‘How many of them were there?’ asked Waylander.
‘We estimated eight thousand. Anyway, Karnak had sent scouts to watch for the Vagrians – he never trusted their promises of peace – so we had advance warning of their attack. Do you know Margate … ?’ Waylander nodded. ‘Then you know there is a small wood about a mile to the east.
Karnak had taken three hundred men there during the previous night. Now, as the Vagrians slept in their camp he descended on them in the darkest hours of the night, firing their tents and stampeding their horses. Our warriors made enough noise to be mistaken for a whole Drenai army, and we opened the gates and led an attack from the front. The Vagrians pulled back to re-form, but by dawn we were away to Skultik. We must have slain more than eight hundred of them.’
‘Clever,’ said Waylander, ‘but hardly a victory.’
‘What do you mean? We were outnumbered more than ten to one.’
‘Exactly. When you first received news of the invasion, you could have pulled back. What point was there in fighting at all?’
‘Have you no sense of honour? We gave them a bloody nose – we let them know the Drenai can fight as well as they run.’
‘But still they took the fort.’
‘I do not understand you, Dakeyras … or whatever your name is. If running means so much to you, why did you go to Masin and help Gellan and his men?’
‘It was the only safe place. Or rather the safest I could find.’
‘Well, you will be safe enough in Skultik. The Vagrians dare not invade.’
‘I hope the Vagrians know that.’
‘What does that mean?’ snapped the young officer.
‘Nothing at all. Tell me about Egel?’
‘Why? So that you can mock his achievements?’
‘You are young and full of fire, and you see mockery where none exists. It is not blasphemy to question a military decision. It could be, as you say, that Karnak’s decision to give a bloody nose to the Vagrians was a good one; it would lift morale, for example. But it strikes me that it was a risky venture which could have whiplashed against him. What if the enemy had scouted the woods? He would have been forced to run, leaving you and three hundred men trapped.’
‘But they did not.’
‘Exactly – and now he is a hero. I have known many heroes. Mostly other men die to build their legends.’
‘I would be proud to die for Karnak – he is a great man. And beware of insulting him, unless you wish to cross swords with any man within earshot.’
‘I think your message is clear, Dundas. He is revered.’
‘And rightly so. He does not send his men into danger without risking himself. He is always in the thick of the fighting.’
‘Very wise,’ observed Waylander.
‘Even now he plans to ride to the aid of Purdol. Is that the act of a vainglorious man?’
‘Purdol? It is surrounded.’
Dundas bit his lip and turned away momentarily, his face reddening. ‘I would be obliged if you did not repeat that. I should not have said it.’
‘I am not known for being loose-tongued,’ said Waylander. ‘It is forgotten.’
Thank you, I am grateful. It is just that I was angry. He is a very great man.’
‘I am sure that he is. And now that we trust each other, I am sure you will not object to my riding forward to speak with my companions?’
Dundas’ face was a picture of confusion, but a resigned expression settled over his features. ‘Of course not. I need to feel the wind in my face also. I will ride with you.’
The two men spurred their horses into a canter and Waylander rode to the centre of the column. Karnak swung in the saddle as he approached, followed by the young officer.
‘Welcome to our group, Waylander,’ said the general, grinning. ‘You’ve just missed the tale of Hargate.’
‘No, I did not. Dundas spoke of it. But were there dragons in your account?’
‘Not yet, but I’m working on it,’ replied Karnak. ‘Come ride beside me. I understand you and Gellan are old friends?’