Nights of Villjamur - Mark Charan Newton [197]
“Yes, I am,” Eir replied without hesitation, but with a look of terror on her face.
Randur indicated the soldiers now approaching, some way further along the long wall. “Those heavy swords impede their movements, to our advantage.”
“Did you organize all this?” Rika gestured to the commotion down below. The crowds had overpowered the military and violence had spread out to the neighboring streets. The whole chaotic scene possessed a surreal texture, spoke of the power of the people, the power of long-term resentment. What had begun with just a few dozen brawlers now absorbed hundreds, the spirit of the city changing before their eyes, generating a confidence that came from citizens rather than their rulers—a true democracy. You would soon hear these screams and shouts on the far side of the Empire.
“Den, mainly them,” Randur said, pointing to the soldiers behind. “Not quite the time for a debate though.”
Randur then gestured for them to hurry. “There’s a boat waiting for us right now in the underground docks. We need to fight our way down to the tunnels running under the city.” He reached into his boot for a knife, which he handed to Rika. “You may need this.”
“I am not really the kind of woman to consider violence as a solution.” Rika handed the knife back.
Be awkward, why don’t you. Randur frowned, sliding the blade back in his boot. “Righto, my lady, but you don’t mind if we kick a few arses to save your own?”
Denlin interrupted, “City soldiers are nearly here and I’m almost out of arrows.”
Randur said, “Rika, you stay behind us. Right, Eir, let’s show this lot a little Vitassi.”
The pair stepped forward with their swords up at the ready. The soldiers stared at Eir with confusion, a young woman of her pampered lineage preparing to meet them in conflict. Randur utilized their momentary hesitation to lunge out and rake his blade across one face. Before retreating, Eir swiftly repeated his gesture, and Randur noted her remoteness with approval. It was never a simple thing, to wound for the first time.
Two men crumpled to the floor, another came in place. Randur slipped on the wet stone, tumbling into the other man. They rolled awkwardly, pushing each other away from their own weapons. Randur reached for the man’s head, smashed his skull and kicked his body sideways off the wall.
He pushed himself up as another two soldiers shuffled forward. Eir faltered and Randur shouted for her to continue, to concentrate.
Side by side they were blocking blows, stepping gracefully out of the direction of strikes, and Eir learned from their opponents’ mistakes, waited for them, then wiped the razor-edge of her short sword across their necks or hands, never enough for a direct kill, but they collapsed off the wall to their deaths. Every time they did Randur could see something fade within her.
Denlin warned, “Last arrows,” and killed two more.
“Keep an eye out behind us for now, Den. Me and Eir will get rid of this lot easily.” Randur noticed how Eir seemed enhanced by his boast of how effectively they worked together, regained her composure and put her mind into a protected place. She began a series of new moves that were far too complex for the guard she now parried with, overwhelming him with pace if not strength, till a swift diagonal stroke saw him paw his throat in panic. Then she kicked his weakened legs from under him and he buckled forward.
One by one, the opposition was decimated.
The four of them finally had a clear path to the doorway. The riot below had moved away from the gates entirely, absorbing new energy in the ancient streets nearby, and already two trails of smoke rose from the lower level of the city.
They moved to the narrow stairs, which spiraled down.
“How come there’re no more guards?” Eir panted.
Breathless, Randur replied, “Rioting … All the trouble on the streets … Weren’t prepared for it to get out of hand.”
“Smart,” she gasped. “And all Denlin’s idea?”
“A master plan,” Denlin wheezed, and nearly tripped over the bow strapped across his chest.
The two guards standing sentry