Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web - Volume 1 by Prestopnik Thomas J

Author:Prestopnik, Thomas J. [Prestopnik, Thomas J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas J. Prestopnik
Published: 2015-06-23T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

The Road to Triana

Eleven ships from the Northern Isles were anchored offshore when Caldurian and the Enâri arrived a day and a half later. The vessels, pasted against a slate gray sky, were crammed with troops, supplies and weapons for the battle ahead. Knives and swords had been sharpened, bows tightly strung and quivers filled with arrows, and spears and shields made ready. Scores of soldiers had already set up camp away from shore, delivered from the Isles days ago on one of the ships’ many voyages. A cluster of tents dotted the northern foothills of the Keppel Mountains like mushrooms after a rain. Lines of rowboats were beached lifelessly upon shore as crackling bonfires burned brightly in the late afternoon gloom. Caldurian was pleased with the sight, confident that victory over Montavia would be swift and with little bloodshed. When the rural population was faced with such an overwhelming force, the wizard foresaw little resistance. The capital city of Triana would soon be under his control.

He instructed Gwyn to find food and quarters for the Enâri while he sought out Commander Jarrin. A short time later the wizard found him inside one of the larger tents, huddled with the other ship captains while preparing their battle plans. A map of Montavia was spread out across a small table, illuminated with several candles as a salty breeze rustled the brittle grass outside. Caldurian greeted the men with a cool nod. All were dressed in long, heavy brown sea coats similar to Commander Jarrin’s, their faces careworn by bitter winds and a lack of sound sleep.

“We’re reviewing the final placement of troops,” the commander told Caldurian, inviting him to squeeze through the group and view the map. “Triana is located near the eastern edge of the Keppel Mountains, less than a two day march south. The bulk of our forces will be directed there. I don’t expect King Rowan will put up much of a fight when he sees our numbers.”

“I don’t think so either,” Caldurian agreed. “It is an aging population in Montavia. Many of the younger families have found a better life in Arrondale or down south. And since war has never come to this tiny kingdom in recent history, preparations against it have never been one of Montavia’s top priorities. It will easily fall.”

“And when this war is over, Montavia will make a nice plot of land for the Northern Isles to seize,” one of the others joked. “We need space to stretch our arms and legs!” A stern glance from the wizard cut short any laughter from the rest.

“Know that Vellan is looking out for the interests of the Isles. Your nation will be repaid for your many years of assistance to Kargoth,” he explained. “But first things first.” The wizard addressed Commander Jarrin, scanning the map. “What of the larger villages?”

“There are six we need to secure. A company of two hundred men to each will keep the populations in line.” He pointed out a few small fishing villages on the map many miles farther east down shore.

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