Darkstone - An Evil Reborn (Book 4) (37 page)

“What choice do we have?”

Anchor lifted his eyebrow. “Retreat, lick our wounds, advance again?” His mind pictured the retreat back to the ships and then he smiled.

“We will attack from the North. It’s less likely there is a large force hidden to the North since we had to come up from the South and if we could force the Dakkorans to move towards the harbor, we have another fifteen thousand men on the ships. They’d have to fight. I’ll poke those Learsean admirals in their behinds if I have to.”

“But until then?”

Anchor barked out a laugh. “We might not be alive to do that, but it gives us a goal.”

Mander Hart stood from his camp chair. “If there was some way to get the sailors off those ships sooner…” He shook his head. Anchor would like the answer to that question as well, but each captain was the master of his ship and every man still on it. All they had to do was say no and that was that. The army needed the ships to get back to Besseth.

“We’ll focus on these three steps, fight the eastern army, reverse course and fight the oncoming western army while using a small force to cut off the supply right to the main camp. Then we will attack the main camp from the north rather than the south, where they have had a long time to set battlefield traps for us. May the gods be with us.”

“As good a plan as I can see,” Mander Hart said. “Let’s look at our next order of battle.”

The three of them reviewed their options until Anchor felt they had gone over plans well enough.

~

Vishan would have winced, had he a face that he controlled. Daryaku continued to harangue General Bishyar.

“Two of our armies chewed up… destroyed!  What incompetence is this?” she said waving their hands. “You told me our armies were invincible.”

“With all due respect, Your Eminence, I have never made such a claim. We have many proficient soldiers and many who have been trained in Ayrtan as we marched with no battle experience other than fighting the savages. The Bessethians have just been through a civil war. Even the sailors have fought pirates. Marshal Anchor used them to perfection, roaming the battlefield striking in an opportunistic manner. I’ve never seen such a thing, except perhaps from the Cuminee.”

“And how do they fight?” she asked with a sneering voice.

“You’ve fought them before, why should you have to ask me?” Bishyar furrowed his brow.

Vishan didn’t want Daryaku to ruffle his mind. The action had always been futile, but it hadn’t stopped her in the past.

Let me in!

Vishan exulted. Ayrtan had weakened in her ability to impose her will. He stayed silent, but tried to move a finger.

“Stop that!” she said out loud staring at her hand.

“Emperor?” Bishyar asked.

“Get out!” she said.

Bishyar looked worried and wasted no time in exiting the tent.

“Who do you think you are?” Daryaku said.
I’m your Emperor.

I don’t recognize you as such,
Vishan said, wiggling the finger again. It might have been a slight tremor as before, but his act unnerved her.

Stop it. You are banished!

Vishan’s mind reeled a bit, but he stayed awake in their mind.
I won’t tell you about the Cuminee or what happened there. If you didn’t extract it before, then you won’t get it from me now.

“I don’t need you!” she said aloud. “Once I hold the Purestone, I’ll put you away for good.”

Please do.
That would make her even madder. Vishan realized that the best course might be to go silent except for testing his ability to control his body from time to time.

~

Anchor flexed his bandaged right hand. He sat on a hill surrounding the battlefield. He had beaten both armies, but at a higher cost than he anticipated. The Dakkorans were a curious mixture of solid soldiers and riffraff. His marauding sailors had cut through the less experienced units with minimal losses. He wished he could say the same about the regular Dakkoran rankers.

His units fought through pockets of vicious resistance. He worried about his tired forces attacking the main Dakkoran encampment after a long forced march. His splinter force had made it to the Dakkoran supply column, but Daryaku’s forces quickly came from the main camp and re-established the supply column. He counted himself lucky that they didn’t use that as an excuse to engage his forces. No use stirring up a hornet’s nest prematurely.

His eyes drifted across the battlefield at the line of carts taking wounded soldiers and prisoners south to the port. He could kill the Dakkoran prisoners or remove them. He hoped that Lessa would have more luck persuading the naval captains to watch over the prisoners. The man did have a roguish charm.

Lotto and Shiro rode up to him. They had been gone since Anchor moved towards the first Dakkoran army.

“No movement from the main Dakkoran camp. Shiro estimates their strength at less than thirty thousand men. We didn’t find any signs of an army to the North or Northeast, but there is evidence of a small force to the Northwest. We observed the movements of supply wagons in that direction. If the little army attacked us, they’d have to travel right through the main group,” Lotto said.

“That won’t happen. The emperor will probably use them to reinforce their losses,” Anchor said. “Did you take notes of the topography?”

Shiro smiled and nodded. “Your map will be complete tonight.”

Anchor wondered if it would matter. He’d lost perhaps twenty percent of his men, mostly wounded, but out of action. If Lessa wasn’t successful, Anchor thought about retreating to defend the port. Sometimes taking too many prisoners merely gave an advantage to your foe.

He saw his chances of success diminish. He just didn’t have the men. All of this effort and he’d have to withdraw. He tried to deny it, but the feeling of humiliation began to creep into his consciousness. Had he failed again? At least this time he had choices.

~

Anchor had his generals set up plenty of pickets and kept a third of his army on a three-hour wakeful alert at all times during the night. Having visited men on the perimeter, he found Lotto, Mander Hart and Shiro making marks on his map when he returned to his tent.

He watched them work as he rinsed out his wound and re-bandaged the slice on his hand. A Ropponi healer would have cured him with a single treatment, but magic was still forbidden until they engaged the main group.

Lessa stuck his head in the tent. “There’s been an interesting development,” he said as he opened the tent door.

Shiro shot to his feet and grabbed the hilt of his sword and began to shout in Ropponi as two Ropponi followed Lessa into the tent.

Mistokko and Tishiaki followed them in and said something in Ropponi to Shiro. Then the captain looked at Anchor and continued in Bessethian. “It looks like my birds and your message worked. They need to speak with Shiro first before they will commit.”

Anchor looked at the two Ropponi in exotic fighting gear. “But there’s only two of them.”

“Oh, there are a gods-awful lot more passing our wounded and the prisoners, with their own supplies,” Lessa said.

The two Ropponi jabbered at Shiro. Anchor couldn’t understand any of it. The babbling didn’t make Shiro look very happy.

~

Shiro’s first thought when Lessa put his head through the tent was something was terribly wrong, but then the man wore the kind of grin that spoke ‘I know something you don’t.’

When Ashiyo, the man who betrayed Shiro more than once, entered the tent along with Guildmaster Yushidon, Shiro couldn’t help jumping to his feet, hand on sword.

“Ashiyo! Yushidon! What has brought you here? Are you fighting for the Dakkoran Emperor?”

Mistokko entered the tent along with Tishiaki and placed himself between the two Ropponi sorcerers and Shiro, holding his hands out. “I invited them.”

The heat of anger began to cloud Shiro’s mind. “They are my enemies, Mistokko.”

“Settle down, Shiro. Listen to what they have to say,” Tishiaki said.

“Perhaps enemies no longer,” Yushidon said. “You and your band remain unwelcome in Roppon, but we fight a common enemy. We can be allies in this. Emperor Daryaku is a creature of the Darkstone. I visited him some years ago in Baku. He carries a dark aura. I don’t believe that Vishan Daryaku inhabits that body, but something older and more evil. He pledged that he had no desires on Roppon, and I’ve struggled for years to convince myself that is so. Our spies have been to Dakkor and have returned to tell us of the ruination of that continent. The Emperor does not rule for the benefit of his people, but to satisfy dark desires. We cannot trust such a man to keep his word.”

“You have the blessing of the bureaucracy?” Shiro said.

“The Ropponi Emperor concurs that the darkness must not spread to Roppon. Therefore, he has sent me to lead twenty-three thousand Ropponi warriors.  I seek out a general to help me use them effectively. I am no war leader.”

Shiro shook his head at such a vast army without a leader. “What do you want of me?”

“Lead us,” Yushidon said. “We have heard of your work with the Besseti. We ask only one thing. A formal re-commitment that you and your Red Rose will not return to Roppon.”

Was that all they wanted? Shiro already knew he could not go back, but if this were the price, his signature that he would not go back, he would gladly sign it. Shiro would honor his commitment but that final act would pierce the hearts of a number of his band.

“I will do so.” How could he refuse?

Yushidon and Ashiyo looked relieved. To think they had come all this way on the hope that he would agree. Shiro didn’t believe it, but he didn’t care at this point.

“I do not lead the army. Marshal Anchor does. Tishiaki and I will lead the Ropponis, but the Marshal will lead the entire army. That is my first condition. I will want no interference wherever I settle my Red Rose outside of Roppon. I will take sorcerers that the Guild would end up culling. This is to be a binding agreement between Roppon and the Red Rose and its successors of exile Ropponis.” Shiro looked at Tishiaki, who nodded in agreement.

The two Ropponi sorcerers looked at each other and left them. After an hour or so, they returned. Ashiyo pulled out two scrolls. The words were simple enough. Shiro asked for one of the pens that Anchor had just used to mark up the map and wrote out his name. He took out his knife and nicked one of his wounds and pressed a bloody fingerprint into the scroll.  He stood silently while Tishiaki did the same thing. The guildmaster brought out a round red stamp and stamped both scrolls with the seal of the Ropponi Emperor.

The tension evaporated as the signing ended.

Tishiaki whispered in his ear. “This is a treaty between two sovereigns, you know.”

“It is done.” Shiro pursed his lips, knowing he had done the right thing, but uncertain about the ultimate cost.

~~~

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Ayrtan

~

S
hiro pressed a bloody thumb onto the scroll.
Anchor didn’t quite follow all what had transpired.

“They have twenty-three thousand warriors. Most likely they brought their own food so they wouldn’t taint their bodies with Bessethian provisions,” Mistokko said.

“You might want to know that the Ropponi vessels were set upon by the Dakkorans. The Learsea navy vessels joined in and with both fleets attacking the Dakkorans, the enemy fleet was vanquished. What few ships remained turned around and headed east,” Lessa said. “Did I get that right, my new friend?”

“I’ve never seen such a battle in my life, Anchor. Hundreds of ships. Probably never in the history of Goriath has there been a sea battle like that,” Mistokko said.

“The gods have saved us again,” Anchor broke out into a grin.

“With a little help from me,” Mistokko said.

“With a lot of help from you.” Anchor bowed to the two Ropponi, mimicking Shiro’s style. “Now, Lessa, would you find a very large corner of this valley and escort the Ropponi. There is a spring that runs out into the plain…”  Anchor pulled out a map of the battleground and pointed, “here. If they brought their own water, they can still use the stream to wash. Shiro would you inform the two Ropponi of the Affinity limitations on Ayrtan? Then we will get started working with all of our resources.”

Lessa smiled. “I suppose you aren’t interested in sailors?”

Anchor shook his head. “With any number of Dakkoran ships flailing around, a sizable force could regroup and attack again. So, no, your orders still call for leading the column south to the harbor.”

“They are continuing to move as we speak. I will lead them to the sea and then return.” Lessa gave Anchor a salute.

“Lessa, see if you can get the captains to take care of the captives and if you have any of our Red Rose among the injured, who haven’t lost any strength, you can use them. If there are any healers among the Ropponi crews, see if they will help the wounded. Dakkoran and Bessethians, both. Report to me as soon as you come back.”

“Aye, Aye, Marshal!” Lessa grinned and left.

Anchor turned to the Ropponi, and asked Shiro to translate as he pointed to the map. “We have a battle to fight. You’ll turn your men east and then north. We can now afford to cut off their supply wagons. It’s time to reset the general battle plan. Mistokko, you translate what we say to the Ropponi. Shiro, you translate what they say back. That will give you both a chance to retain your voices.” Anchor rubbed his hands.

Mander Hart stood and stretched his body. “Wait a moment. I think better introductions are in order. I’d like to know my allies a little better.” He turned his charming smile on the Ropponi sorcerers.

~

Daryaku paced back and forth in the tent. General Bishyar and the other lesser generals watched her.

“No word on our fleet. At this point, we have secured the supply train that was disrupted. A large Ropponi force has just arrived. Am I to show happiness?” Daryaku said.

The shrillness of her voice made the officers uncomfortable. Vishan noted their faces as Daryaku looked from one to the other all the way down the line. Ten men, all in a row. He felt a little mischievous and made their hand jerk. Daryaku let out a little cry and the men all jumped, as far as he could tell. The Emperor’s eyes flew all over the place. That was the extent of his control, but it gave him great pleasure to see how it bothered her.

She now refused to respond to his comments.

“We must recall the last of our hidden armies. They have gained the numerical advantage.”

“Then we will fight to the death, if we have to. All of the Warstones are in their camp. I used a little of my power last night, the first since I returned from Dakkor. We are so close. Once we retrieve the stones, they cannot fail to fall beneath my will.”

It will take more than will to defeat them. Roppon has more sorcerers than the rest of Goriath combined,
Vishan whispered in her mind.

“They fell before!” Daryaku said.

Yes, taken from within millenial ago, as you tried to do in Besseth. Do you think that would work on Roppon now? They are all united behind their own Emperor. Warlords ruled Roppon in those days.
Vishan enjoyed reminding her.

“Silence!  I was there!” she said aloud.

So you know the truth,
Vish replied.
I’ve always thought that is why you didn’t invade them, too many nobles to turn. Do you forget so soon?
He knew it hadn’t been ‘so soon’, but the comment would goad the foolish woman.

She grit her teeth so hard, Vishan could feel them grind.

“You have your orders. General Bishyar will work through the details. I want a detachment bring as many men from the supply lines to add to our forces. Recall the rest of the third army, and then we attack.”

The generals filed out. Could they put their hearts into the fighting? Vishan didn’t know. He did know that Daryaku had definitely begun to lose control of what little sanity was left in her part of his mind.

~

Restella showed up at the doorway to Lotto’s tent. He could see the alarm on her face. “It’s becoming dull,” she said, pulling out her sword.

Lotto looked at the Moonstone and had to agree that the luster had diminished.

“I wonder if it’s the link between us?” he said. He looked at Restella’s eyes. She seemed a little shorter or was that a figment of his imagination? Was the power of the Moonstone making her revert to what she was before? The thought sent shivers down his back. Would he turn back into what he was before, a man with limited mental faculties? “Perhaps it’s time that I hold it. It’s tuned into my power and if I hold it, the power might last longer.”

Restella shrank back in shock. “I can’t do that!”

“You must. We don’t know what will happen if it goes dim. It must last until we can get back to Besseth. Your father said that when the time was right you had to relinquish the stone to me. Must I personally get Anchor to ask you?”

She shook her head, looking crestfallen. “Very well. I’ll give you my sword.”

Lotto smiled. “I don’t want your sword. It’s your best weapon. Let me remove the stone.” He used a tiny bit of power and the Moonstone popped into this hand. Lotto quickly put it into a uniform pocket. “Even that touch might have been too much of a power transfer.”

“I felt a surge of energy. I think that’s a good sign.” She nodded to Lotto and mounted her horse, riding back to her command.

Lotto walked over to Anchor’s tent. He stayed outside while Anchor reviewed last minute instructions with Shiro and the Ropponi. The two Ropponi left with Mistokko, leaving Shiro behind.

“Restella sensed the loss of power and noticed the Moonstone’s waning shine.” He took the stone out of his pocket with a glove on his hand and laid it on the map. “We now have all three in our possession.” Shiro put his stone on the table. Anchor pulled out the Bloodstone and set them all in a row.

“Daryaku fights us for these three gems.” He sighed. “She will be drawn to them like a fly to carrion.”

Mander Hart got up from a chair and stretched. “Back has stiffened up.” He grimaced and joined them. “To think within a few leagues, the four Warstones are close to reuniting.” He looked at Lotto. “I noticed that Restella has lost a bit of her intimidating appearance. I’m sure it’s related to the power loss.”

Anchor snorted and leaned on the table with both hands. “I can’t feel a thing. I’m not sure what happens when we destroy them all.”

Lotto just looked on. He knew what would happen to him and it would be worth the sacrifice. Looking at all of the men in the room, he realized that most of his friends stood before him. Kenyr guarded the supplies and Gully was scouting the enemy. What would they think of him when he transformed into his old self? More chilling was what he would think of them? The amazement of this moment, seeing the three naked stones didn’t fill him with awe like it did the others. Dread had filled his very soul.

Shiro broke the silence and took his back. “When the time comes, we should teleport into the Emperor’s presence and seize the Darkstone. Strike fast and join them together.”

“I’m not so sure,” Mander said. “Even your people recognized many sorcerers close to Daryaku.”

“I have my Ropponi and Ashiyo and Yushidon know how to teleport and there are others here, including an old friend, Desiku, the assistant weapons master from my Guild days. We can more than match their sorcerers if we go all at once. Do it after the Emperor is distracted with the battles.”

Anchor nodded. “I agree.”

“I can teleport in as well,” Lotto said.

“It’s an advantage we have,” Mander said. “Valetan agrees.” He waved his hand in the air. “Let’s be bold. It is something we are all known for, is it not?”

Lotto felt the tension fade into resolve. He hadn’t noticed it build. “We are, Mander.”

~

“The stones were together. Close,” Daryaku said. “I’ll finally regain enough power to rid myself of you!”

You have my permission, should that happen, Grand Empress. It’s been twenty-five years of living in the head of a madwoman. I’m ready for release. You were unstable before you died and you’re even more unstable now.
Vishan jerked her neck and she screamed.
I only wish I could do more. My greatest wish is for your demise.
He had said enough.

She would know he spoke from his heart. If only he controlled it physically, he might will it to stop.

~

The sun rose on a dusty plain. Anchor looked down from the North. They had filled the battlefield during the night. The Dakkorans had set their encampment up so they had the high ground on an army coming from the South. They would this day, but Anchor’s main force would attack from the North, following the small Dakkoran force that had just joined up with the Dark Lord’s main army.

He had his buglers call across the valley to the other side and to create massive squares alternating with empty space. His marauding sailors would run into the spaces once the soldiers clashed, ready to create chaos. That was what he wanted. Antzen’s force would pour in from the East over a saddle in the hills. Restella’s force would enter the battle from the West. The Ropponi, supported by Lessa’s Prolans would fight from the South. The Dakkoran’s were hemmed in and would likely be annihilated.  Anchor didn’t really want that to happen. He’d rather kill the Emperor and make all of Zarron into an ally. The result of their efforts at Foxhome were successful. He wanted this to mimic that victory. If only he could create that outcome, it would nearly be worth all of the inevitable deaths.

Anchor wanted five or more small battles in the large valley to distract the Emperor, each one beginning at a different time. He now had the numerical edge, but the Dakkorans had the advantage of preparing the southern field for battle.

Pits and mounds covered the ground closer to their tents. He had seen the same in the South except these pits were deeper and the mounds higher. Anchor had done much the same thing in the Battle of Sally’s Corners.

Create chaos. That was his final strategy. Shiro knew that he didn’t have to foolishly rush the attack through whatever the traps the Dakkorans had devised. Slowly advance, but fight with a vengeance. The Dakkorans had no place to go. The Alliance could afford to move slowly.

Anchor wouldn’t fight with his sword on this of all critical days, but with his wits. His hand went to the Bloodstone, in Sallia’s silk pouch. If he survived, his fate would depend on the nature of the spell that had turned him into Anchor. He didn’t know what would happen. Shiro didn’t care, since the Sunstone hadn’t changed him in any way. Lotto was clearly frightened beyond belief.

He raised Sallia’s ragged red token and waved. The battle for Goriath would begin. A world war, represented by the three sentient continents. The savages of Ayrtan had finally learned not to fight the invaders on their soil, but he could see pockets of them on the tops of the hills looking on. What went through their minds?

The battle had begun. A Red Rose used some of her precious magic to teleport to Shiro, who led the Ropponis. Lotto looked on, his face impassive. Mander Hart stayed back at camp. A Ropponi stood close to summon him when the time had come.