by Tom Rogal
Tasi yelled, “Divi! Move!”
He dodged to the left. Divi turned around to see what was going on. As she did, the tail swept her horse from underneath her. She hit the ground hard and rolled backward. Levus watched in horror.
“Divi!” he yelled.
Divi finally came to a stop, still awake, but very dazed. As she sat up, a sharp pain flared from her lower back. This is going to hurt for a long time, she figured. She willed her way to sit up fully, dismissing her throbbing muscles.
Suddenly, an arm grabbed her and she was off the ground. She looked up to see Levus struggling to bring her up to his saddle. Divi tried to help him even though she was in a lot of agony. She finally pulled herself behind Levus and put her arms around his torso.
“Are you all right?”
She only answered with groans. Levus was very angry now. He gave a loud battle cry and pushed his horse harder until he had caught up with the beast.
Eraddor and Thamalos, who had just fired another volley of arrows at the creature’s side, watched in confusion. Was Levus crazy? That was what someone who wanted to be killed by this creature would do.
The Lamiadon also heard him coming from behind. As a response, the creature swept her tail on the ground toward Levus. He made the horse jump, barely clearing it as the Lamiadon’s tail rose from the ground. It then swept it across in the air with hopes of killing the rider himself. Levus ducked as the tail swung past them. Divi was too disoriented to say anything, but she hoped he knew what he was doing.
The Lamiadon turned her head to face them, roaring with displeasure. It swung its tail again. This time, though, Levus had no intentions of ducking. Raising the Moonsaber, he rode toward the incoming tail. When he grew near enough, Levus swung. The jewel glowed in anticipation of the coming strike, bypassing the protective aura of the elven artifact. A smile formed on his face as he felt the power of the sword flow through his veins. To the amazement of those watching, the Moonsaber cut through the scaled and muscular tail like butter. The creature screamed in pain as it rose another ten feet in the air to evade Levus.
Thamalos was so surprised at what Levus did that he almost missed that Fort Corrka was now in view.
Thamalos yelled, “We have to end this! Fire an arrow at its neck!”
Eraddor complied. He rode underneath the Lamiadon, which was still trying to regain its composure after losing part of its tail. As Eraddor did this, Thamalos grabbed a magic arrow and aimed for the creature’s head. Eraddor waited until Thamalos was ready. When the Lamiadon lowered down a couple feet, the elf knew that the time was right.
Thamalos yelled, “Now!”
Eraddor and Thamalos released their arrows simultaneously. Eraddor’s hit first and caused the Lamiadon to open its mouth in pain. At that moment, Thamalos’ magic arrow entered, flying past its teeth and deep toward its throat, where it exploded. The beast let loose the most disturbing and horrifying cry any of them had ever heard as it flew high into the air. All five watched as the Lamiadon turned around and began flying back toward Sardon. Tasi gave a celebratory yell. Everybody else displayed exhausted smile as they rode toward Fort Corrka.
CHAPTER 14
Two Realms of Men
“Open the gates!”
The soldiers controlling them complied and the doors to Fort Corrka opened loudly. Thamalos and Eraddor entered first. The archers on the outer wall lowered their weapons after all five travelers entered the fort town.
Everyone present near the gate watched them suspiciously. Levus felt uncomfortable having all these eyes on him. It was like they were back in Lozela. At least there, though, it was justified, as he was sure not many humans were allowed in their lands.
Not until a higher officer from the top of the wall came down to meet them did Thamalos and Eraddor dismount. The man was heavily armored and was quite tall. Levus could tell the armor had been repaired numerous times, shapes of its dents, which appeared someone had attempted to hammer out. That suit of metal had protected him in its fair share of battles, though Levus could imagine that it only had a couple more fights left in it before someone struck a blow at a weak point and split the metal apart.
The officer stopped in front of Thamalos and Eraddor and saluted. Both nodded in response. Thamalos always found it odd how humans used these gestures and medals to signify importance. To the elf prince, all it gave the enemy was a prime target.
Levus helped Divi off and walked her over to their friends. She was still a little dazed, so she was very happy to feel Levus’ touch.
The officer said, “On behalf of the kingdom, Rudann, I welcome you to Fort Corrka. I am Farmoth, high guard of this establishment. We watched your heroics on the Paranock Fields. Very impressive, my friends. Never have we seen anyone act so bravely against a Lamiadon outside of the Elf Games.”
Thamalos replied, “We are gladdened to be here. Is it possible to have an audience with your king in Rudann? We bring urgent news.”
Farmoth looked at his four other guests before he turned to Thamalos again.
“You wouldn’t need to travel that far. He is here in Fort Corrka making a three-day visit. Yet, I cannot just let you see him. Tell me one of your names and if he wishes it, I will collect your weapons at the entrance and you may proceed.”
“Tell him Thamalos, Prince of the Elves, and Eraddor, a sovereign friend, wish it.”
Farmoth nodded and walked into the small town. Levus examined the area around him. The fort was made well when compared to the village it protected. The wall they had passed through was made of stone and metal. Inside, though, nearly every house was wooden with only minor parts−doorsteps, chimneys, windowsills, corners−made from stone. The villagers who bothered to notice their arrival wore cheap clothing and many showed visible battle scars. The women present wore long skirts. The streets were not paved, but closely packed mud and clay.
Divi began to feel a little woozy. It could have been from the fall, but it felt very different than that.
“Are you all right?” Levus asked her.
“I feel hot. Like I’m burning up inside.”
Levus was slightly confused. Was it warmer? Sure, Sardon was more humid, but although uncomfortable, it was bearable because of the strong winds. Yet he didn’t feel like the difference was enough for him to comment. He looked over at Tasi, who wiped some sweat off his brow. What was going on with their mage friends? It was then that he noticed Farmoth returning to them.
They all paid attention as he stopped in front of them. Going by how he walked to them, Thamalos had a good feeling about the request.
Farmoth said, “King Byrin Feradis will see you.”
***
“It has been quite some time since a pureblood elf has visited the kingdom of Rudann. I believe your father was the last to come, and that seemed like decades ago.”
King Byrin Feradis walked over to a window. In his lower sixties, he had a white beard that went down to his neck. He wore loose-fitting chain mail over a white shirt. His walk revealed a slight limp, the result of a Sardon ambush a few years back.
The room they were in was not elegant. It held a few candelabra and a steel chandelier on the ceiling. A couple of scrolls hung on the wall with pictures of the royal crest. A flag of Rudann was surrounded by them, a dark blue background with a white diamond in the center and a group of mountains behind it. Fitting, since Rudann started because of the diamond mines. Those mines dried up eons ago. The twelve stars circling the diamond represented the twelve provinces in Rudann’s territory. A bed, table, rug, and cabinet were the rest of the articles in the room.
Eraddor had done his best to explain as much about Rudann as he could as they headed toward its king. He always felt the more you knew about a people, the better you could understand their situation. It was the northern most of the human capitals, with the Agglaris Mountains to the south. The Urdura Mountains, their largest mountain range far to the northeast, was were where the first diamond mines were found. Rudann
also owned the most territory of all the human kingdoms. Everything east of Fort Corrka and the Paranock Fields, north up to the Northern Ocean (with exception of the Great Desert, which belonged to another race, and the Free City of Formia), and west of the Mardurg Marshes was under their jurisdiction. Mainly farmers and miners, these people were by no means rich. They were toughened by loyalty to their king and his devotion to protect them−something he realized that Cordca knew little about.
Eraddor was leaning near one of the windows, while Levus sat near the table. Divi and Tasi were the only ones moving around, pacing uneasily about something.
Thamalos, who was standing near the bed, replied, “It is an honor. My father has told me of you.”
“I hope all things said were good.”
Byrin gave a small laugh as he walked to the table and began to pour himself some liquor. Byrin wasn’t much of a drinker. Water was his beverage of choice. However, with the recent poisoning plot uncovered from the captured Sardonian spies, wines and the hard liquor were the safest things to drink because the alcohol killed the lethal components of the poison, a discovery made purely by accident.
He continued, “But never mind that. What brings you here? I heard from my captain that you came via Sardon’s route. A treacherous one.”
“We are seeking help for an investigative force to go to Barbata.”
“Investigative force? The last time we helped the elves in an investigative mission, Rudann lost over five hundred good men. The times are changing, master elf. The problems here have become far greater than re-taking Barbata. You will get no others to agree to your plan.”
The king finished pouring his drink in the goblet. That wasn’t fair on his part. They had traveled a most difficult route to see him. The least he could do was hear them out and decide then, though he was quite certain that his answer would stand. He took a sip before continuing.
“Home of the Ettui. What is there that I should spare you men? I need them to protect the city. It’s not easy being the first line of defense against the Sardonian invaders. You’ve seen what we are up against. Who do you still need to speak to?”
Thamalos replied, “We were going to seek help in Desris next, and . . .”
“If you are seeking Thetalis, then your trip to Desris will be wasted," interrupted Byrin. "He came by here a few days ago. Said he had to go to Fort Za for some reason. You are welcome to continue you wish, though you will only find his estranged chancellor running things until his return.”
Yes, Thamalos knew Thetalis all too well. He usually respected the king's choices as he was a good observer and judge of people, but the one he selected for as chancellor was best put into words as questionable. The half-elves loved him, but he had an arrogance that rubbed everyone else the wrong way. In addition, he acted very . . . goofy, for lack of a better word, most of the time and dressed outlandishly. Despite that, since Thamalos was up this way, he should advise them to at least stay a night there. It had been a few decades since the elf prince had last been there.
“Perhaps we will make a stop regardless, but it won’t be long. Our ultimate destination, and the one that we need to contribute for this to be a success, is Cordca.”
Byrin took his lips off his goblet and stared out the window. A disturbing silence filled the room.
Even though he couldn’t see the Rudannian leader’s face, Eraddor could see the lost hope by his slumping body and downward head tilt. He had heard many rumors when he first came to the elven lands that Cordca preferred to play the isolationist to its fellow human kingdoms. This information came from traders, mainly, extremely reliable sources for information. The elves had as much as confirmed it without saying too many words, as this was a sensitive issue with the City of Lights', what Cordca was referred to, neighbors.
Byrin said, “Cordca . . . You are wasting your time.”
Thamalos looked at Eraddor. Even though this was a subject commonly avoided, he had to ask. If Rudann could send any men, that could only help. Besides, he wanted to put all the rumors to rest and learn straight from the king’s own mouth.
Eraddor asked, “Why do you say that?”
Byrin walked over to the table and placed his goblet on it.
“Cordca is too high on itself to give help to others. If they do, it is solely political. It pains me to say that the Realms of Men is divided and decadent,” continued Byrin. “For years, Rudann has asked and offered her help to the kingdom of Cordca. All our inquiries are received . . . impolitely, shall we say. We haven’t seen an officer of Cordca on these grounds for nearly a hundred years.”
Levus asked, “How is that possible? With trade . . .”
“If you don’t believe us, go to the kingdom of Garlock. They are suffering through the same plight. Cordca does not bother with trade from us, especially since the main diamond mines dried up. They only trade with the elves. No offense taken I hope, Prince Thamalos.”
Thamalos shrugged, as he understood Byrin’s statement. He knew why King Aldaran approved of trading with the elves. One reason was his ambition to add a great navy to his already large army. And as everyone knew, having an elf on board for a sea voyage could mean life instead of death on the open seas because of their Sight. Another was hope the elves would extend the treaty allowing human troops to remain on Fort Za. There were other reasons, of course. A scroll in the palace had all the terms on it.
The king continued, “Why do you think Cordca is so rich . . . and why they have amassed such a great army? We have fought off the forces of Sardon for all these decades. Regardless of our pleas, Cordca refuses to send us aid. They are not battle tested. Our people are getting tired. Garlock cannot send aid because they, too, must keep defenses up. The Harlrem is very important. It must not be lost. Plus, the terrain is difficult and would take them days to cross to reach us.”
Byrin once again walked to the window and gazed out toward the east, shaking his head.
“No, Cordca will not be of any help.”
Eraddor said, “They must. This Barbata plan is not the only news we bring. On the plains of Zontuc, we have seen a great army of Sardonians and Ettuiis amassed. We believe they stand ready to attack the World of Men.”
Byrin turned and stared at Eraddor, surprised by the news. Ettui here? How could that be? No one here at Fort Corrka had mentioned anything to him about seeing any Ettui. Then again, he began to wonder if the residents of the fort even knew what one looked like. They might have thought them to be beasts under the control of the Sardonians. And in the numbers that Eraddor is suggested? Ludicrous! He gave a sigh. But if it wasn’t a lie and there was an army large enough to threaten the other human kingdoms, would Cordca send them aid? The realization of the answer made him lower his tone and turned his shocked expression to a somber one.
“It doesn’t matter. Cordca will not answer our call.”
A short moment of silence enveloped the room. To those inside, it seemed like Byrin had already accepted a fate that he felt wouldn’t change for the world. Indeed, he felt that way to an extent. However, he was a man of religion as much as he was a man of war. He knew sometimes miraculous things happened on the battlefield. Likewise, he always held on to a small hope that Cordca would change its mind . . . one day. Until then, though, he had a responsibility to his people. If a threat did exist in Sardon as Eraddor spoke of, it was something to keep mindful of.
Byrin continued, “However, I will keep watch for this army. Prepare scouts to investigate.”
He once again turned to face the group. He could see in their expressions that they were a little disappointed with his decision, at least that was how he took it. He didn’t expect them to accept it. It was a choice only leaders could understand. How to explain it to them, though?
“Please, don’t judge us harshly. The kingdoms of Rudann and Garlock would love to be true allies to Cordca. If they called for our help, we would probably answer. But that is the problem, they never do.”
King Byrin’s
view was no longer fixed on Thamalos or Eraddor. He stared at Divi, who seemed to be gasping for air. What was wrong with her? Surely the wine isn't poisoned now, too! What will we have left to drink?
Levus ran to her side. As he touched her arm, her skin felt like it was on fire.
“Divi! Are you all right?”
Sweat was pouring from her forehead.
“Face . . . feels like . . . on fire!” she said.
Tasi, who was standing next to the other window, finally realized something. How stupid of me! He'd forgotten his own geography. He wished he hadn’t failed to pay attention to Eraddor’s history lesson. It would have reminded him. Curses! He rushed next to Thamalos as he wiped more sweat off his brow.
“How far are we from a desert?”
Byrin looked around the room, confused.
“The Great Desert that surrounds Desris starts sixty-five miles northeast of here. I admit the heat can travel this far south with the right wind, but . . .”
Tasi exclaimed, “You must get me and Divi out of here fast!”
King Byrin understood what he meant and he turned to Thamalos, a little perturbed that the elf prince hadn't told him. Since the Valgoon Inn Incident, he had stopped relying on a mage’s staff and a robe to instantly mark their bearers as mages. He would have taken the proper precautions if he knew.
“Why didn’t you tell me you had two mages with you? Have my men ready a cart with cool water and towels! Quick!”
Divi looked up. She couldn’t hear anything anymore for some reason. She did see Levus kneeling over her, though. What was happening to her?
She softly said, “Please Levus! Help me!”
It was the last thing she knew before she blacked out.
* * *
Drip.
Divi’s cheek twitched.
