“It’s a sound move,” Gwaynn said. He sat near the center of the group with Vio on one side and Tar Kostek on the other, “though risky. Have we heard from Captain Gaston?”
Monde shook her head. “I can attempt to contact Sarbeth.”
“We need to know,” Lonogan confirmed with a nod. Monde returned it and moved off toward the rear of the tent.
“We need to get the men ready,” Prince Phillip said then moved to the opening of the tent and spoke softly to one of the Toranado guards that followed him everywhere.
“The weather is a blessing. It will hide our presence,” interjected Jinja, speaking of the Tars and students from Noble. Gwaynn shook his head at the excitement in the young man’s voice, and was suddenly worried for them all.
“Yes Jinja,” Kostek said softly. “The rain will surely hide us, but that may not be a good thing.”
“There are not many ordinary soldiers who would be willing to face a Tar,” Endid explained to his student. “Many battles in the past were avoided just by the presence of the Tars of Noble…if they can’t see us there may be unnecessary bloodshed.”
“You’re clear on where you will be in the coming battle?” Kostek asked the students, but looked up as Monde rushed over.
“Gaston?” Lonogan asked, though he truly wanted to ask about Jess. She volunteered to travel forward with the scouts and it worried him. The weather did not help.
Monde shook her head. “na Gall. The Palmerrio are on the move!”
There was a great rumbling of chairs as everyone stood and began to head toward the opening of the tent. Gwaynn reached out and grabbed Vio by the arm before they made it to the exit.
“Will you stay in the rear and protect the Travelers with Bethany?” He asked though he knew the answer.
Vio smiled sadly. “You care for me?”
Gwaynn frowned. “You know I do.”
“Ah but you have never looked at me they way you look at Samantha Fultan,” she said and abruptly started to leave the tent. Gwaynn tightened his grip.
“I’m training to be a Tarina…I will be a Tarina,” Vio said spinning back to face him, “and sometimes a Tarina must kill!”
They stood looking at one another for a moment as people rushed past them, apparently unaware of the drama, at least until the Solitary re N’dori came near, laughing softly.
“Come Gwaynn of Massi…we three will fight together,” she said and put her arm affectionately around Vio’s waist. They left the tent as a trio, Gwaynn with a wry smile, thinking of his other Solitary friend, Tar Nev and wondering if the man was projecting and watching at this very moment. Gwaynn hoped he was…and felt better for the thought.
The rain was falling straight down out of the heavens as if in a hurry to get to the ground, which had long ago turned into a wet, muddy mess around the camp.
“The footing will be nightmarish,” Lee Brandt said speaking loudly as he walked behind Gwaynn and Bock. They were all soaked, with water dripping from their hair. There was activity all around them as soldiers prepared for battle, but Gwaynn was happy and gratified that no one appeared to be panicked by the approaching army.
He picked up his pace until he was walking side by side with Tabernas and Prince Phillip.
“I’d like the Toranado to be on the far left,” he said.
“The left?” Phillip repeated surprised, but Tabernas just smiled and nodded.
“You would have us attempt to circle and push the Palmerrio toward the creek,” he stated and Gwaynn nodded.
“We still have no word from Gaston. I’ll need the Toranado to press the Palmerrio…trap them against Rose Creek if possible.”
Rose Creek, though normally a nearly empty gully, was now swollen with rain water, which was moving fast toward the Scar. The creek would run along the western side of the battlefield guarding both armies against any flanking maneuvers from that direction…though of course the Palmerrio would still have to be wary of the any movements initiated by the Travelers.
Phillip nodded then, understanding and was suddenly awed by the young Massi King’s strategic mind. Everything he did on the battlefield seemed simple enough, though at times unconventional…actually often times it seemed obvious, but only once the strategy was explained. Gwaynn had a way of breaking down the terrain and using it and his army in the most effective way. Phillip was suddenly glad he did not have to face the Massi in battle.
The Tars Myson and Halstad would be positioned to support Captain Lee Brandt and the Massi heavy infantry in the center. Their presence would do much to strengthen their lines. Gwaynn, Vio and re N’dori would be on the Massi left holding the gap in the lines that would develop as the Toranado pushed out and attempted to encircle the enemy. Tar Kostek, Endid and the rest of the students would be on the far right, near the creek.
In the rain, the effectiveness of the archers on both sides would be diminished so Gwaynn had instructed Captain Hahn to push out even farther to the left and support the Toranado with halberds rather than arrows. Kommidi and his horsemen would be positioned in the rear to guard against encirclement if the Palmerrio cavalry suddenly appeared. They would also be in a good position to offer support in case any part of the lines began to unravel.
The Travelers would not be used in the coming battle unless everything went horribly wrong, and would be tucked safely in the rear, much to Bock’s pleasure and peace of mind. It was bad enough sending Jess out with the scouts, he wasn’t sure he would be able to keep his wits about him if she was in the heart of the battle. He felt a new appreciation for Gwaynn and Samantha; somehow both were able to function quite well on the battlefield despite the anxiety for the other’s well being.
The army moved nearly a quarter of a mile from camp and took up position; the soldiers did not have long to wait before the sounds of the approaching Palmerrio could be heard, though in the rain it was several minutes before the shape of the enemy could be distinguished.
na Gall and three scouts suddenly appeared just in front of Bock and Gwaynn. Lonogan’s heart soared and he did not even try to refrain from smiling.
“Anything from Gaston?” Bock asked moving forward to stand very close to the Traveler na Gall.
She shook her head, the pupils of her eyes dilated with excitement and fear. “No…I will try to get word to you if Sarbeth contacts us.
“Get to the rear,” Gwaynn said abruptly. “Look for Bethany. She’ll look after all the Travelers. Trust her…she’s young but very good,” he added and na Gall nodded. Bock however, kept her from obeying the command. He pulled the Traveler into his arms and kissed her fiercely. When they separated he caught the raised eyebrows of Captain Brandt, but did not wait for his comment; instead he nodded to na Gall and allowed her to move off through the rain and away from the frontlines.
ǂ
The rain was falling lightly when they finally pulled away from Manse, a great train of horses, wagons and walking wounded.