Army of the Dead

by Richard S. Tuttle

  “You should have come forward to meet us halfway,” frowned HawkShadow when they were close enough to be heard.

  “There is no half way,” replied Premer Doralin. “Inside this perimeter is Motangan land; outside is Sakovan. Therefore, the perimeter is half way. Speak your piece.”

  “We have come once again to request a truce and meeting between Premer Doralin and the Star of Sakova,” declared StarWind. “Will you agree to such a meeting?”

  “Define your terms for a truce,” countered the Motangan premer.

  “There will be no fighting between us,” replied HawkShadow. “Your people will not leave the encampment, and ours will not enter it.”

  “That would prohibit us from having scouts,” frowned General Valatosa. “And what about supply deliveries?”

  “I should think yesterday’s delivery is evidence enough that you will not be receiving any more,” retorted HawkShadow. “As for your scouts, keep your men inside the perimeter where they will be safe.”

  “You arrogant pup,” growled General Valatosa.

  Premer Doralin raised his hand for silence. He glared at HawkShadow, but he spoke softly and calmly.

  “I will meet with the Star of Sakova,” he declared, “but only on my terms. The truce will begin when the Star of Sakova comes into view, and it will end when she disappears from view. If you intend to continue to interrupt our supply caravans, you will do so at great risk to your forces.”

  “You want the Star of Sakova to stand here in range of your archers?” gasped StarWind. “That is unacceptable.”

  “The meeting will be held in my tent in the center of our encampment,” replied Premer Doralin. “I am sure you remember the way there, StarWind. Regarding my archers, I will personally guarantee the safety of the Star of Sakova and her party, which must not number more than two others. That is my offer. Take it or leave it.”

  “You are mad,” spat HawkShadow.

  StarWind gently placed her hand on HawkShadow’s arm as she watched the Motangan premer shake his head and begin to turn around.

  “Your terms are acceptable,” StarWind said loudly, “but I will hold you personally responsible for her safety, Doralin. If harm comes to the Star of Sakova, your life is forfeit. You know that we are quite capable of infiltrating your encampment. We have done it before, and we will do it again.”

  The premer turned and glared at StarWind, but he nodded slowly before turning and marching towards the center of the Motangan encampment.

  * * *

  “There are three ships on the horizon,” General Santiock declared as he stood before Vand’s disciple in the atrium of the temple in Vandamar. “They appear to be ours.”

  “Any idea where they are coming from?” asked Xavo.

  “From their approach,” replied the general, “I would suggest Fakara, but I cannot be sure.”

  “We have had no word of their arrival,” frowned Xavo as he looked over at Lady Mystic.

  “I will contact them,” offered Lady Mystic as she rose and hurried up the stairs to the roof.

  “Has there been any more word from the other armies,” Santiock asked with concern.

  “Last I heard,” Xavo said with apparent unconcern, “is that the elves were on the run. I am sure our armies will return victorious in a day or two. I would not concern yourself.”

  “Xavo,” frowned the general, “we have known each other for some time. You can level with me. I fear that something is amiss.”

  Xavo gazed into the eyes of the man who had dragged Xavo from the fire when Aakuta died. He knew Santiock as a decent man, but telling him the truth was not an option. Santiock was now the last remaining general on the Island of Darkness, and his ten thousand men were defending the city of Vandamar. Within a day the elves would attack and the last fight for control of Motanga would begin. The luxury of personal feelings could not be allowed to intrude into Xavo’s planning.

  “You worry too much, Santiock,” smiled Xavo. “The elves do not have enough ships to bring a large force to this island. Surely twenty thousand men can hunt them down and kill them.”

  “I guess it is the lack of news one way or the other that bothers me,” admitted Santiock. “We have only had the capability of air tunnels for a short time, but it has changed everything that we do. Had this occurred last year, I would have no concerns at all, but with air tunnels, we should have had word by now.”

  “We have had word,” countered Xavo. “Lady Mystic spoke to them not an hour ago. As I said, they are chasing the elves southward. Motanga is a large island, Santiock. Give the armies time to do a complete job.”

  “I guess you are right,” nodded the general, “but this city seems so empty. There is no one in the temple besides you and Lady Mystic. Even the other mages are absent. It seems like we are guarding a ghost town.”

  “There are still thousands of citizens to protect,” smiled Xavo. “As for the mages, I cannot discuss their mission. They will return when the time is right. Go and relax with your men. Perhaps you should hold a feast to take their minds off things. I will authorize it if you wish. It will do wonders for the spirits of the men.”

  “Perhaps that would divert them from their worries,” nodded Santiock. “Idle soldiers are never a happy lot. I wish my army had been chosen to fight the elves. At least that would make us feel like we are contributing to the war effort.”

  “You will get your chance to fight soon,” smiled Xavo. “I understand that your army is soon to be rotated to Khadora, but do not let on that you know. It is supposed to be a secret.”

  “Really?” brightened Santiock. “That will make the men feel useful. Perhaps a celebration festival is in order after all.”

  “Just don’t let them know the real reason for the celebration,” grinned Xavo. “Begone. Go and enjoy the company of your men while you can.”

  Santiock smiled broadly and left the temple. Moments later Lady Mystic raced down the stairs from the roof.

  “There are twelve mages on the ships,” she reported. “They are indeed from Fakara. They have been sent to discover the nature of the air tunnel failures.”

  “This is not good,” frowned Xavo. “If they can communicate with Fakara, our secret will be discovered. We will have ten thousand angry soldiers and a dozen mages against us in a hurry. We must stop them from communicating with Meliban.”

  “I already have,” grinned Lady Mystic.

  “How?” asked Xavo.

  “I used an air tunnel to talk to them,” explained Vand’s daughter, “but I told them that it must be the last communication they make before we speak to them personally. I explained how the Khadorans had tricked us into using air tunnels and warned them not to use the spell any more.”

  “I do not understand,” Xavo shook his head. “What are you talking about?”

  “I am talking about the compulsion spell that travels inside air tunnels,” grinned Lady Mystic. “I told the mages that the Khadorans were utilizing our air tunnels for nefarious means, and that every time we cast one, there was a chance that it carried a Khadoran compulsion spell. I explained how hundreds of mages in Khadora had been subverted using air tunnels, and how they turned on one another.”

  “And they bought it?” asked Xavo.

  “They would be foolish not to,” laughed Lady Mystic. “After all, the hellsoul spell is really a strong compulsion spell. All Motangan mages have learned to fear such compulsions. Besides, I told them that I could teach them a way to protect themselves when they arrived, so they are only being asked to halt the use of the spell for a short time. There is no real cost for their obedience. Or so they think.”

  “But we both know differently,” grinned Xavo. “What is your plan?”

  * * *

  “Hurry to the temple,” Lady Mystic said as the twelve black cloaks gathered on the docks. “I want to teach you the modifications to the air tunnel spell before you rest from the journey. This information must make its way back to Fakara.”

>   “Why haven’t you communicated it yourself?” asked one of the mages as the group made its way towards the temple. “It certainly is important enough to be delivered immediately.”

  “It is too dangerous over such a long distance,” explained Lady Mystic. “While I am protected by the modifications, those on the other end of the air tunnel are not. I dare not expose my father to such a threat.”

  “But mages are using the unmodified air tunnel right now in Fakara,” argued a mage. “Every minute they use the unmodified spell brings the chance of great harm to our forces. We must send word back immediately.”

  “No,” Lady Mystic said harshly. “Do not be a fool. The Khadorans do not even know that we have landed in Fakara yet. To send a message there is to invite chaos. They have ships patrolling the waters and listening for air tunnels. The modifications must be personally delivered to Fakara and taught to our mages. That is what the twelve of you will do.”

  “Is this why we cannot contact Alamar or Duran or Raven’s Point?” asked a mage. “Have you stopped all communications with them?”

  “Yes,” nodded Lady Mystic as the group climbed the steps of the temple. “I have sent out mages to each of those locations already. In fact, I sent mages out to Meliban as well. You must have missed them on the way here.”

  “Or they were intercepted by the Khadoran patrols,” frowned a mage. “Why have we not heard of the Khadoran ships before? We were supposed to own the seas. Where are they coming from?”

  “Doralin’s force in the Sakova lost quite a few ships to the enemy,” explained Lady Mystic as she led the group up the stairs inside the temple. “The Khadorans now ride the seas in Motangan ships. That is why I needed to verify your identities when you were approaching the island. We can take nothing for granted any more.”

  “The temple appears empty,” remarked one of the mages as Lady Mystic exited the staircase at the second level and led the group to a small room. “Where has everyone gone? There are no mages or guards.”

  “There is a massive festival tonight,” smiled Lady Mystic as the group entered the room. “We had word this morning of Doralin’s victory in the Sakova, but I will explain the news after you all learn the modifications of the air tunnel. That is too important to wait. Everyone face me,” she added as she stood along the wall opposite the door.

  The black cloaks gathered together and dutifully faced Lady Mystic. She was somewhat surprised that none of them questioned her restoration to grace, but then they were trained not to question Vand’s fickle moods. She smiled at them.

  Raise both hands high over your heads,” instructed Lady Mystic, “and absolutely no talking during this process. It is a little out of the ordinary for a spell modification, but I can assure you that it works perfectly if you concentrate on my words. In fact, close your eyes and listen to my words as I walk around the room. Listen carefully for I do not wish to repeat anything.”

  Lady Mystic smiled broadly as the well-honed battle mages followed her instructions like little schoolchildren. She winked at Xavo when he appeared in the doorway. She continued talking as she moved away from the group of mages. Using hand signals to coordinate the timing with Xavo, she suddenly turned towards the group of mages and unleashed a light blade. Xavo also cast his own light blade, and the group of Motangan mages instantly disappeared in a mist of blood. Lady Mystic jumped backwards as blood splattered all over her. She grimaced and shook her head.

  “I must learn to put more distance between me and the victims with this spell,” she scowled. “Now I will have to change clothes.”

  “Will the bodies be discovered in here?” asked Xavo.

  “You mean body parts,” grinned Lady Mystic. “No. I will magically seal the room. If anyone asks, the mages came here for an important mission that cannot be discussed. They are no longer in the city, and you will refuse to talk further about them.”

  Chapter 23

  Battle of Vandamar

  Xavo and Lady Mystic sat in their secluded hideaway in the jungle, a large picnic basket between them. The cool dawn air had already begun to give way to the rising of the sun. A gust of moist tepid air suddenly blew through the clearing, and Xavo shifted uncomfortably.

  “It is going to be a hot one today,” he frowned. “How do you live on this jungle-infested island?”

  “I have never known anything else,” shrugged Lady Mystic. “It doesn’t bother me.”

  “I long for a nice sevemore forest,” countered Xavo. “The breezes are cool, and everything is not always damp.”

  Lady Mystic smiled thinly, but she did not respond. She sat staring at Xavo in a curious manner.

  “What are you thinking about?” Xavo asked after a long moment of silence.

  “Us,” Lady Mystic said with a sigh. “What is going to happen to us when all of this is over? Have you thought about it?”

  Xavo frowned and shook his head. “We have no future,” he said softly.

  “What do you mean by that?” scowled Lady Mystic. “I thought you loved me.”

  “I do,” shrugged Xavo. “I love you with all my heart, but it is foolish to speak of such nonsense as our future. My life is already given to this struggle. You will have to find someone else in the future.”

  “Bah,” retorted Vand’s daughter. “How can you say such a thing? I will admit that our situation here is tenuous, but we can survive it. Vandamar will soon fall to the elves.”

  “You give the elves much credit,” sighed Xavo. “While they have shown themselves to be tenacious warriors, there are still ten thousand Motangan troops in this city. Their attack on Vandamar will not be like the other battles. This will not be a case where the enemy is broken up into groups of two thousand soldiers staked out for slaughter. Santiock’s men will be ready for a battle. I had hoped that his men would get drunk at the festival, but Santiock prevented that. No, Lady Mystic, this will be a bloody battle. Many will die here.”

  “That still doesn’t mean that we will be among them,” frowned Lady Mystic. “You are so pessimistic.”

  Xavo shrugged and averted his eyes. He picked up a twig and began drawing figures in the dirt. Lady Mystic looked curiously at him, her lips pressed tightly together and her eyes narrowing.

  “There is something that you are not telling me,” she eventually said. “What is it?”

  Xavo looked at his lover and sighed. “It is Dobuk,” he admitted. “This war cannot end with the great demon still in control. He must be destroyed. I stayed on this island with hopes of killing Vand, but he has left and is no longer approachable by me, but Dobuk remains.”

  “Dobuk?” gasped Lady Mystic. “You can’t be serious? Haven’t you learned your lesson yet? You are no match for such power. You are throwing your life away. I will not permit it.”

  “What is the alternative?” asked Xavo. “Even after Vand is defeated, someone must face Dobuk. If not me, to whom then does the task fall?”

  Lady Mystic’s brow creased deeply as she thought about Xavo’s words. Suddenly the truth became crystal clear.

  “You are trying to protect your daughter,” she said accusingly. “That is what you are up to. You think Lyra will come to confront Dobuk after Vand dies. I will not allow you to throw your life away in such a manner.”

  “I must,” Xavo said softly. “I am not so foolish as to think that I can defeat Dobuk, but I can wound him. If I can stay alive long enough to cause damage to him, it may save Lyra’s life. I have had a full life, several in fact. I want her to have a future. Is that so wrong?”

  “No,” Lady Mystic said as she fought back her tears. “Your heart is in the right place, but it is still foolish. While I give you credit for having survived an encounter with Dobuk, I know that you are no match for his power. You will not even damage him.”

  “I must try,” Xavo declared with finality.

  Lady Mystic opened her mouth to speak, but sounds of shouting interrupted her. Xavo leaped to his feet, His head swiveling to catch the sounds
coming from the city.

  “The elves have arrived!” he announced with urgency. “We must get to the temple.”

  He extended a hand and helped Lady Mystic to her feet as horns blared throughout the city. The two mages raced along the jungle path and into the city streets. Motangan soldiers were scurrying about as they reached the temple. They ran up the steps and stopped at the front doors. Xavo caught his breath and addressed the guards.

  “No one is to enter the temple for any reason,” Xavo said authoritatively. “I want guards at each of the entrances to keep everyone out.”

  “The elves will never gain entry,” promised the guard.

  “I did not mean just the elves,” Xavo shot back. “I said no one is to enter the temple. That includes the army. Not even General Santiock will be permitted inside. Do you understand?”

  The guard shook his head and frowned in confusion. “I do not understand,” replied the soldier. “I must do what General Santiock commands.”

  “General Santiock in under my command,” spat Xavo, “and I am ordering that the sanctity of the temple shall not be violated for any reason. Carry out my orders.”

  The guard stiffened at the rebuke. He saluted as Xavo and Lady Mystic opened the doors and entered the temple.

  “Do you think that will work?” asked Lady Mystic as she raced up the stairs behind Xavo.

  “I have no idea,” admitted Xavo as he headed for the roof of the temple. “It might just slow them down. We will find out before this day is done.”

  The two mages emerged on the roof of the temple. They both fought to regain their breath as they gazed out over the city. The city streets were a sea of red uniforms flowing through the narrow channels between the buildings. Dozens of red-clad bodies bled into the dirt in the open area between the city and the forest. Xavo peered into the distant forest and saw elven archers hiding behind the trees.