Firebrand 5: The Warrior by D.E. Olesen

Author:D.E. Olesen [Olesen, D.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aethon Books
Published: 2024-08-14T00:00:00+00:00

An expected change awaited the pair as they returned home; they noticed it as they reached the clearing. A new gate guarded the causeway; it must have arrived during the day with the latest train of supplies. After leaving their equipment by their tent, the two wizards crossed the camp toward the gap in the wall. They found several carts holding large slabs of stone and a wizard in green robes busy at work, using magic to clear away debris. Likewise, it was clear to see that the rugged edges along the gap in the wall had been smoothed over.

“Henry!” Martel had wondered when the stonemage might be sent to make the repairs; if anything, the assault had proven that only enchanted walls would be sufficient to protect against cannon fire. Martel did not doubt that without the stonemage’s enchantments, the fortifications would have crumbled much faster under the barrage. Any simple repairs the legionaries could do on their own would leave a glaring vulnerability in the defences.

“My favourite battlemage and protector in the entire legion,” Henry replied, turning toward them with a smile. “They’ve still got you busy chasing Khivans, I take it.”

“It never stops,” Martel replied.

“How are repairs coming?” Eleanor nodded at the wall.

“I didn’t have enough stone prepared,” Henry admitted. “I’ll have to send for more material from Esmouth and shape it here. So it will take a while before it’s all done. You’ll have to keep the Khivans at bay for at least two fivedays.”

“At least you are assured good company,” she added.

“I suppose.” A wry smile accompanied Henry’s words. “I don’t mind being out of Esmouth for the time being either. Our legate is having his own little strife with the Thirteenth. Well, the same old argument they keep resurrecting. He’s been in a mood lately, and even a civilian stonemage isn’t safe from his outbursts.”

“What argument is that?” Martel asked.

“Who’s responsible for patrolling the wetlands,” Henry explained. Seeing the uncertainty on their faces, he continued, “The Thirteenth Legion is camped north of ours. They’re responsible for guarding the river against any attempted crossing. In between us and them lie the marshes.”

“We are familiar with those,” Eleanor said. “They ruined a perfectly good pair of boots for me.”

“Well, our legate claims that his imperium only extends to the river delta, leaving the marshes the responsibility of the Thirteenth to patrol. They argue since it’s between our camps, half of it is our responsibility,” Henry elaborated.

“Is that really so contentious?” Martel frowned, unsure why it mattered so much.

“Nobody likes going into the marshes. The soldiers hate it, and I guess the good legate considers it a waste of his resources. He’d rather spend it on something like this.” Henry glanced around the outpost. “You can’t move horses or carts across those wetlands, let alone cannons, so it would be suicidal for them to try a crossing in that place.”

“I wish they’d try,” Martel declared. “Maybe they’d leave us alone here.”

“Well, I hope I’m done and can get back before they try again.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.