Sergun's Mission Read online

  On the solid metal casing of the oracle from an invisible gap, the skin of metal disappeared as though it were liquid. There was a darker casing underneath. Sergun had an image of many layers and perhaps the device was some bizarre creature hidden inside. He shuddered but it was no Keratha creation and it spoke his language perfectly. Symbols he vaguely remembered seeing and many he did not appeared with instructions. They appeared in bright blue and against the background and looked amazingly colourful.

  ‘The second task is to remove me from this place. I must be taken to a location of security and safety. I would not help the Keratha or Raiders but they might destroy me and all the knowledge and power I can aid you with would be lost. I was left here for security. There was no power I trusted long enough to keep me safe. Now my analysis determines with my assistance Tharne could be the strongest power in this world but only if we act immediately. Take the plans I’ve given you to your best scientists but the information must be kept as secret as possible. Knowledge is power.’

  Sergun took a pencil and paper from his jacket and copied what the oracle displayed. Some symbols were unfamiliar while others were known. If it was a message he did not know what it meant. ‘Who am I to show this to?’

  ‘Not to Jannesse,’ the oracle softly said. ‘If the information is not comprehensible to you take it to someone trustworthy with great knowledge.’

  He confirmed he’d copied it and the information disappeared from the box. He carefully hid the paper in his jacket and said farewell to the oracle.

  As he pushed the curtain and descended the stairs Jannesse and the Captain were approaching. ‘It said to keep it safe,’ Sergun said.

  The oracle was surprisingly heavy and required four strong men to lift it. It was covered in cloth to protect it from prying eyes and it was told not to speak unless either Sergun or Jannesse asked it a question until it arrived at a place of safety.

  The device was moved onto a covered wagon. Sergun asked it one final question before they prepared to move. ‘What can you do now to help us? Can you make ultrasteel swords or weapons?’

  ‘I can only give the plans, maps, and predictions. Do you have an ultrasteel sword? They were made when we first arrived. Such a weapon is built to last. No more complex weapons would still be working. New weapons will be created, better than any sword. Imagine a weapon flying through the air further than you can see and destroying the enemy while you remain in camp!’

  ‘You will make Tharne invincible!’

  ‘Perhaps. There will be a long fight but it’ll be shorter than it would be without my help.’

  The oracle seemed correctly named. He wondered how it came to be in the swamp for so long and what it really was. It was curiosity as long as it aided them it didn’t matter what creature it was.

  30. The Attack

  The camp was cleared in good time, the oracle transported covered protected by the guards and the company made it back to the main body of men and Galls. Sergun sent messengers ahead with the news of the enemy approaching from the north. In the time they were in the forest the base looked well made. There was a ditch all around and a barrier. Higher posts at each corner of the square afforded a better position for sighting the enemy. It was a typical temporary structure of the Tharne army.

  They ran to the Captains and sounded the horns. The camp was a scene of great activity, with armed men dressing, others running laden down with equipment. There was no fear on the men’s faces but a sense of urgency, concentration, and excitement while from some happiness at the thought of soon leaving for their base.

  The Captains assembled the archers behind the barricade. They kept their own cavalry in reserve and the bulk of their troops behind the archers. There was a reserve force waiting with their swords, axes, and spears. If only the machine was lighter they could have ridden off with it before anyone threatened them. Sergun wondered if these Raiders knew of the existence of the oracle or were merely out for revenge for his party’s incursions into their territory and killing. It seemed strange for so many to want to attack them.

  He walked back to the oracle’s wagon and asked if there was any change in the direction of the riders. He was told there was another group arriving from the west of the same size. He shouted at a messenger to run to the captain of the archers and tell him Sergun said to split them, with half to cover the west.

  Sergun stood on the barricade to watch the incoming riders. The archers managed to fire several volleys into the attackers before they ran behind the armoured infantry with their large metal plated shields. The enemy riders were several deep and a hundred metres across, most of the first two rows fell to the arrows. In front of the crude wooden barricade were stakes dug deeply into the ground. The horsemen charged as Sergun jumped from the barricade and back through a gap in the ranks of shields to stand behind the men. The riders were Raiders and as they got close enough they leapt over the barricade some horses were powerful enough to leap over the stakes as well but most fell onto the points with their riders thrown off. From behind the shield wall swords and spears jabbed out into the fallen men. Sergun saw the far side wasn’t under attack yet. The Galls waited and set upon the attackers with their power and skill. Men in the line fell and several made it past the Galls. Sergun spun from his attacker and sliced him across his arm. His shield arm dropped and Sergun finished him stabbing him through his side with Justice whilst his bodyguard took on the other Raider.

  The Raiders were keen and in a lust for blood. They smelt of alcohol. The two Generals stood on the second line together with veterans and their bodyguards.

  They held large shields in front of them with spears sticking out between the gaps. Several horseback riders broke through the first line only for their horses to run straight into the strong spears of the second line. The riders were thrown off and approached the second line. They were large, powerfully built and covered in tattoos. They looked hungry for battle and leapt forward with shields in one hand and their swords and axes in their other.

  The fighting was swift and bloody, some of the defenders deciding to keep their shields close together while others opened up and welcomed the attackers inside. Sergun found two approaching him, he pulled out his Handgun and shot one of the men in the face. He fell back screaming. The Raiders were tough and eager for battle. The second enemy was overconfident, aggressive and left his body open so while his bodyguard shot the third Sergun thrust deep into the man’s body. In several places, the first line of troops was broken through the second line forced to link up with the first. It was mayhem with the shouts of the attackers and war cries. Horses falling, men dying and the horns issuing orders. Sergun’s position wasn’t great for seeing the battlefield. Behind him stood the black-clad soldiers guarding the oracle’s wagon. His soldiers held their line Tharne troops fell but the Raiders failed to break through the replacement line and the survivors fell back. There were many bodies fallen. Men had been crushed by the riders and though few of his side were killed there were many injured. Another attack by the same size forces and his group of warriors were sure to be annihilated.

  Sergun thanked Kall for recommending the Handgun as a backup weapon. He did not expect to shoot half the man’s head off but at least it was proof the weapon did more than put ‘tiny holes in bodies’ as many said.

  ‘How did they get across our ditch so easily?’ asked Sergun.

  ‘Their front riders who made it rode their horses into the ditch and sacrificed themselves, building up until the dead could support those coming after them.’

  ‘Dammed fanatics. Good tactic though,’ Kall said.

  At almost the same time as the attack from the west, an attack began from the north. The force was of cavalry from the City of Dreams. They were as keen as the Raiders to inflict losses on the invaders and had a greater force than their allies. They inflicted more losses than on the western lines but were eventually forced back too after a heavy fight. The men on the watchtowers reported the retreat of the enem
ies but Sergun wasn’t convinced and went to the centre of the camp where the oracle lay protected by vigilant black-clad men. The Captain acknowledged Sergun and let him pass into the inner lair. Jannesse sat looking glum.

  ‘What ails you, lady?’ He asked.

  ‘I don’t want to fall into their goddam hands again!’

  ‘Nor me my lady. We’ve vanquished them for now but the oracle can see further than our eyes and I wish to know if we can leave the camp now.’

  The oracle assured them there were additional riders but they were even more distant and in no greater numbers than the first attackers. Sergun could think of no reason to doubt the creature, though he shuddered to think of it all alone for so long and in a box. Was it a spirit form? He had never seen evidence of such creatures and was the oracle the proof? It was no time for such curiosity. He thanked it for its advice and scouts were sent to confirm the oracle’s finding. If the creature in the box could see further than their scouts that alone made it valuable

  Stripping their dead men of their armour, helmets, and weapons there was no time to bury them. Oil was poured over their corpses and fires were set to prevent the enemy using either their uniforms or bodies against them. The awful stench added to the foul smells of battle and dead horses. Sergun did not know if the enemy were seeking the oracle as well or if their attack was in revenge for the deaths at the Lord’s home. There were no attackers left to interrogate. He was concerned with getting both the oracle and the remaining troops safely back to Northtown. It was still a four-day journey and they couldn’t abandon their wagons as he would not leave their injured behind nor the oracle. It might still give the enemy time to fight them before they reached Northtown. If there was no option but to abandon wagons, later on, he would take the decision with great regret. But he could not permit his entire force to be wiped out.

  ‘Looks like you’ll get the war you crave,’ Sergun said to Kall.

  ‘I expected it to be against the Keratha not against our kind. They should have been satisfied at the killing of our men outside their city. Their lust for blood will mean our government will seek vengeance on them. Why the Raiders have become involved I don’t know other than their love of fighting.’

  ‘Those who seek vengeance will have their lusts satisfied many times before the next season has passed.’

  ‘Danger has always followed you around, it’s as if there is a chemical around you which attracts it,’ said Grer.

  Sergun wasn’t sure if his friend was joking. ‘Don’t blame me. I’m always sent on dangerous missions!’

  ‘It’s why when we heard you were on the loose we came looking for you, there was sure to be excitement!’

  ‘How long will you ride with me?’

  ‘As long as there is a danger to you we’ll ride.’

  ‘I hope to be released from my mission once the treasure is returned to Tharne. I hope the troops have been shown we’ll not give in and starting a war with us is suicidal.’

  ‘The rulers of the city may not be aware of how well we combine and fight. It’s close to ten years since the defeat of your enemies in the east and for some humans that is the distant past. Especially if they were not involved in the fighting.’ Grer said.

  ‘Yes, human memories can be short and the Raiders did not experience the full might and fury of our forces in the last war and may think us weaker than we are.’

  31. Close to Destruction

  It was a tense few days riding back to Northtown. The loss of so many in the attacks bought the troops’ morale to a low ebb. The cries of the wounded in the wagons were not pleasant. Their medical supplies had been set on fire in the attack and only limited supplies of alcohol to subdue the wounded remained.

  The special dark clad guard with the oracle remained as quiet as before. They stayed in a protective cordon around the wagon with the oracle and none had taken part in the battle against the Raiders’ and city troops. The moral of the rest of the troops was too low for them to say anything against the dark-clad men. Progress slowed on the second day as rain fell again. Their scouts reported horsemen approaching but no great number yet.

  Jehran and Sarish were safe. Both fought excellently against their attackers. Sarish seemed to accept the killing the Lord would be no easy task.

  Grer was the most positive one. Happy to form a rear-guard against any further attack he was curious about what had been uncovered in the swamp but understood when Sergun would say no more and did not press the matter. He enjoyed hunting both swamp lions and the enemy men. Jannesse the few times Sergun spoke to her looked depressed. He tried to assure her each day they were nearly home and when she smiled he sensed the falseness in her expression. She had not expected the losses they suffered and appeared only now to realise what it would mean if she was captured again. Sergun shuddered at what Lord Arconis might do to a captured slave who dared to break free. He was cruel enough to those he owned who obeyed.

  They travelled all day and all night. Resting only on the second night. Men and Galls were exhausted and slept heavily. The guards were given the herb ‘wide eyes’ in their food to stop them falling asleep. To be overcome while they all slept would be a terrible end. The herb was effective but later the next day all the guards from the night before slept next to the injured in the wagons as the after effects of the herb were powerful.

  Compared to the excited and proud warriors who departed the town only a few days before the returning troops looked tired, dirty and exhausted. Nothing had changed in the years since Sergun last led troops except for the black-clad troops and the handguns. The weak and unfortunate often died. Veteran units would be formed with soldiers of good skill and morale.

  Early in the morning of the third day, they were attacked. Warning horns were blown late. Sergun only just put his breastplate on, grabbed his sword and heard fighting close by. It was mayhem beyond the tent. Fires were burning in several places. Enemy riders had entered the camp and small battles were taking place all around. Commanders grouped the men in formations and fought back. It took nearly an hour to regain control. Many of the wounded were dead, burnt in their tents. The supplies were destroyed. In the cold light of day near half of the troops were gone from the previous day.

  ‘Another attack like that and we’re gone.’ Declared Kall.

  Sergun did not disagree.

  At least this time the black-clad men of the protection unit joined in the battle. Several were killed and most wounded.

  The order was given to form up and make ready to move. Near half the men were now on foot. Scouts reported enemy riders approaching and they would reach Sergun’s men in just over a day. Sergun gave order for no rests longer than two minutes per two hours. Better have feet covered in pus, blister and blood then lose your life.

  Grer was still keen to form up the rear-guard and showed no sign of slowing down or losing the will to fight.

  It was a grim procession of men and Galls, three wagons remained, one containing the Oracle. Wounded men had been left behind which Sergun loathed doing. He aimed to bring back as many troops as he could. They were someone’s son, lover, husband. There were greater losses than he expected. If the mission succeeded then perhaps it was worth it. His home already seemed a distant place. There was little time to think of who and what lay there. It was torture to think too much of what a man could not have. To concentrate on the task at hand was a professional soldier’s way.

  Jannesse was a young girl to be avoided. She was in despair barely able to talk positively. He could hardly look down upon her. Few men wanted to die and a young pretty girl captured by the enemy would endure misery and suffering for a long time before she did. For a rich man’s daughter to experience that would be shameful and obscene. She knew what to expect already. To be captured in the field of battle as booty would mean an ignoble fate within minutes of capture. She had been too hostile, dismissive and arrogant during their first proper meeting. He’d taken an instant dislike to her attitude and demeanour. He’d
rather have seen her the way she was than the broken little girl she was now.

  On the fourth day, Northtown was sighted and heads were raised and troops began to make banter. Behind them in sight without binoculars the pursuing horsemen were visible and a sense of urgency was instilled. Horses were whipped up the slope. The single gate of Northtown was opened and troops rode out to greet them. The cannons on the walls of the town were primed and archers took up position.

  Watching the wagon containing the oracle driving through the gates of Northtown, along with his troops Sergun felt a pressure had been released from his body and skull. The attack on his troops was larger than expected but they have achieved their aims. The talking magic device was mysterious. It was no matter to him now. Rescue the girl, assist her in any way. Jannesse was satisfied and could make no complaint against him or his troops. She was evidently happy to have participated in the successful treasure hunt and was greatly relieved they’d made it back to Tharne territory. She did not say so much as ‘thanks’ to him or any commander. She slunk through without making eye contact

  Sergun watched the last of the men and Galls enter the garrison town until the gates were shut. Northtown was large enough for all of the troops to be camped or put in accommodation inside the walls. The oracle left with the special guard and additional troops soon after arriving. Watchmen on the battlements reported the enemy had not followed to the walls. The cannons were manned. Jehran and Sarish were safe and in good spirits. Kall and Grer led and fought well. He carried the information he would pass to Lord Chromosol. He wondered if it would be useful and how his friend would cope with the knowledge of the death of his son. It would soon be time for him to go and see him.

  It was good to see the surviving men recovering. Now back in their own territory the survivors were in better spirits than on the wagons fleeing from the enemy. Their wounds were properly tended and they could rest safely. Good food was served and they were safe within the boundaries of Tharne again. With the disappearance of the enemy riders from sight, Northtown was back to being a safe place to be posted to.