Red Dragon's Keep (The Dragon's Children Book 1) Read online

  “Thank you, Captain. It’s going to be at least an hour. I’ve some family business that I need to take care of.”

  “Yes sir. I’ll tell the troops to stand easy but hold themselves ready.” He saluted and left.

  “Boys, I need to talk to you after breakfast. There’s one more thing that needs to be taken care of before I leave.”

  Owen, Cameron, and Evan looked at him alertly. He could tell they knew something was up. They’d each belted on their new swords. Breanna just kept staring glumly at her trencher.

  Thomas hurriedly finished his meal and stood up. “We all need to go to the armory. Including you, Breanna.” He gave her a crooked smile as she raised her head and looked at him, a question in her eyes.

  “Come on, let’s go.” Before he could leave the table, Marta entered through the forecourt door. She was dressed in a long woolen plaid dress in muted blues and greens, a warm cloak and sturdy boots. Her hair was bound in a braid that fell down her back.

  “Ah...Marta. Would you please come with us to the armory? We’re just on our way there now.”

  “I’d be happy to, my Lord,” Marta answered, keeping her eyes on the floor.

  She joined the group as they left the great hall through the kitchen and walked across the receiving area, through the salle and down the hallway to the armory. “Morning, Marta,” said Owen. Cameron and Evan grinned at her.

  “I heard what happened here night before last. Were you able to find all of the portals?” she asked.

  “Not sure, but I hope so. HellReaver thinks so.”

  Marta looked warily at the sword in its scabbard hanging at his hip, eyes wide and body tense.

  No need to fear me, girl. There are much more dangerous things about.

  The sword spoke tartly in all of their minds. The boys giggled, Thomas’s face turned red with embarrassment, and Breanna just rolled her eyes.

  And there’s no need for your skepticism, Breanna.

  Breanna gave a little skip and bowed to the sword. “Sorry, HellReaver,” she said insincerely.

  “Your pardon please, HellReaver. I meant no disrespect.” Marta blushed with embarrassment.

  Two guards snapped to attention as Thomas and the group approached the armory doors.

  “Good morning, Corporals. We’re here to choose another blade. Please open the doors.”

  The soldiers reached for the door handles and pulled them wide.

  The sound of hurried footsteps approaching caused Thomas to crouch and swing around to face back the way they’d come, left hand on scabbard, right on HellReaver’s grip, ready to draw. He straightened and released his grip as Lady Aeden stepped into the hall from the salle.

  “Lord Thomas.” She nodded at him. “Boys, Breanna.” She grinned at all of them. “Welcome, Marta. Lord Thomas, I’d like to help if I may. Gregory told me about HellReaver’s advice.”

  “I’m sorry, Lady Aeden. I’d have sent for you if I’d thought about it. HellReaver strongly suggested this morning that Breanna choose a weapon before we leave. Knocked everything else out of my mind.”

  Breanna’s mouth fell open. “W…w…what?” she stammered. “Me?” she squeaked in astonishment.

  “Yes, you. He’s right. You need to be able to protect yourself if things go badly. Marta, your father said you’d had weapons training. Would you be willing to continue the training of these idle layabouts while we’re gone?” he asked, waving his hand at his siblings and cousins as he grinned.

  Lady Aeden looked at Marta. Slowly, she nodded. “That’s an excellent idea, Lord Thomas. Marta, I join my request to his. They must continue training.”

  Marta stared at them, clearly dumbfounded, and hesitated. “Lady, Lord, yes, I’ve had training. I’m not sure that I’ve enough training. Is there no one else?

  Both Thomas and Aeden shook their heads. “Everyone else is detailed to guard duty or patrolling,” Thomas told her.

  “All right,” she conceded. “I’ll do it. What I don’t know, you all can teach me.” She smiled at the boys and Breanna.

  “Okay. Time to choose,” Thomas said firmly.

  They walked into the armory. A flash of white light illuminated the surroundings. Everyone flinched back. Two swords glowed with ethereal fire. Lady Aeden gasped. Marta moved left and Breanna moved right, as if drawn by an irresistible force. They each grasped their swords and raised them high, eerie flames blazing brightly.

  “SunWalker,” shouted Breanna.

  “HellScream,” gasped Marta.

  The others looked on, frozen in shock.

  “Oh my,” whispered Lady Aeden.

  Chapter 27

  Thomas swung into his saddle and controlled Heddwyn’s eager cavorting. “Captain Braden, you have the column,” he barked. He wheeled Heddwyn around to the Keep steps and leaned down to clasp Owen’s hand, then Breanna’s, Cameron’s and Evan’s in turn. “Be safe. I’ll send couriers with news.” Reining his horse around, he signaled the tall blood-bay charger into a canter and took his place beside Captain Braden at the head of the column.

  Tack jingled and wheels thundered as the column moved through the gates and onto the road that led toward Great Falls and Cathair Ri, the same road his parents had taken months ago. Thomas, Gregory and Captain Braden had chosen a waypoint five days toward Great Falls at the confluence of the Caladen and Banuisk rivers where they became the Samphir with its many tributaries. They’d set up the ambush there and hopefully draw the Demons.

  § § §

  “Breanna, watch that drop at the end of your swing. Your target will come in over the top of your sword and stab you,” Marta shouted. “Owen, up! Make sure that you swing up at the end of the cross-over. You must keep the rhythm or a thrust will get through.”

  Breanna, Owen, Cameron and Evan had been practicing with Marta twice a day for a week, trying to accomplish as quickly as possible what would normally take two or three months to master. They were all exhausted but worked doggedly to learn the battle skills they would need to fight the Demons they all knew were coming.

  “Everyone take a break. We’ll meet again after mid-meal.” Marta dismissed her charges and followed them with weary steps into the Keep. Food had been set out on the head table for her little band.

  Mid-meal had been over for an hour for everyone else. Each of them slumped down onto their chairs. They quickly drained the mugs of water that sat at each place. Each of them forked cold meats and vegetables from platters in the middle of the table on to their plates.

  Marta was fourteen and the youngest of the Halorans. She took stock of each one of these children who had grown into the younger brothers and sisters that she’d always wanted. All of them needed more than a break for mid-meal, including herself. She decided to free everyone for the afternoon.

  “All of you, I think we should take the afternoon off. Make sure your blades are cleaned and sharpened and then go do what you want.” She smiled. “I’m going to take a nap.”

  The cousins looked at each other and grinned. Cameron said “Oh yeah. That’s a good idea. I’m going to sleep, too.” The others nodded in agreement.

  Owen was the first finished, cleared his place and moved to the fireplace to clean HeartStriker. Cameron and Evan soon followed, with GhostWalker and ShadowSworn.

  Breanna continued to sit at the table, drooping tiredly.

  “Come on, Breanna. I’ll help you clean SunWalker,” Marta said quietly. “I need to take care of HellScream.”

  “Thanks Marta. I really need it,” Breanna whispered. “My hands hurt a lot.” She pushed back her chair and cleared her place, then followed Marta to the hearth.

  Tomorrow, the Swords of Light will help you set your muscle memory. SunWalker spoke into all of their minds. When that is done, each of you will not need to think of every step you take when fighting. We will strengthen your bodies so that you do not tire so easily. We have waited this long so that you would at least have the basics down. You all have done well. Marta, you are an e
xcellent teacher.

  Eyes opened wide as the children listened to proof that somehow the swords they carried were alive and knew what was going on.

  Owen spoke what they all were thinking. “Can you help us during the battle?”

  Yes, we can, and we will. Each of you holds within yourself the seeds of greatness. We will help you nurture those seeds until you and they have matured.

  “Do you know what kind of Demons we will face?” Cameron questioned in the silence that followed.

  I only know those we fought in the far past. We will learn together and defeat each one. Do not fear.

  “Thank you SunWalker, all of you swords. We are fortunate that you are here. Boys, Breanna, let’s get this done and then take our time off,” said Marta.

  § § §

  Five days out from the Keep, Thomas shifted in his saddle, easing the cramping in his left calf. Heddwyn had finally settled down half a day after their departure. Even now, the warhorse watched the road vigilantly. Captain Braden moved up to ride beside Lady Aeden and him.

  “My Lord, I think it’s time for a break. The men and horses need it and we need lunch.”

  You need one, too. You won’t be able to command anyone if you are too stiff to move. HellReaver spoke tartly in his mind.

  “I agree, Captain. I definitely need a break. Let’s call a halt,” Thomas ordered.

  Captain Braden reined his horse to the side and raised his fist in the signal to halt. He kicked his horse into a gallop towards the tail end of the column. Sergeants passed the command down the line of cavalry, foot troops and baggage wagons. The riders turned their horses onto the side of the road. They dismounted, loosened girths and removed bridles so the horses could graze on the sparse winter vegetation. Foot troops squatted where they stopped and pulled food from packs.

  The weather was cold, but no snow covered the ground here. Thomas and Aeden dismounted, leading their horses to the side of the road next to the trees. They left the halter ropes that the horses wore under their bridles trailing on the ground. Thomas pulled jerky and journey bread from his saddle bag.

  “Sergeant,” he called. “Please have Master Sergeant Haloran report to me when he has a moment. Oh, and send Captain Braden back when you see him.”

  “Yes sir.” The sergeant moved away.

  Thomas and Aeden leaned against the trunks of the trees growing almost on the edge of the road. The ground was too cold and wet to sit on. They rested in companionable silence while each worked on chewing the tough jerky.

  “What do you think of Marta?” Aeden asked him.

  Thomas kept his eyes on the forest that started just beyond the verge. Between getting on the road and wondering if he’d be alive tomorrow, he’d thought about nothing else but her.

  “I think she’s a good fighter. I watched while you sparred with her. After that demonstration, I think she’ll teach them what they need to know.”

  “She’s well qualified,” Aeden admitted.

  “What do you think of her, my Lady?”

  Aeden gazed down the road. “I think she’s been through a lot in the last months. For all of that, she seems very grounded and steady. HellScream chose her.” She shook her head. “Heroes rise when need calls. That’s been said for centuries.”

  Thomas felt the drum of hoof-beats through the soles of his feet. He pushed himself away from the tree trunk and shaded his eyes with his hand. One of the point scouts came galloping toward them down the road. Clods of mud flew behind him. He pulled his horse to a stop next to Thomas and Aeden.

  “Lord, Lady!” he exclaimed, panting with exertion. “A host of Demons approach through the forest from the south.” He jumped from his horse, taking his weight from its back. “Half a day until they reach the convergence.” Horse and rider hung their heads and panted for breath, the rider with hands on his knees.

  Thomas moved to Aeden’s side. “They’re not supposed to move during the day,” Thomas exclaimed. “Why are they moving now?”

  “I don’t know, Lord Thomas,” Aeden replied. “Maybe their Smachtmaistirs are driving them to us despite the time of day.”

  Master Sergeant Haloran and Captain Braden led their horses toward the group.

  “Captain, Sergeant. The scout says the Demons are moving toward the road during the day!” Thomas’s heart raced. His breathing quickened and his hands and feet went numb. He trembled. Their strategy was based on a dusk attack by the Demons.

  Captain Braden stopped in his tracks. “They know we’re coming. Someone has betrayed us,” he cried.

  Haloran shook his head. “We only know they attack at dusk or dawn. That would imply that they travel during the day. Maybe they just can’t see very well during the day, like we can’t see very well at night. The timing here puts them at the convergence right at dusk. We can turn this to our advantage,” he said. “We’ll get to the convergence in two hours. We now know when they’ll be there. We’ll send archers into the trees. Move the horses back toward the Keep with a few of the chargers ready to attack from the rear. Set the men in groups of three or four a few yards into the trees and a very thin screen of men along the road to draw the Demons in. I suspect that they’ll come through the trees, probably from the west and south. We knew it was coming. It’s just a little quicker.”

  He’s very good. HellReaver gave what Thomas thought of as a mental shrug. Might as well mount up.

  Thomas’s heart started to slow. Fear had tightened his chest, his arms, everything. He hadn’t been able to think. “Thank you, Sergeant. Captain, get the men mounted and moving out. Oh, and send a courier back to the Keep to let them know what’s happening.”

  Lady Aeden nodded in approval. “Lord Thomas, I’ll stay with you.”

  “Thank you, Lady. I’m grateful for your help.”

  She just shook her head and turned to bridle her horse.

  Orders were shouted down the line. The column was moving within fifteen minutes.

  The men marched along briskly. The road curved to hug the side of the mountain. The mountain’s shadow cooled the air further. Small drifts of snow from the frequent short storms at the end of the season lay as a reminder that autumn would soon be gone. The pace fell to a walk. Chain-mail jingled, wagon wheels rumbled and saddles creaked in the cold air.

  At the head of the column, Thomas raised his clenched fist and signaled a halt when they reached the convergence of the Caladen and Banuisk rivers. During the summer, white water of the Banuisk surging into the rapids of the Caladen created a dangerous maelstrom of rushing foam over rocks. Now the Banuisk was frozen solid and the Caladen’s cold waters flowed sluggishly past the convergence.

  “Lady, I think we should cross the Banuisk and set up camp on the other side.” He pointed to the left of the track. “That clearing would be perfect. As far as we know, the Demons probably won’t cross water. We have at least four hours before dusk.”

  “I agree, Lord Thomas. That’s smart. We can take a break, feed the horses and the men and set up the ambush,” replied Aeden.

  “Master Sergeant Haloran,” Thomas shouted back down the line. Heddwyn tried to spin in a circle under him and he reined the horse sharply around as Haloran cantered up to them.

  “We need to cross the Banuisk and set up camp on the other side in that clearing. Hopefully the Demons won’t cross and we can use the river as a defense. Could you please make that happen?”

  “Yes, my Lord.” Haloran bellowed to the staff sergeants in charge of each unit. “Move by units across the river above the convergence.” The staff sergeants signaled their understanding. The first unit peeled off from the column and moved toward the frozen riverbank.

  Soldiers dismounted and led their horses in single file across the frozen water. Half way through the crossing, the river ice began to groan and snap as weight moved across it. Too many crossing at one time threatened to send them all to the bottom.

  Once safely on the other side, the soldiers moved to the clearing and began setting
up picket lines for the horses and digging pits for cooking fires.

  Stefan and Maccon had accompanied their officers on the trek. They carried saddles and bridles to the wagons and brought back bags of grain for the tethered horses. They each grabbed a brush and started working on brushing out the horses coats. When that chore was done, they each led four horses at a time to the hole that had been chopped in the ice where they could drink.

  The last supply wagon rolled down the bank and started across the river. A rumbling cracking followed its progress, but the ice held. Those who stopped to watch heaved sighs of relief and returned to their tasks.

  Haloran and two of his men walked to the shore of the Caladen. He gazed across the almost frozen river, mentally arranging the troops for the ambush. He dropped his eyes and looked closely at the bank. He knew he’d seen a submerged ford somewhere around here when he’d scouted during the war. Ah, there it was.

  Beneath the water, almost as if a road had been laid, fitted stones formed a broad bed that led toward the opposite shore. They were only half a foot beneath the surface. Haloran drew in his breath with an abrupt gasp as the cold bit into his legs when he walked out into the water, probing with the spear staff that he carried. Stopping and turning toward his men, he beckoned them to him. They splashed through the cold water, following the submerged road.

  “Go get a squad of men and cut long poles from tree branches. We need to mark the edges of the ford. Hurry,” he urged them.

  The men made their way back to shore and trotted to the clearing, shouting out the Master Sergeant’s orders. Men hustled to the trees surrounding the camp and began cutting branches. As the branches fell, another squad gathered them and carried them to the shore. Staff sergeants detailed squads to enter the river on either side of the ford and drive the branches into the bottom of the river along the ford edges.

  They left the last fifty feet of the ford unmarked. No sense in letting the enemy know exactly where it was.

  The cold, wet soldiers made their way back to the camp and the roaring fires that waited to warm them. The camp cook passed out hot tea with whiskey and bowls of stew. This was the last meal before the battle, perhaps the last meal they would ever eat.