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Shanis looked down upon the open plain that surrounded Karkwall, the capital city of Lothan. Nothing stirred outside the city, but armed men stood guard upon its massive walls. This would be no easy battle. Even once they breached the city walls they would have to fight their way uphill and then break through a second ring of fortifications that protected the castle. The conquest would come at a steep price, but she supposed it must be paid.
“Those walls have never been breached,” Krion said, staring out at the city.
“We will be the first,” Horgris spoke as if it were a foregone conclusion.
“If we can find a way to do this without loss of life, we will,” Shanis said. Their plan was to surround the city, keeping their troops out of range of the siege engines but in plain sight. Hopefully, once Orbrad realized he had no hope of victory, he would surrender. “Surely Orbrad will see reason.”
“From what I’ve heard, Orbrad and reason do not go well together,” Heztus chuckled.
“Neither did Malgog and Monaghan until now.” Shanis scowled at the dwarf who quickly adopted a look of contrition.
Her forces began to take up their positions all around the city and soon hammering filled the air as they began construction of the siege towers and catapults that would be used in the assault.
It was not long before the city gates opened and a group of riders approached bearing a flag of truce.
“Horgris and I will see what they have to say,” Krion said.
“I’m going too.”
“Are you insane?” Heztus blurted. “Even if we meet them well out of range of their archers they have catapults, ballistae. It would take only one lucky shot to kill you and I don’t doubt for a second they would sacrifice their own men if it meant killing you.”
“Gillen can protect me. She knows shielding spells.” The young bone woman had agreed to join her and provide added protection. Despite her youth, she had proved to be highly intelligent and exceptionally powerful. “Besides, I have the sword.”
Heztus frowned. “Tell me,” he said softly. “Can you use that sword for something other than healing? I’ve never seen you do anything else with it.”
“I could use it to cut off your head. It would spare me much annoyance.”
Heztus laughed wickedly.
Shanis urged her horse forward before anyone else could try and talk her out of what she was about to do. It was not in her nature to sit back while others took action, and even something as simple as riding out to meet the king’s envoys made her feel as if she were doing something.
The five men who came out to meet her were all soldiers. None appeared to be armed with anything other than a sword. As long as she kept her distance, they should pose no threat, especially when she had Gillen, Heztus, and three skilled warriors along with her.
“I don’t see Orbrad,” she said. “Tell me, where is your brave leader?”
“His Majesty would never condescend to grant an audience to a rebel, and an outlander at that,” one of the soldiers snapped.
Horgris cursed and Krion silenced him with a hard look.
“I assume you have a message from him?” Shanis said.
“The King orders you to throw down your weapons and surrender.” The soldier’s cheeks reddened as Heztus and Horgris began to laugh. “He reminds you that no army has ever conquered this city. Only his mercy will save you. Do not throw away your lives for a hopeless cause.
The man’s words were too close to her own thoughts for Shanis’ liking, but she was now committed to this course of action and it was too late to change her mind.
“I have a message as well, not just for Orbrad, but for the entire city.”
The soldier smirked. “We shall deliver your message to his Majesty, of course, but I doubt he will be willing to pass it along.”
“No need. I can deliver it myself.” She glanced at Gillen, who nodded and began to whisper softly. Shanis drew the Silver Serpent and lifted it high. “I am Shanis Malan.” Her voice boomed like thunder, amplified by Gillen’s spell. “I am descended from both Malgog and Monaghan, and I am the granddaughter of Badla. By right of blood, I declare myself Queen of Lothan.”
The envoys from the city appeared surprised, even shaken, but whether it was due to her proclamation or the use of magic, she could not say. She sheathed her sword and they visibly relaxed.
“Anyone could make that claim,” one of them muttered.
“Look at her,” said another. “You can’t deny the resemblance.”
The voice was a familiar one. Shanis took a closer look at the soldier who had, until this moment, remained silent and kept his face hidden beneath his hood. She was surprised to recognize Martrin, a soldier who had helped her and her friends escape from Karkwall many months before. And he was a member of the Order of the Fox.
“That’s hardly proof,” the soldier who had been doing most of the talking said. “Besides, all Monaghan women look alike.” His smile melted away as Horgris reached for his sword.
“You can no deny her courage,” Horgris growled. “Unlike your play king, she stands in sight of your walls and makes her claim.”
The soldier looked at Shanis. “We are wasting time. What are your demands?”
“Unconditional surrender. All soldiers will have a place in the new, united army of Lothan. I will rule with the help of a group of advisers, one from each clan, and one from the city. Karkwall may choose its own representative.” She ignored the stares from her escorts whom she had not yet advised about that particular plan. “I further pledge safe conduct for Orbrad and his family to the country of his choosing.”
“Impossible.”
“Then I shall take my case to the people.” Once again, she spoke in the magically enhanced voice. “Soldiers and citizens of Karkwall, your forces are woefully outnumbered. The clan wars are over and now the full might of Lothan stands before you. I do not wish for anyone to die. Open your gates to us and let us heal our broken nation.”
“Foolishness,” the soldier said. “I remind you again that no army has ever breached these walls.”
Shanis smiled coldly. “None of them bore the Silver Serpent. Orbrad has until sunrise to open the gates. When the first ray of sun touches the walls, I will bring them down.”
“We will give your message to His Highness,” Martrin said, “though I imagine he has already heard what you have to say.”
“You do that.” Shanis wheeled her horse and rode away, all the while praying to the gods that the foolish King would see sense for the first time in his life.