The Rebel Flight
(This is a work in progress; chapters are also unarranged)
Isaac amplified his voice. As Arbil’s most senior court philosopher, he used his tongue to spread justifications of righteous killing. Knights and squires lined themselves in a long circle as they eagerly hear the philosopher’s wisdom. His sermons were poetic curses intermixed with philosophical fervor. Another rebellion has occurred around the Queen's Baking Feasts Festival. For both the professional soldiers and preachers, this was not their first experience of facing a rebellion. Various abatis had been fortified and perfected over years, and only a foolhardy commander would think it wise to assault the Queen’s redoubts and ditches head-on.
The rebels had begun to sang. They spoke relentlessly with their voice, and preached with an active martyrdom mentality that unnerved the commanding knight and general, Lord Urness. He had banked for a mass assault on his Queen’s defensive works. He can’t afford to mass-mobilize reserves, because the royal council had decreed austerity for the entire realm. There was no partiality for his war, and so he had no choice but to hold a defensive line. But (Possible switch in tone since this is Urness' comfort zone too) Urness had no problem obeying the directives of the council because he was a man born among the aristocrats. His dress was adorned with emerald plated sleeves and collars. His boots were tailored with ruby pieces and the gems were squeaky clean, as if someone had been paid to polish them. Their shiny reflections were a stark difference to the muddy landscape of the battlefield.
Just as he stood facing the rebels on the other side, a mass charge had begun among the rebel ranks. He smiled. Everything was going according to plan.
“Order the archers behind the abbatis, and let the rebels charge at our knights. On the mark of the horn, send the squires to supplement them. Do not give chase.”
Messengers began running in all directions. As the moon shined on the battlefield, the knights took defensive positions as swarms of rebels mass-charged their ranks. The knights didn’t budge a single inch, and subsequently, Urness blew a horn as the muddy ground was bathed in boots as squires rushed to join behind them. The battle was over before it began.
As the rebels ran towards the distant trees of the Witches’ Forest, Rodney walked to his commander and asked, “Uncle, your hair looks great today! But shouldn’t we give chase? We could end these barbaric heathens with our knights in a single stroke.”
"The rebels are retreating within the breath of the Witches' Forest. It is a bad omen to send professional soldiers deep into uncharted territory. And, we achieved our objective. I wouldn't supersede the will of the royal council for a few kills."
Urness looked back to the city walls, and opened his flask for a drink. The council wanted to preserve the critical trade route between the Four Families and the Queendom of Arbil. Moreover, the council was adamant in refusing to send more reinforcements to replenish depleted troops. There was no reason for a new offensive. the council wanted a defensive posture as it was convinced that the rebellion was nothing more than an unruly mob.
Rodney was disappointed. The rebels had waved the same flag as they did years ago, and there was a chance at a breakthrough with their leaders. The knights are great at combat, and what better reason than to send them directly into the forest to root down tired rebels and capture their secret king. Surrender, interrogation and prosecution were all the hallmarks of victory and risk. He quipped about his urge to his superior,
"My lord, if we could capture some of the senior leadership among them, we could gain valuable information about their motivation."
Urness halted. "At what cost, nephew? our caravans carrying iron, mortar and wheat are due to reach the four independent free states, and my detachments are there to ensure their delivery. Should I halt their objectives, and utilize whatever provision we have left chasing ghosts? No, nephew. You've seen how the rebels fought. At this rate, a maiden is more suited to attack the capital than hardy barbarians."
"But it would be wiser for us to seize the initiative and end this war. Then we wouldn't need detachments to protect any kind of caravan. Plus, with the Visitors' and their horror..."
Their horses slowed and rustled at the smell. They've arrived at the outskirts of the Dwelling Wind district. The district was among the poorest and most abandoned part of the city. It was well-known among the nobility that Queen Arbil had called it "the sprawling filth of satan". Urness began swiping both of his hands near his chest as he eyed the sight of bright, red sabres. Meanwhile, the sight jolted Rodney in fear. Mercenaries donned a scarecrow as their banner had proudly displayer their flag among the locals, and their glowing swords a stark reminder to their supernatural status.
"Well, you wanted action."
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