The Three Charms

by Brian Spielbauer

  Jedrek stare hardened as Seran wiped away his tears. A few of her own escaped Seran’s aged eyes and she wished the boys could remain boys forever. Alas, that was not possible. Jedrek turned to his troops and together they marched back into the mountain. Many of their mothers were ready to march to war. They left with broken hearts for what they were leaving behind.

  The tremendous wind from the southeast aided their cause as Seran led the armada of women warriors north. A nervous excitement surrounded the boats as the women embarked on their journey. They were going on a mission to save their men, basing the entire move on the vision of a young boy who would someday be king. Many saw the opportunity to prove their worth, as much to themselves as to their husbands and rulers of their lands.

  Need and steady winds drove them ever forward as they rotated the oarsmen day and night. The boats covered the same distance the wandering people of Arlow ambled over several weeks in only a few days. The boats had the winds, the urgency of rowers and good seas that allowed it hastily to reach its destination as they skirted the west side, and then northern edge, of Lemuria.

  The women of Calonia led the operation of the boats. They impressed Seran by their knowledge and hard work. As the trip continued, she noticed their demeanor change from that of joy at their undertaking to sadness. She understood the grimness of their faces as they retraced every painful stop of their fleeing the war-torn country, the same country to which they now returned. Only the fondness of sailing and the enjoyment of the work kept their minds clear enough to avoid weeping from the painful memories.

  Eventually even that wasn’t enough as many of them broke into tears at the sight of their wrecked homes upon reaching their abandoned village. They mourned the loss of their friends and land, with each of them in turn pulling their masks over their faces to hide their torture. This selfless act freed the others to focus on the task and hardened their determination.

  To their surprise, the northern seas were unfrozen, allowing the boats to port almost to the edge of the village after they reached the island of Calonia. They hoped they arrived in time.

  Before they left Tunder Bin, Seran also sent a small group to Angelica, asking for the harpies’ aid as they explained their dire need. Mainly due to her interest in saving Timo, she agreed to lead her remaining warriors to help with the fight. Per Seran’s request, they were to meet the dwarf, centaur and human women in Calonia. They flew as fast as they could, also aided by the same fortuitous winds of the south. The squadron reached the abandoned village just as the boats dropped their anchors at the empty port.

  Seran was pleased to see Angelica arrive, as were the many women in the boats. She heard much about her from Jaric husband and was happy to meet her. He somehow left out an obvious detail, which was how beautiful Angelica and her maidens were.

  Seran took the lead, marching the dwarf women onto shore. The women of Calonia riding high on their horses, with the centaurs following last, joined them. After all were on shore, Seran approached the harpy Angelica.

  “Thank you for coming. I have heard much of your ability to fight and can only hope it matches your beauty.” Seran said it as a compliment but was unable to hide her suspicions toward the youthful looks of her comrades. It had been many years since immature jealousy commanded her feelings, but so perfect was Angelica’s beauty that it rushed back despite Seran’s embarrassment of it.

  “Beauty is nice but fleeting, and it is as shallow as the water in a puddle. A man truly in love, such as your Jaric, would never be swayed by only a pair of pretty eyes,” Angelica reassured, which Seran appreciated. “This is your army. Please, tell me where you want us to be.”

  Seran announced loud and clear, “The time has come for us to aid our men. Wear your armor proudly and make a strong show when the enemy stands before us!” Then to Angelica, Natalia and Tanya she said, “We will lead the troops, dwarf women first. Centaurs and women on horse will follow us in, with the harpies above. I do not know what we will find, but be prepared for the worst.”

  Seran turned to see a young dwarf girl and other dwarf women from the left-over camp of Tegan, who were approaching them. Ambrosia asked, bowing deeply, “Ma’am, please allow me to join you.” Her youthful eagerness for battle surprised Seran.

  “You are too young. I am sorry,” Seran responded but the tear in Ambrosia’s eye caught her and she stopped. “Why do you desire you fight?”

  “Because the one I love it out there. I have seen the army they face, not long after our men left the evil army marched by to trap them. It forced us to hide for our own safety, with no way to warn them. I promise you,” Ambrosia uttered fiercely as she pulled her sword, aiming it directly at Seran, “I am more than ready!” Ambrosia did not blink, for such was her determination to go for Skyler.

  The girl’s grit impressed her. Seran was envious she had not the same opportunity to prove herself at such a young age. “If I say you can’t go, I assume you will attempt to follow us anyway?” Seran asked, expecting the answer that came.

  “Yes. I will go alone if needed.” Ambrosia paused for a moment, lowering her blade and sheathing it. “But, I would much rather march to battle with you.”

  “I will allow it but I can’t promise your safety,” Seran stated, warning the young lady.

  Ambrosia smiled, “Nor I yours.” She felt strong with the army and was prepared to enter the fight. Her hand would not leave the hilt of her sword, anxious for the moment of need that was soon to come.

  “Your cloak speaks of the Dragon Glades. May I have your name?” Seran asked, taking her hand.

  “I am Ambrosia, daughter of Darrow, King of the Dragon Glades.”

  The unexpected news surprised Seran. “Your father has allowed this, for you to be here fighting this war when he himself did not attend?”

  “My father will aid us in time and when the need is greatest. Our land needs protection. He could not risk sending troops here as we are under constant attacks. He did not exactly allow me to come and my mother tried to stop me. When I shared with her what was in my heart, she let me go.”

  “Then who am I to stop you? Fall in line and prepare for war,” Seran said, leaving Ambrosia to find a place in the ranks.

  Ambrosia did as ordered, joining the women as they marched toward the field of battle. Several of the women began to hum a tune, one from their youth that many remembered. Soon many of the women joined them, as it went along with their marching feet and gave them something to think about instead of what lay just ahead of them. The song and the many who hummed it brought comfort to the women as the sound carried off into the empty forest that surrounded them.

  A new sound snuck into their ears, one not nearly as pleasant. It was of the terrible battle ahead. Soon the humming stopped and was replaced by the rattling of sword on shield as fear stole the nerve of many. Some stopped marching altogether as the sea of death swayed before their eyes.

  “How could anyone survive that? We have no chance,” a lady in the front line shrieked as froze still.

  Seran halted the lines, “This is why we came. This evil army has trapped them and stopped their escape. This is the battle the prince of Tunder Bin warned about from his dream. The only hope for any of our men is for us to attack and draw the enemy to us. This is our chance to do our part and we will not let them down.”

  Ambrosia did not say a word. She pulled her mask down tightly over her face and began slapping her sword against her shield. Soon others around her did the same, the noise growing louder with each addition. The human and centaur women joined, a thundering boom reverberated over the field, announcing the arrival of the other army of which Jedrek spoke.

  Seran turned, her voice echoing through the troops, “March!”

  Their brilliant colors of armor, with the amazing jewels glowing from the sun setting behind them, double timed to the battle. The distance to the enemy was not short, so the foe was able to set its defense as the women approached. The ploy already did its duty, as t
he forces of Herrog were forced to split and fight in both directions.

  The women did not slow their assault but dashed to fight in such a fervor as to drive fear into the enemy. They rushed hard into the enemy lines, slashing and gashing the vile creatures of Herrog.

  In that moment a thousand cries leapt unnoticed into the sky, with each one a spirit released from its imprisoned status in the body that housed it. Many of the women who died that day had their spirits welcomed by the spirit of their husband who also perished that afternoon on that very same thawing battlefield in the far north of Calonia. The spirits were then free to go but many chose to stay and aid their friends, saving as many as possible before they eventually went on together to their afterlife.

  While many died, many also lived. The women played their role, as the distraction served its purpose of dividing the enemy ranks while also giving hope to their men. Seeing the new army gave the men courage when they had none and with it they were able to fight their way out. Again, though many died, many lived.

  Ambrosia left the women, searching for Skyler in what seemed like a hopeless quest. She had help, as several of the spirits just passed aided her, so compelling was the love she held for Skyler. The spirits rendered many of the enemy weapons useless. Several goblins and trolls met their end by the invisible assassins. Thusly the spirits guided Ambrosia and just before it was too late, she arrived to Skyler in time to save him. Together, with his friends that still lived, they escaped the battle and survived for the next fight.

  Seran fought marvelously, cutting down the staunchest of attacks. The dwarf women of Tunder Bin made a tremendous showing as they drove a wedge into the enemy that broke their lines in two. They held strong as their men streamed off the field of battle and they would not allow penetration though their wall of escape until all that yet lived were through. Only when Seran ordered the retreat did the women finally release and seek their own safety.

  They drifted back toward the village, protecting the backside of the withdrawal. Eventually they boarded the boats and watched as Erol fought the hydra and finally came up for breath as the boats were thankfully beyond the range of the enemy.

  Seran stood before Telon and Jaric and proudly removed her helmet. She stared the astonished Telon in the eye, “May I ask permission Lord, for the dainty women of Tunder Bin to fight?”

  Jaric, wounded badly, stood equally surprised just a few feet behind Telon. Telon answered with a question, “Is it customary for warriors of your land to ask permission after the fact? And make no mistake, no one ever accused you of being dainty.” He did not like the women being there but was certain his army would have perished without their aid.

  “I cannot speak of what is customary. We have never been allowed to take up arms before,” Seran answered smartly, with a tinge of spite.

  “You have fought bravely today. Our kingdom and way of life would be gone if not for your valiant efforts. The gratitude of the men of Tunder Bin could not be greater.” Telon then knelt before Seran, bowing his head. She leaned forward, wrapped her arms around him and they wept for all that was lost on that day.

  Seran then went to her husband and saw to his injuries. As she worked on him, Telon turned and asked, “How did you know to come?”

  “Jedrek told us to. He had a dream of the battle and after the other two cities refused to send aid we knew we had to come.” Telon nodded, having no words to say. Speaking of Jedrek made him think of Tegan. Telon would struggle to explain the loss of Jedrek’s father and also why they were unable to save his mother.

  The small armada made its way south, skirting the lands of Lemuria. Telon was weary to avoid sight from the shore. Herrog’s minions would have over-run the northern places and he hoped to travel back to the Flau Strand without evil creatures noticing or pursuing them.

  The pain was great for all. Arlow’s people knew it best, having taken this trip before. Their King was dead and his son Bryon quickly assumed the throne of the exiled nation. The brooding gloom of the boats caused many an animal of the sea to steer clear. The birds also avoided the dark masts, wanting not part of the heavy sadness that threatened to sink the ships by itself.

  Herrog was emboldened by his victory, having all the Charms except that which Tegan’s axe still held. He mobilized his forces again and began a slow, thorough, purge of the lands. He started in Calonia, seeking any of the enemy still lurking there. Many more lost their lives in hiding, those too injured to make it back to the boats. The same horrific event played as Herrog’s forces tracked and murdered the frightened people. They would beg for mercy before the enemy levied a torturous death. For them, there was no help. No new army came. All who could have aided them was now gone. Only one small area remained untouched, unstained, by his evil reach.

  Four boats in total made it out to sea, with the others burned and sunk by Herrog’s trolls. These events left all other survivors to their own accord, with some escaping on horse, while many scurried on foot. They dared to trek the thinning ice sheet alone, without food, water, or proper clothing for such a journey. Half of them did not make it either but several of the groups found each other and earned their trip across the frozen sea. The brief reprieve from the north winds ended fast as Herrog arrived at the shore and the blustery freezing gusts soon froze the land and ocean again.

  The saviors of north turned out to be the elves, whose network of home and holes, along with their knowledge of avoiding the wolves, provided the needed hiding places for the last remnants of the massacred army.

  Skyler, Ambrosia and their crew were fortunate the elves found them and took them in. Their bravery was a thorn in Herrog’s forces side. All who were assigned the area entered the forest where the elves lived cautiously, knowing the ‘ghosts’ that called it home were murderous marauders. The ghosts were angry and many of the evil army never returned from their patrols. The rest avoided the forest at any cost.

  Herrog’s forces, successful in their extermination of Calonia, eventually crossed the sea and began the Purge of Lemuria. His master plan sought to rid the land of all that opposed him. In the end, he would gain back the last of the Charms and cast himself the ‘role of ruler’.

  The land he created, stained by a demon foe eons ago, would again be under his complete will. That same demon who ruined his work was still involved, aiding the dwarves in their endeavors. The acts the dwarves considered ‘lucky’ were the will of the demon. The fortuitous winds, the kind seas, an enemy tripping at just the right time; all were works of the demon that opposed Herrog. But according to the rules set long ago, he could not physically intervene. He could wield his will only from afar and he was far from certain that it would be enough. His last hope now lay in a child, one who had the power to withstand Herrog, but only if he survived long enough to learn of his destiny.

  Jedrek stood between Herrog and domination. Herrog would take his time and stalk his prey. The enjoyable victory would be his. Forever.

  Chapter 33: The Return

  The heat melted Timo as the fire poured all around him. He knew in that moment the pain Milan endured as she and Herrog traveled through the lava tunnels and emerged alive. The first blast was little more than a spark compared to the second avalanche of fire. As he shrunk low, trying to shy from the inescapable heat, the ground beneath him gave way and he collapsed into the shallow tunnel. He looked up to see the enormous hoof of Herrog stomping down and he barely slid out of the way in time as the massive foot drove right next to him and even farther down. He rushed away from the hoof, fearing another was soon to follow. He then ran down the tunnel away from the demon’s foot, thinking he was going toward the castle.

  He looked back to see the hoof raise and heard the giant demon marching away. After what seemed like an eternity, he went to the burnt opening. Hearing nothing above, he then risked a look outside the smoldering hole. The battle was moving away from the castle above ground as the evil forces clung closely to their demon master, waiting for their next order. Her
rog then completely disappeared and was gone, with Timo seeing Erol and Gile battling hard to get away. Timo wielded his magic, creating a shield to stop the enemy weapons from further injuring Erol, who was already hurt badly. He saw the ogre start furiously pounding and digging at the mountain, with him and Gile tossing huge boulders and rocks at the trolls and goblins that sought to end them.

  Soon the two were gone, with the enemy pursuing them into the cave. After they had all entered, Timo again used his powerful magic to bring the mountain above crashing down on the evil fiends underneath.

  Timo felt safe to climb out and stood overlooking the piles of dead bodies of all creatures that covered the land and ramparts of the castle. His attention went directly to the body of Belgin, smoke still rising from the burnt flesh. He went to it, thinking fondly of the ogre. The sadness Erol would be carrying for his lost father tore his heart. He then thought of Tegan and tried to find his good friend. At the very least, he needed to recover the body. He pushed and pulled the impossible mass and finally used his magic to roll the ogre over. Underneath, in a small indentation under the ogre, waiting for someone to save him, lay the King of Tunder Bin.

  Tegan neither heard nor sensed the battle above and jumped up ready to fight. He could not believe the field was empty, “Where is everyone?”

  “They have gone, escaped I believe, some at least. We need to go too, before Herrog returns,” Timo urged, reaching to pull Tegan toward the mountain. He would not have it, holding his ground far better than the feelings that shook his strong jaw. Tegan had other plans.

  “The mission is not complete! Everyone outside the mountain will need to fend for themselves and I pray they make it,” his voice quivered as he bent low, grasping his axe again that carried him through the battle. He looked at Timo for a second and then slowly turned toward the large drawbridge that rose before them. He walked right in the fortress, which the enemy left completely unguarded and undefended. Timo grudgingly went with him as they entered, fearful of the unknown that still might be guarding the castle. He thought first of his friends that were fleeing the evil army of Herrog, but then turned his thoughts to the man standing before him. Tegan spent the last five years waiting for this opportunity. Timo would not argue to leave and would lay his life down to finish their mission. They were going for Milan.