Chapter 131: Disorder


    North of Lakon, a skirmish was fought. The winter had been quiet, but with the return of spring came also war. The ounder army, after raising the siege of Lakon, had remained in the vicinity to defend their holdings in southern Hthiod. Further northy the Mercian camp, likewise defending the part of Hthiod under their control. In between, scouts and patrols met in constant challenge, testing the readiness of their enemy.


    Most of these minor battles took the same form. On one side, scores of the red-clothed Anausa fought with bows and short swords in close, chaoticbat across the barren moor. Their opposition was far more difficult to determine. Hthian longbowmen stood at the back, supporting Order soldiers, some hignders and dalemen, and even a few whiterobes wielding great hammers. It seemed men from all over the Realms had gathered to fight the ounders, but in such low numbers that the fight was even. Neither side was eager to press forward; the closer the fight moved to the enemy camp, the greater risk of enemy reinforcements. As dusk fell, both contingents felt the point had been made and regrouped in order to retreat. The wounded were pulled back, and the skirmish concluded.


    ~~~~


    The Mearcian camp resembled a field sown by an inebriated farmer. Tents rose into the air in scattered constetions across the area. Somey solitary, others clumped together. The Order army attempted some imitation of organisation, whereas the Hthian levies under their king had made camp with little forethought. One small part had the strangest assortment of warriors; they were a mixed group of drakonians, Hthians and hignders, who had followed Brand into his exile. The dalemen, divided under the leadership of several lords, had simply raised their tents where they saw fit.


    In what could reasonably be called the middle of the camp, Williams tent stood. Nominally the captain of the army, he had called for a council of war. Count Hubert, representing his king and the Hthians, had already arrived, as had Prince vius of Aqu for the dalemen. The captain and the count were in easy conversation, while the prince mutely kept to himself, when a knight entered the tent.


    Sir Vilmund, William spoke questioningly. I bade Sir Ewind to appear, not you.


    I am aware, captain. The other knights and I felt that another should meet with you.


    You felt? William repeated brusquely. What manner of insubordination is this?


    None intended, captain, Vilmund imed. With spring arriving, battle seems inevitable. But many of the knights, including myself, doubt the legitimacy of the orders we might receive.


    How dare you impugn Sir Williams honour! eximed Hubert, jumping out of his seat.


    It is not the captain but his counsel we call into question, Vilmund retorted. You have an ouw and oath breaker acting as your lieutenant, he continued, addressing William.


    Sir Adalbrand is the bestmander in the Realms, the captain argued. I would be a fool not to heed his advice.


    He has no right to that title, Vilmund spoke with utter contempt. He is not even in the Order. His de was broken and he pronounced a knave. The honour of every knight under yourmand is forfeit if you follow this man.


    You follow me, William proimed. That is all you need to know.


    As the Codex proscribes, any knight is bound to refuse an uwfulmand, Vilmund continued.


    Every order is given by me and thuswful, William dered with a clenched jaw. It is not the ce of any knight to question it.


    That is not our view. As long as the ouw pulls your string, captain, Vilmund said, speaking the title slowly, do not expect the knights to agree with you. Without being dismissed, he turned and left the tent.


    Hitherto silent, Prince Aqu rose from his seat. I see this council is nothing but a waste of time. As I have no interest inmitting my soldiers to a fight, especially not without the knights on our side, I think that concludes our meeting. He left as well with haste.


    Sighing, William turned towards Hubert. At least you are not in a hurry to leave.


    Boy, you know I am itching for a battle as much as anybody, the count told his old pupil. If you decide it, I will convince the king to march the Hthians south alongside you.


    William shook his head. We cannot risk an engagement if our cavalry refuses to fight. I should have them all flogged! The question is whether it is merely Sir Vilmund and a few malcontents, or if many of the knights are on their side.


    While I agree ardently with flogging men refusing to fight, we must consider what was said, Hubert admitted. The knights hate Adalbrand. For reasons I have never understood, Prince Aqu mes him for being the reason that King Adrd sent him here. Even Leander is spiteful towards him for having kept reinforcements in Adalrik that were meant for Hthiod. The old count exhaled. He certainly has a gift for making enemies.


    Brand has been the architect of all our victories, William said despondent. Tothmor and Polisals were freed because of him. His gift for strategy is invaluable.


    But is it more valuable than five hundred knights? Hubert asked pointedly.


    William breathed heavily. He is my friend. I failed him in Middanhal. How can I fail him again?


    And to all the soldiers out there, you are their captain, Hubert retorted. You cannot afford to fail them either.


    ~~~~


    Leander emptied his cup. I swear, if we ever run out of wine, I am leaving. This has been the dullest winter of my life, worse thanst year spent in Korndale.


    Troy sipped with more caution from his own. Part of me should desire excitement, but I cant say I mind things being dull. I only take exception to having spent another winter in camp. Winter is meant for cities. He shuddered.


    It serves you right for trotting off with a band of fortune seekers, Leander admonished him, pouring another cup.


    When I trotted off, they were a respectable band led by a knight, Troy defended himself. How was I to know hed be dered an ouw?


    Ill fortune follows that man like a dog follows the butcher, Leander mumbled.


    I dont regret it, Troy dered. Seeing the hignds was the best experience of my life. The beauty of thend, and the people there know to appreciate bards.


    I bet if you drank all their wine, their tune would change.


    Ill have you know they were happy to serve me.


    I always knew they were a strange lot. Leander took a healthy draught from his goblet.


    Troy sent him an inquisitive look. Leander, are you well? You seem  unsettled.


    Half mynd is in the clutches of murderous savages. Should I be fine?


    No, of course not.


    That damnable priest told me things would get better when we returned to Tothmor, Leander mumbled into his cup. Another robe proving to be a damned liar. He threw his head back, emptying his wine.


    What are you talking about?


    Nothing. Leander paused, putting his cup on the small table in the tent. I had a letter yesterday from Tothmor.


    What did it say?


    The sibyls have examined Theodora. She is pregnant.


    The queen? Troy eximed.


    Who else? Leander asked with irritation.


    Of course. I am just surprised. Isnt that great news?


    I suppose.


    Have you told the men? Theyll be overjoyed, Troy imed.


    Because this means an heir?


    Well yes, I suppose.


    That is all that child will be, Leander mumbled. An heir. A piece on the board.


    Neither you nor the queen will look upon him or her that way, Troy insisted.


    Does it matter what I do? The way it seems, I will be here when that child is born. It might be years before I return to Tothmor. I could die in battle tomorrow and never meet it.


    Count Hubert wont allow that, Troy dered. Dont throw away the olive before its been cured. Before you know it, this war is over and your child will have its father home.


    Troy, Leander asked with a tired voice, what do you or I know about fathers? Troy did not have any immediate response. Leander reached out to pick up the wineskin. I am tired. I will try to sleep.


    Of course. Well talk another time, Troy said. He got up and left while the king poured himself another cup.


    ~~~~


    Brands tent contained two cots and a table. On thettery a crude map of southern Hthiod and the Reach beyond the Langstan; Godfrey and Brand sat on the former opposite each other.


    I didnt see much activity yet, Godfrey told him. But I did not venture much beyond Rund. The city here, he borated, pointing at a settlement.


    I remember seeing it in the distance during my own sojourn into the Reach. About a week south of the wall, correct?


    Godfrey nodded. Any reinforcements or supplies will be sent to Rund first and then north across the Langstan to reach Lakon or the ounder army.


    What are the chances they might enter Hthiod from the east? They did so in the initial invasion.


    It seems unlikely. Thend east of Hthiod is hilly. It will take them much longer to enter Hthiod than if they approach from the south, Godfrey exined. He pointed at the map again. The ounders consider everything beyond the Langstan to be invite. A small force in this area could cause untold damage.


    The idea appeals to me, Brand conceded, but leading my men into the Reach is not lightly done. We will be in hostilends with an entire army between us and home.


    If we dy going on the offensive much longer, the opportunity may slip from our hands.


    How so?


    There is a reason the ounders did not advance further after taking control of Hthiod. Did you ever wonder why so many of their troops were pulled back? Godfrey asked.


    Brand frowned. I assumed for supply reasons.


    Godfrey shook his head. An insurrection was instigated in their cities, forcing the Godking to pull back troops to quell the riots.


    Brand scratched his cheek. How great a threat does the insurrection pose against this Godking?


    It is a distraction at best, Godfrey admitted. His rule is absolute and cannot be challenged for long. Soon, he will turn his full attention, not to mention his full armies, against Adalmearc once more. If we are to take advantage of the disarray among the ounders, we must act now.


    Their conversation was disturbed by the arrival of William. Entering the tent, the captain nced at Godfrey. Brand gave thetter a nod, who left. I see your spy has returned, William remarked once they were alone. Not the most auspiciouspany to keep.


    Many would say the same of me.


    I grant you that, William admitted. When judgementes easy, it rarelyes fairly.


    All too true. What brings you by? Something you wish to discuss?


    William took a deep breath. Some of the knights are refusing to fight. Prince Aqu is stubborn as ever. We may only have the infantry and the Hthians with us to take Lakon, along with your band, of course.


    Knights refusing to fight? Brand frowned. That is unheard of.


    It is not cowardice. They question my leadership.


    A knowing expression spread across Brands face. Because of me.


    Yes. I cannot say how far it spreads. We will know once we march out.


    William, facing the ounders on the field without cavalry is preparing for defeat.


    You defeated Sir Athelstan on those terms, the captain countered.


    Because I had fifty Temrs and favourable terrain, Brand reminded him. Not to mention, I knew exactly how Athelstanmands. We have none of those advantages here.


    Perhaps we can outmanoeuvre them, William suggested. We move to threaten Lakon. They will have to intercept and give us battle on terms we dictate.


    Or they will march north and threaten Tothmor, ravaging thend. We need the ounders contained in the south, Brand argued. He paused for a moment. We need them weakened.


    How can we aplish that? It will be difficult to raid their supply lines, and Lakon offers them much protection.


    Brand took a deep breath. We must send forces into the Reach. They will not expect us to attack them there. After all, we have never done so before.


    I see the merit of your proposal, but choosing whom to send must be done with the utmost care. Only our best and hardiest can be expected to prevail if we are to send them deep into hostile territory without reinforcements or support.


    You need not worry. All my men knew I expected to lead them into the Reach on this campaign. We will simply be marching there sooner than expected, Brand said with a wry smile.


    You cannot be serious! I will not be sending my best lieutenant on such a dangerous errand. I would rather go myself, William dered.


    I have no doubt you would, but if you did, this army would fall apart. Just the fact that youe here to my tent to discuss strategy is more fuel for the knights animosity against me, Brand pointed out.


    William stared at him, looking crestfallen. I need you here to help memand the army.


    If I stay, you will not have an army tomand.


    Sending you to near certain death cannot be the answer, the captain maintained.


    William, I have always admired how reasonable you are. This is the obvious solution. The shadow cast upon your leadership is gone. I cany the groundwork for our campaign into the Reach, scouting thend while whittling away at the ounders. My warriors are tougher than stone and well-suited for this kind of fighting.


    William stood in silence. Damn you, he muttered. I hate how you can always sway me.


    You bear this burden admirably, Brand remarked with a p on the shoulder.


    Let the quartermaster know what you need, William told him. Come see me before you depart.


    I will, and I shall. Do not worry, Brand said with a light heart. I will return soon enough. We shall meet again before you know it.


    William left the tent, and it took only a moment for Godfrey to return. That seemed important?


    Brand exhaled. We will leave for the Reach as soon as we are ready. Sir William is in agreement.


    Godfrey nodded. I will leave ahead of you and gather what intelligence I may.


    See that you do.


    With another nod, Godfrey departed from the tent, and soon after, the camp.


    ~~~~


    Of all the motley bands in the Mearcian camp, Brands followers stood out the most. Their count was one hundred, give or take, and they had little inmon except being under Brandsmand. A handful were whiterobes from the hignds, providing spiritual aid to the rest of the Mearcians and hammer blows to the ounders. Many hailed from Adalrik, following the only man they considered a true atheling of Sigvard, even if that road led them to the Reach. Some were Hthians, seeing the dragonborn as the best leader in the fight against the invaders. Lastly, ordinary hignders besides whiterobes could be found, and their number included both men and women; they came mostly from n Ln, of the same name as Brands mother and following their nsman into battle.


    As Troy returned from Leanders tent, he found the others upied in casual ways; most of them watched one of the hignders sparring ukos, known to be the strongest swordsman among Brands followers. You cannot hesitate, he admonished his opponent. She was panting for breath, holding a sword with both hands while ring at ukos. If you are going to fight without a shield, you cannot allow your enemy the opportunity to strike first. Gwen, kinswoman to Brand, raised her sword and swung it over her head with a loud cry. ukos quickly stepped back, out of its reach. Better, he acknowledged, stepping forward to touch her leg with the t of his own de. But you also need to hit, or you remain just as vulnerable.


    To Hel with your advice, Gwen grumbled, rubbing her smarting thigh. Despite her outburst, she readied herself and renewed her attack, continuing the sparring.


    Troy sat down next to Geberic, who was cleaning his boots. Quiet around here.


    Theds are enjoying the mild weather, I suppose, the gruff drakonian replied. Quentin and Nichs are out shooting, Im guessing, and gods know what Matthew and Baldwin are up to. Ill have to teach that boy a thing or two if hes ever going to make a proper sergeant.


    I think that race has been run, Troy said with a good-natured manner. Anyone making the meal?


    Thats all you bards think about, Geberic grumbled. Food, drink, and song.


    True, and doesnt it sound wonderful?


    Geberic stopped his cleaning. Fair point.


    Nearby sat another heathman, idly carving a small stick into chips. He was quiet in nature, but he had an eerie ability to procure any kind of goods through barter, ensuring his poprity among his peers. They knew little about him except that his name was Jerome from Tothmor. All assumed that like others, he was simply a heathman who had heard the tales surrounding Brand and hade to fight under the captains leadership for his homnd. None of them knew that he was a former Red Hawk in service to Konstans, dragonlord of Adalrik, who had promised to fill Jeromes hands with gold if he made sure Brand never returned to Adalrik again.


    Patiently, Jerome continued his work making kindling while keeping an eye on the captains tent and those who guarded it. At all times, one of the former kingthanes now sworn to Brands service remained by the opening, keeping vignt day or night.


    Along with Jerome, all the men sitting nearby looked up to see Godfrey stride past them, leaving Brands tent with his walking staff in hand. Their inquisitive looks followed the wanderer as he left in haste. Behind them, Brand appeared. Geberic.


    Yes, milord! The man-at-arms snapped to attention.


    Tell them all to make preparations. We break camp tomorrow or the day after. We will need provisions for several weeks.


    Yes, milord. Soon after, bustling activity reced leisure among the hundred followers of the Dragonheart, all of them appearing to be loyal.