The Storm's Own Son (Book 2) (12 page)

Talaos smiled a black-humored smile at that, but no one else did.

Firio reappeared, and again spoke with Talaos in words audible only to them.

"Well gentlemen," said Talaos, "it seems Pelias decided that the news of General Sanctari's death was his sign for the Megasi contingent to leave Avrosa. He'd planned to commandeer those ships in the harbor while we sit here."

Talaos thought everyone, even Dromno, seemed unhappy about that.

Kurvan and Tescani looked at each other, and Tescani nodded.

"We need to get enough men together to put a stop to that," said Tescani.
"Now."

"No need," said Talaos. "Here comes Pelias."

Many heads turned. However, for a few moments, there was no sign of Pelias, or anyone else. Then Adriko appeared with Captain Drevan of Megasi, his companion from the battle of the pass, along with a squad of irregulars and a large, heavy looking sack. A variety of expressions passed around the room. Tescani made a faint smile. Kurvan grinned. Dromno looked... hopeful.

Adriko arrived, saluted, and motioned for the men carrying the sack to come forward.

"Commanders, I'm sorry to unload my baggage here," said Adriko with an easy smile, "but my men and I prefer to travel light."

Then, with a gesture, the men dumped the sack open to the floor, and General Pelias spilled unceremoniously out. He was in his tunic and gilt armor, but unarmed. His black, gray-streaked hair was disheveled. His hands and feet were bound, and he looked groggy. Talaos knew where the potion had come from to make him such.

For a moment, the room was quiet.

Pelias looked around the room, confused. Then he noticed Drevan, and his face contorted in sudden furious energy, straining against his bonds. He roared, "You traitor!"

Aro stood up and snapped in reply, "You're the traitor, Pelias! You took an oath as General of Megasi to stand with us regardless of circumstances, unless authorized by the elected  senior commander. That Sanctari's dead only means we have to elect a new one."

"Then I suggest," said Pelias, attempting to recover his poise, "that you untie me and let me take my seat."

Kurvan growled with laughter. Most of the officers surveyed Pelias unsympathetically.

Nissas chose that moment to emerge from his brooding silence.

"General Pelias, I think the rest of us at this table are certain that won't happen," he said, glancing around to nods of agreement. "Rather, once we have elected a new senior commander, we'll vote on how to handle your troops. Since it is highly likely your tribunes were part of your plan, we may have to put the Megasi contingent under joint allied command. Subject, of course, to agreement here."

As Nissas finished, Talaos thought he had an idea what the general might be up to. Allied command of the Megasi troops meant, in practice that they'd be under the control of the senior commander, as the allied irregulars were. Nissas was the next most experienced commander after Sanctari, and, at least until this morning's feuds, would have been favored to succeed him.

As nods passed around the table in response to what Nissas had proposed, General Dromno spoke up in his guileless-sounding voice, "I agree with General Nissas, and I also think we should have a few questions for Pelias. Seems suspicious that he would run just after Sanctari was murdered."

"Me?" snapped Pelias, "Why would I have wanted Sanctari dead? If he was alive, I wouldn't have tried to leave. You can lecture me about oaths all you like, but all of you know that with Sanctari gone, and the obvious disunity we have now, our chances of living through this are a lot smaller."

"Ha! Like that made it all right to sneak out like a rat," boomed Kurvan, then turning to the others. "Let's get him locked up so we can get to business."

There were nods around the room, and Drevan collected some men to haul Pelias out and to a cell. Meanwhile, Adriko sprawled comfortably on one of the free seats.

Talaos spoke from his spot behind the commanders. "I should remind all of you that I'm still standing watch over General Sanctari's body. With him and Pelias both off, that only leaves five in the command group. I'd suggest that we let Tribune Mordvan vote for Teroia until either Valanus recovers or some more permanent arrangement can be found. That still leaves one seat to consider. Regardless, let's now give the general the respectful treatment he deserves."

Nissas started to object, but Aro was faster. "I agree regarding Teroia's seat, and of course General Sanctari. Let's vote that with the five we have,
then we can discuss other ideas."

The commanders took their vote. Aro, Kurvan and Tescani in favor of Mordvan temporarily representing Teroia, with Nissas and Dromno opposed.

As they voted, Captain Perio arrived with four soldiers of Teroia, a stretcher, and Sanctari's armor and weapons. Perio his men took on the grim work of dressing the body. Then they put their fallen commander on the stretcher with his sword and shield.

"Now
, " said Kurvan grimly, "That just leaves filling Pelias's spot."

"That is impossible," objected Nissas. "He represented Megasi. As you all know, under the terms of the alliance, to have a seat in the command group, one must either represent a city, a league, or be a warlord acclaimed in the old way and in accordance with the old laws."

"In that case," said Kurvan, "Let's proceed with Sanctari's memorial. The men should be assembled now."

"Agreed," said Aro, rising from his chair.

Tescani looked as if he had many layers of wheels turning in his mind, but he too rose.

"Assembled the men? What are you up to, Kurvan?" snarled Nissas, but when the latter left his seat instead, the general rose and grudgingly followed.

Dromno looked doubtful, and full of his own wheels of thought. He followed Nissas.

Perio and Mordvan began to walk, with the four Teroia men carrying Sanctari.

"Ready, men," said Talaos to the Madmen. "Let's escort the general."

As Talaos and the commanders reached the end of the upper hallway, he could hear a great deal of noise outside.  The sound grew louder as the descended the steps and reached the chamber of the dome.

Nissas turned to Kurvan, "That sounds like half the army is in motion out there..."

"More than half," said Kurvan, as they neared the great entrance doors, which were standing open.

Talaos's Wolves stood guard at the top of the steps and at the entrance.  None were entering or leaving without their permission. Several messengers stood waiting for that permission. Nissas surveyed the situation with a displeased, calculating expression.

There before them in the midday sun, filling the plaza, were ten thousand men or more of the army, some in ordered companies, but most mingled haphazardly in obliviousness to origin by city or town, urban, rural or
hillman. Regardless, they were formed in rough ranks and files, with weapons and shields. As the commanders passed through the doors, they grew quiet.

Kurvan shouted out to the men, "By now all of you know, or had better know, why you're here in the plaza! Men, you knew General Sanctari as a great commander. I had the good luck to know him as a brother in arms, and now the bad luck to see him go. Keep together men. Watch and wait! We'll find out who did this."

Nissas then took his turn, "General Sanctari will be missed. Over many years, I had the honor of serving with him in three campaigns, and against him in one. He was formidable and inspiring in every case. I promise a full investigation  of his murder."

Neither Dromno nor Tescani showed interest in speaking, but Aro did.

"Soldiers, Tribune Talaos and his men here have stood guard by General Sanctari's body throughout the morning while you assembled," said Aro in a clear, sharp voice that carried across the plaza. "Now, Captain Perio of Teroia, and his company of men will escort the general to a resting place at their headquarters, in preparation for his funeral pyre. You however, must remain, for we have one more matter before us. A matter of great importance! "

Nissas arched an eyebrow, and Dromno looked about him in watchful surprise. 

Aro now raised an arm for emphasis.

The massed men grew silent one more, and intently watched the commanders.

He began to speak in a formal, even archaic way, "Men, I call you to attention. Give it now.  I present to you Talaos, tribune of the allied army, and a victorious commander. You know him, and you know his deeds. As his brother in arms, I speak my words and call for yours. A victorious commander stands before you, free of other allegiance, and worthy by the old laws. Ready your thoughts."

Then Kurvan
added , deep and growling, "As Talaos's brother in arms, I stand with General Aro, and second his words. I speak my words and call for yours. A victorious commander stands before you, free of other allegiance, and worthy by the old laws. Ready your shields!"

Talaos stepped forward with the words Aro had taught him.
"As brother in arms to Warlord Kurvan and General Aro, as your brother in arms. I accept their words, I am free of other allegiance, and stand ready by the old laws. Ready your words!"

Then it was Kurvan's turn again, his voice thundering, "Men! Warriors! Brothers! Three have spoken, now three ask. We give you Talaos! Do you acclaim him?"

Ten thousand men beat weapons to shields, or flat against their fists. Ten thousand voices called out his name three times, "Talaos, hail! Talaos, hail! Talaos, hail!"

Kurvan turned to Talaos with great solemnity. He saluted him, with a kind of grim fatherly pride, "Congratulations, Warlord Talaos!"

10. Warlord

Thousands of soldiers were filing their way from the great plaza to resume their various duties. Talaos's Wolves and substantial detachments from among Kurvan's hillmen and Aro's troops remained. With them, but somewhat apart, stood troops from Aledri.

The commanders returned to the council chamber in silence.

Talaos took up Pelias's old seat. Aides and messengers went back and forth. Food and refreshments were served, and the seven men at the table ate while they surveyed each other watchfully. Some of the other officers had left, duty taking precedence. Those who didn't have immediate tasks sat by, waiting with great interest. Adriko, stretched across two seats near the back, seemed to doze. After a little while, Drevan sat down nearby, but did not try to wake him.

Talaos made himself at ease, watching the others with focused interest, as if he was watching players at some high-stakes game of skill. 
Which of course, he mused, he was.

Silence lengthened and tension built.

At last, something changed as Dromno rose to speak.

"Well I think," said Dromno, in tones as if he were sharing simple wisdom from behind his own plow, "we should keep to tradition, tried and true, and go with the most experienced of us still left."

"Sorry, I'm only a hillman's son," said Kurvan, still in his chair, with a kind of dangerous rumble in his voice. "So I don't think I'm worthy to serve under Nissas."

Dromno sat down, and Nissas himself rose.

"Barring another storm, the enemy will be here tomorrow," Nissas said in sharp tones. "Divided command will be the end of us. Kurvan, I'm sure you imagine it will be you as senior, but I don't have to tell you how many of Aro's men wouldn't like that idea, even if you're on the same side for once."

Aro raised an eyebrow, but did not attempt to refute what Nissas had said.

Nissas then continued, "However, before we try voting for a senior commander, I need to point out we never formally agreed Talaos would join the command group."

"He's an acclaimed warlord," growled Kurvan.

"A warlord with no substantial personal following!" snapped Nissas, "His Wolves are hardly more than a company. He's no more a warlord than he was a tribune!"

"I'm afraid I must disagree," said Adriko, who'd silently risen and ambled over while they debated. "As you know, I command five companies of mercenary irregulars under general allied command. In addition, as I had time on my hands, and I'm easily bored, I raised three more companies of my own from mercenaries formerly in Avrosan service. Moreover, because he is a friendly sort, Captain Drevan transferred his company of allied light cavalry to me."

The commanders watched him. Nissas, looking s if he guessed what was about to happen, started to speak.

"However," Adriko continued, ignoring Nissas, "we find ourselves without a senior allied commander, or any united allied command.  In order to keep my forces unified, I see no other logical choice than but to swear allegiance to Warlord Talaos."

"Tribune!" snapped Nissas, "That is quite..."

"Hail Talaos! You command, and we follow!" shouted Adriko, with a smart salute, and a twinkle in his eyes.

Dromno stood up, joining Nissas with angry glares.

Then Drevan stepped forward, the active young captain of Megasi looked almost on fire with energy, "I've just returned from the Megasi headquarters. The men were feeling very emotional over the death of General Sanctari and the acclamation of Talaos. I pointed out how shameful it was of Pelias to run at a time like that.

"They agreed, and all the more senior officers who were part of the plot are locked up for now. That leaves me in charge, though I can't speak on behalf of the Council of Megasi, I do speak for the men here, and we support Talaos."

"Had enough?" said Kurvan, grinning at Nissas.

"Very well. Welcome Talaos," replied the latter, sitting back down with a thoughtful, guarded expression.

Hardly had Nissas sat down, than Talaos stood up, speaking with sudden energy, "We have no more time to waste. I support Warlord Kurvan for senior commander."

"I second that," said Mordvan.

"Gentlemen, your votes?" finished Talaos.

"Yes, of course," said Kurvan.

"No," said Tescani, flatly.

"No, of course not," said Nissas.

"I have to do what's best for the army," said Dromno, "So no."

There was a pause, as all looked at Aro. Talaos thought Aro's usually cold decisive manner was less assured, even torn. They hadn't planned for this moment. Talaos knew, even if Nissas and Dromno didn't, that a large part of what they'd just pulled off had been improvisation, backed by a tremendous amount of prior contingency planning, and by Talaos's experience from the streets of Carai. However, this hadn't been among the contingencies.

Aro at last spoke, looking tense, "Kurvan, Nissas is right. Half the towns in my league would happily see your head on a pike. My men have been all right with you cheering Talaos on, but most of them would never support you as senior commander. I have to vote no."

Kurvan nodded with a grim, watchful expression. Nissas smiled, and stood again.

"Four to three against, Kurvan.
That brings us back around to me. I vote yes for myself. Gentlemen?"

"Yes," said Dromno.

"What do you think? No!" growled Kurvan.

"No," said Tescani.

Talaos found himself wondering what the mercenary warlord's game was, but had no time to reflect on it.

"I had to decline Kurvan, but that doesn't mean I support you, Nissas," said Aro. "No."

"No," said Talaos, followed almost immediately by Mordvan.

Kurvan, still grim, eyed Nissas, then spoke, "That's five to two against. Puts us in a spot, doesn't it?"

Nissas nodded, scowling, then spoke, "Gentlemen, it seems we'll have to rely on joint command for now. I suggest we return to our own headquarters to sort things out, and prepare for the enemy. May tomorrow be better, but for today, let us end this farce."

There were no arguments, and with varying looks of concern, the commanders departed.

~

When Talaos returned to The Waverider, he gathered the Madmen in his room. He sat at his desk with an intense air, and once they'd taken seats around him, he spoke.

"Men, we've got a lot of planning to do. If any surprises are going to come, it will be tonight. Let's discuss..."

"Talaos?" said Vulkas.

"Yes?" replied Talaos quizzically.

"Are you pulling an Adriko," grinned Vulkas, "or are you disappointed to be a warlord and a commander?"

Talaos laughed, "No on both counts. Sorry, none of Adriko's style of jokes and tricks for tonight. I am glad to have the position I do now, but we've got to make good use of it."

"Well at least let us congratulate you, man!" laughed Larogwan.

Kyrax managed a face between a scowl and a grin, "To Talaos, the youngest, fastest risen, most fucking unlikely warlord in the history of Hunyos!"

"To Talaos!" cheered Firio.

"Aye!" said Imvan.

"Don't let it get to your head,"
grinned Vulkas.

"A mighty life..." mused Halmir.

Epos simply and silent gripped Talaos's arm in a military handshake.

"Now men, back to it," said Talaos. "We each have our part to do. Firio has the Hounds ready to unleash. Imvan, you have a little urban scouting to do. Adriko should be here soon with news of his own. In the meantime, let's talk about what we each have to do..."
 

~

The harbor glittered in the moonlight. Ships sat at anchor on the quays, each now with two squads of guards carefully assembled from multiple cities and towns. Talaos could see them below, from his vantage point on the balcony. Some of those men were from Adriko's troops, and now in his service as warlord. Others, secretly, were among his Hounds.

"Brooding?" asked Liriel, next to him. The spirals of her black hair blew in the breeze.

"Yes, and plotting," he answered with a note of sarcasm, though both were true.

"I want to thank you for everything," she said, watching gentle waves lap the docks.

"I couldn't let them do that to you, or to anyone," he replied.

She turned to look at him, "I know why I hate the Prophet and his believers, but you've never told me why you do."

"The Prophet sent three sorcerers from the
Eastlands to Carai to kill me. They whispered things that made it clear the Prophet wants me dead. "

"The Prophet... the Prophet himself?"
Her eyes widened, but she drew close to him.

"So it seems," he replied, feeling her presence, and his own conflict inside.

"Then why come here, to Hunyos?"

"Because my war is with the Prophet, and his followers are here."

"Talaos..." she whispered, drawing still closer, "you've picked quite a war."

"Yes. I have to go soon," he replied, though he could feel the warmth and energy of her, and was not eager to part from it.

She added, "I think you are right about what is coming. The spirits tend to stay away from people and places associated with the Prophet, and they've been distant tonight. Talaos, I..."

He turned to face her. Her eyes looked into his, and her lips were half-parted.

She put her hand on his armored chest and whispered, "Please survive this."

Talaos smiled, took her hand, held it for a moment,
then stepped back.

"Stay safe," he said, turning to leave.

~

They waited in the shadows of the alley. For a brief moment, Talaos imagined himself back in Carai. It was certainly familiar enough, and though the scale was larger, the stakes were still life and death. With him were Firio, Imvan, Larogwan, Halmir, and silent Epos. Vulkas and Kyrax stood watch at The Waverider commanding the greater part of Wolves, and ready to take the hammer blow, should it come.

The rest of the Wolves, the stealthier among them, were with Talaos, and other places nearby. All across the city, small groups of soldiers of the alliance, and of secretly armed Avrosans, were roaming the streets. He also knew other groups of soldiers, and Avrosan followers of the Prophet, were doing the same.  Many of those, the other side, were slowly converging on The Waverider.

In the streets as well, and not far away now, he knew General Dromno was coming with a body of handpicked men. There were rumors of Nissas organizing his own men in the section of town that comprised the Aledri camp.

Talaos heard marching feet. Firio, dressed in sooty blacks and grays, his face and hands smeared with ash, crept low to the pavement and peered around the corner. He quickly withdrew, then rose to whisper in Talaos's ear.

"Dromno.
Two hundred men at least. A man in cloak and robes with them, holding a copper rod. Another man with face covered and a silver dagger."

Talaos in turn drew the Madmen close and repeated the news, and then they to the Wolves. They waited.  A squad of soldiers passed, in uniforms of several towns. Then Dromno appeared, with others at his side, as Firio had described.

Dromno was heavily armed and armored. The second man wore white robes. His green-trimmed cloak was thrown back around his shoulders, but the hood was pulled low. The copper rod in his hand had an end carved in the form of a thunderbolt. The third man wore loose baggy, tan pants and shirt, a white cloth wrapped around his head and face, and a long white sash belt trimmed in green script. Talaos recognized the script as that in the Prophet's books of rituals.

Firio threw a dagger straight at Dromno's throat.

Talaos threw a knife at the man in the robes, right into the opening of his hood.

Imvan loosed an arrow at the man with the covered face.

There was a flash of green around Dromno. Firio's dagger stopped, and fell to the ground.

The same happened around the man in the robes.

The man with the covered face caught Imvan's arrow in midair.

Dromno twisted around, looking surprised,
then smiled.

"The Prophet protects the righteous," Dromno said in his farmer's voice, as he drew a sword that flickered green along the blade. Green light glittered in the depths of his eyes.

Talaos leapt to the attack with blades flashing.

Behind him came his Madmen and Wolves.

Dromno spun with his shield up and his green-flickering sword held low. Talaos whirled with his long blade around the shield, and short blade ready to parry. Dromno moved with sudden speed, blocking with the shield and stabbing his sword past Talaos's guard. Talaos leapt backwards. A faint green light swirled all around the general as he moved.

Larogwan, Halmir, and three of the Wolves were upon the man with the covered face. They moved with coordinated attacks, swords high and low. The foe whirled and spun with superhuman speed and fluid grace. Every strike missed him.