Aiduels sin, p.37
Aiduel's Sin, page 37
Prince Markon’s army, with its recognisable hawk and sun banner, had appeared just before lunchtime. Allana believed that the Western Canasar defenders must have been horrified when they had seen such a large force approaching on the south side of the river. The ensuing, bloody fighting had now been grinding away for over three hours.
But Arion is not with them, Lana. Your plan must have worked.
She had been relieved when she had first seen the army arrayed on the other side of the river, and had not been able to sense Arion there.
For the duration of the journey south, she had been wondering whether she would begin to feel his presence. Would begin to feel that wondrous sensation of his power and aura, as they drew closer together. A sensation that would mean that she had failed in her scheme to remove him from danger.
However, when she had realised that he was not there, she had felt satisfaction. True, she had manipulated him to encourage his departure from Western Canasar. And yes, he might well be upset about it, at first, when she was not in Andarron to meet him. But later, he would come to understand how much he should be grateful to her, for her clever plan. They had both now acted to save the life of the other. It made them even, but also bound them closer together.
You have probably saved his life, Lana. One day, he’ll thank you.
She realised that tendrils had unconsciously eased out of her mind as she had been thinking about Arion. They had started to toy with the senses of the young officer, Connar. She glanced across and saw him standing awkwardly, with a glazed expression on his face.
This man is a loyal soldier of Berun, Lana, but he’s obsessed with you. He’d do anything that you ask of him, for just a promise of what he craves.
She severed the invisible connection, and heard the guard gasp as the stimulation of his body suddenly ceased.
Allana was about to comment, but she was distracted by a tide of activity on the other side of the river, on the western edge of the battle. She could see the masses wearing light-blue tabards shifting backwards, followed by a surge forward by Markon’s imperial troops.
‘What’s happening?’ she asked, pointing.
The young guard looked flushed, and his voice cracked as he replied, ‘It looks like the enemy’s lines have broken. They’ve either sounded the retreat, or they’re routing.’
As he was saying this, Allana watched the wall of yellow Elannis tabards continuing to charge forwards, and it seemed that the Western Canasar soldiers were running away. Allana’s eyes swept across to the bridgehead, where the forces in light-blue tabards were also now retreating. Thousands of Elannis and Berun troops were pouring across the bridge in pursuit, spreading out into the fight as they reached the other side. Allana hoped that Jarrett was still unharmed, in the midst of that activity.
‘Have we won?’ she asked.
‘Yes. They’re fleeing now. You can see that Markon’s cavalry are chasing them, and our armies are coming together. We’ve definitely won.’
From the shifting sweeps of colour on the battlefield, Allana could perceive what Connar was describing. The Elannis infantry from the west was joining up with the forces at the bridge, while the men of Western Canasar were fleeing, running for their lives as yellow-clad cavalry pursued them. It was clear that victory had been secured.
Allana smiled, feeling exhilaration, her heart beating fast. She recognised that a number of men had died today, which was of course very sad. However, it appeared that a massive milestone had been achieved towards the completion of Jarrett’s plan, which was much more important.
Just let Jarrett be unharmed, Lana. Then the day will be perfect.
–
Later that day, the mass of army followers crossed the river to set up a sprawling new encampment, a mile to the south. Allana was part of a long column which threaded its way through the aftermath of the battlefield. She kept her eyes lifted upwards throughout this process, focusing on a treeline on the horizon, and she did her best to ignore the dead bodies and anguished moaning which surrounded her.
During this time, a Berun officer found Allana, and notified her that the duke was alive and well.
In the early evening, Jarrett returned to their shared tent. He had removed his armour and was unhurt, except for some livid bruising on his upper left arm. After he pulled off his shirt to show her this, Allana almost pounced upon him. His eagerness matched hers as she dragged him with hunger onto their bed.
Afterwards, she was curled within his thick arms. As they lay there, he talked about the battle.
‘I’ve proven myself today, Lana,’ he said. ‘Finally. I fought as part of the vanguard which crossed that bridge, and no one could stand against me. And The Lord was with me, lending strength to my arm and to our crusade. I must have cut down ten men, and I could see the terror in the eyes of those poor souls who had to face me.’
‘I can believe it, Jarrett,’ she said. ‘You’re a giant amongst men. No one should dare to face you, as you fight for The Lord’s cause.’
As if a man of Jarrett’s size and strength needs The Lord to help, Lana.
‘And at the end, when they broke in the centre, it was my doing, Lana! Me and the men of Berun.’
‘Was it? How?’
‘I cut down their military leader. Charl Koss. He came at me as we were breaking through. Almost had me, if you’d believe it; he was fast and strong for an old bastard. And he took some killing, I was fighting for my life. But The Lord was with me, Lana. At the end, I shattered Koss’s shield with one blow and almost chopped him in half with the next. After that, his men broke and ran!’
Allana shuddered, remembering the aged adviser from her time in Septholme Castle. Koss had once allied with Gerrion Sepian, to try to bully Allana to leave Western Canasar. But another time, in the moments before Duke Conran had died, had he not also offered to protect her from Aiduel’s Guards? Best not to dwell on that. Either way, the old man was dead now, at Jarrett’s hand.
Better him than Jarrett, Lana. Koss would never have accepted you as his duchess.
‘He was a fool to fight you,’ she said. ‘And what about the Sepian brothers, Jarrett? Were they there? Did you capture or kill them?’
She heard Jarrett exhale. ‘Pair of cowards. Arion Sepian, I couldn’t see him on the battlefield. I want to face him, Lana. Face him in combat and make amends for… past insults. But he wasn’t there, damn him. He must be hiding in Septholme.’
Good, Lana. You wouldn’t want them to kill each other, would you?
‘And Duke Gerrion Sepian?’
‘I saw him fleeing on horseback, at the end of the battle. I was close to breaking through to him, when Koss came at me. Markon’s cavalry are pursuing him though. We’ll have him soon.’
Allana turned to kiss his chest. ‘Western Canasar should be ruled by a duke who’s a hero, Jarrett. Not by a coward.’
‘I know. They should call me the Hero of the Sept River Bridge for what I did today.’
‘They should,’ she agreed, smiling to herself. ‘You’re truly blessed by The Lord, Jarrett. And after your great victory, what’s going to happen next?’
‘Tomorrow, we move southwards. We get to Septholme within days, and we take the town as soon as possible. Once we’ve done that, we can join up with the Dei Magnun navy. But before any of that, Lana, we’ve an important engagement tonight.’
‘Tonight? What is it?’
‘Prince Markon has invited us to dine with him in his tent.’
Allana felt a thrill of excitement as she heard those words.
–
Later that evening, the two of them were dining in the impressive tent which had been claimed by Prince Markon. This structure was in an elevated position, with its canvas open at one side, such that they had an unobstructed view of the vast military camp which encircled them. Allana’s line-of-sight also included the teeming Aiduel’s Guards’ enclosure, which she was trying hard to ignore.
Allana had donned her red velvet riding outfit, which felt appropriate for a close encounter with the Elannis royal. Something feminine but not dainty, with material which drew attention to her curves. Within moments of meeting the prince, she had sensed a stirring of desire within Markon, which suggested that he was approving of her choice.
Allana was aware that the prince’s attraction towards her had been growing throughout the course of the meal, particularly after the royal had finished two glasses of wine. However, Markon remained business-like throughout and was continuing to direct most of his attention to Jarrett.
This prince hides his desires well, Lana. Jarrett has no idea what his host has been feeling, during this meal. Or indeed, what you are thinking about.
Being in the company of this man, who might one day rule the world, offered an opportunity for an intoxicating fantasy. A teasing temptation, that there might be someone who could offer her even more protection and security than Jarrett. At the side of a future emperor, the likes of Aiduel’s Guards would never again be able to hurt her. Even the Holy Church would not dare to threaten such a man and his empress.
However, there was no way that she could contemplate acting upon such fanciful thoughts right now, here and in these circumstances. And such a course of action would inevitably hold substantial risks.
You’re committed to Jarrett, Lana. Aren’t you?
She shivered, but neither of the two men noticed. She realised then that she had become distracted, but the mention of a certain name led her to focus on the conversation again.
‘A pity we didn’t face Arion Sepian,’ Markon was saying. ‘I long to see him in chains, and worse, for what he did to me and to my army.’
‘I understand that,’ said Jarrett. ‘And we both have reasons to dislike Arion Sepian, Your Highness. He’s faithless. He once attacked me, unprovoked, because he had a distaste for my own faith and piety. I long to avenge that moment.’
‘He’s a dangerous man though,’ replied Markon. ‘And from what little I saw of him, when we met, I also disliked him. He possessed an arrogance, and an anger which was barely contained. And he had no respect either, making threats to my men to cut me up. I’ve a debt to repay to him, for what he did.’
‘I fully understand your upset for what he did to your army, Your Highness,’ said Allana, attempting to reinsert herself to the conversation. ‘I must admit though, that I’m a little confused about what happened to you. The story I’ve heard is that Sepian ran you through with his sword? And yet you sit here today, with no indication that you’ve ever suffered a wound? As healthy, strong and full-of-life, as any man I’ve ever seen.’
She had intended for her words to flatter Markon. However, from his grimace, she could see that she had stirred a painful memory.
‘Sepian cut me down,’ said the prince. He lifted his hand to sweep his shock of blonde hair back from his face, and his deep blue eyes fixed upon Allana as he replied. ‘He thrust his sword into me and gutted me. I was a dead man, and would have bled out within minutes. However, I was saved by another, a miracle-worker, in a story which is less well-known. In the name of Aiduel, she saved my life and restored me to health.’
‘A miracle-worker?’ repeated Jarrett. ‘Please, tell me more.’
‘She used her powers to heal me,’ said Markon. ‘I’m told that she was bathed in a holy golden light, and that she knitted my flesh back together. The Holy Church says that she’s been blessed by Aiduel and has worked countless other miracles. You may have heard of her? Priestess Leanna, the Angel of Arlais?’
Allana’s mouth was dry as she listened to this.
The stories of her being a miracle-worker are true, Lana. She really does have powers. Is she like you?
‘Isn’t that the woman who everyone is searching for?’ asked Jarrett. ‘The one on the poster?’
‘Yes, that’s come to my attention,’ replied Markon. ‘There’s a strong possibility that she may have been kidnapped and taken to Andar. Aiduel’s Guards are accompanying the army to search for her. If my troops can assist in finding Priestess Leanna, I’ll consider it a partial repayment of my debt to her, for saving my life. Indeed, you will have noticed that I’ve recently allowed the red-cloaks to be more… active, and independent. In their crusading activities in general, but more specifically in their search for the priestess. If she’s captive here, we must find her and deliver her to their safekeeping. I owe her that. Truly, I’ve never met one so blessed by Aiduel.’
‘May The Lord protect her, then, until we find her and bring her to safety,’ said Jarrett, in a sombre voice.
‘May The Lord protect her,’ stated Markon, nodding in approval.
While the prince had been speaking about this Leanna woman, Allana had noticed that his desire for her had been fading away, as if he had become distracted by purer thoughts. She felt annoyed.
Must everyone be so obsessed with this woman, Lana? The things she can do are as nothing, compared to what you can do. You just choose to keep your powers secret, rather than showing them off to the whole world!
‘Was she beautiful?’
She had asked the question before giving proper consideration to her words. She felt regret as soon as she witnessed the strange looks which Jarrett and Markon turned on her.
‘Beautiful?’ repeated Markon, frowning. ‘Well, yes, I suppose so. But she’s a priestess, so I’m not sure that’s particularly important, is it?’ He then smiled and added, ‘What a very peculiar thing to ask.’
As he said this, Allana could feel the prince’s attraction towards her waning further, and she secretly cursed herself.
She must have looked crestfallen, because Jarrett reached out to touch her arm, and said, ‘No doubt not as beautiful as you, my love.’
Allana attempted a wan smile, but the expression did not reach her eyes.
–
The next day, the invading army was headed southwest, in the direction of Septholme. Allana was riding within the moving column, close to the rear, in the company of her personal protectors.
At mid-morning, a large mounted force of Aiduel’s Guards started to ride past her. The red-cloaked soldiers were also heading southwards, with an open-topped wagon in tow. Allana’s heart began to beat faster.
You don’t need to fear them anymore, Lana. You were absolved by Kohn.
Despite that absolution, she still felt uneasy to be this close to the red-cloaks, and she watched them carefully as they passed. She was also wondering whether Nionia might be amongst them, but she did not spot the lanky guardswoman.
Allana had given much consideration as to what Aiduel’s Guards were intending to do now that they had returned to Andar. She hated the idea that they would once again be free to commit their evil. She was trying to ignore the accusing voice inside which suggested that Jarrett’s choices had led to this, and that she had supported his decisions in order to protect herself.
They would have come here eventually, Lana, whatever Jarrett had decided. It’s not Jarrett’s fault that they’re here, and it’s certainly not yours. It’s not!
Later, just before midday, Allana’s section of the column began to pass through a large village on the highway. This settlement appeared to have already fallen victim to the transit of the army, because several buildings were on fire, and it looked like it had been looted.
The location had also become a focus for Aiduel’s Guards. Upwards of fifty of the military order were spread out around a green in the centre of the village, in front of a church. The red-cloaks were surrounding a cluster of several hundred villagers. It appeared as if the entire population of the settlement had been assembled, and Allana could see fear on the villagers’ faces as they were addressed by a red-cloaked officer. A number of smaller children were crying.
Allana noticed several motionless bodies lying near to the feet of the officer. She brought her horse to a stop at the side of the highway, and signalled for her personal guards to halt as she looked more closely. One of the victims was a man who wore the vestments of a priest. This figure was slumped on his side, his eyes open and lifeless. Allana could see that his face was bloody and swollen, as if he had received a vicious beating.
Aiduel’s Guards have beaten him to death, Lana.
She shivered, then heard the red-cloaked officer shout, ‘All women under the age of forty and teenage girls, step forward. Line up along this line. Now!’
There was resistant murmuring in the crowd. However, after a number of armed Aiduel’s Guards stepped closer to the surrounded villagers, the will of the entrapped group appeared to break. The younger women and girls started to move through the assembled crowd, lining up as directed. In total, perhaps sixty women and children had come forward.
‘My Lady,’ said Connar, with discomfort in his voice. ‘We should be moving on.’
‘Not now,’ Allana replied. ‘I want to see this.’
As she watched, two Aiduel’s Guards began to move down the line. They were holding a document in their hand, which Allana recognised as the poster of the Angel of Arlais. As they passed each girl and woman, they either directed her back into the clustered villagers, or pushed her towards their officer. It quickly became apparent that those unfortunates who were selected fitted a particular type; younger, between late-teens and mid-twenties, and slim and tall rather than plump and short. All were blonde-haired.
After this process was complete, four young women had been separated into a small cluster near the officer. Allana heard the red-cloaked man shout, ‘Right, get them onto the wagon.’
There was more protestation from the villagers, accompanied by pleading from two of the selected women as they were bundled towards the vehicle.
‘What’s happening, my Lady?’ asked Connar.
‘I think that they’re taking these women, for… questioning,’ she replied.
