Read The Saviors: Locmire's Quest Book Two A Tales from Calencia Novel Page 32

  Chapter 32

  Preparing to March

  "The King's Elite just arrived back in Galdarath, King Buxton," Robert Tolbur, Captain of the King's guard, said. "Would you have me tell them to prepare for departure once more?"

  "Please, Robert. Do not call me king. Thaddeus is our king," Sebastian said, smiling. Oh, I just love the sound of that. "Yes. See their horses groomed and fed, their supplies replenished, and give them a short rest and a grand meal. Tell them we depart first thing in the morning."

  "Yes, General Buxton. Is there anything else?" Robert asked.

  "Make sure that our troops are outfitted properly and that supplies are plenty," Sebastian said.

  "Yes, General Buxton." Robert said, bowing to one knee.

  As Robert exited the throne room, Loral entered.

  "Ah, Loral. Is there any word from Dead Marsh or Alexander Gorman?" Sebastian asked.

  "No, General Buxton," Loral answered.

  "Where have they gotten off to?" Sebastian wondered aloud.

  "That is not all, General Buxton," Loral said, clearing his throat.

  "Yes?" Sebastian asked.

  "Lasticall informed me that a Human and Raptilian showed up at Lasticall in search of Thaddeus and his brother. They claimed to bring a message from Galdarath. An Engenium patrol was sent out shortly after Alexander and Nezzer departed Lasticall. While they found no signs of them, they did stumble upon several bodies along the road," Loral explained.

  Sebastian's brow narrowed, the corners of his mouth quavered. Hopefully two more bodies will be found before much longer. "I wonder who those two strangers are? We have sent no messengers to Lasticall, other than Alexander."

  "I do not know, General Buxton. Lasticall assures me that their guards are looking for them," Loral replied.

  "We have bigger concerns," Sebastian said. "Are Lasticall and Pizenchaffe prepared to march?"

  "Yes. Lasticall marches our way as we speak. Jamison Rayheart said the Dainties would rendezvous with us at the base of Mount Pizenchaffe," Loral answered.

  "Excellent," Sebastian said. "Give me a status update on our army."

  Loral produced a piece of parchment.

  "Galdarath has three thousand ground soldiers, one thousand cavalry, one thousand spearmen, two thousand archers, ten catapults, five hundred barrels of blast powder, and ten King's Elite."

  "Excellent. We have more troops than I expected. Is there still enough to hold the kingdom?" Sebastian asked.

  "Yes. We have equal that amount to protect the kingdom," Loral said.

  "Well done, Loral. Is there any other business to attend to?" Sebastian asked.

  "No, General Buxton. We are all set," Loral said.

  "Very well. You are dismissed," Sebastian ordered.

  Loral knelt, stood, and marched out of the throne room.

  Sebastian stood from his throne and strode over to a large table in the center of the room with a map of Calencia tacked to it. Sebastian studied the map and moved a tiny marble sculpture, which represented Lasticall, toward Galdarath.

  Lasticall should arrive by sunset. I will give them shelter for the night. At first light we will march west for Pizenchaffe. It should be more than a day's ride with such large company. From there we will march northwest for the area west of Morgorath. Sebastian moved the pieces representing each kingdom across the map. Hasbarie will not let us march on his territory. We will probably meet resistance. . . here. Sebastian placed an X a few leagues before Hasbarie's territory, on the road just south of Morgorath. After this day, my name will be forever etched in the hearts of Galdarath. Once Thaddeus and his brother are dealt with, there will be none in all of Calencia with a claim to the throne, none other than myself.

  A smile grew on his face that could not be erased, hidden, or weakened. Within a week's time, he would be King of Galdarath.