by M J Webb
But, to their astonishment, the tribal warriors ranged against them did not move! They just stood there, completely motionless and totally unprotected, like lambs to the slaughter.
“Frah! Look at them! They are going to be annihilated!” screamed the excited captain.
“Yesss... No! Something is wrong, they should be...”
The Retian commander was stopped in mid sentence as he bore witness to the events on the battlefield from his position on an elevated ridge to the rear. When his soldiers were within a few feet of the enemy and the first of their swords were about to cut the tribesmen down, the entire army before them had suddenly vanished!
Every single one of the warriors had disappeared into thin air. Nothing was left before the hired killers of King Vantrax now but blades of grass, blowing gently in the wind. No one could understand what had happened. They were all dumbfounded and looking at each other for confirmation that they had not gone mad.
The whole thing had been a vision, a mirage created by the Heynai with the last ounce of their powers on this day!
The leader of the supposed ambush was furious. “Yaarrgghh!!! What is happening here??? Where are they? Ay raas, King Vantrax is going to have my head for this!”
***
Back on the Plains of Etriol, the only thing that could be seen was the lush green grass and the well trodden dirt paths. But, a closer inspection with a far keener eye would have revealed far more to any curious onlooker. The shallow grass which had lay undisturbed around the dirt tracks for hundreds of years was being flattened in places, as the long columns of advancing tribal warriors spilled out onto the meadows. The dirt which covered loosely the closest thing to a road in these parts was littered with footprints of horses and men. They were moving steadily towards Dassilliak, their hearts beating rapidly as they approached their enemy completely oblivious to the fact that they had moved, and the entire tribal army could no longer be seen. The spirits had thrown a cloak of invisibility over them all. They were, at this very moment, straining every sinew to make it last long enough for the entire tribe to reach safety.
By evening, the spell had worn off and anyone within sight of the army would see them clearly. But, they were now well past the force sent to ambush them and fast approaching Sekanin forest. Brraall knew that his people were tired and needed to rest. They camped on the outskirts of the forest and gained whatever sleep they could. Tomorrow, they would move again and try to avoid any enemy who blocked their path. Their objective was clear; they had to reach the city and they could accept no delays.
The Heynai could help them no more. They were completely exhausted, having exerted all of their remaining energy producing two of the largest spells ever seen on Estia. They needed to rest and recover. Ben sensed this from the way Knesh had spoken. He realised what had happened once he began piecing things together.
“Hey! I’ve just thought,” he shouted to Verastus, as they made ready to retire for the night, “if I’m right and they’ve actually left us, for however long it may be, that means that Jake and Tien are on their own. What if they need help? No one’s gonna come, are they?” cried the concerned youngster.
Verastus shook his head as he replied. “No, you may be correct. Let us not dwell on it now, we need sleep. We are both tired and no amount of worrying is going to help them, is it?”
Chapter 29
Morning of 26th August – Dassilliak – Perosya
The defenders of the great fortress city of Dassilliak gained very little sleep during the night of 25th/26th August. Sawdon and his small army of Thargws had launched their surprise assault on the wall and had been narrowly repulsed. It had been a very hard fought and closely run fight. The alliance soldiers had to remain alert for the rest of the night, in case their enemy should launch another such attack in the darkness. Princess Zephany had led by example. She had remained with her warriors at the city wall for the entire night. By morning, she was exhausted and had felt secure enough to stand most of her army down, leaving only a lookout detail manning the ramparts. She had then retired to her chambers for some much needed rest and the majority of her army had done the same, anxious to replenish their stocks of energy before the inevitable onslaught which lay ahead.
By mid morning, Zephany was fast asleep in her bed and completely unaware that the wizard, Tien, had just arrived in the city. He was unseen by the enemy and, to the astonishment of all who witnessed his arrival, astride a magnificent, winged horse. He was challenged by the overzealous soldiers of the alliance as he landed, who thought he might be one of King Vantrax’ servants. Lord Castrad interjected on his behalf and calmed their fears. The Nadjan noble then sent immediately for Queen Bressial. The pair greeted Tien warmly, listening to his tales of their exploits and his explanations, before informing him of the remarkable deeds of the young Princess, and her need for sleep.
“So, this is truly a strange and unforeseen occurrence, is it not your majesty?” stated the wizard, once both parties had relayed their stories. “The young ones in our small group of intrepid rebels, those who really should be learning from their elders, are in fact teaching us daily. Time and time again, they show us the value of bravery, loyalty and honour. First Jake, with all he has done for us to date. Then Ben, with his bravery at Erriard forest, his actions in saving the stones and his incessant good humour. And now, Princess Zephany, though this one comes as no surprise to any who know her. It only confirms what we have believed all along. Where will it all end, I wonder?”
The Queen laughed along with him and her faithful cousin. “Ha, ha... Yes, Tien. What price experience in all of this, my friend? No, we are extremely fortunate to have the best of both within our ranks. I feel very lucky indeed. We shall need the exuberance of youth and the wisdom that comes with age before we are through. The Princess needs her sleep now, she has been a pillar of strength throughout this ordeal and long may it last, but she cannot survive too much longer the way things are. She will burn herself out if she does not rest. Let her sleep, Tien. The enemy is busy building the machines of war it needs to defeat us, and that will take a little time yet. Our defences are as strong as they will ever be and Caro will see that they are maintained. Sawdon will wait until he is sure of victory before he tries again, believe me.”
“Ra... I hope so, I really do, your majesty,” replied the old wizard. “In fact, I am praying that is the case, counting on it,” he added, mysteriously.
“What? What does that mean?” asked Lord Castrad, sensing that the wizard had more to say. “You know something we do not. What are you not telling us?”
Tien looked them both squarely in the eye, one after the other before he replied. “Come, take me to King Artrex so that I may begin to heal his wounds, I will divulge everything I know and tell you all I have learned along the way.”
Queen Bressial took him by the arm and led him to the King’s chambers, a real look of concern now upon her face. “Please talk, Tien, we want to hear all. But, talk plainly; none of your riddles, for now is not the time. Do not hide the truth or try to spare us in any way, no matter how unpalatable your words may be. We desire only honesty, we are strong enough now to take it and we will face whatever comes through those gates, I assure you.”
“Yes, I know good Queen. I do not doubt the valour of those around you. Though, facing is one thing, surviving the encounter and living to tell the tale, is another.”
***
It was almost evening before the exhausted Princess Zephany finally opened her eyes. When she did, she was shocked and surprised to see Queen Bressial, Lord Castrad, Caro and Tien sitting on the sides and ends of her bed, surrounding her as they waited patiently for her to awake so that they could explain the new developments.
“Ahem... Wh-what is the meaning of this!!?? What are you all doing here?” she cried angrily. She instinctively clutched at the bedclothes and pulled them up around her, even though she was clothed. “What is it? What has happened? Father? Is he...?”
“The King is fine, Princess,” interrupted Tien sharply, putting her mind at ease. “I will explain everything to you later in greater detail, but for now you have to listen. There are things you need to know. This is the crux of the matter...”
The old wizard explained everything that had happened, from the capturing of the stones to the trials in Readal forest. He talked of the ascent of the mountains that overlooked Rethick city and the meeting with the dragon, the vision of Knesh and the differing missions they had all undertaken at his command to ensure the stones would be safe from harm, and that they would be restored so that they might play their part in King Vantrax’ eventual defeat. He saved the best for last.
“...the warriors you will face when this attack begins cannot be killed by our weapons, not without the poison that Jake has to find. I am sorry, but I need not tell you that if your uncle and Sawdon discover the true nature of the army they have created, they will waste no time in launching their legions against us. They will attack immediately and we will all be...”
“Slaughtered?” interrupted Zephany, angrily.
Tien nodded slowly at her. She stared at the others briefly in turn and then began to rise, a stubborn streak of determination rising within her and invading every part of her soul.
“Then, Tien, let us hope that they do not find out! This news does not leave this room, understand? All of you must swear to that now. If word ever gets out there will be panic, many will lose heart, and the will to fight of these people will be destroyed.”
Everyone nodded in agreement and swore an oath to the new leader of the alliance.
“But, what are your orders? What will we do?” asked Caro. “We can defeat any living creature that comes over the wall, or through the gates, anything that can be killed. But an army of invincible foes? Should we not consider the alternatives? Retreat perhaps?”
“Retreat, Caro?” said the young Princess, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Retreat to where? There is no way out of this city and you know it. The wall and our enemy are to our front, the mountains encase us on all other sides. There are caves to the rear, deep ones at that. They may provide some protection for a time, but they will become our tombs if we are trapped within them, and I will not lead these people into such places without a hope of survival. It is better surely to face our enemy and take our chances on the battlefield? Even if the warriors we face cannot be slain? No, all of you listen to me now and listen well, we stay here and here is where we make our stand! We will prepare for battle and we will wait, for however long we have to... And we will die if necessary, if that is our destiny. I for one will place my faith once again in the Keeper. He has never let me down and he will return in time, I know it. And let us not forget about Ben and Verastus. I am not sure what they will be able to do for us but they will get through, they have to. Things may look pretty bleak right now, it may seem to some of our subjects that we are doomed and merely waiting for our time to die, like flies caught in a spider’s web. But, we cannot show anything but a positive attitude here! Lift up your heads and go about your business as if you had not a care in the world, as if you were confident of victory, and entertain no thought of defeat. My uncle may hold all the cards at this table, but that does not necessarily mean that he knows how or when to play them. Indeed, it would seem that he does not even know he has them. Whatever is written in the stars will be, no matter what we mortals do, I really believe that. So, let us play the game and see it through to its conclusion. And let us play to win!”
***
Surprisingly perhaps, the 26th proved to be yet another day of inaction for Sawdon. He was in as foul a mood as he had ever been. It grew worse with each passing hour. By evening, he was like a madman possessed. Every minute noise and sound proved an unwelcome distraction, magnified in his deranged mind a thousand times over, pounding inside his head like a big bass drum. He was completely on edge, shaking with a mixture of fury and frustration, and longing desperately for something to do.
Most of his beloved Thargws had learnt long ago never to disturb their leader when he was in such a state. They now avoided him like the plague. None ventured near his tent and for hours on end he stewed on the problems they faced, totally alone. When at last the flaps of the entrance were disturbed by some brave soul, he heard the rustling of the fabric and turned in a rage, growling viciously at the dark shape which appeared before him.
“Raarrr!!! What is it??? Speak! Or I will cut out your...!!!”
“Sawdon! You should know better than to speak to your King in such a way!” snapped Vantrax, angrily. “I could have you...!”
“Sire! I... I apologise for my...” began the Thargw warrior.
“Good. I should think so. It is of no consequence and it is forgotten,” replied the King, dismissing the incident quickly. He was anxious to hear what his Gerada had to say. “I have come for a report on our progress.”
Sawdon offered his King a chair. Vantrax sat down upon it as the Thargw leader began his report. “Progress is good, sire. Most of the construction work is almost complete. The siege towers are taking the longest, but we will need them finished before we launch the attack, the wall is high and thick, we are using a lot of wood and the trees have been hard to find and transport. Wagons have been taken from every possible source but the time it took to find them has slowed us down, and led to unforeseen delay. We are working day and night with the warriors you have raised, their numbers has helped to ease the burden, but still it is painfully slow work. I estimate that we will have sufficient built to begin the attack the day after tomorrow.”
“What???” cried a furious and aggravated King Vantrax. “You said we would be ready by tomorrow! You assured me of it.”
“Yes, my King. I am aware of that and it is an unwelcome hitch, I am more vexed by it than you could ever imagine, but it cannot be helped, it has to be. The fortunes of war still favour us though, the enemy is trapped and going nowhere, they cannot run. Another day will not matter, we will still destroy them and hand you the victory you have been waiting for. And, was it not you yourself who said we have to, ‘be patient?’”
“Yarr! Yes, Sawdon, I suppose you are right. One more day is not so much when I have waited for so long. I am glad to see that you have heeded my words for once and managed to control your Thargw impulses. It must have been hard for you?”
“You will never know how hard, sire,” replied the warrior.
“I see. So be it then, dawn on the 28th it is! The attack is to begin at first light. I want every single warrior we have to join in the fight! I will take no chances of another Erriard here, when we managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory because we were too cautious. Our newest recruits, all those we have raised with the new stone, will go into battle first. They will not tire and I wish to see how they perform,” ordered the evil wizard.
Sawdon looked a little disappointed but he nodded an acknowledgement and grunted.
“It will be as you command, I swear it. I hope that those snivelling rachtis behind that wall make the most of their last day on Estia.”
Chapter 30
Late Afternoon 26th August – The Mountains of P’sad – Siatol
Jake West was now venturing further south than anyone had ever been in the ranks of the Ruddite Rebellion. His winged stallion had flown over almost the entire lengths of the neighbouring countries of Perosya and Siatol. It was now approaching the last great land barrier before reaching the Fetril Sea; the vast mountain range of P’sad, a natural and uninhabited region of colossal peaks and jagged rock formations. They dominated the south western skyline as Jake approached, rising so high into the sky above him that they almost seemed to blot out the sun. He was now entering the southernmost corner of the continent of Estia. He had travelled for hundreds of miles without a break, holding tightly to the reigns of his horse as the animal twisted and turned in the sky. The wind had buffeted him so much that his legs hurt from the effort of squeezing them to remain in the saddl
e. To his surprise and amazement though, he was not at all tired. He should have been shattered given the time and the distance they had covered, but he felt as fresh as ever, and totally alert.
‘It must be the stones again, or maybe it has something to do with the spirits and the spell they put on me in the forest?’ he thought. He had plenty of questions but no answers. He decided that, ‘Whatever the reason, it really doesn’t matter now.’
He scanned the skyline and stared in awe at the mountains ahead. The largest of them was clearly identifiable. It was huge. The majority of it was high above the clouds and Jake took a sharp intake of breath. He had never seen or heard of anything so gigantic before.
“Wow! Well, Jake me boy, that is gonna take an age to climb. You don’t have time to waste, not if we’re gonna reach the city in time,” he said to himself, as he considered carefully what he was going to do. In the end, there was only one thing he could think of.
‘I have to use my powers again, to try to gain any advantage I can and lessen the climb.’
He closed his eyes and began concentrating hard as the horse neared the mountain. Using the power of his mind and his newfound ability to communicate with the animals, he instructed his mount to fly as close as possible to the rocks and soar as high as it possibly could towards the highest peak. The stallion responded immediately. It flapped its wings furiously and they rose higher and higher into the sky until they had passed through the clouds and left them far below.
The air became incredibly thin. It was increasingly difficult to breathe. The horse’s heart was beating so fast now that Jake could feel it pumping wildly beneath him. Its breathing became frantic and ragged as it reached the absolute limit of its endurance. But, the mountain was so close and Jake steered it nearer and nearer to the rocky ridges by pulling hard on the reigns. Then, he turned the horse sharply towards a narrow ledge, so that it was flying alongside for a few seconds from a distance of around six feet or so.
