The Battle for Bahoz (11)

As Belisarius and Corvus were discussing the details of the plan, the door to the room suddenly opened with a bang. Entering was someone even Corvus had not expected: Kaelyra. Her entrance into the room, with her beauty and threatening stance, changed the atmosphere inside in an instant. Always known for her authority, Kaelyra's arrival also startled Belisarius.Kaelyra quickly walked towards Corvus. In a motherly manner that reflected concern and authority at the same time, she began to check Corvus' condition even before he spoke."I heard you got hurt! What are you doing up? You should rest!"Kaelyra checked Corvus' wounds, first with her eyes and then with her hands. Corvus tried to stop her by saying, "I'm fine, calm down! " but Kaelyra could not stop her inspection. Her hands slid down Corvus' shoulders, her every movement a mixture of authority and affection.This unexpected situation increased the tension in the room in an interesting way. Corvus' slightly embarrassed expression surprised Belisarius, but even more surprising was Kaelyra herself. After a few minutes of this awkward encounter, Kaelyra finally stopped and glanced at the maps on the table."I didn't know you were going to be in charge of the reinforcements." Corvus said. His voice was both questioning and a little surprised.Kaelyra being here was unexpected for Corvus. Kaelyra normally did not leave her father Valerius' side easily. It was usually Kaelyra's job to keep Valerius under control and organize his orders."I came because the situation is urgent." Kaelyra said, her voice as confident as ever, but trying to hide an underlying nervousness. She involuntarily reached for her hair, as she did every time she lied. In truth, she had been curious about Corvus' condition and had managed to head the reinforcements, much to her father Valerius' chagrin. To diffuse the tension in the room, she said, "I met Ilyada. She told me about the situation in the city. She said that you had decided to retreat." she added.Corvus took a quick glance at the maps on the table and replied in a calm tone:"I have not made that decision yet."Then he turned to the warrior waiting at the door. "Summon Ilyada, Tharvork and Draknar." he ordered. Corvus' order made the mood in the room even more serious. As they waited for the summoned people to arrive, Corvus explained his plan in detail to Kaelyra. Kaelyra listened to Corvus, whom she loved like a brother, and watched his words with anxious attention.After a while Ilyada, Tharvork and Draknar came into the room and each took their place around the table. Their eyes reflected the seriousness of the situation. Just as Corvus was about to begin detailing his plan, a question from Kaelyra changed the atmosphere of the room:"Why didn't Kragan come?"Kaelyra's question created a cold silence in the room. Ilyada immediately averted his gaze from Kaelyra, her tense expression revealing the situation. The silence lasted for a few seconds, and then everyone became acutely aware of the weight. Draknar attempted to speak, but Corvus answered without raising his head from the maps:"In the presence of the gods."Kaelyra did not want to believe these words. Her eyes quickly scanned the faces in the room, searching for the truth. Draknar's sad gaze, Tharvork's fists clenched in grief, Ilyada's fleeing eyes... Everything confirmed the bitter truth. Kaelyra's eyes moistened, but the heat of her anger quickly dried them. Her hand reflexively went to the hilt of her axe. "How?" she asked, her voice broken but dangerously sharp.For Kaelyra, Kragan was not only a friend, but a brother. The news of his death was like a dagger in her heart. But Corvus' response ended this emotional moment with cold clarity:"He fought with honor, he died with honor. The matter is closed. Let us focus on the work ahead."Corvus's firm, emotionless words silenced everyone in the room. Kaelyra took a deep breath, trying to suppress the pain and anger inside her. But the heavy air over the room did not seem to dissipate easily, even later in the meeting. When Corvus began to explain his plan, all attention was focused on him. He valued everyone's opinion, so he listened to the suggestions of everyone at the table. Ilyada agreed with Corvus' plan, instead of insisting on her previous suggestion to retreat. The old wolves, Tharvork and Draknar, enthusiastically accepted the new strategy, as they had opposed the idea of retreat from the beginning. Kaelyra, on the other hand, with a look of vengeance and anger, remained silent, not saying a word.After about fifteen minutes of discussion and minor changes, Tharvork, Draknar and Ilyada left the room to carry out Corvus' orders. As they left, Corvus turned to the warrior waiting at the door and ordered him to summon Rasur.As Rasur stepped into the room, he felt crushed under the weight of Kaelyra's hateful gaze. He turned silently to Corvus, avoiding eye contact. Corvus was donning his armor without breaking the silence, but at the same time preparing his words to satisfy Rasur's curiosity. Finally, he spoke in a calm tone:"I will soon execute your father."These words sent a shiver through Rasur's body. He knew he would meet such an end because of his father's betrayal; he had accepted this fact. But to be suddenly confronted with this reality shattered all his preparation. Moreover, according to the strict rules of the Rhazgord, the price of betrayal was not only the life of the guilty, but also that of his family. So this decision was also Rasur's death sentence. Corvus recognized the war in Rasur's face. Without making him wait long, he made him an offer:"Either you stand by your father and share his fate, or you stand by me and save your life and that of your family."Corvus' offer raised the tension in the room even higher. Before Rasur could react, Kaelyra intervened angrily:"You cannot trust this dog, Corvus! The law is clear: treason is a crime of the whole tribe, not just one person!"Kaelyra's words were right. Rhazgord law considered treason a social crime, not an individual offense. Even if Rasur had not been involved in the betrayal, his family could not escape the stain. But the determination on Corvus' face did not change."I have the Black Flag, Kaelyra! In time of war, I alone have the right to judge and execute judgment!"Corvus' words interrupted Kaelyra's protests. The Black Flag trumped all Rhazgord law in wartime, and Corvus' authority could not be questioned. Kaelyra's anger remained on her face, but she knew she could say no more. Rasur took a deep breath, realizing that this offer could not only save him, but his family as well.Corvus turned to Kaelyra and said in a calm voice, "Go and prepare your warriors, please." Kaelyra hesitated briefly, but left the room without further protest. Her footsteps left a vague trail of anger and sadness in her wake. Corvus waited until he was sure she was well away. Then he turned to Rasur with a cold expression on his face. This time he began to speak in Adler language. It was not his intention to make Belisarius understand what he was saying; his main purpose was to prevent his words from being understood by others."My brother died today because of your father, Rasur."Corvus' voice was low and eerily calm. The words, spoken in that tone, cast a heavy gloom over the room. Rasur's face turned as white as lime. Corvus continued to speak in the same chilling tone:"I want to tear your father and your whole family apart right now, Rasur."These words brought Rasur to his knees. He was trembling with fear, almost collapsing to the ground. The fear echoing in his heart had taken over his body."Your life and the lives of your family belong to me now." Corvus said, as his eyes bored into Rasur."You and your family are now only my dogs. If I say bark, you will bark, if I say bite, you will bite. In return I will give you Bahoz and a death that comes with time."As soon as Rasur heard these words, he reflexively knelt in front of Corvus. Kneeling was a gesture foreign to Rhazgord culture, but in that moment, Rasur's instincts told him clearly what to do. His voice trembled with desperation and pleading as he fell at Corvus' feet:"If you say bark, I will bark! If you say bite, I will bite! Just spare my family!"This was the moment Rasur's fate was literally sealed. Corvus' gaze was hard and determined. There was not a trace of compassion or mercy in his eyes, only control and authority. As Belisarius watched this scene in silence, he realized once again how ruthless and impressive Corvus' new leadership style was.Corvus had gotten what he wanted and made his decision. It was time to set off. Despite Belisarius' insistence, he had refused to take him with himself. Instead, he convinced Belisarius and his men to go to Sorbaj, giving him twenty warriors. For this was not Belisarius' war; as a prince of another country, he should not interfere in the affairs of Rhazgord.At the exit of Bahoz, tens of thousands of warriors were waiting for their leader. At the same time, thousands of civilians had left their homes and made their way to safety. Chaos and fear were evident among the crowds. Everyone living in Bahoz was part of this scene. Everyone was waiting to see what their leader Corvus would do.Corvus came into the space between the people and the warriors, carrying Tanar by the hair and dragging him along the ground in one hand and Kragan's huge axe in the other. Walking beside him, Franz proudly carried the Black Flag, while Rasur stood silently to Corvus' right side.Tanar's bruised and battered form and Corvus' heavy footsteps drew everyone's attention. Murmurs rose among the people, some cursing Tanar, others silently watching in horror. Corvus paused for a moment when the full attention of the crowd was on him, letting them feel the weight of his gaze. His eyes burned like embers. It was as if he was challenging not only Tanar, but all his enemies.Corvus' voice, aided by the Lightstone energy, echoed throughout the crowd. Every word, sharp as a sword, echoed and penetrated the ears. A heavy, tense silence filled the air. People listened to Corvus speak, holding their breath. Some had anger on their faces, others despair. But they all had one thing in common: Hope mixed with fear in their eyes. Corvus aimed to fuel that hope and turn it into loyalty.When he thrust his axe into the ground, the sound created a small ripple in the crowd. Every face turned to the axe and then to Corvus' determined expression. Whispers rose in the crowd, but Corvus raised a hand to silence them."Brave and honorable sons of Mount Rhaz!" he began, his voice echoing throughout the square. His voice was like a fire that penetrated the people, igniting the vengeance hidden in their souls."I am your brother Corvus! Corvus of the Tiamats!" he said, and voices of approval rose from some of the crowd. Some clenched their fists, others bowed their heads."This is the dog you saw with me," he said, and took Tanar by the hair and pulled him a step forward. Tanar's bloodied face was a picture of fear and desperation."He chose to betray you and the Rhazgord!"His words raised murmurs from the crowd. Insults directed at Tanar mingled with threatening whispers. But some faces remained silent, staring at the ground, trying to digest the weight of what had happened.Corvus's voice grew even harsher as he said, "Today, husbands, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters of many of you have died because of this dog's betrayal!"There was a moment when the crowd could no longer contain their anger. Angry looks and harsh words were directed at Tanar."And now you must leave your home, the streets where you grew up!" he added, and the angry voices of the crowd rose once more. But Corvus once again raised his hand to silence them."But this dog called Tanar is not the only one to blame!" his voice suddenly changed, deep and accusing. "Unfortunately, my family and I failed to keep this dog on a tight leash!"These words brought a stony silence to the square. Corvus' statement about himself and his family had the people frozen in their seats."But I, Corvus Tiamat!" his voice rose again, resolute and sharp, filling the square. "I will pay for my family's absence! By avenging the deaths of your children! By protecting your home for your safe return! And by taking the life of this dog and then the enemies of the Rhazgord!"Corvus' words echoed through the crowd. Anger, hope and determination once again blended in their hearts.The silence of everyone created a tense atmosphere that filled the square. Until Ilyada's strong, determined voice cut through the silence like a knife:"Long live Corvus Tiamat! Long live the Lion of Rhaz!"Ilyada's shout dissolved the tension in the square in an instant, and the silence was replaced by echoing slogans. It was unexpected for Corvus, but his timing was perfect. Ilyada's cry was echoed first by the two thousand Iskat cavalry behind her. Then Corvus' and Kaelyra's warriors joined in. In a few seconds the people of Bahoz joined them too.The sound of the crowd mingled with the rhythmic sounds of the warriors beating their swords against their shields, the neighing of the horses and the chants of the people. The screams rose to the sky like an unbreakable wall. In the midst of these waves of sound, Corvus gripped his axe with heavy steps.Kragan's huge axe rose in Corvus' hands like a glowing symbol of death. His eyes flickered for a moment to Tanar's exhausted, helpless state. Then, without hesitation, he brought the axe down. The blow put an end to Tanar's life.At this moment, the noise of the crowd reached its peak. The cries of the warriors and the people merged, echoing with a force that made Bahoz's crooked walls tremble. Corvus' speech and the punishment he had meted out to Tanar had given the people of Bahoz the confidence and sense of unity they had lost. Only this time it was a sense of unity centered around Corvus.The square was still buzzing with enthusiasm when Franz brought Corvus' horse. Corvus nimbly jumped onto the horse's back. He placed the axe in the strap on his back and took the Black Flag in his hands. The flag waved proudly in the wind.Corvus rode his horse towards the Black Plains. The sound of steel hooves echoed on the ground, Corvus was leaving Bahoz behind, followed by ten thousand cavalry. It was a scene that would go down in Rhazgord history - an army marching for vengeance and victory, behind the leader who bore the Black Flag. And most importantly, people loyal to Corvus, not to the primitive nature of Rhazgord.