Wizard's Funeral (4 page)

leader. The raven flew ahead. The boys watched it, puzzled by its obvious relationship with Soldier, then, as young people often do, lost their curiosity in familiarity. Soldier soon found that the twins needed little looking after. They were both strong boys, physically. They were survivors. In the past it had been in a rat-infested ghetto, but they were just as able out in the wastelands beyond the Scalash River. Their year as princes had not softened them in the least degree. On the trail, Soldier taught them the skills of staying alive in open country. He found that they learned fast. Soon they could set a snare as well as he could, disguising the human smell with dirt on the trap. They were willing to do their share of the work, fetching firewood, carrying water, skinning and gutting rabbits. He taught them to fish, to use a slingshot, to cut a staff and to make it into a spear. They loved it. They were natural born hunters, fishers and gatherers. They went out with empty bags and brought them back full of nuts, fruit, roots, fungi and occasionally a dead bird or mammal for the pot. Young people have no fear of failure. They throw themselves into learning new skills with all the enthusiasm and suppleness of youth. So long as theyre enjoying what theyre doing, theres no holding them back. My name is Guido, said one. And Im Sando, said the other. Soldier picked up a blackened twig from the cold ashes of the camp fire and marked the vest of the one who had spoken first. Guido, he said, I need to know who Im talking to. Promise me, the pair of you, that you wont exchange vests. They nodded. We wont, they said in unison. Weve learned our lesson. Sando said, Anyway, it wouldnt be any fun. We like you. Fooling those pompous old farts back in Bhantan, now that was fun. With you, itd be like cheating. He believed they would refrain from fooling him. Soldier knew that they liked to be praised, for individual achievements. One would not enjoy the other receiving his acclaim. Perhaps that was where the officials of Bhantan had made their mistake? Maybe they only ever saw them as twins and never as individuals? What are you doing with these boys? asked the raven. You cant trust them any further than you can throw a princes palace. Mark my words, theyll turn on you, you know. If they do, they do. Oh, youre such a martyr. One day one of the twins, Sando it was, killed an antelope. He was, justifiably he thought, ecstatic. Guido was jealous, but managed to hide it fairly successfully. Soldier however was none too pleased, knowing that there was too much meat for the three of them. Much of it would go to waste, would rot and go to any carrion. Soldier was a great believer in not hunting for its own sake, but for food or clothing only. To kill more than one needed was an affront against nature. However, on this occasion he said nothing to Sando. It was not a time to criticise. The boys were still very sensitive to his teaching. Sando would be devastated by such fault-finding, when in fact it had been Soldiers failure. Later, when it didnt matter, Soldier determined he would quietly give them a lesson on the glories of nature and the crime of waste. They had just finished jointing the kill, when something the size of a large bear came plummeting down from the mountains. KERROWW! cried the creature. SLAHGGUS. SLAHG-GUS. The twins, pale and terrified, were on their feet in a second. What stood before them was a dragon. Had they been country boys they would have known it was a two-legged, red-bellied, green dragon, whose natural habitat was the barren wastes and mountains south of Falyum. It was a male of the species. That much was obvious. The dragons mouth opened and he repeated his words. Soldier had not moved. He rested back on his elbows. Dont worry, boys, he said. Its not dangerous. Give it a couple of cuts of meat. Itll go away once its fed. Dubious, Guido slowly reached down and picked up a haunch, tossing it to the dragon. A wide mouth opened gratefully, catching the huge chunk of meat. Jaws full of thick, brown teeth closed. There was a crunching as they masticated the meat, bones splintering and going down with the rest in three or four huge swallows. SLAHGGUS! growled the dragon, his strange eyes narrowing in delight. Whats he saying? asked Sando, still as rigid as a board. Food. He wants more food, Sando, this time, tossed the creature half a ribcage and then they all watched it go the way of the haunch. Now the dragon stood on claw-tip, high up on his hind legs. There was a crackling sound, like the shaking of old leather hides, and the dragon stretched his enormous wings. They could see the sunlight though them. The beast trotted over to Soldier and crooned over him for a few moments, seemed about to lick his face, then changed its mind and finally took a long ostrich-swift run along the dusty wasteland before taking to the skies. Its gigantic wingspan took it high up on a thermal, where it circled above, still crooning, before vanishing into the bright light of the heavens. The twins began to thaw. What was that? cried Guido. My offspring, answered Soldier, laughing. It believes me to be its mother, since I was the first creature it saw when it hatched. Comes in useful to have a dragon around, sometimes. I should say! Sando cried. The excited boys were full of questions. Soldier answered them as best he could, telling them that as a warrior in the red pavilions he had stolen the egg as one of his initiation tasks, thinking it to be an eagles egg. The warm sun had done the rest. Soldier did not feel too bad about the antelope now. Its meat had gone to a good belly. Soldiers dragon appeared from time to time and it was useful to have something to give it. A mother should look after her son, see to its wants. Of course the dragon could feed itself now it was capable of hunting down and catching the greatest beasts in the world (except perhaps a blue-bellied, red-backed dragon, which was five times its size) but it still liked to think it was loved by its parent. Good thing it changed its mind about licking your cheek, said the raven later, out of earshot of the youths. You wouldnt have any skin left on your face. This was true. A dragons tongue was so rough it could take bark off the trunk of an oak. Soldier winced, knowing it. Yet, he realised, the dragon had guessed such a gesture would have harmed its mother, because it had changed its mind at the last minute. Was it an intelligent beast? Or had instinct taken over? So little was known about these shy creatures, the dragons of the world, no philosopher ever having studied them in depth. They flew in and stole cattle occasionally, and on the odd occasion, with a rogue, a person or two. But for the most part they lived in the uninhabited regions of the world, where philosophers rarely trod. The day came when the turrets and towers of Zamerkand came into view. Their spearpomt tips flashed in the sun. Soldier heaved a great sigh. He was going to have to face the music now. He wasnt looking forward to it. Kaff would make the most of it. So would Humbold. There were many enemies in that sparkling city who would be pleased to see Soldier come to grief. Soldier hoped to have an audience with Queen Vanda and tell her his version before the vultures descended. Is that it? cried Sando, coming up to his side and staring in wonder at the great city. Its a hundred times bigger than Bhantan. A thousand times, yelled Guido in excitement. Were going to have such a time there. A horseman had left the city gates, his mount kicking dust as he approached. Soldier saw that it was the hunter, the man who had been but a youth when Soldier had first woken on that hillside south of the Ancient Forest, by the Petrified Pools of Yan. Since that time the hunter had remained slim and lithe, had not filled out in the way that most men do on reaching maturity. Soldier accepted this fault without question. He owed the hunter his life, several times over. The hunter had no hawk with him. There was urgency in the horses stride. Clearly something was wrong.

Chapter Four

As always, the hunters face was muffled by the indigo cottons in which he was invariably swathed. His voice which Soldier had not heard for some years now sounded strange. It was almost as if the speaker were trying to disguise the tone. Go, said the hunter, breathlessly. Turn back. Run away from here. Word of your failure has flown ahead of you and reached the ears of the queen. She is very displeased. I cant help that, said Soldier, more irritated than afraid. Anyway, who brought word? We have been travelling as fast as possible. Who could have seen the action and beaten us back? I dont know, said the hunter, his restless piebald pawing the sand with its hooves, but I strongly urge you to flee. Soldier drew himself up with a sigh. I cant do that, Im sorry. I have to face the consequences of my actions. I have failed, its true. But Im not going to run away from that failure. He paused for a moment, before adding, Besides, I want to see my wife. The hunter clucked. Once more Soldier was irritated. You find that funny? That I miss my wife? I would have thought you would be pleased to find respite from that madwoman. Soldier took a furious step forward, then realised there were more important things to do than brawl. Never, he said, in choked voice, speak of the Princess Layana in that manner again, or Ill have to take you to task. The hunters eyes seemed to soften on hearing this threat, which again surprised Soldier. I mean it! he said. No matter what I owe you. With that, Soldier turned away from the hunter and continued towards the city. The twins stayed for a moment, looking curiously at the hunter. Who are you? said the hunter. We are the rulers of the Kingdom of Bhantan, Guido said. Were, Sando reminded his brother. Why are you with him? Sando glanced after Soldier. He looked after us, he said. He is our friend. Soldier was now approaching the gates. The twins rushed to join him. The three were met by a squad of Imperial Guardsmen, led by Captain Kaff. You will accompany us, said Kaff, a live rat locked onto his wrist stump with a silver amulet. Follow me. There seemed to be little malice in Kaffs manner, nor really any triumph. More a simple satisfaction that at last the world had shown him to be right. This outlander who called himself Soldier was a useless human being, not to be trusted with important missions. Now everyone could see that such fools should be tossed into the sewers the moment they arrived in Zamerkand. Chancellor Humbold gave Soldier a sickly smile as he entered the court and prostrated himself before the queen. Queen Vanda was crimson with anger. Soldier, I am so disappointed. Disappointed? Humbold and Kaff exchanged glances of disbelief. They had expected something stronger to come from the queens mouth. They expected her to be so enraged she would be close to losing her reason. They would have preferred to hear words like utter stupidity followed by others such as dungeon or immediate execution. I most humbly beg Your Highnesss forgiveness for my failure. We were attacked at the exit to a pass by Hannacks. There was a company of Bhantan cavalry with me, but they were slaughtered to a man. I alone survived the massacre. The King Magus designate was taken from me, along with his mother, and they are now captives of the Hannacks. You alone survived? spat Humbold. You ran, you mean. Cowardice is punishable by death, Your Highness. I suggest Be quiet, Humbold, snapped the queen, seemingly more furious at this interruption than with Soldier. Did you run, Soldier? Soldier got to his feet, stiff with reserve. I was struck unconscious. He was, he was, piped up Guido at this point. We saw it all, didnt we, brother? Yes, cried Sando. We were standing on a ridge and we saw the whole thing. Soldier fought like a true hero. He was hit from behind by a cowardly Hannack. QUIET, roared Humbold. How dare you speak without being spoken to, in front of royalty. Were royalty, too! cried the twins in unison, rounding on him in annoyance. Were the rightful rulers of the Kingdom of Bhantan. Youre just a court lackey! Youre just a minion. Were princes. We could have your head chopped off. The court let out a general gasp. Weve been usurped, continued Sando, speaking as if confidentially to the queen. Its all been a mistake, Guido added, nodding hard. Soldier explained, They played a trick on the city. They broke protocol. Apparently its a heinous crime in Bhantan. Theyve been dethroned and banished. In fact theyre just a couple of mischievous youngsters, full of youthful pranks. However, Im sorry if this sounds immodest, but they tell the truth. I was attacked in great number and struck from behind. Thats the simple truth of the matter. The whole court stared at the urchins. Marshal Grushkite, who had so far remained in the background, stepped forward. I dont know if these two boys are indeed princes, or whether theyre gamins, he huffed, but I dont see it makes a deal of difference, Your Highness. Theyve got eyes, is what counts. It doesnt matter who they are, they say they witnessed the attack. But can we believe them? said Humbold, silkily, still smarting under the insults from the boys. Weve had no word from Bhantan that the White Prince and the Rose Prince have been deposed. These are probably two urchins Soldier found out in the desert. They suit his purpose very well ... Captain Kaff, who was desperate to get in on the argument, was almost exploding with having to hold his tongue. He had no standing in a court full of nobles. He was a mere military man, with no title, and his warlord took precedence over him in such a gathering. Marshal Crushkite, however, was clearly on the side of Soldier, probably because Soldier was a military man too, and more probably because Crushkite hated Humbold. The queen was looking confused. Her lips were tightening. A sure sign that she was about to make a nasty pronouncement. Suddenly the powerful if elderly and frail figure of Quidquod, Lord of the Royal Purse, spoke in that calm, considered way of his. It seems to me, Your Highness, that there are too many people here anxious to lay blame, and not enough of them coming forward with solutions to our problem. Our next King Magus is in the hands of the Hannacks. He is but a boy, and will not be invested with his great powers of wizardry until he is inaugurated. Thus we must expect him to be helpless in the hands of those barbarians of the north. We need to initiate a rescue. I propose that in order to redeem himself, Soldier takes a company of the Imperial Guard and wrests the King Magus from the grip of these savages. When Soldier returns - for I do believe he is the best person to lead this expedition - he shall be tried for his incompetence. Kaff could keep silent no longer. He spluttered, I am the Captain of the Imperial Guard! Your Highness, I should lead any expedition. Again, Quidquod spoke quietly. Captain Kaff is a good soldier, but he is more used to drills and parades than warfare - especially guerrilla warfare. We need a man who can lead a raid. Soldier, also a captain, has fought many times - against the Hannacks, against the beast-people, against many of our enemies - and has proved himself a warrior of extraordinary prowess and ... And savagery, broke in Humbold. He is a barbarian himself. Can we trust him on such an occasion? He would be more likely to see his priority as seeking revenge rather than rescuing the King Magus. Captain Kaff, on the other hand, is an officer whose loyalty is unquestioned. Soldier said, Someone betrayed us to the Hannacks. Humbolds eyes opened wide. Are you accusing Captain Kaff? Soldier realised he would be foolish to insist upon such a thing, with no proof to hand. In his mind he was sure that Kaff had had him followed northwards, and had alerted the Hannacks. They must have known that Soldier and Ixonnoxl were going to emerge from the pass. Someone had betrayed the party to the barbarians and Soldier could think of no better choice than that of the Captain of the Imperial Guard. Im saying someone did. They shall both go, said the queen, interrupting with one of her characteristic impulsive decisions. Soldier will command the expedition. It shall consist of a company of Imperial Guardsmen and a company of Soldiers warriors from the Eagle Pavilion of our friends and guardians, the Carthagan Army. Thats my ruling. It stands. Both Kaff and Soldier let out an audible gasp. This was a recipe for disaster, but they dared not go against the queens determined ruling. Her eyes were like flints at the moment. It would take very little to ignite her fury into chopping off a few heads. She stood up, ready to leave the court. She shook her head at Soldier. Most disappointed, she repeated. My sister will be as displeased with you as I am, Im sure. When if you return, Soldier, you will undergo Trial by Ordeal. You may make your choice now, if you wish. In fact, I insist upon it. Fire, water or single combat? Fire, Your Highness. Her eyes opened a little. Not single combat? You are an exceptional fighter. Single combat would involve a second person, a champion chosen by the court. This person might end up killed or injured through no fault of their own. The blame for the loss of the King Magus is all mine. Therefore I choose Ordeal by Fire. So be it. In the meantime I shall see the ex-rulers of Bhantan in my quarters. Humbold, you will accord them all the status and privileges due to visiting royalty. I like to think that if ever I were deposed and seeking asylum in a foreign city . . . Perish the thought, Your Highness, murmured Humbold, his tongue between his teeth. The ex-princes were looking up at him and smiling sweetly. Hhhhhummmmbold, murmured Guide. Hummmmingbooooulder, exaggerated Sando, in mellifluous tones, not to be outdone by his brother. The chancellor gave them a look which would have killed twin bull elephants. Raff and Soldier left the court together. Raffs rat was struggling, snapping at the air. The captain wrenched it from its socket and sent it scuttling away into the gardens. Then he turned on Soldier, shaking his empty socket at him. Why didnt you take Single Combat for your Trial by Ordeal? We could have fought again, legitimately. The court doesnt have the last say. The accused - you - has the right to influence who will be the opponent. I know, said Soldier. I have no grievance against you, so long as you stay away from my wife. Yet you accuse me of betraying my country! said Kaff, hotly. Oh, dont give me that look. You know you meant me. Let me tell you something, Soldier, which will save you a lot of grief. I would never betray my country and my queen for the likes of you. Do you understand me? Youre not worth the loss of my honour. If you say so. I do say so. Soldier shrugged. This is neither here nor there, now. Weve have been thrown together for this expedition. Lets not make any mistakes. Im the leader. No successful expedition can have two leaders, so youll obey me as if you were a corporal and I a marshal, is that clear? Perfectly clear, answered Raff, his good hand on his sword-hilt. Ive had my orders from the queen. You neednt remind me of them. Yours is the command, yours the responsibility if we fail. Yours be the glory if we are successful. I am merely one of the party. Therell be no glory. I shall merely be correcting a mistake. Raff nodded, not without satisfaction. Thats true, of course. Youre on a hiding to nothing. Ill pick out some good infantry from my guard. One hundred, eh? No, not a full company. Fifty - all right-handed men. Raff looked puzzled. But all my guardsmen fight right-handed. Yes, but I want them to be natural right-handers. No left-handed men taught to fight right-handed. You understand? Oh, and a dozen expert bowmen, if you please, Captain Raff, of either hand. I want cavalry your best horsemen - on fast mounts. As you wish. And how many Carthagans? The same number. Good. They parted, Soldier heading for the city gates and, eventually, the red pavilions camped outside the walls. Although he had not shown it in front of Raff, he was feeling desperately low. If they went against the Hannacks with an army, which they could well do if they wished, they might as well send a rider ahead to warn the enemy. It would be a slow ponderous business, with as many bullock-carts of supplies as there were footsoldiers. On the other hand, a small force could move rapidly across country, with packhorses to supply them. They could strike swiftly and perhaps with surprise on their side. They could wrest the boy from the Hannacks before any execution could take place, whereas with a whole army on the march, signalling intent, the Hannacks would probably kill their hostages and take to the hills, where they would be impossible to winkle out. Gould it be done with such a small force though? A mere company or so of men? It had to be. There was nothing else for it. One or two men could not do the job. Ten thousand men would ensure the loss of the hostages. It had to be a hundred odd warriors, with swift horses. Soldier went straight to his own pavilion, the Eagles. Lieutenant Velion, he called to a woman officer, who was supervising some short-sword training in the arena outside the tent area. I want a volunteer to help me pick fifty warriors for a suicide mission. Im your man, she grinned. Just let me dismiss this lot. She barked an order at the stocky men and taller lean women who were hacking away at wooden warriors inside the arena. They stopped hacking and trailed away to the rivers edge to wash away the dust and sweat from their grimy bodies. Then Velion came to join Soldier, grasping him by his extended fist and gripping it in greeting. How is it? she asked. Where are we going? They had known each other since they had both been mere foot-warriors in the same pavilion. Their friendship had developed from the time when Soldier had joined the pavilion as a desperate measure to get some status for himself in a land where he was unknown. Not only had he been a mystery to everyone else, with his unique blue eyes and lack of history, but also to himself. He had been a man searching for an identity still undiscovered, and Velion had taken him to her heart. There was no romantic connection between the two of them. They were comrades-in-arms, as close as two men or women might be. In war they watched each others backs. In times of peace they hunted together, indulged in sport, trained together. Soldier was, of course, a married man. Velion enjoyed sexual liaisons with both men and women: mostly the latter. They trusted each other to the hilts of their swords. Against the Hannacks, explained Soldier. I fouled my line. I had the new King Magus in my charge and he was wrested from me. Weve got to get him back. Ill understand if you dont want to come. It was my mistake. Men have already died because I wasnt vigilant enough. As if none of us never makes a