The Black Sword Trilogy: The Poacher (10 page)

“Who is he?” Kenner asked, trembling.

“I’m not completely sure; but we think he’s probably their General.”

Kenner then saw the General look towards him and he seemed to be gazing directly at him.  More than that, he seemed to be looking into him; through him.

“I hit him once in the head,” Terri continued, breaking Kenner out of his trance.  “I don’t think he even felt it.”

The General continued to stare for a moment, then turned and went back to his tent.

             
Kenner and Terri spent the rest of the day killing the beasts one by one.  However, Kenner was still shaken by seeing this menacing figure, not in a dream but standing before him.  A worse feeling for Kenner was the sensation that this General knew that Kenner was there.

Chapter Twelve

              Using a telescope, Captain Krall watched the steady stream of people leaving the city.  He could also see the bridge still burning and felt a little less anxious.  At least he’d bought them a little time, he thought to himself.

“It will take them at least a week on foot to reach Post One.” Said Sergeant Bobbra standing next to him.

“Yes, it will.” Krall said simply.  “How are our provisions?”

“Provisions aren’t the problem.  We could hold out a month if we had to.  The problem is we have fifty six men against, at least three
thousand of those creatures.”

“I’m well aware of that.” Krall said grimly.  “But we have to hold.  That’s not the only bridge across the river between here and Post One and those creatures can get there a lot faster than six thousand old men, women and children.”

“If we hadn’t burned the bridge, we might be able to use the city’s reserve guard.”

“No,” Krall interrupted.  “They’ll be needed by the civilians.  Holding this fort is our responsibility.”

A thought then occurred to him; a strategy he’d seen used before that might slow the creatures down.

“If I only knew when they were going to attack.” He muttered to himself.

             
After sundown, Kenner and the others returned to the barracks with another dinner of bread and gravy.

“Hmm…” Terri quipped.  “The gravy’s looking especially putrid this evening.”

As they finished their dinner and began filling their cups with ale, they started talking among themselves again.  Most talked of home and their families.  Almost all of them were near the same age.  Several were married and some even had children.  The regular soldiers talked of some minor battles they’d been involved in tracking bandits through the badlands or patrolling the woods on the border of Walechia and the Blackwoods.  When they spoke of the Blackwoods, some spoke of strange noises and creatures.  They spoke of strange feelings, shadows in the dark or of trees whispering to each other.  Some even talked of seeing ghosts.

“That’s not a place for ordinary people,” Rosta said.  “It’s like a completely different world with its own rules of nature.  Men have gone there and never been seen again.  Some have been driven mad by the ill will of that place.”

“You talk as if you’re afraid of it.” Terri said.

“I am afraid; and so should all of you.  It’s not a place for the living.”

              The barracks was oddly quiet after that, until one of the younger soldiers spoke up.

“I keep hearing people talk about the last Captain of this post.  What was he like?”

“Captain Ferrel?” Terri asked.  “Oh you should have seen him.  He looked magnificent in his polished, steel armor with a gold tower on his breast plate.  He had a huge broadsword on his hip with a golden sheath.  And when he came riding in on his battle cat and his blonde hair flowing in the wind, he looked like one of the most beautiful things we’d ever seen.  Isn’t that right, boys?”

Several soldiers muttered in response.

“He must have been a great warrior.” The young soldier added.

“He was bloody useless.” Terri stated emphatically.

“That’s for damn sure.” Another soldier added.

“What happened?” Kenner asked.

             
“The first thing he did when he first got here was to make us start paying for our meals.” Terri began.

“You’re kidding.” Kenner exclaimed.

“Afraid not.  Every meal, he made us sign a ledger and he took it out of our pay at the beginning of every month.”

Nearly every soldier reacted with astonishment.

“Didn’t anyone try to stop him?” One asked.

“Sergeant Holly did.  That’s when he had him tied up in the stables.  He had his own Sergeant helping him.”

“And sharing in the profits…”Another soldier added.

“Did I mention that Sergeant
Kurvis used a bull whip on us?”

“That can’t be true.”

The regular soldiers all agreed that it was true.

              “The real fun started,” Terri continued, “when the Wolfen first showed up.”

“How long ago was that?”

“Almost a month ago.  There were only about two hundred or so on the first day.  When one of the boys told him what was on the other side of that wall, he called him a liar and had him tied up with Sergeant Holly.  Of course, he didn’t actually take a look for himself the first day.  He just called poor Vinter a liar and tied him up.  He didn’t actually take a look for himself until the third day.  That was when there was about five hundred out there and also when they began shooting at us.”

“What did he do then?”

             
“He called for a cavalry assault.  He sent twenty brave men and horses against five hundred of those beasts.  Evidently, he thought that the beasts would just scatter and run, but he was wrong.  As they charged, the beasts stood firm and before he got to the line himself, he stopped, turned around and told the cavalry to go on without him.  Most of the men and their horses were lost.  The ones that did come back had to listen to him screaming at them like a little girl and calling them cowards.”

              “The next day, when there were even more creatures camped on the field, he called for an infantry assault.  While we archers shot our arrows at the beasts, the infantry marched upon them, were surrounded and cut down.  Less than half of the original eighty men were able to escape.  He cursed them as well, called them cowards and threatened to have us all hanged if we didn’t follow his orders.”

“Why did you follow his orders in the first place?” Broddick asked.

“Because we’re soldiers!” One answered angrily.  “We’re not a band of pirates or brigands.  We’ve all taken an oath and we’re taught from the very first day we put on that uniform to follow the orders of those appointed in command.  We never break that oath, no matter who’s in command!”

The barracks were quiet for a moment after that.  The regular soldiers looked around at each other proudly while the new recruits simply looked ashamedly at the floor.

“Then what happened?” Kenner asked, breaking the silence.

“A miracle,” Terri said smiling. “The Great Lady guided an arrow from one of those creatures into the back of Captain
Ferrel’s neck.  He was dead before he hit the ground.  After that, we released Sergeant Holly and anyone else that had been tied up, sent a messenger for a new commander and reinforcements and a few weeks later, here you are.”

              It was nearly pitch dark, except for the light of the waning moon and the dull, orange glow coming from the lone campfire the General could see coming from inside the barracks.

“We could take them now,” He thought to himself.  “But we are not yet at full strength.”

Around him, he could hear the grunts and growls of the beasts around him.  Occasionally, he would hear some of the creatures whispering to each other.  They knew as well that they could overrun the garrison in one quick maneuver and they were eager to taste the blood of the men they would kill.  He detested these foul creatures; but he knew that they were a necessary evil.  This war must be won, he reminded himself and it must be won in one dagger thrust before the Army of Walechia had a chance to gather their full strength against them.

              From out of the darkness, he heard footsteps coming towards him.  He quickly turned and saw one of his officers approaching.

“General,” He said quietly.  “The fire has turned blue again.”

He quickly rose and almost ran to the campfire in the center of his camp.

“Leave me.” He said in his low, rough voice.

The officer started kicking around at the Wolfen gathered around the fire; all of which backed away to leave the General alone.

              “Yes Master,” he said kneeling in front of the bright, blue flames.

A face formed in the flames of an old man with dark eyes.

“What news?” The voice asked in a low, smooth voice.

“Our full strength is nearly gathered.” The General said, still bowing before his master.  “The time for our attack is nearly upon us.”

“Excellent,” The voice replied.  “My spies assure me that there will be no reinforcements for the men at the garrison.  Your victory should be swift.”

“Yes master.”

“I have other news as well,” The face said with the appearance of a smile.

“Yes?”

“An old friend of yours is commanding the garrison; Captain Krall.”

The General felt a hint of sadness at this news, but he did not let it show.

“He will die along with the rest of them, Master.”

Chapter Thirteen

              Kenner and Terri had the night watch.  It was a cool, late spring night and the only light came from the campfire in the courtyard and the crescent moon above.  In the dim, silvery light of the moon, Kenner could barely make out the shapes of thousands of Wolfen camped less than two hundred yards from the gates of the barracks.  Most were sleeping, he guessed; but he could see the light from hundreds of eyes, like red stars staring at the wooden ramparts of the only thing standing between them and the small garrison guarding the fort.

              “Do you always talk to shadows late at night?” Terri asked him.

He quickly turned to face her, his surprise evident in his eyes.

“I’m a very light sleeper.” She said smiling.

“Obviously.” He replied.  “You must have had a rough life, growing up.”

“It certainly has had its challenges.” She answered.

              “Where are you from?” Kenner asked her, trying to deflect the question.

“I’m originally from a small farming village across the river from Mobrey.  My father was in the army during the last Causton war, though.”

“Did your father fight?” Kenner pressed.

“Yes, and he made sure that if she had to, his little girl would be able to defend herself.”

“Is that why you’re such a good archer?”

Terri laughed quietly.

“You can thank my mother for that.  She started teaching me to shoot before I could walk.”

              Suddenly, Kenner spotted movement from the enemy encampment.  He saw the General along with a small escort approach on horses toward the gate.  He picked up his bow and readied an arrow when one of the horsemen called out.

“Hello in the fort!” The soldier called waving a white flag.

“Who goes there?” One of the night watch replied.

“Tell your Captain, the commander of the forces opposing him wishes to speak!” The General called back in his deep, booming voice.

             
A messenger was sent to wake Captain Krall.  Within only a few minutes, he mounted his horse to meet with his enemy.

“Don’t go sir!” Sergeant Holly pleaded.  “It’s probably a trap.”

“Even if it is, I may still be able to buy us some time.” Krall replied.  Before he went out the gate though, he had the entire garrison woken and made ready as if the battle were coming.  The infantry took battle positions shoulder to shoulder with the remaining cavalry in front of them.  All of the archers were sent to their posts on the wall.  Sergeant Holly ordered Kenner and Terri, his best archers to aim at the two officers flanking the General and wait for instructions.

              Not wanting to risk any of his few remaining horsemen in an ambush, Captain Krall went alone outside the wall.  He’d ordered the torches along the ramparts lit in order to give him more light.  Once outside the wall, he approached the General slowly and then stopped just a few yards away.  His two escorts both carried torches.  The General guided his horse a few steps closer and then removed his skull helmet.   Captain Krall gasped audibly at who he saw in front of him.

“Grail!” He said in horror.

“Hello brother,” General Grail responded.

              Captain Krall’s horse must have sensed the Captain’s shock as it nearly bolted.

“What is the meaning of this?” Krall nearly screamed at his brother.  “What are you doing with all these creatures?”

The General at first did not respond.  Instead he reached behind him and produced a white sack with, what looked like blood pooling inside it.

“First of all,” Grail said, “I wanted you to see this.”

He then pulled a disembodied head from out of the sack and tossed it to the ground in front of Krall’s horse.  Krall immediately recognized the face of the man as the messenger he’d sent several days before to ask for reinforcements.

“As you can see,” Grail continued.  “There is now no hope for any help coming from post number one or from anywhere else for that matter.”

             
Krall felt angry and sick at the same time.  His own brother, he thought; at the command of those foul beasts threatening his fort.  Had they killed men at his command?  The very idea made him nauseous.

“Why are you doing this?” He said gritting his teeth.

“Change,” Grail answered simply.  “The change we’ve both known was needed for a long time is finally coming to this land.”

Krall gained control over his mount and calmed himself as best as he could.

“What the hell are you talking about?” He demanded.  “The Causton Wars are over.”

“This has nothing to do with Causton or his crusade.” Grail answered.  “Real change is coming; the kind that has been needed for five hundred years.”

             
At this Krall was even more astonished.

“Five hundred years?” He questioned.  “Surely you’re not referring to The Great War.  What has that got to do with anything?”

“Unfinished business,” Grail said in an even lower voice.

              Krall finally got complete control over his emotions after a few heavy breaths.  He still couldn’t believe what he saw before his eyes; but now he was thinking clearly again.  He started to think tactically and began to see plans in his mind.

“So what’s the purpose of this conversation?” He asked calmly.

His brother smiled a cruel smile.

“I see the gears in your mind are turning again.” He said, almost proudly.

“Answer my question,” Krall demanded.

Grail sighed almost sadly.

“I have nearly five thousand Wolfen at my command,” Grail said.  “By my calculation, you have less than sixty men at yours.  Unless I’m greatly mistaken, you have evacuated Calderon and burned the bridge several days ago.  You’ve done your duty to King and country.  The people of that city are safe by now.”

“If that’s true, how did you manage to get the head of my messenger?”

“I’ve managed to get a few of my creatures over the wall secretly.  But as you know, it’s not something I can do with an entire army.”

“That’s why you need to take the gate.” Krall added.

“Yes it is.” Grail continued.  “But I’m a unique position now.  I can take life or I can give it.  It’s up to me.”

“Are you asking for us to surrender?  Is that it?”

“No,” Grail said with a grave emphasis in his voice.  “I have no desire to kill my own brother, Krall.  Nor do I desire to slaughter more brave men.  I therefore give you a choice.”

Grail then stretched out his hand to his brother.

“Join me brother.”

              Krall was shocked and outraged; but he kept his composure.  Here was a chance to buy more time, he thought.  Here was a chance to make even better preparations.

“What about my men?” Krall asked.

Grail took a moment before answering.  Krall knew his brother was thinking of something; but whatever it was, he knew Grail would not tell him his real thoughts.

“Those that wish to join us will be officers in my army.” Grail finally answered.  “Those that do not may go home.”

             
Krall knew this to be a lie and the same time, he came to understand the meaning of the meeting.  Krall knew now that, not only did Grail intend to wipe out the garrison; he wanted Krall to know that it was him that had done it.  At the same time, he did believe what Grail had said about not wanting to kill his brother.  Where would be the satisfaction in that?  Grail wanted Krall alive, he concluded; and that would be a way to buy more time.

              “I shall have to consider it.” He told Grail.  “I will also need to consult with my men so that they may make their own decisions.”

“Of course,” Grail said.  “But do not take too long.”

“How long will you give me?” Krall asked.  Whatever Grail answered would give away his time table for attack Krall thought.

“I will let you know when I am ready to hear your decision.” Grail answered to Krall’s disappointment.  He must have guessed that was the reason for the question.

“Know this though,” Grail added.  “I will have your answer soon or I will do what I must.  I don’t want to, but if I have to, I will kill every man inside those barracks…even you.”

Grail then turned on his horse and rode back to his encampment.  When Krall was satisfied that they were away, he also turned and returned to his barracks.

             
For the rest of the night, the men stood waiting for a battle that did not yet come.  Lack of sleep made Kenner’s sight blurry, but he tried his best to concentrate on his task.  Both he and Terri continued to kill Wolfen and the animals continued to send barrages of arrows over the wall.  When night came, Captain Krall finally ordered the men to stand down, but he insisted that more men stood watch at night.

              Most of the men sensed something was coming after the meeting between the Captain and the enemy General (Captain Krall did not let anyone else know that the General was his brother).  They felt deep in their bones that the attack that would likely take all of their lives could now come at any moment.  That night, very few ate and there was no friendly conversation accompanied with the ale.  The barracks was as silent as a tomb while the soldiers all contemplated their deaths in their own ways.  Some of the new recruits shook visibly and their faces were pale.  The “regular” soldiers mostly looked sad and tired.  Some wished that the attack would come as soon as possible so as for it all to simply be over and even Terri stopped smiling.

              That evening she spent even more time with Shela as she had before.  The huge cat seemed to sense Terri’s fear and seemed to be trying to comfort her.  She looked around carefully to make sure no one was watching her, buried her head in the cat’s thick fur and allowed herself to cry.

              Even as tired as he was, Kenner could not sleep that night.  He stared at the boots his father had made for him with his own hands.  It was all he had left of his father.  After he had died, the village, as was their custom divided all his belongings and what little money he had evenly among all the villagers.  His clothes were taken and given away, cups and dishes, his bed, his pipe and tobacco, even what little coffee he had left was divided among the villagers.  And his sword, the weapon with which he’d fought for many years was taken by the village elders and given to the Chieftain.

              Kenner couldn’t help but think what his father might think or say if he saw him now.  Here he was, sitting on a bed of straw and wearing the uniform of the land he’d been taught to mistrust, ruled by a King he’d been taught to hate.  His father never explained to him the reason for this hatred.  He only told stories of the King’s hypocrisies and how Philas’ form of justice was better for some than others.  Here was his son, Kenner thought about to die for that same King.  What would his father think?

              There, standing at the foot of his cot, closer than he’d ever seen it before was the familiar shadow.  It was a clearer shape now; whereas before it had seemed only a loose form of a person.  The lines of the form were more human than before; more real.  It appeared almost as a real person wearing a hooded cloak and he thought he could almost see a face beneath the hood.  Studying the outline even closer, it almost looked like the body of a woman underneath the cloak.  As he studied and peered closer, he wondered if it were only a dream.  Had he fallen asleep?  Then he heard a soft whisper of a voice coming from under the cloak.  He could barely hear the voice sounding like a deep sigh.  It seemed to be repeating the same sounds; possibly the same words, he thought.  It sounded like two words close together.  He focused.  He listened as close as he could.  When he thought he could hear them clearly, they didn’t seem to make sense at first.  Then it hit him like a thunderbolt.

              He jumped from his bunk and nearly ran across the courtyard to the Captain’s quarters.  When he burst in the door, Sergeant Bobbra put the blade of a short sword to his neck.
“What the bloody hell do you want?” Bobbra shouted at him.

“I must speak with the Captain.” He said, nearly out of breath.

“Anything you want to say to him, you’d better say to me, poacher.”

Kenner tried to push past the Sergeant only to have the blade pushed closer to his neck.  Captain Krall then rose from his own bunk.

“What the hell’s going on?” He asked gruffly.

“I know when the attack is coming.”

Chapter Fourteen

             
Captain Krall was tired; far too tired, he thought to deal with any nonsense.

“Go back to bed and back to your dreams, soldier.” He ordered.

“But I know when the attack is coming, sir.” Kenner insisted.

“Did you not hear the Captain?” Sergeant Bobbra growled.  “Get your ass back to the barracks!”

Sergeant Bobbra then began to shove Kenner back through the door.  In a smooth, quick motion, Kenner grabbed the Sergeant’s wrist and then wrestled the short sword out of his hand.  Bobbra was surprised and backed away from the young soldier.  Kenner then threw the weapon to the ground.

“If you’ll just give me a moment, sir,” Kenner insisted.

             
Captain Krall rubbed his tired eyes, then the back of his neck hurting from stress.