The Diamond Isle

28

They got into port safely, but only just ahead of the combined fleets’ vanguard. With the enemy ships standing offshore, and arriving in ever greater numbers, reunions were passionate but necessarily brief.

Frantic preparations were underway. Warriors ran to defensive positions. Arms were being distributed and guardposts manned. Hundreds streamed to the nearly completed fortress, churning the frozen ground to mud.

‘Did you hear?’ Serrah yelled as they pushed their way along the crowded quayside. ‘Tanalvah’s here!’

‘I heard,’ Caldason told her. ‘Apparently Karr and Disgleirio made it too, along with a few hundred others from Bhealfa.’

‘Talking of which…’ She nodded at a wagon drawing up.

Disgleirio was driving, with Karr at his side. They were transporting a group of defenders who quickly dismounted and sped to their duties. Disgleirio helped Karr to clamber down and the pair approached.

‘Thank the gods,’ Karr exclaimed. ‘I was beginning to fear we wouldn’t see you again.’

‘You don’t get rid of us that easily,’ Serrah replied as they hugged.

‘Though you might have jumped from the proverbial frying pan into the fire,’ Disgleirio observed, offering Caldason his hand.

‘I’ve always enjoyed a little warmth,’ the Qalochian told him.

‘Well, things look set to get hotter around here any time now.’

‘We heard that Tan’s on the island,’ Serrah said.

‘Yes, and we have Quinn to thank for bringing her back into the fold,’ Karr explained.

‘Is that so? Well done, Quinn.’

The Righteous Blade man merely smiled, a little bashfully.

‘And how’s Kinsel?’

Disgleirio was glad to shift attention from himself. ‘He’s doing well physically.’

‘Which implies ways in which he’s not doing well,’ she returned.

‘His ordeal’s left marks on him you can’t see straightaway. Understandably.’

‘Where’s Darrok?’ Caldason wanted to know.

‘He’s supervising defences on the other side of the island,’ Karr said. ‘As to the others…Ah, here’s Phoenix now.’

The elderly wizard was marching through the press, accompanied by a couple of acolytes almost obscured by his fluttering cloak. ‘Welcome back!’ he rumbled. ‘How did your mission fare?’

‘It turned out…interesting,’ Reeth answered.

‘Nothing ever goes simply with you, does it, Reeth? So you didn’t see the Clepsydra?’

‘Oh, we saw it all right.’

His eyes widened. ‘What about the Source?’

‘We found it.’

The wizard looked like a child who’d been handed a large bag of sweets then locked in a toyshop. ‘Gods, Reeth! What form does it take? Was it defended in any way? Did you have to-I don’t like your expression. Have you brought something to help us or not?’

‘Perhaps.’

‘Best not to tease him, Reeth,’ Disgleirio cautioned.

‘I’m not trying to be awkward. It’s just…I don’t know.’

‘Where is it? Show it to me,’ Phoenix insisted.

Caldason thrust a thumb in the direction of the brig’s gangway. Kutch and Wendah were making their way down it, leading the obviously blind Mahaganis.

Phoenix was puzzled. ‘They have it?’

‘Kutch will explain. And the girl, her name’s Wendah, shouldn’t be messed with.’

‘I hate to break this up,’ Disgleirio interrupted, ‘but we have an invasion to repel.’

All around, the atmosphere was growing increasingly frenzied. More people were rushing by, many beachward, while defenders arrived on horseback and in carriages. People were chaining crates and barrels.

‘Reeth, Serrah; we need you. Badly,’ Karr said. ‘We haven’t many with your skills and experience. I want to put you both in charge of warbands.’

‘Whatever we can do,’ Caldason responded. ‘But in these initial stages, we want to be freelances, going where needed. We think we can be more useful that way.’

‘All right. Though what you call initial stages might not last too long if they throw everything at us in one go.’

‘All the more reason for us not to be tied down to any one detail. And if they have any sense they’ll test our defences before committing their entire force. They can’t know what we might have in reserve.’

‘No, but they can guess.’ Karr turned to the sorcerer. ‘Phoenix, do what you can with whatever it is Reeth’s brought back. If you can make some kind of weapon out of it-’

‘We can’t promise anything like that, particularly with time so obviously short. But we’ll do our best.’

‘I can’t ask more of you than that.’

‘I want to see Tanalvah,’ Serrah declared.

‘She’s all right,’ Disgleirio assured her, ‘and so are the children. There’s no need to worry about her.’

‘I’m sure she is. But I’d still like to see her.’

‘She’s over in the redoubt with Kinsel,’ Karr explained. ‘Perhaps you could make yourself useful and bring them back here to the fortress.’

‘What was the point of building the central redoubt if you don’t intend using it?’ Caldason asked.

‘It’s been a bone of contention while you’ve been away. How it should be best used, I mean.’

‘I suggest you put all those incapable of fighting up there; the old and feeble, the young and the sick. Allocate a minimum number of the fit to defend it. That’ll keep the invaders guessing at the garrison’s strength, and if we’re overrun, maybe the enemy will show mercy to the non-combatants.’

‘Where does that leave Tan and Kinsel?’ Serrah wanted to know.

‘By rights, with the non-combatants. But maybe we should leave the choice to them.’

‘Tan’s got to be near her time by now. The safer she is, the better.’

‘Safe just became a practically meaningless term in these parts,’ Disgleirio reminded her.

‘Then I’m going over there now. Coming, Reeth?’

‘I need to stay here and take a look at the defences. Do you mind?’

‘You do that.’

‘I could take you in the wagon,’ Disgleirio offered. ‘I need to be in those parts anyway. And I could bring you all back, if that’s needed.’

‘Fine.’

‘But don’t linger,’ Caldason warned them. ‘We’ve no way of knowing how long a reprieve we’ve got before the attack starts.’

Serrah kissed him. ‘See you back here.’

She and Disgleirio ran for the wagon and clambered aboard.

Hardly was the port out of sight than Serrah felt tiny cold pinpricks on her face. She looked up to see snowflakes swirling in the chill air.

‘Oh, great.’ She pulled her coat tighter.

‘Bad weather could actually be to our advantage,’ Disgleirio reckoned. ‘To the invaders this is unknown territory. The prospect of having to take it in a blizzard could slow them down quite a bit.’

‘Do you always try to wring something positive out of every situation?’

‘Not always, though I tend to the more dire things get. Surely that’s better than the alternative?’

‘So how dire do you think our situation is at the moment? Come on, Quinn, you know you don’t have to hold back for my sake.’

‘It’s as bad as it gets, short of us all having swords at our throats, which is something we should expect in the not too distant future. They have so many ships we’re going to find ourselves stretched to breaking point covering all possible landing places. Man for man, we’re probably outnumbered twenty to one. Barring some miracle, I’m afraid the best we can hope for are honourable deaths.’

‘That’s a pleasant prospect.’

‘You asked.’

They passed columns of armed men trudging towards the coastlines, and long strings of asses laden with weapons and supplies. Warning beacons were being lit on surrounding hilltops and the more distant cliffs.

Twenty minutes later the towers of the central redoubt came into view. Here, too, all was movement and bustle.

‘Want me to come in with you?’ Disgleirio asked. ‘Because otherwise I can be doing a few urgent things and come back for you in, say, no more than an hour?’

‘You get on then, and thanks.’

‘Remember the room where Kinsel was when you left? You’ll find them two doors farther on.’

The guards knew her, and waved her through the heavy, half-open gates.

There was commotion inside too, but once she got to the redoubt’s interior things were a lot quieter. Walking an echoing corridor, she came to the door Disgleirio had indicated, and found it slightly ajar. She knocked lightly, and without waiting for an answer, went in.

Tanalvah sat in an overstuffed armchair, draped in blankets and with her feet on a stool. She seemed to be asleep. Serrah thought she looked pale, and a little too gaunt for an expectant woman.

The room was sparsely furnished, and would have been austere if not for the log fire roaring in its spacious hearth, which gave off a mellow aroma of pine and vanilla. A small table held the remains of a meal, largely uneaten, and several wooden toys were scattered across the floor’s bare boards. There was a door to an adjoining room, left partially open, through which soft voices could be heard.

A woman sleeping, the homely if spartan scene; it struck Serrah as incongruous, given what was happening outside.

Tanalvah’s eyes opened.

For a second, she gave the impression of someone who thought they were dreaming.

‘Tan,’ Serrah whispered.

Tanalvah’s eyes widened. Even more colour drained from her face, and she started to struggle to her feet.

Serrah came forward. ‘No, no, stay where you are, Tan. It’s me. Serrah.’

‘Serrah,’ Tanalvah repeated, the word devoid of any emotional content.

Kneeling, Serrah embraced her. She kissed her cheek. It was cold, and Tanalvah was stiff, almost rigid, to the touch. ‘I’m so glad you made it through,’ Serrah said.

‘I’m…glad you did, too.’

‘I’ve confused you, coming in here when you’re barely awake. Sorry. But I couldn’t wait to see you.’

Tanalvah looked as though she was about to say something, but just stared.

Serrah hadn’t thought their reunion would be like this, but she reminded herself of everything her friend had been through, and made allowance.

To her relief, the uncomfortable silence was broken. From the next room, Kinsel swept in, accompanied by an excited Teg and Lirrin.

‘I thought I heard…Serrah!’

‘Hello, Kinsel.’ She let herself be enveloped by his hug. Then she succumbed to the children tugging at her skirts and stooped to fuss over them.

When calm descended and the children had quietened, Serrah got her chance to ask, ‘How are you, Tan?’

The answer was tearful. ‘Fine. Just…fine.’

Serrah and Kinsel exchanged brief, meaningful looks.

‘Your time must be soon,’ Serrah said.

Tanalvah nodded.

‘She’s tired.’ Kinsel stated the obvious. ‘We’re doing what we can to take some of the load off her. Aren’t we, kids?’

The siblings nodded solemnly.

‘They’ve all been wonderful,’ Tanalvah sniffed. ‘I don’t deserve it.’

Kinsel took her hand. ‘Don’t be silly, my love. You deserve the best of everything.’

‘And how are you faring yourself, Kinsel?’ Serrah asked, hoping to move things away from the maudlin.

‘Well, I’m still trimmer,’ he grinned.

‘So I noticed.’

‘Forgive me, I’ve not asked; how did the mission go?’

‘Weirdly. I’ll fill you in on that later.’

‘How’s Reeth? And Kutch?’

‘We all got back safely. And I think Kutch might have his first sweetheart.’ Serrah smiled at him.

‘Really? Who?’

‘Somebody we came across on our voyage. Hopefully you’ll meet her soon.’

‘Poor kids. Brought here at a time like this.’ He stole a glance at his own adoptive pair. ‘We’ve not heard a lot about what’s been happening today. Can you tell us what’s going on out there?’ His eyes said, be circumspect, for the children’s sake.

‘Something we’ve been expecting for some time. The empires have arrived, in force.’

‘Empires? Both of them?’

‘They’ve combined their fleets and seem to be acting together.’

‘They think we’re that much of a thorn?’

‘Apparently so, and that’s why I came. Well, I came because I really wanted to see you all, of course, but also to ask how you felt about moving to the fortress.’

‘The fort?’ Tanalvah said, looking alarmed. ‘Do I have to?’

‘No. I mean, it’s not an order or anything. But you could be safer there.’

‘Aren’t we safe here? I thought this place was a stronghold too.’

‘It is. It’s just that the thinking is it might be better to concentrate all the noncombatants up there, and keep this place for the defenders so they-Tan?’

Tanalvah’s face twisted and her body writhed.

‘Tan? What’s the matter?’

‘What is it, my love?’ Kinsel said.

‘It’s…all right. Just…just another…spasm.’

Kinsel took a cloth and dabbed her moist brow. The children looked on, fretful.

‘You’re getting these often?’ Serrah asked.

‘Couple of…times a…day.’

Serrah had the ignoble thought that this was rather conveniently timed, then immediately felt ashamed for entertaining the idea. ‘If you’re getting contractions, maybe this isn’t the best time to move you.’

‘Tanalvah’s all right,’ Kinsel told the children. ‘There’s nothing to worry about. Now come on, it’s time you got some sleep.’ He shepherded the complaining youngsters back to their beds. ‘I’ll be right back,’ he mouthed.

Serrah turned to Tanalvah. ‘Sure you’re all right, Tan? Because you don’t look too brilliant, to be honest.’

‘I’m all right. Really. I would prefer to stay here though.’

‘I suppose you won’t be any less safe here than anywhere else on the island. And there should be some proper medical attention available, though under the present circumstances there’s going to be competition for it. But you really ought to think about sending the children to the fort. It’s where they stand the best chance.’

‘We don’t want to be parted again, whatever the reason.’ Kinsel had returned. ‘We’ve discussed it.’

‘I won’t try arguing with you. But let me know if you change your minds. We might still be able to get you up there, as long as you don’t leave it too long.’

‘We understand,’ he said.

There was a sound like rolling thunder.

Tanalvah looked alarmed. The children appeared at the door again, hands clasped anxiously.

‘It’s all right,’ Kinsel said. ‘There’s nothing to worry about.’

The children ran for Tanalvah.

Serrah and Kinsel moved to a window, away from the others. There wasn’t much of a view, and all they could see was the lowering sun.

‘What the hell was that?’ Kinsel whispered.

‘I think it was the start of a war,’ Serrah said.

The sun was going down. It would be a cold evening, and an eventful one.

‘I’m surprised it took them this long to open hostilities,’ Disgleirio said.

‘This is just a skirmish to test our strength,’ Caldason replied. ‘It’s only a preliminary.’

‘Not for the poor devils giving their lives out there.’

They were holed-up in a defensive ditch on a rise overlooking the port and bay beyond. A few hundred others were strung out along the dug-out’s length, clutching weapons, awaiting their time. It was very cold, and would have been colder had a light snow not been falling.

At sea, a handful of Diamond Isle vessels were engaging a group of invader craft. The islanders, hopelessly outnumbered, proudly flew the rebels’ green scorpion insignia. Their antagonists sported dragon and eagle emblems in roughly equal number, testifying to the unholy alliance of empires.

To Caldason’s surprise, and regret, Rad Cheross had taken his little brig into the conflict. It was already paying for its bravery. Tilting at an unnatural angle, sails askew and smouldering, water lapped at its decks.

Glamour cascades pounded timber. Ships burned, and some collided, casting men overboard. Others were embroiled in gory melees as they battled to repel boarders. There was a cacophony of fighting and dying, the sounds of rent oak and magical reports drifting across to the silent onlookers.

Similar clashes were going on all around the island. Their primary purpose, as far as the empires were concerned, was to destroy as many ships as they could, making escape impossible. The defenders reasoned that as their small, disparate fleet was likely to be lost anyway-they could hardly drag the craft inland for protection-they might as well sell them at a price in blood, even if that was a modest cost to the invaders.

Some craft were fired and sent out crewless to ram and ignite enemy ships. The twilit sky was beginning to turn ruddy over the coasts.

‘This isn’t going well for us,’ Caldason said.

Disgleirio took a swig from his flask, then offered it. Caldason shook his head. ‘It’s buying us time. They expected to do no more.’

‘I hope we’re using it wisely.’

As he spoke, several detachments of islanders jogged into view, ready to strengthen the line. Many were Righteous Blade members, the backbone of the island’s defences.

‘I think so,’ Disgleirio said. ‘How long before they try coming ashore, do you think?’

‘Now the fighting’s started, I’d say sooner rather than later. And this area’s going to be a shambles.’

‘We won’t be sticking around for that. We’ll hinder them as much as we can, then cut and run.’

‘Have a direction in mind?’

‘Straight back inland, the bulk of us. We’ve an ambush or two planned to slow them further, then we basically scatter and strike as bands. There are bound to be some set piece confrontations, like here on the beach for example, but in the main we intend avoiding them. Guerrilla methods, as you said.’

‘What about the fort? Is it sealed yet?’

‘All but a couple of well guarded entrances for stragglers. Damn, that reminds me. We need to get those sorcerers moved.’

‘Who?’

An unusually intense flash bathed the trench in scarlet light for a second, as a series of booms swept in from the sea battle.

Disgleirio blinked. ‘Phoenix and some of his Covenant people. They’re over at the Ferrymen’s Inn, by the end of the quay, with the old man you brought back and Kutch and the girl. I don’t think they’re going to be sufficiently clear if we start getting landings.’

‘I’ll get ’em out.’ Caldason rose to leave, adding, ‘If Serrah comes back-’

‘I’ll be sure to keep her here for you.’

Caldason nodded and set out at a dash.

His sprint took him past a crowd milling portside, waiting for orders, and more columns of defenders bound for the shore. They seemed pitifully small in number. He pushed on, huffing steam.

The sorcerers’ faction and their attendant aides were spilling from the tavern’s doors, such was the attraction of the Source. He elbowed his way in.

Phoenix was to be found in a back room from which most were barred, a prohibition no one felt inclined to impose on Caldason. Praltor Mahaganis was there, stretched out on a couch and apparently asleep. Kutch and Wendah were present too. Several Covenant adepts, engaged in preparing aromatic concoctions or note-taking, made up the party.

‘Not much to report yet, I’m afraid,’ Phoenix announced as the Qalochian barged in. ‘We’ve barely begun.’

‘It’s fascinating, Reeth,’ Kutch said. ‘Phoenix plans to try drawing out something of the Source using a form of deep hypnosis, the inhalation of certain herbs and-’

‘You have to get yourselves out of here.’ His tone left no room for doubt, and the chamber fell instantly quiet. ‘And any of these sorcerers not directly involved with your work, Phoenix, are needed to defend the island.’

‘We’re trying to do our bit here, Reeth,’ the elderly wizard argued. ‘Any interruption of our efforts is only going to delay the possibility of our coming up with something that might help us all.’

‘I know, and I have a vested interest in it too, remember. But we can’t guarantee the safety of this place.’

‘We thought we’d have much longer before-’

‘Not from the way things are going out there. Our sea defences, such as they are, aren’t proving too much of an obstacle. Pick the help you need and get yourselves and Praltor to one of the fastnesses in the interior. Do it now. If you loiter, the enemy’s going to be on us.’

A buzz began. The sorcerers started gathering their paraphernalia and packing their books. Caldason pushed his way to Kutch and Wendah.

‘I want you to go with them,’ he said. ‘You’ll be safer in the interior with Phoenix, and I’ll try to get to you as soon as I can. Failing that, I’ll send somebody. All right?’

‘Things are really that bad?’

‘And about to get worse. I’ve always tried to be honest with you, Kutch. What’s coming is going to be frightening and more destructive than you can imagine. I want you both to stay as far away from it for as long as possible.’ He noticed that Kutch and Wendah were holding hands, and added, softly, ‘Look after each other. Being with someone helps the fear.’

Caldason was due for another surprise. Wendah moved to him, stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his cheek. Before he could say anything, a kind of chant rose. It took him a moment to realise that it was his name being repeated by successive voices, and getting nearer as the message spread his way. He was being summoned.

Giving Kutch’s shoulder a squeeze, he worked his way back to the outer doors. Outside, in the cold night air, people were pointing for him to see. A disc was diving from the sky, its metallic surface reflecting the multicoloured explosions originating seaward.

In seconds it was hovering in front of them. Darrok sat in its hollow, Pallidea at his back, her crimson hair streaming.

‘Welcome home, my friend,’ Darrok growled. ‘You’ll forgive me ignoring the formalities but we have a situation and I could use your help. The first landing’s just taken place.’