Echoes Page 25

  “That might work, but I’m worried it’ll take us too close to where the supplies are being stored. I’m sure that our people have dispersed the supplies throughout the mountain tunnels by now, but you know they’ll keep most of it there, where the water supply is. If the Breken were to take it, we’d be in trouble, especially if this goes into next winter.”

  “If this goes on another winter, Majesty, no amount of supplies is going to save us.”

  The king pinched the bridge of his nose between two fingers and then rubbed his eyes. “I know. To tell you the truth, Shanks, I would be surprised if this went on into next week. If something doesn’t go our way soon…”

  “Majesty,” Dearra said, taking the break in conversation as her cue to speak.

  “What is it, Dearra?”

  “I came, Sire, to see about the wounded. There are a lot of people hurt. Maybe we could try to set up a temporary house of healing and detail some to care for them while our main forces draw the Breken away.”

  “We don’t have the people to spare, Dearra. Everyone who can will have to go with us to the mountains. The ones who are too hurt to go—”

  “You can’t mean to abandon them! Your Majesty! Surely we can do something. Hadden could keep a small detail here. As Captain of your forces, you know he would be willing to protect these people with his life. He—”

  “Captain Hadden is dead, Dearra. He fell in the first minutes of the attack on the capital. He was trying to give people time to get away. There were too many for him to handle alone. He never had a chance.”

  “I’m sorry, Majesty. Hadden was a good man. I know you feel his loss, but we have to—”

  The king slashed his hand through the air, silencing her. “They’re all good men! The women, the children, they all matter! I feel every loss, but we have to save who can be saved. If I leave even one behind to help those who can’t go forward on his own, all I will do is sentence one more to death, and you know it.”

  He was right, of course. The Breken were here to conquer and take slaves. The only people they would keep alive were the ones they could capture uninjured. Those fit to work. Anyone else would be cut down and destroyed.

  “Dearra,” the king said in a softer voice, “if there were any chance that we could save them or protect them, don’t you think I would do it? Your feelings are no different than my own, but I have to make the best decisions I can to ensure that as many survive as possible. Even now, the queen has gone to the mountains with the other women, children, and soldiers who have been placed there to offer some protection. Soldiers. Hah! What I should say is farmers with swords. I don’t even know if she lives, and it tears me to the bone, but we must do what we can, each in our own way.”

  “She lives, Majesty.” Dearra’s heart felt torn and bleeding as she thought about the hundreds who would be left to die, but she could at least give the king this small piece of comfort.

  “What? What did you say?” he asked, gripping her by the upper arms.

  “She lives, Majesty. Brin says he can hear her. She is very brave.”

  “Thank you for that, Dearra.” The king’s posture relaxed ever so slightly, and he released her.

  “Shanks, go out and tell the people I will speak to them in a few minutes. I need another minute with Dearra.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” Shanks gave a bow and was gone.

  The king sat down heavily and looked her over. She imagined she must look quite dreadful. She was covered in blood and mud. Her hair was still in its braid…sort of. Much of it had come loose and was a tangled snarl, and she smelled like she had been wallowing with the pigs.

  Brin? She asked, hoping the dragon would give her some insight into the king’s thoughts, but the king spoke before Brin did.

  “When did you grow up?”

  “Majesty?” she asked, unsure how to answer the question.

  “I remember when you were no bigger than a mite. You would run like a banshee through the castle, brandishing your little, wooden sword, and daring every boy in the place to duel. Then, one day, I looked up and you were a teenager, all legs and elbows. The sword you carried had changed, but not the fire in your eyes and in your spirit. You were still just as brash and bold. Now, here you are, all grown up. A woman. Your father would be proud.”

  “I hope so, Your Majesty. I’ve tried to do right by our people, to think before I act. I’m not always very good at it, but I like to think that I’m better than I was. I think, I mean, I hope he’s proud of me.”

  “I’m proud of you, Dearra,” the king said quietly.

  “Thank you, Majesty,” she responded in a voice that was just as quiet.

  “That’s enough of that,” King Jaymes grumbled. He turned his back to her and set about rolling the maps scattered before him. “In a minute, I’ll start getting all sentimental about all the years that are behind me instead of concentrating on the ones I hope to have in front of me.” He tied the maps hastily and turned to face her, once more. “The reason I asked you to remain behind is this: with Captain Hadden gone, I need someone to fill the role. I need someone to be in charge of our troops.”

  “You are in charge, Majesty. Everyone will fight for you to their last breath.”

  “Yes, but we need more. When we were living a life of peace and tranquility, I didn’t think I had to worry about officers and troops, and armies. That was a mistake, I see that now. We had very few trained men. Fewer now, and they aren’t used to leading. Our other soldiers aren’t really soldiers at all. They are a collection of farmers, potters, weavers, and the like, all pressed into service. They’re frightened, and with good reason. They need people to command them who can give them hope and direction. I need you and Daniel to take on that job. You were born to be a leader of men and women, as was I. Your leadership was always meant to be on a smaller scale, I grant you, but the people of Maj look to you first and me second.”

  “No, Majesty! The people of Maj are loyal subjects. They—”

  “Peace, Dearra. I know they’re loyal. I only meant that they rely on you for direction. It’s you they know. It’s you they trust. The people of Mirin Tor look at the Maj and see heroes, protectors, and saviors. Maj is legend here. You seem like a world apart to them. Our attitudes toward men and women have changed through the years, it’s true, but nowhere more so than on Maj. Here, a man can cook and sew and care for children, and women can fight and ride, and serve in the guard, but they still cling to the old ways. On Maj, those lines have blurred until they have almost completely been erased. If you ride at the head of the troops with me, they will take courage from that. Daniel is Weapon’s Master of Maj. His skill is well known, and he is a natural choice to lead. I’m not trying to flatter you into the job, I’m trying to be practical. If one of us falls, there will be another on hand to take over.”

  “Of course, Majesty.” She couldn’t deny the wisdom of his words. It was foolish to believe they would all survive, or even that they could be everywhere at once. The people needed leaders. Without them, they wouldn’t have the will to continue.

  “I’ve already spoken to Daniel. There’s no need to tell you his response, I suppose.”

  Dearra smirked. Daniel was more than up to the task, and it wouldn’t occur to him to deny a royal request. “No, Majesty. I think I can imagine his enthusiasm for the job.”

  “Then, if you’re ready, let’s go out and speak to everyone.”

  Dearra sobered immediately. The thought of all of the injured and dying who must be left behind tore at her.

  Dearra held the tent flap aside and followed behind the king. Daniel appeared on the king’s other side, and together, the three of them made for the top of the hill. Everyone would be able to see the king from there, but Dearra wasn’t sure they’d all be able to hear him, as there were too many of them, spread out over too much space. Even doing their best to be quiet so they could listen, his voice would never carry to them all.

  I can help with that, Brin said. Do yo
u remember in the Breken Arena when you and Darius were speaking to each other in not much more than a whisper? I can do that here as well. They will all hear him.

  “Citizens of Mirin Tor,” the king began in a voice that was strong and clear. “The Breken have taken the capital, but they have not taken our spirit. They have torn down walls, but they have not torn down our resolve. They have wounded and killed some of our very best and bravest, and yet we will not be broken! As long as one of us remains free, continues fighting, refuses to give up, then we all go on!

  “We have suffered tremendous losses; I will not pretend otherwise. Victory will be paid for with blood and sacrifice. The price is high, but the alternative is slavery and more death. Will we surrender to such a fate?”

  There was a resounding no from the crowd.

  “We make now for the mountains. In that place, we will join with our loved ones who were sent there to be safe during the worst of the siege. With the mountain at our backs, and Hell before us, we will make our stand! They are coming, and we will say, ‘Let them come!’ If they wish to cut us down, they will have to taste our steel first!”

  Some of the crowd shot to their feet. There was a clattering of swords on shields as they pounded metal on metal and wood.

  “Our archers will rain death down upon them, and they will think it is the end of days! We will show them what it means to oppose the Mirin Tor.” Here and there, bows were raised in the air. They were ready and eager to make the king’s word reality.

  “We will beat them back until what remains of their number run for home with tails tucked between their legs, like wounded dogs.”

  The king paused, and waited for the crowd to still.

  “We will face the Breken at the time and place of our choosing, but right now, in this moment, time is our enemy. We cannot stay here. To do so would invite disaster and destruction. We have no food, no supplies, and we have no way to defend ourselves in this place. The Breken would surround us and crush us beneath their boots. Therefore, we must make with all speed to the mountains.”

  There were a few murmurs, but for the most part, people were simply silent.

  “Many of our friends are hurt, some grievously so. Just to get them this far has been a miracle. The way forward is not long, but it is long enough. We don’t have the luxury of waiting until everyone is well enough to go on together.”

  The statement hung in the air. They all knew he was right, but they refused to accept they would be asked to leave friends, family and loved ones to die at the hands of the Breken without experiencing the honor of battle.

  “I will stay behind!”

  “As will I!”

  The king held up his hand before they were all swept away in a wave of emotion.

  “To what end? You cannot save them, only die with them. I know what I am asking of all of you, those who are walking away, and those who remain here, both. We will take everyone who can be taken. Even now, men are cutting down saplings to make stretchers that can be used to carry the wounded. We have some carts, some horses, and even many strong backs, should it be necessary, but some cannot be moved. Their injuries are too severe. Even if we stayed, not everyone would live.”

  Dearra fought to keep her expression calm and resolute. She knew this was asking a lot of the people of Mirin Tor. They were loyal by nature, but they had generally lived lives of comfort and safety. Now, when put to the test, they faced the challenge before them with the grit and determination she knew they would.

  A flutter of movement in the crowd caught her attention, and she looked to see Aesri speaking to three other Etrafarians. Arguing was probably a more accurate description. One of the fairies before Aesri was holding her hands out in a way that made Dearra think she was pleading her case, but Aseri’s expression showed she was unmoved. The fairy then swept her arm around to indicate the crowd, and Aesri shook her head and said something Dearra could not hear. Two of the fairies before her hung their heads, as if newly chastised, but the fairy who had been doing most of the talking crossed her arms and refused to back down. Niada appeared behind Aesri, put her hand on Aesri’s shoulder, and whispered something into her ear. Aesri’s shoulders slumped. She gave the briefest nod before turning and walking away.

  Dearra did not see more, as the king began to speak again, pulling her attention away from the fairies.

  “No one will be forced to stay behind, even if there is no hope. If they are willing to be moved, then we will do our best to carry them with us, but for those who are resigned and wish to face their death here rather than being jostled and bounced across the country side, we will honor them and their wishes.”

  There was the soft sound of weeping, but all else was quiet.

  “The Breken have paused, but the pause will not last. It’s my guess that they are at work pillaging the capital. The winter siege was long, and most certainly hard on the Breken as well. They may be allowing their men a little fun so they can be motivated to strike the killing blow. Whatever the case, we will not be here when they come. Lady Dearra and Daniel, Weapon’s Master of Maj, will captain our army. We leave in one hour.”

  Chapter 38

  The people who would not be making the journey with them had been moved into the shade. Dearra had gone to see to Merry herself, but there was no need, as Merry had already joined her husband. The smile on her still face was oddly comforting to Dearra; she was at peace. When all was said and done, there weren’t as many people that would be left behind as Dearra would have thought. Some would not survive the trek to the mountains, but they had chosen, at least, to try.

  People said their goodbyes and shared last embraces and words of love before turning and walking away.

  Dearra saw the three fairies who had been with Aesri earlier and noticed that they made no preparations to leave. She walked toward them and nodded a greeting.

  “Lady Dearra, I do not believe we have had the pleasure. My name is Tianna. I am sorry that we could not meet under more pleasant circumstances. I tried to speak with you a few times, but there always seemed to be something going on, and well, I am sure you understand.”

  “Of course, Tianna.” Dearra looked at the other two Etrafarians standing slightly behind Tianna, but neither of them seemed like they were about to speak, so Dearra decided to focus her attention on the woman before her.

  “I noticed you’ve made no preparations to leave,” Dearra said, dispensing with any further pleasantries. “Is there anything you require?”

  “No, Lady Dearra, but we thank you for the offer. We will not be going at this time, although, we hope to join you later.”

  “I don’t understand. Why aren’t you going?”

  Tianna hooked Dearra’s arm with hers. “Let us walk together for a moment,” she said.

  Dearra was a little surprised by the familiarity, but saw no reason to argue. It was clear the tiny woman wanted a moment alone with her. She was a strange little thing. Every female Etrafarian Dearra had seen had long hair. Some wore it to their shoulders, others past their waists, but all of them had worn it long. Even the men preferred a longer style, so it was not unusual to see Etrafarian men with shoulder length hair, perhaps twisted into tight braids at the sides to keep it out of their faces, or pulled back and tied with a leather thong. Tianna was the exception to what Dearra had assumed was the norm. Her hair was cut very short. It poked up in little spikes all over her head. Though the style was odd, it was nevertheless still somehow appealing.

  “Lady Dearra, there is no reason for you to be concerned. I and my sisters are healers. We have asked Aesri’s permission to stay behind and offer whatever help we can to the dying.”

  “That’s very compassionate of you, Tianna, but there isn’t much that can be done for them. We’ll need your skills much more where we’re going. Besides, I didn’t get the impression that Aesri was eager to agree with your request. I’m sure she’s worried about you as well. Please, reconsider and come with us.”

  Dearra stoppe
d walking and leveled her gaze at the woman. She was touched that this Etrafarian showed so much care for a people not even her own, but she didn’t want to see them sacrifice themselves when there could be no hope for a good outcome.

  Tianna offered Dearra a smile. “You are very diplomatic, Lady Dearra. You are correct that Aesri was opposed to our remaining with the injured, but not for the reason you believe.”

  “What then?” Dearra asked.

  “When I told you we were healers, that was not exactly accurate. It is the word you are most used to, so I used it to help you better understand. Our role is more, however. We do heal the sick when we can, but we can also ease pains not of the body. Sometimes a person’s mind can be in more pain than the body. We seek to treat those wounds as well. We have taken an oath to alleviate suffering in any form, whenever possible.”

  “That seems very noble, but still—”

  “It is not noble. It is what we have committed our lives to. It is a calling, and it cannot be picked up and put down on a whim,” she said forcefully.

  Dearra considered her oath, as a Maj, to protect the Mirin Tor and to defend her family and home at any cost, and she thought that maybe she understood their level of dedication. “Surely Aesri understands this oath. Why did you argue with her? I would think she would support you in this.”

  “Because there is a vow which Aesri holds more dearly, or at least, she is trying to convince herself that she does. As children of the Great Tree, we owe our lives to Rah. He created us, and taught us through the guardians. He forbids the taking of life.”

  “We believe that as well,” Dearra said nodding.

  “But you take life, do you not? How many Breken have left their blood upon your blade?”

  “That’s different, Tianna. We didn’t seek this war. We fight only to defend ourselves and others. Besides, the Etrafarians have killed Breken in this war as well.”