In the next six months, Kotallo made sure to pay the Carja back for their despicable and cowardly mine burying tactic.
Yet every Carja that escaped his fury ran back behind the walls of Barren Light, safe in their fortress where more Carja poured out of every week. The Tenakth could not get close because of their archers and, even more dangerously, because of the cannons mounted on the forward battlements. No charge would survive the dash from the apex of the rise to the front gates without being cut down and even then, the gate was heavy weight and reinforced.
Kotallo’s squad had now swelled to thirty soldiers and he had assigned Alaika and Jayko their own squad within the main one. They patrolled No Man’s Land in changing routines to keep from being ambushed.
Kotallo’s wounds were fully healed and for that he was grateful. He sat at his campsite and found himself craving the flat bread and stew of the Utaru healer rather than the burnt offering from the apologetic cook. A scout appeared, saving him from having to eat it.
The scout was streaked with sweat and limping.
“Sir…the Carja…Alaika…”
“Sit. Drink.” Kotallo thrust the water pouch at him and he gulped it down. “Speak.”
“Alaika…she sent scouts out to investigate a fire…looked like Oseram…but they were Carja…and they…those poor scouts…”
Kotallo’s jaw tightened and he strapped on his spear. “Where is Alaika?”
“She and her squad are chasing them back to Barren Light, trying to retrieve the scouts…”
“Urak!” The young cook dashed forward. “Run for Jayko’s squad. He is near Stone’s Echo. Have him meet us at the rise to Barren Light. Go!” Kotallo stood up. “Alpha squad, we leave now!”
Kotallo’s long legs carried him fast and hard across No Man’s Land and his squad did their best to keep up. They passed the fields of ancient machines, littered about as the only remnants of a forgotten and terrible battle, their opponents long since turned to dust. They crossed over a shallow stream, ignoring the screams and cries of machines that objected to their presence. The Tenakth did not wait around to gain their full attention and they outran all in their desperation to reach Barren Light.
It was at the bottleneck at the back of a plateau, able to be reached by a slope of ground, cliffs hemming it on the north and south sides. They could only approach by the slope and upon reaching the place where the line of sight from Barren Light met the horizon, invading bodies were easily seen, identified, allies welcomed and enemies, dispatched. There was a broken arch of stone, pillars that provided little protection within sight of the fortress wall. It was a bitter line, the closest any offensive Tenakth had ever been to Barren Light before being cut down.
As Kotallo sprinted up the slope, he could hear Alaika screaming murder at the Carja, her usually restrained and tactical mind scattered in rage. She and her squad came into view seconds before Kotallo’s height brought the Carja dragging the scouts into sight as well. The scouts were alive but by the Ten, what the Carja had done to them as they mocked Alaika who was pinned down at the broken pillars by the archers from the wall…
She made a desperate dash towards one of the scouts but the Carja holding them gashed their neck so badly that it was any wonder their head was still attached and he threw their body aside, laughing at her before running back to the gates and slipping through to safety as they locked behind him.
Alaika lunged for the scout’s body.
“Alaika, no!” Kotallo cried as an arrow flew from the wall and struck her through the chest. She fell backwards into the scrub. “Alaika!”
He nearly fell for the same trap, wanting to run to her while the Carja fired arrows at him. When they realised reason had trumped his rage…they tried to inflame it by throwing the second scout from the wall, her body crumpling in a heap.
Kotallo went to run but heard his voice called.
“Kotallo…what…Alaika!”
“Jayko, no…” Kotallo grabbed him. “The Carja will cut you down.”
“We can’t just leave her out there!” Jayko wailed. “We’ve got to do something!”
“I will,” Kotallo said darkly, “get your fastest runners to the wall for the body of the scout there while the rest of the squad retrieves Alaika and the scout near her.”
“What will you do?”
“Get their attention.”
Kotallo took his spear, tested its familiar weight in his hand and blocked out the mockery of the Carja.
“Old friend…bring me vengeance…” He breathed, stepped out from behind the stone pillar and, judging the distance in a heartbeat, hurled the spear at the wall, running the Carja through who manned the cannon mounted there, throwing him from the fortress wall.
The stunned silence was most enjoyable. Kotallo slipped behind the pillar as he heard a volley of arrows strike all around him and the Carja began to mock and tease.
“A spear! We’re so scared! Have another go you coward!”
“Spear.” Kotallo held out his hand and one of his squad put their spear into it. He checked its weight, stepped out and threw the spear, slipping back behind the pillar as more arrows rained down. Over and over he flung spears, most of them finding their mark and the Carja were unable to hit him.
And while they were distracted with his attack, Jayko and his squad were able to retrieve the bodies of the two scouts and Alaika.
“Kotallo,” Jayko hissed urgently, “we’ve got them. Let’s go!”
“Go on, run Tenakth! There’s not enough spears in the world to breach Barren Light!” Kotallo looked over his shoulder, the Carja jeering and mocking him. “By the Sun, we won’t stop until every last one of you is dead!”
Kotallo’s eyes filled with a terrible light. “Then that is my vow also.”
The united squads carried the bodies away as hastily as they dared, Alaika gasping and clutching at the arrow in her chest.
“Please…please…put me down. No further…please…” They laid her in the softest grass by the stream. “Kotallo…I’m sorry…” She whimpered.
“I know why…” His jaw trembled.
“I…I’ve not been whole since Arakko…now I can see him again…”
“Don’t say that.” Jayko begged. “Alaika, please…”
“Take our tags,” Alaika fumbled with them, having Arakko’s around her neck with hers, “know that I wouldn’t change anything.” She swallowed and gasped for air. “Jayko?”
“Yes?”
“Kiss me.” He pressed his lips to hers briefly. “No…kiss me like you’ve always wanted to…”
Jayko leaned down and kissed her warmly. When he drew back his face was wet with tears and her body was limp and still. Kotallo held fast as Jayko screamed, tore the arrow out of her chest and threw it aside.
Then in silence, they walked back to their camp…only to receive word that they were to return to Memorial Grove.
It had been over two years since they’d left the cornerstone building of the Tenakth tribe yet it felt like a lifetime. Kotallo marched into the Grove, his squad following him, all of their faces as grim as death. Before they could reach the throne room, Fareak approached them.
“I…heard.” He said and they nodded. “Tell your squad to go to the Maw, to eat and rest…”
“I will not eat or rest until I have ended the Carja…” Kotallo said violently, his veins still running hot with fury.
“I know you are grieving,” Fareak came close, “but your soldiers follow your example…and they need to eat and to rest…because they need to be at their best as there is a plan to take Barren Light.”
Kotallo looked at him and he nodded. He turned to his squad. “Go to the Maw. Tend to wounds, eat, rest, prepare you armour and weapons and be ready for orders.”
“Yes sir.” His squad saluted and left the Grove.
Kotallo turned back to Fareak. “Now…how do we take Barren Light?”
“Come, the Chief is waiting for you.” Fareak said, deflecting the question.
In the throne room of Chief Hekarro there was quite a gathering.
Marshals Fareak, Regalla, Cato and Fashav were in attendance as well as Dekka, the Lowland Clan Chaplain who served the united Tenakth vision at the Grove, Grudda, the Desert Clan champion, Commander Yarra of the Desert Clan and Commander Atekka of the Lowland Clan. Also included were the leaders of the squads deemed notable enough to warrant a place at the war council.
Kotallo did not feel honoured.
He was angry and barely contained.
“My Chief,” Fareak looked at Hekarro, “this is Kotallo who saved my life at the Battle of the Burning Blooms and his second, Jayko who have held the front lines of the north of No Man’s Land.”
“I have heard stories of your prowess and feats in battle.” Hekarro said in a voice that neither implied that he believed or disbelieved the claims. “Even more importantly for this war council is your knowledge of Barren Light.” He nodded at Dekka who gestured to several Tenakth.
They brought a large model of the approach to Barren Light with the slope, old world ruin arches and the fortified wall of the Carja as well as the cliffs on either side.
“You have seen this more often than any of us,” Hekarro leaned forward on his throne, “is it accurate?”
Kotallo studied the model. It was strange to see it so small when he had lived it. In his mind’s eye he could see the bodies of the scouts, Alaika pierced through and he could hear the mocking Carja on the wall. He swallowed past his anger and looked at Jayko who nodded.
“It is reasonably accurate.” He confirmed.
“Very well.” Hekarro turned to Fashav. “Marshal…”
Regalla let out a disdainful hiss that she took little pains to smother as the once Carja, now Tenakth Marshal, stepped forward to address the war council.
“As you are well aware, the Carja’s fortress at the edge of what they know as the Daunt is the reason they are unable to ever be fully repelled from Tenakth territory.” Fashav eyed the Marshals and leaders of the squads. “Cliffs form natural barriers and Barren Light was built with Carja ingenuity and Oseram labour.” He shook his head. “Until you can tell me how to fell a mountain can I tell you how to bring it down from the outside.”
“Are you done extolling the virtues of your tribe?” Regalla demanded darkly.
“I am trying to explain the impossibility of any attempt to bring down Barren Light…without the need to put Tenakth in danger.” Fashav sighed. “If there was any other way…”
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
“Speak, Fashav,” Fareak said firmly, “let us hear your idea.”
“No frontal assault could ever breach Barren Light,” Fashav explained, “however, like the underbelly of a machine, if it was attacked from behind, that is to say, from within the Daunt, you would find it to be a much easier task. Not only are the fortifications non-existent at the rear but the Carja would not be expecting you.”
“How are we supposed to get an army into the Daunt?” Yarra demanded.
“Not an army. A small Tenakth war party that could infiltrate.” Fashav pointed to the model of Barren Light. “If the gates of Barren Light can be opened, Tenakth could pour into the fortress and not only clear it out, but effectively end Carja infiltration into the west.”
“Why could they not continue to come?” Atekka asked.
“Because reinforcements come from a pulley lift system, easily targeted. The Carja would not be able to retake the Daunt if Tenakth controlled it.”
They all paused as each member of the war council became lost in their thoughts.
“Even if what you’re saying is true,” Cato mused, “it is still impossible to get Tenakth into Barren Light.”
“Not if they climb the cliffs.”
The throne room fell deathly still. Hekarro’s eyes observed them.
Regalla was the first one to break the tension as she sneered. “You…would have our people fall to their deaths, picked off one by one by Carja lookouts?”
“The climb would have to be made at night…and in complete silence.” Fashav held up his hands. “This is the very reason I had to explain that there was no other option. And I would not have put it to Chief Hekarro if I could come up with another way. A frontal assault will see all Tenakth killed and Barren Light unscathed. This,” he pointed to the model, “has a real chance of succeeding…”
“But who could make such a climb?” Cato demanded. “You’re talking about scaling cliffs at night and without making a sound…no one can do that.”
Kotallo stared at the model. “I can.”
He felt every pair of eyes on him, except Cato who had lost one in a Carja skirmish. Kotallo met their gaze calmly.
“Don’t brag, child.” Grudda scoffed.
Kotallo held his gaze, unafraid anymore of the giant brute.
“The Sky Clan’s passage to becoming a soldier is the March of the Ten…a formidable climb up a cliff in the Sheerside Mountains, coated with ice and snow and laced with machines. Any of the Sky Clan here have made this climb…and I tell you I can climb it.”
“As can I.” Jayko added. “There are others also in our squad who can make that climb.”
“This is no idle boast, my chief,” Fareak turned to Hekarro who listened in silence, observing all their interactions, “if Kotallo says the Sky Clan soldiers can make that climb, then I trust in their word.”
Kotallo turned to face Hekarro who studied him long and hard until the silence grew awkward yet neither flinched.
“Then climb it you shall.” He said at last. “By the Wings of the Ten, you will open those gates and the Tenakth shall pour into Barren Light like a flood.”
“You’re going to trust the capture of the Carja stronghold to this…child?” Grudda demanded.
“Even if he manages to climb the cliff and infiltrate the fort…the archers atop the walls will still cut down the Tenakth that charge.” Regalla argued. “It is too much for such a small party to accomplish and our archers are few and far between.”
Kotallo looked at Jayko who nodded.
“The Utaru.”
“Kotallo, you have something to say?” Fareak urged him.
“Yes Marshal,” Kotallo swallowed, “if we are in need of archers, we should apply to the Utaru.”
“What could those overweight, leaf eating machine lovers possibly add to this offensive?” Cato snorted.
“They are exceptional archers, having been taught by veterans of the Desert Clan,” Kotallo looked at Regalla, “and you know, Marshal, that the Desert Clan are not to be taken lightly in battle.”
Her eyes studied him. “This is true…but could they possibly be trusted not to run us through?”
“The Utaru have suffered more than any other tribe in the west at the hands of the Carja,” Jayko insisted, “I don’t think they’d want to start a second war at the end of the first.”
“And it is their land also that they defend.” Hekarro spoke solemnly. “Have you a way to get word to their archers?”
“We can send a runner to Stone’s Echo and speak to the healer there. I am certain she knows who they are and where they are based.” Kotallo nodded, looking at Hekarro.
“Send your two fastest runners.” Hekarro agreed and turned to his Chaplain. “Dekka, anything they need…”
“Yes Chief.” She bowed.
“The rest of you, assemble your soldiers. We gather at Cinnabar Sands and from there we will march to Barren Light. If you are not there in three days, no ink will mark your skin of the victory made that day. You are dismissed.”
Kotallo went to the armoury. He no longer had his spear and, given the close quarters he would undoubtedly face the Carja in, he would need a weapon more appropriate to the situation. He picked up two Tenakth blades, opting for a large one with cutting spikes and a smoother, straighter blade that was smaller but could be used to cut down sentries silently.
“We won’t be able to wear our armour,” Jayko said quietly behind him, “in case it scrapes against the cliff.”
“True.” Kotallo nodded. “I’ll shed that when we get to Cinnabar Sands.” He looked at his friend who was staring at the wall of weapons, his mind far away. “I never knew how you felt about her…”
Jayko’s smile was so sad, Kotallo felt his will weaken with grief.
“I flirted, she rebuffed…it was fun…but I always wished…” He sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “I was hunting once in the valley in the shadow of the Bulwark. I came across a herd of goats. One, the big male alpha, mounted a female goat. With careful aim I killed both as they were mating. I thought any attempt to romance Alaika would be like that, distracting us from the danger so I never pursued her with intent…” His shoulders bowed. “I thought I could keep my heart safe…but it died with her.”
“I swear, I will make the Carja pay, Jayko.” Kotallo vowed.
Jayko’s eyes were sad. “You can’t vengeance someone back from the dead, Kotallo. Not even you.”
The war party of the Tenakth gathered at Cinnabar Sands before breaking into clusters that would cross No Man’s Land in discreet groups.
Kotallo’s squad which included Jayko and five other Sky Clan soldiers, was sent ahead of the main party. When the cliffs came into view, Kotallo called for a halt and all of them removed their armour, secreting it within the cavity of an old war machine. All that they wore were their soft underclothes which afforded no protection at all. Their weapons were securely bound to their backs and their hands were lightly strapped, leaving their fingers free to grip. Even their foot coverings would have to be left behind at the base of the cliff.
“When we cross the stream, not a word is to be spoken,” Kotallo said, not looking at his squad as he prepared himself, “and should you fall from the cliff, you must remember that a single sound will give us away…and die silently.”
“We won’t fail you, Kotallo.” Jayko insisted and the soldiers saluted him.
“Very well,” Kotallo looked at the sky, “when the shadows deepen enough for us to hide in, we make for the northern cliffs…and, the Ten willing, when dawn comes, we will behold a new day where the Carja are no more.”
Jayko passed around a metal tin filled with ash. Kotallo rubbed it over his skin, camoflaguing his white skin and Sky Clan paint, the rest of the squad becoming similarly shaded.
The shadows lengthened and became as black as Desert Clan ink. Kotallo stood and moved out, knowing that his squad was already following his movements. They slunk from shadow to shadow and when they crossed the stream, Kotallo had to trust that they were still behind him as they became silent. Only the smallest twig snap or soft breath told him that he was not alone.
They could not begin the cliff ascent on the plateau that stretched out from the gates of Barren Light. They had to start at the base on the curve that was just out of sight of the fortress. Kotallo glanced up at the cliff as they grew closer, seeing Carja patrolling its edge with torches blazing. One turned and looked in their direction. Kotallo held out his hand in a closed fist and his squad stiffened and waited. When the Carja moved off, he opened his fingers and they continued.
At the base of the cliff, Kotallo yanked his boots off, the light vanishing with every second that passed. When he was barefoot, he began to climb.
Hand over hand, moving upwards silently and constantly they climbed the cliff.
Unlike the March of the Ten, the cliff was not icy, slippery or the handholds obscured with snow and for that Kotallo was grateful.
However, unlike the March of the Ten, there was nowhere to pause and rest, even while hiding from machines. Until they reached the top, they could not stop.
Kotallo’s arms were screaming but he ignored their cries as the lip of the cliff was in sight. But before he could grasp the edge, a Carja lookout stamped to a halt just above them and they froze. Kotallo looked at Jayko who was near him. If the Carja looked down, they would be seen they were so close. Kotallo glanced down at the Sky Clan who were clinging tightly, their fingers worn and their muscles, aching. He made a point of closing his eyes and they did so, sealing the whites of them shut, pressed against the cliff.
Kotallo’s muscles trembled as the Carja lingered, muttering something about crappy patrol duty, scuffing the earth with his boots, kicking dust and debris down the cliff…onto their faces. They scrunched their eyes even more tightly closed and did their best to stifle any coughs. Kotallo willing his sneeze to retreat…when he heard the most muffled of coughs from Jayko.
It wasn’t much but it was enough for the Carja lookout to peer over the edge.
Kotallo was excruciatingly aware that any second, their bodies would simply let go of the cliff and start falling like snow. They couldn’t cling to the rock forever and were so close to the lip of the cliff that, unless the Carja had appalling eyesight, they would be seen.
However, as close as they were, the Carja was out of reach of Kotallo’s grasp. He felt Jayko tap his leg. He risked a look down and saw Jayko gesturing at himself and pointed up then held out his hand. Kotallo frowned at him and shook his head.
Jayko winked and mouthed, “I won’t let you fall.”
Kotallo swallowed, braced himself and grasped Jayko’s hand. With strength he didn’t know he possessed he launched Jayko up the cliff just as the Carja let out the smallest gasp of surprise before Jayko wrapped his body around his, snapping his neck…and threw his whole weight backwards, taking the Carja with him.
Kotallo’s bellow of despair was silent as Jayko fell into the darkness, his youthful face smiling up at Kotallo as though he didn’t regret anything.
There was barely a thump at the bottom when their bodies hit the ground.
Kotallo pressed his face into the rock, the grit in his eyes washed away from the tears that fell down his cheeks. Then his sorrow turned to rage and he dragged himself up the cliff and over the edge of the lip, sinking into the grass. He unsheathed his blade as Ram Squad squatted next to him. Their eyes spoke volumes. They knew what Jayko had done, what he’d sacrificed for their success.
Kotallo nodded at them and they sprinted along the cliff, silently and swiftly dealing with the lookouts as they approached Barren Light.
Never had they ever been so close.
The Carja had built scaffolding for their lookouts to reach the top of the cliff and the Tenakth took advantage of it, scampering down until their feet reached the soft, lush earth of the Daunt, a stone’s throw from the tents of the Carja soldiers.
Fashav’s intel had not steered them wrong. The western side of Barren Light was impenetrable. From the east, it was a soft underbelly waiting to be slashed open and gutted. There were no watchtowers, no large walls save for an exterior one that a child could infiltrate. Because of their supreme confidence that no one could attack from the east, there were no lookouts or patrols, the soldiers sitting around campfires drinking heavily, some even brandishing tags taken from Tenakth soldiers.
Kotallo tapped Kivva’s shoulder and pointed. She saw the prisoners, Tenakth and Utaru bound with rope and chain. He put his finger to his lips and she nodded. Ram Squad separated from the other three soldiers and Kotallo. He gestured to all of them and pointed at the fortress. They readied their weapons.
Kivva would release the prisoners and Kotallo knew the Tenakth would fight with their bare hands, adding their number to their tiny war party. However, it would all be for naught if they couldn’t get the gates open.
They could not spend time killing every Carja. They had to get to the gates.
With painstaking progress they reached the wall and slid inside the main courtyard of the bastion, the interior gates flung wide with no caution at all. Because of the hour, only a few Carja were on patrol and even some of those were sleeping, propped up against their spears. Hiding behind a stack of barrels, Kotallo could see the gates. They were a large set of doors, reinforced with metal binding and, horrifyingly, on the interior side of the fortress, there was a second gate made of metal rods. Both would have to be opened to let the Tenakth through. He could see the mechanism. If he ran for the gates, he could probably fling them open but if the main war party was not in position, the Tenakth wouldn’t reach Barren Light before he was killed and the gates were shut once more.
They had to wait for the sign.
Then, as the cocks began to crow, sensing that dawn was coming near, an arrow flew into the air and struck part of the wall. Several other arrows followed, aimed badly and never hitting anyone. Several soldiers ran to the front of the wall but instead of being alarmed, in their arrogance, they mocked.
“Oh look, the Utaru have come out to play.”
“Do they really think sticks and yew can rescue their tribesmen?”
“Go back to your farms, shame of the west!”
Kotallo looked at his squad, their blades in their hands and nodded.
He ran from the barrels, cutting down several Carja who were in his way, leaving his squad to dispatch them. Their presence was instantly noticed.
“The Tenakth! They’re inside!”
“Stop them! They’re going for the gates!”
“To arms! To the gate! Stop them!”
Kotallo sprinted to the gates, hurling himself at one guard, embedding his blade deep in his chest while another soldier cut down the second. Kotallo put his hands on the mechanism.
“Protect Kotallo!”
He tried to turn the wheel but it wouldn’t budge. He glanced around, feeling panic nip at him. There was a second wheel. No wonder there had been two guards at the gate.
“Turn it!” Kotallo ordered and thankfully one of his squad heard and heeded. They turned the wheels together, the metal gate rising until all that was left were the double doors. The sounds of battle were close, the red mist of desperation descending. His squad fought off the Carja who were beside themselves to stop Kotallo as he heaved the bar that locked the two doors together and hurled it into the air behind him. No doubt there were some broken heads because of it.
Then he put his hands on the doors and pushed. The gates began to open wider, dashes of dawn light soaking him. And breaking the light, silhouettes of warriors filled the horizon as the Tenakth charged Barren Light, their frontal assault covered by the sound of Utaru arrows splitting the air, no longer clumsy but their aim, true and deadly.
Kotallo watched his people advance then heard someone cry out from above.
“Break the chain! Drop the gate!”
He looked up as he heard Oseram hammers attack the chain of the metal gate. Their tools were made for slewing metal and after only a half dozen blows, the chain snapped and the gate began to fall. Kotallo flung himself beneath it, catching the gate with his hands and braced on his shoulders. The weight was extreme, he was already weary and wrung out but he refused to let Jayko’s sacrifice be in vain.
Arrows clattered all around him and he screamed, an arrow shot from a Carja from behind finding its mark, striking his back. Another arrow followed and his knee buckled. Kotallo groaned and grunted, forcing himself back upright as the Tenakth ran closer. He could see Hekarro leading them, Regalla, Fareak, Cato, Grudda…they were so close…so close.
Another arrow struck but by now, Kotallo could feel nothing. He lifted himself up fully, his arms extended to their fullest length and the Tenakth poured into Barren Light...
…and the Carja that did not run were slaughtered.