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Chapter 14, Chronicle III - Parts To Play - Continued By William Black Will smiled at Tactus, then glanced around at the others. "I would like to propose a bit of change to our plans." He let his words settle for a moment before continuing. "As I was saying, Morion's presence adds a bit of complexity to an already dangerous mix. However, it may just give us an advantage Morlyn doesn't suspect." "Alright, Druid. What's the plan?" Sir Robert was eyeing his friend suspiciously. "First, let me spell something out real quick. Regardless of my vow not to use magic, Morlyn will be expecting me to head up the battle. More than likely from that very rise where we were looking across the valley at his troops." A mischievous sparkle entered his eyes. A smile Morgan knew only so well. She looked down at her hands, trying hard not to smile. Will noticed this and continued, "Well, there will be a Druid on that hill." Morgan's head snapped up and the smile was immediately replaced by an objection. "Will, I can't do that. I know longer practice Druidry. And if you haven't noticed, I'm a woman!" "Oh, I've noticed. However, if you...and I apologise for having to request this...if you cut your hair and wear my ceremonial robes, Morlyn will have a very difficult time at that distance figuring out that it really isn't me. And if he should reach out with his senses, he'll touch a Druid, just as he accepts to." Will smiled at her. "Will," she objected again, "I cannot perform magic...again you know that." Will held her gaze, "As I've stated before. No magic can be done, so you won't have to. Just be yourself." And before she could object, he turned to Robert and Tactus. "Robert, you'll be on the rise with Morgan. Again, Morlyn will expect this as Sir David's replacement. You must be at "my" side." Now, as for you, Tactus?" Tactus' attention was on the Druid's every word. "You have the most dangerous job. You'll be the chief commander on the field. You'll be in the thick of the battle. And I have a favour to ask of you in a moment, but it is Alan's turn." Will's brother was well prepared for what was coming. He knew he'd grown a bit older and slower. The younger men would be in the battle. It was his job to direct the falconer's. Without a word, the two men exchanged knowing glances and the love brother held for brother. Will walked over to where Morion sat. She waited patiently as he knelt before her. "My beloved Sovereign...I must ask of you the same as I've asked of Morgan." "What is that? There cannot be two of you standing on the rise." She smiled awkwardly, not sure what he was getting at. "No, My Lady. You must get your hair done. What hair Morgan cuts off, you must somehow put on." Seeing the look of utter confusion in her eyes, he continued. "Morion..., Morlyn will expect to see Sir Robert's Lady standing with him during the battle. You must stand in for Morgan. That completes the list of actors and the parts they must play." Morion and Morgan looked at one another and spoke in unison, "And where will you be?" Will turned back to Captain Tactus. "This is where I ask of you a favour. I wish to be among the first Cavalry troops sent into battle. I'll need normal provisions and a uniform." Tactus looked doubtful. "What is this really about, Sir?" "It's about the element of surprise. It is about deception." The dawning of understanding entered Tactus' eyes. "You mean to go after Morlyn yourself..." He made it a statement of fact. Will said nothing, but continued with his request. "I'd like you to send for one of your junior officers who is over one of the Cavalry divisions. He alone, besides all of you, will know what is really going on. Pick someone you'd trust with your own life. For if he is good enough for you, I'll know he's good enough for me." Tactus got up to leave. "Sir, do you really want to do this?" "It is not a matter of wanting to do this or that. I see no better way." Tactus nodded and left the tent. Will finally sat down and felt extremely tired. An all to frequent occurrence these days. "My Ladies and Noble Sirs, after I meet with Captain Tactus, I suggest we all get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day." Then looking at the women, "You'll most likely want to prepare tonight." "Oh," started Morion with a quirk to her smile, "Are you implying that it takes women longer than men to get prepared?" "Not at all, my Lady." Will refused to be baited. "However, the disguises must be as good as they can be. And I think Morgan will have some things to tell you about myself. Things that might take a bit of explaining." Again, a look of confusion crossed the smooth features of her face. "Morlyn may try scanning your memories, seeing how you'll be playing 'Morgan'. If he senses any deception, then my plan will unravel, and I most certainly will be killed." "I understand." Then addressing the council she said, "Is there anything else to discuss? No? Then if no one has any objections, let's set this plan in motion." Robert looked at her and muttered to himself, "I have plenty objections, but what the hell...if we're going to die, it's as good a way as any." Morgan's eyes flared, for she alone heard his mutterings. It didn't really matter. Robert would deal with life his own way; and would not perform any worse for his doubts. She stopped her musings and left the tent behind her Lady, not wanting another argument with her love. Will started back towards his brother's tent when Captain Tactus approached him with a young man in tow. My Lord, may I introduce Godfrey." Here he placed a large hand on the boys shoulders. Seeing the look of doubt in Will's eyes, he continued. "Please don't be under the mistaken impression that such a young fellow cannot be a good leader." Will shook himself. Momentarily he had forgotten his own past. But that was different. He'd never aspired to be a real leader. He was a loner on an errant Knight's quests. And unbeknownst to the others, he once again felt the remnants of the demon's blood raising its ugly power within his veins. William Black © Continues... Chronicle III, Main page |