“But we need to protect the cargo,” Sven insisted.
“And we will protect it,” Eicewald said.
“Who?” Orten retorted. “You and your Magi? I don’t know whether–”
Thoran interrupted him immediately. “No, your Magi will remain here to protect the capital.”
Eicewald, who did not seem surprised by the comment, raised his hand. “I have a suggestion that might work.”
“Go on, let’s hear it,” the King said.
“A small group of men could go with me to protect the cargo, and not being soldiers, they wouldn’t arouse so much reluctance in the Queen.”
“What group of men?”
Eicewald looked aside at Gatik. “Rangers, my lord. They’d be perfect for this mission. They could protect me and the cargo, in case of problems they’ll know how to confront them better than soldiers would, and they wouldn’t attract as much attention or distrust, since they’re not soldiers.”
The King considered the idea.
“My Rangers can take charge of the mission without any problem,” Gatik assured him.
“No, not yours,” the King interrupted him again. “I want you and your Royal Rangers with me here.”
Gatik was quick to fall into line. “Oh, of course, your Majesty.”
“Nevertheless, it seems a good idea to me,” Thoran said to Eicewald. “A group of Rangers could protect the ship, safeguard your life and not arouse suspicions. Yes, I like the plan.”
“If your Majesty will allow me, I’ll take personal charge of choosing the team who’ll come with me.”
“Fine. But choose well, Mage. You know what’s at stake …”
“Of course, your Majesty.”
“If you need anything, I’m at your disposal,” Gatik said to Eicewald, and the Mage gave a small bow of gratitude.
“And if even so, the mission fails?” Sven asked suddenly.
“In that case,” said the mage, “I fear the Specter and the hosts of the Frozen Continent could descend on the capital.”
“Of course, they’ll come, now they know we can’t defeat them!” Orten protested.
“I’d have no doubt about it myself,” Thoran reasoned. “I’d attack and conquer this kingdom with an advantage like that.”
“Then it’s just a matter of time,” said Sven.
“So it is,” Thoran agreed. “I don’t think they’ll wait for long before they cross the Eternal Mountains and attack us.”
“Then we need to get ready to stop it any way we can, and quickly,” Orten said.
“Get together what you need, and leave without delay,” the King told Eicewald.
“So, it shall be done, your Majesty. Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a great deal to prepare.” The Mage bowed to the King and the nobles and began to withdraw.
“Go, and don’t fail me,” was the King’s parting message.
Eicewald came to Lasgol’s side. “You’re coming with me,” he whispered in his ear.
Lasgol’s blood froze in his veins.
Chapter 18
On board the ship, Lasgol stared out at the wide harbor of the coastal city of Oslenbag, in the northwest of the kingdom. He had still not gotten over the shock of learning that he was to form part of Eicewald’s expedition. It was five days since the Mage had told him, in the throne hall: days frantic with preparations for the journey, during which he had barely had time to think of all its implications.
A group of harbor workers were loading boxes of supplies as well as barrels of drinking water, which were essential for long sea journeys. He had to admit that the vessel was solidly-built. Eicewald had asked for a large merchant ship in excellent condition. The King’s brother had advised him to take one of the warships, or even one of the assault ships, which were the kind generally used by the army and which were properly equipped for this type of mission. The Mage had declined the offer courteously but firmly. He did not want to take anything resembling a warship, preferring a merchant ship, which would not appear threatening when it was spotted. Orten had assured him that this was a bad idea and would attract pirates, whereas a warship would scare them away, guaranteeing them a safe passage. Eicewald had insisted. If they went anywhere near the Turquoise Queen’s islands on a warship, not only would they not be made welcome, but she would sink them with her magic. In the end Orten had given up and granted the Mage what he had asked.
“Pretty, isn’t she?” came Eicewald’s voice.
Lasgol, who was leaning on the gunwale, turned to greet the Mage. “Yes, sir. A big solid ship.” He had already noticed the width and length of the single-sailed vessel.
“They’re almost done loading the supplies,” the mage added.
“Will they load the cargo afterwards?”
Eicewald nodded. “First the supplies, since without them we can’t make the trip, and then the precious cargo.” He nodded toward the end of the dock. A regiment was escorting a caravan of carts, which was moving in their direction.
“Oh, they’re here already.”
“That’s right. As you can see, they’re quite striking …”
The soldiers wore armor of silver scales, with winged helmets of the same color and red-and-white breastplates and cloaks. They were armed with spears and round wooden shields reinforced with metal, light but sturdy.
“In fact, ‘discreet’ is exactly what they aren’t …”
“That’s why I didn’t want them to come with us on an unusual journey like this.”
“Sir …” Lasgol began.
“Yes, Lasgol? What’s on your mind?”
“I was wondering … why out of all …”
“Why I chose you to help me in this mission?”
Lasgol looked into the dark eyes of the Mage, who had been expecting the question, doubtless along with many others Lasgol was asking himself.
“Yes, why me?”
“For two important reasons. First, because you did very well in the Frozen Territories. You held up during the great spell, and I know it was a difficult job. You demonstrated a strong will and a capacity for suffering. A little more, and we’d have had problems
