‘Yes, my lord, the fortifications. I am well aware of the standard design used for the construction of temporary fortifications during punitive raids into hostile territory. But these are rough constructions, not intended for more than a few nights. Will they suffice?’
The Baron considered the question. The Highland winters were notoriously savage, and the forts would need to be manned throughout the long, bitter months until the invasion. More important than this, however, was the likelihood of Highlanders attacking the outposts. There would be no way to reinforce them once the snow blocked the passes.
‘You misunderstood my use of the word standard,’ said the Baron smoothly. ‘This is not a punitive raid, but should be considered as a full invasion. The forts therefore will have regulation defences, earth barriers at least ten feet high, topped with timber walls to another fifteen feet. Weighted portcullis gates will also be constructed. You are familiar with the design?’
‘Of course, my lord. It was devised by Driada during the Cleatian Wars in the last century, but was possibly based on an earlier …’
‘I did not ask for a history lesson, Leofric. You will take two hundred engineers and three hundred infantrymen into the Highlands. Then you will oversee the building of these forts and within them storehouses for supplies. Make sure the storehouses are watertight. I want no rotting meat, nor mildewed cereal when I arrive with the army.’
Leofric stood and bowed. ‘I thank you for your trust in me, cousin. I will not fail you.’
Sigarni opened he.r eyes and saw the flickering flame shadows on the cave ceiling. She watched them for a moment, then felt the onrush of pain from her wounded body. A voice spoke from her left. ‘She is awake. Pour some broth for her.’ Sigarni rolled her head towards the sound, focusing her eyes upon a wizened old man with deep-set pale eyes.
‘Taliesen?’ she whispered
‘Aye, lass, Taliesen. How are you feeling?’
‘Hurt. What happened to me?’
‘You don’t remember the attack in Citadel dungeons?’
She closed her eyes. ‘Of course I do – but that was years ago. I meant why am I injured now? Taliesen leaned forward and helped her to sit up. Pain lanced through Sigarni’s right side and she groaned.
‘One of your ribs is cracked. It will heal soon,’ said Taliesen. Another figure moved into sight, child-small, yet bearded. Sitting at her right, Ballistar handed her a wooden bowl and spoon. The broth was thick and salty and Sigarni became acutely aware of her hunger. She ate in silence. When she had finished Ballistar took back the bowl. Sigarni felt her strength returning, but still she was confused.
‘Why did you mention the … attack on me?’ she asked Taliesen.
‘Because it happened three days ago,’ he said slowly. ‘You have been spirit-wandering in a place where there is no time.’
‘I remember,’ she said. ‘He took me by the hand.’
‘Who took her?’ asked Ballistar. Taliesen waved him to silence.
‘Yes, you walked with him,’ said the wizard, taking Sigarni’s hand. She wrenched it back, her eyes blazing.
‘Do not touch me! No man will ever touch me again!’ The violence in her voice was startling, surprising Ballistar who dropped the empty bowl. It rolled across the cave floor, coming to rest against the far wall.
Taliesen seemed unmoved by the rebuff. ‘I am sorry, my dear, that was remiss of me. Did you learn much in your time with him?’
‘It is hazy now,’ she said sleepily. ‘But he said he would teach me … would always … be with me.’ Sigarni stretched out again and closed her eyes. Taliesen covered her with a blanket of wool.
‘What was she talking about?’ asked Ballistar. ‘When did she go walking? And who with?’
Taliesen rose and walked to the fire. ‘Time to gather more wood,’ he said.
‘Who did she walk with?’ repeated Ballistar.
‘It’s not for you to know, dwarf. Now go and fetch some wood. The black man will be here soon, and then you’ll understand a little more of what is happening here.’
‘I’m not your servant!’ snapped Ballistar. ‘I don’t have to jump through hoops because you say so!’