had never once complained. For many years now, King Artrex had relied heavily on Knesh. Far more than he would ever admit to his friend. He still relied on him. He needed him now more than ever. And he knew that, above all else, what his friend needed now, was rest.
Chapter 6
14th August – Tower Room, Heron Getracht Fortress – Rhuaddan
Vantrax, Strymos and Nytig were watching the picture in the water and listening intently to what was being said. Their eyes widened as Artrex spoke to Knesh.
“Ha! This is the news we have been waiting for!” shouted Vantrax excitedly. “If my brother is serious about remaining in Erriard for ‘a few days’, it is all the information we need to prepare and launch an attack against the Rebel Army and defeat it once and for all. This long and bitter struggle could finally be coming to an end!”
He stared down at the map as he thought for a moment. “Krar, an attack on a heavily wooded forest is not ideal, it is a risk I know, but the rebels are tired, they are depleted and demoralised. Their horsesoldiers will be less effective amongst the trees, and their archers will be unable to engage our warriors from any great distance. Close quarter fighting is inevitable, and our own army is physically and numerically superior by far.”
Strymos looked at his King with a glint in his eye, his attitude was now completely transformed from that of minutes ago, he was now growing excited at the prospect of a forthcoming battle in which, it would appear, he would have all the advantages. Vantrax raised one finger to his lips, sensing that Strymos was about to speak and indicating to him to be quiet. He pointed back to the vision.
Artrex was still deep in conversation with his Gerada when he was suddenly interrupted by a young female warrior who came riding briskly into camp on the back of a brilliant white stallion. Horse and rider weaved expertly between the trees with tremendous speed and precision, as if rider and horse were one perfectly balanced entity. Then, just short of the King, the horse came sharply to a halt at its rider’s command, digging its hooves deep into the soil to achieve the grip it required. It dismounted its rider in one seemingly effortless movement, even before its own forward motion had ceased. It was an excellent display, deliberately performed and obviously intended to impress.
The female rider approached the King and removed her half face, brown, leather helmet, unleashing a mass of shoulder-length blonde hair that dropped and bounced dutifully into place, as if overwhelmed to be suddenly freed from its prison.
“Father, I have to report that there is no sign of the enemy to south nor east. I have posted lookouts at the edge of the forest. They have orders to fire a flamed arrow into the air at first sight of...”
She stopped abruptly in mid report as she remembered the company she was in and looked straight at her father’s companion. “Gerada Knesh Corian, forgive me my Lord! I just wanted to...”
“Princess Zephany, there is nothing to forgive.” interrupted Knesh, realising that the young Princess believed she should have delivered her report to him. “Please, continue. And, I raised you from a child, Princess. It was I who taught you to ride in such a fashion, I have... Raas, I think we know each other well enough to finally dispense with the formalities?”
He looked at the young Princess before him with loving eyes, she was in every sense the daughter he never had, there was nobody closer to him save the King and he tried hard to conceal his pride in her as she continued.
“Srrr… Yes... As I said, the lookouts will fire flamed arrows and I have archers posted along the route to relay the warning. The final lookout will deliver the news in person, just in case you do not see their arrow.” the Princess stated efficiently.
“Excellent. Well done my child.” said King Artrex, attempting crudely to deliver a compliment but failing to notice the look of disappointment in his daughter’s eyes after he’d spoken.
Princess Zephany believed herself to be a woman, a warrior of equal standing to anyone in the Rebel Army. She felt strongly that her deeds over the past few years warranted respect, she was desperate for others to acknowledge her abilities and for them to trust her. Her life to date had been a hard one, she