Legends of Arkn

Ch. 16 - Guilty All the Same

The armies of the south marshaled outside the walls of Handhigh Holdfast. Phan marveled at the display. Thousands of soldiers stood in formation outside the huge walled fortress city. Battle pennants and flags whipped in wind, the gleaming green of Port Shinoda, the bright blues of Heavy Harbor, the burnished copper of the Delsonians, even the bring orange of the detachment sent by the small city of Farrell. He felt sorrow swell again inside him.

"What is it?" asked Chaz beside him.

"One thing, I don't know why, looking at all this just makes me want to cry," said Phan. "Why do all these people have to die just so we can have peace."

"There is never peace, only wars," said Chaz. "Big or small, victory decides what's wrong or right. And we will be victorious."

The General led his soldiers down into the valley. The verdant plains of the Floor, the huge valley at the heart of the old kingdom, lifted Phan's spirits. He'd grown up in this valley, though further west, in a little village set in the shadow of the Mai Remains. The warm breeze and the clean air relaxed him some as he followed the others to meet the assembled army.

The General rode out with Duke Robert and Joh to meet several leaders from the army. Phan had no doubt scouts had been tracking their movements, but protocol dictated the heads of each army meet to make their intentions known, allies or not. The General turned and pointed to Phan, motioning him to join.

"That's one of his points of authority," said Baron Bradd. "Best get over there."

Phan nodded and urged his horse into a canter to catch up with the General.

"I want my best marksman by my side, in case this is all some elaborate ruse," said the General when Phan pulled up next to Joh. "Keep an eye out for anything suspicious. The walls of Handhigh are ever watchful."

Phan nodded, scanning the crenellations along the top of the walls. Sure enough, there were observers watching the officers ride out. The Peace states no one could attack the General or his entourage, but Phan's recent experiences as a mercenary and fighting against them didn't set his mind at ease about a sniper possibly hiding among the passers by on the walls.

They stopped a stone's throw from the other party. Phan could clearly see them from that distance and recognized some of them. War Mistress Kyara, resplendent in battle armor, stood at the fore. Behind her stood a woman in green Shinodan armor, flanked by two guards.

"My Ladies," announced Duke Robert. "General Shinoda of Port Shinoda, Duke Robert of Bourdon, Joh of Hahn's Cross, and Phan, formerly of the Grey Company, seek to speak terms. Do you accept?"

"It's overly formal," murmured Joh to Phan. "But it's really a show for Handhigh. Now they know who just showed up with hundreds more swords and rifles. Kenji's reputation precedes him. Might make it easier to get inside the walls."

"Or they'll just open fire on us the minute we let our guard down," said Phan, eyes still scouring the walls for threats.

"Or that," chuckled Joh.

One of the soldiers stepped forward and shouted back, "Lady Kyara, War Mistress of Heavy Harbor and Admiral of the Straits of the New Divide, and Lady Anna, Mistress of Port Shinoda, First of Her Name, receive you."

"Oh, you thought Kenji had the royal blood?" Joh said with a laugh at Phan's confused expression. "It's not quite the tale of a princess falling in love with a soldier, but then it also is that. Just don't underestimate her skill with a blade. She could match Kenji any day. I always thought that's why he married her, to be honest."

"Joh," said the General.

"Yes, General?" Joh replied with a broad grin.

"Shut up," said the General, betraying a small smile as well.