by Duane Alston
“OK, I see it,” Jalaby said in calm reply.
The trees were thinning up ahead at the crest of the knoll that Jalaby knew overlooked the grassy plain that surrounded the Fortress Aldon.
“Stop here.” Jalaby said abruptly and stood a moment silently looking around. “I sense no close danger. We'll leave the horses here. Talisbon watch them for us while we take a look.” Jalaby ordered, to which Talisbon raised an eyebrow as if asking, why me. “The horses and kacks are important and I need someone who's been through it all to keep an eye on things.” Jalaby said in answer to the unasked question, to which Talisbon simply nodded.
“Sarah, Henry, let's see what we can see at the edge of the knoll.” Jalaby said and, taking a cue from Jalaby, they crouched as they headed to what Jalaby hoped would be a clear view of the fortress and the surrounding valley, and it was.
Laying on their stomachs, they saw the valley below populated with thousands of Fog Warriors and dozens of tents that Jalaby knew belonged to the Fog Warrior Minders, all securing the fortress and Tom and Connel. The Fortress Aldon was massive, even as seen from their vantage point, which was about a mile away. It was quite an unusual structure in that the walls did not go straight up. In fact, they angled outward as they went up such that the top overhung the base by as much as twenty feet. Jalaby supposed that the builder thought that it would make it more easy to defend, but in some respects it gave the attackers the ability to move towards the wall in case something was coming at them from above; but he could see that it would be more difficult to use ladders and rope hooks to scale the wall. Climbing a rope at that angle would be almost impossible and the ladder would have to be as tall as the wall to be of any use. There were turrets at the corners of the four walls and in the center, at quite a distance from the outside walls, was a large structure that rose twice as high as the walls that surrounded it. There was obviously no desire to blend into the forest background, quite the contrary, everything was black. The walls, the turrets, and every inch of surface on the fortress was painted black, even the windows had an obvious dark tint.
At that moment, what they saw in the valley below was a massive army of Fog Warriors just milling about. There seemed no urgency. It appeared to Jalaby that they saw no need to put up any kind of defense. Most of the army was located on either side of the front entrance road. At the back of the fortress there were half as many and on either side there were very few. The spot where they viewed the valley below was among a sparse group of trees but luckily there were also many large and medium size boulders just at the edge of the knoll. This combination of trees and boulders was enough to hide them from the Fog Warriors below.
“They aren't the brightest folk are they?” Sarah said with a slight laugh.
“What do you mean?” Henry asked innocently.
“Well, they should have had someone up here shouldn't they and the way they set up their defense is not very defensive at all. They know we are coming but obviously they don't think too much of our capabilities.” Sarah finished sounding like her pride was hurt.
“Oh,” was all Henry replied as he looked out over the valley.
“Good point. They may yet send someone up here, so as we each take our turn at guard tonight, we should keep that in mind,” Jalaby said. “OK Henry, keep an eye on things here and especially watch the forward area over there.” Jalaby said and pointed towards an area to their right that sloped back down to the same level as the fortress. “We'll be back as soon as we can get our campsite set up and well hidden.” Jalaby finished and patted Henry's shoulder as he motioned to Sarah to head back to Talisbon.
They moved away cautiously and were well away from the edge when Sarah spoke.
“Will he be OK?”
“I'm sure of it. Remember the stones. We all have the power to sense danger and we would also know if something bad was coming our way.” Jalaby smiled assuredly.
“Oh yeah, I keep forgetting. We get to feel your pain.” Sarah laughed.
They arrive back at where Talisbon was guarding the horses to find he had moved everything to an area of boulders arranged in a semicircular pattern by nature, located a short distance from where they had left him.
“Good spot Talisbon!” Jalaby said as he arrived.
“Yes, this should shelter us from the wind well enough. Where's Henry?” Talisbon said looking back in the direction that Jalaby and Sarah had come from.
“He's at our lookout post. We'll take turns tonight keeping an eye on things down there and to make sure they don't send anyone up here. Talisbon, you may not like it but I need you to guard this knoll tomorrow while Sarah and I project into the fortress. It is important we have a secure place to return to.” Jalaby said abruptly.
Talisbon just stared back incredulously, frowned, slowly nodded but said nothing. They both quietly turn to unload their animals.
“Gentlemen, no fire tonight, just cold bread and preserved meat or fish, your choice.” Sarah smiled brightly but only Jalaby seemed interested.
“Bread and meat for me and I'll also take something up to Henry.”
“I'll eat whatever is made.” Talisbon said rather grumpily making Sarah reply with concern in her voice.
“Are you doing OK?” As Sarah spoke she stopped what she was doing and looked directly at him. This was enough and the old Talisbon seemed to reappear.
“Oh, I'm OK. A little tired perhaps. I sat in that old mill too long and don't have the stamina I once had. Thanks for asking. It makes all the difference.” Talisbon finished with a weak smile of his own.
“OK, meat for you then. I think a bit of protein will build you back up.” Sarah finished by quietly humming a tune that Jalaby didn't recognize but enjoyed it even more because of it.
After they had finished their somewhat meager meal and Jalaby had taken some to Henry, they were ready to turn in for the night.
“Talisbon, you take the first two hour watch here and then in two hours go relieve Henry. Have him wake me up for the next watch. We will rotate two hours here and two hours there,” said Jalaby.
“OK, but we probably don't need it with our sensing capabilities,” Talisbon replied.
“That is probably true but after all we've been through, I'll not take the chance.” Jalaby expected discussion but none came, just a slight nod from Talisbon.
“Sarah, where shall we bed down for the night?” Jalaby asked.
“Bed down? Why Jalaby, what are you intending? Tom would want to know,” teased Sarah.
“Ah, er, well I just wanted to talk a bit before sleep. I'm sure Tom would approve of this conversation.” Jalaby finished with a barely perceptible smile.
“Well, some mystery tonight, so let's see, I think over here would be pretty comfortable,” Sarah said and started to move her bedroll to a spot sheltered by the boulders, about thirty feet from the location that Talisbon chose for his first watch.
Jalaby was glad because Talisbon would not be able to overhear them.
The night was clear and quite dark and most of the sky was filled with stars. The stars were less perceptible towards where the glow of the Fog Warrior's campfires produced a glow of their own and to Jalaby, for many reasons, that spoiled the night sky's view in that direction. They set up their bedrolls next to each other and laid down. Jalaby was quietly gathering his thoughts but realized that his silence was lasting long enough for it to start feeling awkward, then Sarah laughed which made him relax.
“Sarah, I don't know any other way to say it. I love you. I don't know the minute or the second when I knew, maybe I always knew. Even when we were younger there were times I would find myself thinking of you and admiring that fiery temper of yours. I can't say what tomorrow will hold, but I believe we will prevail and I would like nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you,” Jalaby finished and there was only a slight pause before Sarah Spoke.
“I thought you knew how I felt about you. Why would I always hang around Tom and you back home? Yes, I love you too Jalaby and I
don't have to find the moment or second because I always have. Now does that mean I'm going to be a princess?” Sarah laughed and even in the dark Jalaby could picture the twinkle in her eyes that he had grown so fond of.
“Maybe, who knows, but what I do know is that Tom will have something to say about it.” Jalaby also laughed.
“You know he teases you a lot but we discussed it when I was twelve and he said it was OK for me to marry you, although he's ran hot and cold on the idea since then,” Sarah laughed again.
“Over the years you discussed me with Tom?” Jalaby said incredulously.
“Well perhaps I'm overstating it. Let's just say he teased me about you relentlessly so I would tell him I was going to marry you and he better get used to it. That usually shut him up for a while. My, I can hardly wait to see his face. Funny how things come true.” Sarah said softly.
“Yeah, funny. I would like to talk all night but we have a few things to do tomorrow and one is to be in a position to see that face of Tom's by getting him out of that fortress, so I guess we better get some sleep before our watch starts, but first if you don't mind,” with that Jalaby moved closer and gave Sarah a long passionate kiss.
“Mmm, I expect more of that in the future Prince Langmaster, now move back over to your bed before Tom pops in for a visit. You know he has those powers too!” Sarah laughed.
“OK, OK. Goodnight Sarah. I love you.”
“Goodnight Jalaby, I love you too.”
Jalaby's mind raced with thoughts of Sarah but after a while tiredness overtook him and he fell asleep which put an end to what Jalaby felt was a most wonderful day.
Chapter 34
The morning brought Jalaby awake with a jolt. It was a pleasant jolt just the same. Since Sarah had the last watch, she woke him up with a kiss, pulling his thoughts in two directions at once, but he soon regained his equilibrium and put his mind to what must be done.
“Morning, are you ready?” Jalaby asked.
“More than ready and I'm sure everyone else is ready.” Sarah said glancing around at Henry and Talisbon who stood already dressed.
“OK, first order is to eat, we may not have a chance after we begin this operation in two hours time from now.” Jalaby said and looked at Henry and Talisbon. Henry was smiling brightly looking more than eager whereas Talisbon was sullen and subdued. Jalaby had rethought the need for him to guard their current location, so he was hoping that might make a difference.
“Talisbon, I know I said you should guard this location but after thinking about it, there is no need. I want you to project with us inside the fortress,” Jalaby said and immediately Talisbon's face brightened and reflected Henry's countenance, although a bit more mature in his display of eagerness. “It will be your job to sense from time to time if anything is wrong back here and project back and deal with it. If you sense that major force is required, I want you to request from the Olandie or Zefferts what you need. I will let them know to supply you immediately when you ask. It is a major responsibility but I know you can handle it.” Jalaby said formally to which Talisbon's physical presence seem to grow in front of them.
“This is exactly what I was hoping for, ah I mean, to be of some use in this great battle. I won't let any of you, my friends, down.” Talisbon beamed on them and looked at each one in turn.
Their meal didn't take long since they were all so eager and Jalaby with the final mouthful swallowed, got things moving.
“OK Henry, I've written down the battle plan, drawings and detailed instructions for you to take to Brand. He will coordinate with the Olandie and Zefferts to set up an attack at two hours from now. I have sensed that Brand is nearby so it's time. Project to his location and communicate back when the plans are delivered.” Jalaby finished and handed Henry a small brown satchel.
“You can count on me!” Henry's face was brimming with excitement.
“Off with you then.” Jalaby couldn't help but break into a big smile even though his intent was to convey the seriousness of the task.
Doing as Jalaby had taught him, Henry promptly disappeared, having projected to Brands location and within minutes he let Jalaby know that he had arrived safe and that Brand had the instructions, part of which was to let Jalaby know the minute the Olandie and Zefferts were in position. It was just moments later that Talisbon showed up dressed in such a way that it stunned both Jalaby and Sarah into silence.
Talisbon was dressed head to toe in splendid armor of nickel plate with ruby red fabric and he carried a large sword of equal beauty. The breast plate had some unique symbols on it surrounding what looked like a large star.
“Wow, Talisbon, where did you get the armor?” Jalaby said incredulously and even if Talisbon thought the question rude, he never let on.
“Handed down generation to generation and I am the last and I am ready!” Talisbon said movingly.
“So are we!” Sarah said and turned to look at Jalaby.
“Alright, best get everything you need for weapons Sarah, I'll also get my armor on and then we'll move to the overlook and see what's happening down in the valley,” Jalaby said.
It wasn't long before the three stood at the overlook. The morning was just beginning and only a few Fog Warriors were moving about. The others just stood, row after row, in their trance-like state, filling the valley floor.
“OK it's time! I just checked with Brand and he said both Constanto's and Malno's forces are ready. We'll project on the count of three just outside their cell. One, two, three!” Jalaby said mechanically but there was tension in his voice.
They arrived, but to their surprise there were no guards outside Tom's and Connel's cell as they all three stood poised to fight.
“What kept you?” Tom spoke quietly with a slight laugh.
“Where are they?” Whispered Jalaby.
“Oh, they're just outside that large door over there,” Tom said pointing to a huge wooden door at the end of a stone wall hallway. “Get us out of here first. No need for us to project. The keys are over there on that peg.”
Jalaby couldn't believe it would be that simple but wasted no time. He grabbed the keys and let them out.
“Taliman, you're looking very stylish!” Tom said with a smile, which in turn caused Talisbon to smile back shyly.
“When are we suppose to...” Connel was about to ask something when there was the sound of a tremendous battle outside.
“What happened? They have another hour to go!” Jalaby ran to an opening but it faced the wrong direction to see anything.
“They must have been spotted!” Sarah said urgently.
“I'll communicate with Brand and see what's up. Tom and Connel, I see they put your weapons there by that wall, grab them and everyone guard that door.” Jalaby motioned to the door and began to talk with Brand, which only took a minute.
“They were spotted and are up to their necks in Fog Warriors. So much for the surprise, but at least it was the Zefferts that were spotted in the front of the fortress and the Olandie were still able to surprise attack the Fog Warrior's rear position, which they did as soon as they heard the battle start in the front. Not as good as we hoped but they are doing well at the moment. OK, it's our turn, let's get through that door.”
With Jalaby in the lead, he pushed open the large door to reveal a small group of Fog Warriors at which Jalaby lunged forward with blinding speed and slew three before they could draw their weapons.
“Hey, save some for us!” Tom shouted as he hurled himself at two Fog Warriors. The rest followed suit and in a matter of minutes the Fog Warriors were no more.
“The death of a Fog Warrior is quite unique,” said Connel. “They just vaporize.”
Talisbon, panting heavily from exertion, replied. “Yes, they are a generated being. They can be regenerated you know, but that takes time.”
“You mean we kill them off and they can come back somewhere else?” Tom asked disgustingly.
“Not exactly, it may take a month to regenerate a ne
w army once it has been destroyed. Ultimately we will need to defeat the source,” Talisbon finished.
“We'll tackle that when we have time. For now let's defeat this army.” Jalaby shouted and began moving up a stone stairway into a large empty room.
“It appears all the Fog Warriors have moved onto the Fortress walls. Connel and Tom, take the northwest wall and Sarah, Talisbon and I will take the southwest wall. We'll converge on the west main gate.” Jalaby said gesturing directions. “Access is just through the main door straight ahead.”
They moved quickly and split apart immediately as they exited through the door. Not a Fog Warrior was in sight as they ran the whole distance between the center building and the outside wall. There were two open entrances to the double walls that ran around the fortress. Jalaby paused momentarily to make sure Sarah and Talisbon were ready before going inside. Immediately just inside was a stairway that ran to the upper deck and Jalaby rushed up the steps two at a time to discover an open corridor that he knew probably ran the whole distance around the fortress wall. Every so often there were openings to the outside, undoubtedly looking out over the battle taking place. At most of the openings were Fog Warriors, who appeared to be just observing. He didn't have much time to consider their purpose but they were probably communicating with the Minders. Jalaby, Sarah and Talisbon drove into them with savage intent and Sarah's crossbow fired so rapidly with her new powers that it was like a hundred archers had sent their arrows to vaporize the Fog Warriors. There were none left as they ran down to the end of the corridor and up against a huge double door that was about twenty feet high. Jalaby quickly communicated with Tom and found out that they had also ran into huge doors just opposite. Jalaby let them know that he suspected that this center location sandwiched between them was where the Minders were directing the battle. They quickly took a look outside and Sarah's sudden intake of breath said it all. The battle below stretched far out in the distance, with the blue cloaked Fog Warriors in the center and Olandie and Zeffert forces attacking them from two different directions. The whole battlefield was covered with a gray fog that Jalaby knew was generated by the Fog Warriors themselves. At the moment, it appeared to Jalaby to be a stalemate with little give in any direction.
