
“Are you suspicious of their orders?” Thayle asked.
Gersius held her out and arm's length and looked her firmly in the eyes. “Our enemy has proven that lies and deception are his best weapons. Your strongest forces were ordered to move a location close to the enemy with no support. They would be isolated and easily cut off. Sallins was ordered to intercept the first company on the road, and I suspect a similar ambush was waiting for the second company.”
“They were ordered to their destruction?” Thayle asked as she considered it. “We don’t even know where the second company is? What if they left the city days ago? They might already be there.”
“We do not know anything,” Gersius agreed. “For all we know, they are surrounded and being destroyed as we speak.”
“We have to find out!” Thayle cried. “Alayse might need help!”
Gersius nodded. “I planned to send Sarah and Numidel tonight to observe the town from above. I have already asked Jessivel to see if he can learn something useful.”
Thayle felt worried but for a whole new reason now as he reminded her there were bigger problems than Yarvine. “Could you go and find Sarah and ask her if she would investigate the city for me?” Thayle nodded but didn’t say anything as worry ran wild in her aura. “And contact Eastgate and see if we can find out why they were sent there.”
“I will do that right away,” Thayle said the concern apparent in her voice.
“One more thing,” Gersius said before she hurried off. “Where is Yarvine?”
Thayle gave him directions, and he promised to be respectful as Thayle ran to send her message to Eastgate. He watched her go a moment before turning to face the woman who escorted him.
“If what I am about to do is a conflict for you, I will not be offended if you do not wish to be present.”
“I am sworn to protect you,” the woman said. “Yarvine can not order me to break my oath.”
Gersius nodded and glanced at the priest of Astikar, who nodded in agreement. With a deep breath, he set out to find the woman that needed to learn she wasn't in charge.
Thayle conveyed the new message to Jaylis as her stomach turned in knots. Gersius always saw things from a unique perspective, and his insights proved to be right far too often. Jaylis promised to let her know the moment a reply was received, and she hurried to find Sarah.
It didn't surprise her to find Sarah with Lilly as Tavis went over a weave. Lilly was beside him, trying to follow the motions as he walked her through the mechanics. Sarah seemed fascinated with Tavis and his use of the weave, asking him what his focus was.
“I need to speak with you,” Thayle said, interrupting their conversation.
“Do you have more bad news for me?” Sarah asked, causing a glance from Tavis as Thayle gestured with her head to pull Sarah aside.
“I would like to speak to you again,” Sarah said with a nod to Tavis as he smiled and went back to teaching Lilly. Sarah then turned to Thayle and took a few steps away, watching her with narrow eyes.
“Gersius needs your help,” Thayle began with a nervous glance at Sarah. Sarah's face showed no reaction, but her aura was filled with red, annoyed at Tahyle's words.
“What does he need?” Sarah asked.
Thayle explained his suspicions, and Sarah's aura began to relax. She agreed that moving the armies independently to a remote location closer to the enemy than support was suspicious. She then asked a question that made Thayle even more worried.
“Could the first company have been sent to link up with the second before moving?”
Thayle realized that not only could it have been possible, but it would also have been easy.
“Yes, it would have been simple.”
“This is a setup,” Sarah said firmly. “Somebody sent your armies to be destroyed.”
Thayle sighed and shook her head in irritation. “You and Gersius think exactly alike.”
“I would bet my hoard Yarvine know’s who,” Sarah added. “Lord Gersius should speak with her, and you should contact your prime, see if he knows anything about the orders.”
Thayle couldn't believe how quickly she jumped to the same conclusions as he did. “He is already speaking to her, and please call him Gersius. You are not expected to address him with a title.”
Sarah's face finally soured at Thayle's suggestion, and her aura dipped back into red.
“He is the commander of the army, and I am just a dragon,” Sarah replied.
Thayle hated that Sarah felt this way but didn’t know how to address it. Gersius didn’t have time to pursue a relationship and didn’t want to give Sarah any less respect than she deserved. He was more than interested, but there was no way to make Sarah see that.
“What did the Lord Dragon Knight need me to do then?” Sarah asked.
“He wants you to fly to the town they were to meet and see if the second company is there, and if they need support,” Thayle said.
“And if they are there and waiting?” Sarah asked. “Shouldn’t I tell them to move?”
Thayle nodded but wasn’t sure a dragon dropping from the sky would be taken well.
“What if I went with you?” Thayle said. “If the army is there and safe, you can drop me off nearby, and I can approach them.”
“You are worried I will frighten them,” Sarah said with a pleased smile.
Thayle finally saw Sarah's aura glow with pleasure to know she might frighten the second company's women. “Let's go find Gersius so I can discuss it with him before we go,” she said and led the way, following his pull in the bind.
The closer she got, the more concerned she became. He was livid, and before long, they could hear the shouting.
“Oh, no!” Thayle cried and quickened her pace. She passed men and women looking into the inner keep listening to the argument that raged inside.
“He sounds angry,” Sarah said as she followed.
“He is angry,” Thayle replied as they passed the inner wall to the most secure courtyard. Here Yarvine's wagon stood beside a small servant's house that was turned over to her. The front door was wide open, and Gersius was shouting at near the top of his voice. His strong tones carrying into the yard and beyond.
“I don’t care what you think about it!” he roared. “The divines themselves have mandated this! I will not tolerate your interference!”
Sarah smiled wide as they approached the house; her mood suddenly boosted.
“I like his strength,” she said. “That woman is not fit to lead.”
“Ulustrah herself selects her,” Thayle said as they approached the door.
“It's bad enough you attempt to command the followers of Ulustrah,” Yarvine shouted back. “But, you make a mockery of Astikar with that woman!”
Thayle came to a stop just outside the door as Sarah looked up to an open window.
“Is she talking about me?” Sarah asked her aura turning blood red.
“She isn’t fit to utter his name. That you plan to allow her to train women to serve his order shows you are not fit for this task. She is a beast, put her to use on the battlefield as the blunt instrument she is.”
“I will kill her!” Sarah growled but was suddenly drowned out by a louder voice.
“If you ever insult Sarah again, I will stand before the remaining primes an explain why you are no longer among them.”
“You are threatening my life?”
“Never insult Sarah to my face again!” Gersius shouted. “She is a blazing fire of faith, a bulwark of strength, and gifted beyond all others. Her bravery is unmatched, her skill in battle unequaled, and her name should be sung in praises! I have never known such a noble woman in my life, and I consider myself blessed to call her a friend. Stay your tongue, or I will cut it from your throat!”
Thayle felt sick to her stomach to hear Gersius threatening to kill a prime of Ulustrah, worse he was loud enough for half the camp to hear it. She struggled to think of what to do when a voice at her side caught her attention.
“He thinks that about me?” Sarah said, her voice almost a croak.
Thayle turned to look at her and saw an aura flooding with greens and blues. There was confusion, joy, excitement, and fear. She stepped back as if lost and then looked at Thayle with wide eyes.
“I have to go,” Sarah said. “I will wait outside the walls for you.”
“Sarah, wait!” Thayle cried, but she turned and practically ran out of the courtyard. Thayle watched her go as a loud crash came from inside the house.
“Get out of my way unless you want to die!” Gersius ordered, and a moment later stepped out of the door. His guards came out right behind him with weapons drawn and tense looks on their faces.
“Gersius!” Thayle cried and ran to his side. He was ablaze with anger, and the fire of it burned across the bind, causing her discomfort to be near him. “What happened?”
He glanced at her, gestured with his head, marching away.
“That woman believes she should be in charge of the whole army. She says that she is the only leader in the camp chosen by a divine.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Thayle replied. “You were chosen by three divines. Astikar, Ulustrah, and Balisha. Even Vellis supports you now.”
“She doesn't recognize Balisha as a divine and was insulted I called her one,” Gersius remarked as they walked out of the inner gates. “She then suggested you needed to be replaced with somebody more experienced, and I needed a council of women to help make decisions. She suggested the ones I have made so far are unsound.”
Thayle could only rest her forehead in the palm of her hand as Gersius listed of Yarvine's insults. “You already listen to Lilly and I, and you take council with other women like Mingfe when you fee it necessary.”
“Then she had the audacity to insult Sarah,” he growled. “She can question my ability. She can question my decisions, she can even question my morals, but she will not insult you, Lilly, or Sarah, not while I draw breath.”
Thayle went to say something, but her voice caught in her throat. He just named all three of them off like they were dear to him. She thought of Sarah's reaction and realized what had just happened. He defended Sarah's honor and threatened a person of great power with no fear or regret. Sarah was there to hear the whole thing and to hear him extol how he truly felt about her.
“Why do you suddenly feel happy about this?” Gersius asked as they marched down the street.
“I was just thinking about something else,” Thayle said. “I will do all I can to manage the damage your shouting match did. Half the camp heard you threaten to kill a prime.”
Gersius nodded as his eyes looked ahead in thought. “I want her out of the camp.”
“That is only going to make things worse,” Thayle said.
“Maybe, have we heard a reply from Eastgate?” he pressed.
“Not yet,” Thayle said as she reached over to take his hand. “That went about as bad as it could have.”
“She intends to fight me for control of the army,” Gersius said. “She plans to use the threat of losing the support of the women of Ulustrah to force my hand. It has to be made clear that any effort to subvert you or I as the supreme commanders of this army will not be tolerated or things will get worse.”
“Why is she being so controlling?” Thayle muttered. “She acts like were her enemy.”
“She has a plan all her own,” Gersius replied. “And I do not wish to give her any time to enact it. Maybe Sarah should fly her to Eastgate, and she can wait out the war there.”
“Sarah would likely eat her,” Thayle said as she remembered why she was here in the first place. She explained her desire to fly out with Sarah to investigate the town. He readily agreed and told her to send them running back if she found the company. He paused to hug Thayle and then looked deeply into her eyes.
“You travel with a guard from now on,” he said. “Lilly and Sarah too. I want two men and two women with both of you at all times. Make sure they are all tested and proven loyal.”
“Why?” Thayle asked, suddenly concerned.
“I need you to trust me,” Gersius replied. “I want six guards put on Ayawa's tent, and ours is to be tripled. Better yet, I will have their tent moved to join ours, and assign them guards to escort them as well.”
Thayle nodded as he released her and started down the street again. She felt uncertain to see him so angry and distrustful, but wouldn't argue against his caution. Lack of it had nearly gotten him killed before, and certainly, there was cause for concern. A prime had been publicly threatened with death, and women would take her side. She didn't want to believe that a woman of Ulustrah might become hostile to him or his family, but these were strange times.
He escorted her all the way to camp and had Mingfe summoned. Men and women were chosen and appointed to act as escorts. Thayle was finally allowed to leave and find Sarah, walking through the camp with her bodyguard. She couldn't wait to get into the air; it was the only place she felt safe anymore.
Comments
WhiteRabbit
acts like were her enemy.->we're. Looking forward to Yarvine getting hers
