The limping guard responded, “Yeltzer, m’lord.”
The guard with the sling bowed his head. “Benedict, m’lord.”
The Grand Marshal nodded his head. “I see you were both wounded in battle. Crooner’s Gap?”
Yeltzer nodded. “Aye m’lord.”
Benedict nodded but remained silent.
The Grand Marshal turned his attention back to the bound witch. “You men did well there and you’ll be rewarded. I admire your dedication to your duties to assume new roles while injured. I won’t forget that.”
“Thank you m’lord.” Benedict answered. After a brief pause he added, “How may we be of service to you m’lord?”
The Grand Marshal pointed at the witch. “Take her to the prison wagon. I want her placed in cell three and a guard on her at all times. It is now your responsibility. If something goes wrong, you two are to blame. You have no other duties from this moment forward, if your brigade commander has any questions send him to me.”
Yeltzer snapped to attention and saluted with his right fist to his heart. “It shall be done m’lord.”
Benedict mimicked the salute but just a tad slower.
The two guards lifted the witch and disappeared into the darkness of the camp. The Grand Marshal watched them for a minute before returning to his maps and charts.
* * * * *
Arieal knew the moment she woke up that she was in trouble.
She was bound, feet and hands, with a gag in her mouth and a bag over her head. She could also tell by the motion that she was airborne. Aside from that, she had no idea where she was or where she was going. For that matter, she didn’t really know who or why they had captured her. She struggled against the ropes which held her until she felt a sharp whack across her back.
“None of that you demon. We will be back at Akrôtiri shortly and then you can explain your actions to the King.”
Unable to talk due to the gag, Arieal realized that she couldn’t do anything except wait and wonder. This hadn’t been a good day and it didn’t promise to get any better.
* * * * *
Tao, Cozad and Kastle moved to the aerie and quickly saddled one of the green wyverns for the priest. Cozad had already saddled Bjǿrn’s red which Tao claimed as his new mount. The Dreadknight was mounted on his buckskin and had the last green loaded down with supplies. Tao nodded. It seemed that Cozad had already thought this through and knew that if they rescued Arieal, she would need a ride. If not, they would need the extra supplies to survive the Wastelands.
Tao unrolled his map. “Judging from the direction you said they were flying, there are only two locations marked on the map along that course, one is marked as Camp One, the other as Akrôtiri.”
Kastle asked, “Akrôtiri?”
Tao turned his attention to the priest. “Yes. Why? Is that name important?”
“Well, in the time I’ve been in Hyperborea, I’ve done some research into these lands. It seems that Akrôtiri was a city that was destroyed during the Cataclysm, which is what the locals called the magical battle between the High Mage of Atlantis and the Goblin King.”
“If it was destroyed, then why is it marked on their map?” asked Cozad. He scratched his chin for a second before adding, “Unless they’ve converted ruins into their base of operations?”
Tao nodded. “That would be my guess. Anything else you can tell us about Akrôtiri or these bandits?”
Kastle took a deep breath. “Akrôtiri was built on top of a lone butte, kind of like the Devil’s Tower back in Nevada. There is only one path up or down so it is nearly impregnable to siege.”
“But with wyverns, it would be a perfect base of operations,” added Cozad.
Kastle continued. “The wyvern bandits are led by a former companion of mine who crossed over with me. He’s a gladiator by the name of Jagoda Wartooth. Alongside him will be Aaliyah, a Sha’ir of great power. Jagoda is angry at Sartael, the Atlantean who is responsible for the murder of his best friend Argos. On that day, he made a vow to have his revenge on Sartael and all Atlanteans. The wyverns and the bandits are just a means to that end.”
Tao seemed lost in thought for a minute. “So our true threat is this Jagoda.”
Kastle nodded. “Don’t forget about the djinns that Aaliyah can summon.”
“Or the bandits that he commands,” added Cozad.
Tao shook his head. “No. The body cannot live without the head. We must strike at the commander and I have a plan at how we can do it.”
Chapter 18
Jerrick was again on gate duty when Adak’s hunting party returned with the ebony demoness. He hadn’t gotten a great look at the witch but the camp was abuzz with her description. She was supposedly black as ash with snow white hair, on top and below. To hear the other warriors describe her she had the perfect body, a small waist, a plump behind and huge tits. There had been a debate in the chow line earlier if she was a succubus or not. The argument raged back and forth. The most common comments were since she didn’t have horns, wings and a tail, she was not in fact a true demon but maybe the spawn of a demon.
Jerrick couldn’t wait until his shift was over and could see for himself. He was hoping that Jagoda would open her for use of the soldiers, especially if she was as good looking as the rumors said. He rubbed his eyes and looked out over the wastelands. Aušrinė, the morning sun, was about an hour away from setting and she bathed the desolate landscape with her reddish light. All seemed quiet on the desert floor, as if it wouldn’t be. Akrôtiri was located in the middle of nowhere, several days ride from any semblance of civilization.
Glancing to the north, which was also part of his responsibility along with the eastern approach, Jerrick did a double-take. There was a wyvern and rider approaching. Jerrick scratched his head. There weren’t any patrols out. Squinting against the morning light, he could tell that the serpent was a large red. He knew that there was only one red currently flying and that had been one of the guys in Adok’s patrol. He couldn’t remember the brute’s name but he was a big son-of-a-bitch.
When the wyvern came to rest next to him, Jerrick was shocked to see that the rider wasn’t the big bastard he was expecting but a warrior in the oddest looking crimson armor that he’d ever seen. The stranger’s face was covered with a mask of black.
Calmly the scarlet warrior dismounted and said, “I’m here to see Jagoda Wartooth.”
Jerrick’s partner reacted out of fear and tried to stab the newcomer with his spear. He was dumbfounded at the speed and ease that the warrior drew both swords, one sliced the spear in half, the other disemboweled his partner.
Calmly, the scarlet warrior sheathed both weapons and spoke again. “I am here to see Jagoda Wartooth. Would you be kind enough to take me to him?”
Nowhere in his deepest nightmare had Jerrick ever imagined a crimson demon arriving on the heels of the ebony witch. Not knowing what else to do and having no desire to offend the warrior, he nodded. “Right this way, sir.”
Jerrick lead him through the main entrance and through many winding turns. A large procession of bandits fell in behind them. Tao couldn’t help but grin. His gamble was paying off.
It wasn’t long before they entered a large open air courtyard and Tao’s smile fled when he saw Arieal. She was gagged and stripped completely naked. He felt his anger quicken at her treatment. She didn’t look like she had been violated, yet. Her eyes pleaded for help once she saw him.
Ignoring his escort and the following bandits, Tao crossed the courtyard and studied her restraints. She was suspended by her limbs by some sort of earthen creature with eight arm-like appendages. It stood absolutely still as Tao approached but he could see that it watched him with its two eyes of coal.
The bandits had stopped at the far side of the courtyard and watched.
Tao realized that the creature must be an earth elemental; a being summoned from a different plane of existence. He racked his brain to try and remember everything he could about elementals,
which wasn’t really much. Mac had always hated playing spellcasters. He remembered that elementals could only be summoned by an extremely powerful mage and they weren’t very intelligent. Their existence on this plane was to serve its master in whatever function it was ordered, without questions or hesitation.
When Tao got within striking range of Arieal, he drew both weapons. The elemental shifted slightly and moved the dark elf to the samurai’s right and out of his striking range. The elemental was obviously ordered to hold her securely and to keep her safe from harm.
Tao grinned. If that was true, then he had an advantage. To test his theory, Tao swung his frostbrand katana at the dark elf’s midsection. Nowhere near full speed but one that if she didn’t move would disembowel her. He could see Arieal’s eyes widen in surprise and fear. The elemental twisted the dark elf out of reach and took the blow on its back. A huge chuck of rock flew off.
Tao grinned underneath his helmet and exploded into action. His katana pulsed with hoarfrost as he rained blows on the elemental. Every strike chipped off a piece of the creature. Whenever the creature began to turn back to confront him, Tao would swing one of his swords at Arieal and the elemental instinctively turned away. Within minutes the summoned creature was shrinking as Tao whittled away the soil that made up its body.
The earth elemental made one last attempt to move away from the scarlet samurai.
Tao ki-happed loudly. Leaping high into the air, he landed on its back with his katana gripped in both hands and his body weight driving his enchanted blade down through its head and deep into its body. The elemental shuddered once and fell apart as the magic which held it together was torn asunder by the samurai’s attacks.
Arieal fell on top of the pile of rubble that was once her captor and Tao rushed to her side. Tossing aside his helmet, he ripped off her gag. Her violet eyes were filled with tears and Tao found that he couldn’t resist the temptation to kiss her. Arieal responded.
Before the two lovers could say anything to each other, the sound of a single person clapping echoed loudly in the courtyard.
* * * * *
Cozad and Kastle flew in from the east. They were careful to keep Saulė, the second sun of Hyperborea, at their backs. This had been Tao’s idea. He would land earlier and completely distract the guards. Kastle doubted that he could do it but didn’t have a better plan. Cozad had just nodded when the samurai outlined his idea. The only modification he suggested was the mission once they landed. Tao had wanted them as high guard in case things went wrong. The dreadknight had suggested an alternate objective. The two spiritual warriors were to infiltrate the cliff fortress and capture Aaliyah, the bandit’s lover and only exploitable weakness.
Kastle had mixed feelings about his part in the plan. By all accounts, Aaliyah was still his friend. It was her words of reason which calmed the volatile warrior on that fateful day three years ago. They had parted as friends even though Jagoda had threatened to kill him the next time they crossed paths. Not having any other options, Kastle agreed to the reckless plan.
They had come in low over the horizon with the twin suns at their backs but it was all in vain. When they had arrived, there wasn’t a single guard in sight. Whatever the samurai had done, it had captured the attention of everyone. They landed near the largest and most ornate structure that was still intact. Both warrior and priest had to admire the stonework involved in the construction. It seemed to their untrained eyes that it was a mixture of southwest adobe style buildings and those seen in Egypt.
Leaving their mounts behind, Kastle used one of his spells to locate Aaliyah. It wasn’t perfectly accurate but it did point them in the right direction. Mounting the stairs, they heard the sounds of fighting and had to resist the urge to rush to the samurai’s aid. They had to trust that Tao knew what he was doing and continue with their plan.
Cozad used his magic to levitate the pair over the thirty foot wall to reach the upper apartment. They landed lightly and could see the Sha’ir on the far side of the balcony watching whatever was transpiring in the courtyard below. The Dreadknight signaled that he would go to the right and moved off more quietly than the priest thought possible.
Kastle paused for a moment to drink in the beauty of Aaliyah. Yes, he had always found Callistra gorgeous in a dark, mysterious way. Nevertheless Aaliyah was just stunningly beautiful with her long legs, blonde hair, small waist, large perky breasts and dazzling smile. It was like trying to decide between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini. Kastle shook his head and took a few steps forward before clearing his throat.
Aaliyah whirled around to face him with her wand raised in preparation of casting a spell before she froze and their eyes met. First, there was confusion. Then recognition and finally, her eyes sparkled.
Kastle knew in that moment that he was still in love with her and that was the real subject of contention between himself and the gladiator. “Aaliyah.”
“Kastle? How…”
Whatever else she was going to say was lost to the wind as Cozad came up behind her and entrapped her in an invisible fist of air pinning her arms down.
Kastle hated to do it but he rushed forward and gagged his friend. “I’m sorry.”
Her eyes showed a mixture of betrayal and anger. The priest couldn’t tell which one hurt more.
Cozad nodded. “That was easier than I feared. Now, let’s get below before this spins out of control.”
The priest noticed that the dreadknight’s eyes were smoldering a pale blue, he didn’t know what that foretold but he nodded and lead the way. Kastle was very conscious of the accusing eyes on his back as they made their way down the step and into the courtyard below.
* * * * *
At the sound of the mocking applause, Tao disengaged himself from Aerial and turned to face the bandit leader. The Mac persona immediately compared the warrior in front of him to the actor who played King Leonidas in the blockbuster movie 300. He couldn’t remember the actor’s name right off the top of his head but he noted that Jagoda was about the same size and build. Which meant, totally ripped with probably less than five percent body fat.
Jagoda was dressed in the traditional Gladiatorial armor. He was bare-chested while his left arm was covered with a bronze embossed leather bracer, arm and shoulder guard. A weighted net was tucked into his belt and he pointing his flaming bronze trident directly at the scarlet samurai.
“You! How dare you come into my kingdom, kill my subjects and attempt to free my prisoner!”
Tao slowly walked forward to stand in the center of the courtyard. “First, I only killed those who attacked me or my companions. Secondly, you had no right to capture my friend. Thirdly, you are not a king. You are Jagoda Wartooth, a simple bandit leader and an Outlander to this realm.”
Tao had questioned Kastle extensively on everything he could remember about Jagoda and Aaliyah before they were pulled into the game. He realized that it might be the difference between getting through to the modern mindset of his opponent or not. However, the first facet of unlocking the past was speaking in English. “I know your secret Leon. That is your real name is it not? The one you left behind when Al Shaytan pulled you into the game.”
Jagoda’s trident wavered a bit as he tried to recall those memories. It was strange. Jagoda hadn’t heard English in almost four years, yet it sounded comfortably familiar. However, everything beyond that seemed more like a dream that he could only vaguely recall. Mere fragments of an another life.
Tao kept his hands away from his weapons and turned to keep facing the warrior as the gladiator began circling the samurai. He also kept his voice low and even as Tao continued speaking.
“I know it has been a long time for you. I can empathize with that but I can tell you that it has only been four months in real time. I cannot imagine everything you have been through in this realm but the real world waits.” Tao gestured at the dark elf laying at the edge of the courtyard. “Arieal has a family back home. Kids, a job, things she would like to retur
n to. What about you? What did you do for a living back home, before Al Shaytan pulled you into this realm?”
Jagoda hesitated and lowered his trident slightly. “Do?”
Tao could see that the warrior was forcing himself to recall his past, so he kept it up. “Your job. I was a Deputy Sheriff for a small town in Kentucky. Nothing glamorous but it paid the bills.”
Whatever Jagoda was trying to recall was lost when he spied Cozad and Kastle enter the courtyard with the magically bound form of Aaliyah in tow. Tao knew at that precise moment that he’d lost him by the expression on his face. One moment it was thoughtful and kind, the next it was full of rage. Jagoda’s trident snapped up level with the samurai’s chest and he pulled free his net.
“Betrayer!”
Jagoda’s first strike was lightning fast but Tao was ready for it. He had hoped to avoid armed confrontation with the gladiator but it looked like that option was past. Tao had assumed the Stance of the Water Spirit, a very defensive and deceptive fighting posture, one that ebbed and flowed like the tide. As Jagoda’s strike came in, Tao moved out of its path and back to his original position in a matter of seconds. Instinctively, he knew he could counter-attack but held back. As the gladiator’s next strike came in, he rolled away and again assumed his defensive posture.
Wanting to try one more form of diplomacy, Tao called out to his companions. “Kastle! This is her only chance!”
* * * * *
The priest nodded and turned to face the Sha’ir. Without removing her gag, he began to talk.
“I know you care for Leon. You always have. I know that now. I guess I always did but I didn’t want to admit it, not to you or to myself. But this isn’t about you or me, or what could have been. This is about the future.” He paused and thumbed her attention to the crimson samurai. “As you can guess, Al Shaytan has brought another group across. Tao is Callistra’s real life husband and she’s in trouble. She’s been captured by the Peacekeepers. Which is one of the reasons we are here, we need your help to find her. Secondly, the dark elf is one of Tao’s companions and Jagoda made a big mistake in capturing her.”
Lost Lands: The Game - Atlantis Page 16
