The Assassin's Tale by K. L. Jones

Author:K. L. Jones [Jones, K. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Fiction
Publisher: K L Jones
Published: 2012-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Battle

Dawn broke, lightening the sky above the camp to delicate shades of pink. The day of the battle had finally arrived.

After the Ri warriors had finished their meagre breakfast Gleacher stood up and called for their attention, not that there had been much in the way of noise. Everyone was quiet, focussed on the coming battle. Gleacher began his briefing and Mistral found herself wondering if Mage Grapple was doing the same with his army of warlocks and what orders he would be giving; would he instruct them to avoid engaging with the Ri warriors as he had promised?

Gleacher delivered his instructions with calm authority. As a seasoned veteran he instantly commanded the respect of every warrior there. Mistral watched the Contracts Officer closely, allowing his aura to float into view above his head. It was becoming almost second nature for her to examine people’s emotions as they spoke, finding that it gave her a valuable insight into how the person really felt about what they were saying.

‘I have received my instructions from Rufus.’

A ripple of anticipation ran through the Ri. Gleacher’s expression gave nothing away but Mistral saw displeasure in his aura. She constantly marvelled at the often vast differences between facial expressions and true emotions. Gleacher was hiding how he felt well, but then, in his role of Contracts Officer he not only had to be skilled on the battlefield but also a confident negotiator; carefully balancing the safety of warriors against the requirements of the Contracts he had agreed to on their behalf.

‘We are to be the vanguard,’ he stated flatly.

This met with no response; they had expected little else.

‘And we will be on foot.’

This announcement elicited an outbreak of murmuring from the apprentices. The more seasoned warriors remained silent. Nothing surprised them anymore.

‘This,’ continued Gleacher in a louder voice, overriding the whispers, ‘is to allow Rufus’ mounted archers a clear aim over us … for our safety.’

There was no disguising the hint of sarcasm in his voice. Rufus’ archers had been drinking since the night before and were more likely to shoot one of the Ri than the enemy.

Mistral felt her last grain of hope slip away. If the Ri were to be on the front line there was no way they could avoid engaging with the warlocks. The armour all of the warriors wore would offer some protection against any spells cast, but not against the sheer size of the warlock army. Mistral closed her eyes; it was going to be a massacre. She was suddenly relieved that the Ri were going in on foot. Even though Cirrus was battle-trained she would fight better not having to worry about him being wounded.

Gleacher went on to outline tactics and issued formation orders. Mistral listened carefully, noting dispassionately that she would be at the front next to Grendel and one of the second year apprentices. Behind them would be line of Ri archers, all of elven blood. They were to join the line of Rufus’ own archers. After that would come Rufus’ foot soldiers and finally, his cavalry, surrounding the King himself.

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