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

Chapter 12: First Contact

{In the political schema of the Great Con, the Medial Empire sits lowest amongst the table of kings and queens, Emperors and Empresses, and yet none have ever dared to take their chair if you can forgive the metaphor. Being the sole harbingers to the secret of producing Star Steel, along with the natural and manmade defenses erected around the singular city-state, Middengard stands alone as the most impregnable of all kingdoms. Not even our dear Emperor would dare face such a challenge. To do so would be a mad undertaking and a grave one at that.}

-Chronicler Dicidus, an excerpt from "Memoirs of the Last Emperor."

"You don't have to do this, you know?" Regis assured his Captain. "We've more than enough men to spare. Enough horses to lead the charge. Having one less wouldn't change anything."

Libro shifted his weight in the saddle, glaring pensively from atop his position. Any minute now, the Middenite army would be closing in, marching through the narrow path set between the hill and a nearby wooded ravine, unaware of the cavalry he and Regis had assembled to intercept them. The mist had thickened the night prior, creating a curtain of gloom and shadow, hiding both his presence as well as Civis who lay in wait further beyond. An advantage the Vangen would not take for granted.

"Having one less could change everything," replied Libro. He kept his voice calm and level despite the boiling frustration mounting in his chest. "Besides, Dux would have been here. His presence inspired men. Should mine not do the same?"

Regis gawked and fished for his words, but it was Elba who spoke before him. "Those are wise words. Who was this Dux to incite such a speech?" She sat on horseback beside Libro, her tribal leathers and fur reinforced with borrowed chainmail, the sword at her side nebulous and star kissed. Just like the one Regis owned.

"He was our old Captain," Libro told her. "When I served as his Chronicler a short five years ago. I used to write his victories in one of our Archives." He reached over and placed a hand over the tome chained to his side. "Had to get a new one after I ran out of pages."

Elba snorted. "Sounds a lot like my Dah. A good leader and a good man."

"He was the best," said Libro. "He made me into the man I am today."

"Don't sell yourself short, young Captain." Elba socked Libro playfully against the shoulder. Even under all his padding and armor, she nearly knocked him over. "You give this Dux fellow too much credit. Men make themselves as far as I'm concerned, and you appear properly forged."

"I...you are too kind. Thank you." Libro smiled at her as he straightened back up and for a moment they held each other's stare. Her eyes were glinting with an animalistic ferocity that drew him in, sending his heart into a fury. He started getting nervy being under such a predatory gaze as if he were a rabbit staring into the eyes of the hawk. It made a part of him want to run, to get away as fast as his horse could carry him. Yet another part wished to stay. To be under those hungry eyes forever.

"You're welcome," said Elba. Her soft, pale lips curled ever so slightly upward. Libro blushed and turned away, hoping the mists would conceal his burning cheeks. He slid his faceplate on as Elba's scouts emerged over the hillcrest.

"Kirick. Freya." Elba turned and addressed her people by name. "What do you have to report?"

"Those brainless Middenites are approaching fast," Kirick pointed his spear down the hill. "And they're marching through the path as intended."

"Were you able to get a count of their numbers?"

"Numerous is all I could say," Freya shrugged. "Mostly thralls by my count, but I caught a glimpse of a few Clankers amongst the ranks. No doubt leading that sad pack of dogs."