Bloodsworn by Nathan Long

Author:Nathan Long
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Black Library
Published: 2012-04-25T16:00:00+00:00

chapter nineteen

THE SPIDER OR THE WOLF

A few hours before dawn, a Blood Knight scout came racing back down the track and saluted Kodrescu.

‘A warband, general. A lord and his retinue, as well as a warrior priest and a handful of witch hunters. We counted thirty knights and an artillery train of three great cannon.’

‘They are hunting us?’

The scout shook his head. ‘They are not on our path, but crossing it. They travel from the direction of Wurstheim along a stream that leads to the Reik, and they fly Karl Franz’s colours above their own.’

‘They ride to join him, then,’ said Kodrescu.

‘We should hold here and let them pass,’ said Lady Celia. ‘We will need all our strength when we reach the monastery.’

‘Unthinkable,’ snorted Kodrescu. ‘They go to support Karl Franz. If we destroy them now we will not have to fight them later.’

‘Or face their cannon,’ said von Graal.

‘Precisely,’ said Kodrescu. ‘We will take them unawares.’

‘Lord,’ said the Blood Knight. ‘They will cross our path in less than an hour. There may not be enough time to lay an ambush.’

‘It will have to be cavalry only,’ said von Graal.

‘My lord!’ called Morgenthau, edging his horse up from behind. ‘Let me do this. Let me make amends for my past transgressions.’

Kodrescu turned a cold eye on him. ‘I am pleased you wish to do better, but I will not reward your folly by allowing you glory. Nor will I risk your grave knights.’ He turned to von Graal. ‘Take Stahleker’s lancers. If they die, they can be raised to serve again.’

Von Graal nodded. ‘At once, general.’

‘Lord,’ said Ulrika, ‘let me go too. I have vowed vengeance on all witch hunters.’

‘Please, general, no,’ said von Graal. ‘I cannot watch over her in the middle of battle. She would be a distraction.’

Kodrescu didn’t seem to hear him. He smiled at Ulrika. ‘Good. This will be a perfect opportunity to test your valour and loyalty.’ He turned to von Graal. ‘Watch her during the battle. I want to hear how she conducts herself.’

Von Graal shot Ulrika a murderous look. ‘Very good, general.’

‘You will not fight,’ said von Graal to Ulrika as he led Stahleker and his lancers to the ambush point in the trees on the forest side of the narrow track that wound along the rushing stream. ‘You will stay behind our line with two men guarding you. If you attempt to join the fray, they will cut you down and I will claim you died at the enemy’s hand. Do you understand?’

Ulrika stiffened. ‘General Kodrescu has ordered me to fight.’

‘And I will say you did, but I cannot lead and watch you at the same time.’ He gave her a thin smile. ‘You needn’t worry. You will still rise in his eyes. I will give a glowing report of your valour.’

‘I don’t give a damn about rising in Kodrescu’s eyes. Witch hunters are my sworn enemies! I want to fight them!’

‘Not while I lead,’ said von Graal, and turned his horse from her before she could answer.

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