Heads now piled the walls in numbers, so that between the waves of attackers the defenders threw them down from the walls to clear space to fight.
As revenants poured onto the walls, Deniz came forward and took a barbarian's head from his shoulders in a single blow. He ducked a slashing sword and thrust into a throat, amazed again when no blood came out. His opponent's white eyes stared at him, and no cry of fear or pain came from the creature's mouth. Deniz hacked at his enemy's neck, once, twice, before the creature fell down. He narrowly avoided being skewered by a spear, and turned to face a new threat. Soldiers poured in to join him in closing the breach, and soon the scaling ladders were pushed back. Deniz despatched two more of the creatures and then the wall was clear.
Deniz lowered his sword and stood panting. The defenders around him cheered, though they knew it was only a matter of time.
"Water!" Deniz cried.
Instead, a soldier came forward and handed the commodore a hastily scrawled note.
The order from the Emir came as a mystery. Deniz could only assume they were going to try to assemble a naval force and flee. But where would they go?
Deniz turned to the men around him. "I've been ordered to the harbour. Any sailors on the walls are to join me there, pass the word around."
"What's happening, Commodore?"
Deniz decided truth was best. "I don't know. But I promise you, I'll send word when I find out."
The orders had been short.
All naval personnel to report to the harbour. Follow the instructions of the man who carries my signet ring. His name is Miro. Do as he bids.
Signed. The Ruler of the Seas, the Protector of Veldria and the Bearer of the Seal: Emir Volkan.
Miro. The name was familiar, but Deniz couldn't quite place it.
49
MIRO was with Amber at the harbour, looking for some leaders amongst the growing numbers of confused Veldrin sailors when a familiar figure came forward.
"You," Commodore Deniz said. "What's going on?"
The well-dressed captain of the Seekrieger was covered in blood and still carried his fine sword in one hand. He'd obviously come straight from the walls, and Deniz glowered at Miro, evidently believing he was needed elsewhere.
Miro displayed the signet ring the Emir had given him. "I need your help, Commodore."
"Explain quickly."
"You said my origin was a mystery. I'm from a land called Altura, in the east, across the sea. It's a long voyage to Altura, but not an impossible one. I am a leader in my homeland, and I have come to an arrangement with the Emir."
"What arrangement?"
"Right now there are women, children, the old and the young cowering in their homes. The city is lost, and the walls will fall. There is nothing any of us can do to prevent that. There is, however, something we can do for those people. I have offered refuge in Altura, my homeland, for every man, woman and child who can make the voyage across the sea. In return, the Emir has promised me your help in destroying those ships we don't take with us."
"You want our help in destroying the fleet?"
"This enemy is led by a man who has come to your city with one objective only. He wants these ships so that he can fill them full of warriors and take them across the sea. He cares nothing for your nation, this objective consumes him. He will come, nothing can prevent that, but if we destroy as many ships as we can, we will delay his arrival, and give my people time to prepare."
Miro could see Deniz was uncertain. "Look, Commodore, your city Emirald will fall. Veldria will fall, as the nations in your north have already fallen. But if we can take some of your people away from here, they can return one day to rebuild. Their memories will keep Veldria alive, and the future will be brighter for your people than the death that awaits them at the hands of these monsters."
"I see," Commodore Deniz said. "You gave the Emir your word, I presume?"
Miro smiled. "As a man of honour. I will see your people safe."
Commodore Deniz nodded. "I will do as you say."
He suddenly leapt into action, and Miro recognised a kindred spirit. This was not a man used to sitting still.
"Lieutenant Mustaf." He addressed a man in the crowd. "Do any of the ships still have powder aboard?"
"The Emir's ordered all the powder to the catacombs, Commodore."
Deniz swore. "Lieutenant, take fifty men and keep bringing powder kegs down to this position. Don't stop. Keep them coming."
"Yes, sir!"
Deniz pointed to another man. "Captain Atan, get fifty men together. Send them throughout the streets. Get everyone out of their homes. Tell everyone you can find we're taking them to safety. Send them down to the harbour."
"Yes, sir!"
"Captain Drefan, oversee getting them into the ships. Load up the warships and cruisers first. Start at the vessels closest to the harbour mouth."
"Aye aye, Commodore!"