Tales of the Vangen: The Siege of Middengard (Book 2)

Chapter 6: Serendipity

{To Captain Libro. Greetings and salutations to the heroes of Byzantia! As Lord Marshal of the eastern front, I want to preface beforehand that we have held the vile Middenite forces at bay in the behest of her majesty, the Empress of the first and only Empire. However, due to one of my vassal's blunders, a small contingency broke through the line, making west towards your direction. The vassal in question has been put to death per the usual expectations. It is with a heavy but hopeful heart that the runner I sent reaches you before the Middenites do, to warn you of the coming advance.}

-Signed by Lord Wolven, heir to house Wolven and Lord Marshal of her majesty's eastward forces.

"How many."

"Four thousand, my lord." Libro looked up from the parchment, trying his best not to appear shocked before the disheveled scout.

"Four thousand, you say?" That was twice the number of guardsmen Libro had at his disposal. He ran his gauntlet covered right hand over his course, brown whiskers, the cold leather a comfort to the anxious heat rising inside of him.

"Yes, my lord. That is what the Lord Marshal calculated." The scout shivered despite the roiling fire coursing from the brazier in the center of the Commandari. Black greasy smoke rose in tendrils, filtering out through the open tent flume.

"It's remarkable you were able to ride past such a large force undetected, at such a speed to get here."

"I had to spur the horse bloody just to do so, poor thing." The scout grimaced, looking honestly detested at what he'd done. "And they nearly caught me before I rode down through a steep ravine. Was just luck, I guess."

"I'll make sure our quartermaster gives you and your horse all the food and water and rest necessary to recuperate." Libro reached across the table, cringing at the sudden pain shooting up his crippled leg, and gripped the massive, leather tome set to the side. The Archive, or at least part of it. In five years he'd already rewritten the first tome after the last one had been damaged. This one was the second, freshly made for just the occasion.

"That is kind of you, my Lord." The scout said.

"In addition, I would like to record your name in the Archive. The bravery you showed today should be honored in its pages." Libro pulled a fresh flask of ink from the bandolier strapped across his chest and set it on the table, popping the cork stopper with an enthusiast thump. With his other hand, he produced an iron-tipped quill. "What's your name, soldier?"

The scout blanched, blinking in surprise at Libro's request. "Pardon for saying, my lord, but isn't that honor reserved for the men of the Vangen?"

"True," Libro agreed. "But I have been known to make acceptions. That is unless you wanted to join? As Captain, I could make the arrangements. The Vangen is always looking for new recruits. Men such as yourselves worth their salt."

The scout hesitated, casting his gaze to the ground, and Libro knew the boy's answer before he even spoke. "I... I'm sorry, but I am duty-bound to Lord Wolven. I...I cannot simply leave his service." He looked up pleadingly. "Please do not take offense, my lord, it's just...,"

Libro waved away the sincerity. "I understand. We all have our obligations to others. I was merely offering, which still stands should you ever change your mind. Regardless, please feel free to stay as long as you need to. Eat something, drink something, and for Nidos' sake, take a rest. You look like you're about to collapse."

The scout clasped his hands and bowed, much to Libro's displeasure. "Thank you, my lord. Thank you." the boy continued to bow and scrape until he'd backpedaled out of the Commandari, disappearing behind the tent flap.