by Sarah Coley
Brennus suddenly stopped in front of them and raised his hand. Eleanor paused, all seriousness returning to her in an instant.
She walked over to where Brennus was stood and stopped, looking out into the dark encroaching forest, her ears sensitive to everything that was around her.
"What is it?" She asked in a hushed tone.
"There's footsteps up ahead. maybe a hundred paces away,” Brennus responded. Eleanor tried to listen. At first there was nothing but silence, and then slowly she started to hear the distinct sound of shuffling feet and muffled voices.
"What do we do?" Eleanor asked, suddenly unsure about their next move.
"Tell the other to stay quiet. Let me do the talking. There aren’t that many female Goblins and they're definitely not allowed to fight. Put your visor down and stay close,” Brennus ordered.
Eleanor gave Brennus a look of protest before ramming the visor down over her face. She turned to see the others were doing the same having heard the approaching footsteps. She slowed her walking pace lightly so that she was just behind, letting him take the lead as he drew out his sword and developed a stooped gait. Eleanor had only seen Goblins now on two occasions and never long enough to pick up on their mannerisms or culture. She was more than happy to let someone else do the talking in this instance.
It wasn’t long before a small group of Goblins appeared on the path before them. They walked at a casual pace almost as though marching to their destination was a chore. The closer they became to Eleanor, the more she could make out misshapen green faces with boils and pustules oozing out of skin like infected active volcanoes. Their bottom jaws protruded from the top letting large tusks rise from their lower lip. Each Goblins was a different height or build and they all had various armour covering their bodies. Souvenirs from their various victims. What really got Eleanor was the smell. It hung in the air as they approach like an unpleasant miasma, hinting of strong body odor and rotten food.
A small stumpy Goblins drew his sword and marched over to the group.
“oo goes there?” He asked in a gruff voice.
“Oos asking?” Brennus replied sound scarily like the Goblins in font of them.
“My names sludge, and this is orc, ooze and grotty. We’re on our way to Brackon. The Kings asked for reinforcements to be sent.”
“I’m terror. Me and me mates were just heading North to pick spoils from Whaplode before ‘eading ‘ome,” Brennus responded.
“Ave you just come from Brackon?” Sludge asked.
“No, we were ‘eding there when we ‘eard about the attack. Decided to go round instead.”
Ooze suddenly stepped forward. He was significantly taller that the others and had a sabres at his side.
“Funny you wouldn’t stop at Brackon though,” Ooze said with suspicion on his face. He was circling around them now, examining their armour and searching for conspiracy.
“We just wannna geh ome,” Brennus interrupted. “Being round those humans starts to make ye feel dirty after a while. We need to get back to our layer.”
“Are ye friends not capable of talking or do you do the talking for them?” Ooze interjected whilst poking Owen with the blunt end of his sword.
“ I can talk for me self thank you very much. Now gerooff me with that sword of yours,” Owen suddenly spoke. Eleanor held her breath. Owen had made a good effort at the accent but whether that would fool the Goblins, Eleanor wasn’t sure.
Sludge started to laugh. “Leave em alone Ooze. We do our own thing.” Ooze made a grunting noise as if in protest and walked back to his group.
“Fe Balor and fe darkness.” Sludge shouted holding his sword in the air. Brennus copied him. Eleanor tried her best to keep up so it didn’t look too strained.
It must have worked for the group of Goblins sheathed their weapons and walked past the companions without a sideward glance.
Once the Goblins were out of eye shot, Eleanor remembered that she needed to breath.
“Hell that was close,” she sighed in exasperation.
“ Nonsense. I had it covered,” Brennus replied with confidence.
“ How far is it to the next caves Brennus?” Astel asked whilst walking towards him.
“2 hours, 3 max. We should make it long before sunrise.”
“Good,” Astel announced, “ I’d like to get there as quickly as we can.”
They arrived at the new caves in good time and without any more distractions. The caves were larger that their previous lodgings and had a big entrance way that lead straight into the woods. There was also a stream trickling through the cave walls which Eleanor knew would be a pure source of drinking water.
Astel had lit a magical fire that gave off no light or smoke but kept them warm none the less. The last thing they needed was Goblins spotting them in the cave system from the fire. There would be no escape if that were to happen.
Just as the sun was beginning to rise on the horizon above the tree line, Vincent appeared seemingly out of nowhere and casually walked into an inner chamber where the group were getting ready to rest for the day.
“Is it done?” Astel asked.
Vincent nodded his head.” Yes, I informed the guards at the entrance to the cave so by this evening, Sleugh and Balor will know of the plan.”
“AaaWere you followed?” Brennus asked grabbing his sword and standing to have a look outside the entrance.
“Brennus, I’m a Dearg. Goblins can’t keep up with me and I circled back on myself twice to throw any scent off my trail.”
“So what will happen?” Eleanor asked, giving Vincent her undivided attention. She hadn’t really thought about the consequences of getting captured until it was staring her in the face, and she suddenly had the urge to know every little detail.
“We’ll approach the tunnel in tomorrow night. There will be minimal guards on display giving us the impression of an easy win. Once we reach the cave, the Goblins will pounce and I will switch sides. It’s my role to take Astel down. She makes the Goblins edgy.”
“Good,” replied Astel.
“What about the boy? Is he ready?” Vincent asked looking at Owen who was trying to sink back into he shadows.
“Not quite. We’ve done the incantation in my magic book but we’ve not practiced yet. Once you’re settled, we will begin of course,” Astel responded.
“Why do you need me?” Vincent asked with surprise on his face. Eleanor noted that Vincent clearly didn’t do surprised very often.
“We need a creature of darkness to practice on. You just got nominated,” Owen replied with a smirk on his face.
“I’m ecstatic,” Vincent relied sarcastically, “Brennus, Eleanor, I could use your guidance right now if you wouldn’t mind stepping over here,” insisted Vincent who was gesturing his hand towards another compartment behind were they currently resided.
Once inside, Vincent announced his secret. “I’m going to need to take Astel out of the picture once we get there. Balor is not going to be believe I over powered a mage with my bare hands.”
“Why are we in here whispering?” Brennus suddenly asked, “and what do you mean out the picture?”
“Astel will need to temporarily remove herself from the picture when we get to the tunnel entrance. It will give the Goblins confidence that she’s fled, but means she can return at the opportune moment,” Vincent explained.
"Astel’s not going to like this," Eleanor asked.
“Which is why Vincent here is confiding in us to convince Astel and possibly knock her out if she won’t cooperate. That’s about right isn’t it Vincent? Very convenient for you," Brennus replied with an air of suspicion.
“How will she follow us if she does disappear? It's another weeks march to Sleugh’s layer,” Eleanor asked.
"We won’t be going to Sleugh’s layer,” Vincent said shifting uncomfortably.
“And why would that be?” Astel suddenly piped up marching up to the three of them. Owen was following closely behind. “I thou
ght I should see what the three of you were up to back here and now you have tweaked my curiosity. Tell me, why are we no longer travelling to the bad lands?”
Vincent took a deep sigh before brushing hair out of his face. Nervousness etched in his expression.
“Lord Balor is here at Isla. It appears that whilst torturing the Prince, a mage appeared in one of Elian’s visions and Balor wants to find him. He's brought the Prince with Sleugh and the rest of the Goblins army south of the wall. He's waiting for you all there.”
“And you didn’t think to mention that to us when you first came back from your little excursion. What else are you keeping from us?” Astel enquired.
“Nothing,” Vincent answered a little too quickly. Everyone was stirring at him now with suspicion etched on their faces. What little trust was there now ebbing away. Astel suddenly looked deep in thought.
“Wait. You said that a mage visited Elian in a vision. Who was this mage?” Astel asked in deep thought, “Owen was it you?”
Owen shook his head. “No, I would have mentioned something if that had happened.”
Vincent took a deep breath and turned his focus to Eleanor.
“No, it was a woman with blond hair. “
Everyone's gaze on turned to Eleanor. Confusion and questions etched on their faces.
“There are lots of ladies with blond hair Vincent,” Brennus interjected, “It doesn't mean it was Eleanor here.”
“It was me,” Eleanor replied. She’d thought it was just a dream but in hindsight why would she be speaking to a Prince she never met or be in a battlefield with Rogardium armour she’d never seen. She should have realised before and said something, but had been so consumed with the passing events that it had escaped her mind.
“I didn't say anything because I thought it was a dream.”
Astel paused for a moment before regaining her train of thought. “Eleanor, you must tell me everything you saw. It could reveal matters of great importance. And Vincent?”
“Yes mage?”
“I think your plan will work just fine,” Astel responded matter of factly.
Vincent smirked as the group walked back through to the main chamber.
Eleanor told Astel everything she had seen in the vision. The battle, the Prince ready to kill himself. She was surprised how clear the memory was. Usually when she dreamt, there were always elements that lay forgotten after a day or two, but everything about that vision was clear as day. After she had finished, Astel sat back deep in thought.
“It appears the resolve of the Prince is weakening. We may not have much time,” She surmised
“What do you propose?” Owen asked.
“We can't progress further until this evening and I need to teach you the incantation. Once night time falls, I will create a portal that will take us straight to Isla,” Astel announced.
“What about the plan Vincent has created? Walking in unprepared could be disastrous,” Eleanor enquired.
“The Goblins know we’re coming anyway. A day won’t make a difference and may give us the advantage of surprise,” Vincent answered. “If Astel disappears after she creates and goes through the portal, she’ll be seen by the enemy and make the plan look more realistic.”
“Take this time to make yourselves ready my friends,” Astel declared, “for tonight we fight.”
Chapter 27
A flash of light exploded to the left of a now cowering Vincent.
”Damn it boy. You're going to blow a limb off if you keep this up,” Vincent exclaimed.
Owen had be trying Astel’s incantation for two hours. The idea was to send a blast of spirit energy to a concentration of darkness which in this case was Vincent. The blast would destroy the dark energy, leaving Balor absent if only for a matter of minutes.
Astel had been stood by Vincent to ensure that any blast that was sent was deflected to save blowing him to pieces. It hadn't taken long for Owen to master the incantation and create the energy. The only issue now had been to direct it to the correct spot.
“I've been at this for two hours,” Owen complained. “I need a breather.”
“We don't have time for breathers Owen,” Astel commanded.
Astel seemed more fraught than ever. The pressures of the encroaching night weighing heavily on everyone. Eleanor hadn't given the final battle much thought. It was something she’d not wanted to think about so had simply pushed it to the back of her mind. Even if she did by some miracle survive the battle, she had no idea of what she would do in the aftermath and feared greatly for her friends. Their very existence depended on Owen, who just over two weeks ago was a very normal 19-year-old man, was now using magic he couldn’t control to hit a target he’d never seen. The odds were stacked against them, and Eleanor could see no positive outcome for what they had to endure. If Owen was going to succeed, he had to learn and fast.
“I've got an idea,” Eleanor interjected just as everyone was going to stop for a rest. “Owen, you remember how you felt when the Goblins were attacking Astel the other night?”
Owen thought for a moment. “Scared, but mostly angry. And protective. Why?”
Good, you’ll need that feeling to recreate the energy,” Eleanor answered. “I want you to imagine that Brennus is going to shoot me.”
“Wait.. What?” Brennus suddenly shouted.
“And the only way to stop it is to shoot your energy at Vincent,” Eleanor continued.
“That doesn’t even make sense,” Vincent mumbled in exasperation.
“Shut it,” Eleanor barked at him. “Brennus draw your arrow please and shoot it at me,” she commanded.
“Now wait a piping minute. I'm not going to shoot you Eleanor.”
“Brennus, just shut up and do it. Astel, get ready to protect Vincent.” Eleanor was well and truly taking control of the situation.
Brennus shook his head with disbelief before he drew an arrow from his quiver and placed it in the bow aiming it directly at Eleanor. “I hope you know what you're doing Eleanor, because I really don't want to shoot you.”
“It's ok Brennus. Everyone ready?”
Astel went to stand near to Vincent who had a look of apprehension for both himself and Eleanor. Owen had beads of sweat pouring down his face.
“I'm ready,”he responded.
“Good. Don't worry Owen. You can do this,” Eleanor whispered to him reassuringly.
“Brennus,”Eleanor commanded, “Take aim.. and.. Fire.”
Brennus shot an arrow from his bow but moved at the last possible second, sending the arrow ricocheting off the cave roof above Eleanor’s head.
Owen shot the energy but was too busy looking at Eleanor. It shot passed Vincent into the inner cave, the blast vibrating the ground they stood on, shaking it and causing everyone to duck. Eleanor was very grateful for the muting spell Astel had performed on the cave earlier.
Eleanor hadn't moved a muscle even when the cave shook. She stayed starring straight at Brennus. “Again, and this time Brennus, don't change your aim,” she barked with authority in her voice.
Brennus signed. “Ok, but if you survive this, you owe me.”
Eleanor smirked.“Agreed. Ready?”
“Ready,” Owen shouted.
“Don't miss Brennus,” Eleanor repeated, “ Ready, aim, fi..”
Before Brennus could shoot the arrow, Owen shot the energy from his hands which hit Vincent straight in the chest. He flew backward across the cave, hitting the wall with a thud before sliding to the floor. Astel ran towards him and sucked the energy from the magic that was surrounding Vincent's still corpse before he shattered into a thousand pieces, dispersing it like wind blows away fog. Vincent got back up and dusted his clothes down.
“Can we not repeat that again please?” He pleaded.
Astel ran to Owen and gave him a hug. “Well done Owen. You've mastered in a few hours what took me years to achieve.”
Owen's ears turned a darker shade of red. “You could have told me that before
Astel.”
Eleanor let out a sigh and smiled to herself. She was glad her plan had worked. She had known that Owen would react before Brennus had shot the arrow, or at least she was betting on it.
Just as she was about to walk and sit down to steady her nerves, Brennus marched over to her.
“Where do you think you're going young missy. You owe me remember.” He grabbed the back of Eleanor's head and planted a deep kiss on her lips. She kissed him back, desperately wanting the warmth of another human being. She could have stayed this way for an eternity had a small voice not cleared their throat.
Eleanor looked up to see everyone starring at them. Owen had a big grin on his face and Astel was blushing. Vincent's seemed to have shrunk back into the shadows.
"If you two are quite finished,” Astel chastised with a grin, “we've got a few hours before dusk. I recommend we try and get some rest."
Chapter 28
Several hours later, Vincent awoke the group. Nobody spoke as they packed their supplies for the last time. Astel had decided that there would be no need to take their provisions though the portal with them, as she didn’t want the Goblins getting hold of any of their belongings, so the group had agreed to leave everything in the cave where they’d been staying. If by some miracle they all survived, they could always come back to the cave at a later date.
“Are we all prepared?” Vincent asked them all with apprehension etched on his face.
“A nightly stroll walking into an ambush with a group of stinking Goblins and a one eyed arsehole. Couldn’t think of a better way to spend my Friday night,” Brennus joked whilst picking up his bow.
“What can we expect when we get there?” Eleanor asked. She needed to know every minute detail of what she was walking into in order to plan multiple outcomes and escape routes.
“We’ll walk into the gully where there will be minimal guards. The areas has been dug out and all foliage removed. I’ll approach the Goblins that are on guard and tell them that we wish to cross. At that point, various factions of Goblins will circle us form all angles.
