attempting to keep their moral high.
Turning his back on what’s about to happen, he finds Brother Willim and the rest of the Hand there behind him. “Terrible things happen when one land goes to war with another,” states Brother Willim. He and the others all wear somber expressions. He turns to his brothers and says, “We have work to do.”
As the Hand begins moving among the wounded, lending what aid they can, James gazes around at the fallen. A group of wounded have already begun to grow around the spot where Miko is using the Star to save what lives he can.
Behind him, the thrum of bowstrings announces the beginning of the end for the lives of many Empire soldiers. Shaking his head, he heads back to the makeshift camp on the outside of the walls and tries to ignore the cries of the dying men.
Chapter Seventeen
During the aftermath of the fighting, Miko and the Brothers manage to save many of the fallen. The area where they healed the wounded reminded James of a scene right out of MASH as the wounded were brought to them.
Armor and weapons from the dead Empire soldiers are cleaned up as best they can be and then are given to the newly formed units of crossbowmen and fighters. By the end of the afternoon, what wounded that could be saved has been. Devin puts up James’ tent so the leaders will have a place to meet to discuss their next course of action.
“What do you mean you’re leaving?” exclaims a weary Miko. Exhausted and wearing a fresh clean shirt as his other had been stained beyond repair with the blood of the wounded, he gazes at James in disbelief.
“I’m taking Jiron and Jared further into the Empire while the rest of you follow Illan back to Madoc,” he explains. Even though he had told them that he would be taking everyone from The Ranch with him when he split off from Illan, he came to the conclusion that a small group would travel faster without attracting as much notice.
“I’m coming too,” he states very matter-of-factly.
Shaking his head, James replies, “Not this time.” When he sees Miko ready to begin another tirade about coming along, he holds up his hand to forestall him. “Illan will need the Star to keep as many of his men alive before they make it back to the safety of Madoc.”
“But…” he begins to say then stops.
“You are more than just the kid I found on the streets of Bearn now,” James tells him as he lays a hand on his shoulders. “There are times when duty, especially duty for others, will force us to abandon our own wishes. They need you.” Gazing into his eyes, James pauses a moment before adding, “I doubt if they will be able to survive to return to their families without you.”
Emotions war within him from anger to helplessness as he comes to grips with what James just told him. After a prolonged silence, he at last nods his head in defeat. Patting his shoulder once again, James turns to Brother Willim who nods as well. Just before the meeting, he had explained things to the brother.
Returning his attention to the others assembled there, he says, “I’ve checked the surrounding countryside and it doesn’t look as if any other forces are on the way. I plan on sneaking out once night has fallen when any searches done with magic will be less effective, I hope.”
“Now, what’s going on with Korazan itself?” he asks.
“Fairly quiet, all things considered,” replies Illan. “Ceadric?” he says.
“The foraging parties we’ve sent into the areas surrounding the slaver compound have met little resistance,” he explains. “There have been isolated incidents where bolts have been fired at us, but those are relatively few.”
“Since our presence has been kept here on the east side of town, our scouts keeping an eye on the north and south road tell us that some brave souls are leaving the city and making their way to safety.”
“Send Nerun and his riders to the north to halt any further people fleeing in that direction,” Illan tells him. “When we leave in the morning, we’ll be taking the north road. Don’t want a bunch of civilians getting in our way.”
“Yes, sir,” he says.
“Delia,” James says turning to her. “There are still several dozen crystals left that you will be taking with you. Make sure no one but you touches them until it’s time for their use.”
“What are they?” she asks.
“Similar to the ones I used to breach the walls,” he explains. To Illan he says, “You can use them to blow any bridges you come across on your way north too.”
Nodding, Illan grins and says, “We’ll do that.”
“But won’t that make it hard for you to get out of the Empire?” Miko asks, worried.
“We’ll be returning another way,” he replies. “With any luck we’ll meet up with you by the time you reach the border.”
“Still an army or two between us and Madoc,” Ceadric interjects.
“True,” replies Illan. “But with any luck, Lord Pytherian and the Alliance will have softened them up some before we encounter them.”
“Maybe catch them between our force and his?” offers Ceadric.
“That’s the plan,” Illan says.
“Where are you planning on going?” Delia asks.
James looks to her for a moment and says, “Oh, just some places south of here that the Empire would hate to lose.” Then to Illan he adds, “On your way north, free as many slaves as you can. They may not be able to fight well, but every bit helps.”
Illan stands up and says, “We all have things to see to before we leave in the morning. I suggest we get to them.” And with that the meeting breaks up. Ceadric heads out to find Nerun and have him close down the northward migration of civilians. James takes Delia to the pack horses where he separates the crystals he’s planning on taking with those he’s leaving for her.
Jiron on the other hand has something else on his mind. It doesn’t take him long to locate Aleya, she’s with other archers working to fletch arrows damaged during the battle. It took them some time but they managed to retrieve a good portion of those used.
As he approaches, the talking ceases as she and the others turn toward him. “Uh…” he begins then stops.
“Yes?” she asks when he fails to continue to talk.
“Can I see you a moment?” he asks. When she nods he adds, “In private?”
An arrow lies in her lap, the arrowhead slightly skewed from where it had struck armor. “Give me a sec,” she says.
He waits patiently while she works on the arrow. Once the arrowhead is again secured firmly in the correct position, she puts it in her quiver which is propped against the pack lying next to her. As she comes to her feet, Jiron leads her away to a spot of relative privacy away from the hustle and bustle of the camp.
Coming to a halt, he turns to her and says quietly, “James and I are leaving this evening.”
“What?” she asks. “I thought we were all going together?”
He takes her by the hand. “So did I,” he replies. “I’m not sure exactly where James is leading us but I do know it’s further into the Empire. You and the others are going to begin the journey back to Madoc.”
Sadness comes to her eyes as she gazes into his. “I understand,” she assures him. “You be careful.”
Giving her a crooked smile he says, “I will.” Pulling her close he wraps his arms around her and happily feels hers wrap around him. “I love you, you know,” he whispers into her ear.
“I do know,” she replies with an emotional catch in her voice. “I love you too.”
Their embrace lasts for several minutes until the stillness of the moment is disturbed by James clearing his throat. They both turn to see him there a few feet away, a slightly embarrassed look upon his face. “I hate to break this up,” he says, “but the sun is almost down.” He glances from Aleya to Jiron and says, “We need to get
