Athgar dozed in the carriage as it journeyed westward. Natalia was wide awake, as was Cordelia, for the Temple Captain had been invited to accompany them. Oswyn remained aboard Formidable, under Skora’s watchful eye, but Agar was eager to learn what the King of Ruzhina might make of their plans.
“Tell me, Agar,” said Natalia. “What is your impression of Yulakov?”
“He seemed eager for his home to be cleansed of the family,” replied the Orc.
“Did you believe him honest in that desire?”
“If he was lying, I saw none of it in his face.”
“Were you with them the entire time?”
“No,” replied Agar. “We all met outside, and then I went indoors, where I found Prince Piotr. The two of us spent the remainder of the day in the manor.”
“And the King of Abelard wasn’t in attendance?”
“That was by design,” said Athgar.
Natalia smiled. “I thought you were asleep.”
“I was, but it’s difficult to remain so when everyone around me is talking.” He gazed out the window. “Where are we?”
“We should be arriving soon,” said Agar. “Yesterday, we met up where the road turns slightly.”
“You remember that?”
“I am an Orc—the shape of trees is as recognizable to me as buildings are to you Humans. Does the forest not look familiar, Uncle?”
“Uncle?” said Cordelia.
“Yes,” replied Agar. “Athgar and my father are tribe brothers.”
“Couldn’t the same be said for every member of the Red Hand?”
“Tribe brothers are more than being members of the same tribe.”
The carriage slowed, interrupting the youngling’s lesson in Orcish culture.
“We are here,” he announced.
The door opened, revealing a very startled Yakim. It wasn’t the presence of Natalia that made him freeze—it was the armour-clad Temple Captain.
“Greetings,” said Athgar, ignoring the fellow’s surprise. “As you can see, I returned, bringing two of my closest advisors.”
The guard recovered quickly. “Of course, my lord. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to Their Majesties.”
“Is King Maksim still here?”
“Indeed, Lord. He availed himself of King Yulakov’s invitation to remain at the manor house last night.”
“Wasn’t the idea to keep some distance from the building to avoid spies?”
Yakim shrugged. “I’m afraid I can’t comment on such things. If you come with me, my lord, I shall be pleased to escort you.”
“Of course.” Athgar stepped from the carriage, waiting for the others. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Natalia Stormwind, and Temple Captain Cordelia of the Temple Knights of Saint Agnes. Agar, you’ve already met.”
“I shall be sure to announce you all once we’ve found His Majesty.”
Yakim led them down the path they’d taken yesterday. King Yulakov waited in the same chair as the previous visit, making it look like he hadn’t moved. King Maksim sat nearby, smiling when he noticed Natalia had joined Athgar this time, and young Prince Piotr nodded at Agar.
Yakim introduced everyone, and they all found seats. Natalia moved a chair to sit beside her husband.
Piotr rose and wandered over to Agar. “Do you want to visit the practice yard? They have archery targets.”
“I am afraid I did not bring my bow,” replied the Orc.
“You can use one of ours. Come. I’m interested to see how good you are.”
Agar looked at his uncle.
“Go ahead. Enjoy yourself,” said Athgar. “We won’t leave without you.”
The two younger members of the group ran off.
“Ah,” said Yulakov. “The passion of youth. I wish we could call upon that same sense of urgency in our later years.”
“Later years?” said Natalia. “You and Athgar are not far apart in age. Are you suggesting you’re both getting old?”
“Rather than referring to years, should I refer to the weight of responsibility that wears on us both? Would that be more acceptable?”
“It would indeed.”
“I must admit,” continued Yulakov, “I’m a little surprised to see you in the company of a Temple Captain. Might I ask why you brought her?”
“Cordelia has extensive military knowledge,” replied Athgar. “Between the three of us, we may have a possible solution to your problem.”
“You have my full attention.”
“When we spoke yesterday, the likelihood of sending an army to Ruzhina was not an option. I’ve since been persuaded that such a thing is possible.”
“Might I ask what caused you to change your mind?”
“The application of magic,” offered Natalia.
“How so?”
“Let’s just say that amongst the many mages of Therengia, we have the ability to move large numbers of warriors in short order. I won’t bore you with details, but a military campaign against the Volstrum is now a distinct possibility.”
“How do you intend to carry out this campaign?”
“I would rather not say, Majesty. It’s best if you remain ignorant of the actual details to protect our army from discovery until we’re in a position to act.”
Yulakov nodded. “A wise precaution, considering how corrupt my court has become. I shall trust that you have a plan we can count on. When would we begin?”
“We must discuss some details before we proceed,” replied Athgar. “While I’m not opposed to destroying the Stormwinds, we need assurances that this is not an elaborate ploy to lure us into a trap.”
“I assure you it’s not.”
“That,” said Natalia, “is precisely what you would claim if it were.”
“What is it you’re asking for?”
“We’ll get to that shortly. First, I’d like a clearer picture of the forces at your disposal. How big is the Army of Ruzhina?”
“The last time I checked, it numbered some eleven hundred men, but I need to speak to my military advisor to give you a more accurate count.”
“That would be Veris Stormwind,” noted Maksim. “Not the most trustworthy source.”
“I must admit I hadn’t considered that, but you have a good point.”
“Let’s see,” said Natalia. “Eleven hundred equates to roughly twenty-two companies. I assume the bulk of those are in Porovka?”
“Yes,” replied Yulakov. “How did you know?”
“It’s the most logical place to billet them, which affords us an advantage since I imagine it would take two or three days’ march for them to reach Karslev. Speaking of the capital, how large is the garrison there?”
“Five companies.”
“And how many do you consider loyal to you?”
“I might remind you,” added Athgar, “you claimed some companies would support you.”
“I did,” said Yulakov, “but only two of those are in Karslev. There’s one in Porovka and another in the northeast.”
“What’s in the northeast?” asked Cordelia.
“Nothing more than rumours, I hope, but we must do our best to be responsive to the people’s needs. They asked for our help, so we sent a company to keep the area safe.”
“What is the nature of these rumours?”
“I hesitate to even mention them.”
“Please do,” said Natalia. “It may prove valuable to our cause, even if you consider it trivial.”
“If you must know, there are rumours concerning the Kingdom of Shadows. These stories resurface every few years and cause a mild panic.”
“I’m sorry,” said Cordelia. “What in the name of the Saints is the Kingdom of Shadows?”
“I’ve heard of that,” said Athgar. “According to legend, a woman named Vicavia lost her child to a fever. In her grief, she turned to dark magic, attempting to recover what had been taken from her. She reportedly kidnapped children to conduct horrible experiments in her quest to reanimate the dead.”
“That’s right,” added Yulakov. “Even now, the peasants swear she walks the streets at night, seeking wayward children to spirit away.”
“Yes. That matches up with what Anushka told me. There’s also stories of strange half-Human creatures wandering out of the forest, striking fear into everyone.”
“That is what they say, although I haven’t seen any actual bodies.”
“Then why send men?” asked Cordelia.
“To placate the nobles. The last thing I need are malicious rumours spreading and stirring up panic over the entire kingdom.”
“Tell me,” said Natalia. “Was there ever an actual mage named Vicavia?”
Yulakov looked surprised. “I never said she was a mage.”
“She reportedly studied Necromancy. How else would someone reanimate the dead?”
“I hadn’t considered that. To answer your question, yes, there are historical records concerning a woman named Vicavia. If I recall, she was an Enchantress who disappeared some two centuries ago.”
“And did she have a child?”
“If she did, we have no record of it.”
“I’m curious,” said Natalia. “How is it you are familiar with her details? I would think her background of trifling interest.”
“Ordinarily, I’d agree,” said Yulakov, “but folk tales were a particular penchant of my father’s, and the Kingdom of Shadows was one of his favourites. It’s a pity he’s no longer with us, for he could talk on the subject for days.”
“I still don’t see the connection,” said Cordelia. “I understand this woman’s disappearance, even the tales told to frighten children, but where does the term ‘Kingdom of Shadows’ come from?”
“Ah,” said Yulakov. “That’s a more recent invention. People believe she rules over a kingdom of… we’re not sure what exactly, but whatever you call them, they’re apparently not very nice.”
“Where is the Kingdom of Shadows located?”
“East of Ruzhina, hidden away somewhere in the unexplored wilderness.”
“Oh great,” said the Temple Captain. “Just what we needed, another complication.”
Natalia shook her head. “I hardly think a tale meant to frighten children will pose a threat to us.”
“It’s not the stories that bother me; it’s the thought that something unexpected might upset our plans.”
“It’s always a gamble when a realm marches to war.”
“To clarify,” added Yulakov, “I sent my men northeast not because of a perceived threat but because their presence will calm the locals.”
“Is there anything else we should know?”
“The Volstrum is a heavily fortified building. Have you siege equipment?”
“No,” replied Natalia. “We have something better.”
“That being?”
“I’d rather not say. Let’s return to the garrison of Karslev, shall we? Does it include cavalry?”
“It does,” replied Yulakov, “but nothing that rivals Temple Knights.”
“Meaning?”
“They are what you would consider light cavalry, more suited to keeping peace in the streets than fighting a pitched battle.”
“Any archers?”
“One company of crossbowmen, though they seldom have a need to leave their billets. The bulk of the garrison are footmen.”
“And how are they equipped?”
“Padded gambesons and mail coifs, along with helmets. They are trained in various polearms but carry clubs to deal with unruly citizens while about their duties.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” said Cordelia. “This is all important information, but where do the mages come into play? Do they assign Water Mages to each company, or do they carry out independent patrols?”
“No Water Mages are in the Army of Ruzhina,” said Yulakov. “Magic is the exclusive right of the family.”
“And do they patrol the street on a regular basis?”
“No. They leave that to the army.”
“I can confirm that,” said Natalia. “Members of the Volstrum are duty bound to defend the building with their lives, if necessary.”
“At least they’ll all be in one place,” said Athgar.
“I’m afraid it’s much more complicated than that.”
“Oh? What am I missing?”
“If you recall,” explained Natalia, “Katrin’s parents resided in Karslev, and they were both mages. What we haven’t considered is the students’ parents. Admittedly, they won’t all live in Karslev, but a good portion will, and some of those will be Sartellians, so we’ll need to be prepared for them.”
“Sartellians? But they’re Fire Mages,” said Cordelia. “I assumed they’d all be in Korascajan?”
“They are trained there but live throughout the areas controlled by the family. The parentage of Stormwinds and Sartellians is credited with producing powerful mages. Thus, we’ll find many in Karslev, giving their all to increase the family’s presence through reproduction.”
“That’s a polite way of saying forced breeding,” offered Athgar.
Cordelia shook her head. “I have no words to describe my revulsion at the thought.”
“Now you understand what we’re up against,” said Yulakov. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the family is a blight on the Continent and must be wiped out.”
“Quite,” agreed Natalia. “Now, let’s revisit what we touched on earlier, a guarantee this is no trap.”
“Is my word not enough?”
“With all due respect, no. If you were an agent of the family, you would lie to further their aims.”
“Then what would you have me do?”
“Give us your son.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You heard me,” said Natalia. “Hand over your son as a hostage to ensure your good behaviour. Should you lead us into a trap, his life will be forfeit.”
Yulakov paled. “You can’t possibly mean that?”
“Can’t I? The last time I was in Ruzhina, the family took my husband from me and threatened to kill him, thus forcing me to do their bidding. Wouldn’t you do the same if your child’s life was in danger?”
“But… but… he’s my heir! I can’t return home without him. What would everyone say?”
“I can think of several things,” said Natalia, “which is why you’ll inform them you’ve left him in the care of King Rordan of Abelard.”
“Why would I do that?”
“It is the custom in the Petty Kingdoms to send one’s son and heir to another king’s court to acquire a better knowledge of the workings of the nobility.”
“I’d suggest saying you sent him to Carlingen,” offered Maksim, “but I’m afraid that would raise too many suspicions. Everyone knows we’re not on friendly terms with the family these days.”
“Agreed,” said Yulakov, “but the family has contacts in Rordan’s court. It wouldn’t take them long to realize he was elsewhere.”
“I think you overestimate their interest,” said Natalia. “You return to Karslev acting the dutiful king, and I doubt they’ll even consider it a problem.”
“Perhaps, but sooner or later—”
“We’ll already have marched by then,” said Athgar, “and they’d still need to send messengers to Abelard to confirm their suspicions.”
“How can you possibly be marching so soon?”
“You forget,” said Athgar. “We have mages. We’ll be back in Therengia before you even set foot on your ship. By the time you’re in Porovka, we’ll be halfway to Ruzhina ourselves.”
“But you still need to organize an entire army.”
“There are people back home who can do that, leaving us to concentrate on an overall strategy: a strategy, I might add, that we’ve already given considerable thought to.”
“How do I know you’ll treat my son well?”
“Why wouldn’t we? We aim to be your allies, Majesty, not your enemy. Turn on us, though, and you’ll be making a huge mistake.”
“Couldn’t the same be said of the Stormwinds?”
“It could,” replied Natalia, “but if you succumb to their influence now, you’ll never be rid of them. It’s your choice, Majesty. Nothing is stopping you from backing out of this idea right now. Say the word, and we shall pretend this meeting never occurred.”
They waited as Yulakov weighed his options. The man clearly fought with his conscience, torn between his love for his son and his duty to his people. “I accept your terms,” he finally said. “I shall offer up my son as a guarantee that I mean no ill will.”
“And we, in turn, will ensure he’s well-cared for.”
Yulakov turned to his right-hand man. “Yakim, go fetch him, would you?”
“Of course, Majesty.” The warrior dutifully left.
“I understand how hard this decision was,” said Natalia, “but ultimately, it secures the future of Ruzhina.”
“Are you absolutely certain you can defeat them? If not, my entire family is in jeopardy.”
“Nothing is guaranteed in war, but we wouldn’t undertake an expedition of this nature if we didn’t believe it had every possibility of success. I must caution you, though. The likelihood of casualties on both sides is high.”
“It will be worth it if we can break their stranglehold on the Continent.”
“Destroying the Volstrum doesn’t guarantee that. They’ll still have mages at courts across the Petty Kingdoms.”
“True,” said Yulakov, “but once the news spreads that they’ve been pushed out of Ruzhina, their days of influence will be at an end. After all, of what value are advisors who can’t protect their own home?”
“Let’s hope you’re right,” replied Athgar. “The Continent would be a far better place without their interference.”
“I wish it were that simple,” said Cordelia, “but history has proven that when one person is removed from power, another steps up to replace them.”
“Then let us hope that whoever does has the Petty Kingdoms’ best interests in mind.”