The Kingdom of Liticea: The War in the Westland

Chapter Nine: The Raid

The winter nights have gotten much colder since Martin Bailor had emerged from the dungeons of Raingard. His hot breath was created a small cloud about his face, and ice was forming in his newly grown beard. He wanted to wrap his arms around his body, but he was being led by shackles outside the walls and to the small dock where he is to launch his mission. Being led by chain, like an animal. As if he could escape.

This is Gramman's plan to humiliate him. He could tell the other members of the Prince's war council could not stand his presence. He saw their eyes roll and their attention drift whenever he rose to offer his opinion. His House was a young, upstart one. One that rose with the Heflite Dynasty. Their houses: Gramman, Blackwell, Velrock were around as far back as the original house of Litikus. His grandfather rode the coattails of Arthur Heflite and gained prominence in the Royal Land, at the expense of other houses' influence. This was their little revenge.

Speaking of Gramman, he was right there at the end of the dock, wearing a nice fur cloak while Martin was shivering in his prison rags. He had a grating look of satisfaction on his face. Seeing Martin brought low clearly amused him. Standing beside him was Captain Noc and a few Brukalil soldiers.

"Brave Captain, your company awaits!" he said cheerfully, gesturing with his three-fingered hand to three boats tied to a small dock on the bank. Crammed into each were seven to eight men, all even more drab than Martin appeared.

He glanced out to the river and dreaded what he saw. The river was usually moving fast, but tonight it looked like an ocean in a storm. The water, reflecting the black cloud above appeared as freezing cold as Martin could think possible. The mere thought of plunging in made him want to curl up into a tight ball.

Gramman signaled to the guard and Martin's chains were removed. He was presented with his sword and a vest of leather armor and a helmet. He dressed up and strapped the sheath to his belt. Looking down at himself with armor and a sword at his side, he felt some of his old confidence come back. He took in a deep breath and thought of his name, Bailor, and all the history behind it. He took in another breath and approached the boat. He passed Lord Gramman, and the elderly Baron followed him to the dock. Before stepping on the boat, Martin turned to face Gramman, Noc, and all of his captors.

"If I return, let my shameful deeds be forgotten and honor restored to my father's name," he spoke.

For a moment, the smug look on Gramman's face faded and a look of assurance appeared in its place, "It shall be. If you're a man worthy of his name, you'll do honorably by it."

Martin nodded and took a spot in one of the boats. It was cramped, water was washing in over the sides, and he could smell the odor coming off the other prisoners. But, if he was to return to his father with honor, he would have to endure. Their tethers were untied and they were handed oars. Against the current, they began their long struggle up river.

Watching them leave, Nicholi Gramman was overcome by a feeling that this would be the last time he would see that brash young lord. Vince Bailor was an important voice in Royal Land matters in the years since he became head of his house. He would often be at the courts of both Duke Amos Velrock and the King, and he would usually bring his son Martin along with him. Nicholi remembered how much energy that boy had. When not barely keeping himself awake when sitting in with his father on meetings with other nobles, he would be out on the training grounds riding horses or practicing with weapons, or he would be out hunting with other young men. It weighed heavy on his heart to see such a promising young lord fall victim to fear when he finally faced war.

"Do you think he has a chance, Lord Gramman?" Bartera Noc asked him.

"Some part of me believes in him, captain. I believe that whether he lives or dies, he will accomplish his goal. Whether he makes it back..." he hesitated.