The Fireseed Wars

Phidestros could see the man made sense. He had heard rumors of missing Investigators; Archpriest Roxthar had demanded that he send regulars to search the hillsides for bandits and escaped Hostigi army units. So far, he'd been able to refuse. Captain Ranthos was not only audacious but clever as well. He had proved that merely by surviving in the present climate. The remaining question was: Is he useful and trustworthy?

The big man made a flourish as if rolling all the bones in both hands. "So as you see, Your Highness, our time here is limited. In Greater Beshta we could help restore order to your lands, and-as you know-we have a vested interest in keeping the Investigation beyond your borders."

Phidestros laughed. "You do at that!" He liked this blunt-speaking foreigner. If Kalvan had relied on him to protect his precious Royal Foundry, he must be of trustworthy character. And, it was also true, that Captain Cythros could use all the soldiers Phidestros could send to Greater Beshta to help hold his lands. The next question was: Why did Ranthos leave Kalvans service? "Why didn't you personally follow your overlord, King Kalvan, into retreat?"

Ranthos smiled as if he'd been waiting for that question. "I was not oath-sworn as an officer of the Royal Army, but as a guard and advisor to the Foundry. My oath and duty ended when the Investigators arrived and killed my co-workers and burned the Royal Foundry to the ground. Of course, we sent some of the Red Hand as an escort to Galzar's Hall. Still, I was lucky to escape with my life."

A good answer, thought Phidestros. He could also see why the Greffan captain might not want to report to Kalvan after leaving his post in ruins. It was also true that he needed more men he could trust in Beshta while he was on campaign. I can spare a company of the Iron Band to escort these new soldiers. The trick would be raising even more when they arrived.

"How can you further my position in Greater Beshta?"

"I can use my men to recruit all the former Hostigi soldiers left in Hos-Hostigos. As I'm sure you know, the entire populace is frightened near to death by this gods-cursed Investigation. As soon as we arrive, word will travel fast throughout the former princedoms of Hos-Hostigos and all the able-bodied men and women still remaining will speed to Beshta as iron filings to a magnet. By the time you return from your campaign, you will have hundreds, or even thousands, of new subjects who will die in your service to thwart the Unholy Investigator."

"Your words not only make sense but are music to my ears. If you can include a few mapmakers among my new subjects, there will be a big purse of gold for you. To ensure your loyalty, I will make you baron of any barony in the former Princedom of Sashta you choose to be your demesne."

Geblons mouth gaped.

Ranthos bowed. "Your Highness is most generous. Your wisdom and leadership are even greater than I had been led to believe." He quickly oath-bound himself to Phidestros in the name of Galzar Wolfhead, God of War and Judge of Princes.

Phidestros then swore Ranthos into the Beshtan Army as Grand-Captain.

Once the oath-swearing was done, Kyblannos tapped him on the shoulder. "There is much I want to ask this Greffan about Kalvans Foundry."

"You will have your candle, Kyblannos, after he has changed out of these garments. But, first, I have an assignment for our new Grand-Captain."

"Yes, Captain-General."

"As you've observed, the Investigation has killed many of our potential subjects; however, not all have been put to the question. Many have been sold into slavery and are bound for the slave markets in Hos-Harphax and Hos-Ktemnos."

The look on Ranthos face would have made a lesser man quake. "I know," he said through gritted teeth.

"Well, I think we can address at least this evil." Phidestros paused to spit on the floor. "I despise slavery in all of its guises. One of Kalvan's first acts as Great King was to outlaw it in Hos-Hostigos. I have always admired that as I have admired his highway and his mapmakers and farseers."

Ranthos nodded. "He was a good ruler."

"I agree." Both Geblon and Kyblannos paled.

"Still, he is my sworn enemy and I will do my duty to kill him to the best of my ability, even if it means his death by my own hand."

"Understood, Grand Captain-General."

"Five large parties of slaves have left Hostigos Town in last quarter-moon. As you know, they will be moving very slowly."

"Yes. I have seen slave trains before."

"Your first order is to ambush as many of these slave parties as you can catch up with and free all the slaves. They will be under your protection until they arrive in Beshta. There you will find farms and housing for them."

"What about the caravan drivers, guards and slave drivers?"

"Kill them all-and their masters. Let none live. Those who traffic in human flesh have no honor. Death is too good for them."

"With pleasure."

"Now, if you don't mind, please satisfy Kyblannos' questions about the Royal Foundry."