Sergun's Mission Read online

  32. Return to Tharne

  Sergun went to the commander of Northtown who was shocked at the state of the troops returning but greeted him with better cheer than the first time. ‘Any letters for me?’ Sergun asked.

  ‘None have arrived yet sir. This place has been a place of safety for years now. All of our troopers will be well cared for now.’

  ‘So, I’m still under orders?’

  ‘I’m sure a letter will arrive with your orders soon enough. You’re not a prisoner. You may leave this town at any time. Just make me aware of where you go so I can forward any communication.’

  Home was ten days ride at least. Twenty-five days before being back in Northtown if he left. It was too long. He sent the information the oracle had given him via secure courier to Lord Chromosol; he was sure the man would comprehend what it contained. He spent a few aimless days in Northtown. This turned into a restless time except for happy memories talking to Jehran and Grer. The wounded troops were well cared for and training was ongoing. Still waiting his orders to go home Sergun decided to visit his old friend Lord Chromosol. It was time to give him the news of his son’s death and he wondered if the oracle’s information was useful

  Jehran and Sarish would not be suitable people to take along and Kall wanted to stay with the troops. He made sure he shaved his beard, bathed and a fresh uniform was ready for him. His friend’s grand home was set less than a day’s ride from the capital and five days ride south from Northtown. The peaceful security of Tharne’s northern areas relaxed Sergun and he rode with an escort of four bodyguards to his friend’s. They stayed one night in the Garrison town of Spending and were treated well. The Lord’s lands were large and when they approached the gates armed men were guarding them. Despite Sergun and his troops wearing the unmistakeable army uniforms of Tharne they were forced to wait while the men sent a message back to the house. He wasn’t upset as he understood assassins could be disguised. Passing the gates the long road to the grand house was immaculately kept and the colourful plants and trees which stretched on either side were beautiful to see. The scent of a beautiful meadow was in the air. Servants met him and led his horse to stables while he was led inside. His bodyguards were escorted to a different place within the grounds. The Lord was out riding and Sergun took the chance to wash and change into fresh clothing. The old mansion was opulent and splendid. The bathroom was immaculate and the bath large enough for four people to get inside. The maids and servants who attended to him were all polite, well dressed and did not speak much. Suitably refreshed he went down to meet the hosts.

  The Lord’s wife Solina greeted him. She was a physically attractive dark-haired lady from a wealthy background, pale skinned with dark eyes, juicy lips and a delight of entertaining welcomed guests. He hadn’t seen her in four years and apart from her colourful clothes she looked no different than before. He explained his reason for wearing the uniform of a General again. She made pleasant small talk. Refreshing juices and cake were served. He knew he wasn’t the kind of man she truly enjoyed the company of. His background was too humble, his knowledge was all army skills. He could read and write unlike the poorest but the fact he was a friend of her husband meant she would treat him as an honoured guest.

  ‘As long as you are not going to call my husband back into the army,’ she said.

  ‘I ‘ve no such intention,’ he replied.

  The Lord arrived and his wife departed. His friend showed a greater sign of aging than his partner but appeared in good health. Taller than Sergun and strongly built small talk was made but the conversation quickly turned to Sergun’s attire and he explained the mission into the Keratha and Raiders’ lands. He asked the Lord to take a seat and requested drinks. The manservant attended with glasses and a deep red glass of port for them both. Sergun took a deep breath and explained the rescue of Jannesse and her tale of the loss of Thear, the Lord’s second eldest son.

  Chromosol’s face drained of colour, his expression hardened as if frozen by ice and he stared hard at the wall as if it contained important information before he slowly said, ‘I’ve been expecting this.’ He took down the drink in one mouthful. ‘However-‘

  ‘Jannesse told us Thear was badly injured when their party was attacked by Raiders. He died of his wounds.’

  ‘I thank you for telling me this. Not knowing was terrible. I hoped for better news.’

  ‘Those lands are dangerous. Unfortunate he was there.’

  ‘I warned him to stay within our borders. Did you find those responsible for his death?’

  ‘Likely dead as we crushed two groups of slavers in the area. We showed little mercy.’

  ‘My son was a good scientist but no warrior. The fruits of science will help punish the Raiders.’

  Sergun wondered how his friend would cope with grief. He hoped the Lord would after mourning continue with his studies and experiments. He drank the port which was rich, warm and sweet. He couldn’t imagine the death of his own son and could think of nothing to say which would help. Chromosol had long been eccentric. In the army, he was notorious for insisting on having servants to tend to his needs. He was born into landed wealth and treated as high born all his life. Sergun thought him a buffoon when they first met but the man was generous, intelligent and an excellent swordsman. The Lord was also an inventor and years ago supplied Sergun’s home with a mechanical device for practising sword skills. He used it to maintain his talent in the years since he left the army. None of the workers at his home were greatly skilled in sword use and travelling to the capital was too far. The tall, strong and remorseless machine was a tough opponent and over the years he’d endured many strikes from its sturdy but thankfully blunt weapons.

  He told his friend he thought the mechanical training device saved his life against the Keratha warrior. He explained how he travelled to the alien’s capital and their encounter with a hunting party in the northern lands.

  ‘I’ve not travelled into their lands. I would not trust the hoofed monsters.’

  ‘There was little choice in the matter. Within their city, they took care of us. Provided food, entertainment of kind and protection at night.

  Sergun then thought of the information he had sent via courier and asked the Lord what he had made of it. Sergun admitted it was a secret and the Lord did not inquire further. ‘Must be from a great man. The designs in it are fabulous. I have teams of my best men working in secret on them as we speak. If the plans are accurate they will give us many wonderful creations for war.’

  He was glad it was comprehensible to his friend. They invited him to stay for two days and he accepted the offer. He wanted to leave immediately and let the family grieve but knew from his time in the army that the Lord was well able to switch off his emotions and would fully grieve after he left. Next time he visited them he would bring only good news he hoped.

  The plush relaxed surroundings were a welcome relief after camping in the forests, fighting and fleeing. The food was as good as that at the Minister’s Palace at Edge City. Zaral their youngest daughter delighted him by her cheerful nature and entertained him with her beautiful voice and keyboard skills. Kell their third son loved to hear of Sergun’s exploits against the Raiders and in the City of Dreams. He asked Sergun to demonstrate some of his moves and he did so. The lad was optimistic and tried to land strikes on Sergun but his competitive attitude made sure he did not permit the lad to win. Solina appeared little during the remainder of his brief stay. The Lord’s a-dogs were a reminder of his home. The Lord said the information bought him on paper would likely lead to the strengthening of Tharne’s armies. He enjoyed the hospitality and thought of his own modest home and family. He longed to be back there. He had achieved what the Minister wished for but to ride home now and abandon Kall, Grer, and Jehran before he resolved the issue of his pardon wasn’t something he was prepared to do. They were his oldest surviving comrades from the war. Chromosol’s home was sure to be an unhappy place for a time and it was better he let them
grieve.

  Solina spoke to him before he left. She was clearly shocked by the loss of their son but explained how her husband often talked of his time in the army with great joy. General Sergun was highly regarded and most welcome to return at any time. The ride back to Northtown was uneventful and nothing appeared to have changed when he arrived back.

  33. Revenge is Sought

  Standing on the high battlements of Edge City, towering over the wide river and looking at the beautiful empty landscape below wasn’t recommended to a person fearful of heights. Knowing the Keratha were only a few days ride away made a person aware in the way a child sometimes thinks there’s a monster under the bed. Not enough to ruin their day, something which is easily forgotten in daylight, but at night strange noises could set a person on edge. Edge City had formidable defences and there was a strong sense of being at the distance outskirts of Tharne and not desiring any enemy to pass through your city and enter your land proper. It wasn’t likely since no one had breached Edge City’s defensives since they were reconstructed.

  Kall stood on the battlements of Northtown. The view was of a long, sloping valley steadily going down for many kilometres until trees and gradually a forest built up. The battlements were a third the height of Edge City’s, less sturdy and there was no river outside the town’s walls to deter and impede invaders. It wasn’t the best place to be but he could think of much worse. In a desert outpost with twenty men, the air so hot sweat ran down his face like water, high in the frozen central mountains longing for warmth. It would be worse to be outside the town’s walls alone and defenseless. He liked to walk in the early morning, take in fresh air and gather his thoughts. Life became quiet again. He’d found more action with Sergun and Grer than in years. He thought of Jersa, she was great fun. Sergun’s loyalty to his wife he respected but greater than half of officer’s took mistresses and it wasn’t anything to be ashamed of. It had been peaceful the last few days. The enemy had not pursued to the town’s walls and having a lady in his bed again made his nights most enjoyable. Standing on top of the battlements of Northtown felt far safer than sneaking upon the Lord’s home at night or fleeing in the boat. He was back in-home territory with many comrades nearby. He was due back at Edge City in a week to continue his desk job there. It would be dull compared to his last few weeks travelling and fighting but he knew missions such as the recent ones were rare. He stroked his beard and thought of the good memories and, excellent stories for the bar. They teased him about his lack of action for years. Now it would be his turn to tease them.

  He squinted in the distance, thinking it was animals. He raised his binoculars and adjusted the magnification. There was movement and soon he realised they were men. He looked east and west but could see no others. There were no patrols out this morning and certainly none would go so far. He waited a minute and checked again to be sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks. To raise a false alarm would not enhance his prestige. He waited enjoying the breeze after a warm night. Perhaps if he shut his eyes the people would disappear. Peace would remain in Northtown for a long time. When he opened them he knew it was no illusion, there were many men coming towards Northtown. He strode briskly towards the watchtower where a sleepy guard looked shocked to see him. ‘Sir?

  ‘Raise the alarm there’s a large group of men approaching. Get to it now!’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  It was a coincidence that Sergun left two days ago on some secret errand. He hoped the man would be back soon. The men respected and feared him. He would like to have him back to consult with.

  On the way back from a dull meeting in which he learnt nothing, Sergun’s escort took him to the town of Garing which he wasn’t familiar with. It was a pleasant with waterfalls, lakes, lots of colourful plants and well-kept buildings. Even the roads were stone clad rather than the bare tracks which turned to mud when the rain came.

  Within the grounds of a large hotel, he was taken to a house. It had four windows out front with shutters drawn. The bodyguards said he was to stay at the residence for a few days. There was someone for him to meet. Was it Jannesse or another Commander? Perhaps a government minister on a secret visit? He knocked and a servant opened the door. He was shown through to a room and was overcome with emotion to see his beloved wife Sharis seated. He picked her up gently and spun her around kissing her face all over. She squealed with delight. She wore a beautiful red and silver dress. Her hair was long and washed. She smelt of a fine perfume. It had been torture to think of her too much and now they were together again. He put her down, kissed her lips, ears, neck, and eyes. She flushed and beckoned him to sit down and have a drink.

  He explained briefly what had happened, leaving out the goriest parts. It was an edited version for children. Very different from the tale he would tell in a tavern to fellow soldiers. Satisfied, she talked of the farm life, the baby growing within her. How the dogs whined for Sergun every dammed day! Two months!

  He remembered the gift he bought her and retrieved it from his bags. She looked suspiciously at the package. ‘It’s not going to be something horrible inside? A Keratha claw? Yurgghhh!’

  ‘All the fingers of the men I’ve killed made into a necklace! All of the ears of those I’ve vanquished made into a headdress to wear at parties!’

  ‘Enough! Stop!’

  She peered inside as if it might be something macabre. The beautiful jewel necklace was bought out. It shone well and glittered in the candlelight. He placed it around her neck and she admired herself in the mirror. ‘Absolutely beautiful and all the way from the City of Dreams?’

  ‘Yes, I spent a long time looking and kept it safe with me all this time.’

  She kissed him sweetly on the lips. He felt the bulge of her stomach and asked, ‘has it kicked yet?’

  ‘Too early.’

  Sharis explained their son was with them. He was surprised but happy. He decided to freshen up before seeing him. He played with him in the gardens, talked of all that had happened. His son was most impressed with his father’s uniform and the tale of defeating a Keratha.

  The warmth of his small family soothed him. He bathed with Sharis in the evening and they slept together. Her skin was smooth, fragrance scented and hot.

  In the morning it was a great feeling to wake up in a soft bed with a beloved next to him. She wanted to know when he would be home for good. This he could not answer. He explained he was waiting for his release orders which should come soon. The girl was rescued and the secret mission was completed. To his relief, Sharis did not complain about the time away. She knew it wasn’t his doing.

  All too soon the three days passed. He felt rejuvenated and content. It was painful to leave them once more. He told his son to practise his reading every day and sword work with Heru. He told him he must obey his mother as while he was away she was the head of the family. His son promised to do as he was asked.

  He became lonely as they left and worse still heading back in the carriage towards Northtown. These feelings lessened a little by the following lunchtime. There was little for him to do at the garrison town. He was sure he would be released within ten days. There was lots of activity by the military as they neared Northtown than usual. He suspected something was amiss. His bodyguards were unable to enlighten him.

  Sergun arrived back in Northtown and could tell from the activity of the soldiers that something dangerous had occurred or was expected. He found Kall who took him up on the walls to see the enemy. It was a surprise. He wasn’t afraid as the men carried no equipment to threaten the town yet, but it was an unwelcome development. Looking through his binoculars he understood there were enough to take the town once they brought the right equipment. The question was why didn’t they and when would it arrive? He doubted such numbers of men were there for show.

  Both men understood if Northtown fell the capital Lenhar was only a week’s ride away. It was unlikely the capital would fall but the thought of enemies reaching their, of all of the people and treasures
that were there was impossible to accept. If the enemy broke through at Northtown if they chose to avoid the capital Edge City lay undefended to the west and the east lay undefended as they were behind the easterly ports. Northtown guarded the easiest route to the Northern territories of Tharne. It was a vital town to hold. Easy to wonder why no stronger defensive position had been built. Raiders did not aim to attack in large numbers, the peace treaty with the Keratha remained and the four cities had never wanted Tharne land to be theirs.

  ‘We should go out there now and spoil their plans.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Kall, ‘but our orders are to hold this place and remain within the walls. They’re out of cannon range for now.’

  ‘Such strategy never won us the last war.’

  ‘True.’

  ‘Have they made any demands?’

  Kall turned to Sergun and grinned. ‘Yes, they have. It’s our heads they want and they’ll leave.’

  Sergun felt no fear from such a threat, there were many who longed to kill him. None had yet succeeded. The government would not bow to such demands. Between the enemy and him and Kall lay the defences of Northtown. He thought of Yurul and Jannesse and all of the others who were imprisoned there were unable to rescue. He was glad his wife and son were travelling further away from Northtown each day. His hand touched his sword handle and itched to kill the man. He longed to have the opportunity. ‘That fool will regret threatening Tharne.’ Along with anyone who wanted to give their lives defending such a system.

  ‘It was a shame he got away but every man faces his end. His life will be in our hands one day.’ Kall said confidently. ‘These walls are pretty strong. We’re safe here for now.’