The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare (68 page)

“Oh, I don’t know,” Tvrdik responded, his nose wrinkling in distaste, “it’s awfully small and very rustic…”

“Let me think on it. I’ll try to come up with something soon. Any other business or discussion?”

No one spoke.

“Very well. Good work, everyone. I think we each know our individual tasks for the moment. Meeting adjourned. Oh, wait! General Boone, how long do you think we have – best guess?”

The grizzled veteran stroked his beard, “Well, the hottest days of summer are not the best times to force march a large army. But, Drogue won’t be able to afford supporting a force like that for long, and he’ll lose his peasants and farmers at harvest time. So, I’d say three weeks, a month at the outside.”

A sober silence.

The Lady Regent finally spoke again, “My friends, every day counts. Every hour. Pour your best into everything you do now, and may the heavens help us. Tvrdik, this afternoon we need to convene a brief meeting of all the Captains in our Legion to inform them of all that was discussed here. May we do that at The Cottage?”

“Of course, my lady. I will see to it right away.” She nodded, and everyone turned to take up their appointed tasks. Candelinda pulled her great white head back through the window, as the others filed through the big oak doors, nodding at Warlowe as they passed.

“Warlowe,” the Lady Regent called, “You are dismissed from your duties here. Would you go and round up the others?”

“Yes, my lady.”

She turned back to Tvrdik, who was last to leave. “I’ll see you, then, at The Cottage in two hours?”

He nodded, paused, thought better of saying anything, and pressed past her into the hallway. Jorelial Rey looked after him, sighed, and went off to find Tashroth.

THIRTY–SEVEN
Preparing For Battle

I
N THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOWED
Candelinda’s return, activity around the palace soared to a new level of intensity. Messengers were sent out all over the kingdom warning of the imminent threat of war, and recruiting volunteers for the defensive force. Many provincials were moved to join up, and had to be outfitted, equipped, briefed on the new philosophy, and, if they were willing to embrace it, trained.

A fair number of would-be soldiers backed away in shock at the prospect of facing Drogue’s army without any traditional weapons, and Jorelial Rey insisted that no one should be coerced into service if they were not comfortable with the non-violent imperative. But, a surprising percentage of the newcomers were excited about becoming a part of something ground-breaking. If they stayed long enough to witness a demonstration of what the Legions had been practicing, they were usually won over. There was also a contingent who weren’t exactly thrilled with the new directives, but were loyal patriots, and were willing to do whatever was asked of them in support of the rightful ruler of Eneri Clare. The result was that the Legions of Light did in fact double its numbers in a scant few weeks, to about seven thousand strong. Original members were now busy training small groups of newcomers in every planned maneuver, and assigning them to special task forces according to their talents. Tvrdik occupied himself activating all the blue shields, and fitting them with the cloth covers Mrs. Praeger and her team were turning out. These sleeves proved an effective accessory, designed for quick and easy removal, and folding up, small and light, when not in use.

Tvrdik also reviewed every other strategy, tactic, and idea they had come up with since the formation of the Legions. He assessed their usefulness, rethought and refined the best, and made sure the appropriate arm of the Legion was well-prepared to implement each. In this endeavor, he consulted at great length with both Xaarus and General Boone. Brendelle, Stewart, Andrus, and Nyree, all commanding specialized units, also spent time with him poring over details. Xaarus was pushing himself hard to remain accessible during this crucial period. The old wizard understood from a unique perspective just how much was at stake in this war, and was beginning have deep regrets at not being able to be physically present for the events to come. Tvrdik felt his Master’s solid confidence in him at every contact. But they both had moments of secret doubt that it might all be more than a little overwhelming for one fairly green mage and an army of inexperienced idealists. Tvrdik could sense the unexpressed hint of concern in Xaarus mind.

“Master,” he blurted out one day, “I know the odds against us are formidable, but you, yourself, sent me on this mission. Do you now have doubts that it can be done? That…that I…that all of us together can achieve a victory?”

“No, no, son. That isn’t it. You must know how proud I am of you. But, now that this battle with Lord Drogue is no longer merely an abstract, I am wracked with guilt about sending all of you into the storm without being there myself to protect you. In some ways, this is really my fight, and I have forced it on you.”

“This is a fight that belongs to all of us, and would have come to the kingdom in any case. You have gone to extraordinary lengths to help prepare us, to give us every advantage from your perspective, to pass along your warnings and your good counsel. It has cost you a good deal to keep re-initiating this link, I know it has. I cannot imagine how we would have fared without it. It would have been wonderful to have you standing here beside me in the flesh, directing things with a sure hand, as in bygone days. But, since we haven’t yet figured out how to do that, I am grateful for the assistance you are giving us.”

“I know. But, even from the future, I can give you no guarantees. There are only likelihoods and probabilities. For all of my skill and foreknowledge, I am operating on faith quite as much as you are. Faith and hope.”

“Faith and hope are powerful allies, Master. You taught me that. You always said that we must do our utmost to prepare, and to strive, and then we must rely on faith and hope to carry us the last lap. That philosophy has brought me a great distance already, and I can hold fast to it in the face of nearly anything, so long as I know you are still behind me.”

“My dear boy, trust me when I tell you that I can imagine no one to whom I would more willingly entrust this task. You have grown to be a fine wizard, Tvrdik, and have exceeded my expectations in every way. I am honored to have been your teacher. I also think we have a good plan, here – one that will take Lord Drogue in his arrogance quite by surprise.”

“Good, then. We will turn him around and around until he does not know which direction is up, and then chase him all the way back to the caves of his forefathers if need be. And, if the gods be willing, someday you and I will sit with a tankard of ale, and reminisce about the glorious battle we once fought together with neither sword, nor bow, nor pike, and we will sigh that things have become as dull as they will be then.”

There was a twinkle in the old mage’s voice as he murmured, “Tvrdik, you amaze me. So be it, then. Now, go back to the bards – let us discuss once again how they may best be used…”

With General Boone, the young mage would explain every detail of whatever plans he had discussed with Xaarus. He wanted the veteran warrior to comprehend and approve every tool they had in their war chest, and to feel confident teaching them to his own soldiers. Boone needed to be able to lead the Legions of Light into battle himself, knowing what tricks he had at his disposal. Often, the General would suggest a refinement to what Tvrdik brought. Usually his ideas were genuine improvements, which Tvrdik acknowledged with appreciation. Boone never dismissed any of the mage’s strategies out of hand. He had learned that most things Tvrdik proposed held power and merit. In this way, the two former adversaries grew in respect and admiration for one another, and began to see themselves as colleagues working toward the same goals.

Meanwhile, the Lady Jorelial Rey was also tackling her crowded days like a whirlwind. She worked with the Council and the Royal Guard to shore up all the fortifications that protected Theriole, signing work orders, requisitions, and budgetary releases. She visited all the training camps on a regular basis. She hoped these visits might boost morale a bit, while she took note of particularly talented individuals she might need to finger for future service. Following Candelinda’s suggestion, she sent Stewart, Wynne, and Shar on a covert mission to try to talk some sense into the magical creatures now committed to Lord Drogue. It was a long shot, but any advance blow they could deal him would help. She had decided that sending dragons would be too conspicuous, and so asked Wynne to represent her in this matter. When he introduced her to Shar, and explained how Tvrdik had ministered to the dark unicorn, she enthusiastically agreed that he would be the perfect ambassador for the good intentions of their side. The unicorns had an ancient bond with the winged horses in any case, and could slip in and out of the remote mountain area where the creatures lived, without attracting notice.

This had been the first that Jorelial Rey had heard of Shar’s new horn, and she marveled at its beautiful delicacy, and the way it seemed to change the unicorn’s entire personality. She was reminded again of the mage’s cleverness, humility, and above all, his great kindness. Deeply she wished she could make him understand how much she regretted her thoughtless remark, longed to return to the easy rapport they had once shared. But there was no time for sentiment now. Fortune willing, they would survive to straighten it all out when the fighting was over.

General Boone and Mark flew off as promised in search of a perfect spot for the two armies to meet, and Mark delivered. Boone was ecstatic about the site they selected. It had every advantage they could have wished for. There was a long, broad valley between two tall, rocky ridges. The river ran through it, flanking one of the steep canyon walls, and there were copses of trees scattered among large expanses of meadow. The whole area was unpopulated, now that goatherds and shepherds were gathering in their flocks closer to home. This meant there would be no danger of causing disruption to civilian life. Best of all, Lord Drogue’s forces would have to march straight through on their way to the delta, if they were to avoid the much more arduous and time-consuming mountain passes. Many trips were made to this heaven-sent place, called by the locals, the Valley of the Yechtze. Maps were made, strategies adapted to the terrain, and measurements paced off. It was decided where various companies would be deployed on the Legion’s side of the valley, where the best vantage points were up on top for dragons and generals, and where additional forces might be hidden. Ondine was taken to explore that stretch of the river, and Tvrdik and Tashroth began a dialogue with the trees there, who, as promised, seemed to be well-disposed toward their cause.

Little by little, a plan emerged. As soon as word came that Lord Drogue was on the move, they would march the Legions’ full force to Yechtze, and make camp at the mouth of the valley. There, they would set their traps and wait for Drogue to arrive, forcing him to meet them in pitched battle at this contained location. The hope was that they would be able to push him back with his tail between his legs, without letting him ever get near Theriole. In the event any of the enemy forces did push through, and made for the palace, several regiments of the Elite Royal Guard, and one of Brendelle’s companies, would be in place to defend it, and would be authorized to use lethal force as a last resort. The Lady Regent agonized over this decision, but she thought it important to communicate that if all else failed, she had no intention of allowing the kingdom to fall to such as Drogue without using every option available. And in any case, the king would not be there.

Time seemed to evaporate before their eyes, as no one knew the exact moment that the mountain lord would make his move. It felt like they were all racing to beat an unknown deadline, and each new day that they had to complete another list of tasks seemed a priceless gift in which they rejoiced.

One sunny afternoon, several weeks after Candelinda’s return from her reconnaissance trip, the Lady Jorelial Rey summoned Mark and Delphine to meet her in the Hall of Audience. Something about the invitation seemed more official than was usual between them, and filled the couple with a sense of unease.

When they arrived, Warlowe was nowhere to be seen, but the great, heavy door stood ajar. Beyond, they could see Jorelial Rey seated at the oversized table, her head in her hands. Mark and Delphine exchanged a look of alarm, and Mark took his wife’s hand, clearing his throat loudly. The Lady Regent looked up to see them hesitating in the doorway, and sprang from her chair to greet them.

“Mark, Delphine! Come in, come in. I’m glad you’re here. Can you manage to get that door closed? I don’t want us to be disturbed. That’s it. Let’s all go and sit down. At the table, there. I’m afraid I have nothing to offer you – I didn’t think ahead. Are you hungry? Should I have something sent?”

“Rel, we’re fine. We just had lunch. What’s all this about?” The couple settled themselves at the table and leaned forward, their attention fixed on Delphine’s sister. Jorelial Rey took a deep, centering breath, and let it out through pursed lips. For a moment, a tense silence hung over them all, and then Rel began.

“Do you remember, Mark, when you broke into the meeting here for Candelinda’s report?”

“Yes, of course. I know it was not proper protocol, and perhaps I could have handled it better, but…”

“No, no, it’s fine. You were right to come in. The intelligence you brought was priceless. It’s not a problem.”

“Then, what?”

“Do you recall that after you told us about Yechtze, there was a whole other conversation about spiriting King Darian away somewhere that Drogue would not think to look for him?”

“Yes, I remember. There were several suggestions of places, but none seemed perfect, and you said you would give it some thought…”

“Have you found a place?” Delphine asked.

“Well, Sweet Pea, I thought I had. There were a lot of possibilities that we looked at, but every one of them had some sort of problem attached. And if it was not a better solution than just leaving him guarded at Theriole, it wasn’t worth doing. I was beginning to give up on the plan, and then Master Alanquist came forward last week to tell me that he had a lovely country estate, miles from here, off in the lowlands, away from any conflict. His wife would be happy to welcome little Darian as a guest, and no one would be the wiser, so we started preparations.”

Mark and Delphine exchanged a confused glance. Mark spoke.

“That’s wonderful. It sounds…”

“It burned down.”

“What?” Mark yelped. Delphine made an involuntary shocked sound.

“The whole house. Early this morning. To the ground. Lady Alanquist and the children got out safely, thank the gods, but some of the servants were injured. Master Alanquist is on his way there now to collect his family and bring them all to Theriole. He is devastated. The house had been in his family for generations.”

“Was it….an accident?”

“We think so. We hope so. We are still clinging to the notion that Lord Drogue expects His Majesty to be holed up at the palace. I would not like to think word of our plan got out. I suppose it is possible someone might have tried to get to Alanquist simply because he is a major player in our government, and cannot stand Drogue. Or there might have been a more personal vendetta…or a random spark. Just bad timing.”

The Lady Regent closed her eyes and shook her head. Delphine saw how weary her sister looked, and reached out a hand to cover Rel’s.

“What a terrible blow for poor Master Alanquist. Thank heavens his family is unharmed. Bad luck that Darian can’t go there. But, Rel, is there some special reason why you are telling us?”

Jorelial Rey leapt from her chair and began to pace back and forth, in her accustomed manner.