Eritopia

Battle Lines

'Which was?' Anya asked.

'When we were delayed on our journey to the Mountains. News of the King's intentions forced my next decision. The beginning of a Cycle is the most critical time of all; we had to act so events would not outrun us. That is why I had to leave you.

Bear hadn't realised they were on their way to the Mountains.

'I knew our allies were coming from the Inside,' Van continued, 'and that Not-Bear was in good company on his way to the City.'

'I am sorry Van,' Bear interrupted, ' but how did you know?' The others might understand what he was talking about, but he didn't.

'The birds told me,' Van said, laughing. 'They keep an eye on everything for us.'

'Birds?' Bear recalled his conversation with the crow on the eve of the Battle. He hadn't thought much of it at the time.

Van continued. 'How else do you think I am able to get around? After I left you in the Circle, I went ahead with them to see what was happening to Not-Bear. Then I went back to the Inside to summon our forces. When we got lost in the fog, I knew it was too late to continue on foot. I had to get to the far side of the mountains, to seek the help of the Riders.'

'So the birds took you?' Anya asked.

'Eagles actually, my dear lady. The crows did offer, but the Eagles were more experienced.' Van stopped and began to cough again. The badger whispered in his ear, Van shook his head.

'Who are these Riders?' Not-Bear asked. He didn't know much about eagles, but he knew from his own experience that the Riders were genuine. 

'Their story is entwined with Reed's,' Van told him. 'They are his followers. When he organised the Inside for you they left for adventure, as Not-Bear did. The Riders are people who have developed an affinity with horses. They are almost one and the same; a horse unimaginable without a jockey, a Rider lost without their mount.'

The fire crackled and night closed around them. Snatches of conversation around the sparkling lights of other fires continued. They heard coughs and splutters, snores and sighs. The animals were preparing for rest, licking wounds and pondering their exploits.

Van continued while the others listened. 'The Riders' agreement with Reed was that they would help the animals in any future hardship. We only needed to find them and ask. I am one of the few who can do such a thing.'

'We saw you!' Not-Bear realised, then looked at Jod, 'Well Jod saw you, riding at their head on the horse of the leader.'

'What do you mean, you saw him?' Bear exclaimed. Was this another of Not-Bear's foolish notions?

'I keep trying to tell you, that's how we came to the Battle,' Not-Bear told him. He looked at Van, who nodded, content to have the story taken from him. Not-Bear told how he, Martin and Jod escaped from the City through the tunnels below the Palace. And how they came exhausted to the foothills, where the rabbits found them.

'The following morning we saw the Riders coming through the pass.'

Bear shook his head in wonder.

'Then we moved onto the plain ourselves.' Not-Bear continued. 'We reached the battlefield as the fight was fiercest. At that point, the tide was in the City's favour. But when they saw us their resolve disappeared. I've never seen men run so fast! They were falling over themselves to get away. After that it was easy.'

He mentioned he had been looking for the King during the fighting, but hadn't seen him. He asked Bear if he had.

'No, but then I wouldn't recognise him, would I?' Bear said.

'Surely you would notice a King!' Not-Bear told him.

'Why, do they have a sign on them?' Bear huffed.

Van, who had been listening, interrupted. 'I can see Bear's point,' he said. The others had caught the conversation. Jod tried to remember anything about Barnabas that was kingly.

'He didn't deserve to be a King,' Calypso added. 'Look at the way he led the people into the Battle.'

'That's right. They were no match for us,' Anya agreed.

'Some of them were children,' Bear added, remembering the one he punched.

'But we had Reed on our side.' The badger spoke for the first time, then wished he hadn't because everyone looked at him.

'The Riders more like,' said Bear.

Jod was thinking. He got up and went over to Van, while the debate smouldered. 'Can I ask you something?' he said.

'Yes, my friend,' Van replied.

'Has anyone given any thought to the future of the City? The King must be replaced.'

'Of course,' Van told him. 'He can't rule in defeat.'

'What about Martin?' Jod asked. He looked over to where Martin was sitting, laughing with Bear and the others.

 'He will return to his family,' Van said. 'Why?'

'He is thoughtful,' Jod continued undeterred, 'and is different to the rest. Could you not find him a role?'

'In leadership, you mean?' Van asked. 'The Riders and I have been talking about that,' he said. 'There is to be a committee, its members appointed to rule and administer. There is no reason why he shouldn't be one of those,' Van said.

Jod was surprised, 'You agree?'

'Of course,' Van said and then added. 'In fact, we have already discussed it. He will be the representative of the City and leader of the new Council.'

Jod was excited. 'Can I tell everyone?' he asked.

'It would be foolish not to,' Van said.