Golden Sword

Chapter 8

It was late that night, dark and raining, by the time everyone was ready. They finally left the gates of the city, heading north on Gantham Road. The rain was actually welcome, because it was now July, and the weather had been hot. It would take them two days to cover the sixty five miles between Mercedium and Gantham. She wanted to confer with the county governor, Baroness Lilia Poindexter. When she found out the name of the governor, she asked, "Any relation?", half-jokingly. Eric nodded as they rode, "Hell yes. Lilia is one of Selena's aunts. She is tough, but fair. I think you will find that you can work with her." Keika nodded, she sure hoped so.

As they rode north the roads gradually became crowded with retreating soldiers and refugees headed south. They had passed Sergeant Major Davis's men at work near Mercedium, who had been very busy directing retreating soldiers to the new encampment where they would be reformed. Alexander was left at the camp to gather as much information as he could from the soldiers. Everyone was frightened and scared. It broke her heart to pass families with small children on the road, running from the invasion of their homeland. Although the people looked weary and defeated, they made way for the advancing horse soldiers and cheered them as they passed.

Two days later they found themselves trotting along the bank of the lake where Keika envisioned a great victory. She was glad to see that the terrain of the over three mile long battlefield was satisfactory for the task. The banks of the lake and parts of the road were kept clear of trees and heavy brush, due to the needs of the fish farming work. Just back from the road, however, was dense forest and, in places, wooded hills. Where the road crossed two branches of the lake, the bridges were low, totally open, exposed. On the far shore she could see the wooden docks, boats and buildings of the town of Gantham. The banks of the lake were sharp in most places and the drop-off into its watery depths steep. Everything was as she had hoped.

After selecting a camp site for their troops near the drawbridge, Keika and Eric entered the town and were ushered into the Baroness's office. Lilia Poindexter was a tall, slender, middle aged black woman who exuded an air of serious business. She turned out to be a plain spoken, honest and open woman......and very devoted to her job. Although not especially friendly at first, the two women slowly warmed to each other and it was soon clear that they would be able to work together.

Lilia was actually quite glad to see them. She had been trying to administer an increasingly nervous town that was witnessing the refugee traffic along the lake road. The news from the north had been quite alarming. Gantham had a well-trained town watch, about five hundred men, but they knew they could not hold out long against an attack by the Paradisians. Keika informed her of the plans for the battle and how Gantham would be involved. The Baroness agreed to participate and gave Keika her full support, command of the town watch, and use of any resources at their disposal. The town would begin immediately to build the structures that the Princess was asking for, and would have them ready within a month. She promised them that the town of Gantham would be prepared for the battle.

They were offered quarters in the town for the night, but the couple declined, preferring to spend the night with their troops. Shortly after they returned, a wagon came over from the town loaded with food and beer for the troops and the group celebrated. The beer, and some friends, helped to get Eric into a jolly mood later that night, but Keika didn't feel like partying. Eric rarely joined in any camp parties, but tonight he broke down. They were all having a great time. Even Val was acting like one of the guys. Keika quietly retreated from the boisterous scene to the tent she shared with Eric.

Once there she changed into her sleeping gown. Eric loved them because they offered little resistance to his passion for her, but she didn't think she would be feeling too amorous by the time he came to bed tonight. She played her violin for a while, and then meditated. Finally she decided to reread the letter from her father. Although she knew all of the words, it was still good to see something in paper from him.