The Eagle's Flight

Chapter 240: Between the Trees

As the Kingsroad travelled north from Middanhal, one arm ran west through the jarldom of Isarn. It passed into Vidrevi, eventually parting again; one direction went north to Hareik, the other continued further west to reach Trehaf and the sea. These were the only major cities in the forest realm; most of the remaining population were spread across villages and small towns. Thus, nearly all traffic took place on the Kingsroad. Timber for Trehaf, copper to Middanhal, and furs in both directions. Even in the outstretched, scarcely populated land of Vidrevi, trade connected it to the rest of Adalmearc.

At the crossroads where the Kingsroad split north and west, an unfamiliar sight could be found. An army of far greater size than anything Vidrevi could muster lay encamped, and still it was but a small part of the full might wielded by the high king. Twenty thousand Order soldiers and one thousand knights had spent the last months marching from the Reach, crossing the distance at great speed.

The price could be seen in their haggard faces and weary demeanours. As soon as the campsite had been reached and tents raised, none spent time gambling with cards or dice. Conversation was scarce and brief, and nobody bothered with warm meals, eating twice-baked bread only to seek sleep immediately after. Had an enemy come upon them, they would have found soldiers unready. But between the Weolcan mountains to the south and the Alfskog to the north, no force could be found to threaten the Order army. The men closed their eyes without worry, savouring every moment of rest.

~~~~

In the king's tent, a few remained awake. Brand sat on a simple chair, soaking his hard bread in diluted wine. William took the other seat in the tent while Geberic lay snoring on the ground; by the entrance, Glaukos kept watch.

"A messenger from Queen Svana reached us today. They will be ready," the lord marshal related.

"Good." Brand's eyes lacked any lustre and looked as hollow as his cheeks. "That leaves only waiting for King Folkmar." He took a slow bite out of his bread.

"He should be here tomorrow," William said.

"Early, I hope for his sake. We may still march half a day if he does not waste my time."

"The men will be happy with even half a day's rest. Warm meals and fresh bread will do them good."

"Sure." The king took a sip from his wine even as he seemed to stare into the air.

"We will make it in time," William claimed. "You need not worry."

"I just do not understand," Brand replied. "Why did they not return? What possessed Arndis to stay?"

"She must have believed further negotiations could help. She did gain a month's truce, which is longer than any of us would have thought."

"I suppose."

"You should sleep, my king. We still have days ahead of us before Trehaf."

"You as well."

The knight bowed his head and left.

~~~~

The next day, a procession reached the Order army. Fifty warriors on horseback surrounded their charge, King Folkmar of Vidrevi. Arriving from Hareik, the king rode into camp. The sight of the richly adorned men attracted stares, but only briefly; half the soldiers were busy cooking food, and the other half still slept.

A kingthane wearing the golden dragon led Folkmar and his retinue through the camp. He chose a circuitous route that gave the forester king a full impression of the army's size before they reached the largest tent in the camp.

The protectors of the two kings exchanged stares, but in the end, Folkmar entered with two guards; Brand likewise had two thanes by his side. He rose in greeting. "Welcome, King Folkmar."

"I could say the same. You are camped in my land." He stood nearly as tall as Brand, with a neat beard of brown hair. A healthy glow in his cheeks spoke of days spent hunting and riding. In contrast, the drakonian king looked worn as he beheld his vassal.

"Not for long. We will soon march on."

"Good. Now what is the reason you asked me here? I am not in the habit of travelling from my home without knowing the cause," Folkmar spoke with a hard expression.

"Yet you came," Brand remarked. "I have questions concerning your conduct and allegations that Vidrevi have lent aid to the enemies of Adalmearc."

"Ridiculous," came the reply. "I have done no such thing."

"Nor did you send aid when Middanhal stood under siege."

"Your message arrived too late."

"You will have time to explain yourself in a few months' time," Brand continued. "As the custom dictates, I expect to find you present and kneeling at my coronation."

"And if not? Will you wage yet another war even as the other realms still cry out from plunder, taxes, and conscription?"

"I doubt that will be needed. I will send two thousand soldiers with you when you return to Hareik, and leave one thousand behind in Trehaf," Brand explained. Despite his weary appearance, he stood unbowed, and determination filled his eyes.

"You have no right to do so!"

"I have every right," the high king retorted. "Vidrevi is a part of the alliance of Adalmearc."

"Is that why you bid me come? To shackle me with prison guards?"

"I summoned you to see whether you would come. If you had not, I would have sent four thousand."

Folkmar stared with rising anger. "This is not your land. Your soldiers are not welcome here."

"If you have grievances, you may share them in Middanhal when the time comes," Brand declared. "For now, I have a war to end. You are dismissed."

"Do not presume this matter is closed," replied the king of Vidrevi with a menacing voice. He turned and left the tent without delay, followed by his guards.

Brand looked at Geberic, barely affording a glance to Folkmar as the latter disappeared. "Tell them to break camp. We march."

The order quickly spread. With experienced speed, the soldiers packed and stowed everything away. Within the hour, the army continued its march west towards Trehaf.