Cave Of Forlorn

by R. C. Rutter

  He turned and faced the path only to see the wolf veer off into the woods.

  Making it past the initial guards was all that it took once they recognized him. The infantrymen were too preoccupied with their own tasks to pay any attention to him. Alexander made his way amongst the soldiers. A few glanced up at him but it was apparent that they were not organized. Morale and a fighting spirit were non-existent.

  With this many soldiers, it took about ten minutes for Alexander to reach the front of the column. A few soldiers strode about but not much activity was taking place. There should have been orders being yelled, soldiers should have been lined up, and the entire army should have been marching at a quick pace.

  Instead, all Alexander found was a lethargic band of disarray.

  “You there!” Alexander pointed to a nearby soldier who was kind of ambling along. “Where is your colonel?”

  The soldier stopped, squinting in the sunlight, and shrugged his shoulders. “I dunno. I think he is dead. Wanna buy a sword? I can let you have it cheap? How about a few pairs of boots?”

  Alexander did not even bother to respond. This was serious indeed. The demons are going to be furious and all would pay the price. He was bound and determined not to be included in that category.

  He spotted the banners flying above the officer’s tent and made his way to it. Dismounting, he called out to the occupants of the tent announcing his arrival and pulled back the flap.

  Five captains and a major were playing cards. Alexander was stunned.

  “Do you think, just maybe, you could get the troops moving again and attack the cave?”

  The major looked up and took in the sight of Alexander standing there. “For what?” was the reply as the major shrugged his shoulders. “The colonel is dead, we have been attacked by a massive army, suffered pain due to magic, and the men don’t care anymore. They know the demons will show no mercy and kill us all. There is no escaping it so why should we try? In fact, some even believe with all the magic that the demons are doing this on purpose just to punish us.”

  The major hesitated, choosing his words carefully “You know they lead by fear. What better way to ensure obedience than to have the word get out that you attacked and conquered an army of 5,000.”

  Alexander stood there speechless. Never did he think for a minute that he would be in a situation like this.

  He was about to say something when a horn blew loudly and caused all the officers to suddenly pay attention. They pushed the flap out of the way and looked for the source. Several soldiers were standing in the road looking to the right.

  As their eyes followed the direction, they found the source.

  Standing in the middle of the road, not to far away was a woman. Tall, with blonde hair, wearing a tiara, wand in one hand, sword in the other. She was flanked by several figures, some of which were soldiers.

  “Son of a….” the major said. “Any of you men recognize that?”

  The major pulled out his sword and started walking forward while the rest of the offices hastily retreated. After a few steps, the major realized he was alone which infuriated him.

  “Follow me, that’s an order!”

  The officers reluctantly followed. They had no choice, it was an order. Drawing swords, they fell in line behind the major. As they marched, the officers called out for the nearby soldiers to fall in and join the advance.

  Alexander backed up until he was far enough away that it was not obvious that he was heading in the other direction. The officers did not notice as the view was soon blocked by all the infantrymen behind them.

  The Queen stood motionless, watching the actions of the Royal Army. Her soldiers were getting nervous so she had to remind them to stand fast.

  “Do not fear. You will not be harmed.” She waved her wand and the swords dropped from the hands of the Royal Army soldiers.

  She raised her voice “FEAR NOT, FOR YOU SHALL NOT BE HARMED. I ONLY WISH TO ENGAGE IN CONVERSATION.”

  The major was close enough now to respond “Really? Just like the way you attacked us before?”

  “I did no such thing.”

  “Quit lying. I recognize the dress, the hair, the wand, the sword, the tiara. At least you could have disguised yourself instead of being so obvious.”

  “I still don’t know what you are talking about.”

  “Perhaps I might be able to refresh your memory.” The major instructed one of his officers to retrieve the wrapped bundle from the tent. The officer ran back with the package.

  “Allow me” said the major as he threw the bundle at the Queen’s feet. He held onto the edge of the cloth so it unraveled as it fell.

  All eyes were drawn to the clanking sound as the sword hit the ground. It was a beautiful sword, encrusted in jewels with an ornate intricate handle. The Queen looked at the sword and then at her own identical sword in her hand.

  “No, it is not possible. This is the only one like this. I had it custom made and then I killed the blacksmith so another could never be made.”

  “And I should believe you because…?

  “No, no, really, it is a fake. Someone or something is playing a trick.”

  “Well, you managed to kill our scout, freeze and break our swords, spook us with bells, attack us with a kitten, scare my men and kill the colonel. The demons will be none too pleased. I believe it is time for you to leave.”

  The Queen remained silent while she contemplated the situation. “Why, I came to see about an alliance. Joining forces would strengthen each of us. I did not one thing of what you accuse me of. Why would I spend energy tormenting you when I need your help? That makes no sense.”

  “And what of the demons? Who is going to deal with them?”

  “From the way I see it; the demons have already written you off with your complete failure to attack the cave. If you go back to them, you will all die.” The Queen paused, looking for any sign from them for agreement. “I am your only hope. I offer you my protection.”

  Bouts of laughter came from the officers and the Queen got mad.

  “Do you doubt my powers?” she said as she raised her wand.

  “No, no, nothing like that. We just know what a formidable enemy the demons are. It would take powerful magic to fight them. Who are you and why should we trust you? After all, you have harassed my army and killed my colonel.”

  “I told you, I did no such thing. You have my word. Better yet, you can have my trust. Here!” The Queen waved her arm and released all the swords.

  “My name is Isadora. I am Queen of the Cave of Forlorn. You may not have heard of me but I assure you, you know my brothers.”

  “Who are your brothers?”

  “You have to ask? They are the same ones who sent you here!”

  Jaws dropped and not a sound was heard as they tried to comprehend what the Queen just said.

  “There are already alliances in place. I am no fool.” The Queen let out a soft whistle, barely audible. There was a rustle from the bushes as a stranger appeared.

  The soldiers gasped but were stopped by a raised hand from the Queen.

  “Allow me to introduce our friend and ally. Please take a bow.”

  * * *

  “No, you are wrong” exclaimed Samuel.

  “No, YOU are wrong” replied Bartholomew.

  “Let me say it again, you are mistaken, wrong, and or incorrect! Is that clear enough for you?”

  “Ah, this is pointless. You obviously are so confused that you cannot fathom the truth. This is not hard to understand provided you utilize that grey matter between your ears. You do have a brain, don’t you?”

  “Why you insolent nincompoop, to think I have let you be my friend all these years only to find out that I am dealing with an idiot!”

  “You want to see an idiot? Just look at yourself! Want to see another idiot? Look at your son. The apple does not fall far from the tree.”

  Samuel was now getting mad. To attack him was one thing, to cast dispersions
on his family was unacceptable.

  “Prepare to die!” Samuel lifted his sword above his head and was ready to plunge it into Bartholomew. As he did so, his eyes caught sight of the robe and then the face of Eric.

  “Hmm” Eric said. “Having a disagreement? Shame you two can’t resolve this peacefully.”

  “Well, he started it, said it was my fault that Sacco and Vincente escaped from the pit.”

  Eric was stunned. “I did not think that was possible.”

  Bartholomew sighed. “It is not. Well, at least it wasn’t until now. Can’t figure out how they did it, especially them. Not like they had any talent or intelligence.”

  Eric looked perplexed. “Do you think the Queen would have released them? Does she have that kind of power? If she did, we could be facing an army of criminals and other malcontents. Any way to check who is still down there?”

  Samuel and Bartholomew looked at each other for answers. “I don’t think we can, maybe if we sent someone down there to find out.”

  Bartholomew rolled his eyes. “And just who would volunteer for that? Are you willing to go? And how would they get a message to us? Huh? Gosh, sometimes I think you are an idiot. Other times I am quite sure of it!”

  Samuel looked hurt. “Well I am just trying to help, you know. You got any ideas?”

  “Cerberus could go, or Shabb. Both have dark magic.” Bartholomew was looking at Samuel and grinning from ear to ear.

  Eric stared at them for a few seconds contemplating their course of action.

  “Seth, have Lydia bring Cerberus to me. Oh, and find Shabb. His services are needed.”

  “Cerberus shall be brought. The whereabouts of Shabb are unknown. We were just talking about that. No one has seen him since late last night.”

  Eric’s face turned red as he pulled out his wand. He muttered under his breath and waved his wand. A red spark flew from the end of the wand and shot straight up. It hovered for a few seconds then flew off into the distance.

  “If Shabb can be found, we should know in a matter of moments” said Eric as he watched the sky.

  The red spark returned just as he had said it would. It came right at Eric slowing down when it was about five feet away. Eric held up his wand and the spark returned.

  Eric lowered his head. “I was afraid of that.”

  * * *

  Alexander’s side was hurting. Looking for his horse, it was nowhere to be found so he ran up the hill passing most of the soldiers who were heading towards the front of the column. No one stopped him. A few gave him curious looks but kept moving. These were infantrymen and Alexander was in his officer’s uniform. Granted, it was an honorary rank, being an engineer, but to the soldiers, an officer is an officer and each soldier knew better than to question a superior.

  So they let him easily pass by.

  Alexander crested the top of the hill and met the wagons. During the time he was gone, they had continued to climb the hill. It was an ordeal.

  “Stop!” Alexander yelled. He was panting as he tried to speak. He leaned against the first wagon.

  “Gather everyone. We have much to discuss.” Alexander remained poised against the wagon, breathing heavily and waiting.

  In a few minutes, all had gathered and were quiet, anxious to hear what was going on.

  “The army is just over this hill. Not far from us.” He sucked in some more air. “They were delayed.” Alexander coughed and leaned against the wagon. “They were attacked by forces unknown. A woman has appeared brandishing a wand and sword. Some think it is the same woman who attacked them. They are talking now. About what I have no idea. I chose to leave and get my butt out of there.”

  There were murmurs from the crowd but Alexander immediately stopped them. “This is not open to discussion. There should not be anyone talking but me. It is my responsibility to get us out of this mess and get us out I shall.”

  Alexander reached into the first wagon and pulled out a small container of saltpeter.

  “Luckily we have everything we need to destroy the wagons. It is a shame we were attacked. Since we are not soldiers, it was hard for us to defend ourselves.”

  Alexander opened the container, ignited the saltpeter, and threw it into the back of the wagon.

  The group just stood there looking at Alexander.

  “Run, you fools, RUN!”

  * * *

  “No, wait! Don’t let the cat out of the bag!” whispered Arthur.

  Edward snickered “Aw, c’mon. How long have you been holding that one in?”

  “We might have to change our plans.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, take a look for yourself. Over there, to the right, near the big oak, in the middle of the road, what do you see?”

  “I don’t believe it. Why is she looking so hard for you? What did you do, run out on her?”

  “Funny guy you are. Remind me to smack you when the opportunity permits.”

  “Well, what do you think they are doing?”

  “I dunno. Looks like a standoff at the moment.”

  “She does have a wand and sword but even so, no one could be that stupid to directly attack an army that large.”

  “Yeah, best to have an attack kitten.” Arthur reached down and scratched the kitten’s ear which was met by loud purring.

  “I don’t think they are going to fight, at least not yet. They appear to be talking and their swords are on the ground.”

  “Think they are old buddies?”

  “Nah, don’t think so. Their body language suggests stress. Wait now, her highness is turning around and walking away.”

  “Looks like things did not go so well for them.”

  “No, hold on, one of the soldiers is picking up his sword and charging. This ought to be good.”

  Without missing a step, the Queen lifted her arm and the soldier screamed, dropped his sword, and clasped his throat. The scream was cut short as he ran out of breath and just stood there, unsure of what was happening. The Queen looked to her left and the stranger that had emerged from the woods approached. As he did, his body began to contort until he transformed into a wolf. Shabb calmly walked over and bit the soldier on the neck. Then he backed up and calmly walked off.

  The Queen waved her wand again and the soldier gasped for air as his body relaxed. “You shall live for now. It would be too easy just to kill you. Now, courtesy of Shabb and wolf poison, you shall die a slow death. Let this be a warning to the rest of you. I would rather be allies but if it is a fight you want, then a fight it shall be.”

  The officers erupted in a chorus of “No! No! No!” only to have it transpire into an argument amongst themselves.

  The major was in charge and he was not interested in any alliance. He kept ordering the junior officers to obey. He knew the wrath of the demons and was scared to face them.

  They continued to argue until the major fell to his knees with an arrow sticking out of his chest. No one saw where the arrow came from. His eyes rolled back into his head and he fell forward.

  With the argument resolved, the remaining officers held out their hands, palm up, towards the Queen and bowed their heads.

  “Now, wasn’t that easy?” The Queen smiled.

  * * *

  Chapter 21

  The King focused his eyes and watched the forest as it passed below. Not much was moving. He allowed his mind to relax and tried to sense the presence of his daughter. He was still too far away to get a good reading but he knew from his sources the she was definitely in the cave.

  It was only a matter of time before he found her. He hoped she would not be too surprised. To learn that your dad was the King was shocking enough. Then to realize that you were actually a princess and people were counting on you to assume the throne in the very near future might push some people to lose it. Add on to that the fact that you possess magical powers; it could either be a dream come true or a curse or both.

  The King knew he would have a lot of explaining to do. Her da
ys of running errands to the market were over. She would have to understand that it was all for her protection. He wanted to be the best dad that he could but playing that role would have placed a target on her back that many would want to strike.

  Approaching the entrance of the cave, the King felt himself slowing down. He began to feel weak and a slow throbbing pain began to emerge.

  “Open your eyes!” said the command, loudly in his ears.