Return to Shadow by Derek Alan Siddoway

Author:Derek Alan Siddoway
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: western sci-fi, weird west, epic fantasy, arthurian fantasy, myths and legends, medieval western, frontier fantasy, historical fantasy
Publisher: Derek Alan Siddoway
Published: 2015-07-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 49

Captain Nikoma — The Simarru camp

Shouts of alarm ran through the warriors within hearing distance. Before the messenger could continue, King Garrid summoned him inside the war tent. The rest of Long Scar’s riders were immediately set up by the warriors in camp, men and women eager to know about the mercenaries and their movement. Before following the king inside the tent, Temur motioned for Nikoma and Cheytan to follow.

Inside, the king was already drilling the messenger. “How many? How long ago were they seen?”

The messenger was flustered under the barrage of questions from King Garrid. “Sire, we left the Khanhorn a little over a week ago and rode as hard as we could to find you. When we left, the army was marching north, toward the capital. At their pace, Long Scar estimated it would be a little over two weeks before they reached the Khanhorn.”

“Only two weeks?” The king’s voice rose to a shout. “How was it they were allowed to go so far undetected?”

“Forgive me, sire, but there are few tribes along the eastern slope of the Brutins this time of year,” the messenger said, eyes on the ground. “Especially now, when everyone has gathered to the Khanhorn. The garrison at the pass must have been attacked before they could raise the alarm. It is not known if the queen commanded the attack or not.”

“My king, if I may.” Garrid nodded and Temur turned to the messenger. “What type of warriors and what are their numbers?”

“We only have a rough estimate, but there are enough to siege the Khanhorn,” the messenger said. “Pikemen and crossbowmen and few light horse along with small siege equipment. All professional condotierri.”

King Garrid cursed, and Nikoma dodged to the side when the king kicked a wicker basket past her. “Temur, you are in command now. I will take a third of our force and ride south to join with Long Scar. We will drive these mercenary scum from our lands, and then I will ride to Vhaldais and squeeze those money mongers one by one until I find out who is responsible!”

“My king,” Temur said and placed a hand on the copper bracer the king wore on his wrist. “Let us not be hasty. Our presence is needed here. As you say, we should send aid to Chief Long Scar, but until Fordstown falls or the League army retreats, you must remain here. If the League has allied with Vhaldais or one of its merchant guilds, we cannot allow them to dictate our actions.”

“Do not presume to tell me my place, minghan!” King Garrid shouted. His thick hands bunched in fists, and his eyes were bugged and wild. Nikoma and the rest of the tent’s occupants took a step back from the king and his commander. Even in the face of Garrid’s anger, Temur was not dissuaded.

“You named me minghan of your riders for my counsel,” he said in a low voice. “If you do not wish to hear it any longer, dismiss me from you side.

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