The Custodian Chronicles: The Rising (Finished)

Chapter 30: Watch Your Back

Their march went the same the next three days. On the fourth day, their first city appeared on the horizon. The moment it was in sight, Mercutio halted them. He had them camp but didn't allow them to light any fires -- as the smoke would alert the city that there was a large group of people nearby.

Then he called all the commanders and laid out a map. "It won't be easy." He began. "I picked this city first because we have a better chance of taking it with surprise. Also, the three nearest cities rely on it. Once we have it, the others will be easy pickings. We need to find a way past the walls."

Mercutio pointed. "As you can see, it's much too high to make any ladders or other means to go over it. There is no way we can break through it. It's almost twenty-four merids thick, and there are five different gates. The first one is solid hard wood; the second steel. The rest I presume are also steel, and the last of decorated timber. It would be far too difficult, and time consuming, to break through all of them. So we'll use its weak spot." Mercutio tapped a finger on a dot on the map. "Where the river flows into the city. We can break through the mesh and slip through. It would be slow, but it is the only way in I can see." Mercutio looked up. "Suggestions?"

After a pause, Cedrick spoke up. "I think there is a better way."

Mercutio looked up at him. "What do you mean?."

"We use the waterway, yes, but why do we have to break through it?" Cedrick asked. "As you said, they aren't expecting to be attacked. I think we could get our men in through the gate."

Mercutio's eyebrows furrowed. "How do we do that?"

"Split the army into two parts." Cedrick explained. "One of them can masquerade as a large merchant camp. The other half can go through the waterway. We can take greater advantage. The gates will be open. If you approach peacefully and don't arouse suspicion, it should work."

Mercutio nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, it might."

"Sir, I'm not sure we should try that; it's a great risk." Objected Lieut. Rackrith.

"Yes, but it would get men in faster and might spare more lives." Mercutio said. "We wouldn't have to start the fighting so quickly. We can put one enchanter in each group. One can close the gate, so the enemy can't escape; the other break down the water barrier. It would make the city easier to take." He was quiet for a moment, pondering the map. "Alright." He lifted his head. "here's what we'll do." His tone became firm and sure. "I want the swordsmen division split between the two groups. I want all the archers with the party going into the city."

Mercutio split the men up and dismissed them. He pulled Cedrick aside. "I want you with one team; Elphacena with another." He said in a low voice. "I'm putting Rackrith with you. I don't think he'll follow Elphacena. No matter how I try to make him."

"And you think he'll follow me?" Cedrick asked incredulously.

"No, but he's more likely to, and I think he's less likely to try to hurt you than Elphacena." Mercutio said. "I think you should be with the team entering through the water way. Elphacena has experience slipping into places she shouldn't. She has a better chance of closing the gates than you do. You are a better fighter; you're far more useful at the forward charge."

"Yes sir." Cedrick agreed. "I'll let her know. We'll be ready when you give us the signal."

"Good." Mercutio nodded. "At least, I know I can trust you." He smiled slightly and sighed. "Well, good luck. We'll need it."

Cedrick nodded. "And you, sir."

Mercutio smiled and dismissed him. Cedrick did as he was ordered. His first act was to split them as evenly as possible between the two groups. He split his Special Forces team between him and Elphacena.