by L. R. W. Lee
Captain Baldric raised a fist then quickly drew it forward, commencing a flurry of arrows. Grunts filled the clearing just before the giant leader yelled, “Attack!”
Paired with Yara, Andy dodged the downward slice of a club as thick as a tree trunk. They engaged a red-haired, brawny-armed giant. Andy sliced its knee while Yara thrust her blade into one of its feet. The pair dodged the brute as it howled, grabbed its foot, and hopped about. Rounding behind the giant, Yara carved a gash in its butt while Andy assaulted the foot it hopped on. The beast roared then stopped, located its tormentors, and grabbed Andy and Yara with meaty hands.
Andy fought for air as it squeezed his midsection, lifting them over its head. Stars danced in Andy’s vision, quickly replaced by a flood of white. My head’s going to pop off.
Seconds later, Andy’s face met the ground as his captor’s grasp went limp. Air rushed into his starving lungs, causing a fit of coughing and jabs of searing pain. Watching from outside his body, he spotted wings and saw an angry inferno descending like a curtain around him, setting his skin on fire. The stench of burning flesh from the fallen giant nearly made Andy retch, but he fought back the urge. Yara’s cough nearby brought him to his senses. When he moved, however, pain shot through his chest, ripping a guttural cry from his throat.
Silence flooded the campsite when he finally opened his eyes. A hulking figure towered over him.
Andy! You’re okay! Don’t move. Let me heal your burns and your ribs.
“No problem. I wouldn’t think of moving,” he moaned.
Andy felt dwarfed at the immensity of Daisy’s head as she hovered inches above his body, dripping tears onto his skin. Like ripples spreading in a pond, relief emanated from the point at which each tear touched. A minute later he took a deep, pain-free breath. But sharp jabs stabbed as he rolled onto his back and inhaled sharply. Daisy administered several more teardrops and he felt his ribs move back into alignment.
“Oh, that’s better. Thank you, Daisy.” Andy exhaled as he explored his extremities and found them whole once more.
He gave a start when he sat up and observed another gray dragon tending to Yara. Two more red dragons attended other company members.
“You brought help!”
That I did, Daisy affirmed. It sounded like you needed it.
“We certainly did. Thank you! We would have died if you hadn’t come.”
If I remember correctly, I found myself in a similar situation not long ago and you came to my aid. It was the least I could do.
“Well, thank you all the same.”
Mom grunted as she stood and joined Andy. She pulled her traveling cloak tight, attempting to conceal several large burn holes in her clothing.
Andy’s attention pivoted to where the other gray dragon continued working on Yara.
Let me help some of your other companions while Levia finishes up with your special friend.
Andy met Daisy’s eyes. “You know?”
The she-dragon purred before carefully stepping over a lump of fallen giant and toward Sergeant Terric who lay unmoving. Half his black beard had been singed off.
Andy approached Levia who moved her head slowly above the princess. He knelt, then brushed long golden locks from Yara’s face. Andy watched as a deep gash to her leg closed, stopping the trickle of blood. Raw burns slowly scabbed over across her neck, arms, and face, then faded and disappeared.
She will fully recover, the dragon reassured, then gently nudged her patient with her snout.
Yara started to wake. “What happened?”
“It’s okay. The giants are dead,” Andy informed, picking up her hand.
Alden, Hannah, and Captain Baldric joined them. All seemed to suffer from the same wardrobe malfunction as Mom.
The dragons continued working on the rest of the company until all members stood whole once more. After Andy and his companions had changed clothes, Daisy introduced her fellow Good Samaritans.
“I’d like you to meet Levia, Drakon, and Pendrag.”
Andy nodded at Levia. Both male dragons stood a good five hands taller than Daisy. The closer of the two inclined his head when she said the name Drakon, revealing two deep gashes across his forehead. The other male, Pendrag, had black markings around his eyes, making him look like an overgrown, red-scaled raccoon.
Daisy told us about her adventures with you and your friends, Pendrag spoke into everyone’s minds. We’re glad we reached you in time.
The whisper stream is abuzz with chatter these days, Drakon offered.
“What are you hearing?” Captain Baldric queried.
Seems there is a major offensive planned by our northern neighbor.
“What’s the target?”
Unclear. We just keep hearing a countdown of accomplishments before the attack.
“Accomplishments? Like what?” Mom questioned.
Sufficient troops are now under Abaddon’s control, a stone of power is nearly ready, and a general mood of dread permeates their prey.
I assess the strike is imminent, Levia added.
“If that’s the case, we need to complete this mission and get back to Castle Avalon ASAP!” the captain announced. “Pack up your gear and let’s move out.”
Andy, do be careful, Daisy encouraged.
“I’ll try my best. We’ll call if we have more trouble. Thanks for all your help!”
They ate dried goat meat and cheese as they walked, and emerged from the Forest of Giants midmorning without further incident. The sun had chased away the storms that threatened the day before, and the stiff wind had stilled. They walked through a light haze of fog.
Before long the outline of tall mountains appeared and the terrain began to slope upward. Not interested in the girl-talk between Yara, Mom, and Hannah, Andy struck up a conversation with Alden who panted up the steep inclines next to him. “What can you tell me about Carta and the center of its power?”
“You know about that?”
Careful not to divulge his sources, Andy responded, “I’ve been doing some reading. We restored the Giant’s Ring which is the center of Cromlech’s power.”
Alden nodded.
“I’ve reason to believe that we will also need to restore the centers of power for Carta and Oomladee if we are to defeat Abaddon.”
Alden remained silent but directed a questioning look at Andy.
“Abaddon was not strong enough to defeat the nations when the power of all three worked together. From what I’ve learned, anything he attempted before they fell, failed. If we can fix the centers, I think he’ll be neutralized.”
“Neutralized or destroyed?”
“Hopefully destroyed, but I’m not one hundred percent sure. I’m still working on that.”
“I’ll tell you everything I know about Carta. Hopefully we can figure out the rest. First, there are twelve districts, each ruled by one of the twelve lords who govern the land. My family lived in the Lepre district in the southern part of Carta.”
“There’s no king?”
“No. The twelve lords each have equal say in what happens. They were selected when the system was first established, and lordship passes down each family’s line. The lord represents his district at the Centrum Opibus, where all the decisions are made.”
“Sounds like a form of representative government. We have something similar back home.”
“My dad said the twelve original lords pledged their undying loyalty to one another and sealed their pact by having metalworkers forge twelve pendants, one for each district. During the pledge ceremony they had arranged the twelve pendants around a circular stone table when a thirteenth pendant mysteriously appeared in the center. As soon as it showed up all thirteen began to glow like they were on fire. Then a fountain bubbled up around the edge of the table followed by a whirlwind that rose from the middle.”
“Wow! That must have been something to see. Hey, wait. You said the pendants glowed like they were on fire, then a fountain bubbled up and a whirlwind
rose in the middle. If the stone table represents earth, that’s the four elementals!”
Alden nodded then continued, “You remember what I told you about griffins and my dad, right? Well, that wasn’t the first time Carta had problems with them. They regularly attacked, and as fate would have it, they launched another attack as the lords performed the ceremony. Everyone took cover, but something strange happened: the griffins couldn’t touch anyone or anything belonging to Carta. The activated elementals acted like a protective shield.”
Having benefitted from Mermin’s bubble, Andy nodded.
“As you can imagine, the griffins didn’t take kindly to that, but they finally left. From that day on, an unofficial peace was struck—everyone left the griffins alone in the northern territory of Carta and the griffins left the people alone. That peace held until someone discovered vast deposits of gold and silver in the hills the griffins inhabit.”
“Where did the lords’ pledge ceremony take place? That has to be the center of Carta’s power! Where is it?”
“Centrum Opibus. They erected a building around it.”
“Can we go?”
“My dad went a couple times, but I’ve never seen it. It can’t be that hard to find though. The twelve districts are like slices of a pie all radiating from the center point—Centrum Opibus.”
The company trudged up and down three tall mountains before the terrain leveled out late that afternoon. Undulating hills were a merciful change.
Captain Baldric held up a hand from the front of the pack. “We’re nearing the territory of the herewolves and therewolves. Let’s make camp. I’d rather navigate that area with as much light as possible and get clear of it tomorrow before nightfall.”
The captain divvied up tasks. Sergeants Rosser and Hammond left to hunt fresh meat for dinner while the others set about gathering wood and clearing an area large enough for bedrolls. A stream flowed nearby, and Yara went with Andy to refill canteens.
“I overheard bits and pieces of what you and Alden talked about. Do you really think restoring each nation’s center of power will defeat Abaddon?”
“Like I told Alden, I’m not one hundred percent sure, but it certainly sounded like it from what I read. Even if he isn’t defeated, he wouldn’t be able to hurt us anymore.”
“That would certainly be a step in the right direction.” Yara smiled as she knelt and began filling a drinking vessel.
“What?”
“You’re going to make a great king.”
Andy felt his cheeks warm and he focused on the bubbling stream. “I’m trying to prepare myself. For that matter, you’ll make a fine queen.”
“I’m trying to prepare myself,” she parroted with a giggle, drawing a laugh from Andy. “Just accept the compliment.”
A smile inched its way onto Andy’s visage and he paused after withdrawing his canteen from the stream. “I’m so glad to be back. I missed you.”
Yara batted her lashes and sat down beside him. “Yeah, letters are fine, but I much prefer having you next to me.”
Andy corked the canteen and an uncomfortable silence fell over them. He took to moving pine needles back and forth with his foot while Yara studied the talkative brook.
Unable to endure the awkwardness any longer, Andy cleared his throat and reached for Yara’s hand. He met her deep blue eyes.
I could drown in those eyes.
“Would you mind if I kissed you?”
“I was kind of hoping you’d ask.” A flush crept across the princess’s face.
Andy felt his heart begin to race and he wiped his upper lip. “Whew, sure is warm.”
The sound of the stream melted away as he closed his eyes and leaned in. Yara’s lips were soft, delicate, and she smelled of flowers. A tingling sensation blossomed in his fingertips and moved up his arms, stopping only when it reached his heart.
The sound of someone clearing his throat nearby tossed a bucket of ice water on the kindling that had just ignited, jolting them apart.
“Oh,” Yara’s pitch rose. She brought a hand over a rosy cheek.
Andy glanced at his love and grinned before turning to recognize the intruder.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Sergeant Ector intoned. The man’s eyes danced as he added, “You were gone longer than expected so the captain sent me to look for you.”
They set the canteens down near the campfire and Sergeant Gavin handed them each a bowl of savory smelling stew. “Rosser and Hammond managed to get a couple of wild pheasants, so we’re eating well tonight. Pheasant stew is one of my campfire specialties.”
Mom ate with Captain Baldric and several of his men, and Alden and Hannah appeared deep in conversation, so Andy directed Yara to a nearby boulder. They ate in uncomfortable silence, unsure what to say after becoming vulnerable with each other. When the last of the tasty broth had been sucked up with crusty bread, Yara set her bowl aside and spoke. “I liked your kiss.”
A herd of hippos began stampeding in Andy’s stomach. “Thanks. You’re pretty good yourself.”
Yara studied the ground as she fiddled with a sleeve.
“I’d…I’d be willing to do it again,” Andy stuttered, a smile creeping up.
“Not here!” the princess whispered.
“I didn’t mean now,” he laughed.
They sat quietly for several more minutes, Yara picking at her fingernails. Then she glanced at Andy and ventured, “Have you ever thought about how we might govern Oomaldee and Cromlech…like together?”
“The thought hadn’t crossed my mind…but I’d be willing to let it.” He grinned.
Mom appeared and plopped down, instantly killing the conversation. “I feel like I haven’t talked to you all day, Andy.”
Alden and Hannah joined them several minutes later, and they talked until yawns forced them to surrender to sleep’s demands. Andy laid his bedroll beside Yara, toes to the campfire, and reached to hold her hand.
Ruling Oomaldee and Cromlech together…
Andy’s inneru started humming. From a distance, the sound of wolves howling at the moon wafted over the campsite.
With time of the essence, Captain Baldric woke the company as the sun peeked an eye over its covers, casting shadows across the campsite. After a quick breakfast of moonberries, dried meat, and coffee, they set out once more. As with the previous afternoon, the terrain remained mellow and they walked at a brisk pace over the lightly fog-covered hills.
Andy looked skyward. “It’s kind of weird that the zolt haven’t bothered us.”
Mom, who walked to his left, smiled and said, “Not enough excitement for you?”
“Hardly,” Yara intoned from Andy’s right.
“I just hope they haven’t attacked Castle Avalon like the dragons warned us about,” Andy confided, drawing his eyebrows together. “I’d almost rather have them here where we can keep track of them. It’s like that saying, ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’”
Late in the morning Andy began seeing clumps of red-leafed plants with small white flowers along the path, and it didn’t take long for Captain Baldric to inform them, “We’ve just entered herewolf and therewolf territory. Keep quiet and remain alert.”
The announcement sent a wave of unease across the company, blanketing it like the fog. Everyone held twitching fingers over hilts, flails, and bows. Andy suddenly felt unfriendly eyes boring into him.
Stop imagining things and keep it together, he chided himself.
“Andy,” Hannah approached and whispered from behind, “I’m sensing evil, but I can’t tell if it’s the bellicose, Abaddon, or even Fides. It’s more intense than zolt for sure.”
Andy met Mom and Yara’s glances then nodded as he felt more eyes bore into his back.
Okay…I’m afraid, but I have a choice. Andy took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Alden attempted to encourage. “If it’s Abaddon, at least we have the defensive discs Mermin gave us. Hopefully they’ll prot
ect us.”
“But we don’t know what’ll happen if it’s the bellicose or something else,” Hannah countered. Yara and Andy exchanged frowns.
Grrr. Grrr. Grrr.
A chorus of growls erupted not more than twenty yards ahead. Within seconds weapons appeared in the hands of company members.
Yip. Yip. Bark. Arroo. Yip. The sounds exploded to their right.
Bark. Arroo. Yip-yip-yip. Another chorus rose from the left.
“We’re surrounded,” Hannah whimpered. The eight officers converged in a defensive circle around Mom, Andy, Yara, Alden, and Hannah.
“It’s a pack of therewolves,” Sergeant Fulk identified quietly. “Stay clear of their bite or you may take a sudden liking to the moon.”
“Andy! I just saw the bellicose through the trees!” Hannah squeaked.
Yelp! Yelp! Yip! therewolves sounded. Their protests revealed the direction the black, fuzzy panther-man took. It appeared in the path not far ahead.
Before the bellicose could engage the company, however, a torrent of frenzied therewolves, canines dripping saliva, charged from the woods and began attacking it.
“Into the trees!” Captain Baldric commanded.
Snarl.
Yip-yip-yip.
Peeking out from behind a thick trunk, Andy watched the bellicose exact damage on several therewolves, but not before the attackers felled the menace. A furry scrum bit and tore at the cat-man.
Kill it! Kill it! Andy silently cheered. Judging by the looks on his companions’ faces, he wasn’t the only one.
Yip-yip-yip.
Snarl.
Suddenly two therewolves went airborne, slamming into nearby tree trunks and dropping to the ground, silenced.
Rrrarh!
Three more attackers catapulted through low-hanging branches and smashed into boulders, landing in heaps. White marks revealed where the bellicose had grabbed them.
The scene repeated itself over and over until the cat-man rose from a sea of fallen fur, arms and legs oozing red. It threw up its arms in celebration and belted out a victory snarl. Rrrarh! Rrrarh!
With the sounds still on the breeze, the bellicose nimbly hopscotched over the fallen wolves and plunged headlong into the woods toward the company. Andy stepped from behind cover and met his nemesis in ready position.
