The Song and the Serpent

Adan turned to Layla and saw the same alarm in her eyes that he felt.

Where’s Kian? He wondered.

“Leaders to the gatehouse!” came a shout.

Adan looked back to the gate and saw Corthenu standing on a cart that had rolled in with the newcomers. He cupped his mouth with his hands and bellowed for all to hear.

“Everyone to your homes to await instruction from your leaders! Gather any arms or tools that can be used as weapons. Leaders to the gatehouse!”

“I need to fetch my Auntie!” Layla said.

“I would escort you,” Adan replied, “but I need to find Kian.”

“Of course. I can manage,” she said.

She hesitated for a moment before giving Adan a quick hug. He embraced her, savoring the brief moment before she pulled away and ran back the way they had come.

Adan turned and walked toward the gatehouse. He knew Kian would make his way there as soon as he heard the news, and his guess was correct.

As the crowd moved away from the gatehouse, and the village leaders began to arrive, Adan saw Kian moving against the departing throng.

“Kian!” He shouted, raising his hand in the air.

Kian heard his shout and ran up to him.

“I hear we have some visitors arriving soon,” he said, and held out the curved scimitar that Adan had left behind in their room. Adan took the blade from him, noticing that Kian had belted his own stolen sword at his side.

“I might need this,” Adan replied as they turned toward the arched opening, entering the gatehouse. ”You heard correct, if the newcomers are to be believed.”

“How many?”

“He said at least five-hundred.”

Kian nodded. Adan glanced at him and saw a light in his eyes that would have given a bear pause before attacking.

They arrived to find many of the village leaders including Fagus, and Corthenu. The black haired leader wore his large broadsword swung over his back. Four newcomers stood in the gatehouse, laden with full packs. Adan recognized Samo, Fin, and the twins, Nolt and Bolf.

“Greetings Lord Kian!” said Fin when he saw them approaching. He and the other three watchmen saluted.

“And Adan, faithful bodyguard,” Samo added, leaning on his staff.

Adan and Kian saluted in return before coming to stand among the others.

“We saw fit to abandon our post given the circumstances,” Samo explained.

“Who are we still waiting on?” Corthenu said, looking at the gathered leaders.

“We sent for Hammund,” Fagus said, “and I think we should wait for Hurst.”

“Why?” Corthenu asked. “We have a bard here, and very little time. We must agree on a plan of action.”

”I’m sure they will both be here before we settle on one,” Fagus replied, giving Corthenu a wary look. ”Do you have a suggestion?”

”I do,” said Corthenu. “Though I would be surprised if you agree.”

“We may as well hear it.”

“I say we leave the gate open, let them enter the fortress, and attack them from within these walls.”

Adan saw several mouths fall open at Corthenu’s suggestion.

“And why do you suggest such an . . . Unorthodox strategy?” Fagus asked.

“Because we cannot let them escape,” Corthenu replied. “But that is only the first part of my plan.”

“Then what is the second?” Samo asked.

Corthenu glanced at the bard. “I also suggest we send a small force of men outside the wall to circle back behind the enemy and act as a screen to prevent any of them from retreating. Our survival here relies on us remaining undiscovered for as long as possible. We cannot simply repel them and let them escape.”

“But the risk to our women and children and elderly…” one of the leaders tried to protest.

“They will be at far greater risk if any Undelmans escape and bring Hugo’s entire army down on our heads,” Corthenu interrupted. “The citadel is a more defensible place. They can hide in the great hall until the fighting is over.”

Fagus frowned and shook his head. “I do not like the thought of allowing the Undelmans to walk right through our doors.”

Kian stepped forward. “Corthenu’s right.”

All eyes turned to Kian in surprise. Even Adan glanced at his friend with furrowed brows.

“The walls of this fortress are indefensible,” Kian continued. “If we shut the gate, a determined enemy will easily find a way in. But if we trick the Undelmans into entering the fortress we may be able to keep them from escaping.“

“But who will circle back around and ensure that none escape?” Another leader asked.

“I volunteer myself and my men,” Corthenu asked.

“So you will leave us inside the fortress with the enemy and hide in the forest while we stay behind and fight?” The leader laced every word with suspicion and accusation.

Corthenu slowly turned his head and stared at the man without responding. The leader seemed to squirm under Corthenu’s stare, but he didn’t back down.

“If the Othelli are as untrustworthy and cowardly as you imply,” Corthenu eventually said, enunciating every syllable, “then you are welcome to accompany us into the forest to ensure that we aren’t the backstabbing turncoats you expect us to be.”

Fagus stepped forward and held up his hands in a gesture of peace. ”We thank you for volunteering yourself and your men for this dangerous task, Corthenu, and we accept your offer. But there are less than thirty of your number. It may be wise for more men to accompany you to ensure your success.”

Corthenu seemed to ignore Fagus and continued staring at the village leader, who could not meet the dark man’s gaze.

“I volunteer myself and my bodyguard,” Kian said.

All eyes turned to him in surprise for a second time, including Corthenu’s.

“Are you certain you’re up to the task, milord?” He said, over-stressing the last word.

Now it was Kian’s turn to stare at Corthenu. “How many Undelman warriors have you killed, Corthenu?” He asked.

Corthenu didn’t answer.

”Because I lost count after yesterday morning,” Kian continued.

“Give us a line of Undelman warriors and room to swing a sword,” Adan chimed in, “and you’ll see just how ‘up to the task’ we are.”

Samo cleared his throat. “If I may interject, you would be well served by having Kian and Adan with you, Corthenu. They defended us from the troop of Undelmans that attacked Cellion yesterday morning and after watching them fight, there is no one in this fortress who I would rather fight beside. So I volunteer to go as well, so long as Kian and Adan are going.”

”As do I,” said Fin.

”And I,” Nolt and Bolf spoke in unison.

Corthenu looked at each of them before turning his gaze back on Kian. “Very well. But let me make one thing clear: I will lead my own men. The Othelli are loyal to each other and they will follow my instruction and mine alone.”

”I expected nothing less,” Kian replied.

“Have we come up with a plan?” Hurst’s voice rang out over the gathered leaders. He had arrived at the gatehouse and pushed his way to the center of the assembly. He was accompanied by a middle aged man with curly brown hair and a clean shaven face. Adan had seen this same man seated with the village leaders during the morning council.

“I think we have,” Fagus replied. “Although it seems a bit too daring for my taste. Corthenu has suggested allowing the Undelmans into the fortress…”

“What?!” Hurst turned to Fagus with a look of shock.

“If we allow them to enter and try to trap them inside the fortress,” Fagus explained, “we can keep them from escaping.”

”…trap them inside the fortress— with us.” Hurst replied. The mole on his cheek quivering as he spoke. “What about those who cannot fight?”

“They will be safe in the citadel,” said Kian. “They need to be sent there regardless. The crumbling outer wall won’t protect them.”

Hurst looked at Kian. “So you agree with this madness?”

”I do,” said Kian, unwavering. “Corthenu will lead a group of men outside the wall and behind the enemy. I will be among them. We will fan out behind them and stop any of them from returning the way they came. We must protect the secret of this place.”

Hurst looked from Kian, to Corthenu, to Fagus and the other village leaders before letting out a deep sigh. ”It seems you’ve made up your minds. Very well. I hope you know what you’re doing.”

The man who had accompanied Hurst stepped forward. “If you plan to circle around behind the enemy, then you may want my help.”

“Yes, Hammund,” Corthenu replied. “Your knowledge of the area would be invaluable.”

Hammund nodded. “Then I am at your service.”

“So we are all agreed,” Fagus said, raising his voice for all to hear. “Get your women and children to the citadel, and man the gates and walls.”

The leaders dispersed, shouting instructions to the waiting crowd.

“I will get my men,” Corthenu said before departing.

Adan and Kian were left with Hammund and the four watchmen who had volunteered to accompany them.

“I’m Hammund,” the newcomer said, bowing slightly to Kian. “We haven’t officially met, but I believe you have met my wife, Helena.”

Recognition appeared on Kian’s face. “Yes. She showed us to our room last night. She provided well for our needs.”

Hammund nodded. “She was honored to help.”

“So you live nearby?”

Hammund nodded. ”Our house is less than a mile from this fortress. We’ve farmed here all of our lives, just as my father did and his before him.”

“Just the two of you?”

Hamund chuckled. “No, certainly not. The two of us couldn’t possibly manage Corfield House on our own. We have a dozen servants and four young children.”

Kian raised his eyebrows. “I see. When your wife said that you and she were farmers, I admit I didn’t imagine a large house with servants and such.”

“The Maker has been good to us.”

Adan kept his hand on his sword hilt as they sat waiting for Corthenu to return.

After a brief pause, Calden the gatekeeper came storming into the gatehouse.

“Oh dear,” Fin said under his breath when he saw the older man approaching.

Calden wore a look that could have cracked an oyster at fifty paces, and he crossed his arms as he came to stand in front of them.

“My hearing isn’t what it used to be,” the gatekeeper growled, “so I very much hope I misheard the result of the war council, but I could have sworn I heard someone way that we are going to open the gates and let the Undelman’s walk right through.”

”You heard correct,” Kian replied.

Calden sighed while glaring at everyone present. “Then you will have to clap me in irons. I made an oath that I would never allow our enemies to cross this threshold, and I plan to keep that oath.”

“We must draw them in if we are to prevent their escape,” Kian answered.

“Be that as it may, I made an oath. I will not break it by allowing the enemy to cross this threshold.”

Kian looked closely at the old gatekeeper, as if to gauge whether or not the man was serious.

“The leaders have all agreed on this strategy, and the whole fortress is preparing to ambush the enemy as soon as they enter. Does your oath not allow you room for such an occasion as this?”

”An oath is an oath, sir. I cannot break it unless obeying it would cause me to commit a great immorality.”

”And is insubordination to the leaders of this city not a great immorality?” Samo asked, stepping forward.

”It is not, since there is no lord that I am sworn to obey,” Calden replied, uncrossing his arms.

“You can’t be serious,” Kian replied.

“I am, sir.”

As Calden stood belligerently, Adan saw Corthenu approaching with the same men he had been training.

“So you’re saying that if this city had a lord for you to obey, and he commanded you, you could break your oath; but since you are not sworn to obey any man here, you are bound to your oath?”

Calden nodded. “That is what I am saying, sir.”

Adan noticed that Calden did not refer to Kian as ‘milord’ like everyone else.

“So we must either appoint someone as Lord of the City, or we must imprison you?”

“That seems to be the shape of it, sir.”

Corthenu and his followers had reached the gatehouse and now stood under it’s arch, watching the confrontation with interest.

Kian let out a deep sigh and hung his head, as if he had finally come to a decision on some difficult problem.

Then he lunged forward, hurling himself on top of Calden.

The gatekeeper had just enough time to put his hands up to try to stop Kian before he was shoved to the ground.

“Kian!” Adan shouted, uncertain of what to do.

Calden put up a fight, trying to strike at Kian’s head with his fists, but Kian had surprise on his side and managed to pin the older man’s hands to the ground.

“Rope!” Kian shouted. “Who has rope?!”

Bolf sprang forward and produced several leather thongs from a pouch at his side.

Calden remained silent as Kian forced him to roll over and tied his hands behind his back.

“I wouldn’t ask a man to violate his conscience,” Kian growled as he got to his knees above Calden. “Have you been sufficiently rendered incapable of carrying out your duty, gatekeeper?”

Calden nodded. “Yes sir,” he said through ragged breaths. “This will do nicely.”

“Good,” Kian stood and helped the older man to his feet. “Nolt, Bolf, could escort him to the citadel?”

”Of course,” said Nolt, coming forward and grabbing Calden’s tied hands.

“You will have to tie my feet when we get there,” Calden said over his shoulder. “Otherwise, I will be able to run back here.”

The twins looked at Kian with questioning glances.

Kian rolled his eyes before nodding. “Best not to take any chances. Once he’s secured, return here with all speed.”

The twins nodded and began leading Calden away gently but firmly.

Kian brushed his tunic free of dirt and sighed with satisfaction before turning to look at Adan, Fin, Samo, and Hammund.

”What?” He asked when he saw their raised eyebrows. “He wanted me to do it.”

“I don’t think that was the outcome he hoped for,” Fin replied.

Kian shrugged. “He was still asking for it.”

“He’s been asking for it for some time,” Corthenu added as he drew near. ”He takes his duties as gatekeeper very seriously.”

Corthenu gestured at the gate and a handful of his men removed the oak beam that held it shut before pulling the doors open. The lengthening shadows of evening fell across the tall grass that led up the hill to the treeline at the crest of the basin.

“There is a path,” Hammund said, as they stepped outside the gate, “that travels north a good distance before turning west. Once we’ve traveled along that path a good distance, we can double back south and fan out in the woods between Cellion and New Esta.”

Corthenu nodded, and they all waited for the twins to return.

“You’re Kian and Adan,” an older man standing beside Corthenu said in a gruff voice.

The two of them turned toward him.

“We are,” Kian said.

The older man nodded. His hair and beard were gray, he wore a sleeveless leather jerkin, and a battle-ax hung from his belt. His exposed arms were knotted with muscles uncharacteristic for his apparent age. “I just wanted to tell you two that I heard about your escape and what you did to those priests in Undelma. I admire anyone who can stick it to those bastards like you did.”

Adan was taken aback.

“Thank you,” Kian replied, “although we cannot take credit for our escape from the temple. Our companion Rocco is responsible for the death of the priests.”

“I wish I could have met him,” the older man said. “I’m Arfon, by the way.”

They nodded to the older man, before resuming silence.

“Hammund!” A feminine voice called from the arch of the gatehouse.

They all turned to see Helena, looking slightly disheveled despite the fine green gown she wore, standing under the gatehouse arch.

Hammund pushed through the men “My love! Why are you here? You must go to the citadel.”

“I had to say farewell before you left,” she answered as he approached and they embraced. Adan heard fear and urgently in her voice.

The men watching turned away from them to give them their privacy as they spoke quietly together. Adan heard fierce affection in their tones as they whispered to each other.

Nolt and Bolf arrived, jogging back from the citadel, and passed the couple as they rejoined the rest of the men.

Finally, Hammund and Helena shared a long kiss, before she pulled away. Helena stood up straight, with her head held high, and a look of strong determination on her face.

Hammund turned away from her and walked to the head of the column of warriors. He glanced back at his wife one more time, and the couple shared a nod of understanding.

“Are we ready?” Corthenu asked.

Hammund looked at the leader and nodded. “Yes. Follow me.”