Broadswords and Blasters Issue 5: Pulp Magazine with Modern Sensibilities (Volume 2 Book 1) by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Broadswords and Blasters
Published: 2018-04-05T22:00:00+00:00

Jerold’s Stand

by David F. Shultz

David F. Shultz (MA, JD, BEd) writes poetry and short fiction from Toronto, ON. His more than forty published works are featured or forth-coming in publications such as Abyss & Apex, Dreams & Nightmares, and Star*Line, among others. Find him online at DavidFShultz.com and Twitter @DavidFShultz.

Kagan Kadir, the tyrannical Emperor, has for seven years waged a bloody campaign of conquest across the vast country of Greitland, stretching as far as the sea. His forces have stormed every castle, broken every wall, taken every city, except Cheston, which is on a mountain and held by the good King Carnell.

Kadir's forces have laid siege to Cheston for many nights. The good King Carnell cannot resist much longer. Many Lords from Greitland, and distant countries across the seas, resolved to come to Cheston's aid and make a stand there, under the banner of King Haelen of the North. King Haelen's resistance force, ten thousand men strong, now marches to Cheston. Among them are the most honourable champions ever to wield a blade.

Captain Jerold, the brave, leads the rear guard through the green gorges in the pass at Veldtmarshe. Cheston lies not more than three dozen leagues North, where King Haelen's forces will counter Kadir's siege.

Kadir's allies ambush from all directions. To the West, black clad forces flow down the mountain slopes, bearing the banner of the wolf, and on the East mountains, red clad forces, bearing the banner of blood. Blocking the advance to Cheston, a battalion of grey clad forces span the Northern pass, bearing the sigil of the Shadow. Blocking retreat through the Southern pass stands a battalion of green clad forces, bearing the sigil of the Serpent.

Jerold's friend, Baron Cederic the Honourable, sees the approaching companies, too many to number, and is deeply troubled. He says, “Jerold, sound a blast on your horn. The front contingent, led by your Uncle, will hear from beyond the pass, and will surely come to our aid.”

Jerold answers, “He would surely come, but because my Uncle loves me, not because it is wise. Kadir's forces have the advantage in these hills. It is better that we hold them off alone, so that the front contingent arrives at Cheston suffering no losses of their own.”

Jerold's friend, Baron Egbert the Bright, says, “Jerold, I implore you, sound a blast on your horn. With your uncle's aid, we may yet live.”

Jerold says, “If that were our only goal, I would surely sound the horn.”

Jerold's friend, Baron Arnette the Eagle, says, “Sound a blast on your horn. With your uncle's aid, we may yet defeat Kadir's forces within these hills, by the grace of the gods.”

Captain Jerold says, “If it is the will of the gods, it matters not whether I sound the horn. It is resolved. We will hold our position here to occupy Kadir's forces.”

Baron Cederic mounts his charger and readies his lance. He says, “So be it. It is time to feed the eagles.”

Baron Egbert draws his shimmering blade and speaks to it, “I will dye you crimson today, I swear on my honour.

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