They arrived in a courtyard adjacent to the inner keep. Soldiers formed up in the space, though many more could not fit in the open area.
“It looks like the word has spread. Let’s find the king,” Jymoor said.
Jymoor stopped as she saw the king himself stride out of the keep. A group of men followed in his wake, trying to put armor on their king as he walked briskly, which was failing utterly.
“I’m a man of my word. Lead the way, Yeel. The army of Riken is ready to stand with you and your allies.”
The squad of squires finally captured their king and managed to strap on most of his armor.
“Through this portal,” Yeel said. “The Crescent Knight and my Companions will join us on the other side.”
The king donned the last of his armor.
“Send for my horse. Make sure the knights join us soon,” Aruscetar ordered. Men scrambled to implement his commands.
Aruscetar raised his arm.
“With me!” he called. The soldiers gathering in the courtyard cheered.
Aruscetar grabbed his helm and stepped through the portal.
Chapter 19: Battle under a Green Sky
Aruscetar stood staring at the green sky. Jymoor vaguely recalled a time when she found the color shocking. It felt like long ago.
“It’s beautiful. Yet…well, alien of course,” Aruscetar said.
“I promise it’s a world worth fighting for,” Jymoor said. “Yeel and Vot are powerful allies. You won’t regret this.”
Yeel emerged along with a few awestruck Rikenese officers and soldiers. He approached Aruscetar.
“Welcome to Ascara-home. Or almost. It’s very near. I believe your kind can see great distances? It may be visible from atop these rocks.”
“It will take a while to get our men through this portal,” an officer said. Though he stared at the landscape all around, he still had his head. He directed the knights just coming through to an area away from the portal.
“Perhaps we shouldn’t let the enemy know you’re here. Hide among these tall stones as long as you can. Then, attack the rear. That’s how you might be most effective,” Yeel suggested.
“Yes! I understand your plan exactly,” Aruscetar said. “We’ll wait until their forces are committed against the fortress, then charge into them from behind. We’ll form up here immediately.”
“Then I wish you good luck, as I must depart and stand with Vot on the bridge. As I understand it will be a vital choke point for the attack. I have some special weapons prepared for the conflict.”
“I would go with you, but I think I’m needed on this side of the battle,” Jymoor said confidently.
“Yes! We need you desperately,” Aruscetar agreed.
“Then I’ll see you after the battle,” Yeel said. “Exercise caution. A battle can be very—”
“Yes! We know! Good luck,” Aruscetar said. Yeel moved off toward the mainland.
“Yeel! The fortress is that direction!” Jymoor pointed out.
“Oh. Yes, of course. It does go downhill a bit over there. Good point,” Yeel said. He hurried off.
King Aruscetar rolled his eyes.
“The geniuses are always eccentric in the extreme,” he commented.
Jymoor said nothing. She was getting nervous. She remembered her—or her previous self’s—battles against the Quan. The memories were there in her mind, though a bit blurred, as if from a dream. She checked her belt for the sword.
Switch to the sword if the hunting birds are around.
“Form the ranks, and be quiet about it,” Aruscetar was telling one of his commanders. “Use flag commands only, until the charge. Keep the knights here on my right. We can charge along the beach where it’s more open.”
Jymoor watched more men at arms pouring from the portal. The men were grim, but it seemed like there were so many of them. Jymoor had no idea how many Quan they faced, but she thought it must be a lot if they hoped to capture the fortress.
“Up here,” Aruscetar said to Jymoor. He pointed at a tall rock. A scout had scampered up its back face and motioned to them. Aruscetar scaled the rock easily, even in his armor. Jymoor, though strong, felt it hard to keep her balance. She moved up after the king, moving more deliberately. Then she settled in beside Aruscetar to survey the landscape.
From the top, they could see the potential battlefield in front of the fortress. Jymoor quickly spotted the enemy forming up.
“They’re so close. They’re going to spot us if they don’t…wait. They’re moving out.”
The army moved forward. Jymoor watched carefully. She had good eyesight, necessary for her old profession. The shapes resolved into individual Quan. But the front ranks were carrying something over their heads.
The Quan