Tenacious, Exile of the Legion Pt. 06

Tenacious, Exile of the Legion Part 6

by G. Lawrence

A last stand against the savages

This is a science fiction novel. It has followed Quinten Tyshan from his early years as a war orphan, his service in the Roman Legion 3,000 years in the future, and his life in exile on the primitive planet of Ballor. There have been bloodthirsty battles and dramatic moments as this dedicated soldier seeks to uphold the Edicts of Minerva. This is part 6 of 6.

Recap: During his 15 years on Ballor, Tenacious has fought battles, adopted three daughters, established a ranch, helped forge a federation, and married a queen. Now he must face his greatest challenge yet; stopping a migrating horde of vicious savages.

* * * * * *

Chapter Sixteen

The Spring Gathering

As one would expect, Allandra's announcement caused great excitement. Many speculated whether the Wolf Tribe would have an heir, or a male, condemned to live in the village. I was excited, too, and didn't much care if it was a boy or a girl. The politics of it could wait.

There was talk that Allandra should remain behind in Taramont, or even Willowtown, rather than make a strenuous trip to the spring gathering. She would have none of it. The fierce little queen would listen to advice but no longer be dictated to.

The winter was not harsh, as winters go. Dried meats and vegetables were stored for the trail. The horses were given extra grain imported from the Grasslands. Only eight women would remain to defend the fort, two older and six younger. Volunteers from the town, all women, would take up temporary residence to guard the walls and feed the stock. Thrive drew the duty, along with a promotion to senior warrior, but she wasn't happy about it. She approached me in the stables as I was preparing packs for the journey.

"I am left behind again," she complained.

"Ventra feels you are needed here. I'm sorry," I consoled. "She is leaving you in command."

"Will you be returning to your ranch after the spring gathering?" she asked.

"Yes. I've neglected my duties too long."

"Am I your friend?"

"You know you are. My best friend. You stood up for me at my wedding."

"When you return, I will be asking a favor of you," Thrive warned.

On the first day of spring, our small force rode out. Seventy-two warriors, twenty-four archers, and twenty camp followers to help with tents, cooking, and laundry. We'd gathered fifty horses, fifteen of them pack animals, so only thirty-five of us were mounted at any given time. Allandra and the senior warriors had priority. Vitty stayed with me, being temperamental.

We headed northeast, where the high plains were fed by creeks coming down from the Blue Mountains to the east and the Gray Mountains in the north. It was known the Great Mother River originated in the Gray Mountains. The source of the Little Mother was less clear.

"What do you know of the tribes?" Ventra asked as we rode through a dense forest. Ota rode on my other side, the senior warriors not far behind.

"Very little. They've remained isolated for many years," I said.

"Once there were eight tribes. There are five now," Ventra explained. "Two hold these lands in the Blue Mountain foothills. Two others inhabit the high plains between the Little Mother and Great Mother rivers. Another is farther north, at the base of the Gray Mountains."

"What happened to the other tribes?" I asked.

"Their numbers grew small, so they combined with other tribes," Ota answered. "Some years ago, we considered joining with the Lynx Tribe, but Willowtown was growing, and the Lynx already had their own town."

It was a hundred and fifty kilometers to the rendezvous. I supposed we'd make it by traveling in steady stages each day. With so many on foot, we weren't moving quickly. Scouts stayed out in front, ready for trouble, while hunters stalked the flanks watching for game.

"You've marched with an army often?" Ventra asked.

"In the Legion, armies are vastly larger. Many hundreds, or thousands. We usually traveled in trucks, or on foot. As a scout in difficult territory, I had more experience on horseback than most."

"My grandmother spoke of trucks, but I've never seen one," Ventra said.

"There are a few trucks in the lowlands. For a long time, roads were poor, and spare parts hard to come by. Only Big Bend produces fuel for hydrogen engines. I'm glad of that. Most of the time."

"You don't like trucks?" Ota asked.

"This is a beautiful land. Yet to be spoiled by technology. That will change, someday. For good and for ill."

"We hear stories of the ill," Ota said. "What is the good?"

"Better transport means more trade. Medicines. Richer diets. Schools give people a common understanding. Laws are easier to enforce. Civilization has many benefits, even if crusty old soldiers like me resent it."

Each day for an hour or two, I'd fall back to walk with the men at the rear of the column. They were in their late teens to early thirties, eager for adventure. Allowed to hunt, they carried bows and quivers of steel-tipped arrows. Sometimes Allandra joined me. Having little contact with young men during her sheltered life, she enjoyed their company. And the bantering. Trekking a forested trail was less formal than the village. Cathie often came back to fetch her queen from bad influences.

Our camps were made along creeks and rivers, the latrines dug downstream. Fires and tents sprung up everywhere. The horses were hobbled, allowed to feed on fresh grasses. A nightwatch was maintained at all times.

"Are you jealous, my husband?" Allandra asked, snuggling in our furs at the end of a long day.

"Jealous?"

"That so many boys find me attractive," she elaborated with a giggle.

"No, my love, I am not jealous," I said, squeezing her closer. "But if any of them try to take you away from me, I will kill them."

Allandra sighed. "I love you so much," she said.

On the fourth day, we burst from the forests onto a high grass plain. Bison were seen in the distance. Spring grains were abundant. The land was truly blessed by the gods.

Kayla, True, and I rode to the top of a hill for a better view. There seemed enough time for mounted hunters to move ahead of the column and slay a few bison. Fresh meat would be welcome at the campfires.

"Tenay, look," True said, pointing south.

It was a lone horseman, riding hard. The rearguard became alert. I saw Kayla standing next to her horse. Watching. Starting to breathe harder. It was Jared.

"Tenay?" Kayla requested.

"Go see him," I permitted. Though I guessed Ventra and Ota would be unhappy about it.

The column stopped as they watched the rider suddenly veer up the hill and Kayla ride down. They met halfway, dismounting and embracing. Young warriors and male archers hooted and hollered. I was too far away to see the frowns of the senior warriors. I rode down the hill to interrupt the reunion. They were two 19-year-old kids madly in love.

"Care to explain this?" I asked.

"When I returned to Willowtown, Arl told me Kayla had gone to fight the savages. I've been riding ever since," Jared replied.

"You haven't been invited," I mentioned.

"I don't care," Jared responded. "If Kayla is going to fight them, I am, too."

It wasn't my place to say no, not being in command.

"Kayla, rejoin True on the scout," I instructed. "Jared, fall in with the men until the senior women consult on this."

They reluctantly obeyed.

Jared was allowed to join the march, for sending him back would not have been popular. But he stayed with the archers, not in Kayla's tent.

On the tenth day, we reached a broad green valley filled with spring flowers. Four sprawling camps had been arranged on the east bank of a wide creek. A hundred tents surrounded three tall pavilions. One was particularly large. I guessed the warrior women numbered about seven hundred. A pony herd loitered on the far side of the valley.

Smaller camps were arranged on the west side of the creek, the tents less elaborate. They were camp followers, mostly older women and girls, but not all. Perhaps eighty men and boys as well, which surprised me.

"We will camp with our sisters," Cathie said, pointing toward the pavilions. "Tenay, find good campsites for your archers. No males must cross Doeskin Creek. It is not permitted. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Counselor, I understand."

"Be sure the men do," Cathie impressed.

"I will camp with my husband," Allandra announced, holding my arm.

"You will camp among the other queens, with your council nearby," Cathie denied. "Do not be foolish about this."

The warriors and horses carrying their supplies crossed a ford at the upper end of the creek, going down into the valley. Lined with ferns and willow trees, the water looked four or five feet deep in most places, and generally fifteen to twenty feet wide. Tributaries crisscrossed the area.

We moved to the left, finding a line of low cliffs where a waterfall filled a blue lake. From there, a stream emptied into the creek fifty yards away. I found a cave to safely store our equipment and laid out the camp. There were forty-five of us in fifteen tents. Our horses were gathered into a blind canyon, groomed and given oats.

The atmosphere proved festive. We bathed below the waterfall, then circulated among the other camps, finding most of the men were related to the Lynx and Hawk tribes. Only a handful claimed alliance to the Foxes. None hailed from the Bear Tribe. Musical instruments were popular, primarily lutes and banjos. With the spring hunting good, there was plenty of meat roasting in the firepits.

"You must be Tenay," a giant middle-aged man in fine leather said, reaching to shake hands. "I am Faralto, hunter of the Hawks and captain of the camp. I gladly concede leadership to you."

"Thank you, Faralto, but this camp is doing fine without my help. Call upon me if you need anything," I replied.

"We have ale," Faralto said.

"I will be visiting," I answered.

There was activity across the creek as well, though we couldn't see most of it through the trees. I did see colorful flags, which could be dangerous, for nothing attracted the savages more than a bright banner waving in a healthy breeze. But I assumed the warriors knew that and would set a proper guard. I noticed Jared visiting with other camps and finally called him over.

"You picked a strange time to woo Kayla," I said.

"When this campaign is over, I intend to marry her," he replied.

"That's bold."

"You married their queen."

"By forest law, it might not be a permanent arrangement. Though I'm not complaining."

"Stam left the fort to marry Arl," Jared said, having paid attention. "Selena left the Wolf lands entirely to marry Boltar. I will ask Kayla to come back with me to the Grasslands. Or someplace else. Wherever we can make a home, and have children, and be happy."

"You've become very ambitious," I remarked.

"Don't you have a ranch? Horses? Daughters?" Jared asked.

"Yes. Above the fork of the Great Mother and Little Mother rivers. We have farms, too. We even built a school."

"Is there anything wrong with Kayla and I wanting those things?"

"No, lad. Nothing wrong with that at all."

I was down near the creek just before sunset when I heard a violent commotion. Beyond the ford, two groups of women were in some sort of confrontation. I recognized Ventra's voice. And Ota's. My name was mentioned, followed by shouts of outrage. The sound of swords being drawn was unmistakable.

Though it was breaking the rules, I couldn't stay back and do nothing. I splashed across the chest deep water, up the other embankment, and pushed through an anxious crowd, finding anger and chaos.

"Stop!" I yelled, jumping between the two groups. "Put up your weapons!"

"Tenay, what are you doing here?" Ventra asked.

"Preventing a great mistake," I replied.

Ventra, Ota, True, and Kayla stood close together. They seemed confused. They hadn't drawn swords. That was not true of their foes, three powerful young warriors bent on blood until they saw me appear.

"Praise the gods," Champion said, lowering her sword.

"We heard these wolf creatures took you prisoner," Deena added, her hair drawn back by a black headband.

Jenni said nothing, watching every move of her opponents, ready for anything. All wore leather armor with steel rivets.

"I am not a prisoner now. Sheathe your blades," I ordered. Ventra came to my side.

"You know them?" Ventra asked.

"Yes, War Leader. These troublemakers are my daughters," I replied.

"Your daughters?" Ventra said, eyes going wide.

"My oldest, Champion, and my twins, Jenni and Deena," I confirmed. "What do you think?"

Ventra could only stare. Champion was fierce as ever, her flowing blonde hair down to her shoulders. Jenni and Deena looked formidable. Swift and nimble. Attentive. Eager. Between them, they appeared ready to cut down the entire Wolf tribe if sufficiently provoked.

"My brother, they are magnificent women," Ventra praised with a soft sigh.

"Brother?" Jenni said, speaking up.

"Daughters, this is Ventra, war leader of the Wolf Tribe. And my blood-sister," I responded.

The next moment was important. Upon the announcement, family could accept the bond, bound forever to respect it, or deny the connection.

"Forgive us, blood-sister of our father," Champion said, sheathing her sword. Then she stepped forward, giving Ventra a warm embrace. Jenni and Deena followed, reaching to take Ventra's hands.

"Welcome to our family, Aunt Ventra," Deena said with a shy smile.

"We are honored to meet you," Jenni greeted.

The mood relaxed. For a moment.

"What is this male doing here?" someone angrily grunted. "Guards, seize him!"

She was tall, with the markings of a senior warrior on her shoulder. Her order was answered with drawn swords. Not just my daughters, but True and Kayla as well.

"This is my father, Willa. Touch him and you'll bleed," Champion warned.

The angry woman with short red hair stepped back. From her necklace, I saw she was war leader of the Bear Tribe.

"Lord Tenay?" Willa said.

"I am Tenay," I confirmed, putting Champion's sword back in its sheath. "And now that this misunderstanding is resolved, I'm going back to the followers' camp. I apologize for the intrusion."

Of course, I wished to spend more time with my daughters after so long a separation, but there were larger issues to consider. I gave each of them a hug, nodded to Ventra, and waded back across the creek, happy to find safer ground. There was a lot of noise and conversation behind me.

"What was that?" Jared asked, helping me from the water.

"Family reunion," I replied, going to change clothes and sit by my fire.

I did not enjoy my peace for long. An hour after sunset, Deena and Jenni splashed across the creek on fine horses, riding into our camp. They jumped off, ordered Jared to take care of their mounts, and plopped down next to me. Deena offered a flask of rye whiskey.

"How are you, father?" Deena asked, snuggling close.

"Thriving," I replied, wrapping my arm around her. "What brings you here? I thought you'd be back at the ranch by now."

"We wintered with the Hawk Tribe on the high plain," Jenni said. "They are the second largest of the five tribes. We scouted the Gray Mountain passes."

"What did you find?" I asked.

"Trails that go back many years. Long before anyone we know was born," Deena said. "But there is no evidence of recent intrusions."

"We are sorry about the trouble with Ventra," Jenni said. "We just arrived and hadn't heard of your capture by the Wolves. We still haven't. No one will speak of it."

"Just a trifle. Nothing to be concerned about," I said.

Champion arrived a few minutes later, her pack filled with food, wine, fine furs, and leather boots. Apparently, she thought me impoverished.

"Thank you, daughter. What adventures have you sought?" I inquired after we all settled down. The wine was good, though not so good as we made at Twin Forks.

"After wintering with the Hawk Tribe, we visited Queen Kassandra of the Bear Tribe," she said with a dance in her studious gaze. She was looking stronger than ever.

"Giving up ranch life?" I asked.

"No," she replied with a smile. "Are you?"

"I'm having ideas about the ranch," I replied. "What do you think of expanding the town?"

"To bring trade down from the mountains?" Champion said. "I've been thinking that, too. There are several good trails, and the Moth River runs from the Hawk lands all the way down to the Great Mother."

"We're going to be busy. What of the savages?" I inquired.

"I don't know if they've gone east, or if they're concentrating beyond our search. But we should find out," Champion replied.

We shared a pleasant meal. It was satisfying to be together again after so long a separation. Though they seemed to have enjoyed their time in the land of forest women, none wished to live life on the frontier.

"What of you and the Wolves?" Jenni finally asked with a frown.

"Selena told me how to reach the Blue Mountain passes, but there was a complication. I allowed myself to become a prisoner to prevent more problems."

"Male prisoners face harsh treatment in this country," Deena said. My daughters gave me careful study, aware I wasn't being completely forthcoming.

"There were difficult days at first," I admitted. "However, I carried no weapons. I was meek and cooperative. The women came to like me."

"You were meek?" Deena asked.

"When I needed to be," I replied with a smile. "Aren't you going to get in trouble for being on this side of the creek?"

"Men may not cross into the warrior camps. Warriors can go wherever they want," Jenni explained. "I'm planning to camp here. With my father."

I drew her close for a hug.

"That warms my heart, daughter, but we should respect their customs. It will only be for the season," I said.

It wasn't long before there was another disturbance. Cathie came up from the ford leading a horse. Allandra was the rider. I jumped up to help Allandra from the saddle.

"I have come to meet the daughters of Tenay," Allandra said, wearing a formal red cloak and white feathered cap. She looked nervous. My girls stood. They were curious when Allandra came to take my hand.

"Allandra, this is Champion, my oldest," I introduced. "And my twins, Jenni and Deena. Daughters, this is Allandra, Queen of the Wolf Tribe. Allandra is also my wife."

I heard gasps. As Allandra came into the light, her maternal condition was showing.

"Father, you have been busy," Champion said.

Champion, Jenni, and Deena circled Allandra, inspecting my bride, unintimidated by her rank. Deena poked at Allandra's fine jacket. Jenni studied her fur boots. Champion noticed Allandra carried no weapons.

"The first edict of Minerva?" Deena asked.

"Edict of Minerva?" Allandra questioned.

"Has father not spoken of Minerva?" Jenni inquired.

"He did not wish to impose upon the faith of the forest," Cathie explained.

"Then know the creed that our father lives by, and fights for, and will die for," Deena said, preparing to recite the passages. Champion and Jenni quickly joined in.

"The bond of devotion is sacred.

Children are gifts of the gods.

Protect the weak and defenseless.

Respect the honor of women.

Draw no sword without cause.

Sheathe no sword without resolution."

"Minerva's edicts are indeed powerful," Cathie said. "You did not need to keep them from us."

"The edicts are an old philosophy, from a world far away," I answered. "They are intended more for men than women as a warning to avoid Minerva's wrath."

"What of this woman you've married? Tell us what to think, father," Jenni urged.

"Allandra is a young spirit who has won a special place in my heart," I responded.

Allandra was still looking at my daughters. Champion, a year older. Jenni and Deena only a year younger. My daughters retreated to confer among themselves. Deena was the most animated, as always. Jenni smiled in her mysterious way. Champion stood with hands clasped behind her back, thoughtful and occasionally nodding. She would be the decision maker. At last, Champion returned to stand before Allandra, looking down into her frightened blue eyes.

"You wonder what we are thinking," Champion said. "You worry that we believe you too young to be a proper wife for our father. As a queen, you may be too spoiled. You wonder if we will be jealous of your child. So, know what we know. Your child can have no father more devoted than ours, and our father's devotion is our devotion. You now have three daughters who will love you, stand beside you, and fight for you, today and for all time. Welcome to our family, mother."

Champion gave the queen a warm embrace. Jenni and Deena followed. Allandra began to cry.

"Thank you, daughters of Tenay. I love your father so much," Allandra assured them.

What my daughters thought of that, I couldn't tell. I'd never known them to be so starry-eyed over a man.

* * * * * *

On a pleasant evening, my growing family gathered around a roaring campfire on the followers' side of Doeskin Creek. Deena roasted duck on a spit. Jenni fried catfish. Champion sewed extra rivets into my war vest. Ventra had acquired a keg of red ale from Queen Kassandra's commissary. Allandra lay cuddled in my arms, more content than I'd ever seen her, basking in the acceptance of my daughters. True and Lydia had snuck away from the women's camp to join us.

"They say visitors to the Wolf lands are not welcomed, especially men," Jenni said. "How did father manage so many friends?"

"It did not happen overnight," Ventra remarked.

"Father is not known for making friends," Champion said.

"I make friends," I protested. "Several have been friends for many years."

"You are better at frightening enemies," Champion responded.

"He frightened a few in the Wolf lands," Ventra conceded.

"Tenay never frightened me," True bragged.

"Or me," Lydia said. "All of the young warriors came to admire him, especially after he saved our lives. More than once."

"Ota, Rotanna, and even Allandra were afraid at first," Ventra conceded. "But none are so blind that we could not see a true warrior, even if he did pretend to be a lover of plants."

"I was not pretending!" I objected. "I have explored plants all of my life. I studied botany at university in Rome."

"Has father threatened to geld any of your young men?" Jenni asked. Glances were exchanged.

"Tenay became impatient with a prisoner named Booter," True recalled. "He dragged Booter from the cage, knocked him to the ground, and threatened to geld him if he didn't apologize to every woman in the fort."

"Did Booter apologize?" Deena asked.

"Most profusely," True replied with a big grin.

"When we were still girls, father threatened to geld our boyfriends if they got out of line," Jenni explained. "We were always treated with respect."

"Too much respect," Deena said, giving me a frown.

"Did he? Did he geld any of them?" Lydia asked, leaning forward.

"Only a few," Deena answered.

"A few!" True and Lydia shouted. My daughters laughed.

"Relax, warriors, father did not geld our boyfriends," Champion said. "Though there were times he considered it."

"You are too harsh, daughters," I complained. "These women may not know you are teasing."

"Are you teasing?" Ventra asked.

"Father can be firm, but never cruel," Champion said, suddenly serious. "When I was nine years old, I was an orphan living on what handouts my tribe would offer. It was the same with Deena and Jenni after nomads massacred their family. Since the day we became Tenay's daughters, we have never known hunger, or want. Or disrespect."

"We have a ranch, our own riverboat, and a lovely home," Deena boasted.

"And a father who loves us with the force of the gods, for which we thank Minerva every day," Jenni said.

"Our tribes have been suspicious of men from the lowlands for generations, as you learned from the Hawks," Ventra said. "It is good to know men of honor now inhabit those lands."

"As if our father gives them a choice," Champion replied with a chuckle.

* * * * * *

Despite intermittent rain, the early days of the spring gathering were spent renewing old acquaintances, participating in sports, and having loud banquets at night. More quietly, the women shared new combat techniques, especially the Wolf tribe that I had trained, and the Hawk tribe that my daughters had trained.

The largest group, the Bear Tribe, occupied the center of the campground with several large tents, and one very large tent. They numbered about three hundred and fifty. Next came the Hawk Tribe numbering just over two hundred. The Fox Tribe boasted a hundred and eighty, the Lynx a hundred and twenty, and the Wolf eighty. All tribes received equal respect, but the larger tribes held more power.

The camp followers were no less active. We had hunting expeditions, archery tournaments, music, and dancing. It was not unknown for the occasional warrior woman to sneak across the river and find attention in a man's tent. I was visited so often by my daughters, Wolf Tribe members, and curious members of other tribes that I finally needed a separate area for entertaining. Allandra managed to stay with me several nights despite Cathie's admonitions.

"Lord Tenay?" someone called from the woods along the river. "May I approach?"

"Yes, of course. Please do," I replied, rising from my breakfast fire of eggs and fried fish.

"Do you remember me? I am Willa, War Leader of the Bear Tribe," she said.

"You are welcome to join me, Willa."

"Thank you, no. I come on a mission. Queen Kassandra wishes to meet you."

"My accommodations are humble for a queen," I replied.

"She wishes to meet you in the grand pavilion."

"She wants me to cross Doeskin Creek?"

"Yes," Willa replied.

"Do I need a special pass? A uniform? A feathered bonnet?"

Willa laughed, realizing I was teasing her. The green eyes lit up with relief that our previous encounter was not held against her.

"You may wear a feathered bonnet if you wish, but a suit would be sufficient."

"What time?" I inquired.

"Just after the midday bell."

"Please tell Queen Kassandra that I look forward to our meeting."

Willa disappeared back into the trees. As word spread, many brought me special clothes, boots, hats, belts, necklaces, and even a feathered bonnet. Faralto loaned me an embroidered shirt from the Hawk Tribe. It was really comfortable. His wife added yellow laces to my boots. Ventra had a leather knife sheath sent by a nervous messenger, though I hadn't planned on taking any weapons. I did wear the purple scarf Allandra gave me on our wedding night.

When the bell rang, I rode Vitty across the ford into the lower camp of the Fox Tribe. The Fox women, all dressed in their war leathers, lined up to watch me pass. When I reached the Wolf camp, I dismounted, walking with Ventra and Ota. True, Lydia, and Kyla followed, forming an honor guard.

The pavilion stood ten meters tall, fifteen meters wide, and thirty meters long, supported by a sturdy wood frame. The powder blue canvas was stitched with swirling black patterns. The interior was carpeted in areas with rushes in others. All five queens, their councilors, war leaders, medicine women, and many senior warriors were present. About eighty in all. I saw Allandra sitting on a podium, her chair the farthest on the right. Champion, Jenni, and Deena stood close behind her. Queen Kassandra sat in the center.

"Welcome, Lord Tenay," Kassandra said, rising slowly. "We have been made aware of your presence in our lands this last year."

The Bear Queen was tall, almost my height, with broad shoulders, long legs, reddish brown hair and green eyes. Her posture bespoke power.

"Thank you, great queen. It's an honor to be here," I replied with a bow.

"You told my sisters you came searching for a comet," Kassandra said.

"It was a metaphor for the savages. I did not wish to raise unnecessary alarm if none was called for."

"And what do you think now?" she asked.

"I think we need to investigate the Blue Mountain passes more carefully," I answered.

"My scouts have been busy at this," Kassandra responded. "The implication is the spring may bring a large migration. What would you make of that?"

"What any army must consider when faced with a formidable enemy. Fight or fly."

"We will not fly!" Queen Lorrie of the Fox Tribe declared. The women shouted, rattling their swords and pounding their spears.

"I have never been good at fleeing, either," I confessed. "Though such courage comes with a price."

"They say you are a warrior of long experience," Queen Lorrie questioned.

"Thirty-three years," I confirmed. "Including service with the 2nd and 5th Imperial Legions."

"I wish to speak with you of this," Kassandra said.

"I am at your command," I offered.

The queens and war leaders retired to a private tent. I briefly took Allandra in my arms for a deep kiss. We were not secret about it.

"My husband, you have no weapons," she said.

"It seemed best not to bring any," I replied.

She turned to Ota for a hunting knife and put it in my sheath. Then she took a sword from Ventra, attaching it to my belt.

"There, now you look like the husband of a queen," Allandra said, turning to Kassandra with defiance. Bolinett, the Hawk Queen, smiled. The other two did not. But none demanded I give the weapons back.

As we left the large pavilion, I noticed Ota remaining behind. She was not a war leader.

"Ota, the traditions of the forest tribes are new to me. Would you act as my advisor?" I requested. She looked surprised, but when no objections were raised, she joined us.

The war tent was smaller, filled with banners, maps, and a planning table. An iron stove in the corner kept the tent warm.

"You have met my war leader? Willa?" Kassandra asked.

"Not officially," I replied, nodding.

"Willa is also our chief scout," Kassandra continued. "No one knows these lands like she does. Her women have been busy."

"There are three passes of interest," Willa said, pointing at a map. "Two are at the headwaters of the Little Mother. One path leads along the river. Another through Clover Valley. The third is farther north toward the Great Mother. Both rivers are easily crossed in the early spring. Keeping a migration from our lands will be difficult."

"How many savages do you suspect?" I inquired.

"We don't know. Another scout is required, up Plum Run to Moon Peak."

Willa pointed out the locations, and the trails. She knew her business. And I knew mine. I leaned over, studying carefully and asking many questions.

"You have done this before," Willa observed.

"In my youth, I was a scout for the 105th Forward Division," I replied. "It was my profession, and though I don't wish to be boastful, I was very good at my job."

"What do these maps tell you?" Ota asked.

"If the savages number less than two thousand, you can defeat them. If the numbers are larger, success is questionable," I concluded.

"We are eight hundred strong," Queen Lorrie said. Her lands were the most directly affected, being in the northeast.

"What has Champion told you?" I asked. Guilty looks were exchanged.

"That we fight like eight hundred women, not an army," Queen Rapelle of the Lynx Tribe answered.

"But fight we will," Kassandra insisted.

"Ventra, have you said anything of this?" I questioned.

"Ota and I have been sharing our knowledge learned over the winter, and the Hawk know our methods, too. Thanks to your daughters," Ventra said.

"Queen Kassandra, and all of you gracious enough to seek my opinion. If I am to be helpful, I must speak what I know to be true."

I paused. Waiting.

"Speak," Kassandra granted.

"Do you have ale?" I requested.

A rich brown brew was quickly shared, the queens served first, then myself along with the war leaders. I glanced at Allandra, having encouraged her not to drink too much while she was with child. My young bride was excited by her husband's acceptance among such esteemed company.

"I was an Imperial Legionnaire," I explained. "I've fought more battles than there are women in the Wolf Tribe. In the Legion, we fight as a unit, with each warrior knowing their duty and willing to die rather than fail. I can teach you this way of fighting. So can Ventra, Ota, Champion, Jenni, and Deena. Without such strategy, I'm afraid you may encounter tragic losses."

"Can you describe how these losses would come about?" the Lynx queen asked.

"No, don't," Willa said. "Tell us how these losses can be avoided."

"With permission of the queens, I will sit down with the war leaders and explain what needs to be done," I agreed. "Once the training has started, I would like to join the scout to Moon Peak. I have been ferreting out enemy strength all my life. They will have no secrets from me."

The tent grew quiet. Ventra gave me a look. Then Ota. The women needed to discuss their options among themselves.

"Great queens, this has been a wonderful privilege," I announced. "If you require more from me, I am at your service."

I gave Allandra a kiss and departed. Champion waited outside.

"What happened, father?" she asked.

"We're going to scout Moon Peak. I would like Deena to assemble a medical corps. Tents, transport, supplies, and nurses. She likes that. I want Jenni to develop training schedules with Ventra. She's an excellent organizer."

"What about me?" Champion said.

"I was hoping you'd join me on the scout."

* * * * * *

"This is bad, isn't it?" Willa said, hunched down on a cliff next to me. Champion was close. Twenty more women with our horses remained hidden in a gully below us.

"It's very bad," I confirmed.

"How many?" Willa asked.

"Between six and seven thousand," I said.

"Spring has begun and they are still here," Champion observed.

"Yes. This isn't their normal pattern," I said. "They're giving their adolescents a few more weeks to mature before marching."

"They would only do that if they are moving in mass," Champion guessed.

"A generational event. There is evidence they've done it before," Willa said.

"Once out of White Stone Pass, they'll move west in a horde," I agreed. "We need to alert the river valley and the Lower Reach."

"The savages won't go there until they've overrun our lands first," Willa protested.

"I don't want that, but stopping them is going to be hard," I warned.

"Then it will be hard," Willa insisted.

It took seven days to return to the gathering. I made note of the trails, possible routes the savages might take, and estimations of the weather. Rain may have been slowing the migration, but it wouldn't for much longer.

"What did you find?" Ventra asked as we entered Wolf camp.

"Nothing good, my sister. May we speak with Cathie and Ota?"

"Of course," Ventra agreed.

My map was hand-drawn. Not as good as Willa's, but enough to describe the situation.

"They can spill down in any of three directions, or all three," I said. "If we divide our forces to cover all the routes, none will be strong enough. And we don't have much time to prepare. Three weeks. Four, at most."

"What if they come as a single horde, and we scout their route?" Ota asked.

"Seven thousand savages against eight hundred warriors? It would be a massacre," I replied.

"We cannot run," Ota said. "When the savages spread out across our lands, our hunting grounds will be destroyed. Crops devastated. It would take years to drive them away. Years and years."

"I know this, but what choice is there?" I said. "The river towns have forts at The Fork that will protect them, for a time. But eventually the savages will infiltrate their settlements as well. I'm sending them warning, but there isn't enough time for them to help."

"Give us your best training," Cathie said. "Show us how to fight them."

"The Wolf Tribe is well trained," I replied. "From what I see, the Hawk Tribe is even better trained. But that leaves five hundred warriors who aren't."

"But there is a solution. We know that," Cathie said.

"I've thought about it all the way back, and still haven't found one," I confessed.

"We will talk with our sisters. Train day and night," Whinny said. "When your lands were in danger, did the legions surrender to their enemies?"

"No," I answered.

"Then think of us as your legion," Ventra insisted. "My brother, we have faith in you. You must have faith in us."

* * * * * *

My sleep was fitful. Battles of the past kept coming back. Desperate struggles. Lost comrades. There was no way the warrior women could stop such a multitude, nor would they run. It was impossible. My imagination stirred up images of death spread across a forlorn battlefield. And then a ghost rose from the past.

"Use the land. Quinten, use the land. The land. The land."

It was the voice of Centurion Marcus Vallus, who I had scouted for as a teenager with the 2nd Legion. The commander who awarded me for holding the breach at Kertan. A wise man, and a mentor. The land. What did it mean?

I woke up, rolling out of my furs. The land!

"Lord Tenay, what is it?" Jared asked as I was saddling Vitty. "Is something wrong?"

"Going to find Willa," I said.

"I will go with you."

"Hurry," I said with no patience to argue.

We splashed across the creek. A sentry challenged us.

"It's Tenay and Jared," I said. "We're riding to the map tent. Have Willa meet us there. Tell her it's important."

When Willa arrived, sleepy from the predawn summons, she found the tent fully lit, the stove burning to keep away the chill. Maps were spread out on the table.

"What is this male doing here?" Willa asked, pointing to Jared.

"I don't have time for nonsense, war leader," I replied. "The land between the Little Mother and Rock Creek narrows below Clover Valley, doesn't it?"

"It's a well-used trail," Willa confirmed.

"If moving along Rock Creek, the savages would come due west. From there, could they cross the Little Mother to the south?"

"Yes, but the Little Mother rises there. They would likely turn north."

"Toward the Big Mother River?" I inquired.

"There is another river first. The Llanero. There is a ford above Raven Falls," Willa explained, pointing at her map. "Very shallow with rocks to crawl over. They've used it before. From the Llanero, they will be able to spread out across the upper plains."

"What are these areas? Here, near the falls?" I asked, indicating open ground.

"Those are three pastures," Willa said, tracing the lines with her finger. "On the south side, the first pasture drops down to the lower end of Rock Creek below the rapids. From there, the trails diverge to the lands of the Wolf. If the savages don't go down to Rock Creek, they would turn north instead into this second pasture."

Willa adjusted the maps. They were very detailed. With her skills, Willa could easily have served the Legion as an intelligence officer.

"The second pasture is always thick with grass," Willa explained. "Elk and deer graze there. Good hunting. The third pasture is the largest. Mostly flat. The trail leads to the ford above Raven Falls. From there, the savages can cross into the lands of the Lynx, Bear, Fox, and Hawk."

"What is this? This marking?" I said.

"Those are cliffs. The third pasture is bordered by steep cliffs on the west," Willa replied.

"How steep are these cliffs?" I asked.

"Hundreds of feet," Willa said. "Straight down."

* * * * * *

Chapter Seventeen

The Battle of Three Pastures

The queens, war leaders, counselors, and warrior women gathered outside the large pavilion at midday. Willa had painted a map on the side of the tent large enough for all to see. I dressed in my best leathers, the legion sword on my belt, and a pointer in my hand.

"I believe the savages can be defeated, but it will involve great effort by all of us," I introduced. "Not just the warriors, but the archers and camp followers, too. Everyone. A force must be stationed here, at the far edge of the first pasture. Their job will be to prevent the savages from going down the hill to the lower end of Rock Creek. Another unit will be stationed on their flank waving bright colored banners. Their job is to draw the savages off the first position into the second pasture. A third force, in the second pasture, will act as bait, luring the enemy down into the third pasture. The final post will be the hardest. Those stationed there must block the ford above Raven Falls long enough for the savages to bunch up."

"How can they hold back so many?" Ota asked.

"They won't need to hold them for long," I answered. "We are going to erect flagpoles along the edge of the cliffs. Seven of them. With the biggest, brightest flags we can make. Once the savages are drawn to the third pasture, the flags will be unfurled. While the savages are turning toward the flags, the rest of the army will come down from the upper pastures behind them, forming up on the force protecting the ford. There they will lock shields, and supported by the archers, drive the savages off the cliff."

"What will happen after they've torn the flags down? Will we have so much time?" the Hawk queen asked.

"That is a good question. We need to practice the movements from start to finish. Over and over again. Mounted officers will coordinate. The queens and war leaders need to decide what assignments they will take."

"Protecting the ford is the toughest assignment?" Queen Kassandra questioned.

"Without doubt," I replied.

"Then that is where the Bear Tribe will fight," Kassandra declared.

"The Hawk will block the upper trail. The savages will not reach Rock Creek," Bolinett said.

"The Fox are fast and strong. We will draw the savages away from our Hawk sisters down into the middle pasture," Queen Lorrie said.

"And the Lynx will make sure the savages continue to the lower pasture," Queen Rapelle announced.

"The Wolf have the fewest numbers, but the most training in this new fighting," Allandra said. "We will move from pasture to pasture, standing shoulder to shoulder with our sisters."

"You are too large with child to fight," Kassandra remarked, making everyone laugh.

"As my husband has said," Allandra shyly confirmed. "He puts me in charge of the infirmary. He says warriors trying to decline treatment will not disobey a queen."

"He is smarter than most males," Queen Rapelle granted, getting more laughs.

"What of you, Tenay? Are you in command?" Bolinett asked.

"No, noble queen. I have another assignment. I suggest Queen Kassandra take command. As the savages diverge toward the cliffs, her blocking force will need to spread out and link with the units coming down from the upper pastures. It's a complicated and critical operation."

"Tenay, how do you know the savages will come in force to these pastures?" Queen Rapelle asked.

"It will be the only passage open to them. This morning, my daughters and half of the Wolf Tribe went to burn the brush in Craggy Canyon and the weeds in Dry Meadows. The trail leading down along Rock Creek will be the only one green enough to attract the savages."

"You mention archers. Women archers?" Queen Bolinett inquired.

"All of the archers, women and men. They will form a second line behind the shield carriers, and when they run out of arrows, they will use spears," I said. "As the savages move north, the camp followers will scour the battlefield for undamaged arrows, return them to the archers, and cut the throats of wounded enemies."

"No, that can't be," Bolinett objected. "War is for warriors only."

"War is for those with the need for victory," I countered. "Without archers, and spears, and scavengers, you will not win this fight. You don't have the numbers. If anyone here has a better strategy, now is the time to speak."

"Tenay may be right, but we must discuss this," Kassandra said. "Queens and war leaders, let us meet in my tent."

Though I doubted they were foolish enough to dismiss my plan, I did consider taking Allandra and my daughters back to Twin Forks. Protected by steep bluffs on two sides, I'd only need to build a fortified moat across the lower range.

I did not waste time waiting for Kassandra's decision. Riding back to the followers' camp, I called Faralto, Jared, and the other leaders. Some were women who had never been warriors, normally in charge of cooking or laundry.

"We are preparing for battle," I said, getting up on a log for all to see. My audience numbered about two hundred. "Everyone is called. Those who can't serve in the field will staff the hospital. We must have more arrows. Thousands. Put the blacksmiths to work. Melt down everything we don't need for arrowheads. Start making bandages. Gather ointments. Archers, you will train four hours a day with your bows, four hours on deployment, and two hours with spears. Short range targets, maximum impact. Faralto, will you take command?"

"Will this be permitted?" Faralto asked.

"That wasn't my question," I replied.

"Yes, I will train the archers," Faralto agreed.

"Get to work. Now. Don't stop for anything. We have two weeks to prepare. Maybe three, if we're lucky," I said.

"The rumors are true? The savages are coming?" an old woman asked.

"They are coming, mother. A horde like we've not seen before. But have no fear. The warriors are preparing. I am preparing. Remember, we fight for our land against a terrible enemy. May I depend on your dedication? May I call upon your courage?"

My audience was silent, at first. Stunned. Such a request was beyond their experience.

"We will fight for you!" Jared yelled, jumping up and waving a spear. "For Tenay! For Tenay!"

"Tenay! Tenay!" more began to chant. I raised my arms.

"My friends, you will be fighting for your homes. For your families. For your queens," I corrected. "But thank you for your confidence. Follow your instructors. Support the warriors. Pay homage to the gods."

Later that afternoon, I heard new activity across the creek. A large meadow had been cleared for a training ground. Ota was shouting orders. A rider approached.

"Tenay, you are summoned," the messenger said, leaving just as quickly.

I rode Vitty to the meadow, finding the tribes lined up in battle formation. Women from the Wolf and Hawk tribes were acting as drill sergeants. All of the queens, except Allandra, stood at the head of their ranks, learning what their warriors were learning. Kassandra came forward.

"Tenay, our scouts leave no doubt of the danger we face," Kassandra said. "And we have no doubt that a warrior of long experience is needed." She paused, finding it hard to continue.

"Kassandra, say it," Queen Bolinett urged.

"We ask you to lead us in battle," Kassandra said. The women grew quiet.

"As I have said, there is but one way to win this fight. Do you accept my counsel?" I asked.

"We do," Kassandra agreed.

"Thank you, Bear Queen," I replied. "Know that I may not lead you. Queen Kassandra is better qualified for field command than I. But together we will prevail. There is the story of an ancient Roman general named Suetonius. Savages overran the civilized lands of a far island. Raping, burning, and murdering. He raised an army of ten thousand steady legionnaires with courage, training, and discipline. And with this army, he defeated two hundred thousand bloodthirsty barbarians. We can do that here, and I am privileged to stand with you."

We remained on the training grounds for eight days awaiting the return of Champion and her raiders. They rode in before sunset, tired but excited.

"It went as you wanted, father," Jenni said, her long hair scorched at the ends.

"They cannot use the canyon, or the meadows," Deena confirmed. "They must come down Rock Creek."

"We have scouts on Eagle Peak," Champion advised. "They will provide two days warning."

"This is wonderful news, my daughters," I said, giving hugs. "We're moving to Three Pastures in the morning. Let's have a meal together. Allandra will want to see you."

The entire camp moved to the proposed battlefield. It was as Willa reported. A long stretch of trail had Rock Creek on the left, steep bluffs on the right. Deer herds and nut trees would attract the savages. As the creek turned into rapids and dropped into a deep gorge, the trail rose to an upper pasture. That would be our first position. A steep trail led back down to Rock Creek, which we would block. To the north, a gradual slope dropped into the second pasture a hundred yards away.

I briefly considered taking a stand at the trail head, as Leonidas had done at Thermopylae. But once the savage march was held up, the horde would spill over the bluffs and go around the obstacle, as Xerxes' Persians had done using the traitor Ephialtes' goat trail. No, I decided, better to have a force guarding the western route, forcing the savages into the second pasture. The path of least resistance.

The second pasture was larger. Filled with spring flowers and wildlife. Thick woods to the left, deep rocky gullies on the right behind a tangled line of trees. The savages would be herded through, attracted by colorful banners. Warriors stationed in the trees behind briar patches would stop stragglers from veering off the trail.

The third pasture was by far the largest. Jumbled trees still ran along the deep gullies on the right, beyond which there was a meadow where we'd make our camp. Ahead, the trail crossed a ford at the top of a waterfall. From there, the rich lands of the Big Mother River basin were only two days away. On my left, two hundred yards across a broad meadow, I heard a river.

"Here are your cliffs," Willa said, riding with me while the war leaders followed on their best horses.

We dismounted to make an inspection. I looked down. It was a straight drop several hundred feet to a rock covered beach. Churning rapids below the waterfall were deadly. No escape.

"We'll place the flagpoles along this ledge," I said. "Seven of them. Erect a fighting platform at the bottom of the center pole."

"A fighting platform?" Ventra asked.

"The savages will encounter their first opposition up there," I said, pointing toward the first pasture we couldn't see. "They'll pour down through the second pasture in ragged groups, and then Kassandra's warriors will block them from the ford. Hundreds will bunch up, and then thousands. When the flags are unfurled, the savages will turn toward the banners."

I walked the ground through knee-deep grasses, estimating distances. Sensing their movements.

"Once they are moving toward the cliffs, Kassandra will spread out behind them. Warriors from the first two meadows will form up on her flank, but it will take time. Before the Hawk and Lynx can close the trap, the flags will already be torn down. All except this one, in the middle. It will keep their attention for a few extra minutes."

"The warriors guarding this flag will be surrounded by countless savages," Willa said.

"There will be no warriors here, only me," I replied.

"Only you?" Ventra questioned.

"Only one is needed," I explained.

"Tenay, you will die," Ventra warned.

"Nothing is foretold, sister," I replied. "Only the gods know when my time will come, and Minerva has always been kind."

"We should draw straws," Willa insisted.

"This position requires more than skill, it requires endurance," I responded. "No one is better qualified for this post than I. It's my responsibility."

"There must be another way," Ota said.

"There are many other ways, and they all involve putting hundreds at risk. Maybe the entire army, and I won't do that. I've struggled all year for a plan to stop the savages, and I finally have one. Now everyone needs to do their job, and let me do mine."

We trained every day. All day. Each tribe in formation supported with archers and spears. We practiced moving down through the pastures following the horde, stooping to slay the wounded and recovering arrows. Kassandra's force, easily the largest, set their lines over and over, transitioning from a blocking force to encirclement. Officers coordinated the movements, shouting orders. None shouted louder than I. Each night, instead of ale, I was drinking honey to sooth my sore throat.

My daughters were unhappy with my plan. Each evening, we gathered under an oak tree for a meal. I would not be dissuaded, though their entreaties cheered my heart. We spoke often of plans to enlarge our ranch and expand the town.

"Daughters, I expect Minerva to see me through," I hopefully confided. "But if I am to join my brothers-gone-before, there is something you must do for me."

"Anything, father," Deena said.

"You must go to Middle Town and study medicine with Jaspolea. That has always been your dream," I said. "Jenni, you love animals. Study at Airon's clinic. But warn him. If he ever mistreats you, I will come back to settle accounts."

"Yes, father," Jenni agreed.

"Champion, you have hated injustice since your father was murdered and they stole your horses," I continued. "The Rangers keep the peace, but they are not constables. Recruit sheriffs of good character to establish law and order in the river valley."

"It will be as you say, father," Champion promised, taking my hand. "Please understand how much we love you."

"There is one last thing," I said.

"Allandra?" Jenni asked. "Don't worry, father. We will not fail her, or you, or your child."

"You are my strength, daughters," I gratefully replied.

Allandra and I shared her tent. She was trying to be brave, snuggling close and whispering encouragement. I knew my daughters were strong, but worried about my wife. It was the only part of my plan that caused me regret. Fortunately, Cathie was always nearby. I gave what comfort I could but needed to maintain a distance. In desperate battle, a soldier must not be distracted.

The separation between the women's camps and men's camps was still there, but less distinct. Whether it would last beyond the battle, I didn't know. I did notice Kayla and Jared spending a lot of time together, and remembered Jared's pledge to marry her. I hoped they would get the chance.

Bells rang. The horde was near, and on the path I'd chosen. Weapons were prepared. Final dispositions made. Goodbyes said, and unsaid.

The evening before the battle, I went to the ford above Raven Falls for a ritual cleansing. Knowing what was to come, I would not enter the next world unprepared. There was no hope of proper oils or candles, either for the cleansing or a funeral, though I doubted there would be much left for the pyre. It was not a great loss. Many of my brothers had departed the world as bleached bones on distant battlefields. I did not beg for Minerva's mercy, only her strength.

The morning dawned cool and cloudy, only a few traces of sun on the eastern horizon. Such a day as the savages thrive on.

"Here they come," Ventra said.

The Hawk and Wolf Tribes stood at the west end of the first pasture, the trail dropping down behind them. Half of the archers and all of the camp followers were in the nearby trees, ready to engage. To our left, at the mouth of the second pasture, the Fox were ready to wave their bright red and yellow flags.

"Prepare!" Queen Bolinett shouted, raising her sword. She held the difficult right flank, where the ground dropped off a ledge to the lower end of the creek. Champion, Jenni, and Deena formed the center. They would anchor the line, having fought side-by-side since childhood. The Hawk war leader led the left flank, responsible for coordinating the archers. When it was time to break ranks and pursue, she would give the order.

I sat behind the front line on Vitty, watching. My heavy leather outfit was reinforced with iron rivets. A high collar protected my throat. A steel cap would stop my scalp from being torn open. For a time. A score of savages appeared at the top of the trail, looking this way and that. Then more. Fifty. A hundred. They saw the shining swords of the warriors and rushed forward.

"Arahgah! Arahgah!" they screamed, looking angry and fierce.

The first clash was ferocious. Claws and fangs, shields and steel. The archers let loose, sixty arrows ripping into the attack. Then sixty more. I heard Champion shouting above the fray, encouraging the women on. The shield wall held, dozens of savages piling up at their feet.

Drums beat from our left. Flags were waved. Women on horseback rode back and forth, attracting attention as more savages came up the trail. The horde began to turn. The Hawk and Wolf warriors continued cutting down those before them. The pressure lessened. I wished to praise those women for their brave stand, but there was no time. I rode north along the periphery, pushing Vitty to a gallop just a few steps before the ravaging throng. I continued down through the second pasture. It wasn't my station. The Lynx had their banners ready. Up ahead, I saw Kassandra preparing her cohort to accept the brunt of the attack. It was going to be brutal.

Vitty took me to the middle flagpole where I dismounted, and then I slapped his rump.

"Champion. Find Champion," I ordered, making my old companion go away.

The platform was just off the ground. Enough to give me height without losing access to my opponents. I drew my short sword and long knife, declining a shield. Only swift moves would keep the savages at bay.

The Lynx riders appeared at the mouth of the pasture shouting and waving their flags. They were quickly followed by hundreds, and then by thousands of savages. Grunting. Screeching. Thrashing. It was truly a fearsome sight.

The first wave struck hard into Kassandra's shield wall, and another wave after that. The Lynx riders dismounted to hold the flanks. Arrows began to fly. Spears were pushed between the ranks, making it harder for the savages to close. Kassandra was on her horse, riding up and down the line shouting orders, and when the center began to waver, she jumped down to enter the fray, her sword strong.

With most of the savages now drawn into the lower pasture, it was time to spring the trap. I pulled on ropes strung from pole to pole, loosening lines to unfurl the flags. A wind picked up from the river below, causing the large blue, yellow, and red banners to flap in the breeze. A few savages took notice, and then more. As was their way, once the leaders turned, the rest began to follow.

I took position at the center pole. It would take twenty minutes for the warrior women to come down from the upper pastures. It would only take ten minutes for the savages to tear down the flags.

The first savage to reach me lost his head. So did the second. I was not yet the focus of their attack, but soon would be. I slashed left and right, carefully. Methodically. No wasted motion. The platform helped, with only a few of them able to reach me at a time.

The numbers increased. I glanced up to see warriors far to my right. Women on foot were emerging from the trees. Just like we trained for. The archers would be close behind. The entrapping force was being ignored by our enemies, the flags more enticing.

Savages continued to fall before me, beginning to stack up, some still withering in their death throes. I hacked downward, taking off claws that might prove dangerous, and returned to their heads, swinging with precision. Kassandra's line began to spread out. Soon they would link with the Fox and Lynx tribes. Wolf warriors were regrouping, drawing the Hawks to their left flank.

The flags to my left disappeared, and then the ones on the right, the poles overrun and toppled. Savages fought over the shredded cloth, ripping and tearing. Two bright red and yellow banners continued to flap above me. The enemy began to coalesce. I climbed up on the dead, seeking to keep my balance, striking with all my skill. And then there was a major push. Vicious. Frantic. Overwhelming.

This was it. My army needed five more minutes, and I was going to give it to them. I fought with everything I had. Everything I'd learned. Everything I believed. Once again, I was the young warrior holding back the foe in the breach at Kertan. The perfect warrior. Invincible. But I wasn't fighting for a piece of no man's land now. I was fighting for my wife, and child. My daughters. Ventra, and Kayla, Lydia and True, and all the women who'd put their faith in me. I cried out to Minerva for one last moment of strength, and in her name, I sensed the power of the gods.

On the far side of the pasture, the lines had linked. Eight hundred warriors with steady shields, ably supported by archers and spears, could now move forward methodically, one step at a time, and drive the savages off the cliff. All they needed was discipline.

Time had grown meaningless, every movement, every breath, measured in seconds. The enemy was relentless, and at last, I began to tire. A claw slipped past my defense. Another. The helmet was torn from my head. Blood filled my eyes that took a precious gesture to shake away. I struggled on, knowing this was the end. But if this was my final battle, I would go down giving everything I had. Asking no mercy and giving none.

"The 5th!" I shouted, striking one last blow. "The 5th! The 5th!"

I felt something strange. Suddenly, I was no longer on the battlefield. The sound and fury was gone. My torn leather outfit was mended. No, it wasn't my outfit. It was the uniform I'd worn as a young sergeant with the Legion. Clean and pressed, with leather boots and a silver belt. A Medal of Valor hung around my neck. I was walking up a long staircase. A marble staircase. A temple glistened in the morning sun.

The portico held statues of the gods. Jupiter. Mars. Apollo. Minerva. There were two tall wooden doors. They opened. I approached slowly, wondering. Before me, in a great hall, I saw familiar faces. Old comrades. Commanders. Men and women I'd known years before, now lost. They were drinking and singing. Tables were filled with platters of roast chicken, lamb shanks, mullet, and oysters. Bottles of wine. Pitchers of ale. The walls were decorated with flags and banners. A few of the revelers looked in my direction. And then more.

"Tenacious!" they hailed, raising their cups. "Tenacious! Tenacious! Tenacious!"

My heart filled with hesitant joy. Would I be allowed to enter?

I took a step, and another. Then an arm blocked me. I had last seen him in an arena surrounded by hundreds of barbarians.

"No," Commander Vallus said.

My spirit sank as I shrunk back.

"Wait, Quinten, do not despair," Vallus quickly said. "You will join us, someday, but not today. It is not your time."

I looked back into the Great Hall. Some were on their feet, waving their goblets. Others grinned and made faces. They were having a hearty laugh.

The hall disappeared. The temple was gone. All vanished. Once again I was among the savages, splitting heads and trying to catch my breath.

Though I could not see her, Kassandra had mounted her white stallion, riding up and down the line. With the savages moving away, the ground began to clear, allowing the warriors to reorganize. Before me, the pile of savage dead was growing. My blood-splattered sword sparkled in the morning sun.

"Do you see him, my sisters?" Kassandra yelled above the bedlam. "Do you see him? Behold the truest of warriors! In the campfires of a thousand years, you will never again see such glory! Oh, my brother, will you save no glory for me? Will you save no glory for your poor sister?"

Champion, Ventra, and Ota came up, also mounted. They were watching. The army was watching. Waiting for the order to advance. Kassandra saw that everything which could be done, had been done. It was all training now.

Across the field, they could see the savages swarming over me. Struggling. Grasping. Screeching for the flags just out of their reach. I continued to fight, but not for much longer.

"My sisters, I cannot bear it. Willa, take command," Kassandra ordered. "Carry on to victory, my women, carry on! I love you all!"

"My Queen, what are you saying?" Willa asked.

"Tenay must not have all the glory," Kassandra replied.

And with that, she turned her horse and charged into the enemy horde, trampling all that fell under those fearsome hoofs. With the savages facing toward the flags, most never saw her coming.

"Kassandra will not have all the glory," Champion decided, stirring her white stallion to follow.

"We were ordered to stay here," Willa said.

"Kassandra is not my queen," Champion replied, plunging into Kassandra's wake.

Ventra was instantly at her side, as was Ota, Rotanna, True, Lydia, and even Jared. The determined cavalry charge stomped their way over hundreds of scattering foes who were surprised to be suddenly assaulted from behind.

How I could strike another blow was beyond imagining, but I tried. A dozen cuts and slashes made me weak. My efforts were completely defensive now, and increasingly ineffective. And then a startling apparition appeared before me. A crimson goddess. Minerva?

The apparition disappeared, her horse knocking savages in every direction. More apparitions. Was that Champion? And Ventra? Then a hand reached out, grabbing my tunic, and I was pulled on the rump of a horse. It was Vitty. The rider was Jared. He clutched me with one arm while guiding Vitty with the other. We rode along the edge of the cliff, burst free of the horde, and galloped into the trees on the south flank. The army opened ranks as we stormed through and quickly closed. The last flag went down. The savages turned to see a wall of steel closing in on them.

* * * * * *

I found myself on the ground, behind the lines, lying against a tree. It was hard to move. Muscles didn't want to respond.

"Tenay, hold still," Floy said, tending my wounds. A painful liquid was being rubbed into my skin. One eye was covered with a bandage. I couldn't see the battle, but I could hear it.

"Where's my sword?" I asked, trying to get up. Ventra knelt next to me, pressing down to keep me still.

"Our women need me, but your day is done," she said. "You will stay here. Understand?"

"No," I replied. "Where is my sword?"

"Near the flagpole, trampled by a thousand savages," Ventra said. "Floy, have him moved to the infirmary when you can."

With that, she was gone. I struggled to follow.

"Tenay, you are bleeding like a stuck boar," Floy complained. "You would only be a burden on the battlefield."

That hurt. And it was true, for I'd thought the same of other injured soldiers who refused to leave the field.

"Where is Allandra?" I asked.

"Allandra is running the infirmary like a drill sergeant," Floy replied with pride. "She is truly a queen at last."

* * * * * *

Chapter Eighteen

A Wreath of Five Branches

I woke up in the late afternoon, on a cot, with my raw skin covered in lotions. I checked to make sure all of my body parts were intact. There was noise outside the tent. With great effort, I crawled from my bed wearing a loose cotton gown and looked out at the camp. Hundreds of women, their armor discarded, were preparing meals, washing blood-soaked clothes, and tending wounds. Men were allowed to help.

"My lord, you should not be on your feet," Jared said, attempting to guide me back inside.

"If I can stand, I can walk. How long was I asleep?" I asked.

"Since yesterday."

"We won the battle, didn't we?"

"Yes, my lord. A great victory," Jared said.

"Stop calling me my lord. Where is Allandra? Ventra? My daughters?"

"Relax, they are busy with important tasks. We moved the camp away from the pastures. There's been much to do."

I did try to relax, for all seemed well. Better than I could have hoped.

"How many did we lose?" I asked.

"The war leaders would know that. I think about twenty. And three archers."

"Twenty-three? How many savages were killed?"

"All that we've been able to find."

If Jared was correct, it was indeed a victory blessed by the gods. Even better than Hannibal could have done. I would seek to thank them at the first opportunity.

My instinct was to visit the camp. Half a step forward told me that wasn't going to happen. I felt dizzy, my legs stiff. I saw a broad green meadow, leafy oak trees, and scores of tents, but had no strength to explore.

It was dark when I woke again. An entire day later. I felt guilty lying around when there was work to do. Allandra sat on a stool next to me.

"At last. Can we talk now?" she asked.

"Why wouldn't I talk?"

"All you've done is mumble."

"Nothing disturbing, I hope."

"You are a man of the world," my young wife answered. "Until last night, I did not know how much."

That caused me to fall quiet. What had I spoken of? The dungeon at Arklow? The breach at Kertan? The brothels on Reginis III? Allandra smiled, seeming to read my mind. She was surprisingly intuitive for someone who had been so naïve seven months before.

"How did the Wolf tribe do in the battle?" I asked.

"We lost one warrior. Rellar. We would have lost Kayla, too, but Jared charged into the thickest of the enemy and rescued her. Everyone is speaking of it."

"How are you?" I asked.

"No one was attacking me."

"You were put in charge of a hospital where the wounded needed treatment. Or died. That must be hard."

"A queen does her duty, as a warrior does. I did not think about the rest."

"You're very brave," I complimented.

"I have the bravest of husbands. Hundreds of women want you in their furs."

"That's a bit much for one night," I replied.

Allandra had to think about that, and then burst into laughter. She lay down next to me, snuggling close.

"I was so scared. I thought I was going to lose you," she whispered.

"I did not want you to lose me, but I had a mission."

"Do you have a mission now?" she asked.

"Yes. To see you safely delivered with child, protected in every manner, and allowed to be happy."

"That's a good mission," Allandra sighed.

I had many visitors, but Floy kept them brief. Champion, Deena, and Jenni were covered in bruises but high in spirits. Whinny gave me an after-battle report. Cathie provided insight into relations between the tribes. Ventra and Ota walked the camps with pride, the Wolf Tribe acknowledged by all. Most thought me weak from injuries, though I felt fine. Mostly. By the third day I was standing again, with a cane.

Recovering from their wounds, Kayla and Jared shared a tent. An unprecedented situation, and not entirely popular. But the Wolves were adamant they be together if they wished. With my daughters supporting the Wolves, no one was foolish enough to deny them.

"We are to be mated," Kayla said as I paid a visit. Her arms and forehead were bandaged from claw injuries.

"Will you stand for me?" Jared asked.

"Your brothers should stand for you," I said.

"You are my brother," Jared insisted.

"I will stand for you," I agreed.

"Champion is going to stand for me," Kayla mentioned.

"Champion?" I inquired.

"After our mating, Jared and I are moving to Twin Forks," Kayla said. "Your daughters have offered us a cottage. We will raise sheep. And babies."

This could have profound implications. Warrior women had left the forest lands before, as Selena had. But just after a battle, it could signal a larger change. I would be returning to Twin Forks, as my daughters would. Some might wonder if living in a remote forest was the life they wanted.

I visited friends among the camp followers but had little to say. I was tired and walking was difficult. Floy refused to let me have ale for another day. The next morning, all of the women were gone, gathered on a hilltop where the bodies of their dead were burned. The three slain archers, all men, were buried under a cairn near the top of Raven Falls where travelers could pay homage.

"The banquet is tonight," Faralto said, sneaking a flask of rye whiskey into my tent.

"They have much to celebrate," I said, happy to take a sip.

"We have much to celebrate. All are invited. The men will be sitting in the outer ring. Allowed to watch. Five wreaths are being awarded."

"Wreaths?"

"Each tribe will award a wreath to the warrior found most valiant in the battle. Many believe your oldest daughter will win the Hawk wreath."

"Kassandra deserves a wreath," I said.

"A queen may not give herself a wreath. It would be mocked. Though all agree she deserves one. She was a war leader before becoming queen and fought many battles."

"My people give wreaths. And medallions. And great favors. To bask in glory is a fine thing."

"Were you much honored by your people?" Faralto asked.

"For a time," I replied.

I rested most of the afternoon. At sunset, I emerged into a busy camp. My sword, recovered from the battlefield, hung in my tent, though I had no need for it now.

Given a plate of roast duck and boiled greens, I found the ceremony getting started. A thousand people gathered in a meadow surrounded by torches. The men sat in a semicircle around a wide stage. Junior warriors formed a second ring, and senior warriors the inner ring. The stage held five chairs and five poles, a wreath mounted on each pole. It was a boisterous celebration filled with drinking, chatter, and good humor. Someone handed me a cup of ale and I sat down among the men.

"Faralto. Jared. How fare my brothers?" I asked.

They looked at me strangely.

"Tenay! What are you doing?" Ota said, suddenly standing over me with her hands on her hips.

"Drinking ale," I replied, glancing around to see if Floy was nearby.

"Do you seek to embarrass our tribe?" Ota asked. "You must sit with the warriors."

I stood up with a groan, following Ota toward the stage. The war leaders were milling around but the queens had not arrived. I saw True, Lydia, and Ferr sitting together. Trying not to moan, I plopped down next to them.

"Have you more ale?" I asked.

"More than you can drink, old man," True replied, snickering as she poured.

"Tenay!" Ota shouted again, having come back for me. "What are you doing here? Seeking more embarrassment?"

"What is it now, cousin?" I asked.

"Come, you belong among the senior warriors," she demanded.

With another groan, I got up with the help of my cane, limping toward the front. Ota would not let me stop until I was seated near Kestra and Whinny. Many were laughing at my discomfort.

The show began. Bonfires lit. The queens appeared on stage, Kassandra in the middle, Bolinett and Rapelle to her left, Lorrie to her right. There were cheers. Allandra came last, needing help to get up on the stage. Musical instruments played. Drums beat. A horn sounded. The war leaders went to sit with their tribes, Ventra finding a spot next to me.

"How do you fare, my brother?" Ventra asked.

"Excellent, my sister. How are you?"

"Feeling blessed. We have waited all our lives for such a ceremony," she answered.

"You haven't done this before?" I asked.

"It's been a generation since five wreaths were offered at the same time," she explained.

I sensed all of the women were excited. And relieved, for the savages had been a formidable threat. Kassandra walked to the edge of the platform wearing a golden outfit, her hands raised.

"Warriors, let us thank the Goddess for our victory, for our lands, and for our sisterhood," she said loud enough for all to hear. Prayers of thanks were whispered. I thought of the many blessings Minerva had bestowed on me.

"Our victory is not without sadness. Let the names be heard," Kassandra continued.

One by one, each war leader stood to give the names of the fallen. The Bear tribe had the most with twelve. The Hawk and Wolf only one each. I noticed my daughters sitting in the front row with the Hawks. I hadn't seen the entire battle in the upper pasture, but enough to know they'd acquitted themselves well.

"Tonight, we award five wreaths," Kassandra said at the conclusion of the memorial. "Birch for the Hawk, pine for the Lynx, maple for the Fox, elm for the Wolf, and hickory for the Bear. We also have a special wreath. One woven of all five branches. A singular reward for a singular achievement."

Kassandra held up the wreath and walked along the edge of the stage, showing it to every tribe. She paused, letting the suspense build.

"Now tell me, warriors, who should have this unique honor?" she asked.

"Tenay!" the women shouted, many jumping to their feet. "Tenay! Tenay!"

I tried to duck down, but Ventra and Ota led me forward. Apparently they knew this would happen. The cheering continued. Several women helped me up on stage, my legs still weak. Kassandra asked no questions. She turned me to face the warriors.

"Tenay, most of us would not be here tonight if not for you," Kassandra said. "Do not think we don't know, and never think we will forget."

She placed the wreath on my head. The cheering lasted several more minutes. I wanted to say something clever, but couldn't utter a word. Cathie finally came to draw me back. Kassandra retook center stage.

"As it was Tenay who created our battle plan, and witnessed its execution, the war leaders have decided he will award the victory wreaths. Are their objections?"

"No, no," the women responded.

This was going to be awkward, but I didn't see a way to gracefully decline. I went to the five poles holding the wreaths, and mumbled.

"Speak up, father!" Jenni yelled from the front row.

"Full sentences!" Deena shouted. They were having great fun at my expense.

"Queen Kassandra, I will do this for you, if you do something for me," I said.

"What is that?" she asked.

"Bring me more ale."

I picked up the first wreath. The birch vines of the Hawk tribe. I had no doubt that Champion deserved it, having seen her at the forefront, but could not award it to my own daughter. And she wouldn't want me to.

"Belinda," I announced, offering the prize to the Hawk war leader. She had held the difficult left flank, a crucial strategic point. The warrior, now beginning to show her age at forty-five, rushed up to accept. As I placed the wreath on her brow, the women cheered. It was the highlight of a distinguished career, and much deserved. Champion nodded to me with approval.

The Lynx wreath was next. They had drawn the savages from the upper pasture down into the trap where they met their end. All were brave, but one warrior in particular had ridden her horse perilously close to the enemy, waving her flag and shouting defiance. They had come near enough to tear off a piece of her leg, providing a permanent limp. Perhaps the end of her fighting days. She would not retire without recognition.

"Adelita," I announced. Surprised and overwhelmed, the junior warrior was helped to the stage, standing on crutches as I placed the wreath upon her head. The Lynx surged forward to throw flowers.

"You helped win this fight. Enjoy the glory," I said. Adelita was too overcome to reply, going to sit at the foot of her queen.

The Wolf tribe came next. The wreath of elm branches. Both Ventra and Ota had fought with undaunted courage. Perhaps Ventra a bit better. But she was my sister, and the rivalry between the cousins would be worsened by a bad choice. I looked to Ventra, who acknowledged my thoughts.

"Ota!" I announced.

"Me? Me?" Ota said. She leaped on the stage, no easy feat, and trembled with anticipation as I delivered her prize. The Wolf women applauded.

"Thank you, brother. Thank you," she said.

"I do not deserve thanks, sister. This is well earned," I replied.

She received the homage of the five tribes and went to stand by Allandra, still shaking with joy. Ventra may be war leader, but it was Ota who wore the wreath.

"The Fox had a difficult assignment," I said. "To pursue the savages down into the lower pasture while forming up on the Bear left flank, then stretching their line to meet the arriving Hawks. Had this failed, the result would have been disaster. Many deserve credit for this superbly executed maneuver, but it is ultimately the war leader who must take responsibility. Wraith, war leader of the Fox, come forward."

She was also an older warrior past her prime, but she'd risen to the occasion, adjusting the lines and plugging gaps where needed. No easy task among such chaos.

"Your sword was good, sister," I complimented. "But your devotion to the mission gave us victory."

"Thank you, Tenay," Wraith said, retiring to stand near Queen Lorrie. Only one wreath remained. The hickory of the Bear. I took it from the pole and walked to the edge of the stage, holding it up for all to see.

"You have honored me to decide these wreaths," I said. "It is a great responsibility born of long tradition, and one I would not fail. But neither may I fail my conscience. I may have been alert to the savage threat, and found a way to defeat them, but my role was small compared to the leader who brought us together. A leader who showed faith in my vision despite many doubts. And who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with all who braved the field."

I turned and walked back toward the five queens, raising the wreath.

"Queen Kassandra, come forward. You are the hero of Three Pastures," I announced.

"By the Goddess, no queen may give herself such an honor," Kassandra objected.

"It is not you who gives this honor, it is your people," I replied.

I brought her to center stage and placed the wreath on her brow. All were on their feet cheering, even the men. Tears appeared in Kassandra's eyes.

* * * * * *

The bones of the savage dead were left on the battlefield. Food for scavengers. The gathering lasted twenty more days as the wounded were tended and supplies gathered for the march home. Kayla and Jared were mated in an elaborate ceremony. We returned to the Wolf lands as spring began to wane.

"What is this?" Allandra asked as we rode into Willowtown.

"You will not be giving birth in that decrepit old fort," Stam said. "Arl and I have built this cottage for you."

The village was bustling, and much larger than it had been a year before. Travelers from the Grasslands had established a permanent trading post. Merchants from the Lower Reach heard Willowtown was open for commerce and rushed to bring goods. I saw Masson greet his son and new daughter-in-law with a big smile. Tales would be told of the battle.

"Tenay, we have erected a bridge at Hag's Tree," Masson said. "And widened the road to Beck's Ford. From there, keelboats can take trade goods down Mott Creek to the Little Mother. In good weather, you will be able to reach Twin Forks in five days."

"We should build a waystation," I suggested. "To stable the horses and repair the boats."

"Booter has taken responsibility. It's already under construction," Masson boasted.

"That is good work, my friend. I hope you will visit Twin Forks often," I replied, shaking his hand.

"You are not staying at Willowtown?" Masson asked.

"No. My daughters and I will return to our ranch in the fall. We have livestock and a town to care for. And if the river communities wander from the path of Minerva, they will need reminding."

To the disappointment of some, Allandra gave birth to a son that summer. We named him Drake, after Vitellius Dracicus, the commander who had taken me to Rome many years before. Floy, Cathie, Ventra, and dozens of others came to celebrate. I basked in their compliments.

"He is very strong and healthy," Allandra said, holding the bundle in her lap.

"What do you think of your nephew?" I asked Ventra.

"He is beautiful, for a male," Ventra answered. "He will grow into a fine warrior."

"I hope he will grow into a fine rancher, and a fine hunter, and a fine husband. I would not have him be a warrior," I said.

"That is for the gods to decide," Ventra replied.

My daughters arrived on the first day of fall, having taken a heartfelt leave of the Hawk tribe. Their year in the eastern forests had been an adventure, but they had no desire to live there. Nor did I. Kayla and Jared would be coming with us. And another.

"Daughters, this is Thrive," I introduced. "We built Fort Thera together, and she stood for me at my wedding. Duties kept her from the spring gathering."

"We are honored to meet you, Thrive," Deena said. "Thank you for being such a good friend to our father."

"I hope to be your friend, too, daughters of Tenay," Thrive said. "I am coming with you to Twin Forks."

"What did Ventra say when you told her?" I asked.

"She was not pleased," Thrive replied. "But I wish to see the world. I'm tired of that dreary fort."

"You will see the world with us," Deena promised, taking Thrive's hands. "Father, do you have a post for her?"

"She would make a good ranger, don't you think?" I suggested.

"I believe she would make a good deputy sheriff for Twin Forks," Champion said. "She can help me when immigrants begin arriving from the east."

"Immigrants?" I inquired.

"Many of the Hawks wish to investigate civilization," Champion replied. "And there will be unruly mountain men, traders, miners, and trappers. I need a sturdy warrior at my side to keep the peace."

"What of that, Thrive?" I asked. "Does serving as Champion's deputy appeal to you?"

"It sounds wonderful," Thrive agreed with a relieved smile.

"Now that we've settled that," Jenni said, "where is our little brother?"

* * * * * *

The choice to depart was difficult. Though I had no wish to leave Allandra and our son, obligations awaited me at Twin Forks. Nor could I ask Allandra to abandon her people. My daughters were silent on the subject, which surprised me. At last, it was time to go.

"Masson has marked a clear trail. We will return often," I said, putting a saddle on Vitty. We had a wagon, pack horses, and trade goods to carry.

"Will nothing tempt you to stay?" Ota asked.

"When I first arrived, you could not wait to get rid of me," I said with a grin.

"Much has changed, my cousin. You brought a bigger world with you," Ota said.

"It's a world the Wolf may be part of, if you choose," I advised.

"I will visit Twin Forks in the spring," Ventra promised, giving me a hug. "Perhaps you will have other visitors as well."

Ventra looked toward True, Lydia, and Ferr. They were upset by our departure, but we needed to be ahead of cold weather.

"All of my sisters are welcome," I encouraged. "Our town has a lodge, and guest cottages. There is good hunting north of the Great Mother."

"Father, do you know where Allandra is?" Champion asked.

"She'll be here soon," Jenni said. "Stam is making a special dress for her."

"Should I look for her?" Thrive offered.

"There is no need," Stam said, emerging from her cottage. "Allandra is here. Arl, bring her horse."

"Her horse?" Ventra said.

Allandra appeared with Drake in a shoulder pouch followed by her favorite mare. She was dressed in finely cut rawhide for the trail. Cathie, Floy, and Whinny were with her. I noticed my daughters watching with anticipation, smiling with a grand secret.

"What is all this, beloved?" I asked.

"I am going with you to Twin Forks," Allandra said. "To start a new life with my husband, and my baby, and my daughters. Cathie is queen of the Wolf now, as she always should have been."

"You're giving up your crown?" I said.

"Twin Forks has schools, and a library, and a theater," Allandra responded. "I will open an art academy. I will visit the river towns on steamships and have everything I've always wanted. Would you deny me, my husband?"

"No, my wife. I will not deny you such a dream," I answered.

"Will you renew our vows for another year?" she asked.

"Is that all you want?" I replied.

"What do you mean?" she said.

"My love, in the lands of the Wolf, our vows were for a year. In the land where we're going, marriage vows are eternal. Is it only another year you want?"

"No, Quinten, I want many years," she urgently answered. "Many, many years. I don't ever want to give you up."

I glanced at my daughters, and Ventra, and Cathie. They were enjoying it all. No doubt stories would be told. I stepped forward, holding Allandra's hands.

"And I never wish to be without you," I answered. "Will you honor me by renewing our vows forever?"

"Yes, they already are. Forever and ever," Allandra replied, pressing close. I took her in my arms for a kiss, never doubting the blessings of Minerva.

* * * * * *