The Black Gods War

nearest to him prostrated again and the rest followed, all of them moving downward in a gentle wave.
    The dead man’s body lay abandoned on the wide step. Caio struggled to put the man’s family out of his mind.
    “I will return soon, after our victory. The gods of Lux Lucis watch over you.” Caio put his hands together prayerfully and a warm tranquility took root among the faithful. They chanted in unison:
    “Havah ilz avah Haizzem!”
    “Havah ilz avah Haizzem!”
    “Havah ilz avah Haizzem!”

Chapter Four: The Remonstrations of Achilles

    Two days later.

    ILARIO’S HORSE CRESTED THE DRY HILL with Caio beside him, giving them their best view of the reinforcements since they had set off from Remaes the day after the Dux Spiritus ceremony. Elite spear throwers from Satrina and light cavalry from Lympia marched with the legions of heavy infantry from the holy city. The organized procession stretched westward past the distant horizon, ten soldiers wide and thousands of soldiers long.
    “Isn’t your army impressive?” Ilario asked.
    Caio glanced in Ilario’s direction with a grin. “You’re still trying to get me used to the ‘my army’ concept?”
    “As usual, you’ve read my mind.” Ilario put his heel to his stallion and they started down the hill. Below, the Neda River ambled across the road, flanked by desert trees.
    Caio leaned toward Ilario. “It will be a long time before my father’s boots fit me, if they ever do.”
    “You should keep an open mind.”
    “Only in my nightmares.” Caio winked. “At least I’m blessed to have good company with me.”
    “We should have a talk.” Ilario pointed to the river. “Let’s have a rest by that cluster of trees?”
    Caio glanced up at the red sun. “Even Lord Galleazzo would welcome the shade.”
    They dismounted on the soft earth by the riverbank, under the cover of long-limbed trees. Ilario grabbed two waterskins off his dark chestnut steed and waited for the warpriests to lead their mounts to drink. The percussive chirping of the insects came as a welcome change from the clamor of the marching army. Ilario inhaled deep breaths to savor the fresh air.
    More than a dozen horse-pulled water wagons rolled up to the river. The servants and slaves rushed around, refilling the urns. Hundreds of soldiers milled about, many of them heading to the river to drink and bathe. Many more gathered around their Haizzem to receive his blessing.
    Ilario stood beside Caio and scrutinized each man who approached him. At least they were quick about walking up to him, bowing, and moving on after Caio touched their foreheads. One man held up the line to ask Caio to pray for his family, but no one lingered too long. Eventually the crowd dispersed.
    “Shall we?” Ilario started for the grove he’d spotted earlier.
    “What is it you want to talk to me about, brother?”
    “Can you tell? What do you sense?” Ilario asked.
    “I can feel your sense of responsibility, not only to me, but also to our kingdom. You probably want me to embrace my duty.”
    Right again. “I’ve watched you for nearly ten years now. It’s strange to see you like this. You’re not a pessimist.”
    Caio rubbed his forehead. “This campaign has gone on for more than nine years, and we’ve made little progress. I don’t even believe in this—”
    “That’s a very big problem. You are our Haizzem. You are our Dux Spiritus. You must lead us to victory.”
    “I’d rather be in Remaes, healing the sick and comforting the bereaved, leading worship in The Reveria, not praying over the funeral pyres of soldiers who didn’t have to die.”
    “These men left their homes to fight for your father. Now they look to you. You must show them they haven’t fought in vain, that their brothers haven’t died for nothing. If you don’t dedicate yourself to winning this war, many more will fall.”
    “I have to take lives to save lives.”
    “Unfortunately, yes. That is your duty and you need to accept it.”
    Caio exhaled a loud breath. “You’re right.” He frowned. “I don’t have a choice, except between killing Pawelons or letting our men be killed. That’s not much of a choice, is it?”
    “No one ever said war is the most noble thing a man can do, but once this is done you can do better things.”
    “Maybe afterward I’ll finally have time to heal the world? All those I could help if I weren’t going to this gods-forsaken canyon?”
    “Your father nearly defeated Pawelon