The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

The day before the battle was a familiar one to Roderick in many ways. He had been involved with preparing Winsdell to be assaulted before. He helped see the common folk into the Fortress and the walls of the palace. He walked around with his High Captain, watching her command the Elites and plan out their strategy. He rode out into he hills with her to see The Elites take their place, waiting for their enemy.

Many things about it were not familiar though. Several times when a question was asked about the battle by an Elite or a member of the other forces, Dracia would look at Roderick and ask for his opinion. She had always valued his opinion, but today it was the first thing she would ask for and consider. Roderick would be reminded that he was to be in charge of the defense of Winsdell.

Another difference is he would have to face the battle without Dracia by his side. For so many years, he had fought with Dracia, knowing exactly what she expected and needed of him. He always knew he would be protected by her as he fought, and he always knew his place, watching over her. This battle would be different. He would not have her familiar, comforting presence with him. She would be in the palace, hopefully protected, though it seemed unlikely as Belleth would no doubt be present at some point.

As Roderick walked into outer walls of the palace following Dracia, he caught sight of Selene helping with the moving in of the common folk. Here was another difference between this battle and others. He had something new to fight for, something else to inspire him to come from this battle victorious and safe. Selene saw them both and walked up to them.

“Is everything set?” asked Selene.

“As well as it can be,” said Dracia. “The forces are settling into he hills and at the village borders, awaiting the Navalian forces.”

“Will you stay in the hills tonight, Roderick?” asked Selene.

“Yes, I will need to be with the Sentinel and other forces as I am leading the battle,” said Roderick.

“Perhaps, all night is not needed, Roderick. Our scouts will let us know when they forces are less than four hours out. There is no need for you to spend all night in the cold hills,” said Dracia with a very small smile.

“It would not be right for me to come and spend time in comfort while the rest suffer in the cold,” said Roderick. “I will see to the preparations and stay with the Elites tonight.”

“I hope you will come see me before you settle,” said Selene. “I had hoped to be out fighting in the hills with you, but the High Captain has commanded me to oversee the safety of the people within the palace walls.”

“I needed someone trustworthy and skilled, Selene. I can think of no one better to keep watch over Lanoxan’s greatest treasure, its people,” said Dracia.

“And I will do it for you, Dracia, but it does not mean I cannot bemoan the fact I will not be out in the middle of the fighting,” said Selene.

“I am glad you are here helping our people, Selene,” said Roderick.

“I should get back to settling people in,” said Selene. “I hope you will come find me, Roderick, before you settle in the hills for the night. Dracia, please take care of yourself,”

“I will see you before I leave for the hills,” said Roderick.

Selene smiled and walked back to seeing to the people as Dracia looked at him and shook his head.

“What?” asked Roderick. “What do you expect me to do? I have to oversee the Sentinel, Dracia.”

“You do, but you are commanding a group of the strongest, most disciplined fighters in the kingdom. I think they would be fine for a few hours with your absence,” said Dracia as they walked on towards the palace.

“And why should I spend a few hours in the arms of a woman I love while the others must stay in the cold hills,” said Roderick as Dracia smiled at him. “What is it now?”

“I have never heard you say you love Selene before. It makes me rather happy,” said Dracia.

Roderick sighed. “I do love her. I find myself loving her more each day.”

“Then do not go into this battle without making sure she is absolutely sure of your love. Take some time and be with her,” said Dracia as the neared the front of the palace. She took Roderick’s hand and led him into the palace, to a small parlor behind the entrance hall.

“I know we will be victorious, and that you will be safe, Roderick because I could not endure any other outcome, but the battle will be fierce and dangerous. Before you face it, I think you should go to the woman you love and be reminded of all you fight for.”

“I know very well all I fight for, Dracia,” said Roderick quietly as he held Dracia’s hand. “I do want to come though this alive and try to build a life with Selene, but I also fight for our kingdom, our king, and for you.” He paused for the moment looking down, wanting to say so many things to her, but not knowing how to begin, or what to really say. “Will you be in the lower courts during the battle?”

“No,” said Dracia as she shook her head. “I know no matter where I go, Belleth will more than likely find me, and I do not wish to put the lords and ladies of the court in danger. Leal and I will be in the east tower.”

“The east tower? The one that has access to the top of the highest wall and battlements?”

“Yes, we will be able to watch the battle from there and see what is coming,” said Dracia.

“And perhaps intervene if you feel the need?” asked Roderick looking up at her.

“Perhaps only a little, and more Leal than me,” said Dracia.

“You must not overextend yourself no matter what you see, Dracia,” said Roderick pulling her closer. “I know you will want to help end the battle, and do something drastic, but you must think of yourself and your child.”

“I know, Roderick. I will not do anything that might harm my child. I give you my word,” said Dracia. She paused for a moment. “It will be very hard to not be fighting with you. I believe I know more of what you felt when I made you stay behind last time.”

“It is not pleasant is it?” asked Roderick with a small smile.

“No, it feels so unnatural and wrong. I can’t imagine sending you off to fight without being with you. I know how capable you are, but I will worry constantly about who is watching your back, or your left side, which is a little weaker than your right, you must admit.”

“Maybe just a little,” said Roderick with a small laugh. “I feel like I will look for you constantly, forgetting you are not with me, but I will have Galen and even Lord Ethen. I will make it through fine.”

“You will make it through, Roderick,” said Dracia desperately as she held his hand tight. “I know you will.”

“And you?” asked Roderick. “Will you be safe?”

She looked at him and smiled with tears in her eyes. “I will have my king with me. He will protect me the best he can. I will do all I can to keep myself and my child safe.”

Roderick looked down again and swallowed. He looked back up at her and said, “Dracia I want you to know just how…”

She put a hand on his face, cutting him off. “I already know how much you love me, Roderick. You forget I can read some of your thoughts, and your dedication and love for me always takes my breath away. I only wish you could know of the depths of my feelings for you.”

“I do know them,” said Roderick with certainty. “You have shown them to me for so long. I am in no doubt of your feelings for me, and they overwhelm me with gratitude and disbelief. Who am I to gain such devotion and care from you?”

“You are one of the best men I have ever known. You are deserving of so many good things, and I cannot wait for you to experience them all. I am so happy you face a lifetime of love with a good woman, but as I have said before, you and I will always be bonded in some way. I do love you.”

Roderick smiled and kissed her hand before pulling her to him and holding her. “I love you as well, Dracia. You may already know it, but I wanted to say it. I needed to say it.”

He held her for he wasn’t sure how long, but it would never be enough. When she finally pulled away from him, Roderick couldn’t help but wonder if he would see her ever again after the battle. The thought that he might not left him empty and cold. He stared at her as she wiped her eyes.

“I will make it though this, Roderick, but even if I don’t you will have a full life of love. You have many more who care for you,” said Dracia, clearly picking up his thoughts.

“I know, but right now I am having a hard time imagining a life without you.”

“Then don’t because I fully intend to live a long life ruling this kingdom with Leal, and pestering you constantly. Let us hope for good things, Roderick. It is the good things that will get us through this.”

“As you command, High Captain,” said Roderick as he smiled at her.

“I need to go speak with our king and let him know all is set. I hope I will see you for at least a moment before the battle, but I do hope you will take my advice and spend some time with Selene. You will not regret it if you do, but I am afraid you might if you do not.”

“I will think it over,” said Roderick.

“As you think on it, remember you encouraged me last summer to go to Leal and make sure he knew how much I loved him. I believe you should take your own advice,” said Dracia.

“I will add that to my thoughts, my queen,” said Roderick smiling at her.

“That is all I ask,” said Dracia as she leaned forward and gently and slowly kissed his cheek. “Please be safe.”

He nodded, and she turned to go. As she got to the doorway, she paused and looked back at him one more time before exiting.

Roderick spent the rest of the day speaking with the different forces and their various leaders, making sure everything was set, and everyone knew their role. He checked in with Upper Elites to make sure the scouts had not returned, and no one had been spotted. So far all was quiet, and Roderick found he had some time for himself as the sun was about to set. He mounted his horse and started to ride back towards the palace when he was met by Lord Ethen on his own horse.

“Are you headed back to the palace, Roderick?” asked Lord Ethen as he pulled his horse around to walk by Roderick’s.

“I wish to check the palace one more time before I settle in the hills for the night,” said Roderick.

“I hope you are going to check in with Selene while you are there,” said Lord Ethen with a smile. “I would think you are foolish if you do not.”

“I will see her for a few moments,” said Roderick.

“For a few moments?” asked Lord Ethen disbelievingly. “I wager I will not see you out here until at least after midnight.”

“No, indeed, I will be back out here to eat with my fellow Elites,” said Roderick.

“So, you are foolish then?” asked Lord Ethen. “You will actually just see the woman you love for a few mere moments before coming back out to the cold hills to face a fierce battle?”

“I know my duty,” said Roderick.

“I am not sure you do, Roderick,” said Lord Ethen. “Where is your brother this evening?”

“I am sure I do not know,” said Roderick.

“Yes, you do,” said Lord Ethen with a smile. “You know exactly where he is, and who he is with. Do you think your brother will not do his duty?”

“I think Galen will do exactly as he should. He is a very honorable man,” said Roderick.

“I believe he is as well. Do you think I am honorable?” asked Lord Ethen.

“Of course, my lord,” said Roderick.

“And if my wife were back at the palace, do you think I would be here riding beside you right now?” asked Lord Ethen.

“No,” said Roderick, smiling a little.

“And your High Captain, how honorable is she? Where do you think she is at this moment? Even if she could fight with us, would she spend her time in the hills this evening?”

“I see your point, my lord,” said Roderick.

“Then you know what to do. I will see to your Elites, though I doubt they have any troubles while you are gone. I don’t expect to see you until well past supper,” said Lord Ethen.

Roderick rode on towards the palace as Ethen turned around back to the hills. Roderick moved quickly through the town, seeing that it was mostly empty as a light snow started to fall on the streets, covering the dirt and tracks that daily life had left. He thought it was odd how beautiful all could seem before the ugliness of battle would come. He rode through the gates of the palace, passing through the outer and inner walls, seeing people around fires and sitting outside of canvas tents. He hoped they would be safe behind the walls throughout the battle, knowing what they had all endured during the last attack.

Pulling up to the front door, he dismounted and whispered to his horse, leaving him out front. He was let into the palace with no questions by the guards stationed there. Taking off his gloves he walked up the stairs, hoping to find Selene in her rooms. As he approached the second floor, he heard a noise that made him pause on the stairs. He looked up when he heard a small laugh he recognized. He smiled to himself as he caught a glimpse of the king kissing his queen, before pulling her through the door to their rooms.

Once he was sure the door to the king’s rooms was closed, Roderick jogged the rest of the way up to the third floor, turning and walking down to Selene’s door. He walked past Princess Lexine’s room, not stopping to listen to any noises he might hare from there as he was sure his brother was inside.

He knocked on Selene’s door and only waited a moment before she answered it, smiling at him.

“Have you come to say goodbye?” asked Selene as she moved out of the way so Roderick could enter.

“I have in a way,” said Roderick as he walked in and turned to look at her as she closed the door.

“I thought I might actually ride back with you into the hills and eat supper with you. We, of course, are having no formal meal here.”

“I will not be riding back for supper in the hills,” said Roderick as he walked close to Selene taking her hands.

“You will not?” she asked.

“No,” said Roderick pulling her close. “I was ordered by Lord Ethen to not go back into the hills until much past supper. I may be in charge of the battle, but I believe he still outranks me, so I will listen to his command.”

“I think you better,” said Selene as she smiled at him. “My brother may seem a jovial, easy going man, but he does not like his orders ignored.”

“No, I imagine not, but now I need to find something to do until I can go back into the hills,” said Roderick.

“I think I can help you with that, my lord,” said Selene as she put her arms around Roderick, and he did the same to her.

“I was hoping you would say that,” said Roderick before he kissed her.

Several hours later, Roderick slipped out of Selene’s bed and dressed. He looked down at her as she slept. She really was an extraordinarily deep sleeper, undisturbed by his shuffling about her room. Watching her sleep peacefully, Roderick wanted nothing more than to get back in her bed and hold her in his arms, but he had to go. He had to help see that she and all he held dear were safe from the coming threat. He bent over and carefully kissed her cheek, hoping that tomorrow tonight, perhaps, he could be with her once again.

He left the palace on Magni under the clear sky with a half moon. The air was cold and still, and it stung his face as he swiftly rode back to the hills which were aglow with fires and lanterns as soldiers, Elites, and fighters sat around and waited for the coming battle. Roderick rode to the front lines and found his small space where Ethen, Galen, Kara, and Tomas sat around a small fire surrounded by small stones. They were chatting quietly as Roderick hopped off of Magni and walked over to join them.

“Good of you to join us,” said Galen with a smile as Roderick sat down.

“I had some things to take care of in the palace,” said Roderick.

“I am sure you did,” said Galen. “And I hope all was done successfully. It is best not to leave anything unsure before the battle.”

“All is very sure, brother,” said Roderick. “I imagine you had some things you had to take care of as well.”

“I did. I am glad to say Princess Lexine is ready to organize the area used for healing at the back of the lines. We have several village and academy healers ready to see to anyone who is injured,” said Galen.

“You didn’t organize that until today?” asked Roderick.

“No, we’ve been working on it for a week. I only had to check in with the Princess and make sure all was well. We had a very good discussion,” said Galen.

“I’m glad to hear it,” said Roderick as Tomas laughed, and Ethen shook his head.

Though they knew they should all sleep, none wanted to leave the small circle and each other. They spent the night talking quietly about anything but the coming battle. Cara spoke a little of home and the village she grew up in. Tomas and Galen reminisced about times in the lower academy. Ethen spoke of Siccaria and his wife, and Roderick sat quietly observing them all, thinking of Selene, Dracia, his mother, and even his fallen brother. He tried to keep his mind on saving his village, and not focus on the revenge he wanted to achieve from those in the Navalian ranks.

The king’s gods knew how much Roderick really wanted revenge. He was not usually a vengeful man, trusting in the gods to see to proper punishment. Roderick was always good at following his duty and doing what was best for the whole and not his own selfish reasons, but he could admit to himself that he very much wanted to get his hands on Darron during the battle. He wanted the man to pay for killing his brother and making his mother watch. He wanted the Darron to answer for his crimes against the Sentinel. He wanted to keep his promise to Darron of what he would do to him if Darron ever hurt his High Captain in anyway.

Sometime in the night everyone around the fire laid down and dozed off except for Roderick. He had slept a little in Selene’s bed before he came and now, he did not feel tired. He felt nothing except nervous and awful anticipation of the battle to come. He was in a strange state of calmness and worry. He knew he could face whatever came towards him, but he worried for others. He worried about his brother and his friends. He hoped Lord Ethen would come out of the battle safe and able to take care of his wife. He thought of the palace, and prayed the walls would hold and Selene would stay safe. He pictured Dracia and their king, and wondered how he could possibly keep both of them safe from what was really coming.

As the sun rose, their scouts came back, letting Roderick now a large force was seen and was under four hours away. When he asked how large, the scouts said it was too hard to tell as the lines stretched so far back, no end could be seen from even the highest hill.

So, this was it, then. They Navalians would bring everything they had for this battle. Belleth must believe she could get all that she wanted and be done. Knowing what she really wanted, Roderick felt new determination that they would not lose the day. He was confident they could face the Navalian force and defeat it. He was not so sure about what would happen with Lady Belleth and her sister.

He awoke the people around his fire as he heard others being awoken and warned as well. He spent the next few hours making sure all were ready, visiting down lines and talking with leaders. By the time he mounted his horse to face what was coming, Roderick felt he had done all he could to prepare.

“Galen, stay close to me,” said Roderick. “See if you can clear a path for our lines to get through.”

“Lord Ethen, the Elites of the Sentinel will lead as your Siccarian forces stay back until a path has been cleared. You may stay back with them if you wish.”

“I will ride with you, Roderick. I have no wish to hold back. I am proudly Siccarian, but today I fight for Dracia’s kingdom,” said Lord Ethen.

Roderick nodded and looked off in the distance. The clouds had started forming in the sky, blocking out the sun that has risen a few hours ago. The wind was picking up, and Roderick thought snow might fall soon. Just over the crest of a hill Roderick could barely make out, he saw the start of their forces. He watched as they came closer and closer, the front lines on horseback, followed by lines and lines of more fighters, some on foot others on horses. He felt his eyes go wide at the number, but then remembered the large force they had behind them. Navalian may have brought thousands, but Lanoxan had at least three thousand of its own, including over 400 Elites. The battle could and would be won.

Roderick and Magni stood still as the group came closer and closer. Roderick looked over to this right, wishing for one moment he would somehow see Dracia standing in her saddle aboard Aarit, ready to lead the charge. He instead saw Galen looking straight at the group approaching them. Roderick could see Galen’s mind working as his brother calculated the perfect move to start the battle.

When the group was close enough, Roderick raised his sword and rode forward, signaling all members of the Sentinel to do the same. He saw Galen throw out his hand out of the corner of his eyes and line of fire erupted in front of them. The fire ran towards the Navalian group, but when it would have collided with the front line, it dissipated. Galen tried again, but the fire would not touch those in front of them. Roderick looked to his right to see Elites trying to use snow, wind, and stones as well as fire, but nothing was hitting the line in front of them.

“A shield of some sort,” cried Galen. “Roderick, they have some sort of defense set up around them. Mystics cannot get through.”

Roderick heard himself groan. Belleth must have done something to protect them. He slowed down a bit, and looked at Lord Ethen.

“What do you think?”

“They seem confident, they must trust in whatever she has done to them. We will have to fight them by sword and hand, unless we can figure out that shield,” said Ethen.

Roderick nodded. “Swords,” he called, and the order was relayed down the line. “Galen, tell Tomas to ride through our forces, relaying the message.”

He saw Galen turn as Roderick moved forward, his sword ready. He looked at Galen who nodded, and together they rode fast into the middle of the coming soldiers. Roderick met the first line as a bevy of arrows flew over him. He hoped Mystics would still work to protect his forces, but he had not time to think on it. He slashed out at the first man he met, making quick work of him. From that moment on time meant nothing to Roderick. He knew only swords, blood, and cries of terror. He heard horses cry out, he saw different faces all around him. Some were hard and angry, others fearful and unsure. They all started to fade together with the looks of dying men as he killed, he knew not how many.

He had no idea where he was. He was aware, they had been pushed back a few times, but he held his ground as best he could. He was aware that Galen still fought beside him, slashing his way through the men around him. Lord Ethen was still astride his own horse.

They fought and fought, making little headway, but Roderick didn’t know what else to do. Those fighting with him started to not only be Elites but a mix of Siccarian soldiers, Parvail fighters, and even a group of fighting women form Indomia. Roderick watched for just a moment as the women rode around him, hopping off their horses and meeting forces with flashes of steel, kicks, and punches. They would take out a group around them as one, and then with one nod remount and move on.

Roderick had just started to feel they were making some progress when he heard a cry behind him.

“The palace,” said a voice in the distance. “They are heading for the palace.”

Roderick looked at Galen and then Lord Ethen.

“They must have had a group circle around and evade us somehow,” said Lord Ethen.

“We must see to its protection,” said Roderick. “Galen, you will come. Give the command to the Elites to ride with us. Lord Ethen you can stay here with your forces if you wish.”

“I already told you I fight for Dracia’s kingdom today, and certainly for her,” said Lord Ethen. “I will come with you.”

They turned their horses and rode towards the palace, taking out soldiers as they rode by others who fought. It seemed to Roderick that here on the front few lines in the hills, the battle would be won by those on the side of Lanoxan. He only hoped things were not as bad as he feared close to the palace.

As they rode into Winsdell with the Sentinel behind them, the fighting seem to taper off within the village. It was oddly quiet in the middle of the town, by the shops and small living spaces, but as they got closer to the center and the High Palace, Roderick could hear the sounds of fighting. He had left a few Elites to oversee the protection of the palace with some of the Siccarian army, and a few from Indomia. He hoped it was enough until they could join them.

Riding up to the palace, he saw a large Navalian force led by a few traitors from the Sentinel. Roderick had the Sentinel circle around those fighting before they joined the fray. As he pulled out his sword and went to meet the first group, a large bank of snow fell from the palace on those in front of him. Roderic looked up to see the high East wall in front of him. Dracia and King Leal stood close to the edge, the king looking out, and Dracia with her hand raised. He gave a small smile in their direction before he turned to Galen.

“Their defenses do not work here. You can use Mystics on them,” said Roderick loudly.

Galen passed on the information before he sheathed his sword and put up his hands, causing a blazing fire to run through the lines before him, causing many to jump out of the way as others were consumed.

Galen glanced at Roderick, a smile on his face before his eyes shifted to something over Roderick shoulder. The smile quickly faded off of Galen’s face and was replaced with a dark look of foreboding.

“Palace, Roderick,” said Galen urgently. “We have to go, now.”

Roderick turned to where Galen had looked and saw nothing but the side of the outer wall of the palace. When he turned back, Galen was already riding towards the first gate of the outer wall. Roderick looked over at Lord Ethen who had just threw a man off his sword and moved his head towards the gate. They both followed Galen, Roderick feeling fear invade very part of his body as he wondered what they might find.