A Clash of Domains: The Ikoelian Trilogy by N. C. Siemens

Author:N. C. Siemens [Siemens, N. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Imagined Seas Publishing
Published: 2023-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

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Behind their leader, Cassandra and the rest of the party wove south through empty market stalls, away from Ecaepho’s keep. Once outside the square, they swerved off the main cobblestone street onto a packed dirt alley. Tall warehouses and workshops overhung the road, threatening to close out the sky above altogether. As in other city sections, no humans stirred except for their group.

Irjay guided them down several additional alleys, then halted at a lane that ran behind classier establishments. “We’re close,” he hissed. “I need a volunteer to go ahead and climb the embassy stockade to check for hazards.”

The man who first enlisted at Jocsa mill stepped up to accept the challenge. He took the rope Irjay produced, tied a slipknot in it, and jogged beyond a couple buildings to a wall constructed of wooden stakes. Eight feet tall with each post sharpened to a point, the fence protected a fine two-story structure.

The waiting group all watched the guy lasso a log, then make a second loop in his rope about three feet from the ground. Aided by his makeshift foothold, he lifted himself to peek through the V-notched top.

What Cassandra could see of the embassy appeared dark and inactive, but their scout clung to his position for a lengthy five to ten minutes. At last, he slid down and retraced the distance to their party.

“Well, Darmieo?” Irjay asked.

“It’s clear except for an iop patrolling the courtyard.” A collective gasp hurried his report along. “I thought for sure he’d see me when he ambled by the wall, but he didn’t, which shows he’s unalert. Ripe for us to overcome.”

“Could we shoot him?”

“Maybe, but he has a full metal suit.”

The guy in the Bawkeer soldier uniform spoke up. “Arrows will deflect unless it’s a perfect hit.”

Irjay scratched his brow just below his bowl-like helmet. “And a direct assault will be too noisy and dangerous.”

“Yeah. A surprise attack like roping the iop is our best option.”

“Then we’ll have to apprehend the person in the lookout booth before they notice the iop’s gone.” Irjay nodded at the soldier. “Zerbin, will you and Darmieo deal with the iop?” He swiveled and pointed at Cassandra. “And you can cover them with your bow.”

Wow. With others better qualified than her, she hadn’t anticipated a big role this soon. Too stunned to argue, she gave her extra supplies to Brendon, who looked ready to protest for her. But he didn’t, so she took that as confirmation to go. Although nervous, for some weird reason the heavy dread that had plagued her since they left Hosdaerb had vanished. Perhaps her adrenaline had kicked into overdrive.

The shorter of the two sisters in their group raised a fist. “I’ll take care of the watchman.”

“If you’re certain you can, by all means yes,” Irjay said. He surveyed the chosen four, lifted his right hand—two fingers extended and crossed—to his left cheek, and then drew it to rest mid-chest, evidently a kind of salute. “I wish you success.”

Silent, the entire group slunk to the stockade.

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