Invasion (6 page)

“Would — would you take me with you?” Sarai pleaded.

“It’ll be very dangerous. If we’re caught we’ll likely be put to death at once,” explained Gerard.

“If I stay here my fate will be the same” — Sarai lowered her head and stared at a spot on the table — “and what of all the others here? Would you leave all them behind too?”

“No one here knows how to fight. If we were to all escape at once it’d lead to a battle we couldn’t hope to win. Stealth is our only option which means we are limited to how many can make the attempt.” Gerard explained it as simply and gently as possible but he still saw the incomprehension in her eyes.

“There are some that know how to fight. Those that work at the Weapon Smith train a little so that they know how to make better weapons. My last breeding partner, Brendan, told me of this. And you could teach many more.” The pleading tone came back into Sarai’s voice and it almost broke Gerard’s heart. She was such an innocent woman and cared a lot for all those in the compound. But she didn’t understand the full extent of her request.

“How many do you estimate are in this compound?” Gerard asked the question to give her the impression that he was considering the request.

“Twenty thousand or more.”

Gerard opened his mouth wide and stared at Sarai.

Could there really be that many inside the compound walls? He pondered on it briefly based on the small area he had seen so far. The Slaughterhouse he worked was massive but a lot of that meat went to feeding the palace staff. But it could be that near on a thousand slaves worked there alone and there were many different buildings in various industries. Not to mention the block after block of small residences stacked atop each other.

Sarai could be right — in fact she could well have underestimated the number. Gerard pictured twenty thousand men, women and children armed with swords attacking the compound guards. Even without training they could easily overwhelm them.

But what then? Once they left the compounds they’d be faced with Sylestra’s army which were well-trained. Five thousand warriors could easily control twenty thousand poorly-trained peasants.

“While I don’t doubt that number could easily fight their way out of here, they would be slaughtered when they came against Sylestra’s army,” explained Gerard.

Sarai slumped in her chair no doubt realising the truth of his words. Her eyes were glassy and downcast so Gerard rose, walked around the table, bent down and put a comforting arm around her. Sarai laid her head against his chest and her tears started flowing freely.

“I just hate this place, Gerard,” said Sarai between sniffs. “I’m sick of seeing women I’ve come to know get taken away by the guards, never to return. Four or five days ago, hundreds were gathered together and taken away. Brendan was one of them. The Supreme Mistress told me two days ago that he’d been sacrificed with all the others.”

A thought dawned on Gerard.

“Is this unusual?” he asked.

Sarai pulled away from his chest and looked at him with a tilted head and pursed lips.

“Is what unusual?” she asked.

“Is it unusual for so many to be taken at once and sacrificed?” Gerard clarified.

“Yes,” confirmed Sarai, “it has never been done in my lifetime. Normally it is those that no longer serve a purpose or have misbehaved in some way.”

Jumbled pieces of information came together in Gerard’s mind like a jigsaw puzzle; Sylestra’s strange comment about him being captured on Ta’zu lands and not the Black Skulls even though he was sure they had never crossed the border, the fact that Sylestra had knowledge of the Gate and had access to it and Sarai’s comment from yesterday about the weak being sacrificed to feed the strong.

“I’m sorry but I’m going to have to leave you again. I’ve had a thought that I must discuss with Jeff immediately.” Gerard gently pushed Sarai away from him.

“You’re going to just leave me again like this? I thought you wanted to get to know me.” Sarai’s eyes were deep with disappointment and Gerard was tempted to stay a little longer, but he really wanted to discuss this with Jeff while it remained fresh in his mind.

“I’m sorry I must go. But if I’m correct in my thinking there may be a chance for the entire compound to escape.”

Sarai’s eyes opened wider and a smile found a way to her red face.

“Do you really think so?” she asked.

“It’ll be very risky and require a lot of planning and coordination, but anything’s possible.” He walked over to the door. “I’ll come and see you again tomorrow and I promise I’ll stay longer.” He hoped that he would keep that promise as he closed her door behind him and hurried off towards Jeff’s residence.

“Have you gone completely mad, my friend?” asked Jeff, incredulity rife in his voice. “This sounds more like one of Master Pilk’s ludicrous ideas, not one of yours. You’re talking about leading thousands of untrained men, women and children into an inevitable conflict. I even hear that there are orc and half-orc locked up in this place. Are we to take them along too?”

Gerard waved his arms in an attempt to calm his friend. Orcs patrolled the streets regularly and the walls of this building were thin. Jeff’s raised voice could easily be heard from the road.

“Calm down my friend,” said Gerard reinforcing his actions. “Do you not think that I haven’t considered that? All the signs, though, point to a mass invasion from the Ta’zu, which means relatively few will be left behind. You and I both know that escaping captivity is one part planning, two parts opportunity and three parts luck. Planning we are good at, opportunity has raised its head so now all we can hope for is that the goddess Shardae has as much influence on this world as our own and grants us the needed luck.” 

“So what if we do break out, Gerry? What then?” Jeff rose from his chair, walked around behind it and leant against the backrest. “Sylestra will hunt us until she has killed every last one of us. Not to mention that our ultimate goal is her very target according to your own reasoning. What chance do we have getting near the Gate if the Ta’zu has it well-guarded?”

“One step at a time. If the Ta’zu is busy fighting the Black Skull they won’t pursue us right away and if we’re lucky we’ll make it to the Gate before Sylestra’s army gets there.”

Jeff stared off into space for a moment and his eyes glazed over. “If it’s possible to get to the Gate by means of the Black Rock Canyon don’t you think Sylestra would have taken that way?”

“Not necessarily. If she wants control over it like I suspect, then she’ll need to take it by force. All we want to do is get back through it.” His friend was beginning to warm to his plan so he continued on. “Think about this, Jeff. If we escaped from here as we were planning with the eighty or so of us, how would we have any chance if we get to the Gate and it’s defended by a thousand orcs? But if we arrive with twenty thousand, we can overwhelm them with surprise and numbers, even untrained as we may be.”

“Stealth will be impossible if we go ahead with this.” Jeff paced the floor with his head lowered. “Speed will be our ally — surprise and speed. Planning will be a headache as we’ll need more than a few packs of food like we initially planned. Spreading the word around the compound will be dangerous. If even one person slips up or a spy informs the guards then we’re finished.”

“Mere details, my friend. Details we can sort out. So are you with me on this or not?” Gerard rose from his chair and extended his arm. Jeff looked at him for a moment as if he had grown horns and then he smiled, walked over to him and gripped him, forearm to forearm.

“I’m with you, Gerry.”

Chapter 5

Stalemate

Sylestra almost laughed at the grumpy expression painted all over General Jak’ho’s face as he led the Ta’zu army into the city.

“I suspected foul play,” said the mighty orc General as he neared. “It is good to see you well.” He bowed his head in respect and his face softened.

“As it happens there was foul play,” she replied, “but not at the hands of Gilkan. He proved honourable right up until his death.”

General Jak’ho smiled wickedly. “I wish I had been there to witness that.”

“I’ll fill you in on all the details later. For now I need you to regather the army and lead them to the Gate. I’ll also be sending with you as many of the Black Skull shamans as can be found. They are to begin strengthening the Gate as soon as they arrive.” Sylestra walked along the road and General Jak’ho took up step beside her while the army continued to follow them. The pain in her chest still troubled her but she managed to walk unaided now and wasn’t so light-headed.

“You’ll not be coming with us?” asked the General.

“I’ll join you as soon as I can, but for now I’ll need to sort a few things out here. I’m sure many of the Black Skull will be relieved to see you marching back out again which will help me to put their minds at ease.”

“Are we to go beyond the Gate?” General Jak’ho looked at her and she sensed his barely controlled excitement.

She let the question hang in the air a moment and then answered. “Yes you are — but do not underestimate the army you will face. They are fearless and well-disciplined. Our necromancers will have no power beyond the Gate so do not send them. If you need a little magic then use a few of the shamans but I’d prefer they strengthen the Gate.” Sylestra stopped and looked at the General to make sure he understood.

“I’ll be careful, Supreme Mistress. I’ll drive these humans and dwarves away from the Gate in no time with as little loss as I can manage.”

Sylestra nodded and walked off again.

“Just don’t take all the fun before I arrive will you?” she said with a smile a short time later as she stopped at an intersection. “Keep moving along this road and you’ll find your way to the eastern gates. I’ll send Biv’rak to meet you. He will see to any needs you may have and bring the shamans to you.” Sylestra left General Jak’ho to do as instructed and set off toward the arena with the orc Captain by her side.

She met up with Biv’rak at the entrance to the arena. He stood by himself.

“Where are the shamans?” asked Sylestra.

“They are gathering as we speak, Supreme Mistress. I asked the Head Great Shaman to seek them out and meet me here. I was hoping they’d arrive before you,” replied Biv’rak a little dejectedly.

“As soon as they arrive take them to the eastern gate and place them under the command of General Jak’ho — he will be expecting you. You are to see to any of his needs and once done you are to return to me, is that understood?”

“Understood, Supreme Mistress.” Biv’rak kept his head low until she had passed by him. Her captain led her into the arena and down to the gate granting access to the middle ring. The immense structure was packed tightly with orc warriors. As she entered the ring a loud roar went up, mostly cheering but some pockets were hurling insults. She would fix this soon one way or another.

Slowly and deliberately she walked over to the section most opposed to her and gave them all a confident smile. This made some curse all the louder while others calmed. She circled the arena within arms-length of the fence holding one arm high in the air. Her orc captain walked protectively beside her. He would willingly take an arrow or crossbow bolt for her but she had set up an invisible magic shield around her to prevent that anyway so his protection was unnecessary.

Once she had circled the entire arena she walked to the centre where Biv’rak had earlier announced her and Gilkan. Holding her arms up high and patting the air she finally calmed the crowd. One final insult after all went silent had her smiling.

“Warriors of the Black Skull I am your new leader.” A great ruckus erupted as the orcs cheered, stamped their feet and banged their shields. The sections of resistance were drowned out by the noise. “You may be wondering what is to become of the Black Skull and I am here now to put your minds at ease. The tribe will continue on as it has only it will have the full support of the Ta’zu.” She faced the pocket where most of the insults had come from as she said this and was rewarded with shocked silence.

“I’m aware of your war with the Red Axe and I assure you that your borders will be secured and in time advanced.” Another loud roar went up but she cut it short with a wave of her arms. “All I ask in return from you is that you all swear allegiance to me now and that you be tolerant of the Ta’zu. If we band together, no enemy will stand against us.” She allowed the roar to run its course this time and many of the former resistors joined in.

“I will take that applause as your oath for now and I sincerely hope that those of you that are against my leadership will change your mind in the near future. For now I have much to organise and the hour grows late. I request all generals and captains report to me now. The rest of you are dismissed. See to your duties or get some rest, for the coming days will be eventful.” One final cheer erupted and then the crowd dispersed and the military leaders approached Sylestra.

Master Pilk was excited and hopeful. The hue of the Gate faded fast and still no attempt had been made from the other side to strengthen it or come through. The sun had gone down but the light from the Gate lit up the fort like an eerie evening. The wizards had been coming and going as their magic stores allowed and the dwarves had constructed a solid moveable plug in the event an attack came. Perhaps they could succeed here.

He had exhausted all of his magic again so he sought out a camp fire to get food and have a rest. His hopeful attitude was shared among all the soldiers as their excited chatter filled the night air.

“So you do rest?” The woman’s voice behind him during a lull in conversation startled him. The woman laughed.

“I should say the same of you Cressy,” he replied once he had regathered his composure.

“With all this fighting a Cleric’s job is never done.” The soldier sitting beside Master Pilk got up to make room for Cressida. She thanked him and sat on the log.

“Nor a wizard’s it would seem,” replied Pilk. “How is Decker?”

“He is weak, but conscious. He will mend given time.” Cressida picked up a twig and threw it in the fire absent-mindedly.

“Then let us hope that he is given that time.” Master Pilk sipped another spoonful of his stew as he studied his sister’s face. “You love him don’t you?”

“It has never been a question of love,” she snapped.

“It is always a question of love. With enough love you can make anything work.” Master Pilk turned his attention back to his stew.

“Did you get that from one of your books, Brother?” retorted Cressida. “When was the last time you loved someone? And when have you ever lost someone you love so suddenly?”

The sudden ferocity of her words took Master Pilk by surprise and attracted the attention of all within earshot.

“You are tired. I understand that.” Pilk tried to keep calm. “While I may not have had a woman I loved taken from me, as was your husband, I have had many friends I cared for greatly killed before their time and personally witnessed some of their gruesome deaths. I am no stranger to loss, my dear sister, but I do not let it prevent me from getting close to others.” Master Pilk finished his stew, got up and walked over to a barrel of water where he rinsed his bowl and returned it to the pile. His sister had not moved or uttered a word the entire time and he was too tired to deal with her further.

On his way to the wood cabin to get some sleep, a disturbance occurred near the Gate and so he changed his course. There he found Duke Angus talking to a dwarf holding a tower shield.

“What has happened?” asked Pilk as he approached.

“The Ta’zu have been reinforced,” replied Duke Angus with a concerned expression. “By many it would appear.”

“How many?” asked Pilk.

“Impossible ta know. Lights failin’ on th’ stinkin’ world but we spied many burnin’ torches,” answered the dwarf.

“I fear our reprieve may be at an end Master Pilk. How close are you to closing this thing?” The Duke pointed at the Gate.

“It’s hard to say but I was hopeful that we could have had it done by late tomorrow.”

“I don’t think they will give us that long somehow so we have a hard choice to make. Master Pilk can you rouse Major Hillsworth and accompany him to my tent?”

“Of course, my lord Duke,” he replied.

“And can you fetch King Buster and General Ludko?” said the Duke turning to the dwarf. The dwarf nodded and hurried off.

It didn’t take Master Pilk long to locate Major Hillsworth but waking him resulted in a knife being put to his throat until the Major recognised him.

“Sorry. A force of habit,” said Major Hillsworth as he lowered the knife.

“A sure way for a peaceful sleep,” replied Pilk with a nervous chuckle. “The Duke requests your presence.”

After a nod, Master Pilk led him out of the small cabin and to Duke Angus’ large tent.

A lantern hanging from the peak of the tent lit up the flimsy wooden table and chairs in the centre. A rolled up bedroll sat in one corner and a small chest surrounded by a few packs sat in another. Duke Angus wasn’t a man to travel in luxury.

The Duke sat at the head of the table and bid them both to take a seat while they waited for the others to come. Major Hillsworth went to the left and so Pilk took up a place on the right and poured himself some wine from the pitcher in the middle of the table.

“Would you like some, my lord? Major?”

“I was going to wait til the others arrived but since you offered.” Duke Angus pushed his wooden goblet over to Master Pilk. Major Hillsworth followed soon after.

“The dwarves would drink it all the moment they arrived and leave you none, my lord Duke,” replied Pilk with a chuckle as he poured the wine.

“What we be drinkin’ all of?” asked a gruff voice from the entrance to the tent.

“King Buster, it is nice of you to join us. Please take a seat and you too General Ludko, and help yourself to the wine,” said Duke Angus. King Buster eyed Pilk dangerously but did as requested.

“We enjoy our drink tis true, but we don’t be forgettin’ our manners,” he mumbled as he took a seat.

Pilk smiled.

“Now we must make this quick.” Duke Angus looked around the table as the dwarves filled their goblets with wine. “The Ta’zu has reinforced in great numbers so we need to discuss our options here.”

“Excuse me, my lord Duke, but shouldn’t we also have Great Shaman O’tukka here? He has more knowledge of this tribe than anyone,” interjected Master Pilk.

Duke Angus nodded. “You’re right of course, Master Pilk. I’m having trouble getting used to the idea of including orcs in our plans. Have someone go and fetch him.”

Pilk got up at once and walked to the entrance of the tent and asked a soldier to collect O’tukka. The soldier didn’t look too thrilled by the prospect but he obeyed nonetheless.

“I think we ought ta charge ‘em afore they be gettin’ too organised,” said General Ludko as Pilk took his seat once more. “It’d be helpin’ ta drain the durn Gate too.”

“While I agree that such an action may buy us the required time to close the Gate, the cost, I fear, would be very high,” added Master Pilk.

“Will the cost be any less if we allow this tribe unhindered access to our world?” asked Major Hillsworth.

“An interesting question,” said Duke Angus. “You mentioned it once before Master Pilk. This may be our one chance of closing it. If we fail here and now this could well turn out to be a war spanning many years and how many lives will be lost if that transpires?”

“The trouble is that the Gate is a choke point.” Major Hillsworth looked around the table as he spoke. “Any army charging through will suffer massive losses. That’s how we defended against them last time after all. So would it be wiser to better prepare our defences on this side and slaughter them as they attack? Let them suffer the losses.”