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A.R.Yngve

DARC AGES Book Three
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Chapter 20


The drowsy captains and lieutenants arrived to the castle's war room, several minutes late; the call from the city lord had surprised them all.

Those who arrived last received a short, but vicious scolding by Lord Damon. Before his officers could express their surprise, Bor proceeded to inform them of Tharlos Pasko's plans for conquest of Castilia. Bor called for an immediate mobilization of Damon City's armed forces, including the inactive reserves. He explained that all their former or remaining allies had to be won back over -- or be declared enemies. The officers soon forgot their drowsiness, and were inspired by Bor's renewed energy. Toward the end of the brief meeting, they were enthusiastic and attentive. Yet, something was on everyone's mind when the question of mobilization came up.

Bor's tone softened down, and he told the assembly: "I know that my son... Sir Dohan... was held in very high esteem by all of you," he said with audible effort. His valor helped save our city during Pasko's first attack." The officers fell mute. This was the first time Bor talked about his son in public since he disappeared. As if speaking for them, Bor said: "Many of us still believe... that he shall return and serve the city again. Until that day... any soldier or officer, who speaks ill of my son is to be reported, and to be discharged from the city forces without trial. Is that clear?"

He scrutinized the tight faces of his officers; they nodded, almost in chorus.

"Very well. Now, we go to the hangar for an immediate inspection of the air force. Alert all hangar personnel for active duty."



Having slept little during his busy night, Bor Damon was awakened by Lachtfot at six-thirty in the morning. With his schedule, Bor barely had time to dress, eat, and clean himself up. But at seven o'clock he stood on the balcony above the main castle gate, in his parade uniform, armor pads, helmet, sword, and all.

He overlooked the front courtyard inside the outer castle wall. A thousand uniformed soldiers were lined up on the courtyard, rifles and shields gleaming in the cold, clear air. In front of the troops, his officers of the lower nobility stood on a line, attentive and silent. The park was covered by a white sheen of frost, and thin wisps of mist were fuming away before the heat of the rising sun. Bor was just about to address the forces, when he remembered that his collar loudspeaker was out of order. This was going to be hard; his voice was not what it used to be.

He cleared his throat and called out as loudly as he could: "I greet you, soldiers!" It was a coarse, weakened voice -- yet the willpower behind it resounded through, as his words rolled across the open place and over the outer castle wall. The one thousand soldiers were silent. "It is my duty to tell you that Sir Tharlos Pasko, the renegade of our former alliance, is now building a new alliance of cities against us..."



A roar of righteous anger rose from one thousand throats -- and the city heard it too. The entire Damon family was awake now, and flocking to the balcony where Bor stood and addressed the troops. As soon as they heard him at close range, and understood that the roar of the troops were cheers of approval, they were greatly calmed.

Bor finished his address: "And rest assured, soldiers! I promise you this: that I will do all I can to bring Sir Dohan safely back to our city, to serve and protect our people again!"

The troops cheered for several minutes, until Bor left the balcony. First then he noticed that his family had been listening to the speech from behind his back: Osanna, Eveli, Bor's sister Bwynn, and her husband. He blinked uncertainly at them, almost expecting the silent disdain he had been receiving during the last few months. Eveli was the first one to react. She flung herself forward and hugged her father's large frame, smiling a broad, confident smile. Bor smiled, spontaneously, and patted her long, ruddy hair. He looked at his wife. Their eyes met; they did not have to speak words. There was much to get done, but they would do it together.