The Scheme of All Things: Part I

9

"My lord," Etheckel began cautiously, "what is it exactly you are looking for? The Igre are defeated, a momentous accomplishment. But despite their influence and strength, these northlanders are not known for their wealth."

The general laughed and turned to face Etheckel, his eyes wide and intense, "I have access to all the wealth of Treehn and the Empire if I so desired it." He released Etheckel from his gaze, allowing him to breathe again, and turned his attention to some disturbance beyond his vision within the throngs of troops. He thought it might be the beginning of infighting between rival tribes; although if they were smart, they would have taken care of rival tribal enemies during the battle, but then again, Dreghbatta did not recruit them for their intellect.

"I'm looking for a woman and child. More importantly a child. I believe the child is the son of the Igre King and is still alive. They may try to smuggle the child out hidden in the spoils, and I cannot allow that to happen." He returned his gaze to Commander Etheckel looking directly into his eyes. "Take some men and Commander Iesha to the village; scour and search under every crevice for the woman and child and then bring them to me. The child must be kept alive." He punctuated his sentences with a florid display of his fingers, stabbing in the air as if the words floated there. It made Etheckel think the General was addressing him as a child, and it was likely he was.

Etheckel shifted on his feet and looked back into the General's eyes. They were dark and seemed to burn with an inhuman light. The black around his eyes seemed to emit energy, as if they were deep pits sucking life and light from all around.

"Yes My lord, I will do as you command." His stomach churned at the thought of working with Commander Iesha though; those female commanders who Dreghbatta referred to as his "whips" were creepy and smelled like the opened bowels of a dead ox. They always looked at him as if he was served up on a plate with garnish. He raised his arm in a salute and stepped away, but was frozen by the sounds of men yelling and the rattling of shields and swords just ahead of him.

There was a commotion nearing the General and his staff some of the troops approached the area and there was a swell of people that moved like a storm across the plains. The distinct sound of combat could be detected over the general din of the crowd and as they watched they could see a figure approaching, dropping combatants as they attempted to head him off, others backing away from screams released by those stupid enough to challenge him. As the figure drew closer he was challenged less, and the soldiers parted as the figure hacked and stalked like reaper in an field of wheat.

Commander Etheckel responded by barking at the troops nearest him, "Get in line pig! Stand at attention you worthless sack! Get in line or I'll whip your hide!" He grabbed some by the shoulder or hair and tossed them forward to form a defensive line in front of the General and with his loose hand grabbed the whip from his belt ready to make good on his threats. Whoever was approaching they were not a threat to be taken lightly, the foe had forced its way through yards of men standing in his way and the General needed to be protected.

But the Dreghbatta saw thing differently. "Let him though! Yes, yes let the fool through, he's not going to hurt me."

"Sir," Etheckel cut in, "I must advise you to stand back, we'll take care of this threat. He could be dangerous."

"Bah!" Dreghbatta responded, pushing Etheckel to the side and violently moving the soldiers that had lined up in front of him. "Nonsense! No one here can harm me. Besides we ought to behave with dignity and honor, show some respect for royalty." The general mockingly rolled his "r" flamboyantly when he said royalty.

Etheckel looked back at the General perplexed and a little annoyed. Often Dreghbatta spoke in riddles and addressed everyone with an arrogance unrivaled in even the old Treehn Court, his orders were always sarcastic and pedantic, but the commander was truly confused with the general's statement and behavior. If any injury befell the general, it would be Etheckel's head he thought, so despite Dreghbatta's flippant comments, he replaced the whip to his belt and unsheathed his saber, if whoever it was made one move towards the General, Etheckel would run him through.