Mongho reached the plain, looking for a shade in which to shelter. The best he found were some tall rocks next to small trees and battered by the sun. Down and loosened the horse’s girth, giving it oats and water. Set up the small tent camp, taking care to verify whether the horse was in the shade of the rocks.
Mongho reached the huge gate only at nightfall. He was impressed with the wall. Before he could look at it calmly, he had barred his entrance on the first gate, as used to happen with foreigners. He reported to the sentries outside the wall, two tall, stocky and men armed with spears and shields, from where he was coming and the reason for his visit to the city by hiding the most important data, but highlighting the urgent need to have an audience with the king.
The sentries exchanged suspicious glances, but after the foreign show the royal seal of Heilland, they lowered their weapons and came to the conclusion that the stranger was a man to be respected. There was an atmosphere of security around him. Another soldier was called to escort the wizard to the castle. This soldier said the hearings were closed for hours. With a rough voice, added that the traveler should seek an inn and try his luck the next day. Mongho insisted and used a new speech, emphasizing again the word emergency, adding the word war. He watched the reaction that this last word caused the two watchmen. The third soldier sighed heavy, making clear his indignation.
“Come on!” muttered, turning on his heel. He left treading firm, keeping the alien under his watchful gaze.
Mongho went through two more gates, feeling the weight of eyes on his back. Although he didn’t see anyone other than the soldier who accompanied him, he knew he was being watched.
As soon as he saw himself in the wall, on the city streets, he was relieved, but the satisfaction was short-lived. The wizard was taken aback by a strange noise followed by something flying and falling just ahead. Even tired from the long day, he prepared to use magic to think they were being attacked. He looked at the soldier who was walking in front of him, but he didn’t react, only slowed down the steps. Mongho’s attention was diverted to his left when a figure stopped at the tavern door, curses and laughter before his appearance. At that moment, Mongho noticed another figure that rose and walked awkwardly stumbled, responding with drawl to insults. Smiling now, the wizard thought that no matter the distance between the kingdoms... Some habits didn’t change.
After several minutes of walking, Mongho arrived at the castle. After informing again the reason for his visit, he was taken to a large room richly decorated with tiled mosaic flooring and comfortable seating. Obviously, it wasn’t the audience hall. After nearly a boring time of waiting, during which he took a little nap, King Glatnir received in his meeting room. The king was a tall man with black hair and long beard. His scowl passed the impression that he was always in a bad mood.
In his audience, Mongho reported the problems faced by Heilland, Sulco’s intended to usurp the throne and the possibility of an attack on the other kingdoms. Gave the king the golden skull, which controlled the fire, along with the magical guidelines, those, in the responsibility of the only wizard in the city. The king proved to be grateful for the present and for the information; in return, he offered him a comfortable room, clean clothes and a hearty feast. Once Mongho felt recovered wear the trip, fueled provisions and was driven to the border of the kingdom. He headed north to Hurgans with the intention of seeing for the first time, the great river: the sea.
◆◆◆
Another river stretched before Mongho, wide and long, cluttered as a serpent. Its dark surface reflected the trees and in some places, a piece of heaven. The riverbed was lined with small stones, but as slippery as the largest that had been left behind somewhere, in another river on that forest. After endless hours alternating between crossing small streams and forests, Mongho finally felt the ground under his feet change. The city revealed suddenly, nestled on the edge of great sparkling blue river full of impressive vessels berthed. The continuous sound of the waves bursting reached the ears of the wizard, sharpening his curiosity.
The city was protected behind a wall several feet high and wide. Mongho was unable to specify exactly how many, but came to this conclusion after seeing rows of rectangular slots spread throughout its length, used by archers during attacks. Above them, on top of the wall, a walkway allowed soldiers and guards did wake. There was also built towers every one hundred feet, and at the end of the wall, the highest turret was a lighthouse, with its bright light shining even during the day. The castle was the only thing visible above the fortifications.
Mongho climbed on his horse and galloped towards the great sea.
The docks of the streets were narrow, and there was only an occasional flashlight out of a simple building to light the way. There were also two-story buildings, with large cargo doors. Some had even small piers to receive smaller vessels. Should be warehouses, Mongho assumed. But there was no movement or guards. He didn’t know if that was weird or normal.
He went forward, following towards the continuous noise of the sea, which led him to the edge of a ravine. He looked down and was amazed to see the waves bursting and bubbling on the rocks. The horse whinnied and backed away scared. Mongho tapped against the animal’s side, who responded immediately, leaving. The wizard guided it in the direction that the bank was lower, guiding him on the way down to their hooves touched the thin, damp sand. Glad to be on solid ground, the horse shook its mane in the wind, splashing sand up and sides, showing that it wanted to run. In a short trot along the coast and laughs, Mongho looked for a moment back to see, at some points, the trail left by the animal being erased by light waves advancing on the sand. When stopped, the wind continued blowing and going through it, carrying the great river of salt along with other odors: fish and rain. The lone rider shrugged with a shudder. Even if it was the end of summer, it seemed to have rained steadily over the previous week. Perhaps, on this kingdom it rained all the time, no matter what the season. But he looked at the horizon and there was no sign of rain, or perhaps his eyes were clearly outwitted by landscape, letting rain into the background.
The horizon before completely blue, uniting the sky the great river was now divided by a long stretch. On the one hand, the bright sun gaze had slid down the Earth’s rim in a big red ball, which was beginning to collapse into the water. Even from where he was, so many miles that wasn’t even able to calculate, Mongho could almost say that he could hear it wheezing. On the other side, the dark band was spreading rapidly, making the world’s limit a color spectacle that ranged from orange brown to shades of blue, reaching a black with some white spots. From his horse, he could see the outlines of the ships as a mixed forest of masts and indistinct, but at the same time, fundamental links that completed the scenery. He remained there motionless for long minutes, in no hurry to go anywhere, just looking and feeling smells and pleasures impossible to be described. After all, the great river swallowed the star king and the world has become a big dark ball with thousands of bright specks.
The view of the great river would stick in his mind like a picture painted by a talented painter. He wished he could have shared this view with Nadjra.
At the gate of the wall, where he met soldiers guarding the gate closed, but holding their spears casually, he introduced himself and showed Heilland seal. He didn’t have a lot of explaining to four oak bar, the width of the body of a man, being collected. The gates were opened and Mongho went to the castle, leaving the silver skull and the share of it the Book of Mages.
◆◆◆
Mongho’s last visit was to king Kchaos, the kingdom of Drudgers, queen Driadh’s father. It was a quick and quiet visit.
The fields were full of farmers working the crops. They stopped to wave to the wizard passing on the road toward the castle. Mongho returned the nods, noting that Mother Earth had blessed them with more years of abundant collection.
The castle gate, Mongho followed the protocol to presented himself to the guards, even as he was an acquaintance of the ki
ngdom. Showed Heilland seal and requested an urgent audience with the king Kchaos. The king wasn’t in the castle, he had gone on a visit to one of the villages. The Queen did the honors, receiving him and making company until the return of her husband, almost an hour later.
King Kchaos received Mongho with much amazement, because he knew that there was no way out of Heilland without being captured by Sulco’s soldiers. This time it was Mongho who was surprised to see that the king was well informed. King Kchaos explained that he had sent some scouts to Heilland to watch and keep him informed about the movement of Sulco’s soldiers, who didn’t change their positions for months. The Drudgers didn’t have warriors who could be compare to Sulco’s and, furthermore, the prince hadn’t openly declared war on anyone; therefore, there wasn’t much that the king Kchaos could do, getting their hands tied.
Mongho understood the king’s position, although he hadn’t brought it up, the wizard knew he was very worried about her daughter.
Without much extend the visit, Mongho handed him the Book of Mages guidelines and the last skull, the stone, which controlled the land. The king thanked him, but revealed he hoped not to have to use magic. Heilland and Drudgers had different beliefs, and the king didn’t want to disturb the beliefs of its people. However, Mongho gave his word that he would keep protected. Mongho thanked for having their collaboration.
The wizard rested the next few hours and left without his horse an hour before sunrise. Within two days, he would be through the mountains, on the way home.
CHAPTER XVII
A feeling of déjà vu overwhelmed Mongho. Despite being fall, a strong mist was covering the river at the bottom of Bulgari’s mountains and remained so for most of the day, just as occurred on the day of his departure, months ago. The fog lifted only in the afternoon, with the sudden gusts of wind that took leaves the air. Large drops began to fall from the sky and flooded the road, hindering Mongho’s steps. He knew there was near a shelter that was no long used by the soldiers. He ran as fast as he could in the middle of the time between tripping and slipping.
The shelter was a small house next to the river, one-room, used by sentries of Heilland. Even before suffering the siege, they had already left the site. Much of the house was covered with gorse and bushes. The door was on the floor, and by their state of deterioration, Mongho thought that was broken long ago. He didn’t care much, got away gorse span and entered. It’s better than getting soaked, he thought. But discouragement came over him when he created a small fireball and looked around. The fireplace was filled with vegetation, the floor was a carpet of dry leaves and the little furniture was covered in dust. Luckily, the roof was tough and there were no leaks, leaving the shelter without moisture.
The wizard took a deep breath and created small wind blades, cutting the branches blocking the fireplace. He collected them and made them catch fire. The smoke, with a strong odor took care of the environment, but quickly disappeared when Mongho created another gust of wind, sending out the leaves from the furniture and floor. There was a fallen stool, he put up close to the table.
“Now, it’s better!” he said to himself, satisfied.
◆◆◆
Mongho didn’t know if the rain had stopped; perhaps the only remaining drips were accumulated water on the leaves of trees. It was true that the drops were more widely spaced, but he still heard them falling on the roof. He was too tired to get up and check.
After making a simple meal of tasteless bread, mutton and some dates, he fed the fire and threw a cloth on the floor. He was drowsy and began to fall asleep when he heard footsteps approaching. In fact, the heavy footsteps led him to believe that would be two men. Although he couldn’t hear the sound of creaking armor, he was apprehensive. He slid his hand over his clothes, making sure that his belongings were safe.
The men entered and approached slowly. The smell that exuded creatures, Mongho realized that they wasn’t soldiers. One of them stabbed his back with the sharp point of a spear.
“Wake up! Stand up and don’t try anything funny, stranger.” There was great nervousness in his voice, and that made him a dangerous man, since he could act on instinct. Despite carrying a spear, he didn’t seem familiar with weapons.
“Calm down! I’m not armed and I don’t have any money.” Mongho stretched his free hands so they saw them and got up.
“Who are you? One of Prince Sulco’s guards?” The man held the spear before him, visibly trembling.
“By the beards of ancient kings! Do I look like a soldier?” The men exchanged quizzical glances at the revolt of the outsider. “My name is Mongho. I’m the wizard of Heilland.
“I said he was a sorcerer!” he warned the man with the spear, going to hold it firmer.
“I’m not a sorcerer, I’m a wizard. It’s different” Mongho replied immediately.
“If you aren’t Prince Sulco’s guard, but from the castle, how did you managed to get out of there?” asked the second man. This one wasn’t armed, he was stocky and had the sunburned skin. His voice was steady, safe, without fear. Mongho thought he was a man to consider.
“I was out of the kingdom for months and I’m now returning.”
“I think he’s lying” said the man with the spear, stumbling over the words to find the defiant look of Mongho.
“How can I know you’re not lying?” said the tallest.
“You won’t”.
The awkward silence crept between the three for a long time. The two men kept their eyes locked in Mongho, and he, in turn, faced the highest, prepared to guard against a surprise attack.
“Well... I’m not sure... but I think we can trust him” risked the tall man.
“Why?”
“Well, it’s a reasonable assumption.”
“Fancy word for a guess” snorted Mongho with sneer.
“You’re such a happy soul” joked the man, feeling offended. “Lower the spear, Armedis. If what he says isn’t true, we will soon find out.” Armedis was reluctant, but finally pulled the spear on the table, sighed and pulled the stool.
“So, you don’t know that Prince Sulco made a siege to take the castle?” he asked.
“I know that, but he couldn’t take it.” The conviction in Mongho’s voice surprised the two men.
“How are you so sure?”
“I just know. After all, who are you? And what are you doing here?”
“Sorry, the rudeness. I’m Nino and this is Armedis. I was a merchant, but my goods were confiscated by Prince Sulco’s soldiers. I met Armedis three nights ago. He had been captured by guards, and I helped him escape.”
“These are tough times!” Armedis nodded, confirming Nino’s words.
“And now you’re back, wizard, how do you pretend to get in the castle? Or are leaving to another place?” Nino asked. Mongho felt the man’s voice take a different tone, but perhaps it was only his impression due to fatigue.
“I know a passage to the castle. If you want to come with me, you’ll be welcome. For now, I need to rest. I intend to cross the river before sunrise.”
“I bet there’s a nice young woman waiting for you, to have so much courage to go back and face the guards. I want to meet her too!” Armedis said, laughing. Mongho lay down again, ignoring him.
You’re right, Armedis. There is a beautiful woman and want to see if she so wishes, I will be the father of her children, Mongho thought.
◆◆◆
The wind took away the rain clouds from the night before. The sky became bright blue as the sun slowly appeared on the horizon. The air temperature was still cold and fresh when they finished crossing the river. Mongho assumed the leadership of the path, his attention to any noise, despite having seen no guard for those surroundings.
There were still a few hours of daylight to travel. Reluctantly, Mongho made a stop to rest and eat. Not that he would bear no Nino and move on. The problem was the big belly Armedis. The last two hours, kept complaining that he was hungry and tired. Finally, he sat down
and leaned against a piece of fallen trunk.
The sky was getting splashed with stars when they finally crossed the forest. Mongho ducked behind a stone surfaced, examining the terrain ahead. Then signaled to them to approach. At that point, the ground began to rise, with spaced smaller trees and small piles of rocks, making it necessary to move carefully because there could be hidden soldiers. Mongho looked high and let out a long sigh at the sight of the flickering torches of the castle.
As they neared the top, which was leveled in a small clearing, a sea of tents and people moving emerged. Fillets of smoke rose from the fires spread and the smell of roasting meat, which made Mongho’s belly drop a strange sound. They stopped, hidden just a few meters from the secret entrance. Right now, Nino wondered how the wizard could to find their way after so long, even in the dark. Taking the last in line, Nino dropped a small piece of rope near the entrance of the passage. He would soon be passing there again.
The tunnel ended in a small staircase of five steps. The wizard pushed the branches and, once crossed, left the garden gazebo. Nino mentally laughed at the wizard’s trickery. Already in the castle, all were received with great animation. For the first time, Nino saw king Heian and even grudgingly, he bowed because he isn’t their king.
“Majesty!”
The Secret Of The Crystal Skull Page 19
