“Come in, StarWind,” Lyra said. “There is worry in your eyes, StarWind. Sit and tell me what is wrong this morning.”
“It is what I was expecting,” sighed StarWind. “I just did not expect it so soon.”
“A message from SunChaser?” Lyra asked.
“Yes,” nodded StarWind. “Imperial Guards have been leaving Okata all week. They have not been marching out of the city in large armies, which is why SunChaser did not pick up on it sooner, but the effect is the same. She invited General Kapla for dinner last night. He confirmed that the troops are filtering out of the city and regrouping.”
“Was she able to discover the destination of these armies?” inquired the Star of Sakova.
“We are the destination,” reported StarWind. “The Katana has instructed the army to find StarCity and destroy it. They plan on entering the Sakova over a broad front in great numbers.”
“So it begins,” Lyra frowned.
“Yes,” agreed StarWind, “but it gets worse. Our food shipments to the Omungan cities must be stopped immediately. The Omungans plan to follow any Sakovan caravans directly back here.”
“So we must let the Omungans starve in order to maintain our security?” questioned Lyra. “Surely there must be another way?”
“I cannot think of one,” replied StarWind. “There were caravans due to go out this morning for Campanil and Tanzaba. I ordered them to wait until you authorized them to proceed.”
“What of the other caravans?” asked Lyra.
“The caravans to Fortaka and Gatong should already be on their way back here,” answered StarWind. “The one to Alamar is probably just arriving there.”
“Are those caravans likely to be followed?” asked Lyra.
“We can’t know for sure,” admitted StarWind. “All three cities are far from Okata, but the troops have had a week to move about. I would feel safer if we ordered them to abandon the wagons and race back here.”
Lyra sat silently for some moments staring at the large wall map. The Sakova was a very large area and the Imperial Guards would not find StarCity easily, but their plan to follow the caravans held great risk to the secrecy of the location of the Sakovan stronghold.
“What has been the general feeling toward Sakovans in the cities?” she asked the Sakovan spymaster.
“The food shipments have greatly impressed the people of the Omungan cities,” answered StarWind. “In Alamar and Fortaka crowds gather and cheer when the caravans arrive. Campanil and Tanzaba are more subdued, but the appreciation is still great. I cannot imagine what the Omungan people will think when we stop the deliveries, but we must.”
“Larst has put us in the position of starting the war,” fumed Lyra. “We will be seen as shutting off the food deliveries just when the Omungan people have become dependent upon them.”
“And when we attack the Imperial Guards entering the Sakova,” added StarWind, “Larst will parade the casualties for all to see. It will be seen as an unprovoked attack by the savages.”
“Exactly,” nodded Lyra. “How do we thwart his plan?”
“We developed a defense plan in the meeting you called last week,” declared StarWind. “I thought the issue was settled.”
“For the defense of StarCity, it is,” replied Lyra, “but that is not what we are facing right now.”
StarWind nodded absently as she chewed on her lower lip and pondered the question. She rose from her chair and walked to the wall map. Lyra also rose and joined the spymaster.
“What are you thinking?” Lyra asked.
“Two thoughts come to mind,” StarWind replied distractedly. “Both are very risky.”
“Explain your thoughts,” Lyra said. “We will discuss the risks after.”
“Alright,” StarWind said. “Larst expects great casualties to his troops entering the Sakova. What if he did not get his wish?”
“Do you mean to just let the Imperial Guards run rampant through the Sakova?” questioned Lyra. “The secrecy of StarCity would never withstand such scrutiny.”
“That is not exactly what I had in mind,” StarWind replied with a weak smile. “We have made the Sakova seem a nightmare for generations. Suppose we reinforced those thoughts on the Imperial Guards?”
“Those tales were told to frighten children,” frowned Lyra. “Do not expect soldiers to react the same way.”
“Those soldiers were children not too long ago,” smiled StarWind. “They still remember those nightmarish tales. While they will not easily show their fear to those around them, I am willing to wager that the fears still exist.”
“Even if we try to frighten the Imperial Guard out of the Sakova,” Lyra shook her head, “Larst will still have the bodies to show the people. That accomplishes little.”
“Bodies?” grinned StarWind. “There will be no bodies. I am talking about frightening the soldiers without leaving any bodies. Think in terms of scouts disappearing, food supplies vanishing, strange sounds in the night so soldiers cannot sleep, and small items taken off the sleeping bodies of soldiers.”
“Can that be done?” Lyra asked as she remembered her own first visit to the Sakova. MistyTrail had terrorized her and her friends.
“You know that it can be,” smiled StarWind. “HawkShadow is an expert at such things. SkyDancer is also fairly adept, although I wish MistyTrail was still here.”
“Still,” Lyra shook her head, “two people against the hordes that will be invading us? I am not sure anything will be gained.”
“Nothing will be lost if they don’t get caught,” retorted StarWind. “We lose nothing from our defense plan by letting them try.”
“Agreed,” decided the Star of Sakova. “You mentioned two ideas. What is the second?”
“The Katana wants us to cut off our food deliveries so that the Omungans hate us,” explained StarWind. “Suppose we do the opposite? Suppose we inform the Omungans of what their Katana is trying to do to them?”
“And then continue to send them food anyway?” Lyra asked with a puzzled frown. “Our people will be killed. I will have sacrificed them to make a point.”
“I said the plans were risky,” countered StarWind. “I think we could lower the risks by sending caravans to selected cities at selected times. Say that we saw an opportunity to send food to Fortaka while the Imperial Guard was elsewhere. The Omungans would move their troops to make sure that we didn’t do it again.”
“But we would send our caravans in the opposite direction,” nodded Lyra. “This plan has merit, but we will need good intelligence on the movements of the Imperial Guard. What about the individual city garrisons? Won’t they interdict the shipments without the help of the Okata armies?”
“I am not sure,” admitted StarWind. “While the city garrisons are Imperial Guards, they are mostly men from that city. They have families that are starving inside the walls. I think a lot will depend upon how favorably the people of the city look upon us.”
“You said that Fortaka and Alamar were the most welcoming of the Omungan cities,” schemed Lyra. “I want to take both of the caravans scheduled to leave today and redirect them to one of those cities.”
“For what purpose?” questioned the Sakovan spymaster. “Both cities have just received shipments.”
“Because those are our strongholds in the Omungan population,” replied Lyra. “We will boost food supplies of one of those cities before the Imperial Guard disrupts our deliveries.”
“I will see to it,” nodded StarWind. “I will actually feel better with caravans going to only one city at a time. It lessens the chance of interdiction. I will send both caravans to Alamar. The approach to that city is safer than Fortaka.”
“Good,” smiled Lyra. “I will be traveling with the caravans.”
“What?” gasped StarWind. “You will do no such thing. While our people are willing to risk their lives to feed the Omungans, we are not willing to risk our Star.”
“Then guard me well,” Lyra said firmly. “I plan to speak to the people of Alamar. Larst has to be seen for what he is, whatever that is.”
“Oh,” frowned StarWind, “I almost forgot. I spoke to Lord Marak about your question of someone taking over another’s body. He said it recently happened in Khadora. He does not know how it was accomplished, but he is certain that Zygor inhabited the body of a Khadoran lord.”
“That explains much,” frowned Lyra. “I thought Larst had turned dramatically. Now it makes sense. So once again they have a false Katana. Omunga needs a better method of leadership.”
“Do not even think of deposing another one,” warned StarWind. “I am sure that the army generals would seize control of the country.”
“That is a problem for the future,” nodded Lyra. “At least I understand now that I did not misjudge the man. Ready my caravans for Alamar. The sooner we get there, the less chance that the Imperial Guards from Okata will have to arrive before we do.”
* * *
Temiker led the gray-hooded Ukaro through the streets of Alamar towards the western gate. They were heading to the fields outside the walls when they were forced to pause at the main road leading through the city. Three wagons loaded with Sakovan food proceeded along the street. Citizens poured from the buildings and cheered as the wagons passed. A huge crowd flowed into the street and joyfully followed the caravan. People waved to the Sakovans and called them by name. It was a carnival atmosphere that pervaded the city. Farther down the street, the local Imperial Guards cheered and cleared a path to the marketplace.
On the steps of the Imperial Guard headquarters, a captain from Okata watched the display as his squad led their horses towards the stables behind the building. He shook his head in disgust and entered the building. He walked across the floor to the counter and demanded to speak with General Manitow. The Imperial Guard behind the counter gave him directions, and the captain strode off purposely. He passed along a corridor and entered a large office. He saluted as the general looked up.
“I am Captain Gachiral,” he declared. “I have been sent from Okata with directives concerning the Sakovans.”
“What are the directives?” asked General Manitow.
“The Katana has declared that the Sakova must be conquered,” stated the captain. “Already the armies are positioning for a push into the Sakovan heartland. You are instructed to secure the city of Alamar, and await the arrival of the army of General Romero. He will be here within the week.”
“Is the Katana aware that the Sakovans are supplying us with food?” asked General Manitow.
“He is aware,” nodded the captain. “He has ordered that all such caravans be followed to determine the location of the Sakovan stronghold. The sooner we find StarCity, the sooner we can crush it.”
“Are they mad?” retorted the general. “Without Sakovan food our people will starve to death. Those caravans are the only thing feeding the people. Surely you misunderstood the orders that you carried?”
“I understand the orders perfectly,” countered the captain. “Why should we live on handouts from the Sakovans when we can seize all of their food? The starvation of the people only accentuates the need for haste in finding StarCity.”
The general shook his head with dismay. He could not imagine such an order coming down from Okata, yet he could not defy the Katana. Desperately he sought a way to stall the effects of the orders.
“I am not convinced that you have carried this message in its entirety,” stated the general. “I demand that you return to General Romero and confirm the orders of the Katana.”
“There is no need…” began the captain.
“That was not a request, Captain,” bellowed the general. “You will return to General Romero and verify these orders. I want the Katana’s orders in writing. Do you understand?”
“I understand perfectly,” spat the captain as he saluted.
The captain turned and strode out of the office. General Manitow rose from his chair and began pacing the floor. Finally, he marched out of the Imperial Guard headquarters and walked to the marketplace. He saw SpringThaw sitting on the seat of the lead wagon and walked over to her.
“General,” SpringThaw greeted warmly. “Your soldiers are very efficient with the distribution. The people have learned not to push and shove. It is a testament to your leadership.”
“Thank you, SpringThaw,” replied the general, “but I carry grave news. The Katana is moving to halt these shipments.”
“Why?” frowned SpringThaw. “I cannot imagine that he would prohibit free food for his people. It makes no sense.”
“I agree,” sighed the general as he felt that his thoughts were on the edge of treason. He knew that he dared not disclose too much to the Sakovans.
“What will happen if we continue the caravans?” asked SpringThaw. “The people will not last long without regular shipments.”
“You will be risking your life and the lives of the other five Sakovans,” frowned the general.
“Your men would kill us?” SpringThaw asked with confusion.
“This is not my doing,” the general tried to explain. “An army from Okata will be arriving here within the week. While I am in charge of Alamar, General Romero leads an army of the Katana. His Imperial Guards will chase you all the way back to StarCity. Is there some way that I can contact you in the Sakova?”
“Why would you want to contact us?” FalconEye asked skeptically as he stepped out from beside the wagon.
“Because I cannot believe the orders that were delivered,” stated the general. “I have sent for confirmation so that you have time to get home safely. I plan to speak to Mayor Reaker about this matter. Perhaps he can talk some sense into the Katana.”
“So you would like to let us know when it is safe to resume deliveries?” inquired SpringThaw.
“Precisely,” nodded the general. “I do not want to see harm come to you, but I cannot go against direct orders. Is there a way to get word to you?”
“There is,” FalconEye interjected before SpringThaw could speak. “If you can find a mage in this city who has the capability to send up a strong light into the night sky, I am sure that we will see it.”
“There is a magic school in Alamar,” nodded the general. “I believe that you came to see me the first day with their master. His name is Temiker.”
“Ah,” smiled FalconEye, “he was the citizen who led us to your headquarters. Yes, I remember him. Can he do such magic?”
“I would presume so,” shrugged the general. “I know little about magic, but I understand that he is very talented.”
“Then we shall await the night light,” smiled FalconEye. “Thank you for the warning.”
General Manitow nodded grimly as he turned and left.
“That was clever of you,” whispered SpringThaw. “Now I understand why you were sent with me. I probably would have answered in such a way that the general would know that we have spies in his city.”
“You did well,” FalconEye smiled thinly. “We should return to the Sakova with haste. I think there was much more that the general did not share.”
“The wagons are empty,” SpringThaw declared. “There is no reason to delay other than to watch the happy people getting their share of food.”
“I think we can dispense with that on this trip,” FalconEye responded. “I will tell the others that we are leaving.”
Within minutes the Sakovans were ready to leave. The Imperial Guards were surprised to see the Sakovans leaving so early, but they swiftly created a corridor through the crowd for the wagons. The people waved and shouted thanks as the Sakovans left the marketplace and rode out of the city. Within an hour, the caravan was out of sight of the city.
“We are being followed,” warned FalconEye.
“Imperial Guards?” asked SpringThaw without turning around.
“Yes,” answered FalconEye. “It is a group of around twenty. They are trying not to be seen, but I have counted them. Turn to the north.”
“That will take us to the coast,” frowned SpringThaw. “We will be trapped there.”
“We cannot lead the Imperial Guards to StarCity,” explained FalconEye. “If we are to die, it will be in Omunga, not the Sakova.”
“Do you think they will attack us?” questioned SpringThaw.
“As soon as they realize that we are not heading for the Sakova,” nodded FalconEye.
“Can we defeat them?” asked SpringThaw.
“We have wagons,” FalconEye shook his head. “We cannot outrun them. If we stop to unhitch the horses, they will attack before we finish the job.”
“But we have bows,” argued SpringThaw.
“As do they,” FalconEye pointed out. “We are also not in the Sakova. There are no trees to hide behind here. Oh, we can give them a fight, but they are wearing armor and we are not. They can stand off at a distance and rain twenty arrows upon us. They can also choose the time of the attack. If we were in the Sakova, we might have a chance. Out here in the open we have none.”
“Then why not lead them into the Sakova?” asked SpringThaw.
“It is too far,” explained FalconEye. “We would have to rest the horses before we reached the fringe of the Sakova. These men will not pass up that opportunity to kill us.”
“Even if it means not finding StarCity?” questioned SpringThaw.
“Yes,” stated FalconEye. “They are not patient men. Their impatience is why I was able to spot them so easily. The sooner we lead them astray, the safer the secrecy of StarCity.”
“I understand,” SpringThaw nodded sadly. “Even our general direction out of Alamar has already told them too much. I will turn gradually to the north so they do not notice it right away. You should alert the others to what is going on.”
* * *
Ukaro knelt in the field of watula and slowly ran his hand up the withered stalk of grain, his fingers pausing at each decayed area. He snapped the stalk between his fingers and brought one end to his nose. His split lips curled with distaste.
“These plants have been poisoned,” he announced as he stood up.
“Obviously,” nodded Temiker, “but by what? I have never seen such a disease before. I do not think it is natural.”
“It is not,” agreed the Chula shaman. “It is magical in nature. Look at these burn marks along the stalk. It is as if a mist of acid was sprayed upon the plants.”
“But for all of the fields to be infected,” argued Temiker, “someone would have noticed the person spraying the plants.”
“Not necessarily,” countered Ukaro. “The infected areas are even now producing more acid. The winds will carry droplets to the next field. Someone merely needed to start the infection going. The wind will deliver it around the country.”
“How do we counteract it?” asked Temiker. “Is that even possible?”
“It is possible,” nodded Ukaro, “but it will not be easy to explain to the farmers. All of these fields must be destroyed as the first step to a fresh crop.”
“Destroyed?” echoed Temiker. “Do you mean to burn the fields?”
“We must,” nodded Ukaro. “All traces of the poison must be eradicated. The fields can be replanted after the soil is treated to remove the residual poison.”
“That could take several seasons before the fields produce again,” frowned Temiker. “Even the Sakovan supplies will not last long enough to forestall the starvation.”
“I know magics that will speed the growth of new fields,” offered Ukaro. “I will explain them to you, and you can teach them to your students.”
“And what will stop the winds from carrying the poison back to the new fields?” inquired Temiker. “We cannot stop the wind.”
“The poison needs live plants to propagate,” explained the Chula. “We can build a large wall around the new fields. Stone is preferable, but wood will do if it is not live. It must be a barrier tall enough to diminish the amount of poison drifting in from infected fields. The crops must be watched very carefully. At the first sign of infection, the bad crops must be destroyed immediately. It will not be easy, but these fields can be productive again.”
“That is the most encouraging thing I have heard in a long time,” responded Temiker. “I know the people in Alamar. They will donate their time to help these farmers.”
“I will take some samples back to the schoolhouse with me,” Ukaro said as he snapped off several stalks and wrapped them in a cloth. “Perhaps we can find a solution that can counteract the poison. If we can, the fences will not be necessary, but you should plan to erect them until we find that solution.”
“I will speak to the mayor about it,” promised Temiker as his attention was distracted by a group of Imperial Guards riding past the field.
He stared at the small group of men as they rode by. Most of the men were bandaged from what appeared to be recent wounds, as blood had soiled more than one uniform.
“What disturbs you about the soldiers?” asked Ukaro as he saw the Omungan mage watching the Imperial Guards.
“For one,” frowned Temiker, “they appear to be skirting around the city. They have seen recent action so they should be returning to the city, but they are not. In fact, they are taking pains to avoid it.”
“There is more to your worry than that,” probed the Chula shaman. “What is on your mind?”
“I am worried about what that recent action might have been,” admitted Temiker. “There is little organized theft in the eastern provinces. The only foe I could imagine for those troops are the Sakovans. There was a caravan in the city this morning. They should be on their way back to the Sakova by now.”
“Then it seems that Omunga has declared war on the Sakovans,” growled Ukaro. “Perhaps we should destroy those white-clad fools.”
“No,” Temiker said swiftly. “The situation here is tense enough as it is. We shall not act on our imaginations. Let us return to Alamar and find out what has happened.”
Ukaro growled again as Temiker led the way across the field. By the time they reached the road, the Imperial Guards had faded into the distance. Temiker walked quickly as he led the way towards the gates and entered the city.
“Perhaps you should wait at the schoolhouse,” Temiker suggested as he halted in front of the Imperial Guard headquarters. “I doubt the Omungans would appreciate another distraction right now.”
“I will stay with you,” replied Ukaro. “I want to know what happened.”
Temiker sighed anxiously as he nodded and walked up the steps and into the building. General Manitow was in the large foyer talking to another officer. Temiker headed directly for him with Ukaro a few steps behind.
“General Manitow,” interrupted Temiker, “I just saw some Imperial Guards outside the city. They appeared to have been in a recent battle. Do you know anything about that?”
The general turned with annoyance on his face. He stared at the mage and his features softened.
“In battle?” he said distractedly. “No battle has been reported to me. What makes you think there has been a battle?”
“Many of them were bandaged,” reported Temiker. “There was blood on their uniforms and they appeared to be avoiding entrance to the city. They came from the north.”
“How many soldiers?” asked the general.
“Around a dozen,” answered Temiker.
“There were twenty of them this morning,” stated the officer who had been speaking with the general. “I think your fears are justified after all. Our food deliveries are over.”
“Send out men to bring those soldiers back here,” General Manitow snapped. “Use force if necessary. I ordered that captain to return directly to General Romero. I did not give him leave to organize attacks in my province.”
“As you command,” saluted the officer.
“I also want a squad to look for the Sakovan caravan,” continued the general. “Send a healer with them.”
“Are they to be arrested?” asked the officer.
“No,” sighed the general. “They are to be aided. I doubt that we will find them alive, but we must try.”