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The waxing moon covered everything in a silver glow, as the crowd filled the streets and marched towards the inner city wall like a tide. Soldiers banged on doors and shouted orders to the occupants. Because Netherweld had not known war for over seventy years, the city had become complacent and neglected the maintenance of the outer gates. Citizens had even made breaches in the barriers for convenient access to their homes and farms outside the walls. Hence, General Brent gave the order to move all the people to the inner city on realizing that it was futile to fight behind a weak wall. About twenty yards after the guard post of the outer gate, the large country road splitted into three directions. A sturdy pillar held up pointers with the names Bellway for the palace road, Drebet for the harbour road and Clannie which led to the Institute of Learning. Merlana stood on tiptoe to study the signage. The wooden plates were slid into metal frames then nailed in place. She told Keldina that she could try to pry them loose with a knife. The sound of not-so-distant marching feet rushed them into a frenzy as they tried to find a way to reach the overhead signs. Keldina pointed to the crates and wooden boxes that lined the front of one abandoned shop, and they piled these next to the pillar. Merlana climbed up and worked to loose the first and third sign. It was easier than she thought, for the nails were old and the wood had softened in the changing seasons. She slid out the plates, then exchanged them. She tried to press back the nails with her thumb. Keldina called out, "Don't bother about them. The nails are only needed for bad weather. It is fine tonight, they won't get blown away." Merlana jumped down and they tossed the boxes about them. The marching feet stopped, but was followed by a loud crash that shook and cracked the gate. The women ran down Bellway and rushed into the first open doorway. The gate broke open just as they closed and bolted the door. Merlana scanned the shop and realized their mistake. Only a rickety counter and gaping shelves furnished the shabby wooden structure. There was nowhere for an adult to hide in. She looked up to the roof, desperately searching for an escape route. A rampage of shouts approached, and soon the noise of breaking and plundering from next door was added to them. The wall trembled and furniture cracked under the glee of bloodthirsty soldiers. Keldina ran her hand along the back wall. There must be an exit, they must get out, she screamed in her mind. They could not return to the streets. The street door bounced and splintered. Keldina looked down. One of the planks had rotted away. She fell on her knees, and began to claw on it. Merlana dropped down next to her and dug. A hand punched through the door and reached down for the bolts. Merlana slipped her hands under the standing plank and pulled with all her might. It broke. Keldina squeezed through. Then she crashed her body against the wall from outside and more boards came loose, enough for Merlana’s escape. However, they were not out in time to escape the soldiers' notice. The two women dashed down a muddy and slippery back path, and behind them the wall disintegrated. An arrow grazed Keldina's thigh. She screamed in pain and fell. Merlana dragged her to her feet. Running footsteps rattled on the rooftops in hot pursuit. Merlana whimpered in a terror that seemed to force all the breath out of her. The rooftop pursuer was gaining on them and they could not outrun this new threat. A form jumped down in front of them. She looked up and came eye to eye with an angry Bulgarth. He eyed their pursuers and said, “Run, I will hold them back.” Merlana screamed, “No, I will not run this time.” Bulgarth stepped passed her and pushed them behind him. He drew out his broadsword and without turning his head he said, “Take the princess to safety. You brought her here, you should take her back safe.” His comment stabbed Merlana’s heart. She knew her brother to be right. One of the pursuers lifted up his left hand, the rest behind him stopped in check. Merlana counted six heads then she saw that though the narrow back path might accommodate two persons of slender built to walk abreast, the enemy soldiers were either wide shouldered or wide girth so they would each have to confront Bulgarth one-on-one. Bulgarth roared and charged. A panic issued, for those in front tried to get to the back while the braver ones tried to get in front. Metal clashed. The two that finally faced Bulgarth were young and valiant without reason. He hewed them down like weed, and the others ran from him. Bulgarth turned expecting to run after the two women. He almost tripped on his foot when he saw his sister watching him. “Have you ever thought of obeying anything I say?” Merlana gazed into his face carefully, “Sometimes yes, but not if I feel that the instruction is a greater evil than disobeying you. It is safer to be close to you Bulgarth. Providence alone knows what we might bump into on our own. Anyway we didn’t manage to bring any sword with us. If we had, I for one would not have run.” Bulgarth shook his head in exasperation. He turned his shoulder and pointed at the two corpses with his bloodied weapon. “They had swords.” Both women swallowed as their gaze fell on the bodies he pointed then they tore their eyes away and stared back at him. Bulgarth noticed that Keldina’s thigh was bleeding. He lifted her up like a child in his arms and used his chin to indicate for Merlana to lead the way. Keldina was not pleased. “I can walk on my own. If I must be carried, I would prefer to ride piggy back.” Bulgarth said, “No, I cannot put you on my back. Someone may shoot at us from behind. You will make a very nice practice target.” Merlana jogged down the path ahead of them, four hundred yards later she stopped. The way to her right led back into Bellway. Her brother nodded his assent. She turned, her ears straining for telltale marching or looting. The silence surprised Bulgarth. Weren’t they going to march to the palace? If not, what would they attack? The trading port? The Institute of Learning? Merlana entreated her brother. “We have to get to the port. We need to change the signs there too.” Bulgarth stared at his sister, marveling at her foresight and her recklessness. “Yes, we will do so. But we have to tend to the princess’s wound first.” Frad held the door open. Tilmon balked at the smell enveloping her but managed to force herself to step in. Dim lights lit the tunnel, appearing to be shuttered and seeping through cracks. As they travelled down the passages, Tilmon heard sounds coming from behind the shutters. Three yards away from them, a piece of dirty canvas flew open, spilling light and a man into the tunnel. Then the light was covered again. She glanced curiously at the flap as they passed. A child cried and a woman’s voice quickly hushed it. The queen paused as shock overcame her. The shuttered lights were dwellings, for human beings. Frad turned and saw that she was about to speak, he quickly put four fingers over her mouth, “We need to go. Come.” Tilmon sensed his urgency and kept her head low, ashamed of appearing queenly in that place. Frad confidently led them down different unmarked tunnels. The gloom felt endless and the air tasted as thick as the grief it had borne for countless years. Just as Tilmon began to stumble, Frad pushed open a door and breeze carrying the smell of rotting rubbish brushed their faces. The travellers took deep breaths of relief. Frad led them down the back paths of houses emptied of their occupants. In the trading area of the city, Merlana and her companions stealthily made their way down the street. About them doors gapped open, although not due to the invaders. She turned into a ransacked shop to their left. Bandages and a bottle of raw spirit lay untouched behind one counter. Merlana cleaned and bound Keldina’s wound as her brother kept watch at the door. It was not deep but bad enough to cause some pain and to leave a scar once healed. A group of five street urchins ran out of a grocery shop with sacks as large as themselves and dashed down a side street. Keldina insisted on walking on her own after seeing what she described as only a minor scratch. Then she showed them the shortest route to the port. No one was in sight at the crossroad in front of the harbour. Merlana quickly set to work, this time she sitting on Bulgarth’s shoulders. As she pulled out the first signage, she chuckled. Her brother asked, “What is it?” Merlana said, “This is the first time you ever join me in one of my adventures.” “This better be your last adventure,” he answered with little conviction. Bulgarth did not like the way Keldina was staring at him. Again he asked, “What is it?” “Why are you so big?” the princess asked in wonder. “I was a hard worker.” “Oh, doing what?” “I used to carry ores.” “Aren’t those slave work?” “They are human work.” Merlana patted dirt off her brother’s head before jumping down. Bulgarth said, “Your quest is over. It is time to go back.” The two young women looked so dejected he sighed and said, “What is it?” Keldina thought, what a strange man, he had so few vocabularies yet uncle spend so much time talking with him. Merlana answered, “They are just going to lock us up in the inner courts Bulgarth. Couldn’t I stand with the archers at the parapets? You know how well I shoot with a bow. I am certainly of more use than some of the guards I wager.” Her brother pondered because part of him wanted to say no, but he also knew that she would think up some trouble or other if she was unhappy. Putting her on the wall with bow and arrow appeared to be the safest option. “I will speak with Lord Casperlane.” The princess asked, “Will you speak for me too? I am good with both sword and bow.” Bulgarth said, “I am afraid I cannot do that your highness. Lord Casperlane might string me on a gibbet come first light of day.” Keldina was disheartened and pulled a long face. Then she asked, “How did you find us?” Bulgarth said, “I knew my sister well enough to know that she has the habit of turning up in the worst places imaginable. And right now the worst place imaginable was the land gate of the city. When I heard that the two of you had gone missing, I rushed down Bellway. A few onlookers confirmed that two young men ran down the street, away from the palace. I saw you running into that shop just as the gate crashed. So I climbed up to the rooftop because I did not want to confront an army alone.” That was by far the longest explanation Keldina had heard from Bulgarth, yet it felt summarized. “Who found us missing?” “His majesty.” “Did he say anything?” “No, he did not even notice when your matron fainted.” Keldina laughed. Bulgarth raised his voice, “The poor woman fainted because she cares for you. Do you laugh at other’s concern so lightly? You make a poor princess indeed.” The steps of the young woman of Kalimy slowed, for the hulking man had made her feel callous. Then Bulgarth turned to look at her and remorse filled his heart. He put his arms around her shoulder and said, “Come it is late. Matron Hally will be pleased to see you back safe and sound. Although she will make a racket about that wound on your thigh.” Keldina recalled her eldest brother, Seth, who was oftentimes angry with her too. But when he was no longer angry, he would put his arms around her shoulders. She missed him that night and she began to cry. Posadom ran down to Keldina and her two companions. The soldiers had recognized Bulgarth and let them through the inner city gates with only a simple question. When they reached the palace, a guard stormed to the throne room to inform the king that his niece had been found. An angry man stomped his way towards them, ready to shout a long tirade at the two errant women. Keldina’s tearful face stopped him, for the upturned face was a mirror image of his beloved Tilmon. He put his arms around her and held her as she cried. Casperlane watched the reunion, and after making sure that Matron Hally had been called for, signaled for Bulgarth and Merlana to follow him to a different secluded room. He closed the door after them then turned to glare at Merlana. “Well, you have at least returned. What have you to say for yourself?” Merlana said, “Nothing my lord, for it was wrong of me to endanger the Princess’s life. I did not realize how great the danger was, until the outer gates were breached.” Casperlane shouted, “You went to the outer gates?” Bulgarth came to his sister’s defense, “They changed the road signs. It should buy us more time to prepare ourselves. Merlk is now marching along Clannie, thinking that it is Bellway.” Casperlane looked at the young woman in wonder and surprise. “How did you come to think of this plan?” Merlana explained, “I got lost in the royal garden this afternoon, after getting instructions from the guards. I just wanted to see if the same prank would work on an army.” Casperlane chortled then shook his head in resignation. “I should be punishing you. Yet I will now have to reward you for the service you rendered and the courage you showed. What is it that you wish from the people of Netherweld?” Merlana said, “Only that I be allowed to show more courage and to render more service. I am a very good archer and hunter. I wish for a place amongst your scouts.” Bulgarth swung his head to face his sister, “That was not our agreement. You wanted to stand on the parapets.” Merlana shrugged, “The lord is in a generous mood. I am only taking advantage of his offer.” Casperlane hesitated. Merlana pressed on, “I am a good scout, my lord. Sillander now has need of someone like me. If you will not make use of the skills of those around you, do not expect that even the parapets will be a safe place.” The security captain looked at her young and proud face. He turned to Bulgarth, who nodded his assent. A great commotion reached their ears and rolled like the roar of giant waves towards the palace. We are too late, Casperlane thought and he rushed out of the room. Leah looked about the empty streets, “Are we not on Bellway, the main road to the Palace?” Frad crinkled his brow, “Yes we are. Look there is the aromatic bath-house of the nobles. It is along the street of Bellway, unless the building had pulled itself up and walked out of the path of war.” Tilmon looked up and down the streets, “This is Bellway. Where are the soldiers? Did not Leah tell us that the army of Merlk will be in the city by midnight and that they will be moving towards the palace?” Sarah commented, “Maybe they are late. They may have met with some trouble along the way.” “Well then,” Frad stepped onto the pavement, “this means that it is safe for us to walk in the open for a while. We can go faster this way.” Frad started to jog, all the while making sure to stay in the shadows. After a few buildings, he stopped unexpectedly and crouched low because he thought he saw a glint ahead. Sarah whispered, “I saw it too, it came from that corner. A little too high for the height of a man standing on the ground, unless he is trying to get an elevated view of the street.” Before Frad could stop her, Sarah strutted into the moonlit street and began singing in the most uncomely manner something she learnt from the street urchins of Monqui.
Loud hoots of laughter erupted from a dark corner. Then a voice shouted, “Oooi mate. Why ye be here and not in the inner city?” Sarah called out from the streets, “I be asking that question to ye too. This be a good time to earn a bit don’t ye think?” “Good time indeed. His highness is paying a pretty sum for women found roaming in the streets. Says he wants to git them somewhere safe and sound.” Laughter again. Frad signaled for Leah and Tilmon to move back into the back alleys. He hoped that Sarah had the sense to do the same. There was some more bantering then he heard Sarah whistling her way down the street. After a distance down the back lane, Sarah appeared ahead of them. Frad hissed when he reached her side, “Don’t you ever do that again.” She shrugged and smiled but was thankful that the remainder of their journey was uneventful. On reaching the gates, Frad turned to Leah, “Ask for somebody you trust. I cannot expose the queen to danger now that she is so close to safety.” Leah nodded and stepped towards the closed gate. The guards recognized her instantly. Their sergeant came to open the gates and she asked, “Where is Charles the son of General Brent, tell him I want him out here now.” The sentry dashed down a short path, ran up a flight of wooden steps, knocked on the officer's door and informed him that the queen’s bodyguard needed him. Charles stood up from his desk and called for his men as he scrambled to the gates. A queen’s bodyguard did not ask for officers by name lightly. When Leah saw him, she signaled to the others and they ran out of their hiding place; Charles was flabbergasted. Leah asked, “Is there a wagon or a horse here to carry the queen back to the palace?” Charles came to his senses. “If it pleases her majesty, she may take my humble horse.” Her majesty spoke, “No Charles, the noble steed will need to bear you into battle. I cannot take it away from your service. It is not far to walk back Leah. I can manage.” A page who had gone to the gates bearing instructions from the general whooped with joy on seeing his queen. Her majesty bid him bring the news of her safety back to her family. He ran back as fast as he could, shouting along the way that the queen has returned. Some bystanders took out the pots and pans they had brought with them and beat on the utensils in joy. The noise rose up in a crescendo and in one voice they shouted, “Long live the king, long live the queen.” As Tilmon treaded the path, she was embarrassed and touched by their solidarity. After a distance, they saw a large horse galloped towards them and she recognized the well loved figure astride the beast. He dismounted and ran the last few steps towards her. Then oblivious to the crowd around him, he embraced her and kissed her. The crowds gave out another shout of joy. Tenderly he lifted her up on his saddle then with the reins in his hands, he walked the horse back to the palace. Posadom wanted to both cry and laugh over the incidents of the day. First his beloved was kidnapped, then his niece disappeared. Yet now, in that same night, both had returned. He felt that Providence must have a special star watching over him. When things appeared so out of control, helped was offered where it was unlooked for. He remembered Branduil and his pigeons, then Bulgarth and Merlana and now here was Sarah and another man Leah introduced as Frederick of Laurenx. All of them had done things that even he as a king had been incapable of doing. Rows upon rows of torches lined in front of the palace as soldiers shouted together with the crowd. Their energy filled Posadom with sadness, as he wondered if he would hear their joy again in the days to come. He helped Tilmon down the horse. Tilmon looked back down the path and saw the crowd shouting and cheering with hope in their faces. She waved and the cheers rose then she turned and walked into the palace, all the while wondering if the tunnel dwellers would fare better than them. Casperlane stood by the door, for that was his post when greeting the king. Tears flowed unheeded down his cheeks. To his side were his daughter Graime and his son Patrick. Then Tilmon saw the glad faces of her children. Carmen jumped with hands outstretched, expecting to be petted and hugged like an infant. The queen gathered the children in the family room. Then she saw her niece and noted that her hair was sheared at the shoulders. “Keldina, child. What happened to you?” Casperlane humphed. The princess sheepishly recounted her adventure that day. Tilmon’s reaction was the same as the security captain’s: Should she reward the act or punish the misbehavior. Casperlane shook his head, “Well. Bulgarth brought them back safe. But I fear for his sister though. I offer to reward her and she asked to be used as a scout in the infantry. I do not deny her skill, yet it was a hard request to agree with.” Keldina spoke up, “Merlana a scout? That is not fair. I am just as good as she is.” Casperlane interjected, “You yourself admitted that the idea to play a prank on the army of Merlk came from Merlana. You may be as good as her, but she is smarter than you. I believe that she can get herself out of trouble better than you can.” Keldina's eyes began to brim over with tears. Casperlane gave out an exasperated sigh. “Oh all right, you can stand at the parapets. You will need to obey the orders of the officer in charge there though. Any trouble from you, and I will pull you back. Understand?” Keldina rushed up to the security captain and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He smiled despite himself. After she had run out shouting for the archery officer, Casperlane's gaze fell on the imploring look on Kurbadil’s face. He bowed out of the room as fast as he could and left a very dejected young boy behind. Leah cleared her throat, “It is late your majesty. I will ask a guard to send Graime and Patrick to their father’s assigned room.” “No, their father is busy. They will both sleep with my children and my children will sleep with me. My bed is large enough to fit us all.” Leah bowed and walked out to instruct the servants to send a bath to the king’s chamber for her queen. Tilmon sent the children to bed first then washed. After she changed to a fresh nightgown, she slipped next to Carmen, and was soon lulled to sleep by the heavy breathing of five children. There would be no army attacking the inner city that night, for they were marching down Clannie and making their way towards the deserted Institute of Learning. Leah sunk into a seat in a dark corner of the room and placed her broadsword over her legs. It would remain unsheathed until the end of the war.
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