Pug smiled. ‘That depends on how many magicians I need to drag up here from Stardock.’
Patrick ran a hand over his face. Fatigue had left dark circles under his eyes. ‘Cousin Pug,’ he said, ‘pardon the observation, but . . . are you younger than I remember?’
Pug smiled. ‘It’s a long story. I’ll tell you tonight.’
For another hour snow fell in continuing flurries, until it was knee-deep in drifts along the walls of the city. The sky was completely grey and birds sat in confusion on the walls of the citadel, undecided if they should be heading south.
Then a band of men came trudging down the boulevard, and Erik looked out to see they were led by Owen Greylock, with Tomas at his side. Owen shouted up, ‘Will you lower the drawbridge! It’s damned cold out here!’
Erik laughed in relief, leaned over the balcony, and shouted, ‘Lower the drawbridge!’
TWENTY-EIGHT - Rebirth
Erik shivered.
Darkmoor lay under a blanket of snow, though it was beginning to melt as summer reasserted itself. Erik turned his back to the wall, watching the city begin to come back to life, as the soldiers of the Armies of the East cleared the streets 6i any stragglers from the invading host who had tried to hole up in the burned-out buildings.
The eastern gates had been opened at dawn by Erik and a patrol, who had easily reached them. The few elements of the invaders’ army that were still in the city gave them wide berth. They were too tired, cold, hungry, and dispirited to offer much opposition after the sudden snowfall.
Erik turned to watch as new units of the King’s Army marched slowly into the city. His own men were checking in, slowly, as Patrick dispatched newly arrived soldiers up and down Nightmare Ridge, and Erik expected Jadow, Harper, and the other surviving sergeants to be in Darkmoor soon. Word had arrived that the dwarves and elves were also returning home.
A familiar voice said, ‘Von Darkmoor!’
Erik saw Jadow Shati standing below, waving. ‘How did we do?’
‘Well enough, until this damnable snow arrived. I nearly froze my backside off!’
Erik hurried down the flight of steps next to the gatehouse and gripped his old friend’s hand. Wanting to get the bad news over first, he said, ‘How many?’
‘Too many,’ said Jadow. ‘I won’t have exact numbers for a few days, but too damn many.’ He turned and watched as cavalry from Salador entered, banners flapping in the morning air. ‘We lost Harper two nights ago.’
‘Damn,’ said Erik.
Jadow said, ‘We’re running short of sergeants, Erik.’
‘Well, we’ll just have to make sure you stay alive.’
‘What are we to do next?’
‘The Prince will tell us.’
Jadow said, ‘Will we rest?’
‘I think Patrick intends to let the Eastern Army drive the invaders down the hill a bit. So, until you hear otherwise, find a billet near the palace and get the men some food and blankets.’
‘Yes, sir,’ said Jadow. ‘They’ll like that.’
Erik said, ‘Send word to the citadel where you are when you’re situated. I’ve got some things to do.’
‘Sir!’ said Jadow, and he turned and hurried off.
Erik returned his attention to the eastern gate, and after a few minutes of watching the procession of brightly colored uniforms, dean horses, and unbloodied weapons, he turned and started walking back toward the citadel.
Slowly the city began to revive. Three days after the last of the invaders were reported to be safely on the far side of Ravensburg, Erik heard a familiar sweet voice from the courtyard.
‘Erik!’
He spun and in the wagon pulling into the castle, Kitty sat behind Roo and his wife, next to their children and the Jacoby family.
Erik almost knocked over a squire as he raced down the steps to the courtyard, and was almost knocked over in turn as his wife flew into his arms. He kissed her and held her. Then he pushed her back to arm’s length and said, ‘What are you doing here?’
He looked at Roo. ‘You were supposed to have everyone safely down at Malac’s Cross.’
‘Well, we almost got there,’ said Roo. He jumped down and said, ‘Then we ran into this army and, given the situation, I judged it pretty safe tagging along behind them.’
‘Where’s Luis? Nathan, my mother?’
‘They’re on their way,’ said Roo. ‘I sent them down to Malac’s Cross with a list while I stayed close to the army. They should get here tomorrow.’
‘A list of what?’
‘Things to bring to Darkmoor,’ said Roo. He motioned for Karli and the others to get out. He tapped Erik on the chest ais Kitty kissed his cheek. ‘You and I have suffered a great deal of financial loss, my friend.’
Erik laughed and kissed Kitty again. Then he said, ‘That money I lent you - I never expected to see it again.’
‘Well, be that as it may,’ said Roo, ‘you’re a partner.’ He threw his arm around Karli’s waist, and Helen Jacoby came to stand next to them. ‘We’re all partners.’