Orders given, Skyler, Taylor and Kylee prepared to depart. Seran gave each of them a note to share with King Darrow and Leevite, hoping to convince them to help. The boys departed in separate directions. Lizzy and Seran saw them off. Once again, many women were left behind and alone to guard the city of Tunder Bin.
Lizzy whispered to Seran, “Will they have enough? Do you believe they will arrive in time?”
Seran smiled at Lizzy, who still held Jedrek’s hand, “I hope so. But, just in case, I have a backup plan.”
Chapter 20: Messengers
Taylor and Kylee traveled fast, and soon arrived at Anhyhen Den, capitol of the Hills. Taylor often heard the jokes made of the city. Only after seeing it did he fully understand their meaning and slight. It was a nice city, but it was a mere village compared to the massive and complex network nestled in Tunder Bin. The two messengers barely worked their legs as they climbed the small slope to the city. It was not nearly the wear needed to travel to the other, higher thought of, cities of the dwarves.
Taylor and Kylee reached the white stone walls that surrounded the city and separated it from the land around it. The walls were not high, only reaching about twice the height of an average dwarf. Several dwarves manned the guard towers, but there was not the tension or urgency under which Tunder Bin operated.
The two quickly approached the watch tower by the gate. Taylor was surprised how close they were before their presence alarmed anyone. The guards then shouted to the approaching dwarves, “Stop and announce yourselves!”
Taylor almost laughed at the encounter, but new his mission demanded him to be respectful. “I am Taylor of Tunder Bin and this is my friend. We seek a conversation with your leader, Leevite.”
He waited patiently for the two to make a decision and imagined a fairly dimwitted argument between them occurring. He looked at Kylee, who was quite confused. The troll opened his mouth to ask a question. Taylor shook him off, knowing he could not answer straight-faced.
“You may enter, dwarf, but your friend must stay behind,” the voice announced from behind the gate.
“If that is the case, then bring Leevite here to see me. You can then explain to him your rudeness to a friendly visitor!” Taylor was growing upset, his youthful patience running thin.
The gate slowly opened, with four guards rushing out to greet them, each with a hand on their sword. The lead guard barked at them, “You may enter, but you must drop your weapons.”
Taylor smiled at the older soldiers, who he knew to be ill trained and lacking battle experience. He handed his weapons over, starting with his axe, followed by his cross bow and its arrows that he kept slung across his back. He then unsheathed his sword and handed that over. Finally, he pulled six knives of varying lengths and sizes, each from a particular hiding spot on his armor and clothes and handed them to the soldier, who was amazed at the arsenal stowed on the young dwarf.
“And you,” the leader said as another soldier ran to Kylee, expecting a similar stash. The troll pulled his only weapon, his sword, and handed it over. The soldier waited for Kylee to unload the rest of his hoard of weapons but Kylee only stared back uncomfortably. Then he leaned in awkwardly to the soldier, “I only have one arm and so only need one weapon.” The soldiers then walked away, with the two placing the weapons in storage for safe keeping.
“Please, take us to Leevite. We carry an urgent request from the King of Tunder Bin,” Taylor announced. He desired to hurry and wanted to dally no more.
“The king sent us?” Kylee asked discreetly as they were ushered through the streets.
“Shut up,” Taylor shot back with a sharp elbow. “To us, she is the king and that is all that matters.”
“Think more, talk less…” Kylee reminded himself, feeling the sore spot on his ribs from the elbow.
The soldiers led Taylor and Kylee through the streets to the main building, a large stone structure. What the city lacked in size, it more than made up for in the spectacular jewels embedded into every facet of the town. Every sign, building and even the brick paved roads, had beautiful jewels gaudily embedded in them. The people wore brilliant jewelry in rings and necklaces, all lined with blazing jewels that were bountiful in the low-lying hills that surrounded the city. It was their trade that brought them their riches and other needed items, those they were unable to find around Anhyhen Den. The trade of jewels paid for all of them. The citizens were proud of their city, as were all the five kingdoms of the dwarves. It mattered not to them that Anhyhen Den was not the grand halls of Tunder Bin.
Taylor could never figure out why the people from Anhyhen Den would travel to Tunder Bin and trade these amazing jewels for their mined steel. Only seeing the city and seeing the gluttony of jewels, allowed him to grasp the reason. People trade what they have excess of for what they need. Hopefully their excess is also what others desire.
Without wait, Taylor and Kylee attained a meeting with Leevite. He ruled the city since surviving the battle at the Demon’s Chamber, appointed as such due to his valiant behavior during the fight. Taylor was aware that not only had Leevite survived the battle, but also a similar enslavement as Gulac. He was a survivor and Taylor greatly respected Leevite. In truth, Tegan was less than impressed by Leevite’s leadership over the years. Given a chance, he planned to replace the dwarf who grew to enjoy his position far too much. The main reason for his original appointment was due to his being one of a very few surviving members of the city and for the time he had sufficed.
Guards escorted the two into the building. Marble stone lined every surface. A winding staircase to the left took them up to the second floor, which was completely dedicated to the King’s room. At the end of the hall, there was a large ornate chair. It sat two steps higher than the rest of the room, with glowing white marble leading up to it. The gold-plated chair had precious stones of the region tawdrily decorating the chair’s legs and arms. The back of it resembled a tree and stretched up to meet the high ceiling. It doubled as a support for the roof above. It resembled the trees of décor and service in the furnace room of Tunder Bin, with its branches stretching out across the roof overhead. Chandeliers dropped from the limbs, but as it was mid-day, they remained unlit.
Leevite noticed Taylor, “I see you admiring the tree. Everyone who comes here for the first time does.”
“It is amazing, not unlike—" Taylor began, but Leevite cut him short.
“The furnace room?” Leevite interrupted. “I suppose then you would not be surprised to learn it was a gift from Dwigor II to his youngest, least liked, and least trusted son?”
“I did not know that-” Taylor started, but Leevite cut him off once more. He quickly noticed how agitated Leevite was becoming. He wondered how different his demeanor would be if Tegan was standing before him. “Tell me, young lad of Tunder Bin, what was Dwigor II’s oldest son?”
Taylor did not know where this was going but as all proud people of Tunder Bin would know, the answer proudly and easily flowed from his lips, “Mizon.”
“And now the hard part. The youngest?” the leader of Anhyhen Den challenged, leaning forward for the silence he expected. Taylor had no answer for that.
“Just as I expected. Your silence speaks to your ignorance of all outside you own halls. So, let me provide you with a history lesson, and perhaps a life lesson if you choose to be less ignorant than many others.” Leevite stood, wandering the room, admiring the seat so many kings of the Hills had sat in, but he would not. He was not the king and probably never would be. During the years of his ruling, he saw the grand seat every day. It made him jealous of the position, one he felt he could never attain.
“Dwigor II had too many sons. Great were each of their talents and ambitions. The oldest was Mizon and the youngest Treason. Unable to keep them happy, he split the land into the five kingdoms we have today, with Mizon getting Tunder Bin and Treason getting what his father thought to be the lowliest of the handouts. Treason was spiteful of the gift, but he would make the most of it! Shortly
after he found the hoard of jewels that hid in these mountains.” Leevite, who was pacing the room as he delivered his speech, stopped and turned on Taylor. “And make no mistake, these are mountains.” He then paused, finding his spot in the story he was so eloquently delivering.
Kylee had no idea what to make of the scene. While the story captivated his curiosity, he desired nothing more than to leave the uncomfortable situation.
Leevite continued, “Mizon, upon receiving notification of the presence of the jewels, sent for a delivery of a large stash, which Treason was reluctant to give. Mizon promised his brother, whom he did not trust, a mighty gift in return. Treason eagerly accepted the gift in trade for the jewels. Mizon welcomed Treason to Tunder Bin for one moon cycle while he sent his laborers to Anhyhen Den, which Treason named. In less than thirty days the laborers built the elegant room you stand in, supported by the tree you see here today.”
Taylor smiled at the beautiful story laid out before him, one of love and respect between two brothers. Leevite saw the admiration in Taylor’s eyes and quickly corrected it.
“Do not think for a moment the gift was anything other than it was. This is not a grand gift to a youngest brother! It is a mocking of him! Every day Treason was to look upon the tree, seeing a constant reminder of the city he would never have and the unattainable power that hung over his head, just out of his reach. Such a reminder is the kind of thing that starts revolutions! Much as it did when, after years of taunting, spite caused Dwigor to first lead the attack on the gargoyles that eventually brought freedom to the dwarves!” Leevite worked to calm his temper, of which he was losing control. He reminded himself that he was preaching to a young boy of Tunder Bin and not its ruler.
Taylor attempted to speak, but Leevite stopped him again. Leevite continued, “Some would say one tyrant was replaced by another, although I am sure none of the benevolent people of Tunder Bin would dare to utter such a thought. Too bad an arrow from a goblin took him soon after.”
Taylor fully realized the seed of spite and anger that grew in Leevite. No doubt, the people of Anhyhen Den shared that vindictive feeling. He would need to choose the next words carefully, if he had any hope of gaining help.
Kylee stood there smiling. He had no idea what they were talking about, or how bad this request was starting.
“Lord,” Taylor started, snapping Leevite back, “We have a note for you. It is a request from Seran, who is leading the city in Tegan’s absence.” He dared not mention the name Tunder Bin.
“Seran? What is a female doing leading Tunder Bin?” He chuckled at the thought. He took the note and read it. Thinking for the slightest moment and eyeing Taylor, a plot began brewing in his head. He turned to a soldier and ordered a small group to prepare to go with Taylor.
“This is all we have, with only a skeleton of a crew remaining. They will march under your leadership until you meet up with King Darrow. I believe he will obediently answer your call. I wish you good luck on your journey.” While Leevite’s actions were in support of the request, his tone spoke only of malice and deceit.
“Thank you, sir,” Taylor said, as they were ushered from the room. Taylor turned at the last and risked one more question.
“Lord,” he yelled back to Leevite, who was starting to depart the room by a different door to the back. He turned and looked to Taylor.
“Mizon and Treason. What were their other brother’s names?” Leevite grit his teeth tight, sneering at the pompous boy. Without answer, Taylor grabbed Kylee and they turned and quickly went on. They were then ushered, rather quickly and rudely, out to the front gate of Anhyhen Den. Taylor was proud of the last shot he delivered to Leevite, a sting that would not soon pass.
As they waited for the men Leevite promised, Kylee asked, “For someone so wrapped up in his own history, how could he not know any of the other brothers?”
Taylor smiled at Kylee, enjoying his ignorant company more every day. “Like us and most, he only knew the history important to him and his argument. He is no better than us.”
Despite his anger and consideration to the contrary, in less than an afternoon they assembled the Hills force and were marching off toward the North Road. Taylor detected a very loose allegiance from the men they marched with. He would give them no reason to defect. The sooner they reached Skyler, and hopefully King Darrow with him, the better. Darrow would hold the power to order this bunch of rabble and the dwarf men of Anhyhen Den would follow or fall.
Chapter 21: A Hopeless Place
Skyler traveled in haste. He rode a small horse and reached Drachen Castle in the Dragon Glades. He always thought it a forsaken, dreary land. It rained more often than not and so also was in shadow more often than not. He never understood why the people there fought so hard to save it. He would have given the place up freely long ago.
The only product of note, and the only export of worth to those outside the mountain range, was the iron ore found in the mountains. The dwarves dug deep for it, and though it was worth an expensive token, it was not plentiful. For that reason, the people of the Dragon Glades were envious of the people of the Hills, as their main product was both easier to find and in all ways worth more in trade. A haphazard fool walking the countryside in the low-lying smallish land would kick up a diamond on the worst day. On the best, well, that same idiot could become quite wealthy.
The land of the Dragon Glades held little vegetation. The dwellers bought their food from the farms, which lay not far off in the lower valley. In times of great need, they even received food from Tunder Bin. The road to the castle wound through the mountains, hugging the jagged and treacherous sides. On the inside of the road, the cliff shot straight up, seemingly as far as the eye could see. On the other, it dropped straight down as far as the rock, or dwarf, could fall.
The frequent rains unleashed violent flooding and mudslides, which made the dwarves lives even tougher.
The castle was a chilling sight, which rocketed shivers up and down Skyler’s back. He was a veteran of many battles for his age. He fought creatures that would terrify the hide off the toughest dog, but he had never before housed the nervousness that held him hostage as he slowly rode toward the bleak castle. Having to ask for help worried him more than the scenery. He was not used to doing it, as he taught his friends to rely only on themselves. Up until this moment, he never asked another for aid. With great unease, and not only for the surroundings, he approached the first outpost of the castle rising before him.
The hundreds of torch lights dotting the castle failed in their mighty attempt to defy the dreariness of the area. While it did not achieve a welcoming nature, at the least it was a sign to the dragons that once called this area home that the lords of land yet remained, ever on a vigilant watch. Soson, brother of Mizon and Treason, was the first king of the Dragon Glades. He led the force that slayed the dragons at the initial taking of the land.
Long before Skyler reached the gate of Drachen, hidden guards appeared without warning out of the shadows of the darkened outpost. The emerging men almost sent his pony over the edge. It struggled to conquer its fear, with only the resolve of its rider keeping it on course. Skyler held tight to the reigns as his pony reared back, the bright light of the torches making it hard for him to make out the figures behind. His eyes were slow to adjust, having fully focused to picking out the slimmest shades of the dark night.
“Hark! Who enters our realm?” the figure demanded. His deep voice was anything but welcoming. The man stepped hard toward Skyler, clasping the reigns to help control the terrified pony. The guards knew full well it was a dwarf boy and not someone they wanted to have accidently lost over the side of the trail.
“I am Skyler, on orders from King Tegan. I need to speak with your King Darrow!” Skyler huffed between his horse’s angry fits. His meager meal from earlier in the day riding high in his throat.
Both guards took hold of the pony, their calming and experienced hands relaxing the fidgety beast. The dwarf’s voice d
elivered a far more welcoming message, in tone as well as words, “I might suggest sending word next time. Many that we count as friends have been lost over the side for not announcing their intent to visit. I must commend you and your brave pony for holding true.” The guard was very commending, but Skyler and his pony felt anything but brave.
“Are you alone?” the second guard asked as he walked around Skyler to the back, taking a good look down the dark path.
“Yes, I am,” Skyler replied. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“Then you were being followed. We saw something lurking behind you. We thought it a ruse to catch us unaware,” the guard untrustingly answered. Skyler had no idea and felt his nervousness re-emerge.
“Let’s get these two inside,” the first guard said as he led them toward the castle. The second one followed, keeping a lookout for what must have been lingering behind in the shadows. Taking his first look behind, Skyler noticed the many guards stationed in secret on the mountain side above. They were impossible to notice as he approached, but all were fully engaged in their watchful duty. Crossbows were notched and ready. The men were on the lookout for anything that could cause harm to their land. Skyler wondered if something recently occurred, or if this alertness was a fact of everyday life in the outer lands of the Dragon Glades.
As they traversed the immense drawbridge, whose mighty planks of oak carried the span of a treacherous ravine, the front gate slowly opened before them. The slow clink, clink, clink sound of the giant wheel being invisibly turned behind the wall spoke of the massive weight of the iron gate as it rose. Alone, the noise would have been enough to scare away many of the beasts of the night, so eerie and daunting were the echoes off the rocks. Soon a magnanimous light from inside flooded the opening, as if another entire world opened before him. While the outside was dark, silent and dreary, the inside was something else completely.
Skyler, in total awe, happily entered under the giant gate, which dropped far more quickly than it rose behind him. He paid little heed to the slamming nature with which it greeted the stone floor below, as he was totally enamored with the music and dancing that was taking place inside. It seemed to him a picture of a picnic was hanging before him, for how could anyone muster the courage to be joyful in such a dreary place? The guards stopped Skyler’s pony inside and he dismounted. The second guard took his ride to the stables while the other took Skyler to a side of the celebration. His steps were difficult, as he awkwardly shuffled to a seat, not wanting to take his eyes off the moving tapestry before him, “Have a seat lad and wait, it will be a few moments before the King will be able to see you.”
The Three Charms Page 26
