The Outlander 1 8
#9 of The Outlander
Book 1 Chapter 8
8
The two days passed slowly, the training of the volunteers was proving difficult. Many of them were peaceful folk who had never seen a sword let alone wielded one. However, some were more suited to the bow than the blade. Sandokhan thought it was probably the rumours and legends of the great Fujokai that had attracted many to the cause. However, to the west of the Niji gate the forces of Ikkit Claw were busy making plans of their own. Dawn was coming and weak sun rays appeared in the east as the Stormvermin army were separated into their battalions and regiments. Their chieftains and captains stood next to charts of the battleground. "Pay attention, you 'orrible lot! This is where the battle really starts. We will be moving out for the gate in an hour, so this is the plan. This battle is merely to see the extent of the enemy's defences. Now, I'm sure that you've all 'eard about these warriors that the enemy put so much faith in, don't believe it! They are mere beasts, they may be tough but they are not invincible. You spear rats will be at the front, while the musketeers will lay down fire to subdue any archers. So, prepare for battle!" Weapons were being sharpened, spearheads and lance tips were driven into scorpion venom glands tainting the points in the venom. Cuirasses, gauntlets, pauldrons, helmets and greaves were being fitted. The Stormvermin army was now ready to march to war.
Sandokhan was also going over his battle plan. Samurai from clans across Mochizuki were mixed in with defence volunteers and surviving warriors from the other domains. "The archers themselves will be split into two groups," Sandokhan began. "One group will be positioned onto the north slope of the valley whilst the second group will be placed on the opposite side. Remember, the first group fires on the first signal. This should confuse the Stormvermin and when the second group opens fire that'll close the trap on them. We attack from three sides: left, right and in front. Lord Fujokai has agreed to lead the first archer unit." "Good luck, you'll need it!" Ryu scoffed. Sandokhan scowled at his friend. "Is there something you would like to add to my battle plan Ryu san?" "No, Your Lordship. I'm just anxious to get out there and kill some vermin." "This is no rabble of mindless sea rats." Everyone present looked towards where the voice came from. Jagee stood on his own away from the others. "These are Stormvermin. They are disciplined and organised.' "Jagee, glad you could join us!" Wataru sneered. Jagee turned towards Sandokhan, his pale dead eye moving around grotesquely in the socket. "I know you don't like me Lordship. However like you I am Samurai, a servant. I may be half blind, but I've been learning to adapt and my right eye sees more than it ever has." Sandokhan then remembered the words he had spoken back in the dojo's training hall. 'All this time I tried to treat you as a friend. No more!' "I appreciate your concern in this matter Jagee. I do remember the confrontation at our old dojo, however I am willing to overlook that event if it means you coming to the aid of your country. Your courage is welcome and your skill will be greatly needed." The ferret bowed respectfully to Sandokhan before joining the war host.
When morning had fully broken the defenders were massed in rows before the massive gateway that spanned across the valley. The front rank was occupied by spear beasts and samurai, with Lon standing alongside them. The badger's armour was white and trimmed with shimmering gold. The massive beast loomed over them all with Sandokhan standing at his left. The air was heavy with anxiety and anticipation. A faint rumble was heard in the distance that grew in volume with the passing of time and there, half a league in front of them, the Stormvermin army stood. Brandishing their weapons in the most ferocious manner. "There's so many of them," Wataru gasped. Lon reassured his brave fighters, "Take heart, tell the archers to stand ready." Ryu held up a red paddle and waved it at the northern slope. On the northern slope was an ecstasy of fumbling as archers notched shafts to their bows. Then, the columns of armoured rats parted as two figures one small and another much larger creature, emerged on the backs of giant, black scorpions. Both Lon and Sandokhan walked out to meet them. Lon stood unmoved by the sight of the large Stormvermin army. "Why won't you go away?" Lon asked. "I am General Gash, supreme commander of the Forces of the Claw. We are here for the glory of the Eshin Dynasty. This land is now a domain of the Eshin Celestial Realm." "This is my land! You are breaking my law and trespassing on the domain of the Shoguns!" "Surrender stripedog. Surrender your land and the Honoured Claw in his infinite patience and mercy will allow your creatures to live," "Tell the 'Honoured Claw' that he can boil his 'Honoured Head'!" Gash shook his head in mock disappointment, "Very well. If you are so eager to die, we shall oblige you." "Any paw that tries to sweep across my domain shall be swiftly cut down." "We's shall tell der 'onoured claw of yer disobedience," sneered Roygel. Sandokhan grew bolder, "Do so, but be quick! For already we grow impatient!" After that, the mind games ended and the respective generals returned to their armies. Lon was taken aback by his servant's actions. "I hope that wasn't all bravado, my sword." "Do not worry Lordship. I have confidence that my plan will work."
Ikkit Claw refused to ride beasts as unclean as scorpions. Instead, when overseeing large battle, he sat atop a massive throne decorated with trinkets of silver and gold carried by twelve chamber slaves. The sun was starting to get higher and the humidity was building when Gash and Roygel reported to their lord, who was fanning himself under a great silk awning. Claw shook his head with annoyance. "Why are these creatures being so difficult? I offer them absolution and peace and still they refuse. Gash, I have only one order; crush them. Quickly and without mercy." "By your command," Gash replied before assembling runners to tell his troops on the front lines. Roygel was also rising to leave when his master suddenly raised his brass claw to halt him. "Not you Roygel. I want you to take your kin half a league behind the front line there you are to stay until called for." "But, Moi Lord, oi thought..." "His Lordship told you to wait!" Mangetail shouted. Then the massive looming wearet grabbed Claw's seer and lifted the rat up to his eye level with his neck in a strangle hold. "You's don't tells me wotta do." There was a shuffling of metal as Claw's bodyguard poised the points of their halberds and spears to Roygel's neck and throat. "Enough of this melodrama. Roygel release him!" Roygel obeyed. Mangetail fell from his grip and landed hard on his bottom. The slaves had to stifle their giggles, Mangetail glared at them evilly which stunned them into silence. "Your bickering is pointless. Now Roygel, you follow orders." With that, Roygel brushed the spear points aside and mounted his scorpion muttering obscenities under his breathe.