Chapter 42

Year 163 – Fall – Quintus Mensis – 13th day

Avem, town of House Valmai, land of the Vale

Vatra was walking in the town when she saw a bag fall to the ground. She looked at the sky, but the sun was blinding her vision. She walked toward the bag and picked it up.

Where does this come from? Was it a bird?

She opened the bag and saw a letter.

Be wary; the Kalator will cross the river from the eastern side to lead an attack from the south tomorrow at dawn. Signed, Mundric

What? Who’s Mundric?

Vatra ran toward the town hall and interrupted the war council. As she opened the door, every eye turned toward her.

The Eagle – “What’s the matter, soldier?”

Vatra – “I found a letter on the ground.”

The Eagle – “On the ground?”

Vatra – “It says the Kalator will cross the river from the eastern side and attack from the south, tomorrow at dawn.”

Arnold – “From the south?”

Thorkel – “Was it signed by Mundric?”

Vatra – “How do you know? Is he a spy?”

The Eagle – “He told us the destination of the Kalator scout, and he claims to be an ally but it could have been to lure us south the entire time.”

Vatra walked toward Ethen and gave him the letter.

Thorkel – “Is it the same person?”

The Eagle – “Yeah, same writing.”

Arnold – “Why would they attack the south? They already took the northern wall. It doesn’t add up.”

Thorkel – “But what if it was true? He might have accepted our proposal.”

Vatra – “Which proposal?”

Thorkel – “Curiosity kills the cat, little miss.”

The Eagle – “They might be trying to stop our escape route. If they can slaughter everyone, they’ll have fewer enemies to deal with next year.”

Arnold – “In any case, if they intend to cross the river, we can take down their trebuchets.”

Thorkel – “Only if they all go south. They probably only need a thousand to go south, and they’ll take the wall with no opposition.”

Arnold – “With no opposition? You don’t intend to defend it?”

Thorkel – “We can’t leave the north wide open, and if we split our forces, we’ll simply send half of them to their death in the south.”

The Eagle – “Only if we try to protect the wall. We have boats. They aren’t warships, but if they cross the river, they’ll be wide open and exposed. We can simply protect the river and prevent them from crossing. If they try to assault the northern bridge, we can simply dock our ships.”

Arnold – “That could work, but I would suggest getting a few ships west, just in case.”

The Eagle – “We’ll send two ships west and three ships east.”

Thorkel – “How many archers can be on those ships?”

The Eagle – “General Arnold, your men will stay at the northern fort. Plate armour wouldn’t be of much help if your men fall in the water. General Thorkel, you’ll defend the western side.”

Lord Valmai – “Ethen, I order you to conscript 400 men who aren’t part of our militia and to have them ready to protect the south if any Kalator pass your watch during the night.”

The Eagle – “It will be done.”

Lord Valmai – “If there are not enough men, conscript the women as well. We cannot afford to lose the south.”

Lord Krain – “If it is to defend the south, I’ll conscript my people as well. But don’t expect me to send them to the northern fort.”

Lord Valmai – “I wouldn’t dare expect bravery on your part.”

Lord Krain – “Don’t make me change my mind, Rulfus.”

The Eagle – “Tonight will be a long night. I recommend we end this council now so that we can rest before the night.”

Lord Valmai – “I agree.”

Arnold – “Good, then I’ll go prepare my soldiers.”

Lord Krain – “I’ll be taking my leave.”

After a short moment, only Vatra and Ethen were left in the town hall. Ethen was looking at her with a sad look on his face.

Vatra – “Is there a problem?”

Ethen – “You should leave the town now.”

Vatra – “What?”

Ethen – “You are not from Avem. You don’t have to die for us.”

Vatra – “You don’t think you’ll survive?”

Ethen – “We might, but if they take the south, we’ll be trapped.”

Vatra – “You’ll have the boats!”

Ethen – “And leave behind 1,500 people?

Vatra – “Then why don’t you all run away now?”

Ethen – “Run where?”

Vatra – “It doesn’t matter. Why would I be able to run away and not you?”

Ethen – “There’s a difference between running away alone and having close to 2,000 mouths to feed. I cannot leave my people, and if I die trying to protect them, then so be it! But you! You have no reason to stay.”

Vatra – “But . . .”

Ethen – “Remember, right now you’re supposed to be in jail, and you have burned our economy. And if this wasn’t enough to make our citizens dislike you, you’re from the East, so every time they’ll see your face, they’ll see those who killed their family.”

Vatra – “I’m not leaving. I’m not losing it all, this time!”

Ethen – “What do you have to lose by leaving?”

Vatra – “YOU!”

A dry silence reached the hall. The bell rang in the temple of Avem as Vatra shed tears.

Ethen – “You can’t stay!”

Vatra – “Then come with me!”

Ethen – “I have a duty! I’m the Eagle of Vale.”

Vatra – “Do you not want to live?”

Ethen – “I’ll pack a bag of food for you and leave it at the jail entrance.”

Vatra shook her head slowly and turned around before leaving the hall through the main door. Ethen looked at her leave with the same determination his sister had 16 years ago.

Ethen – “She won’t leave . . .”