Rise of the Darekian's, The (26 page)

It was not long before the riders of Corlan and her ally rode about with impunity, the last few enemies slain. Once his men were all back on the south side of the river,
General Skalton ordered the gates closed, and barred once more. Not giving the men chance to rest on their laurels, he put a guard back on the bridge. The young prince Luken had turned the battle, hugely in their favour, even before the unexpected soldiers from the east joined the fray. He quickly looked around for an indication on who led the other force. He could see Besemian cavalrymen, but with slightly different colours. It was obvious these were fighting on his side, and he was thankful for it.

The area outside the city walls, where once they had camped was now nothing but scorched earth and bodies. Not a single thing survived the intense heat of the flames. Caldar looked around, unsure at what could have caused such a thing. He had seen and fought battles, but had never witnessed
, nor heard of anything such as the destruction that lay about him. He stopped his horse and glanced down at a corpse. It was now unrecognisable, little more than a black charred, shrivelled lump, encased in an armoured shell. Such was the heat, even some of the weapons and armour appeared to be misshaped, as if the metal had wilted in the extreme temperatures. He looked up, and saw a face he knew.

"
General" came a shout, causing Thomas Skalton to look around behind him. There sat upon a horse, was a man he recognised, and that bought a lump to his throat. Others from the city were now venturing out to help clear the field. The General stared for a moment before getting down from his horse. He walked the few paces to the other rider calling him, placing his sword tip to the ground and bending down to one knee, "Your highness, it is good to see you." Seeing their General kneel, others started doing likewise, and it was only a short time before most of the field was knelt. "It is good to see you Thomas. Now get up, your embarrassing me" Caldar chuckled.

The
General smiled, and Caldar dismounted, stepped to him and gave him a big hug. Releasing and stepping back, the two looked at each other, before Caldar took a deep breath, and asked the question he dreaded to hear the answer too. "My parents are here?" were the only words he asked, and Thomas sadly shook his head. "What of Luken? Please do not tell me..." Caldar noticed the expression on his Generals face change, he thought, for the better. "He is alive?" The General smiled, if a little wryly, "well, I am not sure. He was, until he won us the battle. I fear he may have sacrificed himself to save us."

Caldar did not understand; his brother did not fight. For a few seconds he had felt alive, filled with love for his sibling, only for it to be dashed away once more. "Take me to him,
now," he said abruptly. The General did not argue, and both men quickly remounted and rode for the city gates. Forcing people to move out of the way, Caldar did not care if he knocked others as he rode; he wanted to see his brother. Taking no notice of the repairs and building work that had been undertaken to Easton, Caldar followed his General in climbing down from his horse. The two men then headed towards a taller, large built man stood outside a row of timber buildings. "Lord Galliss, please meet his royal highness, Crown Prince Caldar of Corlan," he said quickly, indicating the man following behind him.

Lord
Galliss bowed, "your brother Luken, he is inside." Caldar looked at the concern, and teary eyes of the big man, to know not all was well. Walking in through the door, and into a room, his eyes looked straight ahead, focusing on the young man on the bed. An old man sat next to him, uttering something, whilst holding a stone in his hands. Caldar stood over his brother, nudging the old man out of the way, which caused him to release a whole tirade of expletives. Caldar ignored them all, bending down and taking his brothers cold clammy hand, "hello little brother" he said quietly, tears rolling freely down his cheeks.

Father Dagon got to his feet, totally unperturbed by the fact he had been calling the crown prince of Corlan every name under the sun. "He needs complete rest, leave him be and he may survive" he said. Before Caldar could turn round and tell the little man to shut up and get out,
General Skalton told him of his purpose. Although Caldar did not understand much of what was being done or said, he reluctantly let go of his sibling's hand, lowering it gently back down on the bed. Turning and walking back out of the building, he remounted his horse and trotted it back out of the keep yard. The General went to follow, but Lord Galliss held his arm, "perhaps let him go, he probably does not need us hounding him." Thomas Skalton nodded, knowing it was probably best to leave the prince in peace.

He did remount his own horse, and venture back out of the city walls. He needed to oversee the clear up operation, star
ting to take place. Levin trotted his horse over to the General, "Is there anything you need of me sir?" he enquired. "I would be grateful if you could get me some sort of figures Levin, how many lost, how many injured, that sort of thing" he replied in a grimmer tone than usual. Levin did not ask any further, he could tell the man was shaken, they all were. The young prince's life hung by a thread, and Levin realised that the Lady Sarena and his son probably had not even been told of the news. All the vulnerable had been moved to the rooms that were nearly complete on the top floor of the keep. The elderly, the very young, and the women were still all sat up there, not knowing of what had gone on. Levin thought of asking whether he should go and tell them it was all clear for them to come out, but thought better of it on second look at the Generals face.

Caldar sat upon his horse, peering at the direction from which they had ridden, watching the few riders following behind
, escorting the packhorses. His teary eyes, watched the woman who was stealing his heart, and he wished for her to hurry up. He needed her comfort, her body held against his, and mostly, to tell him, it was going to be all right. As Vanessa approached, she cast her gaze around at the scorched ground before her. She could hear her father and younger brother swearing at the sight of the destruction. Moving her horse up alongside the man she had fallen in love with, she leant over, just as he did likewise, and held him tight.

She could s
ense something was wrong, and she kept holding her arms firmly around him. "Luken is here," she heard his muffled voice say, "but barely alive" he added, as his voice broke from the tears once more pouring from his eyes. Vanessa had never met Luken, but she could feel the pain of the man in her arms, and wept with him. Arthur trotted his horse close to his daughters, seeing the anguish and pain on her face. He gave her a small smile, but did not bother her with questions, instead leaving her to weep.

Chapter 23.

Evening was fast upon them, and as the last daylight was fading from existence, so the last of the charred enemy corpses was thrown onto one of the many piles. Although mostly burned beyond anything resembling human form, all the mounds of bodies were set alight. The soldiers of Corlan, and South Besemia had both had the thankless task of removing the armour plate that still cased some of the dead. The metal would not go to waste; it was put onto the back of wagons, and would at a later date, be melted back down for other uses.

Darak helped the last of the citizens, down the last flight of stairs in the keep, and out through the doorway. He felt sullen, despite what many were hailing as a mighty victory, he instead felt pain and anguish. The Lady Sarena was inconsolable, as was the young boy Taylor. Both had been told the new
s a few hours ago of the prince's situation. They had both been allowed a short visit, though neither was permitted to stay. Instead, the two had taken to comforting each other in the Lady Sarena's room. It was strange, how he now felt about the young man. On first meeting him, a few weeks ago, he had thought him little more than another stuck up royal. One who had probably led the life of luxury, and one who had had his every whim pampered to, even more so that himself.

Even though he was a few
years older than the prince, Darak had nothing but admiration for the young man. He had shown him mercy, had saved his life and even helped him stop his drinking. It had been this youth, which had given him his own self-respect back, and even after everything he had done, had still considered Darak a friend. He wiped a single tear from his eye, and made his way out down the keep steps, to a command tent set up in the yard beside the timber buildings.

Darak approached, noticing his father and older brother talking to some people he had not seen
before. He knew however, who one man was. The lamps flickered with enough light, to show the fair hair, and facial features very similar to that of his friend. "Ah! Your highness, here comes my other son. Darak come meet Prince Caldar," his father said, as he spotted him approaching. Darak bowed, "it is good to meet you your highness," he said politely. The prince took his hand and shook it, in the sort of, less formal greeting he would expect from Luken. "No need for bows and kneeling," he said, in a voice that even sounded similar to his brother.

Food and refreshments were bought for the group. Caldar and Vanessa went to each person in turn, and after introductions, listened to what they had to say. There was his General, Jak Corley, a young lad called Levin, Lord Galliss and his sons as well as others he knew, and a few more he did not. Although it seemed each had a different set of circumstances, and all had their own distinct story to tell
, one factor kept cropping up. Caldar listened as everyone, each single person he spoke to, told him of his young brother. How the shy young boy he had left at the palace a few months back, had guided, helped and changed their lives for the better. Caldar felt such pride, as each, whether young or old, held his young brother in such high esteem.

After many tears, Sarena finally managed to get Taylor off to sleep. She herself found it difficult, but had managed, and now sat on the youngster's bed, stroking his head gently. Slowly and quietly getting up, she checked on Hope, before lying down on her own bed. She lay there, saying a silent prayer, to any god that would listen, to make her prince well again. She had heard Luken's brother Caldar had survived
, and was here in the keep yard. With everything as it was though, she did not feel well enough to meet him, and she hoped he would understand.

Caldar felt both physically and mentally tired and exhausted, they had rode for
days to get here, and he had so much going through his mind. He looked at the young woman on his arm, thankful once more for her being with him. She noticed him looking and turned to him, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck and kissing him gently. Mitch was stood just a short distance away, "oh! Not again" he chuckled noticing them. The others paid little more than a curious glance, but Caldar thought it was time to seek somewhere a little more private.

Lord Galliss and his sons had willingly given their room to the prince, despite him telling them there was no need. As Vanessa kissed him again though, he was somewhat glad they had. He took Vanessa by the hand, and quickly wishing everyone a goodnight, escorted her into the room he had been allocated. It was very dark inside, and he fumbled around trying to find and light a lamp. Once lit
, he placed it on the table, "right where were we?" he uttered, caressing his hands down Vanessa's body. She gave him a wicked smile, before shoving him down onto the bed, and leaping on top of him. As tired as he was, he was almost certain he could find the energy for what she had in mind.

Dagon was deemed the most qualified to keep watch on Luken; such was the uniqueness of his
condition. The old man, had used his pendant stone to consult with Sandred, giving the old magician on the Isle of Kelan updates every couple of hours. With having the knowledge of the magician at hand, Dagon was able to make a few potions that should help keep the prince alive. Sandred had told him, Luken was still young, and hence his body was not yet able to cope with the draining of life force required, to muster such power as he had. Yet by some miracle, he held onto life, and Dagon had sensed a little improvement once he had managed to tip the small potions into the prince's mouth. It was now just a case of waiting, hoping and praying that the young man lying before him, had the strength of heart and will to live.

Caldar awoke at first light, and tried quietly slipping out of the bed he had shared with Vanessa
, in an effort not to wake her. He gently pulled the cover over her, before putting on his small clothes, the very same ones they had ripped off in a moment of passion the night before. Dressing, with as little noise as possible and making his way out of the door. There was a guard stood on duty, who stood upright when he appeared. As Caldar went to walk across to the building housing his brother, the guard moved to follow. Caldar signalled him to stay, "I am only checking on my brother," he said quietly.

The guard at Luken's door stepped aside to allow Caldar in. They did not knock, and Caldar just popped his head around the door. The old man, called Dagon, was still sat at the bedside, and looked up when he realised someone was there. In something of a loud whisper Caldar enquired, "How is he?" Dagon looked at him, staring, and for a moment, he thought the old man was going to give him another tirade of abuse, "a little better I think. He does not feel as cold as he did, and his breathing feels stronger." Caldar nodded his appreciation, before slipping back out and quietly closing the door behind him.
He took a deep breath, and looked to the heavens for some divine help for his brother.

On returning to his room, he found Vanessa sitting up in bed waiting for his return. She looked in anticipation of any news, "the old man thinks he has improved a little," he told her. "Caldar," she said, patting the space beside her for him to sit. He willing did so, placed his arms around her, and kissed her gently, "what is it?" "Do you think it is true? You know all these stories of Luken. I have never truly heard of anything like it," she enquired. He thought for a moment, and then shrugged his shoulders as he stood back up, "Perhaps. I do not see how so many people could witness the same thing, so I suppose it must be." He had thought the same thing himself earlier; could
his little brother be some great magic wielding sorcerer?

Breakfast was duly delivered into the room, and Vanessa chuckled, "I could get used to this." Caldar smiled, as he dipped his piece of toast into the runny yolk of the egg on his plate. He supposed Vanessa was probably the one who usually would have made breakfast
, when she had lived on the farm. Ever since then she had been camped out, and he almost laughed at the thought of her sitting at a royal dinner table, during a feast.

General Skalton made it his first duty, to see the crown prince, and after enquiring of his younger brother, he asked if anything else was needed. He could still barely believe the events from the day before, as he waited patiently while his horse was being readied. His new assistant came scurrying over, "Sir, I was wandering...do I still have a job...well now the enemy are gone?" The General smiled, "of course Levin, we have much to do. Now did you manage to get me any sort of numbers from yesterday?" Levin nodded, and quickly rummaged for a scrap of paper in his pocket. Looking at his own notes, "an approximate last night was, about eighty dead at the gate, and we think Prince Caldar lost a half a dozen from his number. We have about thirty missing, presumed dead,
probably falling during the retreat, and bodies being burnt when...well you know."

Levin stood, as the General appeared pleased with his report, "and injured?" he was asked. He quickly glanced at the paper, turning it over, "oh right yes, sorry sir, only seventeen sir." The commander looked at him quizzically, "so few?" Levin went on to explain the theory behind the low number. It was thought any injured unfortunate to fall between the bridge and the walls, whilst the retreat was taking place were most likely caught up in the flames." Once satisfied, Levin was told to find himself his horse, and follow the General back out to the bridge. Reports would need to be taken on any damage the structure may have taken.

Sarena awoke, to find Taylor curled up in a ball on the floor. She got up, and after glancing quickly at her still sleeping baby, sat beside him. "Your father is a great man Taylor, and we both love him very much. I know he will not give in, he will fight with every ounce of strength left, to make himself better, you will see. I know he will not leave us," she added, feeling herself welling up once more. Taylor lifted his head and placed it against Sarena, and she gently ran her fingers across his forehead.

It was a strange type of day for everyone. Though much work still needed to be done, nobody really felt in the mood to do it. A few hammers could be heard inside the keep, as Lord Galliss had shown Caldar and Vanessa the progress made. There were a few builders in the city, digging footings for more houses, but generally, a sombre mood hung over them all.

Scouting parties had been sent out across the river, and all had returned with nothing to report. By afternoon, apart from the huge area outside the city walls that was little more than black ash, it would have been difficult to know anything had taken place there. The larger farm animals, those who had been moved further south, were once more bought a little closer. The pens had to be taken down and put back together for the second time in a few days.

It was early
summertime, and the sun was warm, as Caldar stood with Vanessa and her family atop the city walls. They all took in the beauty of the surrounding area. Arthur spoke first, "aye, I am glad we came. I think we'll get ourselves a little farm over there," he pointed roughly southwards. Edward replied, "Sorry father, not for me. Hunter and I intend to live in the city, perhaps run a small shop or something." The notion that two men could live as a man and woman would, still appeared strange to Caldar, though he thought, as long as they were happy, what should it matter.

Vanessa was next, "I think I would like to stay in the city as well dad," she said looking into Caldars eyes as she spoke. "Well, I thought you probably would. You two are bloody glued together I am sure," her father chuckled. The old man turned to his remaining sons, "and I suppose you lot got plans as well." Mitch answered, "Eric, Davis
, Carlton and I, thought we might start an inn, is that not that right," he said looking to his older brothers." Eric laughed, "Yes Mitch, though I am not quite sure you were actually involved in the discussions, or any part of the plan. Dad you are welcome to join us if you are interested." The group fell silent as they waited for the senior man's reply. "Well I did say I had had enough of farming I suppose. Of course I would have to be in charge of the bar, you boys would not know how to pour ale if it killed you...oh and I suppose I could rustle up some of that homebrew my pappy used to do. That was some stuff, could peel the varnish of a table if you spilt it," he laughed. "Perhaps may be wiser to forget that than, no good burning the insides of our customers out," Carlton added.

By early evening, the group of officers and friends all decided to eat out in the keep yard. The sun was still warm, and two trestle tables had been laden with food, for them to help themselves when they wished. There was roast chicken and pork, plates of cheeses, jars of pickles, bread rolls with butter, as well as a selection of seasonal fruits. The usual people were there, Hunter had joined Edward, and his brother Reece was happily mixing with the others. Caldar was talking to Arthur, mainly listening if truth were told, on how great an inn he was going to build in the city.

Suddenly he froze, a deluge of tears ran down his cheeks, as he ushered his way past the old man. His legs were like jelly as he ran, his vision all obscured by the crying as he finally hugged the young man standing gingerly before him. "Did I not promise you I would be back little brother," he sobbed. Luken very weakly hugged him back, "you took your time about it." Others eating and chatting in the yard, suddenly realised what was happening, and quickly scurried over, grouping around the princes.

Luken let go
of Caldar, as he heard a shout. "Dad?" came the voice of the small boy running with his arms wide, and tears of joy in his eyes. "Taylor," he said kneeling down, to embrace his son. Walking a little more reservedly behind was Sarena, carrying Hope in her arms. Luken kissed her, and they all hugged together. Caldar smiled at his sibling, "I leave you alone for a while, and look at you. A six-year-old son, a fiancée and small child, you work fast little brother. Come on I think you have a lot of explaining to do," he added putting an arm around him.