Amethyst of the Gods (Sword of Heavens #7)

Chapter 1

A City Unprepared

The black-clad warrior dropped his bow and swiftly drew his two-handed sword. He took two long strides towards the crenel and sliced into the Lanoirian soldiers scrambling from the ladder. His eyes darted to his right as he saw a powerful blonde female move alongside him and begin beating back the attackers. The small knot of Lanoirians that had managed to breach the defenses of the city wall was swiftly defeated. The pair of defenders moved in a silent display of teamwork as they swiftly stepped forward and speared the posts of the scaling ladder with their long swords. Together they pushed hard, and the ladder swayed haphazardly as the Lanoirian soldiers on it scrambled to maintain their hold.

The female warrior looked down at the ladder as she helped hold it away from the wall. Unspoken words passed between her lips. Shouts rang out above the din of battle as the Lanoirians were magically tossed away from the ladder to crumble in heaps upon the ground below. The deadly duo shoved to the limits of their reach as the empty ladder swayed and then crashed to the ground.

I become envious of your talents, remarked Alexander Tork as his eyes scanned the battlement in both directions looking for other breaches of the defensive city wall.

It only made the task at hand quicker, smiled Tanya. I have no doubt that you would have accomplished the same result through strength alone. How long can we keep this up?

Not forever, frowned Alex as he stepped away from the wall and retrieved his bow. We are fortunate that the breaches have been sporadic so far. If the Lanoirians concentrated on one area of the wall, this city would be in danger of falling quickly.

Jenneva and I could change the odds with our magic, Tanya posed out loud.

And turn this into a magical battle? Alex shook his head. Remember that Dalgar has at least nine Black Devils with him. We will use your magic, but only when the time is right. Let the Lanoirians believe that we have no mages on our side.

If we wait too long, countered Tanya, we risk losing the city.

If we resort to magic too soon, retorted Alex, we risk losing more than the city. I will not allow you and Jenneva to throw your lives away needlessly. For all we know, Dalgar may have scores of mages with him. Sarac's Ravens have not been heard of in a long time. It troubles me that we do not know where they are.

There were only a handful of mages left in Sarac's Ravens after our last encounter, declared Tanya. Even if they are at full strength, I think Jenneva and I could handle them.

I will guarantee that they are at full strength, frowned Alex. Do not underestimate Sarac. I am sure that Dalgar expects Jenneva to show her face here in Melbin, just as Sarac expected Egam to show up in the early goblin wars.

But I thought that Dalgar was working at odds with Sarac, Tanya said. Are you thinking that that is a ruse?

I am not sure what to think, admitted Alex. I only know that I will not underestimate our enemy. Deception is one of their most important tools. Never allow yourself to think that you know what the enemy is doing. It is fine to anticipate their moves and plan accordingly, but always keep your options open.

I can respect your advice, nodded Tanya. Still, if we are to eventually use our magic, why should we wait?

The soldiers are holding the defenses quite well so far, answered Alex. When that changes, we will have no choice but to use whatever tools we have available. Until then, let us keep the enemy ignorant of our capabilities.

Tanya raised her bow and swiftly nocked an arrow. She turned and let the arrow fly into the face of a Lanoirian that had reached the top of another ladder. Two defenders raced forward with long poles and shoved the ladder away from the wall.

The men are getting tired and careless, Alex remarked as he gazed skyward. We have less than an hour before dusk is upon us. It cannot come too soon today.

Tomorrow will be worse, responded Tanya. The Lanoirian siege engines are complete. I am sure they will use them at dawn.

Alex nodded in silence as he gazed towards the distant enemy encampment.

I have seen that look before, Tanya said. What are you planning?

You are right about the siege engines, Alex replied. We must find a way of disabling them. If they bring them to bear on the city walls, we will not be able to withstand it.

Does this disabling have to do with your going into the night alone perhaps? frowned Tanya. Someday you will not come back.

Actually, Alex smiled thinly, I was thinking of taking you with me this time. Do you know any spells that will damage the siege engines, but not take affect until they are fired?

Delayed destruction? mused Tanya. I don't think… Suddenly the young lass smiled broadly, There is a way. If I can get close enough, I can weaken the arm of the catapults so they will not break until they are released. Whatever they are hurling at us, will drop on their own troops.

Which is likely to be something burning, nodded Alex. What about the siege towers?

The axles, answered Tanya. They have a great deal of ground to cover before they reach our walls. I can weaken the axles so that they will break before reaching here. A good many of them will likely fall to the ground and destroy themselves.

Then we have a plan, smiled Alex. The rams I am not too concerned with. Our archers should be able to handle them.

And just how are we going to work our way through the entire Lanoirian army to get close to these siege engines? asked Tanya.

Alex opened his breast pocket and gently moved his finger into it. Within seconds, the small head of a blue woman popped out of the pocket.

I hope this is important, quipped Bantam. I was having the most wonderful dream.

About Prince Midge? giggled Tanya.

Of course, grinned the fairy. I did say it was a wonderful dream, did I not?

That will have to wait, chuckled Alex. Tanya and I are going to need your help tonight, Bantam. We plan to infiltrate the Lanoirian camp and do some mischief.

It is about time that we did something other than pace these walls, Bantam said eagerly. What do you need me to do?

Tanya and I will need to infiltrate the Lanoirian encampment, replied Alex. We can use the unicorns to fly out to sea and then back in towards shore behind them. Your task will be to put the sentries to sleep so that we are not detected.

An easy task, beamed the fairy.

It may not be as easy as you think, cautioned Tanya. The siege engines are strung out in a long line through the Lanoirian encampment. I assume that fairy magic tires the mage as it does in humans. Is that not correct?

Of course it is tiring, frowned the fairy, but I have a great deal of energy.

Now is not a time for idle boasting, warned Alex. We will only proceed as far as your endurance will take us. When you tire, let us know and we will retreat. We cannot hope to sabotage all of the siege engines in any event.

I will do my best, promised Bantam. I do have a lot of energy.

I am sure that you do, smiled Alex. Just make sure that you get to live to use it again. I am going to the healers' tent to look in on Jenneva before I catch some sleep. I would advise the two of you to get a nap as well. It will be a long night.

I will go with you, offered Tanya. Perhaps I can lend a hand to Jenneva before catching some sleep.

* * *

King Arik looked down at his hand. His knuckles were white from gripping the dragon's scale. Slowly, he released his hold and flexed his fingers to relieve the stiffness.

Finally, commented Wyka. I was wondering how long it would take you to trust my flying skills. We dragons were born to fly. It is kind of insulting that you felt the need to hang on so tightly.

Sorry, apologized King Arik. Flying may be natural for you, but I am not used to being on a dragon's back. I was not really aware that I was clutching your scale so tightly.

Now that your hands are free, smirked the dragon, should I demonstrate my flying skills?

The king's hand shot back towards the scale he had been holding, but his fingers stopped a scant inch away as he realized what he was doing.

That will not be necessary, King Arik said in a controlled voice as he saw the coastline appearing in the distance. We do not have time for games this day. Is that Tagaret approaching?

Of course, replied Wyka. Are you questioning my skills in navigation now?

Certainly not, smiled the king as he shook his head. I do need to give you fair warning, though. The people of Tagaret are not used to dragons. They may try to fire upon you.

I can defend myself against a rabble of humans, scowled the dragon. I will teach them some manners.

That is not the entrance that I have planned, retorted King Arik. Remember that you are not allowed to eat humans any more.

It is a terrible waste of meat, growled Wyka, but I will not eat their remains. I will just torch them and leave their burning bodies behind.

No, warned the king as he shook his head. You are not even to attack them. I am warning you so that you may evade their arrows, not so you can be prepared to attack them. The people of Tagaret are my people. I want you to behave.

King Arik could not see Wyka's broad grin, but he did detect a muffled snicker.

Very well, sighed the dragon. You are a most demanding king. If you just wanted to ride into the city on a pet dragon, couldn't you have selected one of the children?

You will get a chance to show your battle prowess, promised King Arik, but it will be against Sarac's forces, not mine.

The king could almost feel the disappointment in Wyka as she slumped her shoulders. He chuckled inwardly at the need of the dragon to drive fear into the hearts of the humans.

All right, sighed King Arik, here is what you can do. Stay well above the range of their arrows, and I will let you breath fire and roar at the crowds below. But, he added quickly, after I am recognized, you must calm down. And, under no circumstances are you to harm my people. Are you agreed?

Wyka brightened considerably and nodded her huge head. You understand, she said with surprise in her voice. Perhaps you were meant to be a dragon.

I am not sure what I was meant to be, laughed King Arik, but I do understand. We will put on a fierce show during our arrival. I will even draw my sword for effect.

Wyka was so happy that her wings instantly propelled her higher into the air. King Arik found his hand automatically reaching for a scale, but he forced himself to remain calm. Below, the city grew in size as they approached the coastline. Tiny dots moved along the strands of the spider-web-like city. As they got closer, King Arik could make out the forms of the humans below. Already the approaching dragon had been sighted and people were pointing skyward.

They see us, the king informed the dragon.

They see me, retorted Wyka with a gleam in her eye. Look at them running. As if hiding in those tinderboxes would really protect them. Only the large stone building on the rise would present any challenge for me.

That stone building is the Royal Palace, replied King Arik. That is our destination, but do not head directly towards it. I want to see the city from above first. Head to the west until the city ends. I would like to gaze upon the new construction.

Wyka lowered her altitude as she approached the water's edge. King Arik saw clumps of Red Swords gathering amidst the running and screaming citizens. The Red Swords were neither screaming nor running. They were raising their bows skyward.

Careful, warned the king. The Red Swords have many a fine bowman. Do not get too close.

I think I can handle this part of the task, chuckled Wyka as smoke curled out of her nostrils.

The dragon roared and belched fire from her mouth. Shouts filtered upward, and King Arik saw Red Swords race out onto roofs of the taller buildings and take aim with their bows. Wyka must have also seen the new threat, as she suddenly banked away from them.

Pesky and unpredictable creatures, spat the dragon.

That we are, laughed the king as he drew the Sword of Heavens and held it high for all to see.

A roar of shouts rippled through the city as Red Swords pointed towards King Arik with recognition. The king held the Sword of Heavens in one hand and waved to his troops below. Resounding cheers brought curious citizens back into the streets as they gazed skyward to see their returning hero. Wyka continued roaring and belching fire, but now the people cheered each time she did.

They love you, grinned King Arik.

So it seems, purred the dragon. It is an odd feeling.

Head towards those two tall towers, instructed King Arik as he pointed towards the area of new construction.

Wyka obeyed and King Arik looked down at the new twin towers. The towers were narrow, but very tall. They sat strategically outside the new wall of the city, but well within the new defensive wall that was still being built. They were well separated from each other and were only large enough to hold a few people on the top level. They were the new mage towers designed for Jenneva and Tanya for the coming conflict. The towers would afford the mages an unobstructed view of the land beyond the defensive wall, and yet they would be safely outside the range of the enemy's siege engines.

The king's eyes ran along the new defensive wall. Even at this late date, thousands of workers were working feverishly to increase its height. The workers stopped and stared as the king and the dragon soared overhead. Wyka surfed along the wave of cheers as the workers shouted greetings to their returning king. King Arik smiled broadly and waved back.

To the Royal Palace, the king instructed the dragon.

Wyka roared and belched fire as she banked toward the city's center. As the dragon approached the Royal Palace, Red Swords cleared a large area of the courtyard and formed a ring around it. Everyone looked skyward as the large dragon swooped down and landed gracefully in the very center of the ring. Cheers erupted as King Arik sheathed the Sword of Heavens and slid off the dragon's back. Prince Oscar and General Gregor pressed through the ring of soldiers and approached the king. King Arik introduced Wyka as the Queen of the Dragons while she was eyeing up the horses and allowing black smoke to drift out of her nostrils.

Wyka, smiled King Arik, why don't you take a trip to the north? Find out what you can about Sarac's army and come back. You might even find a treat or two up there to enjoy yourself with.

So I shall, frowned the dragon. It is far too tempting for me to remain here. It is a cruel king who bandies unobtainable treats before a dragon's eyes.

King Arik grinned as Wyka's powerful legs vaulted her into the air.

Is it safe to have the dragon here? asked General Gregor after Wyka had left.

Perfectly safe, assured the king. Tell me the situation in regards to Sarac's forces.

Prince Oscar led the way through the ring of Red Swords and into the Royal Palace as he briefed the king on the latest news.

Sarac's army of creatures will be upon us in a matter of days, General Gregor reported. Our people are working day and night on the defenses, but I fear that it will not be enough. The vast number of ogres, goblins, and yaki will surely overwhelm us.

I have never heard you speak so negatively, frowned the king. Our men are the best trained in the world. Do you really believe that they are not up to the task?

I would not trade our army for any other, replied the general, but the sheer magnitude of the enemy has me shaken. Add to that the Black Devils that accompany the creatures, and I do not see how Tagaret can withstand the assault.

What of our plan to bolster the defenses with the Sordoans? questioned the king.

Emperor Hanchi has already besieged Melbin, interjected Prince Oscar.

I thought the search for food would slow the Lanoirians down, mused King Arik. What happened?

We underestimate the Lanoirians, sighed the general. Somehow they managed to deliver food by ship from the eastern Lanoirian provinces. They did not get enough food to enable a long siege, but enough to bolster their strength.

We have ships interdicting the food deliveries now, added Prince Oscar. Of course we are using the very ships that were meant to extricate our forces out of Melbin. The chances of the Sordoans coming to our aid are bleak.

Not to mention that our mages are also in Melbin, continued the general. The towers have been completed, but we do not have anyone to put in them. The Black Devils cannot be contained by archers alone.

The Army of the West? posed King Arik.

Still in Lanoir trying to consolidate the country under your banner, replied Prince Oscar. It a large task for the number of men that they have.

There is not time to get reinforcements from anywhere, explained General Gregor.

What of my party? asked King Arik. Prince Garong? Prince Darok? Tanya? Prince Midge?

They arrived here days ago, reported Prince Oscar as they entered the library. Tanya has gone to Melbin. Prince Midge is with his own people in the city. Of the elves and dwarf, I am not sure. They are around here somewhere. Pioti died in the attack at Mount Kalas.

I know, frowned King Arik. I am glad that the rest of them were able to escape. Things did not go as planned there.

It appears that your mission was successful, though, offered Prince Oscar.

It was, nodded King Arik. The Dragons' Onyx is one with the Sword of Heavens now. Only the Amethyst of the Gods remains to be found to make the Sword of Heavens complete. While the Ancient Prophecy is not entirely clear, I think the defeat of Tagaret would doom us to failure.

You have not come this far to face failure now, brightened Prince Oscar. Perhaps the dragons can help us?

Most of the dragons are like children, frowned King Arik. I am sure that they would follow my command, but they are few. I think I killed their mightiest warrior.

You think? questioned Prince Oscar. I thought that Gorga's death was required for you to retrieve the Dragons' Onyx?

It was, nodded the king. Gorga is dead. I am not sure that he was the mightiest, though. While Wyka has little desire to be a warrior, I sensed that Gorga respected her fighting skills. Perhaps she is the mightiest, but there is only so much that she could do against an army the size of Sarac's.

Any help is welcome, shrugged the general. Without some outside help, Tagaret is surely doomed. She will see the threat for herself as she flies northward.

What about evacuation of the city? asked Prince Oscar. The buildings mean nothing by themselves. Let Sarac's forces destroy the city. We will come back and rebuild it.

Impractical, General Gregor shook his head. There is not enough time to get everyone out of the city, even if we had the ships available. If we evacuate by land, Sarac will just pursue us, and we wouldn't have the defensive works around us.

We are not evacuating, declared King Arik. Tagaret is the capital of Alcea. It must, and it will, stand the attack of Sarac.

Bold words, sighed General Gregor, but how do you plan to accomplish that task?

I don't know, sighed the king. I only know that it must be done. Did Chaco return with the others?

Chaco returned, nodded Prince Oscar. The elves even taught the unicorns some magic that will shield their flying spells.

So the unicorns can fly over land again? brightened the king. That is a positive sign.

Is Chaco even necessary any more? asked the general. Seeing you fly into the city on the back of Wyka excited the men. Surely, a dragon is a better steed than a unicorn?

Chaco is more than a mount, answered the king. He is a partner and fellow warrior. Besides, I will be sending Wyka to gather the dragons. I will need Chaco for traveling.

Traveling? echoed Prince Oscar. Where is it you plan to go?

I need to go to Melbin, declared the king.

Melbin? frowned the general. That would be suicide. I thought that I mentioned that the city was besieged by Emperor Hanchi.

You did, nodded King Arik. That does not lessen the need for me to go there.

You cannot help with the battle there, argued Prince Oscar. And even if you could, there is not time enough to rally the Sordoans and get them here.

Alex and Jenneva must be in Tagaret, insisted the king. And Tanya.

I understand the need for Jenneva, countered General Gregor, but Alex and Tanya will not help us much, despite their great skills. I can send a fairy to have them return in any event.

King Arik started to mention Tanya's magic skills and stopped. It dawned on him that few people knew of her ability. He wondered who the general thought was going to occupy the second mage tower.

Have we determined for sure that Emperor Hanchi is Dalgar? asked King Arik.

Without a doubt, nodded Prince Oscar. He is planning on attacking Tagaret after you kill Sarac.

It will not be me who kills the Dark One, corrected King Arik. That task belongs to Fredrik, and he must be found soon.

There was a scraping at the door to the library, and General Gregor opened it. Chaco strode into the room with Prince Midge perched between his ears.

The Bringer has returned safely, grinned the fairy prince. Not that I had any doubt, but I am pleased to see you once again.

Not as pleased as I am to see you, my little friend, smiled King Arik. I feared the worst for you when we last parted.

It takes more than a dragon to kill a fairy, beamed the little green man.

Of course the elves had to heal his damaged wing, Chaco snorted.

I am most pleased to see you again, my friend. We have a journey to make in the morning. I trust you have mastered your new magic spell?

Mastered and taught to the others. I am ready to fly whenever you need me, Deliverer.

King Arik smiled and nodded to the unicorn.

I need to rest tonight, stated the king to Prince Oscar. Tomorrow morning I wish to depart for Melbin early. Will you instruct Wyka to gather the dragons for me?

I will speak with the dragon, nodded Prince Oscar, but why try to enter Melbin in the daytime. It would be much safer at night.

Because I want to be seen, smiled King Arik. Dalgar cannot afford to kill me just yet. Not if he wants Sarac dead. We cannot afford to fight two wars at the same time. The fighting at Melbin must end.

And you think you can end it? questioned General Gregor.

I do, nodded King Arik. And I will. I hope.

Chapter 2

Unending Siege

The sound jolted Alex awake. He grabbed his sword, bow, and quiver and leaped to his feet. The sky was dark and filled with brilliant stars as he slung his quiver and sheath over his head and attached his bow. He moved cautiously out of the narrow alley and into the street. His eyes closed involuntarily as a large flaming projectile soared towards him. He dashed across the narrow street and placed his back to a stone wall. Seconds later, a ball of flaming wood smashed through the roof of the wooden building that he had been sleeping next to. Screams filled the air as the building's inhabitants realized their danger.

The building was a small bakery run by a man and his two sons, who lived over the small shop. Alex moved swiftly to the front door and entered the building. The interior of the bakery was dark and silent. His eyes scanned the darkness until he saw a staircase near the rear wall. He raced through the dark shop to the foot of the stairs. He could hear shouting from above and saw a spreading fire at the top of the stairway.

Alex retreated towards the rear door and, after a few moments, located several lengths of rope. He grabbed the rope and raced up the stairs. The top of the stairs and the wall beyond were now engulfed in a roaring fire as the flames sought out the dry wood of the small building. Alex halted half-way up the stairs, the heat of the fire threatening to sear his skin. He jumped towards the second story railing. He grabbed the railing with one hand and tossed the ropes over it. Swiftly, he grabbed onto the railing with both hands and pulled himself upward. The Knight of Alcea propelled his body over the railing and scooped up the ropes. He ran down a hallway towards the shouts at the front end of the building, the blaze of the inferno lighting his way. As he burst through the door to a small bedroom, he saw an old man arguing with his son.

I told you to get out, the old man shouted. Go with your brother. Go now.

I will not leave you, sobbed the boy as he shook his head.

Both heads turned towards the doorway as Alex raced through it.

Where is your other son? Alex asked.

He jumped from the window, the old baker replied. His brother refuses to leave. How did you get up here?

We do not have much time, Alex declared as he tied the lengths of rope together. Can you jump safely, lad?

I am not leaving without my father, the boy replied stubbornly.

I would not expect anything less from an Alcean, Alex smiled. I will get your father to safety, but it will be easier if he knows that you are already free of the building. Get yourself out the window and get ready to help me lower your father to the ground. Once you are on the street, I will lower him with this rope.

The boy's eyes brightened, as he understood what was happening. He grinned and nodded as he backed out of the window. Alex wrapped the long rope around the old man's chest and under his arms. He felt the heat of the approaching fire as the flames raced along the dry wooden floor.

I am sorry, the old man said softly as he raised his arms. My wooden leg would never have survived a jump from here. It takes me a long time just to get down the stairs each morning.

You have nothing to apologize for, smiled Alex as he snugged the sling to the baker. You are not responsible for the fire. Be glad that your sons love you enough to complain when you tell them to leave. They are fine lads.

You know them? asked the baker as Alex picked the man up and carried him to the open window.

I have been in your shop before, Alex replied as he balanced the man on the sill and wrapped the free end of the rope around his own body.

Alex eased the man out of the window while pressing his own body tightly against the wall to prevent the rope from slipping. When the baker was safely dangling from the rope, Alex released him and grasped the rope with both hands. The heat of the fire upon his back was becoming unbearable, but he shut out the discomfort and started to slowly lower the old man to his waiting sons below. As soon as the boys had the baker safely in their hands and away from the building, Alex released the rope.

Alex did not need to turn around to know that the small bedroom was ablaze. The heat was unbearable and the normally dark room was bright with dancing flames. He swiftly shoved his legs out the window and dropped to the ground.

I wondered where you had gotten to, greeted Tanya as Alex landed on the street. The Lanoirians are using the siege engines now. They do not appear to be halting the attack for the night. I fear we will not have a chance to disable them.

Then we are needed upon the wall, Alex nodded glumly. Did you manage to get any sleep?

Not much, Tanya replied as they started running towards the wall. The western wall had it much worse than we did during the day. The wounded were far more than Jenneva could handle. I helped her with the healing.

I could have used Bantam back there, stated Alex. Is she all right?

Tanya opened her breast pocket and peered in. She is sleeping like a fairy, she answered. Why do the fairies sleep so much?

I am not sure, Alex replied as they raced up the stairs to the wall. I have seen Prince Midge go for two days without sleep, but when he does sleep, not much wakens him. It must be a fairy thing.

As they reached the top of the stairs, several huge flaming balls passed over the wall. Other catapults hurled loads of stones into the wall itself. Alex raced for a crenel and Tanya followed him. They gazed out across the dark field beyond the wall. Campfires covered the open expanse, and the catapults were illuminated by the firelight.

The scaling towers have not been brought forward yet, said Tanya. It looks like they are content for now to merely pound us with projectiles.

That will not last forever, frowned Alex. Emperor Hanchi does not intend to lay a long siege upon Melbin. The fact that he is attacking at night shows his eagerness to conquer the city. They must have run out of the food that was being shipped in from Lanoir.

If they attack day and night, worried Tanya, our people will never get any rest.

Exactly, agreed Alex. We shall grow weary while the Lanoirians have sufficient men to allow two-thirds of them to sleep at any time. Our situation is grave.

Surrender is not an option, retorted Tanya.

Neither is fleeing, Alex said as he pointed towards the harbor. It appears that Emperor Hanchi has learned from his previous mistakes. Catapults are in position to fire upon the harbor. We will not be evacuating by ship.

A stirring in Tanya's pocket caused her to open it. Bantam stuck her head out and looked around frantically.

What is it, Bantam? asked Tanya.

The fairy climbed out of Tanya's pocket and leaped into the air. Tanya tried to follow the fairy's progress, but the small woman was soon lost in the night.

What was that about? questioned Tanya.

I don't know, Alex said distractedly as his eyes scanned the battlefield, but the Lanoirians are getting ready for an assault. Grab a runner and send him to Duke Alfred. Tell him that an attack is coming from the south. Every available man must get to the walls.

Tanya nodded and dashed off. Alex studied the battlefield and then scanned the wall in each direction. Dark thoughts had invaded his mind by the time Tanya had returned.

You should get Jenneva, Alex said softly. The time to hide our mages is over. We will need your magic and hers to survive this battle.

I will find another runner, offered Tanya. I do not wish to be away from the wall right now.

Alex nodded and turned to look back upon the city of Melbin. Fires were evident in the western section of the city as well as the southern section. He could not see the northern section, but he had little doubt that the attack was well coordinated. Flaming orbs of wood continued to rain down on the city while large stones hammered away at the walls. Men ran around with water buckets in a hopeless race to put out the fires. The buildings of Melbin were old and mostly wooden. Little space had been left between the structures. Alex did not envy the fire crews this night. He knew their task would be enormous and exhausting.

I suspect that Jenneva will be here shortly, Tanya said as she approached. Are we to work only on this wall, or should we alternate with the other walls?

We will start here and see what damage you and Jenneva can accomplish before Dalgar and his Black Devils respond, answered Alex.

Suddenly, two fairies soared out of the night sky. Bantam landed on Tanya's shoulder, while Prince Midge landed on Alex's.

I should have known, giggled Tanya. What else would make you rush off without an explanation?

I thought you were just exercising your wings, Prince Midge said accusingly to Bantam.

I was, Bantam replied as she blushed a dark blue.

What brings you to Melbin, Prince Midge? asked Alex. Is Arik all right?

The Bringer is in excellent health, assured the fairy prince. In fact, it is he who sends me on this mission tonight. He does not want you to use any magic against the Lanoirians.

What? Alex said with surprise. Whatever would make him issue such an order? We are just about to test the limits of what we can get away with. Magic will be essential to defeat the Lanoirians.

Whatever the case, Prince Midge insisted, the Bringer has forbid it. He said that it is essential that Dalgar does not know that we have mages.

Why? questioned Tanya. Surely, he must have given you a reason?

I did not question his orders, admitted the fairy prince. It would never occur to me to question his authority. He is the Bringer.

Then why did he send Jenneva and me here? scowled Tanya. Surely, it was not to heal the wounded.

Alex pulled out his scope and scanned the battlefield while Tanya interrogated Prince Midge. His eyes moved past the catapults and the campfires of the Lanoirian infantry until he located the large farmhouse in the center of the enemy's encampment. He focused the scope and stared at Emperor Hanchi and his eight bodyguards. The false emperor was watching the attack without emotion.

What are you looking at? asked Tanya as she noticed Alex with his scope.

The emperor, Alex answered.

Forget it, scowled Tanya. Going after the siege engines was one thing, but you would never survive getting to the emperor, much less defeating his Black Devils and living to tell about it.

If King Arik does not wish Dalgar to know about our mages, Alex retorted stubbornly, there is only one way that we can use magic. Emperor Hanchi must die so that the defenders of Melbin can survive this battle.

Then I will be going with you, declared Jenneva as she stepped into the small group.

Alex spun around and stared at Jenneva. There is no need for that, he declared.

And I am gong as well, proclaimed Tanya. I have other skills than magic.

We had a deal, Alexander Tork, Jenneva said sternly. I would not try to stop you from doing something that you felt needed to be done. In return, you would not stop me under the same circumstances. If you go, I am going with you.

That is not fair, scowled Alex. There is nothing a mage can do out there tonight without using magic. You are just sacrificing your life to spite me.

All of the Torks might as well go out together, Tanya interjected adamantly.

You are, in effect, violating our agreement, Alex argued with Jenneva. You are offering to go, just to stop me from going. That is not the spirit of our agreement.

I am going, too, Tanya repeated loudly as Alex and Jenneva continued to argue.

You are not, Alex and Jenneva said in unison as they turned to stare at their daughter.

Suddenly, Alex and Jenneva started laughing. Tanya looked from one to the other in confusion and shook her head.

Are you both mad? she asked softly.

It is the curse of the Torks, giggled Jenneva. A more stubborn lot has never walked the land. Have you ever wondered where you got it from?

Let's discuss this rationally, suggested Alex. I am not anxious to throw my life away. I am just trying to come up with a solution to our problem. I am willing to listen to any plan that saves the people of Melbin.

You assassinating Emperor Hanchi in the middle of the Lanoirian army is not a good plan, countered Jenneva. Perhaps we need to know why Arik is so adamant about not using magic. Does he know something that we do not?

You can ask him yourself, offered Prince Midge. He will be here in the morning.

In the morning? echoed Alex. Why would he not arrive at night?

I think he has a plan to stop the fighting, shrugged Prince Midge. He is arriving during the daytime because he wants to be seen arriving.

But Dalgar will kill him, protested Tanya.

No he won't, interjected Jenneva. Dalgar needs Arik alive. His plans for world domination depend upon it.

So Emperor Hanchi will halt the battle for fear of accidentally killing Arik, surmised Alex. That is brilliant for buying our men some time to rest, but how does that end the battle?

The Bringer did not reveal that information to me, shrugged Prince Midge. He only said that it was important that Dalgar did not know that we had mages.

So we only need to survive until morning, declared Jenneva. Can we do that without magic?

I don't know, admitted Alex. At the rate of their siege engines, I feel confident that they will be through the walls by morning.

If they continue all night, added Tanya. What if we could find a way to make them pause?

I'm listening, Alex said.

I don't have a plan, clarified Tanya. That was a question.

Well, it is a good question, sighed Alex. Perhaps a counterattack would give them pause.

A load of stones catapulted into the wall near the Knights of Alcea. Alex quickly wrapped his arms around his wife and daughter and herded them away from the wall to continue their discussion. Duke Alfred, Captain Azule, Captain Orteka, and General Mobami were already there.

A counterattack? questioned General Mobami. That sounds rather desperate.

It is desperate, nodded Alex. Our escape by ship is no longer feasible. This night attack shows that the Lanoirians are prepared to continue the attack night and day. How long can your men last without sleep, General?

The general frowned and gazed out across the battlefield as catapult loads soared overhead. Not long enough, he sighed in resignation. What is your plan?

Their catapults will continue to rain destruction on the city all night, Alex began, but soon they will also advance the siege towers. That will be our most critical moment. I think we should send out cavalry to destroy the towers before they can reach the walls.

That will be risky, interjected Captain Azule. If I were the Lanoirians, I would send the towers in the midst of an attacking horde. Our riders may not even get close to them.

I agree, added Captain Orteka. Sending riders into the Lanoirian charge doesn't sound like a good way to survive this attack. It would be suicide.

I didn't say that, countered Captain Azule. I said it would be risky. If we can find a way to make this work, I will gladly lead one of the charges. I am merely pointing out one of the problems that I see with the plan.

Duke Alfred, interrupted Jenneva, how much food do we have in Melbin?

Enough to last two months, the duke answered. I made sure that we had as much as we could store. Why?

Because the lady understands the Lanoirian people, Za-hong said from the shadows.

Everyone turned to stare at the leader of the Lanoirian cavalry who had defected to Alcea.

Za-hong, smiled Alex, join us. Your counsel will prove to be very valuable in this meeting.

Thank you, Alex, nodded the Lanoirian. I did not intend to eavesdrop, but talk of a cavalry charge always catches my attention.

As well it should, replied Alex. We are seeking a way to destroy the siege towers before they reach the wall. Have you any advice?

A charge is what it will take, nodded Za-hong. I think what the lady was hinting at, is that the Lanoirians are still starving. Oh, they have had some food in their bellies recently, but not enough. That is why Emperor Hanchi is pressing with night attacks. He has a desperate need to feed his men or he will end up with none.

Where does our food supply come in? asked Duke Alfred.

If we sent out wagons of food just before the charge, explained Jenneva, I thought the Lanoirians might be tempted to stray from the attack.

They most certainly would, agreed Za-hong. The problem would be for the riders driving the wagons. They would surely be killed. I also wonder how far the wagons would get before the Lanoirians seized them.

Can't we send the wagons out without drivers? asked Captain Orteka. Then all we would be risking is food.

Za-hong is correct, sighed Captain Azule. The wagons must draw the Lanoirians away from the towers before we can be effective. Without drivers, that will not happen.

Alex's lips turned up in the beginning of a smile and Tanya stared at him questioningly. I know that look, she said. What is the answer to this dilemma?

Everyone turned to look at Alex and he smiled thinly. It will be a long shot, he finally said, but I think it might work.

Well? prompted Tanya. Don't make me beat it out of you.

Alex chuckled and asked, Duke Alfred, we may need the services of your fairy. Is that permissible?

I will volunteer, offered Bantam.

As will I, nodded Prince Midge.

You may have whatever you want, answered Duke Alfred. If it will help in any way to soften the blow on this city, I will even drive one of the wagons.

That won't be necessary, Duke Alfred, assured Alex. And for you small mighty warriors, this plan requires three fairies, so I will accept your offers.

The fairies are going to drive the wagons? asked Captain Orteka?

No, smiled Alex. The fairies are going to toss food out the back of the wagons. We will need three wagons loaded with food, one for each gate. A two-horse team will power each wagon, but one of the horses for each wagon will be a unicorn. Tanya, Captain Azule, and myself will drive the wagons. When we have lured the Lanoirian infantry far enough away for our cavalry to attack, the drivers will mount the unicorns and return to the city.

That just might work, smiled Captain Azule. What about our cavalry?

Za-hong and Captain Orteka will be two of the leaders, suggested Alex. We will need a third commander.

I have a man in mind, interjected Za-hong.

Good, nodded Alex. General, the cavalry will need hook lines and shields. The best way to bring the towers down is to hook one of the leading wheels. Unfortunately, that will bring our riders close to the men in the towers. I do not doubt that their archers will attempt to slaughter our cavalry.

I will arrange for it, promised General Mobami. How many riders are going out?

I think a hundred per gate? Alex asked questioningly of Za-hong.

That should do the job, nodded the Lanoirian cavalryman. The timing of when we open the gates will be critical.

The fairies will coordinate us, declared Alex. "Judging from the catapult