After a bit of bickering and snarling, the dragons began reciting the Dragon Prophecy.
The dragons fly in wind-blown skies
Until the Dark One stirs the realm
Then inky black infests our eyes
‘Til Dragon Heart can take the helm
The vision winked out of existence, and the white smoke cloud simply vanished.
Chapter 3
Divide and Conquer
The mottled magpie flew cautiously over the treetops outside the walls of Tagaret. It constantly eyed the forest trails for any signs of life while it contemplated flying into the city. Erring on the side of caution, the magpie flitted down through the trees to a small clearing. After the transformation, Fredrik straightened his clothes and started walking towards the gates of Tagaret.
Although the Red Swords at the Royal Palace recognized Fredrik as a Councilor who was present when Queen Marta took control of Tagaret, they still sent a runner to King Arik before allowing him entry. When the runner returned with word that Fredrik was allowed to enter the palace, two Red Swords escorted him to the Council Chamber where King Arik was holding a meeting. They led Fredrik into the room and waited to see King Arik’s acceptance before leaving. Fredrik was surprised to see Chaco in the room.
“Have Master Khatama and Niki come with you?” King Arik asked Fredrik.
“No,” Fredrik shook his head. “I came alone. I have something to discuss with you in private.”
“In private?” frowned King Arik. “Why in private?”
“Because I am learning that trust is a very fragile thing,” replied Fredrik. “If I tell you in private, you can determine who shall learn the news I carry.”
“I trust my life to the people in this room,” declared King Arik. “I just got through telling my people that anyone who wears the tunic of a Knight of Alcea is to be treated as if his words come from my mouth. I can hardly now excuse them while you tell me news in private. By rights, I would like you to wear the tunic as well. In fact, I may have use of your skills soon.”
“Knights of Alcea?” puzzled Fredrik. “You are no longer the Alcea Rangers?”
“There are a thousand Alcea Rangers now,” smiled King Arik. “Our use of the name was getting confusing. The name Targa is not used for anything anymore. Will you accept the tunic?”
“I am honored that you would trust your life to me,” Fredrik replied solemnly. “It is an honor that I readily accept.”
“Fine,” King Arik smiled as he nodded to one of the Red Swords near the door. “Tell us what news you have brought.”
“Very well,” frowned Fredrik as the Red Sword slipped out of the door. “We are going to be at odds with Master Khatama.”
“Has his memory deteriorated again?” asked Jenneva with concern.
“No,” Fredrik shook his head. “His memory is better than ever. The problem is that he believes that the Great Demon, Alutar, is present in the Darkness.”
“I can understand that,” agreed Jenneva. “Why would that put him at odds with us? He has, after all, helped us a great deal already.”
“That was before,” Fredrik said with pressed lips. “He now feels that fulfilling the Ancient Prophecy is too dangerous. He thinks that killing Sarac would allow Alutar to return in real form.”
“He wants Arik to halt his quest to restore the Sword of Heavens?” questioned Tanya.
“More like he demands it,” sighed Fredrik.
“And he told you this?” asked King Arik. “He sent you to make demands of me?”
“Not exactly,” confessed Fredrik. “In fact, I don’t think he would have allowed me to come and tell you. Mustar told me and taught me the transportation spell so that I could come and talk to you.”
“You have been to Mustar’s?” inquired Jenneva.
“No,” Fredrik shook his head. “Mustar came to travel with Master Khatama. They are on some quest that they would not explain to me. I think Master Khatama intends to keep it secret.”
“So Master Khatama really did not demand anything,” King Arik summed up. “Perhaps it is just a misunderstanding.”
“I think not,” responded Jenneva. “Mustar would not leave his home for any worldly matters. I have never even heard of him stepping foot outside. If Mustar is traveling with Egam, it is something so serious that it can only mean that he agrees that Alutar may return from the Darkness.”
“I cannot halt my quest and allow people to die under the Darkness,” declared King Arik. “How could Master Khatama even suggest such a solution?”
“Because he fears Alutar,” explained Jenneva. “I have felt his fears personally. Make no mistake about what I am about to say. Alutar reigning in this world is a fate that humanity would not survive. He is the epitome of evil. If Master Khatama is correct about the Darkness, we would wise to listen to him.”
“If he is indeed correct,” retorted Alex. “Master Khatama is not perfect. He has made mistakes before. We cannot halt the quest for the Dragons’ Onyx on nothing more than an old man’s thought.”
“He does not wish King Arik to stop everything,” declared Fredrik. “The way Mustar explained it to me, King Arik should continue destroying Sarac’s forces. He can even find the next gem and clear another area of the Darkness. His reasoning is that Sarac will end up alone and imprisoned in his castle. Only the last gem must not be restored. That would bring Alutar back.”
“We have little choice in regards to battling Sarac’s armies,” King Arik stated. “They are coming to kill us. We will defend ourselves, no matter what Master Khatama says. If all he is asking is to forego the last gem, then our plans do not change until that is an option. Tell Master Khatama that he has until that time to prove his theory. And proof will be required to get me to stop.”
“Are you saying that you would give up the quest for the final gem?” asked Wylan.
“No,” answered King Arik. “I am saying that I will listen to his proof before deciding. As to our current plans, we continue as we had been doing. You are welcome to stay and join the discussion, Fredrik,” smiled King Arik as the Red Sword returned carrying a tunic for Fredrik. “Try that on and see if it fits.”
Fredrik smiled as he took the tunic and pulled it on. “Like it was made just for me,” he grinned.
“So the Sword of Heavens points south,” General Gregor said as they continued their discussion of the Dragons’ Onyx. “That might take you directly into Emperor Hanchi’s army, depending on how far south it is.”
“I don’t think so,” King Arik shook his head as he turned back to the large map on the wall. “The way the Sword of Heavens points would mean that the gem is offshore. It feels about the same distance away as the Dwarven Ruby did while we were in Barouk. That puts it about here,” he said pointing to a spot on Isle of Grakus.
“Grakus is not a very hospitable place,” Prince Oscar chimed in. “The northern tip where I lived was not bad, but nobody ventures up into the mountains. They also don’t go too far south. Where you are pointing is in the mountains at the south end. Perhaps I should come with you?”
“Your skills are needed here in my absence,” responded King Arik. “I will not surrender Tagaret to Sarac again. You and General Gregor being here gives me the assurance that the city will be here when I return.”
“We will keep him safe, Oscar,” promised Alex.
“I would not promise that, Alex,” interrupted King Arik. “The perfect person to go to the Castle of Man is Jenneva. I doubt that you would want to be separated from her. Besides, King Devon will listen to you over anybody else we could send. Tanya should go with the two of you. And Fredrik if he is available.”
“I should return to Master Khatama before he gets too far away from where I left him,” replied Fredrik. “I think one of us needs to keep an eye on what he is doing, and I am the only that can get close to him.”
“I agree,” seconded Jenneva. “His plans are important for us to understand. The three of us will do what we can
.”
“You must go with King Arik,” Sheri whispered to Tanya. “Keep him safe.”
Tanya smiled and nodded. “I have no other plans,” she whispered back.
“Tedi and Natia should go south and rejoin the gypsies,” King Arik continued. “I am hoping that Adan will use his people to harass the Lanoirians. Is that expecting too much of the gypsies?”
“Why not let my people have a crack at them?” groused Prince Darok. “The dwarves can teach the Lanoirians some manners.”
“Because I am not seeking open warfare,” grinned King Arik. “I think the gypsies have a different definition of harass than the dwarves do.”
“I think that I can speak for Adan,” interjected Natia. “The gypsies would like nothing better than to disable the Lanoirian cavalry. We will harass them and also get some intelligence about their army. Can we have a fairy to communicate with?”
“Certainly,” beamed Prince Midge. “Fairies are very much like gypsies, only smaller. I shall have no problems with volunteers for that duty.”
“Excellent,” nodded King Arik. “As for intelligence on the Lanoirians, I was going to ask our Lanoirian to infiltrate Emperor Hanchi’s force. I am hesitant to ask it though, so do not feel obligated, Bin-lu.”
Bin-lu looked to Zackary Nolan before responding. Zack smiled and nodded and Bin-lu grinned. “That is something that I can do,” he volunteered. “Just make sure that the gypsies do not steal my horse.”
King Arik laughed heartily along with the rest of the people in the room.
“You do realize that you have thousands of other men available,” interrupted General Gregor. “The Alcea Rangers, the Red Swords, and the Alcea army are all at your disposal. It does not make sense for this small group to take all of the risk.”
“The safety of Tagaret is no small issue,” retorted King Arik. “Each of the groups going out will be small enough to pass casual inspection. Excepting my group I guess,” he chuckled. “Prince Darok and Prince Garong will be coming with me to Grakus.”
“And Prince Midge,” chirped the fairy.
“And Prince Midge and Chaco,” King Arik nodded mirthfully.
“And Tanya,” added Sheri.
“No,” King Arik shook his head. “Tanya is needed at the Castle of Man.”
“They already have thousands of warriors up there,” objected Sheri. “One more will not make a difference.”
“Tanya will make a difference,” declared King Arik. “I will have to be extra careful without her at my back, but she really is needed up in Tor. It is not open for discussion. General Gregor, there is a use for some of your assets. I want word to reach the Sordoans in Trekum. Can some of your men pose as mercenaries?”
“Some of them already have,” grinned the general. “What do you want them to do?”
“Two things,” answered the king. “I want to know who are the key decision-makers among the Sordoans, and I want to spread the word that Alcea would welcome them under certain conditions.”
“What are those conditions?” questioned General Gregor.
“We are not looking to hire mercenaries,” explained King Arik. “We are willing to accept defenders who will be offered a place to settle down after the war. If some wish to end up joining the Alcean army, that too is possible.”
“I will see to it,” assured the general.
Sheri was amazed at King Arik’s words about Tanya. She thought Tanya would argue, but Tanya stood listening to the discussion without any visible sign of emotion. She thought about asking what part Wylan would play, but she was afraid that the answer would be embarrassing for her friends, so she said nothing.
“I would like to take some Rangers with me,” requested Alex. “I need a few men who are skilled in mountain climbing.”
“If the general agrees,” Arik responded while looking at General Gregor, “I have no objection. “I would not want to send a lot of them though. Protecting Tagaret is our main goal.”
“I think it is a wise idea,” nodded General Gregor. “A few men that Alexander can depend upon would make his task easier.”
“Good,” King Arik nodded as he turned to Colonel Nolan. “Zackary, I want you to meet with Wylan after the meeting. I will make myself available if that is necessary.”
“Your presence will not be required,” smiled Zackary.
“Are there any questions before we prepare for our assignments?” King Arik asked the assembled group.
“Do we have time for me to gather a few elven archers to go with us?” asked Prince Garong. “With such a small group, I would feel better about your safety.”
“If we are going to be in the mountains,” added Prince Darok, “a few dwarves would be worth a hundred men. I am sure they could hurry here. It would not delay our departure more than a few days.”
“I want our group to be small,” replied King Arik. “Although it will be hard to avoid attention with an elf and a dwarf, a larger group will raise more questions. I think we should leave in the morning with the group we already have.”
Prince Garong placed his hand on Prince Darok’s shoulder and whispered in his ear. The dwarf frowned, but nodded.
“Would you accept just two additions to the group if they got here in time to catch the boat?” pushed Prince Garong.
“Very well,” King Arik finally agreed, “but we are leaving in the morning. There will be no delays. My goal is to get the Dragons’ Onyx and return to Tagaret as quickly as possible. I fear that there is little time left for Tagaret.”
“I accept your conditions,” grinned Prince Garong. “We will be ready to leave at first light.”
“If there are no further questions,” sighed King Arik, “I would like to spend the rest of the day with my family. Ask for me only if it is an emergency.”
King Arik left the room with Prince Oscar and Konic Clava. Members of the individual groups gathered together in small knots around the room.
“I thought you would argue when Arik assigned you to Tor,” Alex said to Tanya. “Are you planning to sneak onto his ship when it leaves?”
“Not at all,” Tanya said sadly. “The fact is, if I had my choice, I would be going with you anyway. My skills will be needed at the Castle of Man if King Devon allows us to use them.”
“Arik could use your skills, too,” puzzled Jenneva. “There is more that you are not saying.”
“I remember the stories of you facing Sarac’s Black Devils with Egam and Kirsta,” Tanya replied with the hint of a tear in her eye. “Kirsta didn’t survive that battle, and Egam almost didn’t make it. I suspect that the Castle of Man will be worse. I am not prepared to lose my parents again. If you don’t survive the battle, then neither will I.”
“That is a might pessimistic,” frowned Alex. “The Castle of Man is a fine defensive structure. We will do fine. I think you should go with Arik.”
“The Castle of Man will be surrounded,” argued Tanya. “And this time there will be mages attacking it. Not just a few mages either. The whole contingent out of Toresh will be there. In my view, the Castle of Man will be a large tomb, not a defensive castle. Do not try to talk me into going with Arik. My mind is made up.”
“In truth,” sighed Jenneva, “a lot depends upon King Devon. If he does not allow us to use magic, I agree with Tanya. It will be disastrous. Even if he allows it, there is only so much that a couple of mages can do. We cannot be everywhere at all times.”
“We are not talking about JUST a couple of mages,” protested Alex. “We are talking about the best.”
“You are the best warrior that I have ever seen, Alex,” Jenneva smiled bitterly. “What would your odds of survival be if you were surrounded by a hundred warriors? They do not even have to be the best at their skills. The numbers would overwhelm you.”
“So our task will not be easy,” admitted Alex. “That is why I asked for some Rangers. We will need every edge that we can grasp.”
“Let’s talk to General Gregor about your selection
of Rangers and then get something to eat,” suggested Tanya. “A good night’s rest is also in order.”
Alex nodded and headed across the room towards General Gregor. He glanced questioningly at Prince Garong and Prince Darok as they stood facing Chaco.
“What makes you think that you can get two elves here quicker than I can get some dwarves?” asked Prince Darok.
“Distance,” grinned the elf prince. “Elderal is much closer to Tagaret than your home.”
“You asked me for silence and then snuck in and got Garala to authorize two more elves,” protested the dwarf prince. “I shall have to watch you closely on the trail.”
“You have nothing to fear from me,” assured Prince Garong. “I asked for your silence because it was the only way to get Valon to agree. If we each continued to push for our own people, he would have grown stubborn and refused all help. My goal here is to protect Valon, not outdo the dwarves. I have no quarrel with you or your people. In fact, we share the same burdens and desires. If you can get two dwarves here before I get two elves, I will gladly ride with your men. Will you do the same?”
“We should have one dwarf and one elf,” retorted Prince Darok.
“There is not time,” argued Prince Garong. “I say we take the first two to arrive. Are the elves more generous than the dwarves? Or do you agree to these terms?”
Prince Darok rubbed his beard and stared at the elf prince. He could not imagine how anyone was going to get to Tagaret by morning, so he finally agreed.
“Dwarves are every bit as generous as elves,” insisted Prince Darok. “Whoever gets here first goes with us. Now, how are we going to get anyone here by morning?”
Prince Garong grinned broadly. “Our friend Chaco is going to help,” he smiled. “He can easily carry two elves on his back.”
“That ride is days long,” the dwarf shook his head. “They will never make it.”
“They will if Chaco flies,” corrected Prince Garong.
“Flies?” echoed the dwarf. “Do you know what you are asking? Not only is flying dangerous, and believe me I know it is, but Black Devils can also bring down the unicorns. If you lose Garala’s unicorn, he will be furious.”
Dragons' Onyx Page 4
