Rhanu enjoyed a warm welcome from Han, Meshella, and Fregeror. There was something different about the man. He appeared calmer, more insightful than the last time Marcellus had seen him. And the way he stood next to Ayna, the closeness of their stance indicated the two had become intimately involved. Meshella's smile was wide as she cut off Ayna's words with an unexpected embrace.
Han fell in beside Marcellus. "I must be doing something wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"All the beautiful women run into other men's arms. Shama Nyori to you, and Shama Ayna to Rhanu. You must tell me your secrets of seduction. We learn too much of politics and warfare in Honguo, and not enough of courting the Sha."
Marcellus gave him an irritated glance. "Nyori has certainly never run into my arms."
Han laughed. "Oh, is it the other way around? I admit I am not yet familiar with all of your customs here."
Marcellus looked at him with strained patience. "It is not that way at all. Nyori and I have an understanding…"
"Oh, an understanding, is that what it's called?" Han's eyes twinkled merrily. "In my homeland, we call it courtship. But again, forgive my ignorance."
Fortunately Rhanu arrived, clapping Han on the back. "Forgive this one, Lord Admorran. While I may have missed his callowness, I am quite sure you have had enough of it. May I present my lady wife, Shama Ayna Tlalli."
Han appeared startled, but quickly smoothed over his surprise with a quick grin. "Rhanu the Husband. Certainly less threatening than Godslayer, but well done all the same."
Marcellus kissed Ayna's bejeweled hand. "My congratulations, Shama Ayna. Nyori speaks very highly of you. I am honored to finally meet you in person."
Ayna's golden eyes gazed at him as though seeing secrets. He wondered how much Nyori had told her. Women always did reveal too much when talking in private. "And I you, Lord Admorran. Nyori has mentioned you often as well."
Meshella cut in by throwing her arms around Rhanu. He winced from the reinforced weight of her mail and armor. "So happy for you both," she said. "It is about time you lost that gloomy cloud above your head."
Rhanu sighed, patting the arm that nearly throttled him. "As you say."
"I have a sister, now." Meshella beamed at Ayna. "I like her, Rhanu. You had better treat her well."
Rhanu disentangled from her strong grip, rubbing his neck. "I will do my best. Were I a good husband I would forbid her from going into this battle. Perhaps you'd like to escort her back to Epanos, since you're getting along so well."
Both women gave him flat stares. He held up his hands. "Peace. The pack stays together, I know." He saved face by quickly turning to Marcellus. "I am grateful we were able to join you before you entered the Barrens. I have more men on the way. They will join the rear of the army."
"It is well that you have joined us. I was afraid you would miss out. I would like to use you as a commander if you would. I know you are accustomed to leading and can use your experience."
Rhanu dipped his head. "I will do what I can, but there is another mission I must focus on. One that may be as important as our impending attack."
"Truly? What have you discovered?"
Rhanu pulled a map from his belt. "Take a look at this and tell me what you think."
"It would be best to do so in the war council. We were just about to begin." Marcellus led Rhanu to the tent that was hastily erected for the meeting. All of the commanders were already present and gathered as Marcellus entered. Marcellus introduced Rhanu as an ally and quickly began the battle plans.
Rhanu unfurled a map across the makeshift table. "Aceldama used to be a glorious Aelon capitol. We can only hope that at least a remnant of the road exists, or the transport of the siege engines will be difficult, if not impossible."
Ayrton de Vallegera grimaced. "Without those, any hope of scaling the walls of a city or palace will be dashed to pieces, Mistro. There is no telling what defenses we will have to face. There are too many unknowns, too many opportunities for this battle to become a bloodbath."
Theron hooked his thumbs in his belt. "If you think it too savage for your taste, then begone. Epanite soldiers be worse than children play fighting. They put on a brave face, but moan like newly-bedded whores at first sight of bloodletting."
De Vallegera only smiled as he stroked his mustaches. "I hear in Norland the men fight with their heads like bighorn sheep. Small wonder they have trouble thinking beyond a plate of food."
Theron stared at the much smaller man for a long moment before exploding in laughter.
"We can only hope the road is still able to be traveled," Marcellus said. "This battle will be chaotic enough as it is."
Shiru stroked his chin. "You can be disorganized and still be effective. An attack without a plan in advance is possible, for nothing is certain even with the best-laid plans. A shrewd general knows how to adapt for whatever his enemy throws at him."
Marcellus figured Shiru knew more about war than what he let on. The man seemed to speak from personal experience. "Well, the climate and terrain beyond the fog are uncertain. I trust the separate commanders to do their jobs. Shiru, I want you to lead a battalion. Han will be your second. Meshella has her squadron as well. Theron commands the Ulfhenar and Norlanders, Archambault the Parandians, and De Vallegera the Epanites, of course."
"There will be no attack unless the gates of the fortress or city can be breached," Creyshaw said. The former pirate and Basha of the Rhoma had silently observed until then. "We have five hundred men with ballistae from Illum and Roric with much experience in that area, since they have spent centuries devising new ways to conquer one another."
"Excellent. Creyshaw, you will oversee that operation. I'm sure you have plenty of experience in overcoming powerful fortresses with a small force of men. Once a pirate, always a pirate, is that not the saying?" Creyshaw could only shrug guiltily as the men chuckled.
"My archers number five hundred," General Archambault said. The Parandian High Lord was of average height, slightly balding, with a beak of a nose and curved mustaches that were well oiled, as was his pointed goatee. His cuirass reflected his piety, heavily engraved with doves and roses and centered by the Sword of Deis. Yet his hooded eyes spoke of a man who had seen the face of war and understood how to survive it. "Another half thousand from Parand on horse."
"Two battalions of pike men from Epanos, and another on horse led by Ayrton de Vallegera," Marcellus said. "Two battalions of mounted lances from Leodia, wolf knights who seek glory in combat. Near two thousand warriors on horse and foot from Norland. We are a small army — too small to overthrow a powerful city like Epanos or Kaerleon, but it should be enough for this task. From what I have seen, the akhkharu did not have much in the way of military might."
"Yet with their Crafts, do they truly need to?" Han asked. The men murmured uneasily, as though he expressed their thoughts.
"It is too late for doubts to unman us," Marcellus said. "Our strength is sound enough. What did you have in mind, Rhanu?"
"The map marks a tunnel that the odji use to travel to and from Aceldama. The Sha have determined that the gate controls are hidden there as well. I will lead a band into the tunnel, seize it, and use the controls to allow our men entrance into Aceldama."
"So be it. We need to get moving again if we are to make the boundary before nightfall."
"What of you, Lord Admorran?" General Archambault turned his unsettling stare at Marcellus. "You have said nothing of what part of this battle you will command."