Holding The Line (11 page)

Luken promised to have a word with Lord Galliss, he would probably be more aware of any decent places to make a smallholding. After Levin and Jak had left, Luken felt a sense of achievement, a feeling he had at last done something worthy. "Am I finished now?" Caldar asked, "I was having a very nice lunch until you barged in little brother," he added, patting his sibling on the back, and my head is still pounding from last night. For a moment, he was going to question his younger brother on how his night had been, but knew it would only cause embarrassment so decided against it. That particular line of discussion could be kept for another time.

Luken returned across the corridor to his own rooms, to find Taylor sulking in the corner. It was clear he had been playing up, and Sarena had sent him there. Luken immediately went to placate his son, but a look from his new wife made him quickly alter direction. Instead, he sat back down at the table, and started picking at the remainders of lunch. "You cannot run to him every time Luken. That is part of the problem. He needs to learn that you will not be there all the time. Luken slumped in his seat; this marriage lark was certainly tougher than it looked. He had only been married a day, and already it was feeling stressful.

Sarena explained what had happened. Taylor had tried to follow his dad after he had left. Despite her being firm, she had ended up having to raise her voice, and the boy had resorted to sulking in the corner. Realising his dad was not going to come and take his side, after a further twenty minutes of pulling the grumpiest face he could, Taylor finally gave up, and slowly walked head down towards the table.  He immediately tried to climb on his dad's lap, and as much as it pained Luken to do it, he refused. Eventually Taylor looked up, "I am sorry mum." Sarena smiled, and held out her arms, and the young boy darted between them for a hug.

After sorting out his domestic issues, Luken remembered he needed to seek out Lord Galliss, and furthermore his son Darak. They had not yet officially offered him the job of city treasurer; so much had gone on the last few days. He made his way down a few floors, to where the noise grew louder; an indication work was still taking place on the lower levels.

He finally found the younger of his two targets, overseeing some workers, fitting out, what would eventually be offices. Luken patted his friend on the back, "hey, how is it going?" Darak turned to face the prince, "Your highness," he bowed his head slightly. "Things are going very well. We hope to have the first four offices completed this week." You could not help but be impressed, at the rate at which the work was now being completed. He was certain within another month probably the entire keep would be almost near completion.

He enquired whether his father had happened to mention to him, the conversation about Darak becoming City treasurer. "He did mention, and if you think I am up to the job, then yes. I would be honoured to do it. I get my own place as well, and my own staff and offices?" Luken nodded in affirming that was correct, and added, "you kidding me, Caldar and I could not think of anyone more perfect for the role. There are few people that we know, to whom we can entrust such a position."

The two chatted for a little while, with Luken confirming Darak was happy to live in the city, rather than return to their home estates. Lord Galliss had already sent his elder son Aric, to oversee matters on his behalf, with a view to eventually handing them over to him anyway. As the younger, Darak was happy to remain with his friends, and aside Luken, the man to whom he owed so much.

Luken continued his journey, venturing into the keep yard, and sighting his next target, conferring with a group of builders, pointing at a new building taking shape against the east wall. This was to become another small barracks and stable block. Although they had made use of the old buildings that currently were used for these very purposes, they were not deemed big enough to house the numbers of men and horses required.

After explaining to Lord Galliss what it was he was after, he started making his way back indoors. He was happy to leave the matter of finding somewhere for Jak and Levin in his hands. He was just about to step through the door when he heard voices shouting behind him. Quickly men were running across the yard, and horses were being readied. Luken immediately thought they were under attack, and he figured that could well be the case when a bell started ringing in the courtyard.

Rather than get in the way of the stable hands by asking for his own horse, he ran out of the keep. Down the cobbled main street, and rather than go through the gates, he took a turn and headed up the stone steps to the top of the wall. Feeling totally out of breath, as he reached the top, he looked firstly in the direction of the river, and was quite confused when he noticed the gates were still open, and the guards were stood casually in their places. It was only when he noticed the guards atop the wall all looking the other way, that he did likewise. Off in the distance, probably a mile or so, due south, was a group of riders.

He watched, and was not quite sure of their origin. "Murati," said a familiar voice from behind him. It was that of General Skalton, "I saw you scooting up the steps, I'll ready an honour guard your highness, and let the king know. Luken nodded, "I'll make my way down to greet them. I don't suppose we know why they are here?" He was quite certain the General was probably as clueless as he was, and so it was no great shock when he replied. "No idea your highness, but I suggest we be weary. Although we have never had problems with them, Murati only usually help themselves."

Luken listened briefly to the Generals knowledge on the visitors, which in all honesty was more than he knew. The Murati had never caused war with Corlan. However, in truth they had never aided them either. Various traders moved back and forth over the border, and had done for countless years without any duress. "I would say they have heard of our demise, after all, we are quite literally a much smaller player in the world of politics now. I reckon they are here to see just how much of a smaller player, and they will hope to gain some advantage from it." Luken looked concerned, "you sound as if you don't trust them." The General kept his eyes on the advancing party, "It is not that I do not trust them, I just cannot think, why turn up now. After everything that has gone on with us and Besemia, why show up now?"

The recruit camp south of the walls was sent into panic stations, as riders from the city reached them. Captain Jak Corley, who had been in there himself not half an hour ago, was told to put his recruits on full alert. More soldiers from the city quickly reached their position, and started forming lines. The new recruits, lead by Jak, were armed, and stood aside their full time professional counterparts.

Within a few minutes of the alarm being raised, over a hundred and fifty soldiers were lined up in defensive formation, forming a three-man deep shield wall. Two rows of archers took positions behind them, and some fifty cavalry were gathering off to the right side. Now it was time to wait.

A single rider moved forward from the Murati riders, who probably numbered no more than fifty. Each was armoured, and those at the front line held aloft the banners of their nation; denoting three lions heads on a sandy coloured background. As the most senior and experienced, Jak stepped forward of his lines, to meet the lone rider. He stood, although his weapon was not in hand, he had unclasped it, ready to draw it in a flash should it be needed. A message had been sent for him to be weary of the visitors, until such time the purpose of their arrival was known.

The rider stopped ten paces shy of his position. Sat atop a large black warhorse, was a fully armoured soldier. However, not like the plate worn by those of Corlan's heavy cavalry, this man's armour was made of leather; similar to a light cavalryman would wear. His skin was clearly tanned, and his hair black in colour. Jak also noticed the markings on the man's, sleeves, indicating he was a soldier of rank. "I am Jolan, Officer of His imperial Majesty's guard. We escort his Royal Highness the Prince Issac of the people of Murati".

Jak was quite used to talking with such people, and replied calmly, "Greetings to you and yours. However, perhaps you could explain your reasoning for bringing armed men onto our lands. I assume you are aware of our current situation, and as such, we take any incursion of our lands with a certain amount of concern." The Murati steadied his fidgeting horse, and stared down with a certain distain at this elderly soldier before him. "We do not take kindly to threats old man..." that was as much as was needed, before Jak raised his hand and gave a signal.

His Cavalry quickly manoeuvred itself around the rear of the Murati, and his lines of infantry closed in from either flank, pushing almost right up to the Murati, with the archers taking positions behind them. If anything kicked off, these unwelcome guests would be slaughtered at a whim."Stop," shouted another voice from within the ranks of the visitor's numbers. A young man, with the same tanned skin, and black hair as the soldier, but quite handsome and wearing no armour, moved his horse to the front. "Jolan, you fool what have you said now. We have come in peace not to start a bloody war."

The young man pulled his horse along that of the man known as Jolan, "I am Issac, sir. Obviously my man here appears to have said something untoward, and for that you have my apologies." Jak bowed his head slightly in recognition of the royalty before him. "He threatened us," said a rather sullen looking Jolan, "so I told him I did not take kindly to such from someone as old as him." The prince shook his head, "go and join the ranks. If I had a load of heavily armed men trot into my lands, I would be as cautious, especially in the current situation. Now trot your horse back there, before your mouth gets us all killed."

The prince once more expressed his regret for any misunderstanding, and after another wave from Jak, his lines of infantry stepped back away from the flanks of the Murati. "Now your highness, perhaps you may be able to explain why you are here, something your man seemed unable to do." Issac smiled, "I assure you we mean no harm sir. We have heard word of your recent encounter, and we understand that sadly, your king has fallen." Jak replied, "It is true, both King Sethin and Queen Doria died when Hamalin was destroyed. To update you, we now have a new one."

The Murati prince appeared a little taken back at the abruptness of Jak, and possibly a bit annoyed his own information was not up to date. "Who has taken the throne? Of course, I will need to speak with them, concerning our nation's interests with each other." Jak waved his hand again, and the troops of Corlan started pulling away completely, "come your highness, you may bring a personal guard. The rest of your men can camp here with our recruits."

After relaying his orders, the prince of Murati, as a show of faith, and much to the utter disgust of his officers, decided to trust the old soldier. Hence, he had opted to ride, unguarded, and waited while Jak had a horse saddled for him to join him.  Once mounted a dozen Corlan Cavalry rode ahead, and the same again dropped in behind. The rest of the troops for now, stayed with the Murati soldiers, just in case.

As they rode the short distance to the city, Jak informed the man of the new king only having being crowned the day before. The new monarch was legally the next in line, and first son of Sethin. Prince Issac appeared appeased by this information, having continuation to a line was always preferable. "Tell me, of these reports of a great wizard. It is said he alone, destroyed thousands of men with but a click of his fingers. Jak could not help but laugh. It always happened that stories were exaggerated the further they travelled. He did not however reveal how close it was to the truth, and more importantly, the fact the prince was the great wizard, who had been responsible.

Archers were lined up atop the walls, not just, because the intentions of the Murati were not clear, but also as a show of strength. As they passed through the gateway, the riders in front of Jak stopped and parted. Standing with two royal guards aside them, stood Prince Luken, and General Skalton just behind. Jak dismounted, "Your highness," he bowed deeply before his prince.  "I introduce to you, Prince Issac of the people of Murati." He turned to the man on the horse, "and to you I introduce, his Royal Highness Prince Luken of Corlan."

Issac dismounted from his horse, and the two princes, acknowledged each other with a bow of heads. "You should have told us of your coming, highness, we could have prepared," Luken said, switching into his role of royalty. "My brother, King Caldar is awaiting at the keep. It is nothing too plush, but it is suitable for our current needs." The Murati prince, who was probably a year or two older than Caldar, insisted on less formal titles, providing it was acceptable with his counterpart. Luken agreed readily, he was never a fan of formality.

The two spoke briefly and continued on foot, as Luken showed the building work that was continuing throughout the city. He thought Issac looked quite impressed with what had been done, knowing how short a time they had been there. They walked through the keep gates, where two lines of guards stood, fully armed in the courtyard before them. Another show of numbers, and Issac could see numerous others moving around. Stood atop the steps, was the man he wished to see.

Caldar had placed his crown upon his head, and flanked by several Royal guard, waited for the Murati prince to approach. Luken gave the introductions, and Issac bowed before the man, recognising his status. Caldar was aware the Murati could be a strange lot; his father had always told him the same. They usually only did things if it meant some benefit to themselves.  Whereas the South Besemians had been upfront, and thrown their lot in with Corlan, he was aware that until now, the nation bordering his own southern flank had remained anonymous in their intentions.

Caldar greeted the man before him, and assured him of his safety. Then as a king would be expected to do, he told him he would be shown to quarters, where he may rest. "I will send word for you, and perhaps we can meet a little later over drinks." With that, the king turned, and the guards fell in, as he walked away, back inside.