The Brotherhood of Merlin by Rory D Nelson

Author:Rory D Nelson [Nelson, Rory D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Brotherhood Merlin knights chivalry wolf Morgana sword horses Gilleon Missalia Visa-Galia Orks Menalaeus
ISBN: 9781483568362
Publisher: Self-published
Published: 2018-09-23T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25: Underestimating the Enemy

The Brotherhood reconvene at Briar Hill. Several of the wolves are situated along a perilous switchback along a steep incline along the mountain pass. They are obscured on the other side of the Eucalyptus trees that border the incline. The ballistas planted in the valley floor are ready and awaiting Troubadour, the giant mottled gray wolf-mastiff hybrid. Everything is in its place.

Merlin knows of Jason’s penchant for caprice and there are only two outcomes in the letter he sent the King. He mentioned to the King to meet him at Briar Hill. He knows the King would, in a fit of inconsolable rage, send out parties to intercept him or possibly an entire platoon. Merlin hopes it would be the latter.

Merlin also knows the King will listen to reasonable council and take heed. The best course of action from Jason’s standpoint would be to send two large platoons out, one to Briar Hill and one to the Northwest Corridor. Briar Hill is the highest point in the valley and would provide the best vantage point.

When their position is ascertained, the platoon from the northwest corridor will flank them from behind, while the army at Briar Hill will drive them into the lion’s den, ensuring no chance of escape. This is exactly what Merlin wants. They will know soon enough if he took the bait.

The minutes drag by relentlessly while Germanicus peers through the hyper-oculars and observes if Merlin’s tactics prompted the King to send out his largest forces. Germanicus practices drawing his guns out and twirling them.

Merlin sits and puts himself in a trance and prepares himself.

Syrus and Savelle walk about restlessly back and forth and sigh continuously. The other Brothers divide their time between brandishing their weapons and looking in the direction of the ridge, hoping for the large force to make its way up the ridgeline. For the Brethren, the actual battle is more surreal, their supernatural training and reflexes taking over their body and functioning in a dream-like state. The most stressful part of the battle is always the waiting for the foe to take the bait.

A pervasive fog of doubt hangs over the Brethren as well as they can’t help but to think of the implications if their leader is wrong in his assertions. No one is infallible. No one can make accurate predictions all the time. Merlin, gifted though he is, cannot predict the future and estimate one’s actions consistently.

After what seems like several hours, Germanicus senses movement on the ridgeline. “Look alive, Brothers. They’re coming and bringing the platoons and squadrons. Hundreds. Perhaps more.” He continues to observe. Several of the brethren exchange glances with one another of restrained hopefulness. Merlin smiles to himself, while Germanicus continues to observe. “They have over a thousand soldiers ready at their helm.” Germanicus looks in Merlin’s direction. “Whatever you put in that letter, I do believe they have taken it to heart. We are well met, Brother.”

Merlin shrugs it off humbly, as he always does.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.