Kienenstadt was situated at the mouth of a river, and over the centuries, successive kings had built a massive breakwater, forming a large harbour on the western side. Formidable sailed into this harbour, dropping anchor amongst the dozens of ships present.
“Impressive,” said Agar. “Never have I seen so many ships in one place before.”
“Hardly surprising,” replied Skora. “You’ve only seen ships at Carlingen, and there’s not much traffic there.”
“Have you seen more?”
The old woman laughed. “Me? I spent my life amongst the forests of Athelwald. When would I have seen ships?”
“How are you so knowledgeable about them, then?”
“I have ears, don’t I? You can learn much more from listening than talking.”
“So I should remain silent?”
“No, of course not. It’s healthy to ask questions.” A small boat rowed past, its occupants staring at the Orc youngling. “What are you looking at? Mind your own business!” yelled Skora. “The nerve of some people.”
“I should expect such things,” said Agar.
“Nonsense. There’s no excuse for bad manners.”
“The people of the Continent fear Orcs.”
“Only because they don’t know any.”
“Trouble?” called out Athgar. He came over beside them. “Let me guess—curious onlookers?”
Agar looked at his uncle. “Why do the men of the Continent hate us so?”
“I can think of two main reasons. The first is your appearance. Your green skin and much wider shoulders intimidate the average Human.”
“And the other?”
“These people fear the Old Kingdom’s return, and we know that Orcs and Therengians worked together at its height. To the average folk, you represent their worst nightmares; we all do.”
“They fear what they do not understand.”
“Exactly. Of course, that goes for us Therengians too. One glimpse of my grey eyes causes all sorts of problems. It certainly did in Reinwick.”
“How do we deal with that?”
“By sticking together.”
“When do we go ashore?”
“Not for some time yet. King Maksim sent one of his men to report to the Royal Palace, and then I expect he’ll go ashore to pay his respects to King Rordan.”
“What about the rest of us?”
“We stay on the Formidable. Officially, we’re not here and don’t want our presence announced at court. Instead, we’ll wait for Yulakov to approach us.”
“And then we will meet him?”
“That’s the plan,” replied Athgar, “although I can’t say where or when.”
“Would he come aboard our ship?”
“I doubt it. If anyone in Ruzhina discovered he’d boarded a Temple Ship, the family would confront him.”
“Why would they do that?”
“The family is likely keeping a close watch on their new king, the better to control him. There’s no love lost between them and the Temple Knights.”
“So the family would pursue retribution against their king?”
“Yes, though no one knows what form that might take. We don’t have a good idea of how tight their grip over King Yulakov is.”
“He managed to arrange a meeting with Maksim.”
“That’s very astute,” said Athgar. “Are you certain there isn’t a full-grown Orc lurking in that youngling body of yours?”
“I spend much of my time listening to my parents’ discussions.”
“You couldn’t have a finer example.”
Natalia stared out over the water as she stood on the Formidable’s bow, her daughter at her side, the mere presence of the sea a comforting embrace.
“Look, Mama,” said Oswyn. “A seal. Is it the same one we saw when we started?”
“It’s doubtful, but anything is possible.” Natalia stared down into the water, reaching out with her magic. She felt the presence of the seal, but there was something else, a power drawing it to the ship, and she realized her daughter’s innate magic had attracted it. “Remarkable.”
Footsteps echoed off the planking, and she turned to see Cordelia.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” said the Temple Captain.
“Not at all. We were just enjoying the view.”
“You’ll pardon me if I prefer land. I’ve had some unpleasant experiences on ships.”
“Understood. Is there a reason you’re here?”
“There is. I’m going ashore shortly, and I wondered if I might prevail upon you to accompany me.”
“To visit the local commandery?”
“Yes. That’s right.”
“I hardly believe I can bring anything to the table.”
“On the contrary,” said Cordelia. “In your capacity as Warmaster of Therengia, you represent a safe haven for our order.”
“Safe haven? Isn’t your order respected across the length and breadth of the Continent? I’ve heard you’ve faced challenges recently, but aren’t there many kingdoms that would still welcome you?”
“There would be if not for the Temple Knights of Saint Cunar. I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but the fighting orders have collapsed.”
“Collapsed? What does that mean, exactly?”
“The Council of Peers ordered us to disband.”
“Why?”
“It’s far too long a story to discuss right now. Suffice it to say, someone in the Antonine wished to eliminate most of the fighting orders, amalgamating them all into the Temple Knights of Saint Cunar.”
“Except for the sisters?”
“Naturally.”
“So you operate in defiance of Church doctrine?”
“That about sums it up, yes.”
Natalia shrugged. “The Church of the Saints doesn’t possess any influence in Therengia. Regardless of your order’s legal position, we’d still love to have you.”
“Thank you. That’s a great weight off my shoulders. Does that mean you’ll come to the commandery with me?”
“I will, providing you have no objection to me bringing Oswyn?”
“Are you certain you want to subject her to that sort of scrutiny?”
“Are you suggesting the Cunars might interfere with your removal of the Temple Knights?”
“You saw how the Cunars treated us in Carlingen. I’m told worse has happened here.”
“They demanded you turn over your commandery,” said Natalia. “How much worse could it get?”
“I’ve received reports they’ve interfered with our knights while they were out attempting to fulfill their duties.”
“What manner of interference are we talking about?”
“Actively blocking their way. It’s led to several tense encounters, but so far, no bloodshed. At least not according to the last message I received.”
“That being the case, I’d best leave Oswyn here. When do you wish to depart?”
“I just need to retrieve some correspondence. Captain Valeria has a boat waiting.”
“That was fast.”
“Not really,” said Cordelia. “It only just returned from dropping off King Maksim’s messenger.”
Natalia waved at Oswyn as the boat pulled away from the Formidable. The day was clear, the water calm, yet her senses remained on high alert. Did something lurk beneath the surface, or was her mind playing tricks on her?
The boatswain barked out an order, and the crew dug their oars into the sea. Cordelia sat in the bow, watching the docks grow closer. From Natalia’s vantage point, she couldn’t help but notice the Temple Captain’s hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Was Cordelia that worried violence might erupt? She and Athgar had certainly experienced more than their fair share of conflict with the Cunars. Her thoughts strayed to what Cordelia had told her about the Church. It was clear to her that the family engineered the fall of the Temple Knights. How soon before they exploited the situation and launched a full-scale invasion of the Continent? She found herself cursing the family and all it had done.
The boat finally bumped up against the dock. Cordelia stepped ashore, Natalia soon following.
“This way,” said the Temple Captain.
“Are they expecting us?”
“No. This was more of a spur-of-the-moment decision. The local commandery was instructed to stockpile supplies for a long journey, but they intended to sail to Carlingen, not ride for Therengia.” She surveyed the ships in the harbour. “I hope the Temple Captain here hired some of those.”
“Only time will tell. How far is the commandery?”
Cordelia dug out a scrap of paper, perused it, and then looked inland. “According to these instructions, it’s two streets south, just past the Temple of Saint Mathew.”
“Lead on.”
They made their way inshore, where the buildings were close together, making for narrow streets. It reminded Natalia of Ebenstadt, though it felt less welcoming and more maze-like. Cordelia led them up a flight of steps, and then they were amongst the taller buildings signifying the merchant district.
“Tell me,” said Natalia. “How many sisters are gathered here?”
“As far as I know, only the one company. Why?”
“Just doing some mental calculations. A company consists of fifty knights at full strength, although I suppose that varies from city to city. There’s also the matter of spare mounts to consider.”
“Consider for what?”
“Transportation, of course. If everything goes as planned, this company can be in Therengia by nightfall.”
“How?”
“I know a spell called frozen arch,” said Natalia, “which allows me to open a portal to the standing stones near Ebenstadt, then your fellow sisters can ride through.”
“But that’s hundreds of miles away.”
“It is, but the arch remains in place as long as I keep feeding it. Once the spell is cast, maintaining it is only a slight drain on my power.”
“Where are these stones?”
“In the middle of the wilderness, but the Orcs who watch over them can escort your knights to the city.”
“But none of them know Orcish.”
“I shall speak with them myself.”
“Are you intending to travel with them?”
“Only long enough for a chat with whoever is present.”
“Won’t that drain your power?”
Natalia smiled. “Those stones sit upon a power node, and I learned how to harness that power in Beorwic. I’m not aiming to create a flood this time, so there’s no real risk except making me a little tired.”
“In that case, I accept your offer.”
“Good.”
Cordelia led them around a corner, and then there was the commandery, a trio of Cunars standing guard outside, causing the new arrivals to slow their pace. “This doesn’t look promising.”
“Let me handle this,” said Natalia.
“With magic?”
“No, at least not initially. If my suspicions are correct, I may be able to flaunt my family name, convincing them to leave us alone.”
“I’ll let you do the talking, then.”
They continued advancing until a Cunar called out a challenge. “You there,” he said. “What is your business here?”
“We are here to arrange for the evacuation of the commandery,” replied Natalia.
“Oh yes? And who might you be?”
“Does the name Valentina Stormwind sound familiar?”
The fellow shuddered. “My apologies, Mistress.” His eyes flicked to Cordelia, wearing a scarlet surcoat and sash identifying her as a Temple Captain of Saint Agnes. “We were ordered to bar entry or access to any of her order.”
“That makes it a little difficult for them to abandon the commandery, don’t you think?”
“It is not my place to question orders, Mistress.”
“Then I suggest you stand aside, or I’ll be forced to report you to your superiors.”
The Cunar backed away, bowing slightly. “My apologies.”
“That’s better. Now come, Captain Cordelia, and let’s rid this city of your scarlet-clad sisters.”
They approached the door and knocked. A Temple Knight of Saint Agnes opened it, ready to rebuke their captors, but the words died in her throat at the sight of a Temple Captain.
“My pardon, Captain. We had no idea we had visitors.”
“Where is your captain?” asked Cordelia.
“In her office. Shall I escort you there?”
“Remain at your post. I know the way.” As all commanderies on the Continent were constructed using the same plan, they soon stood before the local captain’s office.
“Come in,” said a voice.
“How did you know we were here?” replied Cordelia.
“The door is not so thick that I can’t hear footsteps.”
Cordelia opened the door, and behind the desk sat the Temple Captain, her sable hair tinged by a considerable quantity of grey. “I’m Temple Captain Gabriel. I assume you’re Temple Captain Cordelia?”
“I am, and this is Lady Natalia Stormwind.”
“Stormwind? I’ve heard little that endears that name to me.”
“Natalia is the exception. She’s actively working to lessen the Stormwinds’ influence.”
“Is she indeed? How can you be certain?”
“She is the Warmaster of Therengia, and we’ve worked together before.”
“Therengia, you say? How interesting. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
“I am here to arrange the transport of your company,” replied Cordelia.
“Arrangements were made for us to board ships and sail for Carlingen.”
“Pardon me if I’m speaking out of turn,” said Natalia, “but I have a much faster option.”
“Which is?”
“I’ll use my magic to open a portal to the east, which your knights can pass through.”
“To Carlingen?”
“No, Therengia. You’d then have to ride north to Ebenstadt, where you’d take up permanent residence.”
“I understood we’d be going to Carlingen.”
“Those plans have always been in flux,” replied Cordelia, “and I decided to accept the warmaster’s offer.”
“I am the senior captain,” said Gabriel.
“Perhaps, but I’ve been appointed as regional commander.”
“That is highly unusual.”
“As are the times we live in.”
“My question,” said Natalia, “is how long do your knights need to prepare to travel?”
“That depends on what they should bring.”
“The trip from the Standing Stones to Ebenstadt is several days. Any food you can carry would be useful. Arrangements will be made for the city to support you upon your arrival.”
“Before we leave, the matter of seniority needs to be addressed.”
“The High Thane of Therengia has already accepted Captain Cordelia as the order’s representative. I speak with some authority when I say he won’t budge on this matter.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“He’s my husband,” replied Natalia. “Now, how soon can your knights assemble?”
“Some are stranded in town. Other than those, they need time to don armour and mount their warhorses.”
“And supplies?”
“Each knight carries a week’s worth of hardtack, but we expected the ships to provide water.”
“We have hunters deployed at the stone pillars who can advise you where to find streams along the way.”
“Hunters?”
“Yes,” said Cordelia. “Orcs. I hope that won’t be a problem?”
“Greenskins? How are we to trust them?”
“I’ve fought beside them before. Give them a chance, and you’ll find they’re not too different from us Humans.”
“This gets worse and worse.”
“How so?” asked Natalia. “We’re offering you a safe haven in a city where Cunars have no presence. We are also aware of your standing with the Church.”
“And?”
“And nothing. It matters not one whit to the High Thane or the rest of the Thane’s Council.”
“What’s in it for you?”
“Me, personally? Nothing, but your presence in the streets of Ebenstadt will help keep the peace and stabilize the region. There is also room for expansion, as we now find ourselves in possession of cities in the Therengian Province of Novarsk who require similar aid.”
“I still need to recover the rest of my knights, which won’t be easy to accomplish with the Cunars outside our gates.”
“Where are they?”
“Temporarily holed up at a local inn called the Magpie. Their horses are being cared for by the Temple Knights of Saint Mathew.”
“Weren’t all the orders disbanded?”
“They were,” replied Gabriel, “but the Mathews here offer no opposition to the Cunars, so they were left alone.”
“Cordelia and I will see what we can do about bringing these sisters home. While you’re waiting, I suggest you gather whatever goods you wish to take from this commandery. I suspect it will be some years before your order returns.”
“We need wagons for that.”
“Then I shall add it to the list.”
“What makes you believe the Cunars will allow you to deliver them to us?”
“I can be very persuasive when the occasion calls for it.”