will be able to retrieve them once we have defeated their army. Srrr, you will have to have some plausible reason for escaping, for running away from Heron Getracht. Ahh! I suggest you tell them that I am a terrible, vicious master who treats you badly. And that you cannot stand working for me one day longer. Can you do that?” he asked sincerely.
Nytig looked back at his master, he knew that his own thoughts and opinions were completely immaterial at this stage, the plan was already decided upon and he could do nothing to change it. He certainly wasn’t going to start being honest with Vantrax now. That would achieve nothing but to accelerate his own demise. No, honesty was the last thing on Nytig’s mind at this point.
“I... I will try sire.” he answered feebly, before turning and trudging slowly away, with Sawdon’s continual laughter still ringing in his ears.
The mighty Thargw watched Nytig exit the room, his laughter subsided as the unfortunate servant disappeared from sight. After a second or two, he spoke openly to Vantrax. “Tell me sire, do you honestly think that halfwit inbreed will do as he is told? He is not the most reliable of servants. I can never understand why you tolerate him? Is it really wise to trust him with such an important task?” he asked, in a calm, deep voice.
“He has no cheed wn the matter, Sawdon. If he values his life that is. You are right though, he is not the best servant I could have, and his personal hygiene is atrocious. But that is exactly why he is expendable. And believable. In any event, my soldiers will kill him if he attempts to run. And once in the hands of the rebels, he will only be conveying the truth; that I am personally leading my army and that I stand before them at last, ready to do battle. I am simply ensuring that my brother is made aware of my presence. After that, his desire for a reckoning and wish to put an end to this conflict between us, will do the rest. That, and his ego. He will fight, Sawdon. He has to! And once battle has commenced, then strength, numbers and cunning will win the day. And maybe a spell or two.” said Vantrax ominously, as he suddenly erupted into fiendish laughter.
Sawdon laughed along with his King. His mind began wandering, making battle plans that he couldn’t wait to enact. Their laughter faded out naturally and Vantrax placed his hand on Sawdon’s shoulder in a rare show of comradeship.
“Come now, Sawdon. Let us go and prepare. You and I must ride to Strymos immediately. We have to give him the good news that he is relieved of his command. Now you may get excited, Sawdon. Now you can make your plans for the destruction of all those who would oppose me. We have waited for this day for a long, long time. The game has begun. Our destiny awaits!”
Chapter 17
Night of 14/15th August – Rebel Camp, Erriard Forest - Rhuaddan
Nytig lay snivelling on the forest floor at King Artrex’ feet. His hands and feet were bound and his head was lowered. The small band of rebels and their new allies gathered around for a closer look at their prisoner. It was the horseman who had thrown Nytig down onto the floor who spoke first.
“Gerada Knesh Corian. My Liege. My company and I caught this… Srrr… ‘Creature’ on the outskirts of Erriard. He was running away from a group of horsemen, four of them I counted, coming from the direction of Heron Getracht. They stopped as we appeared and returned swiftly in the same direction when we entered the forest. We questioned this srr… Rachtis, briefly. He claims to have escaped from the great fortress. He says he is the personal servant of Vantrax himself. We thought...”
“He is!” interrupted Verastus suddenly, glaring viciously at the heap on the floor. “Lift your head, wretch!” he ordered furiously. Nytig lifted his head slowly, enabling everyone to see his face. “I thought so. His name is Nytig, he is the servant of Vantrax. I saw him when I was being ‘questioned’ at the fortress. He was laughing! Mocking me, even as I screamed out in pain. The snivelling derof seemed to be enjoying it!” He gave Nytig a swift and violent kick in his ribs. The servant yelped in pain and curled back up into a ball to protect himself