David Gemmell – Rigante 3 – Ravenheart

‘The cliffs above the forest are sheer,’ said Bael. ‘I applaud your skill in bringing Chara over them, but it is far easier to go up than down. And at night? We would lose men, Kaelin.’

‘I agree,’ said Rayster. ‘Even the thought of such a climb makes my stomach churn. I’ll risk dying facing an enemy with a sword in my hand, but to topple from a cliff face in the darkness … I don’t think so.’

‘There are a series of ledges,’ said Kaelin. ‘With enough ropes we can reduce the dangers. But you are both right. Men will likely fall and be dashed to the rocks. If the plan works, however, we will destroy a whole beetleback army. That will demoralize the Varlish, and perhaps make the winter safe for us.’

‘How many men would you need in this force?’ asked Call Jace.

‘At least three hundred,’ said Kaelin.

Call Jace glanced down the table to where a powerfully built, middle-aged man had been sitting quietly for the entire meeting. ‘What think you, Arik?’ he asked.

Arik Ironlatch gave a bleak smile, and rubbed at his greying beard. ‘My men are fine climbers, Call Jace. I don’t doubt I’d get volunteers for such an enterprise.’

‘You think it will work?’

‘It will or it won’t,’ answered Arik with a shrug.

‘Are you for it, though?’ persisted Call, an edge of irritation in his voice.

‘Always preferred doing to jawing,’ answered Arik. ‘I say let’s have at it.’

‘Then you’ll lead the raid?’ said Call.

‘I could,’ said Arik, ‘but it’s the southerner’s plan, and I’ll follow any man with the guts and the ice to walk into an enemy castle and spirit away a prisoner. Leaders need a little ice in their veins. They need to think cool at all times. Me I get carried away in the heat of battle. Let Kaelin Ring lead.’

Call looked suddenly uncomfortable. ‘We are talking of the future of our clan,’ he said. ‘If we win we gain time. If we lose we are finished. I mean no disrespect to Kaelin Ring – for he has proved himself an exceptional warrior – but he is untried in battle and leadership.’

‘I disagree, Call,’ said Rayster. ‘I followed Kaelin’s lead when we entered the fortress. If we are to try this hazardous plan then I agree with Arik. Kaelin Ring is the man to head it.’

Kaelin saw Call glance down at the splint on his left arm, and guessed that the Rigante chieftain was wishing he was strong enough to lead the attack himself. ‘Let us put it to the vote,’ said Call. ‘Those in favour of our friend Kaelin leading this attack raise their hands.’ Of the thirty men present seventeen voted in favour, including Bael and Rayster.

‘Then it is decided,’ said Call. He swung to Kaelin. ‘How soon?’

‘Tomorrow night,’ answered Kaelin.

‘Very well. This meeting is now over. Arik, will you join Kaelin and myself for a dram before you leave?’

‘I never say no to uisge,’ said Arik.

For Alterith Shaddler the next twenty-four hours were filled with disappointment. Of the twelve businessmen he sought, seven had left Eldacre unexpectedly, travelling south to Baracum. Four refused point-blank to speak up for Maev Ring, and Gillam Pearce was ‘not available’ to speak to the schoolteacher. His wife maintained Gillam was ill with a fever.

Close to despair Alterith sat in a small eating house, sharing a meal with Banny. The youngster had grown in the last year. Though still slim he had strong shoulders, the legacy – though Alterith did not know it – of days spent with Jaim Grymauch, learning to fist fight and to wield a wooden sword. He was more confident now -especially after the fight in the summer with Kammel Bard. He had downed the Varlish youth three times, the last with a left hook that had spun Kammel from his feet and pitched him to the cobbles unconscious.

‘There is still time, sir,’ Banny told the dispirited Alterith. ‘We have two more days.’

‘There is no-one left to call, Banny. I am filled with despair – not just for the admirable lady, but for the soul of the Varlish. I know the clans believe us to be cruel and spiteful, but there is in our race both courage and nobility of spirit. That so many of my people are ready to lie for wealth, to see a good woman die in order that a few more coins can line their pockets, is a disgrace, Banny.’