Captain Orteka stared at the army below for a long moment before answering. “I brought my men to Trekum knowing that many of them would die to protect Sordoa from the Lanoirians,” he finally said, “but we will barely dent the armor on Emperor Hanchi’s army. Trekum will become a graveyard of Sordoans, and Emperor Hanchi will walk over those graves to get further northward.”
“To Tagaret?” questioned the soldier. “I heard men talking about where they thought the Lanoirians were going. Most think it is Tagaret.”
“With armies like the ones below us,” sighed Captain Orteka, “Hanchi can go anywhere he wants. There is no army in the world that can stop him. We have to get off this mountain before those two armies meet, or we will never leave here alive.”
”What will you tell General Mobami?” inquired the soldier.
“The truth,” shrugged the Kadin Claws’ captain. “The Lanoirian army amounts to more than my mind can comprehend. At least he will know that the plan to harass them with cavalry will not work. Let’s go.”
* * *
“You don’t have to hold my arm like I am a cripple,” complained Wylan as Sheri led him along a street in Tagaret.
“I don’t want you to trip and fall,” protested Sheri. “Can I at least hold your hand?”
“I would like that,” Wylan grinned after a moment of hesitation. “I am sorry for snapping at you. I just feel like everyone is staring at me.”
“Well nobody is paying any mind to you at all,” assured Sheri. “They are all marveling at the clear sky overhead. I wish you could see it.”
“At least I saw it once before I lost my sight,” sighed Wylan. “I can feel the warmth of the sun upon me. It feels wonderful.”
“I know that you told me what King Arik was going to do,” mused Sheri, “but it still seems like a miracle. Imagine knowing the person who restored the skies to Tagaret. It seems so unreal.”
“I know what you mean,” nodded Wylan. “When I first met Arik, I did not believe the story he told me about the Sword of Heavens. It seems like my life has changed so much since that day in Cleb.”
“You miss the adventures, don’t you?” frowned Sheri as she led Wylan around a corner.
“Sure,” nodded Wylan. “Who wouldn’t miss them? There are times that I wish that I had died at Watling Flats instead of being blinded. I don’t think that I will ever adjust to being blind. I will never have another adventure again. I am as useless as an old man now.”
Tears formed in Sheri’s eyes, and Wylan heard her sob. He stopped walking.
“I said there were times that I wished that,” soothed Wylan. “There are also times that I feel glad to be alive. You mean the world to me, Sheri. Don’t ever take my bitterness as if it is directed towards you. Spending time with you almost makes me glad that I am not still out there riding with the Knights of Alcea.”
“Almost?” sobbed Sheri.
“Almost,” Wylan nodded sadly. “I will never lie to you, Sheri. I love you dearly, but I would give anything to be riding with the Knights again. It is hard for me to explain, but living in constant danger with the Knights is exhilarating. It makes all of life more precious.”
“Would you miss me if you were riding with King Arik again?” questioned Sheri. “Or would I become the butt of jokes around the campfire?”
Wylan turned to Sheri and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly.
“The person that joked about you would be in serious need of a healer,” swore Wylan. “And I wouldn’t care if that person was King Arik. I love you more than I can describe with mere words. That would not change if I were riding again. In fact, my heart would ache for the lack of you. Still, I feel that being a Knight of Alcea is what I was born to do. How can I make you understand that that does not belittle my love for you?”
“I think I do understand,” Sheri smiled weakly. “You would be thrilled if I rode with you and the Knights, like Tanya does.”
“I would be thrilled,” grinned Wylan. “I would also be constantly worried about you. Why are we torturing ourselves with this fantasy? You are not a warrior that can ride with the Knights of Alcea, and I have less chance of doing so than you do. I should not even be thinking such a thing.”
“Maybe not,” mused Sheri as she wiped her tears, “but this talk is helping me to understand you better. I am glad that you are willing to be honest with me, even though you know it might hurt my feelings. It shows that you respect me.”
Wylan turned away from Sheri and stared towards the western gates. Sheri was puzzled by Wylan’s move. It was as if he had instantly dismissed her. Then she heard the distant shouting.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I am not sure,” admitted Wylan. “A riot maybe? No. No, it sounds like cheering. Maybe it is Arik returning. Lead me towards the main street.”
Sheri felt a shiver of excitement course through her at the thought of King Arik returning. She eagerly took Wylan’s free hand and led him forward. Within minutes they reached the inner gate where the road turned towards the Royal Palace. Other people had begun to gather along the route as well. Everyone waited expectantly for King Arik to come by.
“I think it must be King Arik returning,” Sheri said excitedly as she rummaged through her pack. “You should put on the tunic that Prince Oscar sent over for you.”
“I left it in the factory,” shrugged Wylan. “I am sure it was just meant to cheer me up anyways. I can’t really be a Knight of Alcea and be blind. Arik would not waste his time talking to me anymore.”
“Well I brought it with us,” grinned Sheri. “And you should not judge King Arik like that. He cares for all of his people, and that means you as well. Here, put it on.”
“I will not wear that in public,” Wylan retorted stubbornly. “The tunic of the Knights of Alcea is a symbol of greatness. People must know that they face a warrior of amazing character when they see one. Put it away.”
Sheri frowned and started to object when she realized that people were all staring at her and Wylan. Mumbles about the tunic of the Knights of Alcea rippled through the crowd. Suddenly, a man raced forward and tried to grab it out of Sheri’s hand. She screamed. Wylan paused only a second to filter out the distant sounds from the noises of the nearby scuffling.
“Head down!” ordered Wylan as he gripped his staff with both hands.
Sheri had seen enough of Wylan’s practice to instantly obey. She let go of the tunic and dropped to the ground. Wylan lunged with the tip of his staff and was rewarded with the sound of an expelled grunt. He focused on the sound of the grunt and swiftly brought the staff upward towards the man’s head. He tapped the side of the man’s head and immediately pulled back on the staff and struck the other side of the man’s head. Even as the man was stumbling, Wylan lowered the staff and swept the man’s feet out from under him. The thief tumbled to the ground, and Wylan heard the shouts of Red Swords charging towards him.
“What’s the commotion?” asked the first Red Sword to arrive as he pulled his sword from its sheath.
“That man tried to steal my friend’s tunic,” Sheri replied as she rose.
“A Knight of Alcea tunic?” questioned the Red Sword as other soldiers arrived. “And who did you steal it from?”
“That is Wylan,” announced one of the arriving Red Swords. “The tunic belongs to him.”
The first Red Sword turned and stared into Wylan’s sightless eyes and nodded. “So you are Wylan?” he said in surprise. “I have heard about you. Pretty feisty for a blind man.”
Wylan stiffened and a scowl fell over his face. His hands went taught on the staff.
“Easy, lad,” apologized the Red Sword. “I meant that as a compliment. I have heard of your deeds, but I did not imagine that you were still capable of them. I saw the blows you struck while running over here. Blind or no, I wouldn’t want to face your staff.”
He bent down and retrieved the tunic and handed it to Wylan.
“You should be wearing that tunic, Wylan,” the Red Sword stated. “The thieves would not bother you, and your girlfriend would not have to duck.”
“Good going, Wylan,” another Red Sword said as he slapped Wylan on the back. “Somebody help me get this trash to the dungeon,” he continued as he bent to grasp the unconscious thief’s arm.
The Red Swords removed the thief’s body, and Sheri hugged Wylan.
“Put it on,” demanded Sheri. “I will not let you wallow in self-pity any more. You may be blind, but you are still a Knight of Alcea. Give me your staff.”
Wylan frowned, but he handed his staff to Sheri. He pulled the tunic over his head and shoved his arms into it.
“Why don’t we just return to the factory,” Wylan suggested when Sheri handed the staff back to him. “I am not sure why I even wanted to come here. It is not like I can see Arik ride by.”
“I want to see him,” Sheri shook her head. “I will describe it to you.”
“Then you can describe it when you come back to the factory,” Wylan said stubbornly. “I will wait for you there.”
“Here he comes!” Sheri said excitedly as she grabbed Wylan’s hand tightly to keep him from leaving.
A dozen Red Swords preceded the Knights of Alcea as they rode through the streets of Tagaret. Prince Midge rode on Arik’s shoulder, and Tanya rode close to the king. Darok, the dwarf prince, and Garong, the elf prince, rode side-by-side. Behind them, Alex and Jenneva rode together, followed by Tedi, Bin-lu, and Natia. They all wore the tunics of the Knights of Alcea. Another dozen Red Swords followed the procession.
“Tell me when to bow,” Wylan whispered nervously as he sensed the nearness of the Knights.
“They will go by quickly,” responded Sheri. “You will feel my movements. Just time it as I do.”
Wylan could taste the excitement in the air as the Knights approached. He heard the shifting of garments to his left as citizens bowed or curtsied as the king rode by. He tensed as he felt Sheri’s hand with anticipation.
Suddenly, he felt Sheri moving downward, and he bowed low. A frown crossed his face when he could no longer hear the procession while bowing. His mind wondered about this defect. He had never imagined that his hearing could be impaired depending upon the position of his body. It frightened him. Wylan stiffened when he felt a hand placed upon his shoulder.
“Rise, Knight of Alcea,” King Arik said loudly. “Rise also, leader of the Queen’s Helpers.”
Wylan raised his head and rose. He felt Sheri rising with him.
Sheri grinned as she rose and watched King Arik signal the Red Sword escort. Two of the Red Sword riders dismounted and led their horses towards her and Wylan.
“Do you need help mounting a horse?” Arik whispered to Wylan. “You are joining the procession.”
“No, Sire,” grinned Wylan. “Just let me feel the mane.”
King Arik reached for Wylan’s hand, and Sheri let go of it. The king took Wylan’s hand and placed it on the mane of one of the horses. He stepped out of the way as Wylan mounted. Within minutes, the procession continued with Wylan and Sheri riding at the rear. Red Swords filled the courtyard when the king arrived. Prince Oscar was waiting and escorted the Knights into the library. The room was already filled with Arik’s closest advisors and friends.
“There is no need to ask if your travels were successful,” grinned Prince Oscar. “I know the reaction of the people of Tagaret to your restoring of the skies. The fairies have also brought word from every corner of Alcea. Your people worship you, Arik.”
“It is not their worship that I seek,” smiled Arik. “I wish only their loyalty.”
“You have that and much more,” interjected Konic Clava. “Did you have any problems with Sarac’s people?”
“Never saw them,” Arik shook his head. “We left Elderal immediately after restoring the Emerald of the Elves. Prince Garong rode with us as the elven representative.”
“Welcome to Tagaret, Prince Garong,” greeted Prince Oscar.
“Thank you,” nodded the elven prince.
“What gem is next?” asked Alan Markel.
“It will be the Dragons’ Onyx,” answered Tanya. “We should determine which direction we need to go.”
“We need a campfire for that,” frowned King Arik.
“I don’t think so,” offered Jenneva. “The fireplace here should do just fine. Did you get the bead from the Sword of Heavens?”
“Of course,” grinned Arik. “Colonel Nolan, light us a fire.”
General Gregor caught Arik’s attention while Zackary was lighting the fire.
“There are some disturbing items that need to be addressed before you leave on another quest, Your Highness,” the general stated. “The attack on Trekum appears imminent. I am sure that you are aware that once Trekum falls, there is no force between it and Melbin. Emperor Hanchi could be at the gates of Tagaret rather quickly unless we do something to slow them down.”
“You are not proposing that we send our army southward in support of Trekum, are you?” asked King Arik.
“Not at all,” General Gregor replied. “Emperor Hanchi is only one force opposing us. I strongly suspect that Sarac’s army will return to the Castle of Man after they find out that Mya is empty. Lieutenant Montbalm reports that the ogres and goblins remain camped in the pass. When Sarac’s army returns, the Castle of Man will likely fall.”
“Likely?” echoed the king. “I have seen the Castle of Man and I would not be so quick to write it off as a defensive fortress.”
“I do not write it off nonchalantly,” assured the general. “We learned from the elves that Sarac’s army contains a fair amount of wizards. Your own words stated that King Devon forbids the use of magic at the Castle of Man. Sarac’s forces will not be under any such restrictions. I am not a wizard myself, but I have heard tales of what Jenneva can do. Frankly, the thought of magic being used against the Castle of Man scares me.”
“Jenneva,” asked King Arik, “does the general have a valid fear?”
“He does,” nodded Jenneva. “If Sarac wants that pass open, and King Devon precludes the use of magic in its defense, the Castle of Man will fall. Even if we countered their magic with our own, it eventually will fall if Sarac is intent on coming through the Tor Pass.”
“Why wouldn’t he just take the easy way around?” asked Arik. “Surely he will lose a great number of his army ensuring that the pass is open to him.”
“Because he has lost every battle so far,” interjected Alex. “I cannot imagine the moral of his troops with the losses he has incurred. He will strike the Castle of Man because he has to. It shortens the trip to Tagaret for his forces, and it will signify his first victory. He can play it as a change in the tides of battle. His troops will be eager for more battle.”
“Very well,” sighed King Arik. “Let us find out about the next gem required by the Sword of Heavens. I will not leave Tagaret in search of the Dragons’ Onyx until we have developed a plan to defend the city against these two great armies.”
Arik took the bead out of his pouch as the people in the room made a semicircle around the fireplace. Arik drew the Sword of Heavens and held it before him, its tip resting gently on the floor. The room grew deadly silent as King Arik tossed the glass bead into the fire. Immediately a white cloud grew out of the freshly started fire. Instead of going up the chimney, the cloud drifted out of the fireplace and consolidated before the mantle. The wisps of cloud spun around and mushroomed into a large ball. Several soft gasps could be heard throughout the room as many of the people involuntarily backed up a few paces.
For several moments, nothing could be seen in the white cloud and portions of it appeared darker than others. Soft scrapping sounds echoed off the walls of the library, and Arik looked around to see who was fidgeting. He frowned in confusion when he saw that everyone was standing perfectly still. He returned his attention to the cloud and concentrated on the sounds. He detected the noise of something dragging a
long the floor and some heavy breathing, but nothing more.
Suddenly, a huge dragon’s head turned and stuck out of the cloud. Several people screamed or swore in fright.
“It’s about time you showed up,” bellowed the dragon with a wisp of smoke curling from its nostrils.
“It can see us,” shouted Sheri.
“Quiet,” Wylan said soothingly as he put his arm around Sheri. “Just watch and listen.”
“We didn’t know this was a rush meeting,” snarled a voice from within the cloud. “What is the problem?”
“The problem is Gorga,” bellowed the visible dragon. “He was here again. I am not going to be responsible for safeguarding the Dragons’ Onyx if the rest of you are going to be gone when he comes. I cannot stand up to him alone.”
“Why does he always come when we are gone?” mused another dragon voice.
“Because he wants the onyx, foolish breath,” bantered yet another dragon voice. “Would you expect him to come and bully us when we are all here? Of course he will come when only one of us is here.”
“Why don’t we just let Gorga safeguard it?” asked another unseen voice. “If it means that much to him, let him have it.”
“Have you eaten bad meat?” snarled the dragon’s head in the cloud. “Without the Dragons’ Onyx, we will never be able to fly again. Do not forget the words to our prophecy. We may be limited in where we can travel, but without the onyx, we cannot travel at all.”
“Until Dragon Heart arrives,” interjected an unseen dragon. “Then we can fly around the world again.”
“Do not hold your breath for any human that will stand up to Gorga,” belched the dragon’s head. “I have yet to find even a dragon that will stand up to him. Besides, he wants the onyx to destroy it. He has made a bargain with the Foul One. The rest of you had better realize what is at stake here. I cannot hold him off much longer if you leave me alone. He gets nastier and more insistent each time. One of these days he will demand it or kill me. I think we need to recite the prophecy so that the rest of you understand how important this is.”
Dragons' Onyx Page 3
