"Everything he did was to make me compete in the mission. If you did not act so surprised, I would have wagered that all three of you were involved," said Achtisanor. "He threw me into the jail so I would meet Alystus. He made me angry at the bar to rekindle my fighting spirit. He made sure that the handkerchief and the parchment with the dark tongue will find their way to me so that I will want to avenge, and I must say – he succeeded."
"And who was the lutin that Domarwink met at the stables?" asked Krunch, the corridor led them to a big and opulent room. A big table stood at its centre and maps covered its walls.
"I don't know," said Achtisanor, "but you can ask him yourself." And he pointed at a lutin standing near Domarwink, holding a tray in his hands.
"Ho, Tigertief," said the king when he saw them, "hurry and sit down. Allow me to introduce my personal assistant, Glatz."
The lutin bowed and served them drinks.
"I think we have already met," said Achtisanor.
A slight smile appeared on the lutin's face. He bowed again and left the room.
Noises drifted from the corridor and the council members entered one after another to the room. First came Genghis, lord of the bistons from the southern mines. His long nose protruded from the thick beard that covered his face. He wore intricate dwarven armour and worn and mud-spattered leather boots. Four small axes were tied to his belt, two in front and two at his back.
After his came Alystus, the minister for special affairs, his azure ribbon tied to his arm and a frown on his face, and sat next to Achtisanor.
Belsis, the high priest of the nature temples order, who was a very old man, entered in, leaning on a mahogany staff, his red cloak trailing at his back.
Next appeared Silas, the elven sage, also old and distinguished, hold a sceptre in his hand.
"Are we late?" a reedy voice was heard from the door.
"Have we arrived on time?" a little voice called.
"Have they already started?" called two other voices.
These were the four squibs, members of Mind over Matter, who were also summoned to the important meeting. Along with them came another squib, a bonnet on his head and askew glasses on his nose. It was Tambolin, the head scientist of Nessit.
"Friends," Domarwink said, "we all know why we have gathered here today. It is no secret that the promise of desolation threatens our kingdom and the universe. We must plan our next steps and dedicate our lives to stop the dark prophecy."
"Prophecy?" wondered the attendants.
"The prophecy that you, Achtisanor, brought to my attention," said Domarwink.
All eyes turned toward Achtisanor.
"I… I do not understand, my king," said Achtisanor.
"I believe that the scroll containing the dark language is still in your belt," said Domarwink.
"The scroll… yes, it is here," muttered Achtisanor and took it from his belt.
"Since you have given me the parchment that you found at Patrickiomaris's murder scene, I have sent my heralds to my contacts in neighbouring kingdoms and even beyond. Many years have passed until this dark language was fully translated."
"And what does it say?" said Achtisanor, his heart pounding.
"The dark language says: 'On the second call, the evil monster shall fall to the bloodstone…'" Domarwink said.
"So this is the prophecy?" interrupted Genghis, lord of the bistons, "it sounds like a good prophecy, so why do we want to counter it?"
"'On the third call,'" Domarwink continued to recite from his memory, "'the caller shall rule as Lucifer reigns over the chaos'."
The people sitting around the table looked distraught. A slight shiver shook each and every one of them.
"The eternal notime…" muttered Belsis, the old priest.
"What…" Fitz said. "What does it mean?"
"The bloodstone?" asked Sai.
"Orostone," answered Silas, the elven sage.
"Orostone?" repeated the squibs.
"An offspring of golden and grey elves," explained Silas, "stone blood mixed with elven blood. How can such a creature exist? A long and vast distance as the stars differs between the golden and grey elves. A deeper hatred than the Zooloo chasm divides us."
"We do not know that the Orostone actually exists," Domarwink calmed them, "but we cannot wait any longer because he will be born someday. The only way is to get the horn back – so that the second and the third calls will not be heard."
"So according to the Orostone prophecy, the monster shall be defeated after the second call of the horn," said Silas, "it could be that Klaxes is not interested putting the horn into play, and keeps it close to guard himself from being destroyed."
"Nice thinking, Silas," said Domarwink. "But what if he is not aware of the prophecy?"
All eyes turned toward him.
"When we have started this meeting we thought that Klaxes is our biggest threat," summarized Achtisanor, "but now we know that the black dragon is just the shadow of the evil one."
"Well said, Achtisanor," said Domarwink.
"Week before the competition commenced," the king said, "I have ordered Genghis, lord of the bistons, to start our preparations for war. I have ordered it if we would not be able to secure the horn."
"And it is done, your highness," said Genghis. "My men work day and night without rest or pause. The sound of hammers is heard incessantly from the factories, the heat of metals and their smelting is not forgotten and the sound of songs still rings from the mine tunnels. Their laborious work has provided us with all we need: hundreds of swords and axes of intricate alloys. Armour, arrowheads and spears were sharpened and the oil cauldrons are intact. With the help of Nessit engineers, we built hundreds of ballistae that threw fire rocks. Bows are straightened and war carts are ready to roll.
"All the weapons are ready, my king, and wait at the underground warehouses of the mines. Our best fighters guard them and await your orders."
"Well done, Genghis," Domarwink said.
"Your highness," Tambolin, the head scientist of Nessit, suddenly rose and stood in his chair. "I am sorry to interrupt, but… last week your delegation arrived at Nessit with an order of evacuation."
"Yes, Tambolin," Domarwink said.
"Why?" Tambolin asked. "Why should we leave our houses if you have weapons and a great army? Why should we not fight it for the squibs?"
"The first gate to Nature kingdom is Nessit, which is the place the Ashon forces will attack," Domarwink said. "It is true, that is the reason we should hold our stand there, but we cannot forget that our enemy has a new weapon, and that a dragon leads them. We cannot imagine the power of the horn or the result of its attack. We are not sure what the result of such an attack will be."
"Why shouldn't we summon dragons of our own?!" asked Tambolin.
"It is impossible, and you know that," Silas said. "The inter-dimensional passage is blocked and monitored by the gods. Since Klaxes passage to this dimension and due to the horrors and destruction he caused, only a few people can use that passage, certainly no dragons. And if you managed to pass this bridge, why should they join you? They are only interested in peace in their dimensions."
"I am sorry, Tambolin," the king comforted. "It is impossible. And for our victory, we should take a step back in order to move two steps forward. We must test the Ashon forces and their new fighting tactics.
"Nevertheless, three divisions were already deployed as a line of defence for Nessit. They will block the enemy and slow their progress until our preparations at the dwarven mines line are complete.
"As our friend Genghis already said, the squibs that were evacuated from Nessit helped immensely with providing the weapons for eliminating the first Ashon forces.
"Alystus," the king turned to his warlord, "what is the current size of our army?"
"After drafting the reserves, your highness, and after the arrival of the shire knights and the elven warriors, forest rangers and the northern bowman – about a hundred and seventy th
ousand men and youth. Elves, bistons, lutins, and squibs," answered Alystus. "All of them wait at the south gate, waiting for their king to lead them on."
"Good," Domarwink said. "We should prepare a makeshift hospital near the Hob plains at our rear. Also, we should open a line of defence against the undead that are expected to join the dark army. You were summoned here to oversee these important missions," he turned to Belsis, the high priest.
"Letters were already sent to the temples all around the kingdom, your highness," said the high priest, "to the rain guardians order, sunrise and sunset orders, and also to the river and forest temples. They pray without a break to the gods, and our young advocates are already heading for the mines, ready to give their lives in battle, heal, and save any living soul."
Heavy and hurried footsteps were heard from the corridor outside the operations room. At the doorway stood a redheaded and stocky biston. She wore a battered leather armour and worn boots.
Chapter 33 - Preparations for War
"I have news for you, your majesty," the redheaded biston panted on the threshold of the operations room.
"Enter," the king said, "everyone knows Frecklie of house Stoltz of Nivron Junction?"
"You," De-Stik rose from his place, "a sneaky and beguiling biston you are. You should know that my vengeance is not that far."
Logan smiled when she saw Frecklie, and all eyes turned in confusion to De-Stik.
"Ah… I am sorry…" muttered De-Stik, when he realized that he spoke out of place. "Just a trivial matter of the past," he sat back and muttered angrily to himself. "Talisman of the Legendary Minstrels, ha, who has heard of this jest."
"The Stoltzs couple served us for many years in covert operations," the king said. "Secondly, biston, it seems that you did not rest on your way here. Drink first, and then tell us your news."
Frecklie took the offered glass of water and drank from it until it was utterly empty.
"More," Frecklie reached her arm and replaced the empty glass with a full one.
After she had finished seven glasses of water and the three pitchers in the room, Frecklie breathed deeply and started her story.
"Two days ago we completed the evacuation of the squibs from Nessit. All the families are lodged in the mines area and were received warmly by the bistons, and some of them were relocated to the lutins’ barrows in the Hob plains. All of them left except for some patriotic dissidents who decided to stay and help the three divisions to fight against the enemy."
"Very good," Domarwink said.
"And now to another matter, my king," Frecklie said. "I believe that it will interest you, Logan," she added. "We have found out that Kiril is alive. He was transferred from Evildon camp to Kolchis castle. We don't know why. The rest of his team, as we understand – are no longer among the living."
"Kiril," Logan said, "I knew he was alive."
"The rumours say," Frecklie continued, "that Sernin Crouzar had given that order."
"Sernin Crouzar?" asked Silas, Belsis and Domarwink at once.
"Sernin Crouzar?!" asked Achtisanor, Krunch, and De-Stik.
"Sernin Crouzar?" asked the four squibs. "Who is it?"
"We don't know how he lives," Frecklie said, "we thought that he was burned to death at the battle of Bjorn."
"This is a trick," called Genghis, "I have seen him burn to cinder with my own eyes."
"And why do you think, Genghis, that the fire did not play a trick on you?" Domarwink asked softly.
Genghis, lord of the bistons, looked around with embarrassment.
"And now for the most horrible news," Frecklie said. "The armies of Klaxes include over three thousand creatures."
"Three thousand creatures?" Domarwink asked. "How did he manage to recruit so many?"
"We have been told that Hubris raised an undead army, which covers the entire land."
"Arrr…" Genghis said, "I hate undeads."
"I thought this could be a problem," Domarwink said, his mind reeling, "and this is why I summoned you here, Mind over Matter."
The four squibs looked to the ling.
"Us?" Fitz asked.
"Us?" Sai asked.
"Against three thousand creatures?" Chase asked.
"I mean," Dupree said, "we have magicks…"
"And exceptional traps…" Chase said.
"We have already shrunk giants and enchanted a jellyfish princess," Sai said.
"But we can never beat…" Fitz said.
"Three thousand creatures?" the four of them asked as one.
"Relax, dear fellows," Domarwink said after the flood of words, "I do not intend to put you against an army at all. You will be my heralds."
"Heralds?" Fitz expression turned from worried to intrigued.
"Heralds?" Sai repeated.
"This sounds interesting," Chase said.
"This sounds respectful," Dupree said.
"What is the purpose of these heralds?" Fitz asked.
"Two of the royal tigers are equipped with everything you need," Domarwink said. "You will leave at nightfall in pairs. Fitz and Sai – you will head to the north and west through the magical northern forests to the mountains of Uruklip. Chase and Dupree, you will go south and east, visit the suburbs of this city, along the Hoshesh shore and Hob plains. The royal ribbons on the tigers' tails will be your seal.
"Our army network is running thin. It does not cover all of the kingdom or its farthest reaches. Pass from barrow to barrow, from house to house and pass every tree in the way. Spread the word that the kingdom needs defenders – defenders of all kinds, of all ranks, of all races. A terrible war is coming, and the Nature continent is in danger. Those who are willing to come and bear arms, thank them in mine and Nature's name. Pass quickly. Lead them south to our fortifications."
The squibs sat transfixed when they received their duty, except Fitz, who looked a little worried.
"Tho… those t…t…tigers?" asked the squib with fear.
"Don't worry, Fitz," Domarwink said with a smile, "they are friendly, protect you valiantly, and keep you warm at night with their fur."
"I… I… think I will bring a blanket," Fitz said with a serious expression.
"Forgive me, my king," said Silas, the elven sage. "What about the forces of magic?"
Krunch stood up in curiosity.
"When I returned I have sent a letter to Highmage Scroo, the principal of the Sorcerer's Academy," Domarwink said.
"Very good," Krunch said.
"I have told him on the four renegade students and asked him for help," Domarwink said.
"And…" Krunch asked without patience.
"Firstly, he apologized deeply about the tragic event, and then Highmage Scroo promised that he will send his finest three hundred wizards to the defence line."
"Three hundred wizards?" Krunch said gladly.
"I will certainly help us," Silas said.
"Well," King Domarwink said, "after everything else in concluded, we remain with one other issue, you, Tigertief."
The four companions looked expectantly at the king.
"For many years Tigertief was the most courageous team of our kingdom," Domarwink said. "For many times, the team was the sole hope of this kingdom, doing important and secret missions. And because of you, Logan, our hope is restored.
"You have earned your place among them by showing courage, determination, and boldness since you have fulfilled your wish – reuniting the group. Kneel," the king ordered.
The four kneeled and lowered their heads. Domarwink lifted his arms and a warm halo engulfed them all.
"You are Nature guardians and respected throughout it. After you leave this place, every rock will cheer you, every tree will lift his branches in salute, and every river shall foam at your glory."
Cheers were heard in the council room.
Domarwink clapped once. A red hawk flew into the room from the window and landed on his shoulder.
"Catch?" Logan rose in excitement.
"Sin
ce you sent him on his way, he did not find rest," Domarwink said. "He knocked on my window in the royal abode. He spent many days here when your father served me." The hawk flew to Logan's elbow and gleefully pecked her cheeks.
"He was very worried about you, Logan," the king said, "and in his old age, he asked to serve Nature once again."
Logan caressed the old hawk.
"And he shall help us," Domarwink continued "but first – to your mission."
The door opened. The king's personal assistant, Glatz the lutin, entered while holding a green pillow. On the pillow was a shining and gleaming sword, her hilt forged of silver and flame – golden steel.
"I believe that this is the perfect time to return it to you, Sir Claude Achtisanor," the king said.
"Achtis," Achtisanor said with excitement after recognizing his old sword.
"Return it to its rightful place, Claudiomaris Achtisanor Gornshield, because you are also returned to your former order, a knight and protector of the realm."
Achtisanor kneeled in front of the king. The king laid Achtis in Achtisanor's hands to the sound of applause.
"You will need it there," Domarwink said. Achtisanor rose and inserted Achtis to his scabbard instead of his previous sword.
"There?" Achtisanor asked, "What is our mission, my king?"
"Well, Tigertief, you are sent to the most important and dangerous mission of all," Domarwink said.
"I did not think otherwise," murmured Krunch. De-Stik’s hand rested on his shoulder.
"You are bound to Kolchis castle," the king said.
"Kolchis?" Logan's eyes flared.
De-Stik and Krunch looked at one another and sighed.
"The person who uses the horn does not need to be on the battlefield," Domarwink said. "I believe that the caller of the horn will be in the castle itself. You leave at dawn on the backs of eagles to the dark castle – you mission is to get the horn, and as soon as possible."
"Again," whispered Krunch.
"Catch will accompany you and soar above as necessary. The two eagles will continue from there to the far mountains above the Zooloo chasm to provide air support."
"You majesty…" Logan said, "in Kolchis…"
Logan Marsh: A Thrilling Fantasy Novel (Action Adventure,Mystery, Y/A Book 1) Page 19
