"Darkmoon Ridge (Chapter 5)" by James K. Bowers

    Evening had drawn in with a frosty vengeance and Gaylord Ulthrond cursed his aging bones.  Deep within Castle Southgate grave council was in progress. The Earl, brow creased with concern, listened closely as T’ralex related the tale of the Khurda’s sword, and what details he knew of the events leading to her arrival in Southgate.  Gaylord knew that T’ralex’s understanding of the events was fragmented at best, but the Abbot was the only source of information currently available.  Sir Rothmore, Sir Agravar, and Sir Eagran were silent throughout the telling.  Their silence spoke well of their discipline, but that they could keep from shivering in the chill room was uncanny.  The castle never seemed warm enough in the dead of winter, and the Earl silently scolded himself for delaying the firing of the hearth in this rarely used council chamber.  True, there had been precious little warning of the Abbot’s arrival, but Gaylord had to admit to himself that he should have known there would be need for quiet discussion of the matters.  The servant boy had stoked the fire well, but it would still take time to warm the cold stone of the chamber.
    The Khurda’s sword lay on the table, half drawn from its emerald green scabbard.  The blade captured the firelight and it played across the polished metal like the flickering of liquid lightning.  As much the sword was a tool of death, it bore a fascinating beauty that spoke well of the artists who crafted it many years ago.  The recovery of the sword was at once a blessing and a curse.
    The sword’s very existence served as conclusive proof of the Khurda’s identity, though her necklace had been proof enough for both T’ralex and the Earl.  Her honor and courage would not be questioned.  Yet, it still remained uncertain if she would fully recover.  She may never again be well enough to wield this sword in battle.  If that was the case, it would signal the untimely end to her days as a Khurda and she would be honorbound to pass the blade to a successor.  All of these things, of course, were acceptable -- were in accordance with the customs and laws of their forefathers.
    What gnawed at the Earl’s conscience was that Southgate and the Stonedown Reach would forevermore be incontrovertibly linked to this incident that so badly injured Khurda Penzand.  It was an association and a situation that Gaylord found thrust upon him.   He didn’t have to enjoy it, but he would see it through to whatever end Destiny had in mind for Southgate.
    “So, old friend,” began the Earl, “what was once a mystery is now solved.  And though solved, we are faced with yet more riddles.”  The room was silent for a moment then T’ralex merely nodded his agreement, not having answers to any of the new questions raised by the recent events.  Gaylord Ulthrond was a difficult man to converse with at times.  He tended to think aloud, often making it difficult to discern when he was actually prepared for another to speak or when he was simply picking up steam to continue his monologue.  “Although this attack came in the midst of winter, it occurred many miles distant from Southgate.  Unless I’ve forgotten everything I know of warfare, I would think we should be relatively safe from any major engagements until spring thaw.  Too hard to manage the needs of an army of any size in the winter months.  Of course, that doesn’t mean we should just sit here and test my theory.  You are, as usual, correct in your evaluation, T’ralex.  The time for action is upon us.  And perhaps that is just as well.  I tire of settling the disputes of bickering merchants and shepherds.”
    The Earl turned his attention to the three knights.  “Before I force my thoughts on anyone, I would be most interested in what you would do in this situation, Sir Rothmore, but please do take a few moments before you answer.”  The Earl motioned toward the closed chamber door as he continued.  “I’m sure you noticed as you arrived that the young scrivener, Liennan, waits just outside. Sir Eagran, you’re seated closest.    Would you please ask him to join us now?”  Sir Eagran was on his feet immediately to usher Liennan into the chamber.  The scribe was given a well-lit end of the great table and tasked with listing everything suggested by the aging and wise Sir Rothmore.  Even those items not immediately added to Southgate’s agenda might prove to be of value at some later date.  After ensuring everyone was properly settled, the Earl prompted his chief military advisor with a simple, “Your thoughts, Sir Rothmore?”
    Still in deep thought, the old knight drew a breath and let it out slowly before he began.  “I believe you are correct, Sire, when you speak of this being the time for action.  I believe if we delay there will surely be much to regret.  My initial thoughts are of three important matters.  The foremost is, of course, an adequate defense.  Then, should our defense prove stout enough, there is also the matter of food, water, and other essentials needed to survive a siege or wage war in the field.  But underlying these, and perhaps most crucial, is the matter of knowledge.  We must determine the nature of the enemy in order to plan an adequate defense.“  Everyone’s attention was focused on Sir Rothmore, in anticipation of his next words.  “Obviously there are some defensive preparations that will have to be made regardless of what enemy we will be called upon to face, and we should begin with those immediately.  However, while these preparations are in progress, I suggest that one or more small, but well-armed scouting parties be mustered to investigate and provide us with reports from Stonedown Reach and the areas where we have established outposts.”  To this, there were serious, but understanding, nods of agreement.
    Sir Rothmore outlined some simple and efficient methods of improving Southgate’s defensive posture, occasionally conferring or verifying facts with Sir Agravar and Sir Eagran.  The three knights each had suggestions for procuring and laying away enough supplies should Southgate come under siege, but all agreed the advice of a logistics expert must soon be sought.  
    Not accustomed to military terminology or strategy, T’ralex at times felt somewhat lost in the discussions, but tried his best to understand.  He resigned himself to simply being silent and attentive as the warriors settled on the priority of each of the numerous preparations.  When a viable plan had, at last, been agreed upon and duly approved by Earl Gaylord Ulthrond, the younger knights were dismissed to eat their suppers and begin coordinating efforts for Southgate’s defense.  Liennan, however, was told to remain since the services of a scrivener would perhaps be needed still.
    Food and drink were brought to the four who still remained in the council chamber, as well as a fifth.  Once Gaylord had been apprised of T’ralex’s purpose in coming to the castle, word had been sent to his chief counsel, Valzuur, to report immediately.  Gaylord had expected that “immediately” would not be as quickly as preferred, but was pleasantly surprised when Valzuur arrived before the meal was done.
    The face of the old wizard was gaunt and his eyes showed the weariness of hours spent poring over dusty librams and arcane tomes.  But along with that weariness was the gleam of intelligence and sage confidence gained through years of study and experience.  “Good evening, sire.  It’s those riders from the south, isn’t it, Gaylord?  So what is it... something they’ve done, who they are, or where they were going?”  One of lesser station would never have dreamt of addressing the greying warlord by his first name, but, as longtime friend and personal advisor to the Earl, Valzuur tended to take advantage of some small liberties.  It was only then that Valzuur appeared to take notice of the others in the councilroom.  “Good evening to you, Rothmore, and what ¼ hrrmph ¼ pardon me, Abbot duLaine.  I wasn’t told you’d be attending this meeting.  Something to do with the church, then, my good abbot?”  Valzuur’s eyes passed over each of the others in turn as if expecting an answer to each of his questions to appear in glowing runes on their foreheads.  Perhaps, for the benefit of Valzuur the Grey, such runes did appear.  Who could guess at what sorcerous powers he had developed in his many years.
    “Well, I see you’re keeping up with the local news, old friend,” said the Earl.  “It was not my intent to disrupt your studying, experimenting, or whatever it is wizards do in their secluded towers, but matters have taken a few unexpected turns in the last few days.  I felt it was time I actually called on you to perform your duties as my chief advisor.”  The Earl paused, looking directly at the grizzled old mage.  Valzuur met the Earl’s gaze but remained silent, knowing that Gaylord had not yet finished.  “What we face is quite a dilemma.  Put simply, Southgate is in danger of attack some time in the very near future.  We have good reason to believe that the hillgnarls of the Reach are massing for this purpose.  And, as for their reasons, who could venture to guess what motivates them to do half the things they do?  Several years ago, a group of them massacred an entire family.  Turned out they only wanted to plop a three-ton block of granite where the farmer’s house stood.  Once the stone was in place they abandoned it.  No sense to it at all.”
    “Well, yes, they are a bit unpredictable,” agreed Valzuur.  “But, since it is advice you seek, I would suggest you plan a stout defense of Southgate proper and bolster that action by increasing your military presence on the Reach.  If you can hold the hillgnarls at bay with those forces, Southgate may escape direct attack.  It is possible that there will be no attacks beyond the Reach, but surely it would be unwise to assume Southgate will pass through these times unscathed.  You may, of course, also seek the aid of the Grand Duke, but I’m not convinced this is the proper time for that.  We would need more information to confirm there is enough of a threat to warrant his involvement in this matter.”
    The wizard shivered as if suddenly realizing the fire in the hearth had still not truly warmed the council chamber.  “Blast, but it is cold in here!”  He rubbed his hands together mumbling something incomprehensible.  He rubbed them slowly at first, then more quickly, then held his palms out in front of him as he slowly turned.  The stones of the walls began to radiate a soft warmth.  “Ah. Better.  Now I might be able to enjoy a few bites of this meal you have so graciously prepared for me.”  Valzuur sat, tore a ragged piece from the hardened loaf and dunked it in the thin gravy.
    The Earl’s lip curled minutely upward in a halfhearted attempt at a smile.  Valzuur and Sir Rothmore mirrored the Earl’s expression, but their eyes belied their slight smiles.  “Good.  Then we are all in agreement, as far as a general strategy is concerned.  You have echoed Sir Rothmore’s thoughts on this matter, Valzuur.  I am going to heed your advice to bolster the outposts on the Reach.  And, as both you and Sir Rothmore have suggested, we should take steps to determine precisely what our situation is.  Therefore, early tomorrow morning, I will dispatch a complement of cavalry to scout the Reach.”  The Earl spoke to his trusted knight.  “Sir Rothmore, you will command this force, doing whatever you deem necessary to gather information and ensure Southgate’s safety.”
    The Earl then turned his attention to his chief advisor.  “Valzuur, what I am about to say, I ask as your friend; I do not command you as your liege.” Gaylord glanced downward as he considered his next words, then looked back to Valzuur as he continued.  “I would ask you to accompany Sir Rothmore in the morning.  I am convinced that the combination of Sir Rothmore’s military expertise and your insight will prove more than sufficient to allow us to gauge the enemy’s strength and, perhaps, unveil some vague notion of their plans.”
    Valzuur, sensing that the Earl had paused to allow him to answer, replied, “Of course I will go, Gaylord.  After all you have done for me over the years, how could I refuse?”
    “Excellent.”  This time a true smile brightened the Earl’s face.  “Thank you, old friend.  I suggest we all get a good night’s rest, but should any of you happen to think of anything to add, anything we might have forgotten, I expect to be informed.  Sir Agravar and young Liennan will be available for this purpose until Sir Rothmore’s troop departs, but if you judge it to be of immediate importance, you will ask Sir Agravar to escort you to me at once.  T’ralex, I would speak with you further; otherwise this meeting is adjourned and you are free to go.”