by Jake Yaniak
'Of all the Cheftans of Noras, I at least understand your mind, Cheft Biron. For my own son Sion marches toward the icy slopes of Mount Coronis even as we speak. I understand the anxiety that must assail your soul for the sake of your second-son. But we are all likewise invested in this land and we know too well your concern and worry. But we will do our sons greater harm if we neglect the land they protect and offer them nothing but poverty to return to in the end.'
And so the Council once more turned their minds to other matters. The vanishing of the White stag, whose famous pelt had made many hunters in Noras renowned and wealthy, was one of their chief concerns. Lord Biron paid little heed to these endless discussions. Cheft Gornas of the northern foothills of Daela suggested a sacrifice. 'Fifty white stags for the Vernal Goddesses. They cannot refuse such an oblation, for their love of the Noras is well-known,' he said with many appeals to the efficacy of the sacrifices of his northern ancestors.
Biron lifted his head for just a moment and asked him, 'Cheft Gornas, suppose they stay their hand from the sacrificial knife and the hunter's bow together. Will not their numbers increase? And a few years of scarcity will revive the value of the beloved pelts. Take a lesson from Lord Ponteris,' Biron laughed. 'He can tell you how rare and valuable deer have become in his own lands!'
Lord Ponteris laughed politely. 'Remember, Cheft Biron, beauty requires sacrifice.'
In the end the Council decided that it would make the sacrifice on the first day of Spring.
Other matters were discussed, some briefly and some at considerable length. Each day, Cheft Biron would open the meeting with a reminder that their true purpose was the support of the Galva Army, but this was soon forgotten and their attention was drawn to other matters. This was done so swiftly and seemingly so deliberately that Cheft Biron's suspicions were roused and the shadow which he had feared began to take shape.
On the seventh day of the Council he rose up in his seat and spoke in a voice that echoed through the halls of Peiraso, stopped every mouth and turned every ear. Though none of the others could see him, Lord Pelas himself stood beside him and gave Biron's mortal voice immortal authority and strength.
'Men of Noras,' he began, omitting the honorable title of Cheftan, 'It is well known that the Galhavirne have ever been the guardians of Noras.' At this, many of the Cheftans became uneasy, Biron took note of these.
'Since the ancient days we have been the vanguard in every danger and have bled and suffered first in every battle and every woe that has befallen Noras. This is nothing strange or new, for it was the way of our first father Galvahir Pelassum. He was given that title, which means 'the like of Pelas', by none other than your own ancestors. Every one of them in that day acknowledged the bravery and the strength of Galvahir.
'It was he who drove the Black Devil out from under the trees of Noras and freed the thralls from their dark master's chains. Not being content to retire in some remote corner of Noras while others guarded the peace that he attained, he marched out to war against the delvers and the Goblins of the Coronan Mountains. Thus he wrought peace and freedom within Noras and safety and security without. For this he was called Galvahir the Twice-Blessed.'
'And let us not forget the fell day that the High Silvirne King was besieged by his enemies in the great fortress of Dadron. My first father was not content to sit idly by in his hidden forest home and hope to escape a danger that fell on his neighbor rather than on his own head. But he mustered the Noras under the banner of the Silverne King and marched to war. There he fell, with his kinsmen Cossa and Mishna before the walls of the Silvirne Fortress.
'As it was then, so it has ever been. The Galvahirne have suffered many evils and trials for the sake of their beloved Noras. And when they are finished with war and peril, they must take to the gathering of taxes and the harvesting of tribute. For the Noras Council demands a tithe of its people, but the Noras Council has not the strength to gather it. So it commands its humble servants the Galvahirne to do its mud-work! We guard the borders and rob the peasants with the same blade. Thus the Galvahirne have a name, both honored and reviled, but all for Noras. I do not say this to complain, rather to call to remembrance that there is much that Noras owes to its Galvahirne brethren. The least of that obligation is its attention when the Heir of Galvahir speaks!'
This last sentence he spoke with such force that some of the Cheftans were nearly driven from their seats. The attention of the Council was turned to the matter of the war. Pelas was contented and himself took a seat next to the Cheftan and watched.
'What would you have us do, Cheftan Galvahirne?' Cheft Fidre asked, trying not to tremble.
'The Galva Army approaches the goblins as we speak, yet we do not know whether it is a tribe or an army, whether they are petty or hob-goblins. How many orcs are there? How are they armed? Will the Noras Council send its sons to war against phantoms, whose shape it knows not?'
But much to the surprise of Cheft Biron, and much more to Pelas' amazement, the Cheftans soon recovered their nerves and spoke boldly against Biron. There were some indeed who seemed to be of the same mind as their host, but the boldness of their peers prevented them from coming to his support.
'The decision to send an army so hastily was the decision of the Galva Council, not of all Noras,' Cheft Daevin spoke with a finger pointed toward Biron.
'Do not wag your finger at me, Cheft Daevin. It has ever been the custom of the Galvahirne to march out to meet trouble rather than beg for it to have mercy when it comes to meet us!' This last remark was not taken well at all. Cheft Daevin lived, of all the Noras clans, furthest from the mountains and closest to Daevaron. It was widely believed that it was due to his ancestors' sloth that so much of the lands between the forest and the Libron River had been surrendered to Daevaron.
'Cheft Biron,' Cheft Gornas interrupted. 'When did the Galvahirne begin to be so much greater than their brethren that they belittle them with harsh and thoughtless words?'
The mood of the council took a quick turn and many Cheftans had their turn criticizing and upbraiding Cheft Biron. 'You are not the only Galvahirne, my lord,' spoke Cheft Hassa. 'And the Galva army are not all your kin, though I imagine it is only your kin with which you are concerned.'
'Is not Cheft Faros in command of your army?' Cheft Gornas asked, 'And is not Cheft Rahm, Noras' greatest warrior with him? Surely they can manage a few renegade goblins.'
At that Cheft Biron stood up again. Pelas rose as well and with a breath from his nostrils the light of the torches leaped up bright and tall. The room fell silent. Cheft Biron seemed in that moment to possess all the grandeur of his ancient father.
'If it is truly the will of this Council to play at war as though it were a mere curiosity, then I will call back the army of the Galvahirne at once. Let the goblins run free if they are so few, for there is plenty of room in the mountains for so small a force. Let them live in peace, and then we'll see the great wisdom of the Council of Noras fulfilled.'
Cheft Horan, a thin but severe old man, had until this moment been quiet. But now he rose from his seat to face Biron. 'It is not the will of this Council to send armies to where there is little danger. The scouts have spoken; you have heard their report for yourself. The goblins are few in number, hungry, and poorly armed. The Army of Galva will return by the time of the Harvest Moon. Of this I have very little reason to doubt. And nor should you, Cheft Galvahirne. You shame your ancestors with your haste!' Cheft Horan pounded his flattened palm on the table and walked away.
Many of the other Cheftans followed him. 'Tomorrow this Council must make its decision,' he said after he had thrown open the door of the Council Chamber. 'I pray to the Blessed Pelas that your heart is softened ere we reconvene.'
'You cannot oppose Cheft Horan,' Cheft Ponteris insisted when the Hall was finally emptied of all but the two of them. 'He is too beloved and too powerful to offend. If he turns his heart against the Galvahirne there will be no convincing the others. Bide your time,
friend, and we will see what Cheft Faros can do.'
'Even the greatest warriors can be overcome,' Cheft Biron responded. 'Do not forget that it was not only Galvahir Pelassum who perished in front of Dadron in the old war. The Silverne King himself was slain, and even Marliuk the Eglat was dragged down in ruin. Every force has its limit, and we don't yet know what force besets us in the mountains.'
'But aren't you being as overzealous as they are stubborn? After all, have you any reason to think that there is more to fear on Coronis than a camp of raiders?'
Biron sat silent for a while, then said, 'We will see, when all the scouts have reported.' Then he rose and departed from the Council Hall.
'What scouts?' Ponteris asked, 'We have already heard their reports!' But Cheft Biron had already left, without staying to hear what he had said.
There was a storm during the night and it seemed as though the dawn never came. The clouds were thick and the sun was nowhere to be seen when the Council regathered in the Hall. There was very little humor that morning. The Cheftans had noticed a rather abrupt change in the quality of their meals. It seemed to them, though none of them would say anything openly, that when they opposed Cheft Biron's opinions, their food and drink tasted worse. This morning there was only toasted bread and cheese, with milk and water to drink.
Watching them grumble quietly to each other from outside the hall, Lady Marima laughed.
'Is it so funny to watch old men suffer so,' Cheft Ponteris asked as he approached her.
'I'm sorry, my lord, I did not realize you were nearby, or I too would have hidden my sentiments. But the secret is out. I laugh at the Cheftans. But I can hardly be blamed. They sit on my cushions while our sons sit on frozen roots, and for their sakes! No, they will not get an ounce more of my cream and butter!'
'You are conniving woman,' Ponteris said with a smile. 'But Cheft Biron is indeed fortunate to have such a lovely wife and such an impassioned mother for his sons.'
Lady Marima bowed, 'I thank you my lord,' she said, her cheeks turning red. 'You are too kind, for it is I who am fortunate.'
Cheft Ponteris paused for a moment and seemed lost in thought. His eyes were fixed on hers. She looked away and began to walk back toward the servants' kitchen.
He watched her until she was gone and then he shook his head and entered the Hall.
'Cheftan Biron is more fortunate than he deserves.'
The Wolf
Lord Pelas rushed from the Council Hall and left the house in a full run. He was not as fast as Mityai, but his feet still carried him faster than any mortal could run. With ease he leaped over the gate and landed on the soft grass outside the wall, making no noise. He rushed down the hill and came at last to the edge of the woods. There he let out a shrill whistle. No human ears could hear it, but for many leagues the beasts began to chomp and stomp. Dogs barked, wolves howled and the birds shrieked and darted about in fright.
In a moment a great black wolf appeared from the forest. His eyes glowed red as he drew near to Lord Pelas. 'For what does the mighty lord of Falsis disturb the night air with so terrible a call?' a cold and cruel voice said.
'Ghastin,' Pelas addressed him, 'you are the lord of all wolves, and you know every clearing and every hill in this wide forest. I have need of your speed and wisdom. You must find the great eagle Maru, and send him to Peiraso at once!'
'You are the god of all this land,' Ghastin answered, 'and there are few who question your power.'
Pelas shuddered as the wolf spoke, for he knew that his heart was full of darkness and hatred. The fell wolf spoke on, 'But there are a few of us who still remember our own strength as well as yours. Do not order me about as though I were one of your nymphs or string-legged lady sprites. Me and mine know better.'
'Very well, then, since I do not have the time right now to prove my strength to you I will bargain. What is your price?'
'You know very well. Our bellies are empty, for it is the middle of the cruel winter and there is nothing about for us to eat.'
'Your bellies?' Pelas smirked, 'You speak as though you had a belly of your own to fill.'
The wolf chuckled menacingly. It is better to fill the belly of this beast than to wander the world empty and shapeless like you spirits. But say what you will, my price remains the same. It has been many years since we tasted the flesh of men.'
'Very well, you shall have your fill,' Pelas said reluctantly. 'There is war coming to Coronan. There your packs will find the flesh of men and goblins ripe for the harvest. Only do not touch the son of Biron, whether you find him living or dead. Now do as I say and send Maru to Peiraso immediately!'
'As you wish,' Ghastin sneered as he bowed in mock reverence.
'Devil-wolf!' Pelas cried, 'Do not tempt me, and do not dare betray me, for I have half a mind to prove your challenge folly right this moment.' At these words the wolf backed away, frightened by the might of Pelas if only for a moment.
'I am many things,' he replied through his clenched teeth, 'But a traitor I am not. I have made my deal, and I will fulfill it. Look for Maru by the light of dawn. If he flies not over Peiraso by then, you can thrash me all you like.'
The wolf turned and darted away, howling to his servants. The wolves of Noras would have much work to do this night.
The Last Meeting
Through the first several hours of the final Council meeting, Cheft Biron sat calmly and quietly. He said little, aside from occasionally encouraging them to discuss 'smaller' matters and leave the discussion of the war off until later. But as the day drew on he grew restless. He ate very little when the council broke for the noon meal, and he ate nothing when their dinner was set before them.
By that time it was obvious to all that he was distressed. Cheft Horan was the first to express the common observation. 'It seems to me, Cheft Biron, that you must be feeling unwell. Perhaps you would like us to come to a decision about your request for aid to the Galva Army?'
'Whatever your pleasure is,' he said, rising from his seat. 'But hear me well Council of Noras. Whatever this Council decides, I am Cheftan of the Galhvahirne and will not suffer them to face peril alone.'
'But without the Council,' Horan sneered, 'There is very little that you can do, your army is, after all, not currently at your disposal. Unless you would summon them back from the mountains to rescue themselves from the goblin army!' This was met with a quiet rumble of tasteless laughter. Biron looked at him with cold eyes.
'What I can do I have done already,' Cheft Biron said as he walked toward the eastern doors. Just before he left the room he stopped and without turning to face the Council he spoke, 'I am not so bereft of help as you may suppose. Whether this council will choose to help the Galvahirne or not, I have already sent word to Dynamis.'
With those words he walked out and let the thick oak doors slam shut. Every sound within the Council Hall was stopped and the echo of the door rang in their ears as though a hammer was pounding the words of Biron into their minds. The smile had been wiped clean off the face of Cheft Horan, who now sat back in his chair staring up at the ceiling with nervous eyes. Cheft Ponteris alone seemed to retain his composure at the mention of Dynamis, and the hint of a satisfied grin could be discerned upon his face.
Chapter IV:
The Goblins of Mount Coronis
The Army at Megd-u-Coran
By the time Mityai found Daryas again he was already reunited with the Galva army. It was due to Revere's testimony that they were sent to to seek the goblins' in the first place. Cheft Faros brought the army to a place called Megd-u-Coran where the land flattened out for about two leagues before flying up into the sky in treacherous rocky cliffs. Here the animals stopped, for there was no longer a path fit for hooves and wheels. Faros ordered a camp to be made and set about ordering the pitching of tents and the building of barricades. The weary men welcomed the change and soon they were warming their feet in front of roaring fires.
Steep cliff walls shielded the camp from the
west, while the northern edge was protected by the fierce and freezing Falsi River. To the south the land sloped down swiftly toward the plains of Andu and fifty leagues beyond that was the Old Highway. 'The only place from which we are vulnerable to attack is from the very road on which we came,' Cheft Faros remarked.
'Indeed,' Cheft Rahm agreed, 'this seems to be a secure place to camp, at least for the time being. At any rate, it will do us good to get the men out of the snow and wind, for many of them have already taken ill.'
When at last their tent had been set in order, Daryas and Sion sat down to eat in front of a small fire. 'You never did explain your strange words,' Daryas said as they ate a meal of dried meat and stale bread. 'What is this 'soul-foolishness'?
'Soul-foolishness,' Sion began with a smile, trying not to choke as he stifled a laugh, 'Is that sin of which the Ancient spirits were guilty; one that so angered the gods that they were condemned to live upon the face of Tel Arie in poverty, bondage, and weakness.'
'Spirits? Soul-foolishness? Sion, you are going to have to start your explanation at the very beginning!' Daryas insisted.
'Very well, I see that they no longer raise children with wisdom among the Noras and they need to have everything explained to them very slowly and in order.'
'Very slowly and in order is better than not at all,' Daryas responded. 'And we shall see if it is wisdom that I lack!'
'Well, according to my father - and we know that my father's words are true - this is the way the world was formed:
"In ages past, long before there was any earth or sea, the world was inhabited by Spirits. Our spirits in fact, for we are immortal, though we do not yet realize it. But our souls lived for aeons under the stars dancing and singing the hymns of the gods in harmony.
"But there was a rebellion, the Evil One seduced some of the lesser spirits and caused them to try and overcome their brethren and destroy the works of the gods. Had this gone on much longer, there would be nothing but darkness left in the world.
