CWE Book I Part III Chapter XII

X11

Grand Lord

It has been three months now since I last heard from Lord Camlash. Time flies slow when peace reigns again in the empire. The bickering Lords has ended their fight, and all is well again. Maybe  next harvest we can meet and discussed on my retirement. So many events took place in the empire these three months. One casualty in the war, Lord Daken; I am afraid as a result of some ambush. Now his land is occupied by the Praetorian as ordered by me. This is to prevent further battles on his land. And sensible thoughts came to the Lords; they called off their foolish war. Of course, Lord Camlash is upset of his loss on the Daken’s land, but he will be reconcile with gold from there. I hear he is now a grandfather; his son Conal did well. That will pre-occupied the old fool for now.

Lord Nictin was removed when he lost his heir. His cousin, Lord Nicholas took the coup and ousted the Lord; or shall I say killed him. So now we have Lord Nicholas to contend with, but he faces some mutiny from his own men. So he kind of busy now. So are the other Lords; all licking their wounds, for a senseless war.

So where is the Praetorian; disgraced and now missing? Some said he is in the north with the Outsiders, but some said he died in an assassination. When Senior Praetorian arrived there, he only met the General Latin and was advised that the disgraced officer had left some time back. He did not advise of his next destination, but let the city be managed by General Latin. The Praetorian Guards took over and send the Camlash’s army back to their own land.

Lord Mathis’s wealth is bigger than I thought. I ruled his land now, although his son sits on it to sign the orders. But his mother is in good hands now; that of my physician who make sure she is well taken off. She sleeps well nowadays; all too well.  But with Daken’s land under the Praetorian, the mass of the deserted army has joined mine, and I rejoiced in it.

I do sympathize with the Prime Leader Romus, he has two cities to contend with besides the Grand City. His popularity is dropping low and he travels with more guards now. There was a meeting of the Prime Leader I am told. I was informed of the outcome; which is they are still loyal to me.

Prime Leader Romus

The meeting went well, and we all swore at our oath to continue our quest. But my last brother in arm, Raihan left in a hurry. He has to be watched that one. But I feared one news among all. Its the news of the Praetorian Genus, who escaped that day from the city of Daken. He re-surfaced one month later at the Outsiders’ settlement, and since then; unheard and unseen. I send Raihan to investigate and all he can tell me is that he has none to report.

Genus, of late the Senior Praetorian; disgraced and banished, you have served your cause well. But you also have a history of secrets that you do not want others to know of. It was you who killed the last Grand Lord. It was on my plan on the table, but Raihan instructed you to do so. It was also you who killed the Prime Leader then, by staging that horse event. You are not a Praetorian but an assassin. Now you hide like one.

But you are one good assassin; not by killing alone, you also killed the love of your Lord’s daughter. You betray her as you did to her father. I know as Domo, my servant told me so. Just as he tells me of the Lord’s plans. But I admired you Genus, for you exceed me in the deceits carried out. But I still fear you as you could one day make me your next target.

Lieutenant Damai

The treeline looked quiet as most nights are nowadays here in River Ends.I was send here when I returned the children to the Lord. My orders are to secure the border against the Outsiders,and capture Genus if found. The only capture we have To date is some wild animals which strayed into the camp.

As for the camp in River Ends, its now better build with the outer structure and proper moat in place. Before each moats are the defensive lines of stakes and traps. I also now have about 2,000 men with 500 archers. But I have not seen a single Outsiders coming to the camp or the river. Even my patrols out there come back safe and with no contact with the Outsiders. I was tempted to ride to the settlement to see Nina, but Signar advised me not to; as senior officer, I am to show them an example of good conduct. I don’t know if I missed the old man Genus or disliked him, as he was my arch enemy before, but admiration for him is clearly there.

The Mistress Kimi has given birth to her newborn son, and I am happy for her. So is the people who are happy to hear of the new heir.

Mistress Kimi

The labor pains almost killed me,but he is born now; a young one for the next generation of the Lords. My master Conal was slow in responding to his son, but now he is seen holding it almost daily. His family including the old Lord was sharing his happiness, but I am sad, as my family is not here. I asked Shiven to send a message to my family to advise them of my well being and the new child in the family. Shiven was kind to do it for me, when many servants of mine was reluctant to do so.

The sister of my master also rejoiced in the celebration and we asked if she is ready to be one, she immediately declined the thought. I looked at my master who recites poems to his son and was one very happy mother until that evening.

Lord Camlash

‘Conal, please sit down here.’ I looked at my son who has just become a father. I am proud at his achievement although he has not performed much before on others. He is a good son and I will missed him. But the line of heirloom required strength and courage to sit there. And Conal is not one.

‘Conal, since young, you have been the one which I put to take on the role as my son. You showed me the qualities I wanted to see when young, and was even the first to seize the blade I offered you. That scar bears on your right palm till today, but you grew into a weakling. You disappointed me. You loved the writings and painting more than the sword. Unlike your brother who is good at it, you shun from it since then.’

I looked my son who just stares at me. I can see tears come down his eyes, but he knows what I mean by my words. He took out from his tunic a roll of paper. He handed it over to me to see the content. It was a drawing of myself when I was younger.

I am touched by his skill, but it was not what I wanted from my son.

Conal never saw the blow that took his head off, nor did he felt the pain of one. It was a clean beheading of the best by the best. I bowed my head in respect to my dead son, and I saw some blood has touched his painting making little drops on my face and body. I looked up at the person who was asked to do it. I nodded my thanks to her and pushed myself out of the room to the next one.

‘Its done, Conal. Its time for you to come forth to claim your place as in his name.’ The person who walks out of the room is the exact replicate of my son. He should be as they are twins at birth. But this new Conal is a man of fighting spirit.

‘Domo, this body. Buried his body where no one can find it.’

Domo

My heart bleeds for you, my grandson. I know not how your father can do this, but he is mad inside him. Your death will not be forgotten nor will your grave. I buried you here with the love that you should had been given by your mother, and she will soon. I did not need to mark the grave as its not far from the cottage where his mother stays.

It was like this that day more that fifteen years ago, when the Lord was still fighting his stupid war. This time he was fighting a war within himself; after losing his legs, he went crazy with different personalities. Sometimes he is well and other times he needed to be restraint. On this particular day, he was in his retreat at Red Hill when the attack came. He became insane and blames everyone for his legs. He killed the guards assigned to his chamber and was about to killed her when I stopped him. I begged him to spare her and her unborn child. He was mad to the extent to accuse her of plotting against him, and the child is not his at all. I begged him again, as it my daughter who is on her knees, with her life in his hand.

Suddenly, just as his madness can subside, he was back to normal. He turned to her and asked for her forgiveness. It was then, I took the heavy statue to hit him on the head. I then turned to my daughter to leave this place now. I told my servants to send her back to the palace, despite her pleas of the babies are due. I could not leave my Lord while he lay down there unconscious. But I did, and escorted her back. She gave birth to the boys but suffered some heavy bleeding. I told the physician to attend to her but they said she may die soon. It was a sad decision, but I moved her back to our home to die in peace; leaving her babies there in the Lord’s chamber.

Later, when I heard that the Lord has returned, and I came forth to see him. I came bearing his children; both boys identical as twins. He took one look and cuddle only one. He said that the other is not his and demands I return it to its mother. I took care of the other baby back to my home, but my daughter was too sick to care for him. It was only three months later, that I was summoned to the Lord.

He said I was to bring back the other twin to the chamber. I did as I was told, and both babies was left in the same cradle. A dagger was brought and left at the cradle. Only one of the baby moved to touch it when he saw the gleam of the blade, while the other just stared at it. The baby who grabbed the dagger blade, cut his palm and cried. The Lord then said, he shall be my son, and the other to be kept in the dark for none may see him, unless I wished it.

It was so for the next five years, when one son saw the father, the other was shun by the father in his own chamber. It was on my plea, that the other son was allowed to come to play at night while his brother sleeps. But the Lord was not to know that the children meet regularly and played at times. It was a hidden secret of their birth and they were told that their mother was said to died from her birth duties. Just like his other wife who bore him a daughter later that year died of childbirth. So the rumors that passed that the Lord’s mistress are cursed at birth bearing.

But my daughter survived her illness and was send by me to the forest cottage to care for another. She yearns for her own, but I told her that they are in the custody of the Lord. And as a warrior born lady, she accepted her fate. But she was soon withdrawn and looked to the sky for answers. Soon she had another child to looked after, although its not of her blood.

I saw to the young ones education, and brought them different teachers to coach them, but there is little I can for their security. I saw the hidden one has a tendency for the physical arts as per advice by Lord, I got some teachers to teach him while his other brother who prefers the brush to the sword; learn from the Lord’s tutors. But when both are together, they shared their secrets and admires the other’s skill. Their father do visit them on occasions and hear their words, and see their development. He becomes more favor to teach the passive son more arts but the young one resist the new lessons. Just as the hidden one refused to learn the books and writing, as he prefer the swords and fighting more.

Everyday I prayed for their safety from the father, lest he become insane again. If it was not for the assassination attempt, the father would not had to make that choice today. He did it to keep his lineage strong as he has seen his son’s strength.

And I hoped the new son he has now will be the son he wanted.

Shiven

I was on my night patrols as usual, even though there are new guards for the master and mistress, but I still prefer to do my own patrols. It was near the Inner Garden when I saw the Mistress weeping at the pond.

‘I am sorry to intrude, but may I assist you, my mistress?’

‘No, there is nothing you can do.’ And she left me without a word. I wanted to join her but I was soon stopped by a flying tackle on me from behind. I turned my body to faced the attacker and saw it was the Master himself. He looked joyous and was ready to start his sparring with me as usual in the Inner Garden. Its strange as since I came back here, we been sparring nightly but he ignored me totally during the stay in Red Hill.

I also find it strange but this is the only place he can speak to me or spar with me without hesitation. When he were sparring, I told him I saw the Mistress here and she was sad. He stopped his punch midway and then told me to continue my patrol. The master then left me for his Inner chamber and I continued my walk. I was surprised to met Domo on the outskirt of the Inner garden as its rare for anyone to come in here this late.

“Adviser Domo, I see your walk is late and you seem to have diverted into the Inner garden. Can I show you the way out?’

Domo was pleased to be escorted out and told me not tell anyone of his visit, lest they think he is senile. He also told me take care of the master and also the young one. As we were walking out, I asked him of the master, but he was evasive in his reply. Soon I let the subject end without asking more.

Domo

I saw her and I felt sympathy for the young mother. She may had known about her husband’s fate, and now has to accept that of another. Lord Camlash, you have destroyed one generation and now you are doing to the next. I hope you rot in the underworld.

The young guard caught me sneaking out and was kind to escort me. I should had been executed to be in the Inner garden as its only exclusive for the Lord and his family. I am his family by a forgotten era, or should I say; a hidden era. It was my concern for my grandchildren that I risked the intrusion into the Inner garden.

Today, I got news of the Genus, not from my spies or those of the Lord, but from his own previous masters. Prime Leader Romus tells me he is seen with the Outsiders and plans are afloat to bring him in alive or dead. Some of the best are send over to do the task, including some he may have trained. I wonder why the Prime tells me, so I can convey to the Lord or is he setting a trap to test my loyalty now.

Mistress Kimi

I do not know which is harder to accept; the death of my Lord or the acceptance of one like him. When we met earlier this evening, I was to know he is not my husband, even though he shares all the physical attribute of mine. I jumped out of the bedding wanting to call the guards, but he stopped me. He said he will explain it all. The story he told me was disbelieving yet it has some truth to it. He knew things about me which only my Lord knew as these are words which we spoke together. He knew of my favourite poems and readings, and how I liked to hold my Lord when he sleep. Its so real yet I know that this is a fraudulent man standing before me. It was when he told me of his twin and his father’s act, that I broke down to my emotional state. He told me his father, the Lord forbids anyone to tell of his tale. I looked at the stranger yet familiar face who now cuddles my child, and I asked am I having a nightmare. My ‘new’ master was kind to said he will leave me alone with the child until I am ready to accept him as the master. With that he hands me back my child, and also my only love I have left in this world now.

I am most angry with him at his casual behaviour although his brother lies dead somewhere and now he steps into the life of that brother. He is like a man without emotion or love. I cannot love such a man. I want back my gentle master whose poems I read nightly. I also hate my Lord’s father for he is a cruel man, who once killed my father now my husband. He shall be held by his deeds one day. That is a promise I made to myself. But how can I reconcile to a new man in the body of my husband. This is not the relationship which I can develop once again.

It was the bubbly hand which shook me from  my thoughts. I looked at the child of my love, and he stared at me with his innocent look. Yes, my child; we will be together and take on the destiny which ours. Your name is not given as yet for its only after the first year you are so called, but your born father has name you well. So shall it be my legacy with your father; Canaan, son of Conal.

Praetorian Genus

I saw them coming; all five of them dressed in animal skins and carrying double short swords. They have discarded their shields for the extra sword. Its a calculated risk that you can used that extra sword well. Their moving was good as even the birds are not stirred from the nesting nor is the wild hog who was eating nearby. They got the wind in the correct direction and a good sandals, with each step carefully taken. But they need to be better if they are beat us at this game. My men are on the high branches of the trees, and their spears appear just inches from the feet of the five men when they released it. That took them of their guard, and declared themselves as loser. Its a good game, we played here in the forest, and this men are getting better. Soon they will be a match to the best the army can send against them.

I looked back at the wild hog, now standing some distance away. ‘Go away, beast. Today you are spared, but tomorrow we may take you for food.’

Such is the way, I learned now of my new life. Braven was kind to accept me back and kept me hidden from the spies and informers in the initial days, but soon let me trained his men in the hills. As I am an ex-enemy, he favors I stayed at the training camp. There I can see how his men are taught to fight and I can teach them more. He knows the peace he is enjoying may end soon and he may one day fight the Frontier Army again. The camp I am in is up in the hills and hidden by the heavy foliage of the forest. Its hillside is set with traps and hidden outpost, where in the camp is a total of five hundred men not counting the womenfolk and children are making their home here for now. These trained men will soon be send off to the other settlements to teach the people there, while another five hundred will come to join in.

I been here for too long that my bones ache for new adventures. So at times, I travel to the Main Settlement, and meet the old friends and ex-foes. Soon I was accepted back without fear or backstabbing. I also sat with Braven on his discussion with the Elders, and offered my advise to them. It was mine to tell him to monitor the army but not engaged unless needed.

Today, I got news that the River Ends camp is ready and fully occupied, and their commander is the Lieutenant Damai. I intend to ride there and meet the old friend, but I was advised against it. The Frontier Army has been activated lately with patrols in the forest on the borders, but on my advise, they are not met or engaged in any way. But the Lord has breached his words as he build another few outpost across the border now,  so close to the cave where I first met the Outsiders. I asked why, and they said they know why. The cave I met the Outsiders, is an old mine of ores which the iron is extracted. So the Frontier Army needs it for the weapons. Maybe the Frontier Army knew of this mine from the spies or informers, or maybe some drunken Outsiders when they used to meet at River Ends to trade.

In retaliation, Braven ambushed the transport and takes what he can. He does not harass the mines as he also need the ore. His men will carry what they can and move back into the forest. The ores they have taken are used to make more weapons and traded for other materials. As he does not want to have any conflict with the Lord on his treaty, his command was not to fight any battle, unless you are cornered, which is why there are minor skirmishes along the border. His spies watched the trails of the patrols and warn the settlement or people on those trail to leave or hide. It’ been like this for many moons. Braven knows that soon he will need to fight the war to regain his lands, and punish a Lord whose words cannot be trusted. If Lord Camlash wants those ores and he is a bastard who grabs, another war is soon to erupt.

But now a new event takes my attention. A trio of Praetorian is seen in the forest, making its way north. The perimeter guards tells me its rare for the such a small group to wander so far. I know of such groups; they are like me, trained to do suicidal assignments like assassination or deep cover into enemy land. I selected some of my better men and we ran to intercept the trio.

There they were; all three of them resting by the high tree, eating their cold food and drinks. They are trained to survive in the most desolate conditions and fight with ever they can grab on. I know these well, as besides being trained, I also trained the new ones. We are also called the ‘death march’ team, as we normally don’t come back alive. I recognized one of them as my junior in the ambush of the Prime Leader many season ago. Maybe he still recognised me and may not heard of my disgrace as yet. I signaled my men to stay put as I walked up to the trio.

‘Halt, Praetorian. I am Senior Praetorian Genus. Who are you?’ I assumed my old self with my level of authority.

‘Hail, Praetorian Genus, or shall I say the traitor.’ The man who address me was the one who rode with me. His name is Mercer, and we saved each other life's many times.

‘So my betrayal news travel fast, Mercer. Do you also believe it? If so, then I am a doomed man.’ I know Mercer is a soldier by profession and his faith is his commander.

‘I know not of what you did, but what I was told is to take you back if I can. We were told to hunt you here on the north. Why is it not surprised to see you run back to your friends, the Outsiders, after you did lead them to victory before. I speak no more; prepare your prayers to die. Attack him.’

I do not know what happened next but it did happened so fast. Spears thrown from the behind the forest trees hit the trio before they can even approach me. I ran towards Mercer and cradle his head in my stub arm. ‘It was not my plan. They did it when you choose to attacked me.’

‘I know. I saw them, and I would had done the same too. Be careful, my old friend. There are others who hunts too, maybe for you or other.....’ Mercer never finished his statement. I lowered his head to place it on the ground. I took his sword and placed it on his chest.

‘Buried them with honor. And then we go back. We have much work to do.’

CWE Book I Part III Chapter XI

X1

Shiven

It was not the distance I was concerned on, but the nearer we got there, the more I am worried about her. She is still young by age and from my perspective reckless. But she has taken this mission without any second thoughts and was eager to begin the task, hence us riding non-stop for over a day now. We had avoided some patrols and checkpoints, taking back trails and seeking shelter in the forest. Now close to dusk, we have arrived at the wall of the city. Like any city, its high wall surround it and every vantage point is a manned tower with archers. The main gate is closed but there are an outpost created outside the gate, manned by some guards who stops any traveler going in. They will questioned the person and decide to let the person go through the small gate into the city or made to wait outside its wall. We saw a small group of the travelers sitting on the side of the road leading to the gate, and they looked unhappy at being made to wait. 

Dina, as she told me her name when we took out  on his mission. We took off as usual without telling me anything, and I was left alone there, staring at the closed gate. Soon she came back and said she know a way into the city. It was a sewage opening to the east of the gate, and the grating looks worn out. Dina said we can crawl in from here, and before I could protest she was on her busy removing the loose gratings with her dagger. 

‘I am sure the passage will be guarded...’ I tried to warn her, and she stared back at me with the look that says; do it or keep away. I find myself getting onto my knees to scrape at the grating with my dagger. Its a dirty and smelly work, but we managed to remove the enough grating for us to squeeze through. Soon we find ourself inside the tunnel which is part of the sewage structure. We moved carefully in the low lit tunnels partly crawling through small openings alongside the rats and other small creatures of the tunnels. I did stop at some intersections to look at the rear of us. I felt we been followed but I cannot tell as the place was very dense and dark. I wanted to investigate my curiosity but my companion was constantly moving ahead.

Our efforts soon lead us to a square room which is designed like an intersection space where other tunnels are seen to different directions. The intersection is about the space of three man width and length; a square with a set of steel ladders seen on one of the walls. The ladder leads to an open grate on the top of the intersection, a height of four man length. We climbed to the opening and took our new intake of fresh air. Dina was quick to pick the rusted lock and we were soon out of the tunnels. The opening is on the alley behind some houses structure, and its looks deserted now. I looked to the skies to see the stars, so we must be in the tunnel for over some time. Not only do we smell like tunnel rats, we are all soak in the filth of the tunnel. I pushed open a doorway next to where we were standing to see it opened into a small garden. I closed it and tried several others before I found one with some new clothes hanging on the line in the garden.

Dina

Fresh clothes and a cold bath, was what we need although it does not take the smell away. I can still smell the fifth on my hair but we need to move on. I looked to my companion who is just putting on his tunic. His back shows signs of flaying although they are old wounds. This is not the time to asked, but a mission need to be done. I threw our old clothes into the sewers tunnels, and told Shiven to follow suit with me. We are in the city, but we need to get to the Inner City which is a distance away through this maze of buildings. Its too late to do the mission and we need a place to hide for now. In my training, the safest place is the enemy’s stronghold, but this is not easy to find. We moved out to the outside streets, and tried to make our directions by looking at the landmarks like towers and main roads. Soon we find ourselves at a temple of worship to the Sun God. I know such Monks are pacifiers and advocate of non-aggression. We crept into the temple ground by the rear gate, and settled ourselves in the garden shed as dawn was seen to be coming in. Soon we both felt asleep as a result of out exhaustion and traveling.

I was awakened by the sound of someone in the shed. I reached for my daggers, but the voice told me to sheath it and eat my food. I saw in front of me was an old Monk who laid a tray of food for us. Shiven had then woken up too and was holding his ‘bo’ to strike. The old Monk stood up and faced Shiven.

‘Its a long time since I saw a fellow monk like you here.’ He bowed his head towards Shiven and completed it with some hand gestures, which Shiven immediately got up to repeat the same. Apparently, the old Monk was also from the same monastery as Shiven, but he is now without a Lord; so he spends his time here in service as a Monk. He told us to feed ourselves and avoid coming out, as the elders might take to our presence as welcome. Its a coincidence that he is the one who handles the garden and saw us.

Shiven

I met the Monk later in the day; when he came to see us with some new clothes and soap for us to bathe in. He told we may followed him to one of the structure near by where there is a bath house but we are to leave our weapons as its forbidden to carry one here. We did as instructed and while Dina was taking her bath, I spoke to the Monk.

‘Monk, I am surprised to see you. I thought all the elder monks when you are left by your Lord chose to be mercenaries or bandits,as told to us by the masters. Pardon my words.’

‘Times has changed. We now do not sacrifice out life's without a cause. Some of us has become Monks or manage a business, but our beliefs still stands; we will protect the weak and oppressed, and assist any of our own in times of need. Even to the extent of ending their life if requested.’

‘I share your counsel and truly life outside has changed. Maybe one day, I will do the needed too.’

‘Your turn to bathe is now. Do it and I see you later to show you the way out.’

I thanked the Monk and took my long awaited second bath. The Monk has given me clothes similar to that of the Monastery. It must be his from his warrior days.

At the beginning of dusk, we were led out of the temple grounds, and given a sketch of the city, with its landmarks. Dina and myself thanked the Monk, who just ignored us and close the gate. According to the sketch, we are about some distance from the Inner City, and that was our target, but its too bright to move now. We decided to shelter in a nearby alley and wait for the darkness to settle in.

‘Dina, why did you readily accepted this task?’ I looked at the young assassin who is now dressed in the black tunic and pants. Her sandals are also in black with dark lacings to the shin’s. I wondered on this lady now; who is her real Lord? The Mistress or the Lieutenant. I came because of my mistress Kimi who told me to follow Dina. She told me its the Master orders and she showed me his seal as approval. Before I left, she told me that the way to end this war is to clear the Lord’s of their power.

‘I was told by my Lord. Mistress Camy is only my assigned task, and now I am given a new one. If I succeed then the war may just end here with these two Lords. This was told to me by the Lieutenant.’

Her next remark shocked me. ‘I do not enjoyed the killings. I do it because I am asked to. But I enjoyed the challenged of carrying one out, especially if it involved close guarded targets. I relish the challenge more than the killing on the wayside and streets. That is not my type of killing, I am not a murderer; I am an assassin.’ I wanted to reply to her, but she signaled me to be silent. I see two guards with some loads on their back running in the alley towards us. One of them said; ‘hurry up. We will be late if you do not hurry up. The gate closed soon. This shortcut will take us there in half the time.’

There was no reply back as Dina has just taken him down with her dagger struck in his neck, and was onto the  second guard. She was holding the second guard with her dagger at his neck.

Dina

We were soon on our way with the uniforms of the guards and carrying their loads with the staff as the carrier. In the lessons we learned are also torture as this is needed to be used at times to extract information. My latest victim did not die for his effort, but he will sleep for some time. We reached the  gate in time to be shown in without the need for any identification. This is obviously a daily affair for these two guards. We left our luggage at some alleys and proceeded to the Lord’s Hall. As we were dressed in the guards uniform we did not attract much attention and no one question the staff that Shiven carries, although its unusual for a guard to carry one. They normally do carry pikes or spears, but not wooden staff. It was then when an alarm was raised and the whole place was chaotic with guards running helter skelter. I stopped a servant to ask him what is happening.

‘There is a fire on the east side of the Inner City. They are trying to stop the fire before it spread to the barracks. Hey, you are a girl....’ Last words of a loyal servant. We made out way into the chambers area, and had to silence three guards on the way; hiding their bodies in the side rooms or any dark corners. We rushed through the corridors and seek for the Inner Chambers. Soon we found it, guarded by six guards who looks like they know their action well. My reaction was as swift as in my training days, four daggers was flying towards the guards, with three finding its target, but the fourth was deflected by the helmet. The guard whom I almost killed regain his composure to be met by Shiven’s killing blow, and I took on the remaining two at close quarters with my dagger and sword in the other hand.

I opened the door to the Inner Chamber to be greeted by another guard; armed with a spear and he is good with it. I pushed on to let Shiven handle this guard, and rolled my body beneath the spear’s swing to land after the guard. If not for Shiven, I would had failed to open the next door behind the guard. The downward spear swing was blocked by the long staff of Shiven. As Shiven occupied the guard, I rushed into the Inner Chamber of the young master. I was confronted by elderly lady who was standing guard over the master lying on the bedding.

‘Come no nearer, assassin or I shall need to defend my son from you.’ I went at her and took both their lives. I turned to see Shiven looking at me, with the look of one who cannot understand the way of the assassin.

‘Turn not your back to me, Dina. How can you kill him? We were to capture him only.’

I did not answer him and left the chamber. He followed suit behind me but I would not let him see me in the face. We took almost three nights to leave the city and no words was ever spoken during those times. None was needed from the look on his face, but this is my life as an assassin; we kill to live.

Just as he kill to protect the one he swore to protect. We lived for different objective.

And I had different order from the Lord. One that he does not know.

Lord Camlash

The siege took longer than I expected. Lord Nictin and Pectin has massed his army here outside my wall. We were all once friends, so I been negotiating with them since they arrived; buying time for me to see if my plan worked. There was some skirmishes with the armies of both sides but nothing major as yet.

On the second night, Lord Nictin send over a detachment of his best men over my wall using grappling ropes and overpowering my wall guards near the Main Gate. His detachment was about to lower the ramp when a patrol stumbled on them. The alarm was raised and the invaders was capture or killed that night. Since then, I have doubled the sentries and increased the patrol. It was only on the fourth morning of the siege, I saw the Lords’ withdrawing their army without continuing the siege. I was relieved as my plan actually worked. I told Domo to prepare me a hearty meal while I wait for one messenger, who arrived soon enough.

My original plot was for the Lieutenant to capture the Lords’ son to hold as leverage against this siege. But he changed my plans to used the two guards to go in and do it. The Lieutenant was able to convince me that the duo can do what five hundred may failed to accomplish. So I agreed ut I told Dina to do my request; killed the master instead. Now that Lord Nictin’s son is dead, murdered by an assassin on his sick bed alongside with the mother, his father will return to see tho their funeral. With that, the Lord may withdraw his troops and lift the siege. Its a period of mourning for Lord Nictin and his family. And it worked as planned.

I also know the Lord Nictin’s son has been sick for over a year rendering him motionless on the bed, while his mother attends to him. I know this from the Lord himself, who once asked me for any physician who can assist in the cure. I did get the best physicians I have but they tell his son is not able to be cured.

The assassin of the young master was not found apparently, but an evidence of sort was revealed when they caught a spy among the personal guard themselves, and he admitted that a senior Praetorian paid him to open the doors, when under torture.

He gave the name as Genus, currently sitting in the seat as Lord of Daken. It was a well worth prize to pay fro that spy, but he died while during torture. It was done by the some of other spies of mine who posed as members of the torture team.

Praetorian Genus, there is my surprise for you. A Praetorian who betrays his Lord also betray the Oath of the Praetorian. You acted on your own to claimed the city of Lord Daken, and now you send assassins to murder my enemies’ son. You know the Lord’s do not kill their peers’ families; well not so in the open hostility like now. I am calling for your head now, with my vengeance on you for the wretched life you gave to my daughter. She who is now banished by me because of you. I remember you well although Domo tries to cover your identity from me. You are an outcast now with the Praetorian and from my city.

‘Domo, please come in. I hear that Lord Nictin and Pectin has lifted the siege.’

‘Yes, my Lord. Its said that Lord Nictin son is dead murdered two nights ago. I know not who was the one who did....’

‘Enough, Domo. Where is my Praetorian? I send him off with my lancers to check on the city of Lord Daken, and he has yet to report to me.’

‘I know not his latest , my Lord. I shall send word to him on it

‘Do it... and have my meal ready. I have work to do. And Domo, send for my children back here. They should be at their Lord’s side in such grave times.’

Domo

I know of the capture bid on the young master of Lord Nictin.  The Lord send them out as he felt the duo can do a better job and Dina has someone to protect her. But they are inexperienced in this works. So I called my network of spies to keep track of them. They were trailed from the city to the land of Lord Nictin. My spies reported them going in via the sewage ducts and they were followed too. Once in the city proper, my other spies took over , including the fake monk. They were led by well designed deceits signs and ended up seeking shelter in the temple. There my fake monk appeared out of nowhere and offered them food and clothes. It was an elaborate set of moves but the years of doing these has made me very good at it. But I did not plan the final entry into the chambers, that was the credit of the duo or the girl as there was rumors of her falling back on her old skills. But they done their work well.

Yes, the fire ruse was the work of the fake monk to divert the guards. He is good which is why I took him as my master spy.

As for the Praetorian; I am not sure what is really happening. The Praetorian has been in contact since he took on the lancers to the city of Daken as per direct order of the Lord. But there was no new instruction to him since then. I know he was sent there, but not of his mission. The messenger who has been there, told me that he sits like a Lord in the Hall. I am puzzled if he is aware that a Praetorian cannot be a Lord unless he has betray his oath. But is doing so, or acting on behalf of the Lord here. I must seek the answer.

The sudden death of the young master of Lord Nictin  has now turned the tide of the war, but it was a dishonorable act. Even when Lord Nictin wanted to captured the young master and mistress, he sends his army and announced their intentions, such is the nobility of the way wars are fought here.

Should I move daughter again. No, she is safe in the Red Hill retreat.

A message arrived from my master. Of late, I not seen his dove, but it appear today. I smiled when I read the message. I must burn this last message as in the wrong hands, it meant death.

Praetorian Genus

I kind of like the chair I am sitting on, as if its made for me. Since I taken over the city of Daken, I have much to do, with the quelling of any rebellion by the army is one, and by the people is another. But the task was made easier as Lord Daken was not your ideal Lord, so most of the people liked my changes. I know its too short a time to see the result, but I can see the generals lining up in front of me with firm expression but not that of distaste. I am a Praetorian Guard for over forty years and I know how the army thinks. I have trained many men like these in most conditions and putting their loyalty to test many a times. So the confidence is there. Since I came in as their acting commander, I have also released political detainees and food from the silos. That will put the smiles on the people in general. But the protocol said I must sit in the same seat that Lord Daken once sat, I reluctantly took it as a sign of respect. I still await my Lord’s instruction on what to do next, but no messages was in the pouches sent. I have send the lancers to outside the walls as not to intimidate the army here. I want to show them I fear them not alone, but acted in good faith with them.

Today I received a message from Domo, the adviser to the Lord. I wondered what the old man has to say on behalf of his Lord. It asked me of my whereabouts and how fares the Daken city. I was confused as to the contents, as its showed that the Lord does not what I am doing, when I am actually doing as per his request. I replied to the message to tell the adviser of my position and I await further instructions. It upon handling over the message that I find another message was to be given to me for my own reading.

I read it and was taken aback. It seems like I been played for a fool, and now may be an outcast by the works of things. I looked at my assemble audience and dismissed them all. All of them moved out except one general whom I discussed many issues before with him. He seems to be a fair man and I will hear his counsel first. He asked for an audience with me and I agreed. We discussed over a long time and soon I knew what I had to do.

Lieutenant Damai

Politics is above me, and the waiting is my least preferred task. Since the last task re-assigned to the young guards of the Lord, I have been doing nothing. I heard that the duo killed the young master when discovered and escaped unhurt. That was not what I told them to do, as they were to capture the master and if discovered, leave him and escape. Why did they killed him instead. Unless they were cornered or there was no choice but to do it. I must be careful of these duo.

I been here for nearly half a moon cycle and finally I got my order to march. I am free to move from this hill. The message was to move the young master and the mistress back to the main city. Immediately I ordered the preparation to move out and left message with the servants who stayed back to let the Dina and Shiven know of our new location. I also send a messenger to the Praetorian at the Lord Daken’s city.

I arranged for the best carriage I can find for the Mistress Kimi who is now very weak. But Signar who was still recovering declined his and chose to ride beside me. Soon we were on our way back to the main city. We did not encountered any enemies or obstacle on the way back to the Main City. But we saw the destruction of the siege on the main city. The villages and farms around the city was damaged or destroyed.

It was just as we were marching into the city, that I got news of the Praetorian betrayal and he now occupies the seat on Lord Daken’s city. I was told the Lord is very upset and wished to see me immediately in his hall.

I was to prepare a column of ten thousand men to take back the city from the Praetorian Genus who sits there on his own deceit to the army of Daken. He must be removed and executed. As I was preparing to organize the column, i got new orders to call off the march. Instead I am march to the River Ends fort instead.

Prime Leader Romus

I issued out the edict to dis-claimed the Senior Praetorian Genus from his position and if seen, to be brought to the nearest Praetorian post for persecution. I did not planned this when I send the officer to Lord Camlash.  He was to be my spy and liked before do the things I asked. But the situation has allowed Lord Camlash to turn the events and now I got a disgraced officer in my list.

I also send ten thousand of my men under the leadership of Silva, my trusted lieutenant to march immediately and take over the Daken City. He is to take command and report only to me.

I then consult the Grand Lord and told him of my plans. He nodded his consent and gave me his seal of approval. I know he would, as he wants me to be pawn in this game. But he forgets a pawn can be a knight if he knows his move well.

This game is getting too intense, so I send out words for my peers to meet soon. We may have some decisions to carry out. I hope Raihan rides well to this meeting. He is a key player here.

CWE Book I Part III Chapter X

X

Lord Camlash

The conference was a failure, as we all discussed was the death of Lord Mathis and his young son, Mitus. No Lord asked when will the current Grand Lord choose to retire his position and allowed the appointment of a new Grand Lord. Lord Nictin who arrived late was not a supporter of Lord Mathis, whom we fought together with before spoke a word of unpleasantries on the departed Lord. That triggered off an argument with Lord Giantus, and soon some Lords took the side of Lord Nictin. In the end, we saw the Lords leaving in groups again, with only myself and Micha standing there. Lord Micha waved his hand to dismissed the guards including the Prime Leader.

‘We are alone again, Micha. Just like the other night years ago. Then I made you Grand Lord,and today you tell me you are retiring and then come back with a larger city and army, courtesy of Mathis.’ I took up my cup of wine and took a big gulp. Its sweet yet intoxicating, such a potent combination.

‘True, every time we meet alone, you have some plans for me. Pray tell me I am involved as I cannot be bear to be your enemy; for a snake like you even a mongoose will turn tail.’ He laughed at me and I joined him too. Yes, if I am the snake, then he need to fear me even though he is a mongoose. He knows I can outwit him, but right now I feel I need to change my alliance plans.

‘Micha, the Prime Leaders cannot be trusted, and you know it. But there are some in the Praetorian which we can trust or convince to be on our side. ‘ I decided to snap at him with my view. And he bought it.

‘A Praetorian like the one you have in your care. He done well for you. But I have none of these on my side, saved a Prime Leader. He is not to be trusted, but he works well for other reasons.’ I know Micha relies on this Prime Leader, but there are three more to choose from.

‘Raihan is too far, Romus is too shy and Rimua; I see not of him except at certain functions. Perhaps you can enlighten me of some seniors I can looked at. Or perhaps yours’; he is an experienced Praetorian.‘ Micha continued with his sarcasm.

‘There are others, but the cost is your friendship, not alliance I asked; just friendship in the coming times. Be my friend so that I can reduce our odds in the selection of the next Grand Lord.’ I hope that Micha can see my way.

‘You mean like the previous Grand Lord and then be removed by his own men. I doubt so.’ Micha is a very careful man.

‘No, you still have an army and guards. I only asked you for not interfered in the coming war, but keep above it. Your enemies will be taken care of in time.

Micha gave me his smile and walked away. He knows how to avoid a trap and set up one well.

Unfortunately it was not me who start off the new war. It was they who I thought was friends. And it was no Succession War, only an undeclared war which no Lords owned up to the action.

Now in conflict, all friends can be enemies and enemies your friends, depending on who favors you. The first strike came from Nictin to me. And soon myself to Nictin and then other joined in. Such is the way of warring Lords; they just need someone to fight on always.

Shiven

The alarm was raised on the movement of some army towards Red Hill. We were warned not to received anybody except from that of our own city. In this case, the army matching towards us was from Lord Nictin. It was commanded by a General Andrei, who is known for his strategy. His army is of two thousand marchmen and five hundred lancers. Its a small force considering the man in the front who normally leads more than twenty thousand at any one time. Maybe they reckon the target like Red Hill needs is not men but strategy.

Moreover the Undeclared War has been around for three full moon now, and the Praetorian with the Grand Lord sits by the sidelines. The other major Lord, Giantus also choose to sit it out and did not interfered in any battle. Our own force at Red Hill was reduced to a mere 800 marchmen and servants, with not many archers in the hill. The bulk fo the guards was moved to the main city to prepare for new battles which Lord Camlash has a few now on his borders. No one expected to hit the target like Red Hill to be hit soon, so we sacrifice the extra troops for the Lord’s own defence.

I ran to the Inner chamber to seek the master and his mistress who is now with a heavier load. The master was at his table, frantic with writing messages to be sent to his father, which will never be replied in time like these. I told the Mistress of the invading army and seek that she find cover for the master and herself in the tower. The tower is a tall structure with a circumference of 10 man length only and a height of 250 man length feet, and its serviced by a spiral staircase with four platforms as the floors. The top of the Tower is use as the observation center for the stars, but today it will served as the safe-room for the master and his mistress. Food and drinks had been prepared and a simple bedding will suffice as sleeping arrangement. The top floor of the platform is sealed off with a heavy wooden door locked from the inside the tower. There is no main door at the entrance into the tower. I took the hardship of leaving some weapons on the different floor in case I need to use it for any defence purpose.

I saw Lieutenant Damai on his horse, moving from one place to another with orders for the men, but there was little we can do but wait. The Lieutenant on seeing me asked that I moved Mistress Camy there too, but she is not to be found. I was assigned to look for her in the place and bring here to the Tower.

Dina

My mistress sat at the high branch of the tree overlooking the main entrance to the hill retreat, alongside with me. We laid hidden most of the time, to avoid being caught by our guards, as the Mistress wants to see the enemy on a first hand basis. There are about a hundred guards here at the entrance and they were led by Signar to defend it. Some of the guard was on the wall side looking over to the open road, while others was hanging around the guard house or the gate. Signar was busy swinging his hands as if he is participating  in a coming event of a game.

Soon the sound of the approaching army can be heard. From our vantage point, I can see the head of the column which is the marchmen, alongside their commander. I heard that he is General by rank and is very experienced by reputation. I took up my bow and strung in my arrow, pulling at the string on the bow to check its tautness. I aimed at the General who is now riding forward to stopped before the entrance to Red Hill. The General asked for the permission to come in, and to protect the young master and mistress. Signar replied that all was well and declined the assistance. But the General insist on seeing the master and mistress, so there were exchange of words between the two.

It was then I noticed some movement on the far side of right side of the gate, where the slope is less steep. I saw the General is keeping the gate guards busy while his men is trying to sneak in from the right side. I looked to the left and saw it was steep and no one was daring the slope there. I turned my attention back to the right wall and aimed with my bow at the nearest man who was about to scale over the wall. My arrow took him in the thigh as he was about to climb over, and his shout in pain was heard by the defenders. Signar rushed some of his men to the right wall, armed with pikes they pushed anyone who tries to get in. Those who did was unlucky to be speared or slashed by the guards when they fell over. That attempt being discovered open the fight as the invaders tried to storm the gate. Signar had it reinforced with additional bars and he had some of his men throwing buckets of oil over the wall. That made the path slippery and difficult to walked on.

I was busy with my bow taking down officers and any brave soldiers. every time I hit a officer, my mistress jumped with joy, but I am concerned on her safety. Signar on seeing my help was glad but soon turn to concern for the mistress. He told me to leave for the next gate as he feared the gate cannot hold too long with the enemy battering it now. I told Signar to look for the trails I set through the forest slope as in the weeks here, we learned of some hidden trails that shorten our trip by half if not more. Then Signar returned to the gate just as it was about to be broken down by the ongoing battering. From the broken gate, men began to swamp in but the narrow entrance broken allowed not more than two men at a time. Signar and his men grabbed these men as they come through to kill them. He did this for a while, until when the whole gate came down. Then more of the enemies can barged in with their weapons drawn. This was when Signar fled with his men to the next gate, but some stayed back to defend the fallen barricade. But the numbers of invaders was soon to overcome the defenders.

Signar and his remaining men ran for the next gate through the marked trails and reinforced that one too. I would assist him with archery skills but I am limited in the number of arrows. So I had to retreat further up with my mistress in tow. Signar kept some guards on the trail in case someone follow through but none did. He repeated the same defensive moves until we reached the fifth gate, and having lost almost all the original hundred men which Signar had, he ordered us to retreat back to the top of the hill. Signar will make his final stand here with the remaining men he has accumulated from the earlier gates in his stand at the fifth gate. They numbered no more than fifteen men, but they are willing to lay their life's here. I left with the mistress who is clearly shaken now by the running and fighting she saw. Its not the same as when she takes me to fight some bandits or drunks, these are trained warriors with intent to kill anyone on sight.

Signar

Thanks to the little assassin, we manged to buy more time than we expected, and took on their casualties number to above us. But the retreat has to end here at the final gate before they reached the top of the hill. I find fighting the current way takes on their numbers but the numbers which we will be hit later would be bigger and we stand to lose. I held onto my battle axe and short sword in the other hand, as I recite all the needed prayers I could think of make my journey to the other side easier. And I hope they don’t just sieved water and flowers.

There is no time for defence now, only offence. I laid out the men armed with pikes and spears into three rows with me in the front facing the final crumbling wooden gate. Soon they will come and I will be here to see them off to the next world. As I finished my thought, the enemy came in through the final gate and swarmed toward me. Without any care of the world left, I met them head on with the axe and sword. My swings was not in any form but random wild swings, which are murderous contact to any who come to it. I find myself bringing down two and then three warriors in the initial charge. The invaders retreated and grouped in a circle around me but I had enough of waiting so I lashed out the nearest warrior. Two more warriors fell to my blows before I was pushed back into the circle. I could not see my men and I assume they are also surrounded like me. 

Soon it was only my battle axe held in both hands for the strength to swing it. I smiled at the thought that I was about to die, when I saw my enemies retreating back down the slope. I looked back to see what could had caused them to retreat, and I saw the smiling face of the Lieutenant as he moved towards me with his handful of warriors.

Lieutenant Damai

Signar bought me time to organized the defenses. It was the personal guard of Camy who told me of this stand and I rushed down on the slope to the gate with the men I could muster then. I reached just in time to see him swinging his axe like a frenzied bear at enemy facing him. He must had cut down not less than six men and he was all covered in blood. My men was immediately engaged the enemies and was quick to get the enemies to fall back on the slope of the hill. It was then we seized the moment to collect our wounded. There was not many to carry back as we only managed to find two of the fifteen men still alive. Signar was wounded with many cuts and bruises, but a fatal gash can be seen on his back, although he stands to fight still. I instructed two of my men to carry him back while I take the rear guard. I saw a rider come through and he is dressed like a general.

‘Lieutenant Damai, I salute your men bravery. Its time for us to rest also and we will continue tomorrow.’ I recognised him from the several occasions we met at the functions.

‘Thank you, General Andrei. We meet tomorrow.’

I lost about a hundred men in the gates, and the invaders about triple or more of that as fighting uphill is a disadvantage. But the general has got more men than I can spared. He is kind as friend for me to see to the treatment of my men, but the objective is still to win. My number is only over a few hundred fighting warriors, but they lacked the support of archers and lancers. I contemplated my options and decided that it will be a long night today. I prayed for a miracle and hopes it arrives fast.

It was the break of dawn when the first attack came. They learned fast and took down the new barriers down fast, as there was only a handful of men to guard it. I wanted the enemy to feel confident and rushed me. It was at the last gate I planned my surprise. I had one hundred and fifty men lined up in formation with the pikes ready. The moment they broke open through again, my men rushed into them with vengeance. An attacking force on a downhill momentum carried a lot of force, so we managed to push them back or over the slope. As they were packed so tightly in the path, the forward push threw them off balance. I had my other men picking the survival off so that none can attack our flanks.

It was then I saw the Praetorian with his reinforcement coming up the flanks of the enemies. It was going to be a routing on the invaders, and the General immediately declared truce on the new threat and called off the attack. In the end, we survived the battle with a loss of over four hundred men and the enemy with a casualty list of more than twice our numbers plus a general with a broken arm.

His remaining men surrendered but we allowed them withdraw to go back to their own camp. The general was grateful to me and wished me luck.

Shiven

Mistress Camy was escorted to the tower by her personal guard. The mistress was left in my care to be stationed with her brother and wife. I took her up to the top platform and joined the others. I went back downstairs to guard the doorway. It was then, I saw a group of soldiers coming towards us. I saw from their uniforms are our own men, but they are behaving like invaders. I retreated to the next level and stood guard over the entrance. At each level, I had placed some spears and short swords.

‘Identify yourself, soldiers.’ There were six of them and they are armed with pikes and swords. One of them walked up the stairs that will lead to my floor.

‘We are the spies of Lord Nictin. Please release us the master and you can free. Fight us and we will kill you.’ I put down my ‘bo’ and took up the swords. ‘I am Shiven, the personal guard of Master Conal. Fight me before you can get my master.’

Two of them including the one at the bottom of the stair charged up the stairs with their pikes. I stepped away from the entrance to allowed them to come in. Once they stepped into the level, I jumped up high with my swords in both hands coming down hard on these men’s pikes. The downward cut took through their hands and pike staff.  They screamed in pain and felled back through the doorway. I picked up the fallen pikes and hurl them down like lancers at the attackers. Soon I was armed with my own pikes for the next oncoming attack. The attacker with his pike and shield as cover, but I was there to thrust the pike into his uncovered face. That stopped the attack as the remaining attackers seemed to be wary on the next action. It was then I heard sound of more fighting in the slope and the sound of my attackers leaving the tower.

Praetorian Genus

I came with the reinforcement of over a thousand men on the order of the Lord. We arrived just in time to take on the enemy rear and moved our way up. The general made one miscalculated move; he send all his  might against the last defence as any leader would, but he forgot to check his rear for surprises. He assumed that he can take the hill before any reinforcements arrived which will take three or four days to come, but he did not know of the short trails like the local people. We cut our journey by a day to arrive in time.

I joined up with the Lieutenant at the retreat and discussed the status of his condition. The order I have was to evaluate the situation and if need be, evacuate the master and mistress. The Lieutenant reckon the Red Hill retreat was a good place to hold up with the correct amount of men. It was agreed that I leave with him one third of my men including some archers, while I returned to my Lord with the rest. They will rebuilt the gates and add up the defenses. I can only agreed to that as the Mistress Kimi is not well to travel and so is the young master. He was kept in his Inner chamber during my visit. Moreover, the Lord needs his men back as he has another battle lined up with the other Lords’.

Since the conference, the Lords has split into factions, and they fight among themselves, except for Micha and Giantus. As I am here now, Lord Daken has also taken his army into the land of Lord Camlash, exerting his power over the far flung people; killing without mercy. Lord Camlash was to march against the Lord Daken if not for this message that his Red Hill retreat is under attack by the general belonging to the Lord Nictin.

I left Darius at the Red Hill as I felt it was safer there. I left him in  the care of Shiven and rode off for the city just in time to see the preparation of the Lord to reclaim his land from Lord Daken. Lord Camlash has massed up close to ten thousand troops including archers and calvary within the city wall, He was to march to the borders to oust the the invading Lord, when I arrived.

I was called to his hall to see him.

‘Praetorian Genus, ride to see General Latin in the east border. I want his lancers under your command to meet me at other end of Shon Ridge. You can reach it if you crossed over at the ferry crossing in this location. Meet me at the end of Shon Ridge in three days. There we will end the battle with Lord Daken.’

I met the general’s lancers’; a total of two thousand lancers on my route  and we rode to the ferry crossing with a lead of half day of riding.

It was much later I was advised that Darius rode off to the north on his own. 

Lord Camlash

My troops arrived near start of Shon Ridge before we spotted the enemies scouts ahead of us. My guards managed to kill them except one who got away. So much for my surprise attack that I was hoping for. I send out my own scouts to gauge the enemies strength, while I camped in the plains before reaching the ridge. I split my camp into two groups, with one group forming at the rear of the other. I was in the one up front with three thousand men.  When my scouts returned, I was told that the Lord Daken is beginning to advance through the ridge with his men, a total of 15,000 marchmen and lancers. His strength has grown since we met and its a sizable force. As the path to pass thru is narrow, they will need time to go thru.

I left guards on the trails around my perimeters to kill or prevent any scouts of the Lord Daken through. I also split my rear troops into two sub-group with one taking the east and the other the west, I intend to trap the Lord Daken’s men when they massed together as they exit the ridge. I also planned a surprised on the path inside the ridge.

The attack came on the late morning of the third day, when I hit them with my three thousand men at their makeshift camp as they exit the ridge. There was already about the same number of men with Lord Daken there too but they did not expect an early battle, so they were unprepared. We rode over the defenses and barricades, and pushed the men back towards the Ridge. I knew that along the ridge path is a massed of another three thousand soldiers which is now starting to march across the Ridge to assist the camp. I had some of my men planned an ambush with traps of boulders to be released on them from the top of the ridge. The avalanche of boulders caused many casualties on the men trapped in the pathway. When this was happening, I sound the withdrawal of my attaching force of three thousand men, and the enemy pressed back with renewed confidence to recover their camp and the previous position. That was when the two sides of the ridge was sounded with shouts of war calls. The attacking enemy force which was massing at the previous campsite was over run by the combined troops of mine including those I held in reserved on the sides.. By the end of the day, Lord Daken has lost almost half his force, including the demise of the Lord who was caught in the boulder attack.

With the ridge road closed, the remaining soldiers of Lord Daken tried to re-mobilize their strength but the lack of senior officers created a mayhem of fights and mutiny. It was not helped by the raids on them by the lancers in several areas at the same time, led by the Praetorian and General Latin. Soon the Lord Daken army was dispersed and the remaining ones who was organized marched back to their own city.

Unfortunately, the war is not over. I got news of another army coming in from the south, from Lord Nictin. Its seems that he is marching for my city with a strength of ten thousand men, and soon to be joined by Lord Pection of another five thousand men. In this ridge, I am now with only half their numbers including some lancers, although my city defence has another five thousand inside. The balance of my army are all  stationed in other places. I also have some my Frontier Army in the North to watch at the Outsiders in case they decided that to revolt or revoke the earlier arrangement. If I withdraw those, I am leaving my borders open for invasions.

‘Send for me this message to the Praetorian. And also this to the Lieutenant. Do it now. I will await your reply in the city. You, ride on ahead to the city; tell Domo to brace for attack by Lord Nictin.’

Praetorian Genus

I got the message and re-group my lancers. We lost some men in the skirmish, but we are still a force to be reckon. I told the men to ride for Lord Daken’s city with some of the prisoners of the Lord, especially the general which we had captured. It will take me a day to reach the city and I hope I am not late. When we reached the city gates, I asked to see the commanding officer with the captured general in my side. A senior officer came out whose rank is below that of the general.

‘Speak to your officer, general.’ I can see the officer looking at his general and also at the treeline to make out my strength of army.  They are well hidden within the trees and spread out thinly to disguise their strength.

‘Lieutenant Julius, I bear news of our Lord. He is dead; killed in the battle at Shon Ridge. We lost most of our men there. We are to surrender to the Praetorian now. He will take command until the new Lord is appointed. Here is the sword of Lord Daken as proof of death.’

‘But General...’ I can sense that protest coming, so I swung his horse to slammed into the Lieutenant’s horse, causing him to almost lose his balance. ‘You dare to disobey your general. That is a punishment by death, Lieutenant.’ I can see the Lieutenant reaching for his sword and I readied my own sword.

‘Enough, Lieutenant. That is an order from me as your commanding officer.’ I turned to see the general sitting upright in his saddle and staring at the officer. The defending officer reluctantly withdrew his sword to hand over to me, as a token of surrender. I rode in to the city with a small detachment of my lancers, carrying both the sword of the Lieutenant and also the Lord’s, and walked into the Hall of Lord Daken. There stood his family, including his heir; a young man of similar built to his father. I instructed that the family be kept to their chamber and await further orders. The general and the lieutenant was put to death immediately, and announced the temporary leadership of mine to the city. My lancers then came in to the city and was placed to guard the inner city.

I met the other senior officers including the advisers to tell them of the new orders. If any of them rebelled, I will have the Lord’s family killed for their effort. If they cooperate with me, I will try to end this war soon and restored the master to his Lord’s position. There were some arguments but in the end they all agreed, but I was to swore on my oath as Praetorian. I agreed to do so if they give me full cooperation. Then I sat down with them to discuss my next plan.

Lieutenant Damai

The Lord must be crazy. I have is only five hundred men who can fight and he expect me to raid a city. And kill the young master of the city. Obviously this man is crazy like his daughter. I don’t know how I can do just that. My good friend Signar lies in heavy bandages, and I got a master who refuses to leave his room. Plus a mistress who is heavy with a child. I am now to add another master in as a hostage.

I must think this through. The Lord is crazy but he is not mad to sent me to die. There are times, he asked me to do suicidal tasks and yet I come back alive. As I stood on the porch of the tower, I asked myself who can do this better besides me.

A thought came to my mind.

Its a work for one who is trained as an assassin. One with me is the young lady’s guard; she is my answer to the prayer. But will she do it? Unless she is as crazy as her mistress.

‘Summon me the young mistress’s guard and also Shiven. Ask them to meet me at the Inner garden by the pavilion.’

I hoped I am right in my choice.