Myrkron (Volume Two of The Chronicles of the Myrkron)

by Woods, Timothy

  When the woman’s chanting ceased, the female Swiftclaw stopped her fire. In her outstretched hands, the woman now held two gleaming white swords. The Swiftclaw bowed its head to the woman and then flew in close to her face. Gently the little dragon touched the woman’s forehead with her snout and, with a loud popping sound, took off out of sight. The woman, still crying, cradled the swords to her chest as if holding a child. She bowed her head and disappeared.

  Michael blinked several times to refocus his eyes. Everyone was staring at him in concern. “I am fine. I just had a vision of the swords' creation. A Myrkron created them from the slain body of a Swiftclaw with the help of another Swiftclaw,” Michael explained.

  “Well we now know how they were created; but I do not see how that helps us,” Micah replied.

  “It doesn’t. The circumstances of the spell were unique. I doubt they could ever be duplicated,” Michael said with a sigh, handing the swords back to Branik.

  Branik slipped both swords beneath his belt having discarded the sheaths of his broken swords back at Kantwell. They would not have fit those sheaths in any case since these new blades were straight and the Avari tended to favor blades with a slight curve. Branik felt much better having weapons once again.

  “Thank you for the information and for the swords. I hope to return; there are many questions I would like to ask you,” Michael said addressing the Oakkrin.

  “Fare you well, Michael. You are always welcome here,” the Oakkrin replied.

  “Kantwell?” Michael asked.

  “Aye. I think it best if we return there now. Merric will no doubt be worried about you."

  Michael spoke the words of transport and the four of them vanished from the grove.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Attis and Trask had gone directly to their people upon returning from the battle with the Weres. Attis recounted the events of the past few days while Trask sought out Dain. Attis informed the other Avari not to engage the Garoliths when they attacked. He told them of what the Axethane said and that the Garoliths were for others to handle. The Avari merely nodded and went on about their business.

  When Trask found Dain, he was sitting with Mardak. It was an odd sight; the big ogre sitting cross-legged on the ground, hunched over, pointing at an assortment of plants spread out on the ground while Dain sat in a similar fashion just before him, listening intently. The two could not have been more physically dissimilar, yet they appeared completely comfortable with one another. Trask walked up to the pair and both turned their heads at his approach.

  “Hello, Avari. How may we help you?” Mardak asked politely.

  “I am Trask. I have come to tell Dain that his mother, Syanne, is safe. We met her within Delven Vale and escorted her to Middle Watch,” Trask explained looking at Dain.

  Dain rose quickly to his feet. “You saw her? Was she well?” Dain asked excitedly.

  “She was well and asked about you.”

  “I assume, since you do not mention him, there is no word about my father. The Axethane that just arrived had no news of him. Did my mother tell you anything at all?” Dain pleaded.

  “I am sorry Dain, but she told us nothing. The way they were scattered, I doubt she knows what has befallen him. He could have been in the group that fled to Middle Watch,” Trask offered, trying to keep hope alive for the young healer.

  “He would never have left her on her own,” Dain said quietly his shoulders sagging.

  “Do not give up hope, Dain, until you know the truth for yourself,” Mardak added seeing how saddened Dain had become. “In war, we do not always have the choice of which path we follow. Circumstances can lead us in a far different direction than that we would chose for ourselves. He may have had no choice but to separate from her.”

  “Shaman Mardak speaks true. Do not give up hope,” Trask interjected then bowed slightly to Dain and turned and walked away. He would trouble Dain right now with healing his wound.

  Dain sat down heavily, his focus no longer on the herbs they had been discussing.

  “You should get some rest, Dain. It is late and, in the days ahead, sleep may become a luxury we are not allowed,” Mardak said.

  “Trask was very angry. His aura was as red as any I have ever seen. What do you think he saw that would cause such anger?” Dain asked Mardak.

  Mardak eyed the small healer before him. Dain’s head was cast down at the ground and could not see the knowing expression on Mardak’s face.

  “It is best not to contemplate such things. They only cause us sadness and distraction.”

  Dain looked up at Mardak upon hearing his answer and nodded. He did not say anything about the sudden shift to blue in Mardak's own aura. Dain had a feeling he would be seeing a lot more of that color in the near future.

  Commander Salic was in his tent talking with his captains, Axethanes Bran and Ralk, as well as Chieftain Karg, though Karg was seated cross-legged on the floor due to his size. They were discussing battle plans when Dale stuck his head in and cleared his throat.

  “Commander, there is a pair of Avari out here what wants to see you. They have come from Delven Vale,” Dale announced.

  “If they can find room, let them in,” Salic instructed.

  Dale held back the tent flap and the two Avari stepped inside, squeezing themselves along the outer wall around Karg.

  “Commander Salic, we have returned from Delven Vale. I assume, since Axethane Ralk is present, you already know the situation there. I will not waste time in reiteration. We were warned by Axethane Gant that the Garoliths have been freed and that they march with Mortow’s army. He also informed us that our swords are powerless against them. We are not to fight them,” Attis informed the group within the tent.

  “Are we to simply stand by and be slaughtered?” Captain Hamil asked in disbelief.

  “He said the beasts are for others to deal with and we are best served by avoiding them. I have so informed the other Avari.”

  Trask spoke up next, addressing Axethane Ralk. “Axethane, my brother and I were only able to find six other dwarves in our search; a female Forger, a female Healer and four children. We saw them safely to Middle Watch,” Trask explained then turned his attention to Axethane Bran. “Axethane Bran, the healer we found is mother to your young healer, Dain. I have already delivered the news to him that his mother is safe within Middle Watch.”

  “I thank you for that courtesy. I know Dain will have been relieved at this news, and I am relieved for him,” Axethane Bran said sincerely.

  Attis took over the conversation once again. “Commander, we came across a scouting party of Weres a few hours ago out on the marsh. There were twenty of them, and I am afraid we only managed to account for nineteen. One ran off across the marsh. I thought it better to return and give our reports than to chase a lone Were through the marsh at dusk.”

  “No doubt ran back to his master with his tail tucked firmly between his legs. This is the first encounter with any of the enemy in many days. I feel this war will begin in earnest very soon,” Salic commented with a heavy sigh.

  Karg turned his head to study the two Avari. “The two of you managed to kill nineteen Weres out on the marsh, alone?” Karg asked in mild surprise.

  Trask nodded his head once to the big ogre.

  “I had heard rumor that the Avari were fierce warriors, but never gave it the credit it seems is deserved. I look forward to seeing your people in action firsthand.”

  Trask merely continued to stare at Karg with a blank expression.

  “By your leave, Commander, we will turn in for the night,” Attis said nudging his brother toward the tent entrance.

  “Of course. Rest well gentlemen,” Salic replied as the two Avari departed the tent.

  Karg watched them go then turned back to Commander Salic. “I do not think the dour one likes ogres overly much, Commander,” Karg said with a half-smile on his lips.

  “He has seen what your race can do when driven by evil, Chieftain Karg.
I have seen that same look upon the faces of my kinsmen. It is the look of hate forged by the countenance of atrocity,” Axethane Ralk replied softly.

  “I am sorry for your loss, Axethane. I truly am, but our races view battle and its faces very differently. What you call atrocity, we simply call war. It is how we have lived for as long as any of us can remember. In our battles with the trolls, those same atrocities are used to instill fear; to make them think twice about engaging us in combat. When they do engage us, it is that same fear that gnaws at their courage and makes their sword arms shake. My people do what they do out of tradition; a tradition based on necessity.”

  “That tradition, as you call it, involved the slaughter and desecration of innocent and helpless women and children,” Axethane Ralk retorted heatedly.

  “Peace, Axethane. I do not condone what my people have done to yours. I merely explain it so you may understand. With the trolls, it is a tactic that has given us an edge over them in battle. After having met you and your people, I feel it is a tactical error on Mortow’s part. It has not instilled fear within your breasts, but a burning anger and thirst for vengeance. Woe be unto my brethren when we meet them on the battlefield.”

  “Gentlemen, I feel we had all better prepare our men. If the Avari encountered a scouting party not a few hours from here, then I feel Mortow and his army cannot be far behind. He has sent no raiding parties for many days now. I think this is the lull before the battle. You all have your orders. Chieftain Karg, is there nothing I can say that will change your mind in this?” Salic asked sincerely.

  “My people and I will follow your plan, but our position must be out on the marsh. We need room to move and fight. I understand your tactics and they are sound; but this pass is too narrow and restrictive. We are an open land people. We are used to such fighting,” Karg explained almost apologetically.

  Captain Hamil slammed his meaty fist down on the small table causing it to crack. “Damn it man, out in the open like that, you can be flanked. Mortow’s numbers will roll right over the top of you and cut you to pieces from the rear,” Captain Hamil said angrily.

  Karg smiled at Captain Hamil. “Ah, your passion for our safety tells me much about your character, Captain. Trust me. Those who get passed us will not be interested in flanking us. Their only thought will be in avoiding us altogether. We will provide a barrier to break their momentum. You will be better able to hold the pass this way,” Karg explained calmly.

  “I am in agreement with Captain Hamil. You will be cut off from any help. If they do decide to come at you from the rear, your men will be cut to pieces,” Salic commented dourly.

  “I understand your concern, Commander, but this is our way. If we are to die in this war, then so be it,” Karg replied then chuckled deeply. “Fear not, gentlemen. We are ogres. This is what we do.”

  Captain Hamil swore softly.

  “Since I cannot change your mind, I suggest we adjourn for the night and prepare,” Salic sighed.

  Karg bowed his head to the men at the table, turned, and crawled from the tent. He was followed by Axethane Bran and Captains Doss and Tanner. Captain Hamil and Axethane Ralk remained behind.

  “Mule-headed, overgrown fool!” Captain Hamil vented.

  “He is only doing what he knows, Hamil. Generations of tactics, especially successful ones, are hard to deny,” Salic commented.

  “But those tactics are for fighting trolls on the steppes, not fighting Mortow’s forces in a swamp. He is going to get his fool self killed and likely most of his people. Why not order him to keep to the lines? He placed himself under your command.”

  “Yes, he did; but commanding often means giving way when your Captains know more than you in a given situation,” Salic said with a smirk.

  “So you’re going to throw that in my face to excuse his stubbornness?” Hamil asked, throwing his hands in the air.

  “You were right back then, were you not?”

  Captain Hamil eyed Salic out of the corner of his eye. “Aye, Commander, but that was a long time ago when you were much younger and less experienced. This time, it’s different. You know he is throwing lives away.”

  “Actually, it is no different. What do either of us know of ogre tactics or their capabilities in battle? Only what we have been told by our fathers from their fathers. I have to trust Karg’s experience and knowledge in this. He knows better than I what his people can do and how others will react to them in battle. No, I will not order him to do something he feels is wrong,” Salic explained.

  “As you say Commander.” Captain Hamil picked up his mug and drained it in a single gulp. He placed the mug back on the small table, rose and bowed his head to Commander Salic. “I will go check on my men.”

  Axethane Ralk continued to stare at the mug of ale in his hands as Captain Hamil left the tent.

  “You are an experienced leader, Axethane. Am I wrong in this?” Salic asked quietly.

  “The captain is a good man, Commander, but as you said, commanding often means listening to those under you, especially when they are more knowledgeable than yourself. That is the sign of a true leader. To answer your question, I just don’t know. I cannot say I would have made a different choice, but I also cannot say it was the correct choice. Neither of us has ever fought a war such as this. As leaders, all we can do is make the decisions and pray we make the right ones,” Ralk answered.

  Commander Salic sighed heavily and raised his own mug. “May the Great One grant me wisdom and guide my hand,” Salic toasted.

  Axethane Ralk raised his mug in kind. “May it be so,” Ralk replied. Before Axethane Ralk drank, he added his own toast. “And may it be vengeance.” Axethane Ralk drained his ale, set his mug down, and rose to his feet. “By your leave, Commander,”

  “We are, both of us, too old to stand on ceremony, Axethane. I want you to know that I greatly value your input. You have greater experience than I in these matters,” Salic told Ralk.

  “Aye, I have more experience; but is that the correct choice, Commander?” Ralk asked sadly and departed from the tent.

  Commander Salic sat staring after the Axethane, puzzled by the question.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Michael returned them to the Great Hall in Kantwell. The hall was empty, but he could hear the buzzing of many voices coming from the direction of the dining hall. He turned to Micah and the two Avari. “I assume that is where the action is,” Michael said pointing to the door at the back of the Great Hall that led to the classrooms and dining halls.

  He began walking in that direction. Micah, Reek and Branik followed him. Just as they reached the statue in the center of the hall, Merric appeared.

  “Michael, where have you been?” Merric asked with concern.

  “I have been to see the Oakkrin. I thought they might have some information about how to destroy the Garoliths,” Michael replied.

  “Learn anything useful?”

  “Only that it is not just a ninth key that can affect them. It requires magic from the ninth door. Only the magic pertaining to the soul will work to destroy them,” Michael explained.

  “Well that is more than we knew before.”

  “Aye, but it still doesn’t help me much. I know next to nothing about the magic of the ninth key. Micah was able to provide me with a book of observations about it, but I have yet to read it,” Michael told him, intentionally leaving out that it was Micah’s own observations.

  “Micah, where did you come by such a book?” Merric asked in surprise.

  “I wrote it. It is just a collection of bits of information I have been able to gather over the course of time. When you have time in abundance, you find ways to keep busy,” Micah replied with a crooked smile.

  “No doubt. I should very much like to see this collection of information you have accrued one day,” Merric said frowning.

  “Maybe one day I shall let you.”

  Seeing that nothing else was forthcoming from the Avari Lord, Merric turned back to Mi
chael. “Maybe I could help you with understanding what you read. I have no firsthand experience with the magic of the ninth door, but I know all the theory contained within the libraries here,” Merric offered.

  “After I have read the book, I am sure I will have many questions. I would appreciate any insights you may have,” Michael said sincerely.

  As Merric was about to speak, he heard a loud cheer ring out behind him. He turned to the door that led to the dining hall and saw a young soldier hurrying toward him. By his armor and crest, he was one of King Westan’s men.

  “Wizard Merric, there you are. King Westan requests your presence in the dining hall. Prince Rein has returned with news.”

  “Very well,” Merric replied. “Come along gentlemen. Let us see what news the Prince brings. Judging by that noise, it must be good,” Merric said looking over his shoulder at Michael, Micah and the two Avari.

  They followed the soldier through the door and to the main dining hall. Merric could hear the clanging of pots and pans coming from the kitchen and hoped Tess was not too overwhelmed at having to feed all the men. He had sent a few of the younger magi to her earlier to help out.

  Turning his attention to the tables, Merric caught sight of Prince Rein instantly. His shock of white hair stood out in stark contrast to just about everything else in the hall. Merric waded through the soldiers who had clustered around the King and Prince with Michael, Micah, Reek and Branik in tow.

  He could see a man and a woman in gray standing there also. It was to the man in gray that all the attention seemed to be focused. Just as Merric made his way through the last line of soldiers, King Westan turned and, with a huge smile on his face, waved Merric forward.