“We are here,” announced Garag. “You now stand in the land claimed by the Kingdom of Ruzhina.”
“That’s it?” said Athgar, looking over his shoulder. “That’s hardly even a river.”
“It’s been a dry spring,” replied Natalia.
“How could you possibly know that? We’ve only just arrived.”
“Look at the riverbanks, and you’ll see the erosion from previous years.” She smiled. “I’m a Water Mage, remember? I notice things like that.”
Athgar nodded at Garag. “We must thank you for your help.”
“We will see you soon,” replied the Orc, though he did not turn away.
“Is something wrong?” asked Shaluhk. “You seem troubled.”
The Orc glanced around, then lowered his voice. “I must warn you to be careful. There is great danger ahead.”
“Of course. We are in enemy territory.”
“That is not what I refer to.”
“Speak plainly,” said Kargen. “We shall not hold it against you.”
“Some view this as an opportunity to expand our borders.”
“Are you suggesting the Orcs of Ard-Gurslag would invade Ruzhina?”
“Our city boasts a formidable army, and the queen is eager to erase the shame of the past.”
“We’re only bringing through five hundred glaives,” replied Athgar.
“True, but you are also relying on our masters of water to help transport them. By teaching them the frozen arch, you enabled them to bring additional warriors when the time is right.”
“Who’s behind this?” asked Athgar.
“I regret to admit it is the queen.”
“That explains a few things,” said Natalia. “I should have seen this coming.”
“Why would you say that?” replied Athgar.
“Queen Urgash was too easily convinced to help us.”
“You had no reason to mistrust her,” said Shaluhk. “Orcs do not lie.”
“That was our mistake,” added Kargen. “We took them at their word. We should have realized they would not share the same beliefs as us.”
“I shall say no more on the matter,” warned Garag. “I wish you well.” With that, he turned and waded across the river.
“This throws the entire expedition into danger,” said Athgar, reverting to the Human tongue. “I suppose we could abandon it?”
“No,” replied Natalia. “It’s too late. We were so eager to gain allies that we gave them the same advantage as us: the ability to move warriors great distances. All they have to do is send their mages north, and then they can use magic to bring the rest of their people.”
“Perhaps,” said Shaluhk, “but their contingent is only a part of a much larger army, including Therengians. I doubt they would try anything while in the midst of our army. The danger comes later, once the Volstrum falls.”
“She speaks the truth,” said Kargen. “When that time comes, we must be ready to act.”
“Garag had misgivings,” said Natalia. “How likely is it that others feel the same?”
“What are you suggesting?”
“That we make every effort to encourage friendship between us.”
Shaluhk grinned. “It is harder to turn on a friend.”
“Precisely.”
“I’m all for this,” said Athgar, “but it puts us in a precarious position. By allowing them to commit the standing stones to memory, we’ve given them the keys to the kingdom.”
“I shall send word to my brother,” said Shaluhk. “He can have the tuskers remain there to oppose any potential attack.”
“I doubt it will come to that,” said Kargen. “I understand the queen’s desire to conquer, but I do not believe she would turn on her own race.”
“Even if we oppose her?” said Natalia. “We can’t take that risk.”
“Is there a way to disrupt the casting of a frozen arch?”
“I can think of several, but they require the mage to be visible to the person attempting to stop them.”
“What if the destination arch were attacked while it was forming?”
“I imagine it would shatter if you did enough damage. The problem is any arch formed near the standing stones would be reinforced by the power of the ley lines.”
“Is that necessarily true?” said Athgar. “You can channel it, but to any other mage, wouldn’t it act like a magic circle?”
“I hadn’t considered that.”
“It would be easy enough to determine,” said Shaluhk. “We must arrange for Katrin to cast the spell and target the standing stones. Then the hunters there can attempt to damage it.”
“Would that not hurt Katrin?” asked Kargen.
“It shouldn’t,” replied Natalia. “Theoretically, it would just break the connection.”
“Theoretically?”
“I doubt anyone ever tried attacking a frozen arch; it’s not a commonly known spell.” She paused, surveying her surroundings. “Let’s give it a try here. I shall create a pair of arches, and then you can use your axes on them. That would show us if they’re fragile enough to be disrupted.”
Kargen drew his weapon and then moved into a small clearing. “Will this do?”
“That’s perfect,” said Natalia. “You’d best get over there as well, Athgar. I’m reasonably confident destroying a gate will take more than a single axe.” She focused on her surroundings, calling forth the magic within her. The air frosted slightly as an arch formed in front of her. Natalia shifted right, giving her a better view of her next target. “Here it comes,” she warned. Her concentration grew more intense as the second arch took form.
Kargen swung at it, his axe digging deep. A chunk of ice slewed off but was soon replaced. Athgar added his weapon to the task, carving off more of the arch, but Natalia’s magic replaced what was lost.
The arch finished forming, linking together with the first one. “Keep going,” urged Natalia.
The two of them kept hacking at it, sending ice flying, gradually chopping it away until a final blow from Kargen broke through and shattered the entire thing.
Natalia dismissed the spell. “That proved most effective.”
“Did you feel any pain?” asked Athgar.
“No. Only the link being broken, almost as if I was pouring water from a full bucket that suddenly became half-empty. If anything, it was a relief.”
“At least we know we can stop it if necessary. However, those on the receiving end would not know if friend or foe was casting the spell.”
“The solution to that is simple,” offered Shaluhk. “We keep archers standing by to repel any unwanted visitors. As for the arch itself, it took Kargen and Athgar considerable effort to destroy it, but I doubt a tusker would find the task too difficult.”
“We will need a permanent garrison at the stones,” said Kargen. “Perhaps even an entire village.”
“I shall let Voruhn know of our concerns.”
“Once that’s taken care of,” said Natalia, “we must get going. We need to locate a place to bring our army through, and we don’t even know where we are.”
“No need to worry,” said Athgar. “Garag told me about a road west of here.”
“Can we trust him?”
“He warned us about the queen’s plans. If he supported her, he would have remained quiet.”
“We have to trust someone,” added Shaluhk. “And Garag’s warning enabled us to take precautions.”
“True,” agreed Natalia. “But before we go any farther, let’s bring in some help.”
“Who did you have in mind?”
“I’d like Stanislav here. He’s far more familiar with Ruzhina than us.”
“We should also fetch some hunters,” suggested Kargen. “They can keep an eye out for danger.”
“Should we not find the road first?” said Shaluhk. “An open space is more convenient for Nat-Alia’s spell.”
“There’s plenty of room here,” offered Athgar.
“True, but a road provides better accessibility for horses.”
“You make a good point. Come on, then.”
Stanislav stepped through the arch, then halted, scanning the area. “This isn’t much different from Therengia.”
Belgast pushed past him. “If you’re going to lollygag, then step aside so others can come through.”
The mage hunter opened his mouth to object, then thought better of it. He moved closer to Natalia, who was concentrating on the frozen arch. “We’re not bringing the entire army through, are we?”
“Not yet,” she replied. “Just enough to provide a safe escort. The last thing we want is to alert our enemies we’re here.”
Kragor stepped through, followed by ten of his hunters, their warbows at the ready.
“Lower your weapons,” said Kargen. “The area is safe.” He waited until Kragor was closer, then lowered his voice. “Did Voruhn tell you everything?”
“You mean concerning Urgash’s treachery? Yes.” He shook his head. “I have a hard time believing it.”
Kargen placed his hand on the Orc’s shoulder. “Have you so easily forgotten the treachery of Gorlag?”
“I have forgotten nothing. I am merely surprised at the turn of events. Do not worry. I shall do what is necessary to keep the tribe safe.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
Herulf stepped through, along with Katrin, surprising everyone.
Natalia grinned. “How in the name of the Saints did you get to Therengia? I never got the opportunity to bring you to the standing stones.”
“The old-fashioned way, by boat. You may not realize this, but you’ve been gone for some weeks.”
“And what if I’d needed to contact you?”
“Don’t worry. I brought the bowl with me, and I could’ve easily opened an arch to Beorwic if necessary.”
Natalia turned to Shaluhk. “You didn’t tell me Katrin went to Therengia.”
“Voruhn did not see fit to inform me,” replied the shaman.
“Is Greta with you?”
“No,” said Katrin. “I thought it best to send her to Carlingen to keep her safe. I have further news, though.”
“Which is?”
“Galina is with Svetlana. She arrived aboard the Formidable two days ago.”
“Things are moving quickly.”
“Shall I open an arch to Carlingen and bring her here? Her knowledge of the area might prove valuable.”
“Yes, but let’s finish transporting everyone from Therengia first.”
“I brought six men,” said Herulf, “all trained in woodcraft.” He swept his hand, indicating the arch, then blushed. “Sorry. It appears my timing is not perfect.” He waited until a line of Therengians came through, each leading a horse.
“The mounts are for you,” he continued. “Voruhn indicated they might prove helpful.”
“Thank you,” said Natalia. “I’m certain we’ll put them to good use.” She waited until they were all through. “I assume that’s everyone?”
“It is,” said Katrin. “Raleth has the companies standing by, but there’s no point bringing them here till we know where we are.”
Natalia dismissed the spell, and the arch cracked, then shattered into chunks of ice. She turned to Katrin. “I’ll leave it to you to collect Galina. In the meantime, we’ll organize a camp and scout the area. Come nightfall, we should gather to go over our plans. What does Galina know of our current situation?”
“She knows nothing of Ard-Gurslag, but Svetlana told her of our initial plans regarding the Volstrum.”
“Can you bring her up to date?”
“Certainly.”
“Thank you. Now, you must excuse me. I need to brief Kragor’s hunters on what to expect now that they’re in Ruzhina.”
They met that evening in a forest clearing.
“This is all quite remarkable,” said Galina. “I always knew you were powerful, Natalia, but you’ve redefined what it means to be a mage with your accomplishments. How do you see us proceeding?”
“Our priority is to determine where precisely we are in Ruzhina. We don’t know how far away Karslev is, or Zurkutsk, for that matter, but a nearby road may provide some clues. If we ride ahead, we should find a village. After all, all roads lead somewhere.”
“This one runs roughly east-west,” said Stanislav. “Which way do we search?”
“In most Petty Kingdoms, villages are usually a day or two apart. Wouldn’t the same be true here?”
“Usually, and on the few occasions where they’re not, you’d expect to find a roadside inn. That doesn’t answer my question, though.”
“We’ll start by going west, but no more than a day’s ride.”
“And by ‘we’, you mean?”
“Galina, Katrin, and I.”
“Pardon me,” said Herulf, “but wouldn’t it make more sense to have an escort?”
“We are Stormwinds. Do you really believe we need one?”
“Actually,” said Galina, “I’m known as Galina Marwen now. Still, I can use my old name if needed. Regarding Natalia’s idea, I agree it would be best if we travelled alone. After all, we’re in Ruzhina, the heart of the family’s power. In fact, the presence of an escort might raise questions concerning the ability of the family to protect itself. We are known to be the most powerful casters on the Continent.”
“Even so,” said Athgar, “I’d feel a lot better if help was close by.”
“In that case,” replied Natalia, “you and Stanislav can tag along, but when we encounter a village or an inn, you two remain out of view. Agreed?”
“I can accept that.”
“Kargen will look after things here at camp, but everyone should be ready to move quickly. We must also watch the road in case someone approaches from the east.”
“My hunters are already in position,” replied Kragor. “And Herulf’s men will be ready to come to our aid if needed.”
“I’m curious,” said Stanislav. “When do we intend to bring the rest of the army through?”
“Not until we’re closer to Zurkutsk,” replied Natalia. “Having everyone here complicates our supply line considerably. As for the mine, it could be ten miles away or a hundred; we have no idea. It’s not as if we possess any maps of the area.”
“True,” said Galina, “but there’s a road to follow, so I doubt it’ll take more than a day to get our bearings. Even someone in the most remote village will know the route to the capital.”
“Once we’ve determined our location, we’ll begin moving, but I’d like to avoid civilization as much as possible. We can’t risk word reaching the Volstrum that we’re here.”
“Easy enough,” said Kargen. “Our hunters will lead the way. If they spot anything, they can send a warning.”
“Won’t that give them away?” replied Galina.
“They will sound no different from the local wildlife.”
“Ah. I should’ve realized.”
“Is the army ready?” asked Natalia.
“It is,” replied Belgast. “At least the contingent coming from Therengia. Have you considered how to utilize the warriors of Ard-Gurslag?”
“I thought we’d contact them once we’re in Karslev. We need them for the assault on the Volstrum, not the mine.”
“Speaking of which, what’s our plan with Zurkutsk?”
“I was considering a very old tactic,” said Natalia.
“That being?”
“Shock and awe. There are two companies of Temple Knights at our disposal. I can’t imagine the guards there offering much in the way of opposition, can you?”
“Likely not,” replied the Dwarf, “but we should back them up with some foot troops, say a company of the Thane Guard?”
“Agreed.”
“I’ll lead them,” offered Athgar. “I can’t wait to see the look on the guards’ faces when we march through their gates.”
“Our primary concern is liberating those held within. Once that’s done, I’ll need Galina and Katrin to help us sort friend from foe.”
“Are you suggesting we won’t be able to tell the guards from the prisoners?”
“That won’t be a problem,” replied Natalia, “but not every member of the Disgraced will be prepared to assist us in overthrowing the Volstrum.”
“I doubt they’d turn on us.”
“Even if it helps put them back in the good graces of the family? We can’t take that risk, Athgar. Remember, the Stormwinds are a powerful family. We trusted Stanislav’s first wife, and she betrayed us.”
“Sorry about that,” said the mage hunter. “I should’ve known better.”
“I mention it not out of blame but to illustrate the sway they hold over the local populace.”
“What I don’t understand,” said Belgast, “is why we want these people? They’re Disgraced. Doesn’t that mean they don’t know how to use their magic?”
“It’s not their magic that will serve us; it’s their knowledge of the Volstrum. Yes, Galina is well-versed in its layout, but she can’t be everywhere. Once we breach the walls, we need people to guide our warriors. Of course, we have more immediate concerns before we worry about that.”
Natalia looked around the campfire. They were deep in unknown territory, about to launch a campaign against the most powerful mages on the Continent; did they have the wherewithal to carry this out to its conclusion? She soon realized it wasn’t their abilities she doubted; it was her own. Had her desire for revenge consumed her to the point she’d failed to see the possible danger the Orcs of Ard-Gurslag presented?
A part of her wanted to cry out, to return home and hide away from the terrors of the family. Panic bubbled up inside, and then Athgar placed his hand on hers, calming her.
“Everything will be fine,” he soothed, sensing her fear.
“How are you so certain?”
“We’ve seen a lot, you and I. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that we can overcome anything as long as we have each other.”