Legacy

Chapter 12 - The Eagle's Gambit

In the days to follow, the destruction of Marsh Crossing became the subject of much debate. The cause had yet to be publicized by the Praxis Republic and there were endless rumours and stories about the tragedy. By the time the last boat full of exhausted, hungry refugees arrived at Hundred Orchards the story had even reached the capital. People were frightened and scared. There hadn't been disaster like this since before the liberation. No one was sure what to expect. What would happen to the survivors? Where could they go? How would they live? It was the first time most people outside of mid-morning arc had even heard of the town of Marsh Crossing, but it wasn't long before there wasn't a soul who didn't know the name.

The decision to act came swiftly, and the gates of Hundred Orchards swung shut. The fearsome Iron Army took up position around the town; no one was allowed out. Even the river crossing was closed off. A ring of boats and tall torches burned through the night, illuminating anything that got near.

Demus Thira strode into the town centre flanked by soldiers on either side – not the normal town guards but battle-hardened veterans of the Iron Army. She had golden hair and a long flowing red cape. There was a cold calculating look about her and despite her youth her eyes were filled with anger and contempt. She waited in silence for the people to gather round before giving her latest proclamation.

She spoke with anger and frustration, telling the shocked crowd that Marsh Crossing had not been destroyed in an accident as was widely believed, but in a grim act of cowardice by a wanted fugitive to cover his own escape while being pursued by loyal agents of Praxis. It was none other than a sinful aristocrat who had escaped the post liberation purge and was so consumed by thoughts of his own survival that he cared nothing for the devastation or damage he'd caused to others.

Hundred Orchards would be sealed until further notice. This vile criminal would not escape Republic justice. The town would be locked down, every building searched, every hidden passage sealed. Everything that could be done would be done to ensure no more people suffered at the hands of this madman. Of this, the people had her promise.

***

Kane and the young prince rested that first night after the tragedy at Marsh Crossing in the makeshift shelter setup in a dock front warehouse. At first, no one knew what to do when boat after boat of blackened refugees started arriving. News of the destruction had only barely begun to arrive and the messages were mixed and confused.

The town guards were unsure what they were supposed to do. Eventually they managed to find someone to make a decision and took over the warehouse to act as a refugee shelter.

Runners started to quickly make their rounds bringing blankets and food to the injured. Doctors had been roused from their beds and were working their way through the throng of people in a system that only they seemed to understand. But after tireless hours of work they managed to see to every patient as best they could. But supplies of medicine were soon exhausted.

With the first light of dawn, Kane grabbed the prince and disappeared into the cold greyness of the town. Those few lucky enough to have family or friends in town left soon after hoping for somewhere to stay while they contemplated the immensity of the tragedy.

Kane had a friend in town – an old man named Miller Jonas. At one time in another life he'd been the Imperial Brew Master, the last in a long line. He'd retired a rich man twenty years ago and set himself up at Hundred Orchards with his own operation that soon became renowned across the empire for its fruit wines. Jonas had had three sons in the capital when the Praxis invaded. Of the three, only one made it back home and Jonas was never the same again. However, he could be counted on as he was a loyal supporter. Long ago it was agreed that he'd lend support to Kane and the prince in hiding when the time came, but Kane never thought he'd be showing up at the man's door under these circumstances. It had taken some time to remind Jonas of his old pledge but at last they had been let into a place of safety and security.