Black Thorn Read online

  The men gathered looked at her. Her father, her brother, and sitting on the throne at the head of the hall her uncle high king Udda.

  Udda growled at her, “Tell me, Wolf, since when was my niece permitted to lecture me in my own hall?”

  Adam moved at once and pulled her close. “Forgive her brother, she is distracted and knows not of what she speaks. Surely she knows that you are wise and have fought many more battles than she.” Adam glared at her.

  It was Levi who then spoke up. “But she does raise a good point. What is to be done about the Orc horde that has burned nearly all of our land? Day by day people come pouring in, and the story is always the same. An army burned their village to the ground and slaughtered their guards and Jarls. We must take action and save what is left of Esnela.”

  There was an awkward silence as Adam and the King looked at each other. Katrina, they could ignore as she was young and had yet to take on a role, but Levi was a full member of the court and fifth in line for the throne no less.

  Adam gave a weary sigh, “They are right to ask brother, the future is theirs, and they must protect it. What is our plan of attack, my lord?” Udda starred at them resigned, the long years showing plainly on his face. He slumped back into his chair.

  “To be honest I was waiting for Jason and Trevor to return before we discussed our plans, but you are right.”

  He paused and looked at them searchingly for a few moments. “We must build defenses here in the Keep. We will continue taking in refugees until the last moment because I will not let a defenseless person around those monsters. Then after all are safe within our walls, we will ride out and meet them, and Maker have mercy on us when we do.”

  Levi listened with a sour look upon his face. “Do we have any idea of their numbers?”

  It was Adam who responded, “Our reports show them to be about one thousand strong.”

  “Damn, and what are our numbers?” Levi asked between clenched teeth.

  The King cleared his throat, “We have at least six hundred strong and will continue to grow as the men come from the villages.”

  Levi shook his head in disgust. This is why they needed a standing army. Did they really think they could last agents a force nearly twice their side?

  Katrina quietly asked, “Can we send for aid from one of the neighboring kingdoms?”

  Adam crossed the room to her and embraced her in a hug. “No my darling, the nearest kingdom is at least two days ride from here. I am afraid we are on our own.”

  And so they were. The next two days saw all, but the unlucky seek refuge in the Keep. Swords, shields, spears, and hocks were readied. Their final number was eight hundred, but it was made up of mostly farmers and tradesmen. People who were more accustomed to running from a fight, not serving in a war. The trained men and women were dispersed throughout. Hoping to both encourage the people and make sure no one ran from the battle.

  Katrina was outfitted as a Shield Maiden, though she was much too young to be an official Shield Maiden she had trained with a sword almost from the day that she could walk. Jarl Adam believed that all women should know how to fight, so the refugees from Thornpine were some of the most skilled among the common people. Both men and women having some skill with the blade or spear.

  Sometime later Katrina was summoned to her father; he was going through some of the boxes he had brought from the Keep. He had open a chest and was going through it.

  “Oh Katrina you’re here, at last, come here I have something for you.”

  With a flourish, he pulled out a chain mail shirt that reached about thigh length, a bronze breastplate, and a studded leather skirt, bronze tasset to give further protection of the upper legs, bronze gauntlets and matching guard of vambrace. Her father completed the set by pulling out leather and bronze knee-high boots, a kite shield with a grand design depicting the tall elder tree and a double edge sword with a golden encrusted cross hilt and a jeweled pummel.

  “Oh father, it’s beautiful,” Katrina exclaimed.

  Adam wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “It was your mother’s. She wore this when she battled at my side during the battle for Thornpine. I had her shield made after the victory. She would have wanted you to have it. I hope it serves you well.”

  Suddenly Adam was choked with emotion. This caught Katrina off guard, never in her life had she ever seen her father show any form of extreme passion. She was frightened and confused.

  Adam wiped his eyes and coughed, “I’m sorry my dear that you had to see me like that. The past week has not been easy and seeing your mother’s things just sent me over the edge.” He coughed again “forgive me, but grief is not weakness and it never really leaves us. I do suppose that it is a relief that if I fall in battle, I will see your mother again.”

  Katrina took a step back. “Don’t say things like that! Ever! You’re my father, and I couldn’t bear it if I lost you.”

  He just smiled kindly at her, “My dear, I am an old man. I will fight and fight well, but if the Maker calls me home I will gladly answer the call, that is after I take as many of the damned Orc bastards with me.”

  Katrina hugged him tightly, “Just please don’t leave me yet, Gideon has gone, mother is gone, I don’t think I could bear it if you left too.”

  Horns bellowed and broke the moment. Adams face now set in a steely resolve. “We had better go and see what all the trouble is about. Bring your sword.” He and Katrina ran to the battlements over the gate. They met Levi and the King there. Everyone was grim, and the tension was greater than a drawn bowstring. Chaos could break out at any moment.

  A lone rider was coming up the way astride a massive charger. If the horse was big, it was nothing to the creature in the saddle. Clad in a simple sleeveless breastplate, his grey skin was ripped with mussels. A massive double-headed battle axe was strapped to his back and his face set in a sneer. Or at least Katrina thought he was sneering, but it was hard to tell because he had massive bottom tusks that were at least four inches long and long thick horns that went up then drew back like dragons horns. His hair was a blood red and fell in waist-long locks.

  Upon further examination, she noticed he was cradling something in his left arm. The Orc stopped in front of the gate close enough that all present could see him clearly. Then he bellowed a colossal roar and lifted up his package for all to see. Hanging in his grasps were the heads of the kings two sons, Jason and Trevor. Their faces showing a chalky white horror. He threw them at the gate, then pointed up at the king and in a grunting voice bellowed “you’re next.” Then he turned and rode back down the path.

  The King’s face was white with shock and fear, then his face distorted in pure rage. Finally, he was able to spit out his orders “Ready your selves for battle, these bastards are going to regret the day they invaded our lands.”

  He turned and grabbed Adam by the arm and drew him in close, “Please burry my sons and come to the throne room, bring your boy.” He stomped off, shoving those who dared get in his way.

  Adam turned to one of the guards. “Collect my nephews and bury them.” Then as if in an afterthought he placed a hand on the guards arm stopping him and said “Respectfully, please.”

  Adam grabbed Levi’s attention and motioned that he come with him, Levi had an odd expression on his face Katrina didn’t like. It looked like he was happy, but trying to mask it with a façade of grief. She silently followed Levi to the throne room.

  The king was slumped over the throne, Adam grasping him in a fierce embrace, although it might have been more restraint than a hug. The King was ranting and sobbing uncontrollably when Levi and Katrina walked in. Levi cleared his throat to let them know they were here. Adam shielded the king from their view while he composed himself. He rose from the throne and walked to Levi.

  “Kneel.” He commanded. Levi did what he was told. Kneeling on one knee and bowing his head.

  “My lord.”

  “Do not speak!” The king drew his sword and Katrina gasps.
Adam withdrew from the king to stand by Katrina. Others were cautiously entering the throne room. The king looked at them then back to Levi.

  Resting the tip of the blade upon his brow, he said “Levi son of Adam, I name thee my heir and heir to the throne of Esnela. When your time to bear the burden of the crown comes, I pray your rein is peaceful and prosperous. Rise Levi, Prince of Esnela!”

  Levi rose, and Katrina saw a smug look upon his face before he composed himself.

  “My lord I accept this burden of which you have given me.” The people cheered, Adam looked pleased, but Katrina was wary. She loved her brother and respected him but wasn’t sure she trusted him as king.

  I t was a somber night in the castle, the gates had been barred and the night watch fully manned, although they believe a night assault was unlikely the king wasn’t taking any chances. The war machines were set and ready to be armed, giant crossbows and catapults where fixed to the outer wall. The high outer wall was well equipped for the archers and offered ample protection to them and those inside. A small fraction of soldiers would stay inside In case the wall was breached, but the bulk would match the following day. For the horde had been seen not ten miles off rallying and setting camp. Sleep did not come easy to Katrina, and when it arrived she was restless, tossing and turning between the sheets, and when dawn came, she was sore and slow to don her armor. Dread from the upcoming battle lay heavy on her chest.

  She joined the others in the hall where a hurried breakfast was concluding. She grabbed a loaf, and some cheese then stepped close to her father. “May I be at your side today?”

  Adam looked at her and smiled creasing his lips. “No my sweet. You will stay here with your brother. You will be his shield sister. The king and I will be riding together and don’t fear; we are more than a match for this rabble that has come invading.”

  This was a complete change of pace from how he was yesterday, but Katrina relished his confidence. This was the father and jarl she knew.

  She hugged him, smiling and said. “Fight well today father. May the Maker watch over you.” He patted her on the head and then left to join the king.

  She wandered through the crowd until she found Levi. He was in a full plate mail; his broadsword sat next to him on a bench as he sat there munching away at some bread.

  “Hungry are you?” She said as she took a seat close to him. Levi swallowed before answering “figure I might not get another meal so I’m going to enjoy all I can now. Father told me you’re to be my Shield Maiden. Mind you protect my back as if I was Gideon. I am the next in line to be King now, and it would not look good if I fell in battle under your watch.”

  Katrina flushed “I will do my job, don’t you worry. Besides father and Uncle Udda will be placing the Orc’s heads on pikes by the end of the day.”

  Levi smiled at her, “You really think so huh? Well, we will see if that army doesn’t just march right up to the gate. There’s a thousand of them and only eight hundred of us. We’ll be lucky if we see the night.”

  “Why would you say that?” Katrina asked stricken.

  Levi glared at her then with a sigh said “Because dear sister I’m being realistic. We will fall, it would take a miracle to save us. To think I’ve been named the next King, you know why he did that don’t you? Because he knows we won’t win. There isn’t going to be a kingdom to rule after today.”

  Katrina bit her lip, the hope that she had been feeling drained away and was replaced with despair.

  Chapter 10 Final Ride Of The Wolf

  T he weather turned that morning. What started out as a drizzle had become a full downpour, soaking all on the battlefield to the bone. From the battlements, Katrina and her brother's soldiers were stationed as the last line of defense, and from their vantage point, they could spy all the goings on down in the valley below. They watched as the riders and soldiers poured out from the keep and the Orc army as it organized itself in a battle formation. The weapons of war were primed and aimed at the enemy, the hurried hush of the people that hid and prayed for safety was deafening. Would their prayers be answered or fall on deaf ears of a God that have long since passed on?

  Katrina ran down into the courtyard, joining her brother. There they made their way to their father to say one final farewell. There Jarl Adam sat astride his massive charger, his face set in a firm determination. At his hip his faithful sword was strapped, this was no jeweled monstrosity but a simple master craft made for a real warrior. It had been with him since the days he was at war with the Elves. Indeed this sword had saved his life on more occasions that he could remember, he hoped that his old friend would aid him one last time. He was donned in simple plate mail; this too had been with him when he had far less grey in his beard and more winters ahead of him than behind. He was calm, whether death or life wait for him on the battlefield he didn’t know, but he would meet it none the less.

  Katrina walked up to her father; she took in his regal appearance. This was a man that the people would follow to the end. In contrast, glancing at her uncle who had a haggard mad look about him. The king looks as if he was resigned to die, but take as many with him before the end. She just wondered if it would be the enemy or his own people that went to the grave.

  “Fight well, my father, bring glory to your people and your family. Know that our love goes with you.”

  Adam smiled at Katrina at this; it struck him how much she looked like her mother just then, garbed in her Shield Maiden armor. Levi too looked almost like a younger version of himself. It’s for them I fight; I must protect them at all cost.

  “May the Maker watch over you all, my son if you are to rule our people this early in your life may it be fruitful and long-lived. Katrina, I wish you a lifetime of happiness, I love you both.”

  Katrina felt her heartbreak and fresh tears begin to fill her eyes, but she would hold them back. There would be time enough to morn after the battle.

  Levi gripped his father’s arm, “I will not fail you. I will do you proud.”

  Their father cleared his throat, set his jaw and nodded to them both. This was the time for resolve, he thought. Put away this old man and become the Wolf once again. “Goodbye.” Was all that he was able to muster before kicking his horse and leading his men out into the storm.

  The warriors fell into rank, line by line, row by row. All was silent except for the patter of the rain on the ground. The valley had swollen with the rain; its soft soil impeded their progress as they marched to meet their adversary. Finally, they reached on the crest of a hill, each side blustering and mocking the other.

  The Orc that had delivered the heads of the sons the day before broke rank and road under a red banner stained with a black hand. The King and Adam met him in the center line.

  “It is time for you to surrender little Humans. You are outnumbered, we will crush you like the grass beneath our feet.”

  “You will break upon us like so many waves on the stone, but like the stone, we will endure.” Adam retorted.

  The Orc laughed at this. “Oh, you will be fun to kill. The Master was right; this will be a good death.”

  The King trotted closer to the Orc, “I don’t know your Master, but he will beg for mercy when we find him. You will rue the day you stepped down from the Black Ridge.”

  They parted riding fast back to their army. Adam was last to cross the line; he turned his horse back to face the horde.

  “These animals will not rest until they have taken your homes! They will not break until they have enslaved your children and made whores of your women! They have no honor, they pray to no god, and they are nothing but a locus upon the earth! Give them no mercy for you will not receive any. Perhaps someday the children of men will fall, but I tell you it is not this day! Fight for honor, fight for the Maker, fight for your families, but most of all fight for the right to see another day!”

  The archers let loose their arrows, the most potent magic users created shields around the troops, and the first wave crashed
at the center line. To their surprise, the Orcs didn’t use much battle magic, which gave the Humans a much-needed edge. Never the less soldier after soldier fell. The size of the Orc army was slowly making ground.

  “Fight my warriors, fight!” the King would shout.

  “Drive the bastards back!” Adam commanded, and he would ride his charger into the fray, taking Orc after Orc with each slash of his sword.

  As the battle wore on, the fatigue crept onto the strong soldiers. Twice Adam narrowly escaped death, once when an Orc pike men drove his pike deep into his chargers flank sending it rearing over and nearly crushing him, leaving him defenseless. Yet luck was with him as he recovered from the near miss and dispatched the bold Orc to hell. The second was while he was in retreat to return with the king where five Orcs surrounded them. Back to back, they raised their shields and swords. Adam brought down two quickly but was stabbed in the side where his armor was weak. Bloody and filled with anger he stabbed the beast through the eye, bellowing a fierce scream as it died. The King after dispatching his own assailants came and healed Adam.

  Adam cursed through gritted teeth. “My lord I don’t know how much longer we can last this.”

  The King nodded his consent, “I know brother, our strength is waning, and our soldier’s numbers are dwindling.”

  Adam gripped the Kings arm, “Then let us fall in a way that will be worthy of song.” They hurried back behind the line and prepared for their last ride.

  K atrina watched as the battle drew nearer and nearer, hour by hour. They dared not fire the catapults just yet as they feared hitting their own men, but that time was drawing near. Levi though was not an idle leader. He had given Katrina orders to oversee several vital tasks, such as having the soldiers heat vat after vat of oil to be poured on the Orc if they tried to climb the walls. Helping stock the arrows for the archers, and most importantly distribute what weapons they could spare to the people hiding in the caves.