Two more bandits came at Lee but were quickly dispatched. Jacob had taken the arm of another and had placed himself in front of Darius.
“I'll protect Darius!” shouted Jacob. “Kill the leader!”
Lee swelled with pride. He scanned the melee for the leader. The guards were holding their ground well. Their experience kept the wagons at their backs and forced the bandits to take them on one at a time. The leader was at the far end. He had killed two guards and was beating back a third. Lee pulled the dagger from his belt and hurled it at the leader. The blade slashed across the man's neck, narrowly missing being buried in his throat. The bandit turned to see Lee charging in, and took a few steps forward to meet him.
Lee killed two more bandits before he finally reached the leader. He could see the fear in the leader’s eyes as he brought his blade down hard and swift. The bandit was only just able to raise his axe in time, but the force of Lee's blow threw him back. Lee stepped in again, this time bringing his sword upward in a tight arc. The tip dug into the bandit's left thigh and tore its way to his hip. The bandit grimaced and staggered, swinging his axe frantically. Lee moved deftly away, then slashed into the leader’s right shoulder. The axe fell to the dirt with a sharp thud. The bandit closed his eyes as Lee moved in. One more powerful blow sent the bandit's head flying. The body stood erect for a moment, blood squirting rhythmically from its neck, then crumbled to the ground. Seeing their fallen leader, one by one the remaining bandits began to flee.
“Do not pursue them,” Lee shouted. He rushed to his son's side; Jacob was still breathing heavily from the fight. His shirt and trouser were drenched in blood, and spots of red dotted his cheeks.
Darius was backed against the wagon. His hands trembled and his face was ghostly pale. When he saw Lee he forced a weak smile. “Well done.” He nodded at Jacob. “Both of you.”
“We need to tend the wounded,” said Lee. “And see to the dead.”
Lee examined the aftermath of the battle. The guards had already begun to treat the wounds of their comrades. Each gave Lee a respectful nod as he passed. In all, they lost three men and three more were wounded. They had managed to hold off the bandits well enough to protect the untrained workmen. He checked his pack and retrieved a healing salve he had brought, then set to treating the men. Two could still travel on their own, but one would need to ride in a wagon.
Darius had the men dig graves for the fallen guards, and had the bodies of the bandits placed in a row along the roadside. “They can serve as a warning,” he said, as he looked upon the sight.
A short ceremony was held for the guards. Each of their comrades said a quiet prayer to Dantenos, God of the Dead, asking him to watch over their friends. No one wanted to stay the night there, so they marched another mile then set up camp.
After building the fire and setting the bedrolls, most sat in silence, the horror of the battle still fresh in their minds. Lee checked the wounded, then joined Jacob and Darius at the edge of the encampment.
“Quite a day,” said Darius.
Lee nodded. “Indeed, it was.” He tore off a piece of bread that had been laid out for him. “There is a small town, Farice, a day’s ride from here. We should reach it before sundown tomorrow. The wounded should be left behind there. They will not heal if they continue.”
“I'm familiar with Farice,” said Darius. “I'll see the men are paid and, looked after.” He looked Lee in the eye. “I've never seen anyone fight like you. You could have taken the entire raiding party alone, I suspect.” His eyes drifted to Jacob. “And I see you have the same spirit in you as well.”
Lee shrugged. “I was well-trained. And Jasper is a natural.”
“Well-trained, you say,” said Darius. His eyes bore suspicion. He stretched out on his bedroll, his hands folded, cradling his head. “You know, I have traveled this road six times since the Reborn King came to power. I've seen many soldiers, mercenaries, thugs, bandits, you name it. I've seen many fights, duels, and even one pitched battle, when I was young. But I have never seen a man slay so many with such ease.”
Lee was silent.
Darius chuckled. “Don't worry. Whatever secrets you keep are yours. You and Jasper have saved my life twice. Not to mention keeping my fortune out of the hands of brigands. I'm not so wealthy that I can afford to lose an entire shipment. In any case, I am in your debt.” He rolled over to face Lee. “I have a feeling that you will not be in my employ long. You are a man that acts with purpose, and I think that purpose lays in Angraal.”
Lee met Darius' gaze. “What are you trying to say?”
Darius smiled. “Nothing. I just want you to know, that when the time comes, I will help you as best I can.” He rolled back over and closed his eyes. “I owe you that much.”
Lee looked at his son, then back at Darius. “When the time comes, your help will be welcome.”
Chapter 10
Gewey cracked open his eyes. Kaylia was still asleep beside him, her arm draped across his chest, a tiny smile on her lips. The scent of porridge and bread blew in from outside the tent, causing his stomach to growl.
“They've left a meal for us,” said Kaylia, awake though her eyes were still closed.
Gewey reluctantly sat up and reached for his clothes. He dressed and went to the tent entrance. Just as Kaylia had said, two bowls of porridge and a loaf of bread, along with a cup of sweet wine, had been placed just outside. Kaylia got dressed and they enjoyed their meal in silence. Their bond was all the conversation they needed.
They had only just taken the last bite, when a voice called from outside. “Hello?” It was Linis.
“Come inside,” called Kaylia.
Linis entered, his face grave.
“What's happened?” asked Gewey.
“We received word that Valshara has fallen,” Linis replied.
Gewey and Kaylia sprang to their feet.
“When?” asked Gewey. He reached down and grabbed his sword.
“Not long after we departed,” replied Linis. “The High Lady escaped, along with a few others. They have taken refuge in Althetas for now.” Linis pushed open the tent flap. “I am truly sorry, but you are needed. Theopolou and the others have gathered to decide what to do.”
Gewey took a deep breath and led Kaylia by the hand from the tent. The morning air was cool and moist, and dew still glistened on the grass-covered field. They joined the others not far from where he and Kaylia had completed their bond the night before. Theopolou and the elders were in deep conversation with Aaliyah and her comrades. Only Aaliyah noticed Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis approach. She nodded a greeting at Gewey.
“What's going on?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou held a small piece of parchment in his hand. “Valshara is destroyed. Very few escaped. The High Lady is in Althetas, and plans to petition the king to come to their aid.” He looked directly at Aaliyah. “I believe Gewey should delay the journey until we can decide on a course of action, but Aaliyah disagrees.”
“Any delay puts you in greater danger,” said Aaliyah. “The presence of Shivis Mol will not help you. Besides, your course is clear. Gather as many as you can, and strike back before your enemies can establish a foothold. Unless they have an army, you should be able to mount an attack, and retake what you have lost. My people will give you all the help they can. They will expect only swords and arrows…we can bring much more to bear.” She turned to Gewey. “But we must not delay our departure.”
Gewey wanted desperately to stay. Every minute more he could have with Kaylia was precious.
“Aaliyah is right,” said Kaylia. Feeling Gewey's doubt, she squeezed his hand. “If what she says is true, we need what is hidden in the desert. And Gewey needs to learn to use his power.”