The God-Stone War

Chapter 14

The next morning I found myself up early. Well, to say ‘I found myself’ is a bit misleading, the truth was that Penny threatened me with a bucket of cold water. “I’m up dammit!” I shouted as I stumbled from the bed in a panic. She hadn’t reacted well to finding me napping again after the first warning.

The room swam about me as I tried to catch my balance. Penny was kind enough to set her bucket down and catch me by the arm before I stumbled into the side table. The word ‘groggy’, was a bit of an understatement. “How late were you up?” she asked curiously. Her voice was devoid of the malice that had lain behind her warnings of a moment ago; instead it now conveyed only curiosity and perhaps innocent concern. I was never quite sure how she managed to switch from naughty to nice so quickly.

I had been working until nearly dawn, making sure that the enchantments I had laid years before were still in perfect shape. I had gone over them with painstaking care, making sure there were no mistakes, no flaws. Any imperfection would mean not only my own death, but could potentially cost me the lives of my family, along with everyone else who depended upon me. Last night wasn’t the first time I had checked and rechecked them… I had done so at least yearly for the past five years.

Penny got my attention again by snapping her fingers in front of me, “Hello? Did you hear me?”

I struggled for a witty answer and eventually came up with, “Huh?”

“I asked how late you were up,” she repeated patiently.

“M’not sure, two or three perhaps,” I hedged. “Do you have any tea?”

“Liar,” she rebuked me, “I woke up close to dawn, and you weren’t in bed yet. Lilly will be up with the tea in a moment. What were you doing?”

“Working on the defenses,” I said, using a half-truth. “Why am I awake so early?” I was hoping the question would deflect her attention.

She handed me a wet towel to wash my face. “You know very well why you’re awake. Dorian wants to start the meeting bright and early. Don’t try to distract me. When are you going to share the details?”

I should have known better than to expect I’d get away easily. This was a conversation we had had on a number of occasions in the past. “I have told you the details, those that I can share.”

“Not good enough,” she argued, “We have our children at risk, and now we know they are coming for sure. I want to know what you’ve kept hidden.”

“No,” I answered simply.

“Why?”

I sighed, “We’ve been over this before. The time may come when you are unable to conceal the information. That would effectively nullify my plan.”

“You don’t trust me?” she said, changing tactics.

I gave her a hard stare, “You know better than that. They might take the information straight out of your mind.”

Penny drew out the amulet I had given her and held it in her hand. It shielded her mind from magical influences. Years ago I had created similar necklaces for every man, woman, and child of Washbrook and Cameron Castle.

“That might not be strong enough,” I told her, “and if you are captured they could easily remove it.”

“If you are captured there is no one left that knows how to put your plan into operation,” she countered.

It was a valid point. “If I am captured, and they learn the plan then it won’t matter. No trap will work when your enemy knows the nature of it. Besides, only a mage could set this in motion.”

My wife’s face did not reflect happiness. “You’ve grown too comfortable with secrets Mordecai,” she cautioned.

“Maybe,” I admitted. “I don’t like it either, but I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you and the children safe.”

She turned away and busied herself with dressing. “Whatever you think it takes,” she muttered quietly to herself, and in the interest of peace I pretended that I hadn’t heard.

Dorian stood at the head of the table in our council room. “I think you all understand why we are gathered. Yesterday’s ‘messenger’ was a reminder that we have powerful enemies, enemies that will soon be coming to pay us a visit.”

I couldn’t help but admire my friend’s poise. Over the years he had developed a strong confidence when it came to leading the men. Looking over the crowd, I could see that he had the rapt attention of every man and woman in the room, and there were a lot of them. Today’s meeting included not only the usual members of the Knights of Stone, but also Penny, Peter Tucker, Chad Grayson, Walter and Elaine Prathion, and of course myself. Peter was representing the castle staff, while Chad was my chief huntsman and consequently was in charge of the men I would be using to maintain a watch in and around the castle and its surrounds.

“Consequently,” Dorian continued, “we will maintain a position of high alert until after the current threat has passed.” Looking down the table, Dorian pointed at Peter, who had quietly raised his hand, “You have a question?”

“Yes mi’lord. I realize this may seem trivial, but will the yearly celebration still be held at week’s end?” he asked. He was referring to the yearly feast that commemorated our victory over the army of Gododdin.

Dorian nodded, looking toward me, “I would prefer to skip it this year but I will defer that question to our lord. Your Excellency…?”

My first instinct was to agree with him but as I started to rise I felt Penny’s hand upon my arm. I leaned closer and she whispered into my ear, “Morale will suffer greatly if you skip it. We have another week after that still.”

“The celebration will go forward as usual,” I told them. “It shouldn’t interfere, although I feel badly for your men, Chad,” I said, referring to the master huntsman. “Many of them will miss it to maintain watch. Also I will have to ask that everyone refrain from drinking overmuch.”

The man I had taken on as my huntsman a few years ago was young, close to my own age, but he was a man of few words. I had hired him away from the Lancaster’s on their huntsman, William Doyle’s, recommendation. Since then I had rarely been disappointed in his ability to find game. I would be counting on him and the other huntsmen to act as advance warning in the week to come.

“Don’t fret on our behalf, yer lordship,” he replied immediately. His courtly graces were lacking, but then that wasn’t what mattered in his line of work.

Sir Harold spoke next, “Given the fact that we have a good idea of when they will arrive, will we be altering our responses?” A big man, Harold had grown out of his boyish looks, and his short golden beard made him seem somewhat lion-like.

I was grateful for the question, for it led us directly to the heart of the matter. “Yes,” I answered, “it will alter our planning, although the basics will stay the same. Primarily, it will enable us to evacuate many people prior to the day we expect the gods to arrive. Dorian, would you mind going over the three basic plans for everyone? Just to make sure everyone remembers…”

“Certainly,” said Dorian before he drew a deep breath. He showed nothing of the nervousness he had once had difficulty with, but looking around the room, I could tell everyone was inwardly groaning at the thought of hearing the outlines of our emergency plans again. This was something we went over yearly; including a drill to make sure people knew what to do.

“As I am sure most of you know, we have been anticipating something like this for many years now, ever since our good count brought the ‘God-Stone’ back to Castle Cameron for safekeeping,” Dorian began carefully. “In the event of an attack or other emergency, there are three evacuations plans which we have designated with the colors blue, yellow, and red. The most optimistic plan is blue; although none of the three should be mistaken for a good situation.”

Dorian’s eyes roved across the room, making sure everyone’s attention was on him. “Blue means that we intend to stay and fight. The only people to be evacuated are those without assigned roles in the defense of the keep, primarily women, children and the elderly. From the yearly drills, the townsfolk and castle inhabitants should know to gather at the building housing the teleportation circles in the castle yard. All guardsmen, knights, and of course our few wizards, will report to their assigned locations. George and Elaine Prathion are responsible for making sure that those to be evacuated are taken by ‘circle’ to Albamarl.”

“Condition blue was created as a response to an attack by one of the shining gods, and the presumption is that our lord, the Count di’Cameron, will be able to handle one, preferably outside the castle environs, while the good Baron, Lord Prathion, will maintain the defensive barrier around Castle Cameron.” That was actually a bit of an oversimplification. The defensive barrier was an enchantment I had devised and built that would harness power from the God-Stone. The enchantment didn’t actually require much besides a mage to activate and deactivate it when desired.

“The next color, yellow,” Dorian said, continuing, “indicates a more serious state. The thought here is that we will use this color if we think that two of the gods are attacking in concert. The count has made it clear that in the event two of them attack at once, it will be impossible to achieve victory in a head to head confrontation. Everyone will be evacuated in this case, except for the knights and the Count himself. In addition the escape points will be different. Those in Washbrook will make directly for the Muddy Pig.”

The ‘Muddy Pig’ was the name Joe McDaniel had chosen for his tavern. The name was also a direct reference to my first meeting with the previous Baron of Arundel, when I had covered myself with mud before our introductions. That notable had been less than amused, but luckily the current baron, Walter, had a much better sense of humor. If the circumstances sound implausible… well, I had my reasons. Honestly.

I had created a safe haven beneath the cellars of the tavern, a large room that was magically concealed. The idea being that if we didn’t have time to evacuate the townsfolk, they could hide there until the ‘storm’ had passed. It also held a circle that led to Lancaster.

“Those within Castle Cameron will make for the great hall, while those manning the walls or in the yard, will make for the building where we house the circles. Elaine Prathion will be responsible for moving people there, while George Prathion will be responsible for transporting those that take haven at the Muddy Pig. The Baron will handle those that gather in the great hall.” Dorian paused for a moment, for Sir Ian had caught his eye. “You have a question?” he asked.

Sir Ian was a dark haired man with deep brown eyes. People meeting him for the first time often described his looks as ‘fierce’ or ‘intimidating’. Later they would realize he was actually one of the mildest mannered men amongst the knights; his looks were in contrast to his true personality. He addressed Dorian hesitantly, “No disrespect Lord Dorian, but we’ve been over this at least once a year and I still have one concern.” It was a statement that begged the question.

“What is your concern?” said Dorian.

“There is no mention in any of the plans regarding how the Count and his family will be evacuated. Is this an oversight or a deliberate omission?” asked Sir Ian.

Dorian glanced in my direction, for he knew this dealt with matters I would rather not discuss openly. I raised a hand to let him know I would handle it and stood to face the questioner. “Your question has two answers Sir Ian,” I told him, giving the man an honest stare, “neither of which you will like. One, I will not be part of the evacuation in any of the three scenarios we have planned. In most cases I will be handling matters that will likely prevent me from joining the exodus. I will provide for my own exit, if possible. Second, my family will either evacuate at one of the previously mentioned points, or via another route that we have kept private. In each case the final decision will rest with my lady wife, depending upon circumstances.”

There were a few mutters around the room, but I stared at them until silence returned. Once they had gone quiet I asked Sir Ian, “Is that answer sufficient for you?”

“Yes, my lord,” he responded promptly.

I nodded at Dorian and he resumed his explanation. “The last plan is designated red, and is quite similar to blue. The main difference is that there is no provision for any resistance. In blue, the Knights of Stone and our Count remain in order to defend and delay. Red will be used if we think that all three of the remaining gods have come against us at once. In this case we activate the barrier defense immediately, and everyone within the keep is to report to the meeting points to evacuate without delay. Those unfortunate enough to be outside the castle walls when this happens, will have the option of trying to make it to the Muddy Pig to hide or simply striking out into the wilderness.”

Peter spoke up then, “If we don’t hope to win in a ‘yellow’ emergency, why don’t we simply evacuate everyone immediately. I’m not sure I see the need for a separate red and yellow plan.” Several of the knights gave him scornful looks. It was a question any of them might have been wondering, but given Peter’s position as my chamberlain and a non-combatant, they considered the topic outside of his purview.

Before any of them could speak up, I stood and answered him directly, “The difference is one of time and urgency. In red we take everyone we can and leave immediately, leaving behind some unfortunate enough to be unable to get within the walls in time. In yellow we control our departure, and the knights remain until I give them the order to depart.”

I thought that would be enough to quiet him but Peter’s curiosity wasn’t quenched yet, “Begging your pardon, my lord, but how will you be able to provide the time? If you can handle but one, then any number beyond that will be the same, will it not?”

I had cultivated a certain freedom of speech amongst those that served me, but Peter constantly surprised me. There were grumbles in the room at his presumptuous questions, but I held up a hand to forestall their complaints. “The barrier enchantment around the castle should be strong enough to keep any one god from breaking it quickly. Two will probably be able to accomplish the task easily, but it will take them some time; hopefully as much as half an hour or possibly more. Three combined would probably shatter it within minutes, and that is the main reason for the difference in the evacuation plans,” I finished. I left unsaid my other reason, for it involved a great deal of personal risk, and that was never a popular topic among the Knights of Stone. They were fine with risking their own lives, but never mine. “Any further questions?” I asked him, to make sure he was done.

Peter bowed his head deferentially, “No my lord, thank you for your patience with my inexperience in these matters.”

“If that’s out of the way then, we can proceed to current matters. I’ve given the broad outlines of our emergency action plans,” said Dorian, “but now I would like to move on to two particulars of pertinence in the present. First, the disposition of Master Grayson’s hunter’s this week, as well as any changes he would like to make before the anticipated arrival of the gods in less than two weeks’ time. After that we’ll go over the advance evacuation schedule that is to begin at the end of next week. We need to make sure everyone that isn’t absolutely needed, is out two days prior to Karenth’s return.”

Dorian went on for some time before calling Chad forward to discuss the positioning of his scouts. No matter how many of these I attend, they never get any less boring, I thought while stifling a yawn. It wouldn’t do to let the men see me showing signs of disinterest.

Late that afternoon I checked the message boxes and found Cyhan’s reply waiting for me. Opening the box, I saw a neatly folded piece of paper. Unfolding it I saw his distinctively bad penmanship. His handwriting was on a par with Penny’s, in fact it might even be worse.

My Lord,

Your message is received and understood. Currently it is still morning as I write this. Will make haste and should return within five days. Look for us on the morning of the fifth day hence. That will be the morning of the festival.

Your Servant,

Cyhan

“Six days!” I muttered to myself. That meant he’d be force marching the men. I considered writing another letter to try and make him slow down rather than tire them out, but in the end I decided it would be pointless. That was the sort of order he’d ignore. He always was a damn overachiever.

Instead, I simply drew a deep breath and penned a quick acknowledgement. At least they would get to enjoy the festivities. Checking the rest of the boxes, I found another message, this one from Marc.

Mort,

I hope this letter finds you well.

The journey to Agraden has been noteworthy only for its boredom. We should arrive in another day, and Marissa’s uncle assured us that he will have room for us until we can find a place of our own. Despite my true reason for moving here, I find I am somewhat looking forward to seeing new things, and the search for whatever remains of the Gaelyn family library might also prove interesting.

I will write again once I have some definite news, or at least something interesting to tell.

Marcus

I read through his short note twice and found that despite my original opposition to his move, I now felt relieved to know that he was well away from all the excitement in Lothion. I considered my reply carefully before setting pen to paper again.

Dear Marc,

I’m glad to hear that your journey is almost done. I do hope that it wasn’t a hardship for Marissa. Don’t forget that if the house costs more money than we anticipated, I will write a letter of credit for you. The bankers in Albamarl assure me that they have a stable arrangement with the moneylenders in Agraden, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Things are busy around here, what with the festival preparations at this time of year. There always seems to be something. Perhaps if you get well settled, I can make the journey to visit next year some time. One visit and I’ll be able to set up a circle, which will make any future trips trivial.

Write soon.

Mordecai

I felt a bit dishonest for not mentioning any of my recent problems, but given the distance, the only thing my friend could have done about them would be to worry needlessly. Pushing those thoughts aside, I rose and went to find Walter. I wanted to meet with him and make sure he remembered the specifics of how to raise and control the barrier enchantment around the castle. As I walked, I decided we should include Elaine this time. She was older now, and there was always the possibility that neither he nor I would be around to activate it when needed.