Kings and Pawns

Chapter 8

We brought Brigan and Allan back to our camp with us. Talon and Colby had already packed up camp, so we were able to continue our journey as soon as Kelan and Kael had taken their seats on the wagons with the new men as passengers. Caliet didn't rejoice at this decision, she didn't trust these men and didn'y want them near her. I on the other hand, was glad that they would be riding with us where I could observe them. I didn't trust them either, and they would be under close watch until I did.

We continued travelling, sending another pair of officers, Talon and Colby this time, to scout ahead. They returned within the hour, relaying the news that the forest ended only a few kilometers ahead at the Fort Darnay clearing.

We reached the forest's edge in a little over an hour. As we broke free of the trees, Fort Darnay came into view. It was situated in the middle of a large field, surrounded on three sides by squares of plowed land, ready for planting. On the fourth side, the entrance, the road ran through a collection of small cottages.

The fort's walls were high, but the large gate stood open. Even from here we could distinguish men on the ramparts, lookouts who had no doubt spotted us.

We rode on. As we neared the village, we attracted spectators. The people who lived in the houses stopped what they were doing to watch us. There were mostly men, but a few women and children stood watching at doorways and windows. They had the look of hard work to them. I assumed that they were responsible for the fields that would produce much of Fort Darnay's rations. Not one of them so much as raised their hand in greeting to us. Their collective gazes made me uncomfortable. I felt like an intruder. I glanced beside me, to Caliet. Her expression told me that she felt the same way.

We followed the road through the village and to the iron plated wooden gates of the fort's entrance. Three armed guards waited for us at the gateway. One of them, and older bearded man carrying a battle axe, raised his hand and told us authoritatively to halt. I relayed the signal to my men and we came to a standstill.

The large bearded axe-wielder spoke again, "Who are you and why have you come?"

He sounded cautious, and with good cause, for we were battle clad and heavily armed. He looked experienced and determined. His eyes were on me and I knew that if we brought trouble, I would be the first one he swung that deadly axe at.

I addressed him in my most definitive voice. "I am Commander Jerric William and this is Commander Caliet Berrat. We come with orders from the Emperor. We will speak with Captain Trey, now."

He furrowed his bushy eyebrows towards us before speaking again. "Well Comanders, I am Norfrin. I am head of the guards. If you will come with me, I will take you to the captain."

As I raised my hand to signal forward, the two pike-wielding guards on either side of Norfrin lowered their weapons threateningly towards us.

"Not all of you," Norfrin amended, "Just the two Commanders."

I didn't want to start anything disagreeable on my first day here and I assumed Caliet felt the same. I looked at her and raised my eyebrows questioningly. She gave a resigned sigh before frowning discontentedly at Norfrin. "Lead on oh Bearded One, The rest will stay here," she agreed, showing her dissatisfaction plainly.

The two guards holding pikes allowed our entrance before blocking the gateway again, as if they could stand against ten saddle horses, two wagon teams, and a group of highly trained soldiers. Good luck with that endeavor should the junior officers decide to enter, good luck indeed.

Norfrin led us inside the fort. To the right were five long buildings sitting closely beside each other; I guessed them to be barracks for the recruits. To the left was a large square of open, dusty space and a long building built against the length of the inner wall. Ahead of us, beyond even more empty space, was a large two storey stone building.