Amethyst of the Gods Page 4

  As Alex turned the wagon slightly, the Lanoirians were able to see the large lettering on the side of the canvas. It was clearly marked as a food wagon. The Lanoirian soldiers started shouting excitedly as they left the slow siege tower and started running to intercept the wagon. The large movement of men did not go unnoticed by the soldiers clustered around the other siege towers. Shouts soared through the Lanoirian army like a brisk wind through a canyon. Alex turned the wagon sharply as Prince Midge unloaded all of the food parcels that had strings attached to them.

  "Start throwing the food out," shouted Alex as he saw the end of the city wall approaching. "We will be leaving the wagon shortly."

  The fairy prince nodded to himself as he began levitating the food out of the wagon. The Lanoirian troops shouted with enthusiasm and raced for the lost parcels. Fights broke out as soldiers scrambled for the discarded food. Others continued to race after the wagon.

  "Time is up," Alex shouted as he dropped the reins. "Leave the rest and return to the city."

  Alex leaped onto Kaz and cut through the restraints. Kaz stepped away from the wagon and leaped into the air. Within moments, the sky enveloped them, and Alex looked down at the Lanoirians scrambling for the food. As Kaz flew back towards Melbin, Alex gazed across the battlefield. He could barely make out Za-hong's cavalry in the distance and two siege towers tumbling to the ground. Within moments, Kaz soared over the wall and into the city. Prince Midge settled onto Alex's shoulder as soon as he dismounted.

  "Well done, Prince Midge," congratulated Alex. "Check on the others, and see if they returned safely."

  Prince Midge took off without comment, and Alex ran up the steps to the wall. By the time he reached a crenel, Za-hong was leading his cavalry back towards the city gate. Alex's eyes wandered over the moonlit battlefield searching for siege towers. He could not see a single tower left standing. He frowned as he watched the riders enter the gate. Many of the men were wounded, and more than a few horses were without riders. He rushed down the steps to greet Za-hong. The Lanoirian officer shouted orders to his returning men and then dismounted.

  "It was costly," Za-hong breathed heavily, "but our mission was accomplished. Emperor Hanchi's towers will not be reaching the walls this night."

  "How costly?" Alex asked.

  "I am not sure," frowned Za-hong. "We lost at least a third of my men. Many more are wounded. Still, the losses are worth it. Fourteen siege towers would have cost us hundreds of men if they had reached the walls. They might have even cost us the city."

  A load of burning wood sailed over the wall and Alex grabbed Za-hong's arm and guided him towards the relative safety of the stone wall.

  "Your men are brave," smiled Alex. "Melbin is grateful for their sacrifice. I would like to thank the survivors if I might."

  "After the battle is over," nodded Za-hong. "I have sent them to escort the wounded to the healers. Destroying the towers will not be the end of the battle tonight. We still have a chance at losing the city before morning."

  "Quite true," agreed Alex, "although we shall not make it easy for Emperor Hanchi's men. Join me on the wall."

  The two warriors climbed the steps leading to the top of the wall. Within moments Tanya, Captain Azule, Captain Orteka, and Wu-lan, one of Za-hong's men, joined them.

  "Well that halted the advance for a while," commented Captain Orteka.

  "Not for long," frowned Alex as he watched mounted Lanoirian officers ride into the infantry that had deserted to follow the wagon.

  Za-hong burned with rage as he watched the officers use their swords on the infantry to force them back towards the city.

  "The sooner we kill Emperor Hanchi," scowled Za-hong, "the better I will feel. Killing men for only wanting to eat is barbarous."

  "We must prepare for the attack," sighed Alex as he watched the Lanoirians. "Za-hong, take Wu-lan and help out on the north wall. Captain Azule, you and Captain Orteka help with the west wall. Tanya and I will stay here on the south wall. May we all meet again in the morning."

  The group dispersed while Tanya and Alex grabbed their bows. Tanya tugged on Alex's arm and pointed along the wall to the east.

  "Already the scaling ladders have reached us," she said. "Come."

  Alex nodded and raced alongside Tanya towards the area of the south wall that was being attacked.

  * * *

  "Behind you," shouted Alex as a Lanoirian star sailed from his hand and landed in a Lanoirian's throat.

  Tanya dropped to a crouch and spun around, her long sword slicing through the legs of a Lanoirian soldier. She dove past the man's falling body and regained her feet before the small group she had been fighting had a chance to skewer her. Her sword came up menacingly and clashed with a Lanoirian sword as two soldiers descended upon her. Alex stepped up alongside her and shoved his sword into the man's chest. Tanya instantly struck out at the other soldier and his body fell to the ground.

  "We cannot keep this up much longer," panted Alex as he gazed up at the large orange orb of the sun rising over the sea.

  "I could use a rest myself," Tanya exhaled heavily, "but the Lanoirians have broken through."

  Alex followed Tanya's gaze several hundred paces along the wall and saw dozens of Lanoirian soldiers streaming over the wall and into the city. He looked for the defenders that were supposed to be in that area, but saw nothing but bodies.

  "Let's go," growled Alex as he started running towards the breach.

  "Use arrows," shouted Tanya as she ran alongside Alex. "We need to stem the flow over the wall. Let others handle those who are already in the city."

  Alex nodded wordlessly as he skidded to a halt and sheathed his sword. He immediately nocked an arrow and sent it flying into the Lanoirian stepping off the ladder. Tanya's arrow sank into the man on the top of the ladder. His body fell backwards; indignant cries from below followed his deathly scream.

  Suddenly, the sound of horns rent the air. Other horns immediately picked up the curious tune and repeated it endlessly. No more Lanoirians appeared from the ladder. Alex heard shouts of cheer cascade along the wall, and he moved swiftly to a crenel and gazed out over the battlefield. The Lanoirians were retreating towards their encampment.

  "Look!" shouted Tanya as she pointed skyward.

  Alex turned and saw King Arik on Chaco. They flew in from the east as Alex had expected. Alex dropped his bow and drew his sword. He held it over his head and angled it to reflect the rays of the rising sun. After a few moments of twisting it to get the proper angle, he saw King Arik wave at him as Chaco altered his course towards Alex and Tanya. By the time Chaco had landed, hundreds of people had gathered around to see the King of Alcea land.

  "Your timing could not have been better," Alex greeted the king. "The city was about to be overrun."

  "I am just glad that Emperor Hanchi ordered the retreat as I thought he would," responded King Arik. "You two look terrible. Let us gather at Duke Alfred's palace where you can wash that blood off your clothes. We have to be quick with my plan before the emperor decides to attack despite my being here."

  The crowd parted to let Chaco pass. Alex and Tanya followed the king to the palace. Others also followed, and Duke Alfred was finally forced to close the gates to the palace. Those who had made it through the gates were allowed to stay. Alex and Tanya slipped off to clean up while King Arik talked with Duke Alfred and General Mobami. When they returned they found that the crowds of people had left. Around twenty people were still present as King Arik talked with Duke Alfred and General Mobami.

  "I am pleased to see both of you made it through the night," greeted Jenneva. "The reports of destruction coming into the healers made it sound like the city was falling."

  "It was," replied Alex. "We were close to losing it on the south wall."

  "And the west wall as well," interjected Za-hong. "We could not have held out much longer. The losses have been great. Will I get to meet this King Arik?"

  "The crowd is small enough," nodded
Alex as he looked around the room. "Let's move closer and I will introduce you."

  The four defenders moved across the room and joined the ring around King Arik.

  "Good," smiled King Arik as he saw the group approach. "Now that we are all here, let me explain what I plan to do. This truce will not last long, so time is critical. I plan to offer a flag of truce and request a meeting with Emperor Hanchi."

  "No," interrupted Duke Alfred. "That would be suicide. He will not let you leave his presence alive."

  "I think he will," King Arik continued. "The fact that he sounded the retreat when I arrived reinforces my belief."

  "What is the purpose of your visit?" asked Alex. "I do not think that you can bargain with the emperor. You must know who he is."

  "I do know who Emperor Hanchi is," nodded the king. "That is why he must die today."

  "You intend to kill Dalgar?" Jenneva asked incredulously. "Are you aware of his power? Do you realize that his eight bodyguards are Black Devils?"

  "I do not understand the power of his magic," admitted the king, "but there are some among us who do. I will place my life in their hands. This is something that must be done, and done quickly. Sarac's army is only days away from Tagaret. While there may not be time for the defenders present here in Melbin to come to the aid of Tagaret, the Knights of Alcea must make haste in returning to the city. That means that we must deal with Emperor Hanchi today. I will not abandon Melbin and its brave people to suffer under the emperor's rule."

  "I am going with you," declared Tanya. "You cannot expect to defeat Dalgar on your own."

  "Your help will be welcome," Jenneva said to Tanya before the king could respond. "It will be up to the two of us to deal with this."

  "I only plan to take two Melbin guards with me," smiled King Arik. "I think more than that will raise suspicions."

  "Regardless of what you think, King Arik," asserted Jenneva, "Tanya and I are going with you. Besides the fact that we have sworn to protect you, Dalgar is one person in this world that I feel a need to respond to. I promised myself when Shanor died that I would be present at Dalgar's death."

  "Dalgar must know that I am in the city," interjected Alex. "He will not think it strange if I were to accompany you. In fact, he might think it odd if I were not there."

  "Very well," agreed King Arik. "Four of us will go then. Jenneva and Tanya will need to find uniforms of the Melbin Guard. I do not want him to know who you are, Jenneva."

  "He will know who I am," threatened Jenneva, "but not until it is too late for him to do anything about it."

  "He is bound to recognize you," warned Tanya. "At least I can disguise myself as a young lad, but that will not work for you."

  "No it won't," agreed Jenneva, "but Reflecting Pool will work."

  "That is a dark spell," cautioned Tanya. "Remember your words to me long ago about the dangers of using dark spells?"

  "I am aware of the dangers," Jenneva replied stubbornly, "but I will not be affected."

  "Perhaps you would not normally be affected," Tanya persisted, "but right now your thoughts are dark indeed. That just might make a difference."

  "This is not a point for discussion," Jenneva replied sternly. "I am going."

  "I would like to request to be included in the party," stated Za-hong as the room fell silent after Jenneva's speech. "My brother is Za-chan, advisor to Emperor Hanchi. His help will be necessary to deal with the Lanoirians after the death of the emperor."

  "This is Za-hong," introduced Alex. "He was the leader of the Lanoirian cavalry before coming over to our side."

  King Arik looked questioningly at Alex.

  "Za-hong is worthy of being called an Alcean," Alex added as he realized that King Arik was questioning the loyalty of Za-hong. "I do believe that his brother will be essential to ending this conflict. Za-hong can follow us, but he will not enter the discussions with Emperor Hanchi. He will use that time to inform his brother of the truth that Dalgar has taken over Emperor Hanchi's body."

  "Very well then," King Arik smiled at Za-hong. "Welcome to our little group, Za-hong."

  The Lanoirian bowed deeply to King Arik. "It is my pleasure to be welcomed into the Alcean family," he said solemnly. "I hope to help lead the rest of my people into the light."

  "I need to excuse myself," declared Jenneva. "I will return shortly. Tanya, you need to find a uniform."

  King Arik nodded as the two mages left the room. "I do not have a plan to handle this encounter," he admitted to Alex after they had left.

  "I think the plan will rest with the women," Alex replied. "You and I will improvise as necessary. Bear in mind that these men are high-level Black Devils. That means that they are likely to be revenants. We must decapitate them before we leave the meeting."

  "Noted," nodded King Arik. "I will engage the emperor in conversation and leave the timing of the attack to Jenneva."

  A few moments later, two young Melbin Guards entered the room and joined the small group. One of them spoke.

  "After we are isolated with Dalgar and his men," the young voice said, "Tanya will erect a magical shield around our group. It is important that we remain in a group so that all of us are covered."

  Alex stared at the young man with his mouth hanging open. "Jenneva?" he asked.

  "I will be like this for only a short time," the lad nodded. "I do not like the feel of it."

  "The majority of the Black Devils can be handled with Lanoirian stars," interjected Tanya, who also looked like a young lad. "The shield that I erect will be effective for magic only. Physical assaults will be possible, but I would advise staying within the shield so that the Black Devils cannot magically attack you."

  "Can you hold a shield against nine Black Devils?" asked King Arik.

  "I have never tried before," admitted Tanya.

  "She will do fine," smiled Jenneva. "Still, strike quickly when Dalgar knows that the shield is in place. Their attack will weaken with each one that you kill."

  "The attacks are bound to draw notice from people outside," mentioned the king. "How do we get out of there?"

  "Prince Midge and Bantam will come and handle any sentries outside," suggested Alex. "Za-hong will bring his brother to the site of the meeting. Hopefully his brother can ease the way out of the encampment."

  "He will do more than that," assured Za-hong as he continued to stare at the two Melbin Guards. "Za-chan will assume control of the army. At least I am hoping that he will."

  "Let us be off then," declared King Arik. "Time is not our ally in Melbin or Tagaret."

  The small group left the palace and assembled at the southern gate of the city. A large white flag was flown from the damaged wall adjacent to the gate as the small group mounted. The gates were thrown open and King Arik rode forward with Chaco's horn proudly showing. Kaz, Frea, and Yorra kept their horns hidden. The two Melbin Guards flanked King Arik. They kept slightly behind him and carried small white flags. Alex brought up the rear. As the group of four rode towards the distant farmhouse, which was a temporary home to Emperor Hanchi, the crowds of Lanoirian soldiers gathered to watch the procession, but they allowed a wide corridor for the Knights of Alcea to pass through. Far behind the group, Za-hong exited the city before the gates closed.

  King Arik kept his eyes glued on the farmhouse as they approached it. At first there was a large group of people outside the door to the farmhouse. As they got closer, the emperor and his bodyguards stopped watching the approach and entered the building. Four guards were left outside. King Arik rode up to the farmhouse and dismounted. The guards stared at Chaco's horn in awe.

  "I am King Arik of Alcea," the king declared. "I have come to meet with Emperor Hanchi."

  "You must remove your weapons," demanded one of the guards.

  The Melbin Guards immediately removed their swords and dropped them on the ground. King Arik shook his head.

  "I carry the Sword of Heavens," stated the king. "I remove it for no one. If your emperor is fearful for
his life, perhaps you four guards should come in and protect him."

  A dark shape shifted behind the crack in the door of the farmhouse, and a soft voice said, "Let them in. Emperor Hanchi fears no one."

  The guard nodded and waved King Arik forward. As Alex started to follow, the guard stopped him and pointed insistently at the large sword on Alex's back. Alex stared at the guard and growled at the man as he pushed past the doorway. The two Melbin Guards swiftly followed.

  Inside the farmhouse door, one of the emperor's bodyguards watched the visitors. He glared as Alex passed through the door, but made no attempt to disarm him.

  "Follow me," the bodyguard said curtly as he led them down a hallway.

  The group was shown into a large room with a long table in the center of it. At one end, to the right of the door, sat Emperor Hanchi. Four bodyguards sat on one side of the table and three on the other. The bodyguard who had escorted them sat on the side with the three other bodyguards. King Arik turned to the left and proceeded towards the other end of the long table. He started to pull out the chair at the end of the table opposite the emperor, but he stopped and stood behind it as the emperor spoke.

  "It is customary for a vanquished foe to bow to his new lord," Emperor Hanchi declared.

  "That may be the custom," King Arik replied, "but I am neither vanquished nor wishing to bow before you. In fact, I desire to know why the Empire of Lanoir is attacking an Alcean city."

  "I take what I desire," sneered the emperor. "Surrender Melbin, and I will spare the rest of your puny kingdom. It is a generous offer."

  Alex stood next to King Arik, and the two Melbin Guards glanced at both of them. The emperor stared at the guards with obvious distaste.

  "Do you normally bring underlings to negotiations?" the emperor asked. "Is that the way you were brought up?"