Baldric rode atop Garnothred on the fields of Aeros. Typically, when he was around the capital, Baldric would keep the great bear in his specially built stables outside of the city walls because of the way it frightened people, but the fields were largely empty, so it was the perfect time to give him some exercise. Garnothred snorted happily as he picked up the pace over the grassy plain.
Baldric and a few of his bodyguards were currently in hot pursuit of five northfolk who were attempting to make for the tree line. It had been a successful day of hunting these raiders all over the land. None had mounts or heavy armor and spears, so the mounted knights of Baldric''s royal army easily routed them. For the day as a whole, there had been some more citizens who were harassed by these invaders, but for the most part, all the people were now able to move freely.
“Make sure they do not make the tree line!” Baldric shouted. “And remember, the goal is not to kill them. We need them alive.”
A resounding Sir came from Baldric''s soldiers in unison.
The party closed in on the fleeing raiders, who were keenly aware of their predicament. It seemed clear that the northfolk would not make it, so they turned about and charged the cavalry. Their surge forward was as resolute and determined as if they were certain they could overtake the larger mounted knights. Baldric’s troops did not have time to react to the sudden change, and their enemies were trampled. The soldiers quickly dismounted and confirmed none survived.
“Damn!” yelled Hireta, one of Baldric’s lieutenants.
“Why are they so devoted to avoiding capture? This is not the sign of simple raiders,” said one of the soldiers as they halted their horse. “There have even been reports of the wounded finishing themselves to avoid being taken. What madness has befallen them?”
He was right, Baldric thought, in all his years in the royal army, he had never seen such devotion and suicidal tendencies from his adversaries, especially people who seemed to be raiders looking for quick wealth. Even in his wars with Vaelora, there was a mutual understanding of treating each other’s captives well, so if they were surrounded without hope of escape, they would lay down their arms. “This is strange,” Baldric started. “Hireta will remember our last major campaign against raiding northfolk almost two winters ago. They came with about one thousand troops and began burning the local farms and even sacked the small village of Haelos. King Edward personally led the army north. After a five-day march, we met them. These Northern people are hearty warriors, but they lack heavy armor to face our cavalry. Our armored mounted soldiers quickly broke their lines, and they fled back to the White Mountains. Those who could not escape dropped their weapons and surrendered themselves. The king granted them clemency and bid them never to cross back into our lands again.”
Baldric briefly trailed off as he looked north, past the dense wood that lay before them. There was an ominous dread that seeped through the brush and brambles. Out of the darkness of the woods, a sinking feeling slowly made its way to Baldric’s heart, and he shuddered. These days were growing more strange, and each stone turned over just brought more questions.
Hireta cut into the brief silence, “Do you think they are hiding anything? There may be something larger happening here?”
“It is possible,” Baldric trailed off again as he thought about the council meeting earlier that day. Was there a connection between these raiders and a possible coordinated attack against Edwin two days ago? No time to share this with others. More news would be needed before reasonable assumptions were made.
The group remounted and continued for some time when they saw royal soldiers atop a hill. They were escorting two large wagons pulled by great horses. These large workhorses were unlike the breed that was used for war or racing. Those were bred down south of Javailty, in the fields between that city and the Iron Mountain. These fields ran far south until they were halted by the rugged and mountainous region of Kaboutia. These large horses were raised in the harsh Southern lands where they grew broad enough to handle the difficult and unyielding terrain of the foothills of the southern mountains. The wagons were heaping with food and many crates from Mendale as its ''M'' brand could be seen on the materials accompanied by an owl marking. This was the mark of Helewise''s house and signified that they came from her docks in that city.
“Are we on schedule, any issues?” Baldric asked one of the soldiers as his group approached the caravan.
“None, general,” said the soldier. “We have this caravan of food and supplies from Mendale well on its way. It had turned around after a brief bout with some raiders, but we were able to catch up with it and escort them along.”
“The king will be happy to hear this news,” Baldric said as he slapped the soldier''s shoulder. Garnothred bumped into the soldier''s horse as they rode side by side, and the horse snorted with displeasure. Baldric patted the great bear and smiled, then turned back to the soldier “Good work. The people inside Hailgrad’s walls desperately need these supplies."
As they reached the crest of another hill, Baldric slowed Garnothred and looked out over the field. The sun was beginning to set, and as they took in the scene. Red, orange, and yellow stripes cut through the sky with brilliant precision. By now, most of the people who had tents outside the capital had moved back into their homes, and the fields were slowly coming back to their former beauty.
The quiet of the moment was quickly cut off by a deep, bellowing horn. “That is not one of ours,” Baldric said in an uneasy tone. The sound was coming from south of the capital. Baldric and his soldiers were on the Northwest side of the capital, so they turned their mounts and began barreling down the road toward the sounds that continued in a steady tone.
***
After some time riding through a sparsely wooded area, the group came back into the fields of Aeros. The wise expanse extended south, past several small farms, and climbed up to short hills covered with long grass that constantly swayed in the wind. Normally, these hills would have a few cattle or horses gnawing at the grass, but to Baldric’s surprise, it was covered with an army.
“Sound the horn, form up on me, on me!” shouted Baldric in amazement. Horns from the city walls boomed as they also spotted the unknown troops. He could not see the armor, but it had the look of the sleek, glinting design that reminded him of Vaeloran steel.
“Who are they?” Hireta shouted after barking orders to her captains.
“I am not sure,” Baldric shouted back over the din of soldiers rushing to and fro. His army was in disarray, but within a few minutes, two thousand of his six thousand soldiers were in a rough line that was typical for the Hailgaladian army. This organization was mostly made of cavalry. In a proportional sample of hundred soldiers, forty-five would be heavy cavalry, another twenty-five would be light cavalry with bows and javelins, and thirty would be infantry. Although there were typically soldiers on foot, it was a requirement for all to be able to ride to be in the royal army.
In the short time it took Baldric’s soldiers to get organized, he noticed a small party of cavalry making its way toward them. “Hireta,” Baldric said, “gather the other lieutenants and come with me to meet whoever these people are.” Then Baldric snapped his reigns, and Garnothred bellowed angrily as he set forward.
As they approached the foreign group, Baldric realized they were not foreign at all. They were armored in wares akin to a wolf. This was the armor specific to Sylvester’s bodyguard, but this force was much larger than any bodyguard. Typically, a Hailgalad leader or general maintained a bodyguard of one hundred soldiers. This bodyguard could dress to the liking of their leader, with a crest or other features, such as the wolf for Sylvester or bear for Baldric. However, all other soldiers in the army were mandated to be dressed in the standard Hailgalad armor that was silver with a red tunic. This way, the groups would be unified and maintain the understanding that they fought for the crown, not their specific general. Baldric saw the entire army in silver-grey armor with wolf aesthetics. Something was not right.
The two groups came into contact with one another, with Sylvester and Helewise riding at the head of the opposing force. They were both dressed in very fine chain and plate armor that was slender and sleek to fit both of their builds. They strode at the army''s head not as two who were bringing aid but rather as two who wished to display power and a willingness to use that power.
“What is the meaning of this?” Baldric said hotly, and he came to an abrupt stop. “How dare you drive a rival army to the gates of your King’s home. Speak before I have your heads for this treachery.” Garnothred bellowed a great growl as he looked upon Sylvester.
“Baldric, Baldric,” Sylvester said as he shook his head. “You misunderstand our intentions. We do not wish to try our hand at war with you. We come in peace.”
“Why do you come with an army clad in armor opposing your king? This hardly looks to be a group that means peace,” Hireta cut in. The disgust was hot on her tongue. As Baldric''s first lieutenant, loyalty was the utmost valued trait, and she had no leniency for traitors.
Helewise ignored this comment, “We come with a proposition for our king. He is not ready, nor does he want this burden of the throne. We are going to propose he makes me Queen, and we institute a system where we elect our future leaders. Edwin will fail, he is currently failing. Does he still not know what is happening to our north? Are the people still rioting? His people are not even safe within his walls.”
“By Areandel, you must give him more than a day to right this ship.” Baldric said angrily. “We have reestablished the supply routes and have drawn off the raiders. He is new to this, but my king has done everything as well as he could up to this point in time. We must trust in his rule.” Baldric leaned to his right to look past Sylvester and Helewise at the army that stood still and silent as statues. “As my lieutenant asked, if you come in peace, why do you bring such a large host dressed in armor differing from the crown’s forces?”
“You have to understand this is a significant change we will be proposing to the king. Most likely, it will be seen as treason. We do not wish to use any force, but we will protect this kingdom and ourselves,” Helewise answered defiantly. “Now, step aside and let us pass.”
“We will not,” responded Baldric.
Garnothred took a wider stance as if he was ready to strike and snorted. The opposing horses shifted uneasily at this. Baldric turned to Sylvester and said, “It is not too late. I know we have all had our differences, but we have known each other since we were children. Our friend Edward would roll in his grave if he saw what you are doing here today. I know you do love this kingdom, as do I. We all wish for Hailgalad to be strong and succeed. Stay this madness and help us figure out the best way forward in all this mess.”
Baldric could see that Helewise was unsure of the military action as she looked down in thought, but Sylvester cut in, “What’s done is done, we have chosen our side of history. Our army will march down this path, and we will see the king. If you stand in our way, I cannot promise there will not be bloodshed.”
"You may see the king if you tell this army to stand down, and you both go alone," Baldric countered.
Helewise stared at Baldric, "You know we cannot do that."
“So be it,” said Baldric with a strong tone as he straightened himself up. “As long as you know that it is the both of you, Helewise and Sylvester, that bring a host of soldiers to the gate of your king. It is you that will cause this bloodshed.” With that, he turned Garnothred about, and both groups departed.
***
Baldric arrived back at his lines. Currently, they spanned from Lake Zuiden to the East and west to a tree line of birch wood. At this point, some three thousand of his soldiers had been gathered. He looked at the faces of confused and uneasy people, unsure of what was coming their way.
Baldric rode out ahead of them and turned to face his host of soldiers. He looked down briefly as he weighed what he was going to tell them. “Helewise and Sylvester have come before Hailgrad’s walls with an army. They claim to come in peace, but they seek our King Edwin’s crown.”
Gasps and murmurs were sent throughout the soldiers. “Let them hang for this!” one shouted.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
“No mercy for traitors!” said another.
Hireta raised her fist in the sky, and the soldiers went dead silent. Baldric continued, “Yes, by showing up here in this manner, they have committed treason against our king. In front of Areandel herself, they have looked to sully these very grounds.” He paused again briefly. “But I will not be the one to draw first blood. We have lost too many lives these past few days to cause more bloodshed. My faithful army of Hailgalad, those who oppose you are your brothers and sisters,” Baldric said as he pointed behind himself to the slowly advancing army. Their numbers seemed to be an endless stream coming down from the hill. “We will hold our ground, but we will do so in peace. Do not be the first one to throw a blow that will cause a civil war. A war that this kingdom may not survive after all that has happened as of late. Hold this line, hold this line for your sons and daughters and their children. Hold the line to protect our future.”
The royal army, shining silver armor glinting in the fading sunlight, responded with a resounding “Ah!” and clanged their arms together in unison as was their custom. The boom of their arms felt like a thunder-shock that could be felt by the approaching line of spears.
Baldric turned to one of the soldiers in the line, “Go back to the walls and give the news to Halgreth, captain of the walls, and tell him of the situation. Then, go to the palace and inform the King.”
In minutes that seemed to drag on for eons, the armies were finally face to face, only about ten paces or so separated them. All was dead quiet as they surveyed each other. Baldric could see that all the opposing soldier''s armor had been crafted in a much different fashion than the royal army. Their numbers also seemed to at least double the force that Baldric had in the field. It was clear that this was no whim. It would have taken a great deal of time to create all this armor and arms. They were also not formed in the typical fashion of a Hailgaladrian army. Most of the soldiers were dressed in heavy armor with broad spears and thick shields. Baldric remembered King Edward’s repeated letters to Sylvester about the production of iron and tools for war and other everyday tasks. Sylvester was continuing to underperform, and this explained why. Baldric was now face to face with Sylvester as he said, “So I see what you have been working on all this time.”
“Preparation for the unknown is a necessity, Baldric,” he said with a smile. “Truthfully, I never thought this day specifically would come, but I knew a great reckoning was inevitable. The kingdom would need me, and here we are. Anyway, it may have been too long since you have been in the South. Kaboutia is not the only province down that way. There are many warring tribes and minor kingdoms that stir with great beasts of war. Long have I kept our Southern borders safe, but now it is time for us to give the proper rule to Hailgalad that it deserves.”
Baldric turned to Helewise, “Tell me you do not see he is hungry for power. You both are, but he has the army, and he will betray you. You cannot be wholly blind to this.”
“Who do you think financed that army, Baldric?” Helewise said with determination. “I knew just as well as Sylvester did that there would come a time soon for our rise. The arcane way to royal lineages is over. I built my life from the ground to reach the heavens. I hold the true power of the kingdom: money. The kingdom already runs through me, you people at the capital just do not know it. We do not wish for war, only peace and well-being for our people. Do not stand in the way of change, Baldric. Join us and be a part of ushering Hailgalad into a new era of prosperity.”
At this, many of the soldiers on opposing sides of the line started to jeer at one another. Baldric felt the tension grow heavy on the armies. He knew a clash was inevitable. Should they have fallen back to the city and barred the gates? And cede the fields to these traitors without contest, how preposterous.
Amidst the roar, Baldric only stared at Helewise and Sylvester. He never trusted Sylvester after he raided the Northern lands, but he trusted the king’s judgment on him, and he figured that Edward would always be there to keep their childhood friend in check. Helewise took Baldric completely by surprise. She had always only seemed to be interested in trade and other business ventures, but she was the means Sylvester needed to feed his power-hungry soul. Likewise, Sylvester filled the same role for Helewise. With time, one more skilled in deliberations and politics may be able to diffuse this situation and make the other realize this was an alliance that would not last. Queen Melanie had a true gift for unifying the kingdom in that manner. She was strong and tactful. It was a true loss for the world for Edward and Melanie to pass on from it. However, Baldric wagered not even Melanie could settle things here and now the way they were laid out on this field. One of these overzealous soldiers would make a mistake sooner or later.
No sooner had Baldric thought that when there was a clang to his right. Baldric snapped his head to the right and saw one of his soldiers fall. He had been struck by a short javelin, and it took him out in an instant.
“No,” Baldric yelled and moved down the line at a great pace. “Hold, hold, back up to the gates! Stay in formation. There will be no further bloodshed in this land!” It was against his nature to hold back, especially with one of his own killed, but he had to hold his soldiers the best he could. He would not be the cause of an all-out war.
It was too late. There were screams between the lines, and some charged. At that point, both sides fell onto one another in a violent torrent. Baldric continued to barrel down the line atop Garnothred, flanking the sides of the opposing army while his great bear smashed the enemies over with his huge legs and paws.
Baldric was suddenly thrown from Garnothred and fell to his right into his forces. The great bear turned to find him but was pierced with a spear. He reared and growled madly, breaking the spear and throwing a few of the attacking soldiers. Baldric waived Garnothred off with a deep booming command. The bear reluctantly fell back and circled the army.
A few soldiers that were around Baldric and behind the front lines helped him up. “Orders, general,” Hireta yelled over the din. She had followed Baldric down the line to quell the forces and went to his aide as he was thrown to the ground.
“Get to the flanks and lead the heavy cavalry. Use the fields to your advantage. They have little mounted soldiers, so you will be able to move freely. I will stay here and hold the center on foot. We will work back to the walls for Halgreth’s support.”
Hireta nodded defiantly and was about to move, but Baldric grabbed her shoulder and said, “Remember, we must fight to survive, but take no unnecessary life. Our goal is to make it to the gates with as little death as possible on either side.”
He had just finished barking his orders when the front line collapsed into him. Baldric raised his shield and joined the line to help it hold. He looked to his left to see Sylvester and Helewise, but they were gone. “Damn rats,” Baldric growled.
***
Hireta rode behind the front lines to the right flank. There were several riders gathered on either side of the infantry to keep clear of the large spears. “Follow me,” she yelled and led a charge to the side of the enemy troops.
The heavy cavalry swung around in the open field and charged the ranks with their lances thrust out. The charge was devastating to Helewise and Sylvester’s soldiers, but they did not waver as Hireta hoped they would. If they had wavered and broke, the rest of the army could make their way back to the city. Hireta pulled back the cavalry to prepare for another charge.
At that moment, they were met with a volley of arrows from enemy archers that were held in reserve. Hireta looked to her right and saw the archers on the hill, along with massive ballistae and catapults that lobbed large rocks and shot bolts at the exposed cavalry. Some of the riders around Hireta were dismayed at the losses they suffered, but she eyed that no one was sent back to protect the archers and machines of war. She could also see Helewise and Sylvester with a small group of soldiers. They could end this here and now.
“Riders, to me!” she shouted and raised her horn to let out a call for both sides of the formation to attack. The riders gave a shout, and Garnothred, who had joined them, let out an earth-shaking roar.
As Baldric and the infantry made their way back to the walls, Hireta took the cavalry to silence the enemy back lines. They were closing fast on the defenseless archers who began to run in fear up the hills. As Hireta and her riders reached them, they were met with a charge of terrific power. Heavy cavalry that were held in reserve were released by Sylvester. They crashed into the unknowing royal cavalry, who took heavy losses. Hireta was thrown from her horse, and the world went black.
In a world-bending haze, Hireta stood up shakily with the chaos of horses and riders dancing around the field in combat. She knew they had been outmatched and needed to fall back, so she took the white, silver-tipped horn at her belt and let out a high cry that pierced through the rabble. With this sound, the cavalry and Garnothred retreated to the city. The horn blast took her lungs all they had, and she fell to one knee and put her hand on the ground to brace herself. Hireta, without a horse, was left alone in the field with the victorious enemy cavalry and injured soldiers that lay in the field.
***
Baldric heard the cry of Hireta''s horn and was dismayed. The ground forces were taking heavy losses, and that sound meant Hireta was pulling the cavalry back to circle inside the city through the western gates since the Southern was being blocked by the masses of infantry.
Suddenly, Baldric heard the high trumpets of the city gates. His troops had been slowly giving ground, and it seemed that they were now in range of the city''s defenses. A volley of arrows and bolts whizzed down onto the invading forces, and the royal troops gave a sudden surge forward. After two more volleys, Helewise and Sylvester’s forces broke and fled back to a safe distance from the city.
“To the gates, to the gates!” Baldric shouted.
The army began to filter behind the gates. Baldric was the last soldier to finally reach the safety of Hailgrad’s walls. After he passed through, the heavy birch doors thudded closed with a loud boom, and it felt as if the army had let out a collective sigh.
“By Areandel, what in the blazes happened out there,” Halgreth shouted as he ran down from the walls.
“Helewise and Sylvester brought a host before us.” Baldric began, out of breath. “One of their troops threw a javelin at one of my soldiers, and everything broke down. I sent Hireta to attack the flanks, but I heard her horn and saw they were falling back. I could not get a view of what was happening. We had not time to properly organize, and they got the better of us.” He scanned the soldiers in the courtyard. Many were standing in shock, and others were on the ground being tended to by healers. “I never thought I would see the day where we killed our brothers and sisters at this great city''s gates.”
“Our view from the city was grim,” Halgreth said sourly as he scanned the royal army. “When the riders flanked out to either end, they were getting pummeled by the archers and weapons of war Sylvester and Helewise brought. Hireta must have seen an opening where these troops were unprotected, so she charged. We were only just assembling the stone and soldiers to fire our catapults when we saw the charge.” He paused and looked at the ground with disgust and continued, “Helewise and Sylvester kept their cavalry behind the hills and out of sight until it was just the right moment. They met Hireta and the riders unaware and delivered heavy losses from our count. We heard her horn, and the riders fled to the Western gate since the Southern gate was blocked by the ground forces. We can only hope she made it out.”
The two ran up to the top of the gate. The view was devastating. The ground was strewn with the dead. All people of Hailgalad. Only days after thousands died of a terrible disease, the unthinkable had happened. “All we can do is wait for the rider’s return and to tend to our dead and wounded. Hireta is one of the strongest people I know. If anyone made it, she did.”
They looked on as they heard one final united yell in the distance. Baldric knew in his heart that Hireta was a part of it.
***
Hireta stood her ground, sword in hand. Her horse had died in the assault, and her shield was flung into the piles of arms and wounded soldiers. She tried to remain steadfast while her right side ached from the fall. Her best guess was her ribs were broken. Through the surges of pain, her eyes remained fixed on Sylvester, who stood in front of her atop his horse.
“Hireta, is it?” he said with a comforting tone. “You have to know this was not my intention. This is a true tragedy. One that both your army and mine are to blame for, but you must understand our position. We are the people that will right the ship. Join us, I beg you, and help usher in a peaceful transfer of power.” Sylvester had a careful and gentle tone as he extended his hand.
Hireta stood quiet for a moment, then she spoke. “Do you honestly expect me to believe you?” she said. “You brought an army to our king''s doorstep. You picked war and are thus responsible for it. Do not take me for a fool. I know you purposefully kept your cavalry in reserve to bait us in. You wanted this. You wanted to draw our army into a conflict while we were in the field. I will not be a part of your power-hungry escapade.” She bent her knees and clutched her sword with both hands.
“Very well,” Sylvester said as he jumped from his horse. He seemed much more athletic than Hireta had originally guessed. A squire came and handed him a sword. Judging by the extravagant make, it was Sylvester’s. “Thousands have already died what is one more to add if it means our kingdom''s deliverance.”
Helewise cut in, “Sylvester, this is quite enough. Let us take her. I will not have another die. Keep her with Gerrit and the others until this is over. She could be useful to us.”
Sylvester did not listen and approached Hireta. He was dressed in sleek armor that had wolf-head pauldrons and a black tunic laced with silver. Hireta’s thick armor, in the fashion of Baldric’s, shone in the dying light. A few of the survivors of Hireta’s riders stood behind her with their swords drawn, but she waved them off. Sylvester smiled at this and waved his left hand out to his troops.
Hireta charged with a yell. Baldric had taught her to channel magic to reinforce her strength, and it was evident as she threw Sylvester back to the ground. Sylvester jumped to his feet; his lip was bloody. He was the better swordsman, and it proved in his lightning-fast counter as his sword found a gap in Hireta’s armor.
The pain rushed to Hireta’s head as she winced. She grunted and slapped his sword down with hers. Then, she gathered herself and battered him in the face with the hilt of her blade.
After a few more exchanges back and forth, Hireta had the upper hand. Once she closed the distance between them, Hireta would not be denied. She had dropped her sword and opted to come to blows instead, which culminated in her throwing Sylvester to the ground.
As Sylvester lay there bloodied, Hireta picked up her sword and started to him. It looked as if it was over, but at the last instant, Sylvester yelled to stop her, and one of his guards loosed a crossbow bolt. It struck its mark with deadly accuracy. That is where Hireta, first lieutenant of the royal armies of Hailgalad, fell.
The other soldiers of the royal army were outraged. They yelled and charged, but it was too late. Another volley came onto them, and they, too, fell in the fields of Aeros. With this act, the battle of the fields was over.