MAN OF WAR

15

Sakwa’s forces took three more forts lining the Danagate forest. With Miya’s help, they had been able to storm the gates and overwhelm the forces guarding the forts. Many of the soldiers ran in fear of the mystical forces Sakwa had at his side, believing Miya to be an evil demon. Superstition had proven useful in battle. The enemy would flee, and soon his companions had come to accept and appreciate Miya’s unique abilities. In fact, he had become quite popular among the camp.

            Sakwa’s success had spread throughout the rebellion, and soon their numbers were growing exponentially. Three of the four other land-bound leaders and their followers had arrived at Sakwa’s camp. The possibility of trapping the Imperial soldiers on the coastal region while their numbers were low was too great an opportunity to pass up.

            Over the weeks, Miya watched as the camp grew. Soon the small rebel force had become a small army gathered on the border of the Danagate Forest. Miya was sure the new Emperor must have been out of his mind with outrage knowing the rebellion was gathering just outside his door.

            “We can take the forest,” one man said, pointing to strategic points on the maps. “There are enough of us now that we could easily sweep through the forest. Their numbers are seriously depleted. We should strike now.”

            “It is not as easy as that. The forest is large and dense. It is not an open fighting ground; it will not be as easy as simply running in and hoping to run them over. They will be able to hide in the trees and in the bushes. They will have the benefit of the cover of darkness. The canopy of the forest lets in little light,” argued the rebel leader Hector. He was much younger than the others, with ginger coloured locks and a long scar across his left eye. He seemed to be headstrong and a bit of a scrapper. Miya liked this one very much.

            “We will have all the same benefits,” argued Walter. “Plus, we have Miya on our side. He is good as twenty soldiers in the field.”

            “Perhaps, but one shifter will not withstand the entire Imperial Army,” argued the rebel leader Tax, a much older man of perhaps fifty. He was thick, a big man with thick muscles and huge hands. Miya was sure he had lived the life of a warrior and had won many battles based purely on brute strength. Despite the grey in his beard and the lines on his face, he still looked as if he could inflict his share of damage on the battlefield. “We must be realistic, that is what we will be facing. We are no longer facing guerrilla tactics on small brigades. We are talking about facing down an entire army. My sources have told me that Galanadar has sent reinforcements. Thousands of trained soldiers against frightened farmers and peasants.”

            “Winston and Pandar will never let those ships reach port,” the rebel leader Xander spoke up from his lounging position in the corner of the tent. Xander was shorter than the rest of them. Miya had been told the man had once been a blacksmith before the soldiers came. The Emperor taxed him to the point that he could not pay. When he could no longer pay, the soldiers had burned down his home and seared his flesh with a cattle brand. They had taken his wife and daughter into slavery as p*****t against the back taxes they claimed he owed. They say he had gone nuts and dispatched six of the Emperor’s men, immediately making himself an outlaw. He had taken up the rebels’ cause and soon had a following of his own.

            “My sources tell me those ships have already begun to dock,” Tax interjected. “Winston and Pandar have been sunk.”

            A murmur of disbelief filtered through the tent. Apparently, they had been some of the very best seamen on the waters. “Who sunk them?” Xander asked.

            “I am not entirely sure. I believe they said the warship Raven.”

            Miya’s ears perked up. He recalled that particular ship. He sat up straight, wondering if it could possibly be the same annoying man. Sakwa noticed the change in Miya and brought the council's attention to him. “You know this ship?” He asked.

            “Possibly,” Miya said. “It could be the same ship that attacked the one I was captured on. If it is, the man that commands it is arrogant, aggravating, and egotistical, but he is also a master swordsman, resourceful, and an incredible sailor. Admiral Titus, I believe, is his name. He is said to be one of the Imperial Navy’s best,” Miya said, sharing the limits of what he knew about the man.

            Miya noticed as Kyle mouthed the name and looked away as if distressed. He then drifted into the backdrop and slipped out of the tent. It was an odd reaction. Perhaps he knew the man. Maybe Kyle had tangled with the infuriating Admiral at another time.

            Sakwa sighed, not having noticed Kyle’s retreat from the tent. “If Winston and Pandar have fallen, and those troops have gotten through, then we are looking at a whole new situation,” Sakwa said, holding the captivated attention of the rebel council. “The Emperor has fortified his forces, and by now, he is fully aware of our presence here. None of us have dealt with this young man before, but I think it is safe to say that he will not tolerate our gathering. We all know he did not bring those reinforcements all the way from Galanadar for tea. He will strike. Victor will attack us, whether we take the Danagate Forest or not,” he said, looking at every man in the tent. “We must send out a call to Nate and his troops. It is time we all band together and make a stand.”

            “It could be our last stand,” argued Xander.

            “We all must die someday,” Sakwa said, “but if we must die, let us take them to hell with us.”

            Miya had a better idea. “It is easier to fight an enemy when you know what it is they intend to do,” he said.

            “Yes, but it is not like we can read their minds,” Hector pointed out. “We can only theorize and hope that we guess correctly.”

            “Or… we can simply go in and find out exactly what their plans are,” Miya suggested. “Then, we could be prepared for whatever they intend to try.”

            “There are going to be thousands of soldiers and sailors in and around that city. There is no way anyone could sneak by undetected,” Tax said, agreeing with Hector.

            Miya’s eyes lit up bright, and he shifted into an enemy General. “Who said anything about sneaking?”

            “You really think you can get inside passed all those soldiers, find out their secrets, and get back out without getting caught?” Xander asked.

            “My people have been hiding in plain sight for over four thousand years,” Miya said. “I will go unnoticed,” he promised.

            “Very well then, let us take a vote on sending in a spy,” suggested Sakwa. The council voted by a show of hands, and it passed unanimously. Miya would go inside the belly of the beast and get the intelligence they so desperately needed. “All right, it is settled. Miya will go inside the palace. Hector, send your fastest messenger to search out Nate. When we face Victor’s army, we shall do so with an army of our own,” the council disbanded for the evening, and Sakwa walked with Miya through the camp. “Are you prepared for this?” He asked with fatherly concern.

            The two of them had become close friends over their short time together. Sakwa had treated Miya with respect from the very first. Treating him like he was an equal, even before the other men had come to accept him. For that, Miya would always be grateful. He broke bread with him and shared ale. They traded stories around the fire, and Miya laughed at some of the life lessons the older man had admitted to learning the hard way.

            “Do you fear I cannot accomplish my task?” Miya asked with a smug smile.

            “I worry you go for the wrong reasons,” Sakwa said, taking Miya by the arm and forcing him to stop and face him. “She is still inside, and you may be tempted to rescue her. You could jeopardize everything if you do.”

            Sakwa was referring to Jade. He had to admit; the thought had crossed his mind. Miya did wish to rescue her from that terrible place. He still could not forgive himself for having left her behind in the first place. “I will do what I was sent for, and I will return.”

            Sakwa sighed. “Do not mistake what I am about to say for disrespect, or as a sign that I do not care, but there are more lives at stake here than hers. As a leader, I must think of the greater good.”

            Miya understood Sakwa’s burden, but Jade was his burden, and she came first in his world above all others. “I understand the greater good, and I will do what is in my power to help you accomplish it, but know this, in my heart, my sister is first, and nothing will change that,” Miya said. Morphing into a large eagle, he took flight.

***

            The palace was alive was excitement. Servants were bustling around to get the great hall ready for the festivities, decorating, setting up the tables, and preparing a feast to celebrate the safe arrival of the new troops and the great victory over the rebels at sea. Jade had heard the rumours that were spreading through the palace like wildfire about the battle at sea. She heard that the ships had been docking since daybreak and that the warship Raven had been among the first to make port.

            It had been almost two months, and Titus had finally returned to Kumun. Jade could not help but think of him when she heard his ship had made port. She wondered how he was fairing. Wondered if she would see him again. “Your mind is elsewhere,” Gaia observed as Jade pulled the laces of her corset tight. Gaia had been speaking the whole time, but Jade had not heard one word.

            “My apologies, Your Majesty,” Jade said, continuing to work her way up the tight-fitting garment. She did not mind Gaia; over the past few weeks, she had found the Empress to be rather charming and sweet. She was kind to everyone she spoke to and generous.

            She seemed very lonely, though, Jade thought, for the Empress spent much time talking with her. Asking Jade about what life had been like in the soldiers’ quarters, and what it had been like at sea. She had even, one night, gotten up the bravery to ask Jade what it was like to know a man’s touch. That particular question surprised Jade since the Empress had a husband. She would have expected her to know, but as it turned out, the Emperor had no taste for his wife and had not once come to her bed.

            At times she almost felt sorry for Gaia. It seemed as if the Empress had lived a terribly sheltered life. That she had been confined to her palace. Denied the chance of real friendships because of who she was — trapped within these stone walls. In an odd way, the Empress was as much a slave to this place as Jade was. That knowledge provided a strange and silent bond between the two women. Gaia did not talk down to Jade as the others did. She spoke to her with dignity and respect, and Jade, in turn, treated the Empress in kind.

            “You are understandably distracted,” Gaia teased, holding tight to the tall post of her bed as Jade yanked hard on the corset strings. “The Raven has made port this morning,” she said knowingly.

            Jade shot her a warning smirk. “I do not know what you mean. Why should I care if some ship makes port?” She said, tying the strings tightly.

            “Perhaps because the commander of this particular ship interests you,” Gaia said, suggestively turning around to face Jade. “Admit it, Titus has been in your thoughts all day. You have been terribly distracted.”

            Jade picked up the heavy green gown from the bed. Perhaps she had been a bit preoccupied. She had not thought it so obvious. Jade had missed Titus horribly if she was to be honest. “Do you think he ever thought of me?” She asked, bringing the gown to Gaia and assisting the Empress in stepping into it.

            “I would not be surprised if he has. You should come and serve at the banquet tonight. It will give you the chance to see him and him you,” Gaia suggested, slipping her arms into the sleeves of the gown.

            Jade sighed. “It has been two months. He has likely forgotten me or moved on to another,” she said, trying to be realistic. Why would he wait for a slave girl when he was free to have any woman he wished? Jade buttoned up the row of tiny buttons that lined the back of Gaia’s dress. Once she was finished, Gaia turned to face her once more.

            “I think you underestimate your appeal. I have known Titus since we were children. I have never seen that look in his eye for any other woman,” she said, hugging Jade. Gaia headed toward the vanity and lifted the small golden crown from the table, placing it atop her head. She gave a heavy sigh and tried to smile. “Now I must suffer an evening at my husband’s side. I will not need you this evening,” she said, heading for the door.

            She watched as Gaia left. Jade began to tidy up the room. She made the large bed, and then cleaned up the oils and the water from the bath. She wiped up the water from the floor and tidied up the vanity. She then opened the doors to the balcony wide to let in the fresh evening air so the room would be cool when Gaia returned that night. Before she left, she gathered up the dirty linen.

            Jade carried the dirty linen through the servants’ passageways down to the large washing room in the bowels of the palace. She did not speak to any of the other servants. She never did. She hated every one of them. Not one of them treated her with respect. Witch… she would hear half of them whisper. w***e… the other half would murmur. Jade threw the linen in the washing tub for the women, causing the soapy water to splash back on them. Jade smiled vindictively and then headed back to the upper levels.

            She could walk freely in front of the palace guard. Titus had been correct about Gaia’s protection. She still received the lustful looks from the men that patrolled the palace, but no man dared touch her once it was made known she belonged to the Empress. Jade wandered toward the great hall. She had to admit she was curious about the event this evening. She reached a second-story window and peered outside, watching many of the guests arriving — droves of well-dressed nobility and high-ranking officers of both military and naval standing. There were so many people she could not see Titus among them.

            Maybe she should serve at the banquet, if only for the chance to see him. Jade decided she would take Gaia’s advice, and she headed down to the kitchens to offer her services for the evening. She went down through the back servant's passages and entered the kitchens. It took some persuading, but Jade finally managed to convince the kitchen staff to allow her to serve drinks. They had not wanted to allow her to serve and worry the guests by allowing a witch to mingle with them. She had managed to convince them she would not cast any evil spells upon the guests.

            Jade accepted the large clay jug of honey wine and headed for the great hall. She stepped out into the large, brightly lit hall and looked around. It was so extravagant, and there were so many men in fine clothing and women in gorgeous gowns. The minstrels played beautiful music, and the guests danced. Jade looked to the head of the hall and saw Gaia sitting on the throne. She was doing her best not to look sad. Her horrible husband was seated beside her, leaning over the right arm of his throne and making eyes at Princess Samantha.

            Jade felt terrible for Gaia. Her husband did not even try to hide his philandering ways or his affair. He was open with it and cared little for the humiliation of his Empress. Jade watched as a messenger approached the Emperor and whispered to him. The Emperor smiled and rose to his feet, commanding the immediate and full attention of his guests. “I have just been informed that the man of the hour has arrived,” he said, stepping down from his throne while holding up his gilded chalice. “The man that has returned home today with not just one victory against the rebels, but two. Two rebel leaders have fallen at the end of his canons,” a cheer rose up from the crowd. “A great man, an accomplished fighter, and the best man in my armada. The man who has dealt a crippling blow to the rebels and safely delivered reinforcements,” again, they cheered and clapped. “Admiral Titus of the warship Raven, step forth.”

            Jade felt her heart flutter at the thought of seeing Titus. She worked her way closer for a better look. The crowd parted, and Jade could see Titus walking up the center of the void. He was dressed in black britches and an off-white dress tunic with silver and gold trimming. A black leather belt around his waist and his sword sheathed at his side. His dark hair was impeccably groomed, pulled back in a neat and tidy queue. He looked so dashing; she actually caught herself sighing longingly when she saw him.

            Titus approached the Emperor standing proud and tall. In his hands, he carried two swords. He reached the foot of the throne and bowed respectfully. He rose and held out the first sword. “Your Majesty, I wish to present to you in honour of your victory, the sword of the rebel leader Winston and the sword of the rebel leader Pandar,” he said, extending the second.

            The Emperor accepted each sword with a smile. “You outdo yourself, Admiral. My predecessor had been right about you.”

            “I am only as fine as the men I command,” he said humbly. Jade smiled; she was pleased to see he was not a glory hog.

            “You and your men shall be rewarded. I am promoting you to Fleet Admiral. You and your men shall have the honour of being my flagship,” the Emperor said, “and every man that fought under your command to make this victory so, shall receive a great payment.”

            “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Titus said, bowing once more.

            The Emperor raised his hands to all who were gathered. “Let us eat, drink, and make merry. For tomorrow we talk of war.”                                        

            Jade watched as everyone moved about to find their seats. The servants came out from the kitchens with serving platters of food and clay jugs of wine. The conversation was light, and the room was filled with excitement. Not one person paid any attention to the serving staff, as they were all eager to hear the story of how the Raven took down two notorious rebel ships. Jade lost track of Titus once more in the crowd of people, but she was sure she would find him again by going from table to table to serve wine. After all, how hard could it be to find the man everyone was talking about?