Nena by Ann Boelter (digital book reader txt) 📕

But if he took the mountain, what would he achieve? He would be a richer man—richer beyond his dreams if what Nena had said was true. But he already had more wealth than he could ever spend. Assuming he was one of the survivors, and Nena was as well—which he knew was a long shot, since he fully expected her to be among the front line of fighters—what would he have won? He would never truly have her after that. Not after murdering her family, her people. Any feelings she did have for him would be lost, never to be regained. And contrary to what Tryggr said, she did have feelings for him; he knew it. He’d felt it.

And what would he do if he saw one of his men about to deliver a death blow to her? Would he kill him—his own man? Jarl had gone over this, along with all the other dilemmas he faced, from every angle a thousand times—as many times as he had gone over the Teclan defenses. There was much to consider, but really there wasn’t. While he waited for the last scouting party to return, Jarl made up his mind. He knew what he had to do.

Even though his large tent had been set up after Gunnar’s arrival, Jarl chose to have the scout leader present the latest report outside under the stars. He glanced at all of his higher ranking men, seated tonight around the fire ring, while Altene moved silently among them, keeping their cups filled with wine. Jarl’s full mug remained untouched beside him. With his fingertips steepled in front of his lips and nose, he stared into the flames as he absorbed the latest report. This scouting party had just returned from the longest expedition yet to the northwest, but the scout leader reported much of the same. They had probed the Teclan defenses for many miles, but anywhere the terrain was even remotely passable, the Teclan were ready.

“We thought we found a spot,” the scout said. “Instead of sheer cliffs, the hillsides are steep with a few scattered boulders that could provide us some cover. But after further inspection, even though it can be climbed by men on foot, it would be slow going. The Teclan could pick us off at their leisure. It’s not nearly as heavily guarded as the gates, but it doesn’t have to be.”

“We are running out of time,” Jarl said. “With everything you have seen, what, in your opinion, is our best option?”

“I think the best bet for a successful breach is still here at the cliff gates, even though it’s the most heavily guarded. The terrain is flatter, and while it’s only wide enough for ten men abreast, we could at least move with speed. And I think we’d have the element of surprise. With the reputation of the area, no one will be expecting us to attack here,” the scout said.

“I agree,” Gunnar said. “We could charge in one bull rush and carry double shields.”

“But double shields would leave us no hands free for weapons,” Tryggr disagreed.

“We would have no need of weapons, initially,” Gunnar explained. “There will be no one to fight—at least not in the first part of the canyon; we can see in that far. And it would be a waste of time for our archers to try to shoot straight up in the air. The first row of ten men would carry weapons and a single shield to deal with any Teclan warriors we come across in the canyon. The rest would keep their weapons sheathed and use double shields to maintain a shield wall over our heads. The casualties would still be high, but the Teclan wouldn’t be able to kill all of us. Many should make it through. Once through the gates, we’ll drop the extra shields, arm ourselves, and regroup to move on their village. We don’t have maps of the area, but it should be easy enough to find.”

“I don’t know.” Tryggr shook his head, his face reddened from the wine. “These gates have a reputation for a reason. Perhaps there is more beyond that we cannot see, some obstacle that would prevent such a charge—a blockade further inside to slow or even stop us. If that was the case we’d be sitting ducks. Their archers would wreak havoc on us, double shields or no.

“And say we made it past the first round of their defenses, then what?” Tryggr continued. “Do you think that’s all they have? Do you think we’ll just march in and take their village? We’ll be advancing blind, and they’ll most likely have traps. These Teclan are not to be underestimated. They’ve known we were here from the beginning. They’ll be ready for us. And they don’t fight like any of the other Dor we’ve encountered. Hell, look at what one woman did to my ear.”

“I disagree.” The scout interrupted, shaking his head. “There would be no reason for them to have significant reinforcements beyond the cliffs. No army has ever made it past them before. And while I’m not saying they won’t fight, they’ll be disorganized, and we’ll have the advantage. They’re set up to repel an attack coming from in front of them—from outside the cliff walls. Once we are inside, they lose that advantage. Everything becomes equal. And unlike Tryggr, I’m not afraid to fight a woman.” He raised his cup to Tryggr while the other men laughed. Tryggr’s encounter with Nena was still a sore spot they loved to poke, but only when Jarl was present for protection.

“Why you little fuck. I’ll show you afraid,” Tryggr roared.

“That’s enough. Everyone settle down,” Jarl intervened. He turned to the scout. “Gratitude for your report and your opinions on the matter. I agree with you and Tryggr both. No matter what area we choose, some would make it through, but for the rest it would be a slaughter.” Jarl’s