Edge of Doom (Amica Saga #8)

By Richard S. Tuttle

Vastly outnumbered, the tiny armies of the Amican Alliance brace for the coming onslaught that will destroy their world. As everyone teeters on the edge of doom, the Avenging Shadow bets everything on an unorthodox strategy to turn Alfor's strengths against him.

Edge of Doom is the 8th and final volume of the Amica Saga.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard S. Tuttle
• Release date: May 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370299812

Richard S. Tuttle

eBook Reviews Weekly called Richard “...one of this century's leading authors of innovative fantasy tales." Molly Martin calls him “...a skillful weaver of tales.”Richard S. Tuttle began his writing career in 1997 with the release of the Targa Trilogy (Origin Scroll, Dark Quest, Ancient Prophecy). That trilogy became the foundation for the Alcea Collection, a seventeen volume epic fantasy collection of three series (Targa Trilogy, Sword of Heavens, Demonstone Chronicles).His other works include the Forgotten Legacy, an eight volume series, Complement for a King, a two volume miniseries, and the Amica Saga, his most current work currently in its seventh volume.

Book preview

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400 years ago…

Captain Om San stood on the topmost level of the fortress at the Northern Gate, his eyes cast downward at the gathering horde in Mirdsteppe. Occasionally he would raise a telescope to his eye to inspect specific elements of the army of Terrus the Liberator, but mostly he merely gazed in awe at the massive horde gathering below. They had started arriving three days earlier, and he had been surprised by the size of the army on that first day, but it continued to grow larger each successive day. Now, on the fourth day, the captain could no longer view the gathering dispassionately. The Liberator's army had grown so large that it stretched out of sight, and tremors of fear began to shake the captain's confidence.

Any siege engines? asked a voice behind the captain.

Captain Om San turned to see Colonel Lin Zek, the Commander of the Northern Gate, approaching. The colonel nodded to the captain and halted alongside him, his eyes gazing down at the enemy army.

Siege engines started arriving this morning, the captain said as he returned his attention to the army below, but they show no signs of positioning them soon. They are beyond the range of our own siege engines, so they do not pose a threat to us at this time.

No, agreed the colonel, but it shows that they have come prepared. Many people, Captain, would have us believe that Terrus's army is a ragtag band of unskilled citizens, but you would be wise to ignore such ignorant ramblings. Those men down there have conquered all of Amica beyond this fortress. They did not do so by being unskilled. In fact, many of those warriors are from the former armies of over thirty conquered countries. They are all battle-hardened warriors.

And we are not, sighed the captain. The mage wars in the Northlands ended before I was born. None of our men have really been tested in battle.

That will soon change, retorted the colonel. Fear not, Captain. This fortress has never fallen to an enemy, and it never will. Our strategic position gives us command over the pass and all approaches to it. Our siege engines will destroy theirs before they can bring them out to play. The Northern Gate is invincible.

Are we truly any different than the Iron Fortress? asked the captain. Or the Lake Fortress? Or the Bardia Gate? That army down there has passed through all of them, Colonel. I don't mean to contradict you, but any fortress can fall. To think otherwise is to fool ourselves.

The colonel sighed. Point taken, Captain, he said, but we have no idea what happened down south. We don't know if they truly attacked any of those fortresses or merely bypassed them. The Northern Gate cannot be bypassed. The only way Terrus is getting into the Northlands is over our dead bodies. I am not willing to allow that, and I suggest you rid yourself of such pessimistic thoughts.

I will fight to the death, vowed the captain, but I will not deceive myself as to the outcome. Their army is already large enough to ensure that they reach our gates, and it continues to grow at a rapid pace. There is no end to the arriving units.

Nonsense, growled the colonel, his attitude showing that he was growing weary with the captain's pessimistic ranting. Not a single one of them will reach the gates. The mages will decimate their entire army if they try.

I doubt it, the captain retorted strongly. Besides, they have mages of their own.

Wizards, snapped the colonel. There are only a couple of mage turncoats among the enemy, and the mages call them wizards. It is a derogatory term. We will not need to worry about them.

A couple? balked the captain. There are scores of them already assembled.

What are you talking about? asked the colonel.

The captain handed the telescope to the colonel and pointed to an area of the enemy encampment not far from the large command tent.

They are not hard to find, the captain said as the colonel brought the telescope to his eye. Look just west of the command tent. Whether they be mages or wizards, they will protect the enemy troops as they get into position.

The colonel peered down at the wizards, and he inhaled sharply. The Northern Gate only had a handful of mages, and he began to understand the captain's pessimism. Still, he could not allow such dark thoughts to spread among his men.

So they have more than a few wizards, the colonel said as he handed the telescope back to the captain. Our mages will make short work of them. I am more concerned about the morale of our men. You will cease your dispiriting ramblings immediately.

I doubt that our mages will help at all, the captain pressed on. They cannot help if they are not here.

I warned you, snapped the colonel. One more dark word from your lips and I will send you to down to greet the enemy. Maintain your watch. I will go alert our mages to the potential problem.

You will have to leave the Northern Gate, quipped the captain. Our mages are no longer here.

The colonel had turned away from the parapet to find one of the mages when he heard the captain's retort. He whirled back to face the young officer.

What are you talking about? he demanded.

Our mages left the fortress this morning, answered the captain. I heard that they had a communication from Lord Alfor, and they all suddenly left. I heard that they were recalled to Clandor Kye. Did they not inform you?

The colonel stood shell shocked, his eyes staring blankly at the captain.

If this is a joke, Captain, snarled the colonel, I will hang you myself.

I see no humor in our situation, Colonel, the captain said seriously. The only thing that stands between Terrus the Liberator and the Northlands is us, and we will have no magical help. Why do you think my thoughts are so dark? I am not afraid to die for my country, but I would like to think that my death would at least be worth something. The mages obviously don't agree with me. They have fled to the safety of Clandor Kye.

The colonel turned and stormed off. Less than an hour later, he returned. He walked up to the parapet and gazed down on the army of Terrus the Liberator. The captain glanced at him but said nothing. Eventually the colonel spoke, and when he did so, he spoke softly and calmly.

The mages were not called to Clandor Kye, the colonel stated. Did any of them know that there were scores of wizards gathering below?

Yes, the captain nodded. One of them was up here early this morning. I mentioned the wizards to him.

So the cowards fled in fear, scowled the colonel. Those mighty mages boast of their powers, but they are only fearless when they have no one opposing them. The colonel shook his head in disgust and continued, We will not die for the benefit of the mages. I have contacted Clandor Kye with a plea for mages to aid us in the battle. If we do not have a positive response within two days, we will begin an orderly retreat from the Northern Gate. Do not spread the word early, but prepare the men for an efficient retreat.

You mean to surrender? gasped the captain.

Without magical help, replied the colonel, the Northern Gate will not survive. I will not consign all of these men to their deaths merely to buy a few days for the mages in Clandor Kye. Yes, Captain, I will surrender the Northern Gate, but only if the mages ignore my pleas for help.

Chapter 01

Complications

On the morning after the new moon, the morning scheduled for the massive invasion of the Westlands, Grand General Zao Baek paced around his room in Ektara Castle, the rising sun shining brightly through the window. Every few minutes he halted long enough to activate a gem and call out the name of General Chu Lee, the commander of the 99th Corps. Each call was met with stony silence, and the Grand General resumed his pacing. Zao Beak could not fathom why Chu Lee was not answering his call. He envisioned the subordinate general in the midst of a great battle with chaos reigning around him, but such a scenario should only result in a delayed response, not a total lack of one, and it was already an hour past sunrise. The Blood Army should already have the cities of the Westlands under control. Frustrated by the lack of news, the Grand General stormed out of his quarters and out of the castle. He marched down to the docks and into the office of the dock master.

Where are the mage ships right now? Grand General Zao Baek demanded.

I have no idea, answered the dock master. Was it not you who sent them away?

Don't get flippant with me, snapped the general. I know that the ship captains maintain contact with you dock masters. Where are the ships?

I meant no disrespect, apologized the dock master. What I meant was that they did not share with me what their destination was. As to contacting them, I cannot do so. The captains used to report to the Harbor Master in Batavia, but that is no longer true. I suspect that the dock master in Clandor Kye has taken over that responsibility. Would you like me to contact him?

The Grand General seethed with anger, but he realized that the dock master was speaking the truth. He nodded wordlessly, and the dock master used a gem to contact Clandor Kye. Several minutes passed while the dock master spoke softly to his counterpart in Clandor Kye, and the general could only hear one side of the conversation. He waited impatiently for the communication to end.

He could offer no help, frowned the dock master. I was correct in assuming that he had gems to speak with the ship captains, but none of them are answering. He found that fact to be rather strange. He did mention that he thought that they might be on some sort of secret mission, and he cautioned me to avoid mentioning their disappearance. Should I contact him again and ask him to make the lack of contact known to the authorities in Clandor Kye?

Grand General Zao Baek shuddered as he thought what Alfor's response might be to such information. He vigorously shook his head.

Say nothing about this, warned the general.

* * *

Alfor sat on the throne in Clandor Kye Castle, his mind whirling around the continent as he searched for new ways to hasten the surrender of the Amicans. He envisioned the upcoming attack on the Westlands and tried to anticipate what the reaction would be. In his mind, he saw all of the armies of the alliance moving to counterattack against an enemy a thousand leagues from where they expected him to be. It was a mental exercise that Alfor had walked through a hundred times before, but that is how Alfor worked. He constantly reevaluated each strategy, looking for flaws and reactions. As he sat on the throne with his eyes closed, he felt the presence of someone in the room. He opened his eyes and saw Fabio entering the room.

What is it? Alfor asked.

The morning reports, Fabio replied cautiously.

Alfor frowned. So early? he asked.

It is not early, Fabio responded. The sun is well on its way into the sky. I apologize for my tardiness.

A look of confusion spread across Alfor's face. He didn't think it could be morning yet, as he had not yet received word of the attacks in the Westlands, and they were supposed to be well underway by sunrise.

Are you sure? asked Alfor. I was expecting a message from Grand General Zao Baek at sunrise. Do I need to go out and check the sun for myself?

I have no reason to deceive you, answered Fabio, nor would I think of doing so. As for the Grand General, he is the reason that I am tardy. I received a message early this morning from the dock master here in Clandor Kye. It seems that Zao Baek is looking for our mage ships, but no one knows where they are. What is going on?

What do you mean? Alfor scowled with alarm. Are you suggesting that the Grand General doesn't know where the ships are?

Yes, nodded Fabio. He thinks they are lost, and he wants the dock master to contact them. The dock master tried to, but none of the captains are responding. What is going on, Alfor? If you do not trust me, I cannot help you.

Alfor suddenly stiffened in the throne, his disfigured face growing taut. He raised both arms, and released a flurry of fireballs. Fabio ducked at the suddenly release of deadly magic, but Alfor had no intention of striking Fabio. The fireballs flew into the walls of the room and dissipated. Fabio slowly stood erect again and stood staring at Alfor. The leader's face was dark with fury, but the darkness slowly faded as Alfor regained his composure.

Grand General Zao Baek was on a mission, Alfor explained softly. He was sent to Ektara to send the 99th Corps off to the Westlands. This morning was the approved time for four simultaneous attacks on the major cities of the Westlands. The fact that he has lost contact with the ships greatly disturbs me.

The 99th Corps? questioned Fabio. I have not heard of such an army. Who are they?

You probably heard Dalma talking about them, answered Alfor. He called them the Blood Army.

The super soldiers? gasped Fabio. They actually exist?

Now that is a good question, frowned Alfor. They certainly did exist, but it troubles me that the Grand General cannot contact them. Even worse, if the dock master cannot contact the mage ships that carried them to the Westlands, that would indicate a failure of unbelievable magnitude. I cannot believe that the Amicans have the capability of sinking a mage ship. I need to know what is going on, Fabio. Contact your spies in the Westlands and see if anything is happening. Use discretion. Do not mention our ships or the Blood Army. Just feel around to find out the truth.

I will do so immediately, promised Fabio as he turned to leave.

Do it now, ordered Alfor, and do it right here. I do not have time to wait on this. I will read your reports while you get the information.

Fabio nodded and began to contact his spies in the Westlands. As he broke contact with each of them, he reported the results to Alfor before contacting the next. After a dozen spies had said that nothing was abnormal, Alfor told him to stop.

So the Blood Army never attacked, stated Alfor. I think from your spies, we can also discard any thoughts of desertion.

I agree, nodded Fabio. That many men could not desert quietly and without notice.

There were no reports of freakish storms, continued Alfor. What else could account for such a loss? When Fabio didn't respond, Alfor continued. Where is the Abelmorro? he asked.

They call it the Night Shade now, replied Fabio as his mind mentally perused the reports he had received in the last week. It delivered a load of leather to Leborg and then was sent to Dorset to pick up some wool for Odessa. That was about a week ago, I think.

A week? mumbled Alfor as he calculated distances. It might be able to make the Westlands in that time.

I don't think so, retorted Fabio. The Night Shade might be a mage ship, but to the Amicans it is nothing more than a large sailing ship. It's probably just getting to Dorset now. Besides, the Night Shade couldn't possibly take on four mage ships, even if it was crewed by our finest sailors. It's just not possible.

It's worse than you think, sighed Alfor. We are missing something important. Those four ships were heading for four different cities. There is no way that the Abelmorro could be in four places at one time. And who would even know where to look for them?

Who knew of the mission? asked Fabio, his curiosity growing by the minute.

Only the Grand General and myself, answered Alfor. Crand mentioned that we might have a spy. I never truly believed him, but this mission was so critical that I kept it a secret from everyone, just so something like this wouldn't happen. Be glad that I kept you in the dark, Fabio. Your fate will be much nicer than that of the Grand General's. Who is the mage lord of Argastan?

Fritz, answered Fabio. You rewarded him for his performance in reopening the iron mine out there.

Ah, yes, nodded Alfor. Contact Lord Fritz and have him arrest the Grand General. Zao Baek is to be interrogated to discover who he told about the Blood Army.

Are you sure that he told someone? asked Fabio.

I have no doubts, answered Alfor. Losing one of the ships might be an accident, but all four of them? I think not. Someone has betrayed us, and that leak had to come from the Grand General. Fritz will learn the truth, even if it kills the Grand General.

That might not be good for morale, warned Fabio. Zao Baek is well respected.

He is well respected because he is the Grand General, shrugged Alfor. He can be replaced. In fact, send me the general of the 3rd Corps. He will be our new Grand General.

General Lin Tamil, nodded Fabio. I will send him in as soon as we are done, but there is a problem with his promotion. Zao Baek has the gems to contact all of the other generals. If you make Lin Tamil the new Grand General, he will not have the ability to speak to the other generals until we get those gems returned to Clandor Kye.

Alfor smiled and nodded. And this is why I keep you close to me, Fabio, he said. You are, of course, correct. Tell Fritz to get those gems to me as soon as possible. Who else has the ability to communicate with the generals?

No one, frowned Fabio. The room fell silent as both men tried to find a way around the problem. Suddenly, Fabio's eyes widened and he smiled. No one except the quartermaster, he said victoriously. General Gak has gems for each army.

Then maybe General Gak should be our new Grand General, shrugged Alfor.

No, Fabio said quickly. General Gak has received great praise for his performance, but I don't think anyone sees him as a military strategist. Besides, we would lose an excellent quartermaster. Gak should be able to relay orders for Lin Tamil until the gems arrive.

Fine, Alfor said quickly, as if the topic was boring him. Get that matter taken care of so that we can exact vengeance on the Amicans.

You still think this loss was due to the Amicans, don't you? asked Fabio.

Without a doubt, nodded Alfor. I can't for the life of me figure out how they could accomplish such a feat, but they did.

How can you be so sure? asked Fabio. Maybe we are rushing to judgment here.

Nonsense, retorted Alfor. The truth of the matter is in your reports. You state that Assynt is beginning their evacuation today. Is that correct?

It is, nodded Fabio. It was reported by multiple spies. Also, mage ships are dropping their cargos all over Amica to rush to Assynt for the evacuation. What does that have to do with anything?

And why would the Amicans suddenly think to evacuate their cities several months early? posed Alfor. Don't strain your brain, Fabio. They are evacuating because they fear an early attack. They fear an early attack because they know that we just tried to attack them on the west coast. That proves to me that they knew about the Blood Army and the attack on the Westlands. I am willing to wager that the Amicans are rushing right now to fortify their positions in the Midlands in anticipation of an early attack. I'm of half a mind to grant their wish.

There is no reason to react so quickly, frowned Fabio. We only have half our armies through the Northern Gate. It will be months before the other half gets through.

We can't wait months, retorted Alfor. Those armies heading for the Northern Gate must accelerate their travel. Those will be the first orders issued by our new Grand General.

Why? frowned Fabio.

Alfor sighed and shook his head. The Blood Army is not the only thing we lost today, Fabio, he said in a lecturing tone. We also lost our mage ships and fifty mages. Without those ships, we will get no more food brought into the Northlands. We need to move our armies through the pass and quickly.

Fabio gasped as he realized what the loss truly meant.

Is it possible to steal one of Lantana's mage ships? asked Alfor.

I don't see how, Fabio shook his head. We can't even get men onto any of the mage ships. Since the Avenging Shadow forced Lantana to surrender, the only mages allowed in Amica are sailors, and the Amicans have a list of every one of them. They're not even allowing enforcers into Amica.

And we no longer have the ability to make trips to Lantana, Alfor sighed and nodded. What about Randal's Regiment? Did they make it through the pass before the snow closed it?

The Foreign Legion? replied Fabio. Yes, they did. They passed through right behind the 31st Corps a while ago. They should already be nearing the desert by now.

All right, Alfor said. You also need to contact Dalma. Tell him to wrap up his breeding program. Instruct him to move the mage beasts through the Northern Gate to Mirdsteppe. He will have to time his arrival at the pass to coincide with the armies already heading towards it. No doubt we are going to have to blast the pass open to get those armies through, and that will demand all the mage power we can muster. We cannot do it twice. In fact, call in all of the mages from our western provinces except the mage lords. We have no need for dock masters any more, and we can use their help clearing the pass.

Doing it even once is risky, frowned Fabio. The mages will need weeks to recuperate from such a feat. They will be worthless as battle mages.

Understood, agreed Alfor, but it will be necessary. Between the size of our armies and the new mage beasts, we won't have need for many battle mages. Besides, the mages can always travel later and catch up to the armies. The trick here, Fabio, is overwhelming strength against the enemy. We want them to run fast and hard until they are exhausted. Once that happens, they will surrender without further bloodshed. It doesn't do well to slaughter all of our slaves if we don't have to.

* * *

Marcus, Antioch, Taraka, and Mari approached the rear of the home of the wizard Rosetta in Gog. Rosetta and a score of other wizards were creating an assortment of explosive devices to be used in the upcoming war. When Rosetta saw the Avenging Shadow approaching, she moved quickly to greet him.

An unexpected pleasure, Rosetta smiled broadly. Have you come to witness the creation of our devices of disaster?

I came to compliment you on the ship mines, Marcus replied. They worked far better than I imagined. Your efforts have saved Amica, at least so far. The mines were used to sink four mage ships off the coast of the Westlands recently, and those mage ships carried enough soldiers to conquer the Westlands. Only your mines were able to save us. You should be proud.

Brakus helped, smiled the wizard, but I am glad that our efforts bore fruit. Rosetta suddenly frowned as it occurred to her that congratulations were not the reason for the Avenging Shadow's visit. You didn't have to come all the way to Gog just to tell me that, she noted. Why have you come?

I need to know what other surprises you and your wizards can offer, answered Marcus. I do not mean grand devices of the future, but rather devices that can be made today. I fear the war is coming early, Rosetta, and we need to start preparing immediately.

We are doing just that, Rosetta replied with a wave of her hand towards the wizards gathered in her yard. In fact, we have already delivered some useful things to Colonel Lu Zhou as his army passed through the Lakelands recently.

I heard, nodded Marcus, but I am thinking on a grander scale. We need your devices in quantity starting today. Are you equipped to deliver on an accelerated schedule, or do I need to contact Tobias about getting you more help?

I was under the impression that I already had all of the help that I would get, answered Rosetta. There just aren't that many wizards left who are unassigned.

If you need more, offered Marcus, I will have some reassigned from the kings that they are protecting.

You would take protection away from the kings? gasped Rosetta. How soon is this war coming?

I can't answer that just yet, stated Marcus, but yes, I will remove wizards from the kings. The kings' lives will be forfeit if we don't stop Alfor's armies, so the wizards need to be used where they will make the biggest difference, and right now, that is right here. Tell me what you need.

Let me discuss this with the others, Rosetta said. I will have your answer within the hour.

Fair enough, agreed Marcus. We will rest until then.

As Rosetta turned to gather her wizards, Marcus turned and strode away from the others. He activated a gem that connected him with Tangar, the head elder of the Dohari tribe. As soon as greetings were dealt with, Marcus got right to the reason for his contact.

Tangar, Marcus said, I need a favor from the Dohari people. It will entail a degree of risk for your people, but I have nowhere else to turn.

The Dohari are not afraid of risk, the elder replied cautiously. What can we do for our southern friends?

There are six ten-thousand-man armies marching towards the Northern Gate from the three western provinces of the Northlands, explained Marcus. I need to be kept apprised of their progress. This will require sending your people deep into enemy territory. It will also put them at risk of being accused of spying. More than one of such incidents will bring unwanted scrutiny of the Dohari people. It will make the mages suspicious of all of your people.

That is a task that we can handle, assured the elder. Is there nothing more that we can do?

There is one other item, answered the Avenging Shadow. It is a task that I know you will detest, but I must ask nonetheless. The mages already have half of their forces through the northern Gate, and the other half is on its way, but we have had no reports of mage creatures at all. That leads me to believe that they are still being held in the badlands. I need your people to venture north to Termiz Castle and learn the truth of the matter. Find out if the mage creatures are still there and how many there are of each type. Ideally, if you can notify me of their departure, that would also aid me greatly.

It shall be as you request, vowed the Dohari elder. If we can help in other ways, let me know.

Marcus broke the connection and contacted the dwarves at his estate in Grim. He issued orders to be delivered to the two black ships and then returned to the group.

What are you thinking? asked Antioch. Why the sudden need to accelerate things here?

The war is coming sooner than anyone anticipated, answered Marcus. We need to be prepared for it.

Perhaps, frowned the archivist, but it is not certain that Alfor will attack early just because his Westlands gambit has failed.

I think he will attack early, retorted Marcus, and if he doesn't, I plan to provoke him until he does.

Why? balked Antioch. We can use the extra time to prepare.

So can Alfor, countered Marcus. Right now we face an army of fifty thousand men. Come spring, that army will double in size. Also, there are no mage beasts in Mirdsteppe, and no one can find any battle mages on this side of the Northern Gate. Why in the world would we want to let Alfor consolidate his forces when we can strike while they are unprepared?

You plan to invade Mirdsteppe? gasped Mari. That is madness.

The only incursion into Mirdsteppe would be one to antagonize the enemy, clarified the Avenging Shadow. No, I plan to prod those fifty thousand men into attacking us in the Midlands where we can draw them away from their supplies. We don't need to clash with them in a great battle. We just need to keep them moving away from the Northern Gate and their supply lines.

But the cities are not yet evacuated, Taraka pointed out. We can't afford to let those cities fall with families still within them.

Agreed, nodded Marcus, and that is why our defense strategy will be one of delaying the advance of Alfor's armies while still urging them forward. The pacing of the war will be crucial to our survival.

All right, nodded Antioch as he began to see what Marcus was intending, but eventually the other half of Alfor's armies will pass through the Northern Gate, even if he has to use his mages to blast it open. Starting the war early will only force him to move his armies faster. Eventually, both halves will unite against us.

Not if we can destroy one half before the other half arrives, answered Marcus.

You plan to slow the first half down to allow for the evacuation, frowned Mari, but the second half will be racing to join their brothers. You can't control the speed of their advance.

Can't I? Marcus smiled thinly. I think I can, but I am getting ahead of myself. Right now our task is to make sure that we are prepared for an early war. We need to finish up here and get ourselves to the Midlands to discuss our strategy with the generals.

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Chapter 02

Straying from the Path

The Assynt Arms was the most expensive inn in Astrid's capital city, and the Head of Staff was a middle-aged man named Hector. He was well known and well respected throughout the city, but few of the citizens were aware that he also held another position as head of the local cell of the Black Watch. As the city outside the inn was in the midst of sudden chaos brought on by the king's order to evacuate the city, Hector sat quietly in his office, two members of the Black Watch standing before his desk.

I just heard from Taraka, revealed Hector. While the Avenging Shadow will not order anyone to remain behind when the city is evacuated, Taraka is looking for volunteers to do so.

Why? asked one of the men.

To provide information, answered Hector. We have no idea what the enemy will do when they enter the city. They might destroy it or pillage it, or they might merely pass through it in pursuit of our soldiers. Taraka feels that such information might become valuable, especially when it is time to liberate the cities once again. I would like your thoughts on the matter.

We are sworn to the service of the Son of Seth, stated one of the men. If that means that we must stay and die, we will do so.

The other man nodded in agreement.

I am not anxious to die, replied Hector, nor am I anxious for either of you to die, but I am warmed by your loyalty to our cause. I have already agreed to remain in Assynt, he revealed, and I wouldn't mind having one or two of you with me. I think our chances of survival increases with more than one of us.

Then we remain a united group, declared one of the men. How do we manage to stay alive during the occupation?

By preparing properly, answered Hector. The foundations of this inn are ancient. You have both been in the basement of this building, but there is another level below that. There is an ancient root cellar that has not been used since the Mage Wars. Everyone except the management of this inn has long forgotten its existence. We can hide there for months if we have to. Our task at this point is to prepare for such a long duration. We need to stockpile supplies down there without anyone knowing about it. There is a hidden door that I will show you when we are done here, but you must use care when accessing it. No one is to detect you entering or exiting the cellar. Our lives will depend on the secrecy of our lair.

How does hiding in a cellar help with information? frowned one of the men. If we hide in the dark, we will know nothing of what is going on in the city.

Not true, grinned Hector. There is also an old access hatch to the sewers, one that even the Rats never found. We will have full run of the city even if it is occupied by the enemy.

They could explore the sewers, warned one of the men.

They could, agreed Hector, but why would they? They are going to march into a deserted city. They will not find a single person in the multitude of buildings anywhere in Assynt. Why would they bother searching the sewers?

He's right, agreed one of the men. Unless we stupidly announce our presence, the soldiers will not suspect anyone is hiding in the sewers.

And if they do search the sewers, added Hector as he rose to his feet, they will not find us. Come. Let me show you our new home.

* * *

When it came time to depart Rosetta's home in Gog and proceed to the Midlands, Marcus and his group learned that their horses would not be able to make it through the cavern where the naphtha pools resided. Instead, they were forced to use the portal to return to Vanagor to use another portal to get to the north side of the Transcedic Mountains. When they reached the lowest level of the pyramid, they paused for a meal break. Marcus and Taraka used gems to contact people, but Mari and Antioch sat together talking softly.

You seem troubled, Mari said. You should know that I am willing to be a shoulder for your troubles.

I am not troubled, Antioch responded. I am just distracted. I have never had much occasion to play with destructive devices like Rosetta and her wizards are doing. It was fascinating to see what they were working on, but there is something about it that is tugging on my mind, and I just can't figure out what it is.

Perhaps you have a subconscious desire to destroy something, chuckled the enforcer. Such a desire is welcome during a time of war. There will be explosions all over the battlefield if they can time the detonations correctly.

Antioch tilted his head, the enforcer's words bouncing around in his head. The mention of timing the detonations struck a chord, and a broad smile spread across his face.

That's it! he exclaimed. Rosetta and another wizard were talking about how the devices were meant to be used, and I began to get doubts about their effectiveness because the person lighting the fuse would be volunteering for a suicide mission. For the explosion to be most effective, it would have to be timed accurately, and during a battle one can never be sure which way the enemy will move. Once you have determined that, you need to act so quickly that you place yourself in danger.

That's true, frowned Mari, but why does pointing out their deficiencies excite you?

Because I know how to correct the problem, explained Antioch. The mages of Marak were masters of crystal technology. They used crystals for everything from lighting corridors to heating water. The crystals can be programmed to activate by a variety of methods including sensors, time, physical stimuli, or magical means. Don't you see, Mari? he said excitedly. If they use crystals properly, every detonation will hit with amazing accuracy and timing.

I doubt that the wizards know much about crystals, frowned Mari. I have heard nothing about any of them being cognizant of such technology. In fact, the mages of Lantana are ignorant of such things as far as I know.

But I'm not, retorted Antioch as he rose to his feet. I spent a great deal of time in Marak studying such things. I need to go to Marak and get some crystals. Tell Marcus that I will be returning to Gog to work with Rosetta.

Tell me yourself, Marcus said as he and Taraka approached the mages. Why are you going to Gog?

Antioch explained his thoughts on crystal technology, and Marcus found himself nodding vigorously.

Go, ordered Marcus. Your contributions might make the difference between success and failure. Mari, Taraka, and I will continue on without you, but let me share what I have just learned before you leave.

Antioch nodded, and Mari rose to her feet.

Grand General Zao Baek has been arrested in Ektara, stated Marcus. He was in charge of sending the Blood Army to the Westlands, and his failure may well cost him his life. It has already cost him his position in the Federation Army. The new Grand General will be Lin Tamil, the commander of the 3rd Corps.

How do you know this, asked Antioch, and why does it matter to us who is leading their charge?

On the surface, it doesn't matter much, answered Marcus, but there is an opportunity in this for us. Zao Baek is in possession of communication gems that connect to every unit in the Federation Army. Those gems are almost unique, almost because there is one other person who also has gems connecting with all of those generals. That other person is General Gak, the quartermaster of the Federation Army.

General Gak? gasped Taraka. Are you saying what I think you are saying?

I am, grinned Marcus. Colonel Taqil will now be able to learn the location and status of every Federation army unit. This situation will only last for a short period of time, but we will get invaluable information during that period of time. With a bit of luck, we might even be able to determine the strategy that the enemy plans to use.

And their intended reactions to whatever moves we make, added Mari. This is incredible. How could Alfor allow himself to be so shortsighted?

Shortsighted? echoed Antioch. I don't think so. Look at our own communications, Mari. We are in a similar position. Only Pierre Champlain has gems connecting to all of our generals. If we lost him, we would be in the same position.

Worse, agreed Marcus. They at least have the quartermaster for backup. We have no one else to rely on.

Why only a short period of time? asked Taraka.

Zao Baek's gems will be sent to Clandor Kye so that the new Grand General can utilize them, answered Marcus. Once that happens, it would be suspicious for General Gak to be querying the generals about their status and location, but while the gems are in transport, he will have to do so in order to relay that information to Lin Tamil. He will also have to pass the Grand General's orders onto the generals in the field.

We will know their plans before they do, gasped Mari. This is incredible luck.

I think it is more than luck, stated Taraka. I think Arti is watching over us. How are the gems going to get to Clandor Kye?

It matters little, shrugged Antioch. They will probably send them by ship, so our window for information will be limited to two weeks.

Unless those gems never arrived in Clandor Kye, offered the thief. What then?

Why wouldn't they arrive? frowned Mari. They may no longer have mage ships, but they do still have coastal freighters. The gems will be delivered.

Marcus was the only one to understand Taraka's line of thought, and he shook his head. There is not enough time for such foolishness, he said. Even if you could reach Jemain in time, which you can't, the risk would be far too great.

You mean to steal the gems? gasped Mari. Can you really do that?

Think about it, Marcus, pressed Taraka. The pass at the Northern Gate is closed. There is no way for the new Grand General to get replacement gems through to the generals who have already deployed to Mirdsteppe. They would have to rely on General Gak to relay all communications to and from those generals. We would have complete knowledge of their plans. This could make a real difference in who wins this war.

Antioch raised an eyebrow as he listened to the banter. She has a point, he eventually said. We all spent a winter in the Northlands to plant gems that have provided only a tiny sliver of information as important as this. If there is a way to get those gems or destroy them, we should consider it.

There is not enough time, sighed Marcus. There is no way that Taraka could get to Jemain before the ship carrying the gems, and once they reach Clandor Kye, it is all over. While I agree that it would be a tremendous coup, it is not going to happen.

You are presuming that the coastal freighters run on a regular schedule like the mage ships do, interjected Mari. Such is not the case. Because of the long distances between ports up there, you might have to wait a week at each port before the next leg of your journey. If there is any chance at all of getting those gems, we should give it a try. I am even willing to go up there with Taraka to watch her back.

And lose both of you to the mages? scowled Marcus. I think not. You would be racing from the Northern Wall down the West Road, which is swarming with soldiers right now. Sixty thousand men are using that road to march towards the Northern Gate. Add to that the impossibility of the two of you escaping Jemain once again, and I cannot allow this mission, no matter how important it is. If we wish to simply destroy the gems, I can ask Geltek to arrange to sink the ship that is carrying them.

Impractical, Mari shook her head. The coastal freighters sail close to shore. Even if the ship is sunk, the courier carrying the gems is likely to survive and swim to shore. That only delays the delivery of the gems. It is hardly worth the effort.

There is another way, offered Antioch, one that doesn't require riding on the West Road.

Oh? questioned Mari. What is it?

The Night Shadow, answered the archivist. The mages no longer have their mage ships. That means that the waters far offshore of the Northlands are devoid of ships. The Night Shadow could covertly sail to the Northlands and send the women ashore in a rowboat. No one would ever know that our black ship is sailing offshore.

Marcus raised an eyebrow as that thought sunk in. Slowly, he nodded in agreement. Antioch, he ordered, contact Camy and see if his spies can learn anything about east bound coastal freighters and their upcoming schedules. I will contact the Night Shadow and arrange the voyage.

Before you do that, frowned Taraka, while I am grateful for Mari's offer to join me in the Northlands, I worry about your protection, Marcus. I think one of us always needs to be by your side. I can do this alone.

No, you can't, retorted Marcus. Mari needs to be near you when you strike, even if it is just for her ability to heal you. The North Sea is an endless domain, and I am not about to lose you for some gems. You will carry a tracking gem with you at all times, and Mari will be monitoring it from the Night Shadow the whole time you are apart. If you plan to argue with me on this, you will not be going north.

She is right about your protection though, Mari said to Marcus. You need a wizard or mage by your side. Perhaps Antioch should postpone his trip to Marak until we return.

There is no time for that, objected the archivist. If we are to utilize crystals for the explosive devices, we need to experiment with them first. There is no time to spare.

I will be protected, promised Marcus. I will take another wizard with me.

Who? asked Mari.

Marcus sighed, his mind whirling as he sought a wizard who was not needed in his current position. He couldn't think of one until his thoughts landed on Nigil. Nigil could not afford to leave Lantana without an Amican presence, but his new wife could.

I will take Lassa with me, he declared. She can leave Lantana for a supposed trip home before her friends are exiled to the refugee camps.

Lassa? scowled Taraka. She is not much of a wizard. I thought she was weak.

I don't need a powerful wizard, Marcus retorted. Ask Mari and Antioch what skills I have required of them in the past. I need someone who can cast a locating spell or an illusion, maybe a spell of invisibility, or a new enchantment on a gem.

Or shields, nodded Antioch. Marcus is right. Lassa will do fine until the two of you return.

* * *

Randal was a wiry man just past thirty years old. He was born and raised in Kettland where as a young man he got into a brawl in a local tavern. He was a ferocious fighter, and the brawl had resulted in a man's death. He was charged with murder and sentenced to hang, but a stroke of luck intervened, and his fate took a strange turn. Somehow he was mistaken for another prisoner and released before his execution. Not wanting to discard a gift when he was presented with one, Randal stole a horse and swiftly left the city. He meandered for almost a year before he was eventually apprehended in Clandor Kye. There he was thrown in prison to eventually be returned to Kettland to hang for his crime, but once again fate intervened. His paperwork was lost, and Kettland was never informed of his capture. As he languished in the prison, he earned a reputation as a capable and scrappy fighter, and soon he was the favorite son of the prison guards who used to gamble on the prearranged bouts. Eventually, one of the officers approached Randal and offered him a reprieve.

The officer was looking to form a Foreign Legion, an army unit made up of southerners, and Randal jumped at the chance to earn his freedom. Over the next ten years, Randal led and trained a group that would grow to encompass over one thousand men. It became known as Randal's Regiment, and its insignia was a simple R in a circle. As the Federation war plans began to evolve, Randal's Regiment was given a secret mission that would strike deep within the enemy's lands, and this pleased Randal beyond reason as he still blamed the failure of his life on the authorities in Kettland who had arrested and almost hanged him.

Just before the closing of the pass, Randal led his regiment through the Northern Gate directly behind the 31st Corps of Argastan. When the 31st Corps setup camp the first night in Mirdsteppe, Randal's Regiment camped not far away. In the morning, the 31st Corps rose and headed south along the Erdal Road. Randal watched them depart until they were out of sight. He then led his regiment overland to the southwest. Within hours the group had passed into a deserted stretch of the steppe. Three days later, they came to the west branch of the Erdal River, and Randal ordered his men to fill all of their containers with water. Many of the men grumbled about carrying the extra weight, but none of them grumbled too loudly. Randal didn't allow anyone to question his orders, and his vengeance for those who did was well known.

Four days later, the men of Randal's Regiment understood their leader's concern as they arrived at the eastern edge of the Waste, an almost endless desert that stretched from Mirdsteppe and Olmsteppe all the way to the Western Sea. Although there were still some places to get water alongside the desert, they were few and far between, and the men were now glad to carry the extra weight. After another week of riding alongside the desert, Randal's regiment crossed the border into Olmsteppe. The whole time they had been traveling since the Erdal Road, they had not seen another person. As the sun started to set the first night in Olmsteppe, Colonel Randal called a halt for the night.

The men of the regiment were well versed in setting up camp, and it was completed efficiently. While Randal sat around a fire with the six mages that were traveling with the regiment, his men ate the evening meal.

What a cursed country, offered one of the mages. This might not be the Waste, but it might as well be. Nothing could live out here. Mirdsteppe should just let this land be reclaimed by the Waste and be done with it.

We are no longer in Mirdsteppe, commented one of the other mages. We are in Olmsteppe now.

The other mages seemed surprised, and they looked to Colonel Randal for confirmation that they were in enemy territory. The colonel nodded.

We entered Olmsteppe earlier today, stated the colonel. Starting tomorrow, we will no longer wear our Federation uniforms. We will be wearing the Kettland uniforms. I will be making an announcement about it after the meal.

Why Kettland? asked one of the mages. If we are in Olmsteppe, shouldn't we be wearing Olmsteppe uniforms?

Do you think the people of this country would not recognize their own? retorted Randal. We are foreigners and we will be seen as such. I chose Kettland because our spies reported that they have kept one thousand of their soldiers out of the Army of the Midlands. If we should be sighted by anyone, we will be confused with those missing soldiers.

But those Kettland men are probably still in Kettland, frowned one of the mages. Aren't they?

I have no idea, shrugged Randal, but that is the point. No one else will know where they are either, at least with any certainty. No one is going to run to Bow Falls and report seeing a regiment of Kettland men out here. Oh, they might mention it in passing, but that will not alarm anyone. They will remember that Kettland chose to keep some men separate, and that is all the help we need. With a thousand men, we cannot be invisible, but we can appear to be something that people are not surprised to see. You will have to trust me, smiled Randal. These plans have been gone over a thousand times. I know what I am doing.

Mages don't trust anyone, quipped one of the mages.

Why is it that you are leading this group? asked another mage. We mages are used to being in control.

This is my mission, declared Colonel Randal. I have given my permission for the six of you to join me, but I will proceed with the plan with or without you. The choice to remain under my command is entirely up to you.

You need to learn some manners, scowled one of the mages. While I can accept that this is your mission, you will treat us with respect, or you will wish you had.

I respect your power, countered Colonel Randal, and by inference, I respect you, but do not think of using your power to take charge of my regiment. My men will follow my commands unless you kill me, and if you do that, you will incur Alfor's wrath. Can we now stop with the intimidating posturing and return to our camaraderie? We will all feel better for it.

The surly mage nodded grudgingly. As long as you respect us, he said, we will get along just fine.

Normal 0

Chapter 03

The Impossible

Marcus sat alongside the Olmsteppe Road near the border of Astrid, waiting for his companion to arrive. Near the expected time of her arrival, Marcus saw an invisible rider approaching. He rose to his feet, his eyes focusing intently to make sure that the invisible rider was indeed Lassa. When he was sure of her identity, he waved to her. Lassa immediately dropped her spell of invisibility and rode up to Marcus, dismounting as she arrived.

I hardly expected to find the Avenging Shadow sitting alone by the side of the road, greeted the wizard. I know this is the appointed place and time, but I find it strange that you waved to me. A bystander might think you insane waving to no one. How did you know that I had arrived?

Marcus suddenly realized that Lassa didn't know about the Takrit, and that pleased him. It meant that Nigil continued to hide his knowledge, even from his wife.

I could see you, smiled Marcus.

Impossible, challenged Lassa. Nobody can see me when I am invisible.

I can, countered Marcus. It is a gift from Arti. How was your journey?

Lassa frowned, unsure if Marcus was having fun with her, but she decided to move on.

The Harbor Master was put out that an empty mage ship had to divert to transport me to Assynt, she answered, but my journey had the blessing of the Supreme Council, so he had no choice but to comply.

Being the wife of the ambassador has its privileges, grinned Marcus. How are you getting along with the mages of Lantana? Are you learning anything from them?

Learning? echoed Lassa. They are totally unaware that I am a wizard. There is no chance that they would attempt to teach me anything. Nigil insisted that I hide my talents in case we needed to spy on the councilors. Not knowing that I am a wizard could make them careless at an important time.

Marcus chuckled and nodded. Nigil is wise beyond his years, he said, but how do you get around then? I know that anyone entering or leaving the government complex needs to cast a spell to open the doors.

That was a bit of a problem at first, conceded Lassa, but I am now well known in Batavia. The guards always open the doors for me without me having to ask them to. They are incredibly polite about it, too. May I ask why you felt the need to have me join you?

Both Taraka and Mari are off on a secret mission, answered Marcus. They both demanded that I be accompanied by a wizard while they are gone, and you are someone that I know I can trust. Do you mind?

Not at all, smiled Lassa. I know that I was a bit of a thorn in your side in the Northlands, but I very much enjoyed those days. I learned a lot about myself from you. It is an honor to walk by your side once again. What is our mission?

We are to attend a strategy meeting of our forces, explained Marcus. That is another reason I thought to have you accompany me. I pretty much know how the generals will respond to my plans, but I would also enjoy hearing your input. You have a tendency to look at things from a different prospective, and I value that. Are you game?

Of course, smiled Lassa. Where is the meeting?

We have a hard ride ahead of us, answered Marcus as he mounted his horse. I will bring you up to date on where things stand right now so that you will have that knowledge when we begin discussing future plans.

* * *

A large tent sat atop the windswept plains of Olmsteppe not far from the Wyland border. Surrounding the tent was an encampment of six thousand men of the Army of the Midlands. Inside the tent, the military leaders of the Army of the Midlands welcomed their guests. Colonel Lu Zhou was there to represent the Phantom Army. Captain Im Hong represented the Shadows, and General McTavish was there for the Army of the West. When Marcus and Lassa arrived, the others broke off their conversations, and General Argent, the Commanding General of the Army of the Midlands called for everyone's attention.

We are now complete, unless Marcus has invited another surprise visitor for us, General Argent said as he nodded towards the unexpected General of the Army of the West.

We are complete, Marcus replied. The purpose of this gathering is to solidify our strategy for the upcoming war. As I have mentioned to most of you in private conversations, that war is about to begin. General McTavish, what is the status of the Army of the West?

Half of the army is encamped on the Coastal Highway a little north of Assynt, answered the general. We ended up a ship short of that which was promised, so the other half will be a bit late, but we will be made whole soon.

I apologize for that, Marcus replied, but a more important matter arose that required the ship. Alfor has no current plans for any sudden moves, so there will be time for the Army of the West to regroup.

How can you say that? interrupted General Barak of Wyland. I've been told that we have over twenty thousand Federation soldiers camped on my border. It wouldn't take much for them to suddenly race down the Erdal Road.

You have thirty thousand soldiers on your border, General, corrected Marcus, and I know which armies they are and the names of their commanding generals. I also know that they currently have orders to remain in place. I don't want us to get distracted here, but I currently have accurate intelligence regarding the enemy troops and their orders. This window may not last long, so I intend to make use of it while we can. It is my intent to start this war early, and that is why we are all gathered here today.

Several gasps of surprise rippled through the group, but Marcus paid no attention to them. He continued onward.