The Edge of Shadow, page 18
part #5 of The Kin of Kings Series
“What happened?” Basen asked, though he feared he already knew the answer.
“I saw Abith in the forest. I…he was alone.” Neeko looked over at Effie. “We had assumed the ambush was his doing. I figured he was here hunting us like the rest of Ulric’s troops.”
“We did, too” Effie agreed. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“I figured it would be appropriate to send my sword through his back just as he organized an attack from behind us.”
“Tell me you didn’t kill him,” Basen said.
“I tried, and two hells I’m glad I failed.”
“Did you injure him?”
“No. I came down at his back, but he must’ve heard me as I sent my sword at him. He made a sartious barrier as he turned.” Neeko shook his head. “He yelled out that we were on the same side, but I didn’t believe him. I moved my second sword around his shield but he just extended the barrier. Then he drew his wand and shot a fireball at me. It landed in front of my feet, knocking me backward. He shot another, then another, forcing me to retreat. I thought he couldn’t hit me while I was moving, but now I realize he missed on purpose. I returned to gather our group, but he was gone when we came back.” Neeko grabbed the hilt of his swords. “But he left my weapons, which I thought was strange. It all makes sense now.”
Basen tried to think of something encouraging to wash away the look of guilt on everyone’s face, but this was bad. Now Abith had no reason to approach any allies. They all thought him to be the traitor.
“He’s probably out of the forest by now,” Sanya offered.
“Perhaps not,” Basen countered. “Many would assume the same about you, yet you’re still here.”
“Why are you still here?” Effie asked. “You never explained that. I hope you don’t expect to go free after this, no matter how much you help.”
“Then why don’t I leave right now?” Sanya snapped. “Is that what you want, Effie?”
Glancing at the swarming beetles behind Sanya, Effie gave no answer.
“Do you want my help or not?” Sanya prodded. “Tell me to leave, and I will right now. Or admit that you want my help and stop bothering me.”
As uncomfortable as this was, Basen kept himself from interjecting. It was important for Effie to let herself accept Sanya’s worth.
“I want your help,” Effie grumbled to the ground.
“Then stop complaining and start making the damn sartious cage so I can be of better use.”
“Fine.” Effie walked over to the wall opposite the akorell alcove and started to gather clumps of sartious energy on the ground.
Basen smiled as he realized his allies were with him, finally. It was time for the next step.
He asked Neeko, “Have any of our enemies seen what you can do?”
“I don’t believe so. Most don’t look high enough to see me, and we killed every uniform we found.”
Uniform. Basen liked that word for them.
“Good, we’ll need to keep up that ferocity. After we get some rest, we’ll go find the others. There has to be a large group of our allies hiding somewhere, which would explain why we have had so much trouble finding our friends. Unfortunately, the longer they stay gathered in the forest, the greater the chances of a battle they cannot win.”
Basen didn’t want to admit it—even to himself—but it was possible everyone else was already dead. Hope would dwindle quickly if they didn’t find anyone tomorrow.
CHAPTER TWENTY
The news of Terren and Jackrie’s deaths had sapped Basen’s strength momentarily. Now that he had rested and was out in the forest looking for allies with Neeko, his fortitude had returned. A number of things were finally going right: Alabell was safer in the colony than she was in the forest; Effie worked to create a pen for the febeetles; and the three chemists would ensure Sanya healed quickly. Once Basen and Neeko had Sanya’s help, it should be even easier to escape death whenever enemies found them.
The person Basen most wanted to locate, besides Abith, was Cleve. He feared what the young warrior’s rage might cause him to do, as Basen knew how thoughts of betrayal had crippled him during his time in the workhouse. Basen wasn’t angry with Crea. He could not be angry when he’d expected this deceit and selfishness from her. However, if he found out she’d done something to his innocent mother, he might put himself in danger with his quest for revenge in the same way Cleve was doing now.
“At least Annah is with Cleve,” Basen told Neeko after they’d begun to share their worries. “She’ll talk him down from doing anything too risky. But I want to find them as soon as possible.”
“I’m not sure you’ll convince him to do things differently than he wants. Effie pleaded to the point of tears, then seemed embarrassed and furious when he still left. She just kept muttering the same thing all day: Cleve’s going to get himself killed.”
“Where did he go?”
“He wants to kill Cassius and Rockbreak. He’s looking for a way to attack them in their camp at night.”
Basen stopped Neeko. “We know where their camp is for certain?”
“The northern edge of the forest. Why do you think we’re going south?”
“What else should I know?”
“They guard the river as best they can, but it’s too big for them to cover all of it at any given point, so they patrol.”
So Sanya had been right.
“It seems like they patrol the entire forest,” Basen added. “They’ve sectioned it off. Men are designated to certain spots.”
“How do you know?”
“I heard them yelling numbers and directions while chasing me. There must be a system in place. If we can figure it out, we can use it against them. I assume they must be starting from the north and sweeping across the forest on their way south. It would explain why we see more of them in the north, and it would also make sense if their plan is to eradicate us completely. They don’t want to miss anyone as they search the entire forest while guarding the walls of the cities.”
“I hope you’re right about everything. Food has been scarce for us, while I’m sure uniforms from the cities bring supplies to their comrades in the forest. Most of the food we’ve gotten was stolen from them.”
“How many have you killed?”
“I’m not sure. A hundred?”
Basen stared with an open mouth.
“What?”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“I fear the rest of our allies have had more trouble feeding themselves.”
“We just have to find them,” Basen reassured.
“Let’s hope your theory is correct.”
They walked straight south for a few hours. Basen soon became parched and hungry, but Neeko looked as if he wanted to keep walking so Basen did as well. Raywhite Forest was shaped like a Y turned slightly to the left. Its southeastern tail of trees ran down past Trentyre. Basen hoped his allies hadn’t gone all the way there, as it would be difficult to get to them without their enemies taking notice.
The middle of the forest was almost as wide as it was long, but it narrowed the farther Basen and Neeko went south. This made it easier to search when they eventually came closer to the southern edge. They walked from east to west until they came to the western edge of the trees, then they made their way south again and went east until coming to the eastern edge.
For a few more hours, they repeated this. Basen began to worry when he noticed the sky darkening. He hadn’t had a sip of water all day, and his throat tormented him for it. He could see the same pain in Neeko’s grimace. If they didn’t find allies soon, they would have to change their mission to get to the river instead.
“Don’t move,” someone said from above them. “Put up your hands.”
No one looks up. Basen cursed inwardly. Neeko had said it less than a day ago, and both of them had now fallen prey to the same trap.
“State your loyalty,” said the man. “Quickly.”
If this archer or mage was a uniform, at least one of them was likely to die if they told the truth.
“Separate,” Basen whispered.
“Now,” Neeko agreed.
They darted in opposite directions. Basen spun around and drew his wand, but it wasn’t needed. Neeko had already knocked the archer off the tree.
He did have a uniform on, but it was gray! “Ally!” Basen sprinted in a wild attempt to get beneath the screaming man before he hit the ground. He wasn’t going to make it.
Something clear whisked in front of Basen and materialized into a blanket of dusty wind. The man fell into the pyforial energy, crushing it between his back and the forest floor. It slipped out and punched Basen in the stomach, but not before providing a cushion for the soldier of Basen’s father.
He was getting up, albeit slowly, but it was a good sign.
“Are you all right?” Basen asked.
“You could’ve just said you’re with Kyrro’s Allies!”
“Sorry,” Neeko said. “We didn’t want to risk you being an enemy.”
“Bastial hell, you nearly killed me!” Fortunately, the man didn’t seem hurt, only angry.
Basen asked, “Couldn’t you tell we weren’t wearing uniforms?”
“Yes, but Ulric and Abith have young men wandering the forest without uniform, pretending to be allies.”
Basen frowned at the thought of that dirty tactic. Even worse was his allies thought Abith was guilty of it too, making it less likely they would trust him. By the time Basen convinced everyone Abith was an ally, he’d probably have found a way out of the forest, never to return.
The soldier collected his fallen bow. “So you’re the pyforial mage I’ve heard about. Good, everyone will be happy I found you. What about you?” He pointed at Basen.
“I’m Basen Hiller.”
The soldier chuckled. “I’m sensing a promotion in my near future. Come with me.”
Basen couldn’t wait a moment longer to ask. “Is my father all right?”
“He was injured during the battle, but he’s recovered. He and Terren were targets, but Terren more so than Henry. Have you heard?”
“Yes.”
There was a pang of sadness, but it was a cube of ice in Basen’s warmth of glee. He was about to see his father, and possibly many more compatriots. “How many are with you?”
“Everyone still alive who we know of.”
Basen shared a smile with Neeko. It had taken almost all day, but this was about as fortunate a turn of events as they could ask for.
“Do you have some water?” Neeko asked the man.
He gave over his water skin. “You two look as if you need all of it. Go ahead.”
They traded gulps and emptied it in the span of a few breaths.
“I’m Teej,” said the man. “You can speak with your father first, but do me a favor and tell him I found you wandering and recognized you. When I’m an officer, I’ll repay the favor.” Although his tone was light as if he might be joking, his stern eyes said otherwise. Except for his dark skin, he looked like most of the other soldiers allegiant to Basen’s father, as if they’d been fighting in this war twice as long as the rest of Kyrro’s Allies. It was something in their eyes. A hardness. A weariness.
But Teej’s focus on a possible promotion made it clear he thought the war could be won. It was a refreshing change to meet an ally like him. Basen hoped there were many more.
Teej led them into a camp where Basen was blessed with the glorious sight of hundreds of allies and tents. They had fire, food, and water. His father was speaking with Warrior Sneary but stopped when he noticed Basen. Both of the high-ranking men came over.
Henry had never been an emotional man, so it came as a surprise when he threw his arms around Basen. “I thought you were dead!”
“I’m very much alive and have been getting much done. I have a plan for us.”
Teej cleared his throat.
“Teej recognized us,” Basen spat out quickly. “We can’t stay here any longer. They could be coming any moment.”
“Basen, relax,” Henry replied. “You’re safe here now.”
“None of us are safe here.”
“We have the perimeters covered,” Sneary said. “Do you know of any others out there?”
“Yes, but we have to go to them.”
Henry put his hand on Basen’s shoulder. “I can send out a team to bring them back. You look exhausted; go see our healers. They’re behind the first row of tents—”
“It’s not safe here,” Basen insisted. “They want us to gather just like this. They might even know you’re here and are planning an attack.”
His loud voice seemed to be gaining attention as the others nearby started drifting toward him. He recognized many faces that would’ve filled him with joy if he wasn’t so worried he was about to be ignored. There was the master chemist, Jack, the master mage, Trela, and even Cleve and Annah and a few Krepps—including Nebre and Rickik. He didn’t see his mother, however. She must’ve stayed at the Academy. Hopefully she was still alive.
“You’re only guessing what they want us to do,” Henry said.
“Yes, but logic is on my side. At least hear my plan.”
A large audience was gathering, Cleve and Annah included. They looked surprised and happy to see Basen, but they knew not to greet him in this moment. Lives were at stake, and Basen’s face must’ve revealed his worry.
“What’s going on?” Cleve asked.
Wasn’t the warrior supposed to be plotting out his revenge? Even Cleve must’ve been convinced that the best strategy was to gather here. This had to change right now.
“Nothing’s going on,” Sneary assured Cleve. “Basen just arrived, so he’s unused to our method.”
“It doesn’t matter how well you’ve set up a perimeter,” Basen argued. “They have ten times our numbers.”
“Basen!” Henry chided. “Spreading misinformation will endanger the people you’re trying to protect.”
“It’s been confirmed through interrogation. They’ve been keeping track of the dead with drums. They know exactly how many we have left, and they plan to kill us all. Once they realize we’re here, they will surround us and engage.”
“And we will win,” Sneary said. “You don’t know of our traps.”
“It doesn’t matter. There are too many…”
Basen stopped himself, realizing something. He was doing more harm than help if all he did was create panic.
“All I ask is that you listen to my plan,” he said in a calm voice. “Everything is ready for us to begin.”
“All right, Basen.” Henry turned to address the crowd. “I know many of you are eager to greet my son, but let me speak to him first.”
Everyone dispersed except for Henry and Sneary, but Neeko stayed at Basen’s side. “I believe in Basen’s plan.”
“I hear you,” Henry said with a single nod. “Now go get yourself some food.”
Neeko walked off with a look back over his shoulder.
“You expect us to argue,” Basen realized. During their time in the castle and the workhouse, Henry never wanted to argue or reprimand Basen in front of others. He cared too much about the image of his family, but all he’d done now was send away many people who were sure to agree with Basen.
“We won’t argue,” Henry said. “I expect to convince you that we know what’s best.”
“Just keep an open mind as you listen.”
“We will,” Henry said for Sneary. Basen wasn’t sure he believed his father, but he delved into his plan anyway. It could take weeks to set all of it up, and it would require trust, coordination, and devotion, but it was the only way to win. He could see Sneary and Henry’s expressions becoming more doubtful as they realized what would be required of everyone. But they listened until the end without interruption.
“I know it would be difficult,” Basen said. “But it will work.”
“It might,” Henry said, “but the chance of failure is too high.”
“The chance of failure if we stay here is too high,” Basen retorted. “How many do we have left, a thousand?”
“About,” Henry said.
“They have ten thousand.”
Sneary was a big man, leaning down to match his gaze with Basen’s. “Many of them aren’t trained like our troops.”
“That doesn’t matter when they have ten times as many as we do. We can’t face them in open combat.”
He could see by Sneary’s surprise that the warrior wasn’t used to people disagreeing with his decisions. Why were the warriors always the people to take command? Terren had done an excellent job, but Sneary didn’t have the experience to set up a proper defense. No one did. This war now required a different type of mindset, not a battle planner but someone who could outthink their enemies.
Basen had hoped there would be others like Teej who had faith they could win this war, but little did he realize that this trait would make people stubborn. It was because they thought they could win that they would go down in defeat.
“I can’t allow us to separate,” Sneary said, his voice sharp with irritation. “We won’t be able to give our troops the guidance they need.”
But separation was key to Basen’s plan and essential to survive. We’ll die here, he almost said before stopping himself.
Basen realized Sneary’s problem was trust. He didn’t have enough of it in his troops. Unfortunately, Henry seemed to agree as he remained silent with his arms folded.
“Get some food,” Henry said as practically an order. “We’ll talk about your plan later.”
That meant never.
Dejected, Basen went to join Neeko for a tasteless yet satisfying bowl of soup. Basen couldn’t tell exactly what was in it, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to know as he didn’t recognize any of the chewy textures.
“Any luck?” Neeko asked.
Before Basen could answer, his father surprised him by squatting down beside him. “There’s something you need to understand,” Henry murmured. “The people here are angry. They want to fight.”
“Sneary included?”
“Yes. The need for revenge makes a man stubborn. There’s a reason Ulric sent so many after Terren. He knew this would be the result.”
