Magic and the Rage of Intent (Terror & Talons Book 2) by J. Clifton Slater

Author:J. Clifton Slater [Slater, J. Clifton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-10T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10 – Hard Out

The tree line acted as a border between farms. While it provided a physical divide, the actual reason for the oaks and cedars was a wind break. The closeness of the trunks and thick branches provided a barrier against winds rushing over the cultivated fields. They were also excellent for climbing and observing the military camp just to the north.

Prince Felton’s collection of royal tents occupied the high ground on the only hill in the area. Circling Felton’s accommodations were the large tents of the Prince’s Lords. In turn, each Lord’s tent was surrounded by the tents of his men-at-arms. This clustering of camps created open areas between the Lords’ compounds. To seal the lanes of approach, the highborn and their men-at-arms were encircled by the levy troops. As was fitting, the lowborn were there to absorb the brunt of a surprise attack.

“Nice accommodations,” Larth commented. He spoke down to Kavie who stood on a lower and thicker branch. “It’s also fortunate for us.”

A rustling of feathers alerted the men to the arrival of Rimkus. She landed on a higher branch. Remaining quiet, the hawk didn’t seem to have an opinion as to how lucky she considered the situation. But the Mage did.

“How do you figure?” Kavie questioned. “The Wizard and Prince are behind two rings of soldiers.”

“And feeling safe and secure,” Larth explained seeming at first to agree with the Mage. “But the Prince is depending on Lords who are holding their own men close for protection. And the Lords in turn are using the levied soldiers as a barrier. Which works for a large-scale attack. Neither is much good against a burglar.”

“I’m not a sneak thief,” Kavie protested.

“You soon will be,” the swordsman advised. “and a kidnapper. Now, if we’re going to put our necks in a noose, let’s get it over with.”

They climbed down, stayed close to the trees, and moved to the end of the tree line. Between the bottom of the hill and the cedar branches overhead, the farmland was flat. Across the field, campfires burned at unit areas and men on guard duty stood or sat around the perimeter.

“There’s our first break,” Larth observed. His eyes scanned the layout of the military units on the slopes. “The levied troops aren’t very alert tonight.”

“Can you blame them? Unless things have changed, they’re probably half starved,” Kavie suggested. “I thought we’d need magic to get inside the Prince’s lines.”

“Shall we?” Larth asked.

He didn’t wait for an answer. The swordsmen sauntered toward a sentry’s position. Caught off guard by the quick movement, Kavie needed a few long strides to catch up. Once side by side, they strolled directly to a sentry.

“We’re from an outlaying position. And we’re out of food,” Larth complained to the levied soldier. “The Lieutenant said to find Furby and arrange for rations.”

“Who are you?” the sentry demanded. “And, if you’re looking for food, you’ve come to the wrong army.”

“Corporal Furby, where is he?” Kavie barked like the Corporal he had been before deserting.

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