Shades of the Past_ Book Six of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [73]
The Black Hawk standard bearer takes the lead as they move through the city streets. Near the front of the column rolls the wagon carrying Orry’s body, his friends riding along beside. Behind them comes Jiron and his group, then Ceadric with the Black Hawk Raiders.
“I thought we lost many of your men during the battle?” asks James.
Illan glances behind them at the throng of men at the rear and replies, “We did. These are others who have decided to join us.” He glances to James with a grin, “Seems they want to ride for glory.”
“Glory!” scoffs James. “There’s nothing glorified about what we’re doing. They just want revenge.”
“Maybe,” agrees Illan. “But for whatever reason, we can use them.”
James nods his head and continues riding through town.
The streets are lined with many soldiers and civilians who are there to see them off. Every once in a while, a cheer would erupt when they turn a corner and appear to those who are waiting for them.
At the gates they find Errin with a tired looking Miko. Eyes all but closed with heavy bags under them, he sits on his horse as if he’s about to fall off. When he takes notice approaching, he perks up and rides forward with Errin beside him.
“Found him still among the wounded,” she says. “Had to practically drag him away.”
“Save many did you?” James asks his friend.
From behind them, Lord Pytherian replies, “Many? I would have to say there are a hundred or more who owe either their lives to him or the use of a limb.” He glances to those following behind with the Raiders and adds, “I see many of the ones he saved are among your men.”
“We didn’t ask them to come,” James says apologetically.
“It’s alright,” he says quietly. “You can use the help and another hundred or so here won’t really make that much of a difference.”
“Any reports of the enemy?” Illan asks.
“Not so far Black Hawk,” he replies. “From what our scouts are reporting, the forces to the east and west of us are maintaining their positions. They may not yet know of what transpired here.”
“That won’t last for long,” Jiron says as he comes to join them.
“Just remember you promised to build the temple,” reminds James.
“We will, I assure you,” Lord Pytherian states. “Good luck to you.”
“Thank you,” replies James. “You too.”
Getting their horses moving, they ride toward the open gate. When they pass through, the men on the walls give them a cheer.
As they cross the bridge, they take note of the men still working to remove the dead from the field. The soldiers of the Empire are being heaped together in one big pile while the men of Madoc are laid out more carefully. Far away from the banks of the river, two work forces are digging out large holes for the bodies, one for the Empire and horses, and the other for the men from Madoc and the alliance. Already a stone plaque has been commissioned to memorialize the men who are to be laid to rest there.
Taking the road south, Illan sends out riders to scout ahead and to their flanks for any enemy presence. After Lythylla disappears behind them, they locate a copse of trees near the road and take a momentary break while Orry is laid to rest.
Unwilling to allow others to dig his grave, Devin, Nerrin and the others who were closest to him take shovels and find a spot beneath a large tree. James and Illan stand nearby until they have it deep enough, then watch as his body is transferred from the wagon and laid within the earth.
Once they cover him with dirt and place rocks atop the mound to prevent animals from digging him up, Brother Willim comes forth and says a few words. While he speaks of life and how death is but another path, each reflects upon how Orry enriched their lives and how he will be missed.
Those standing nearby remain quiet in respect for the dead until Brother Willim winds to a close. Then with a last goodbye, they remount