His guard followed behind him in a single file across the long, narrow bridge.
There was a crowd in the paddock waiting for his return. He dismounted and called everyone within earshot to come closer. Once they had gathered, he stepped up on a small mound that used to be the corner post of a corral.
“Within the hour, a force of two thousand soldiers will be coming up that road. They will help in the defense and exploration of the Keep. Welcome them and help them find quarters,” Alexander said and then motioned to Erik as he stepped down.
“It’s good to see you in one piece, Alexander,” Erik said. “I was terrified when that thing jumped off the bridge platform. I never imagined it would do that.”
“I have to admit, I didn’t expect it either,” Alexander said as he guided Erik away from the milling crowd. “Erik, I need you to take command of the Keep garrison. Your primary responsibility will be the security of Blackstone Keep. Defer to the wizards in all things magical and help them explore this place and make it ready to take in more people—possibly a lot more. I hope it won’t come to it, but if need be, this Keep will be a refuge for the people of Ruatha against Phane and his minions.”
“I understand. Do you really think we’ll have to hole up here?” Erik asked.
“I hope not, but I want to be ready just in case,” Alexander said. “I know this isn’t the kind of battle you had in mind, but it’s important.”
“Alexander, I’ve learned a lot in the past few weeks. I saw a lot of good people die, and my fantasies of glory in war died with them. I’ll fight if need be, but I understand that the Keep might be the only safe place for our people to go. It’ll be ready.”
“Good man. Rely on the counsel of the wizards. This is a place of magic first and foremost.”
Alexander spent the rest of the day posted at the arch where the bridge met the paddock, welcoming soldiers into Blackstone Keep. He scrutinized the colors of every person to enter and he was glad he did. Over the course of the afternoon, he discovered and detained three spies who were dishonest and evasive when questioned.
During the entire process of vetting each and every person who entered the Keep, there was always a wizard nearby. Captain Sava and his squad were fanned out all around to provide security. Sava didn’t ask permission or seek approval for his actions but simply deployed his men as he saw fit to ensure that Alexander was well protected.
Erik and his Rangers choreographed a complicated process of moving soldiers into barracks and assigning quarters and duties. Erik was precise and organized. His Rangers were equally disciplined. The soldiers understood their orders and responded with efficient obedience. By nightfall, all two thousand were in the Keep, the bridge was secure, and the place was bustling with activity.
***
Alexander rubbed healing ointment on his shoulder before going to bed and woke the next morning with anticipation and excitement. He came to the breakfast table wearing his riding gear and carrying his pack, his bow, and a quiver of arrows.
It wasn’t long before the table was full. Breakfast was porridge with honey and dried fruit. Once everyone had eaten their fill, Alexander cleared his throat like he’d seen Jack do so many times before. The table fell silent and all eyes turned to him.
“We’re going to New Ruatha first. I want to ensure that we have a suitable general to lead the battle with Headwater, and I need to talk to Regent Cery and Wizard Sark for a few minutes. After that, we’re going to the Pinnacles. No one outside this room is aware of our real destination and no one must find out. Jack has prepared a rumor that we’re headed for some ruins in the highlands near Kai’Gorn to find the third Bloodvault, which we believe contains the secret of Wizard’s Dust. Hopefully, that will distract the enemy enough to give us safe passage.”
They spent the
There was a crowd in the paddock waiting for his return. He dismounted and called everyone within earshot to come closer. Once they had gathered, he stepped up on a small mound that used to be the corner post of a corral.
“Within the hour, a force of two thousand soldiers will be coming up that road. They will help in the defense and exploration of the Keep. Welcome them and help them find quarters,” Alexander said and then motioned to Erik as he stepped down.
“It’s good to see you in one piece, Alexander,” Erik said. “I was terrified when that thing jumped off the bridge platform. I never imagined it would do that.”
“I have to admit, I didn’t expect it either,” Alexander said as he guided Erik away from the milling crowd. “Erik, I need you to take command of the Keep garrison. Your primary responsibility will be the security of Blackstone Keep. Defer to the wizards in all things magical and help them explore this place and make it ready to take in more people—possibly a lot more. I hope it won’t come to it, but if need be, this Keep will be a refuge for the people of Ruatha against Phane and his minions.”
“I understand. Do you really think we’ll have to hole up here?” Erik asked.
“I hope not, but I want to be ready just in case,” Alexander said. “I know this isn’t the kind of battle you had in mind, but it’s important.”
“Alexander, I’ve learned a lot in the past few weeks. I saw a lot of good people die, and my fantasies of glory in war died with them. I’ll fight if need be, but I understand that the Keep might be the only safe place for our people to go. It’ll be ready.”
“Good man. Rely on the counsel of the wizards. This is a place of magic first and foremost.”
Alexander spent the rest of the day posted at the arch where the bridge met the paddock, welcoming soldiers into Blackstone Keep. He scrutinized the colors of every person to enter and he was glad he did. Over the course of the afternoon, he discovered and detained three spies who were dishonest and evasive when questioned.
During the entire process of vetting each and every person who entered the Keep, there was always a wizard nearby. Captain Sava and his squad were fanned out all around to provide security. Sava didn’t ask permission or seek approval for his actions but simply deployed his men as he saw fit to ensure that Alexander was well protected.
Erik and his Rangers choreographed a complicated process of moving soldiers into barracks and assigning quarters and duties. Erik was precise and organized. His Rangers were equally disciplined. The soldiers understood their orders and responded with efficient obedience. By nightfall, all two thousand were in the Keep, the bridge was secure, and the place was bustling with activity.
***
Alexander rubbed healing ointment on his shoulder before going to bed and woke the next morning with anticipation and excitement. He came to the breakfast table wearing his riding gear and carrying his pack, his bow, and a quiver of arrows.
It wasn’t long before the table was full. Breakfast was porridge with honey and dried fruit. Once everyone had eaten their fill, Alexander cleared his throat like he’d seen Jack do so many times before. The table fell silent and all eyes turned to him.
“We’re going to New Ruatha first. I want to ensure that we have a suitable general to lead the battle with Headwater, and I need to talk to Regent Cery and Wizard Sark for a few minutes. After that, we’re going to the Pinnacles. No one outside this room is aware of our real destination and no one must find out. Jack has prepared a rumor that we’re headed for some ruins in the highlands near Kai’Gorn to find the third Bloodvault, which we believe contains the secret of Wizard’s Dust. Hopefully, that will distract the enemy enough to give us safe passage.”
They spent the
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