just under six feet tall, he was in his mid thirties and had an athletic physique. He had short, straight cut, brown hair that ended abruptly at his neck and seemed always to resemble a leather helmet to those who knew him, following as it did the contours of his head, perfectly. He wore a Jintan chainmail suit from head to toe, underneath a scarlet tunic that was fastened at the waist by a lavishly decorated brown and silver belt, from which hung his long sword and scabbard. On the front and rear of his tunic was a large black eagle, his family’s crest, which also adorned his shield. His helmet was Jintan metal of a plain, simple design that was open faced, covering the rest of his head right down to the base of his neck.
Castrad was an extremely likeable man who had many friends and was adored by his soldiers. He was excellent company and was an expert storyteller who often entertained the soldiers when sitting around the campfires by regaling glorious tales of yesteryear, and the exploits of his Nadjan ancestors. It was well known in the rebel camp that Princess Zephany had wanted to take only her own men on this mission. But now that they were finally underway and destined for the great fortress and whatever would befall them there, she was extremely happy to have Lord Castrad by her side.
The journey to Heron Getracht took just short of five hours, being extended as it was by the need to ride south for a while before turning east, so as to avoid the advancing Northern Army. Despite this detour the raiding force made good progress, each and every one of them being an expert rider, including Jake. They were able to slow to a canter as they neared their target to lessen the noise of their approach. Princess Zephany then halted the group on a treeline that overlooked the fortress from a small rise, about half a mile away. It was still dark, a small moon afforded little light, but Zephany knew that they had no time to waste if they were to achieve their objective. She immediately instructed them all to dismount and follow her. The last soldier remained to take care of the horses as the rest of the group crept forward to the ridge in order to observe their target, fanning out in an extended line and lying down as they reached it to remain concealed in the long grass.
“Nitrii-hebul be praised. There it is!” hissed Zephany in a hushed voice, as soon as everyone was in position. “We have to ”uiet from here in. Any sounds we make will be carried on the night air. Jake, where’s Jake?” she asked, looking around her and peering in the darkness to identify each member of the group.
“I’m right here, Princess.” whispered Jake, as loud as he dared, from a position four soldiers away from Zephany. He was already studying the fortress with Verastus lying at his side. He stared down at his hands briefly, they weren’t shaking. ‘That’s odd,’ he thought, ‘I’m not nervous. I should be tingling with fear, anticipation, excitement, anything! But I’m as calm as I’ve ever been. And again, I’m so confident. It’s not natural in the circumstances. It has to be the stones. And yet, they’re so far away? How do they work? How can this be? I’m sure I don’t know, I can’t explain it. But, I guess this ain’t the time or place to be considering such things.’ He shook his head slightly to clear his mind.
“So, what’s your plan, Princess?” he whispered.
“Plan? I… I thought we would creep up to the fortress quietly, try and find a way inside, an unguarded door perhaps? Or else, we shall have to scale the wall at its lowest point, once we have located it.” she replied hesitantly.
Jake suddenly felt an urge to speak, though he was conscious of how it may appear to Zephany and her men. “Err... Yes, I mean, we could. But I think I have a better idea.” he whispered, staring at Verastus. “I mean, if you’re up for it?”
“Kuh? Up for it? You mean I suppose, am I willing to follow your plan? Whatever it may be?” said a puzzled Verastus. “Of course I am. What do you think I am doing here? I owe you a debt I have sworn to repay, remember? Just name it, and it will be done.” he rasped