“Please go to your troops and reposition them. They have taken heavy losses and are a bit dejected. I think that the archers are crucial at this point because they can protect my siege warriors from attacks while they continue their aerial assault.”
“I will station my archers in a protective pattern around your soldiers. I will also try to inspire them to greater heights and encourage them to not give up hope.” General Verandos smiled warmly at Lord Marcello and hurried off to his carry out his various tasks.
As the druid made his way to the troops, he stopped on the main thoroughfare momentarily to see a massive number of elven troops heading his way. Once the people had heard that the warrior druid was leading their army, a large number of people volunteered for service. They all respected him and knew that the situation must be dire when a peaceful elf would lead an army. Verandos smiled inwardly at that shear number that had joined up. Lord Marcello would not question his friend’s use of time anymore. Before he went on his mission outside the walls, he had recruited several people to join his army. He had instructed them to be ready in three to five days and to meet him at the southern gates when they had gathered together everyone that they could muster. There were one hundred thousand elves in the army marching toward the orc armies. General Verandos looked over at his stunned counterpart and winked.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were recruiting?” boomed the giant’s voice, half irritated and half relieved. He always knew that the general would be the one to save the day, and this massive elven army was just what they needed.
Mistress Khalida
A beautiful guardian flew through the air with the grace and ease of an angel atop what looked like an eagle. She was on the guardian’s errand and would not fail to complete the tasks given to her. She was heading toward the north face of Mount Lamont to meet with someone very important. She knew that her master had already met with her quarry, but she was there to give special instructions to him. She was to inform this formidable ally to wait to intervene in the war, which was all but inevitable by now, until the very end. The guardian would call for him and his kind to get involved in a more direct way when the time was right. Khalida knew that the others had already spread out amongst the land because she had been receiving reports from them for weeks now. She knew that Mount Carrick was under attack as well as the Black Forest. She also knew that the battle for the Nairi Canyons was hot and getting worse with each passing moment. She even knew that there were two orc armies heading for Mount Adem. She was impressed that her spies had not become involved and had limited themselves to merely observing these events. She was especially impressed that the fire in the southwestern part of Renshaw had not goaded them into action.
She had arrived at the north face before she knew it and immediately began her search for Master Mahdi. She did not have the same abilities of her master, but she could sense the presence of the dormant being by her connection with the earth. She relayed to the guardian’s most trusted ally precisely what would be required of him in much greater detail than Mahdi had heard previously. They reached an understanding, and she left the mountain by taking off into the air and circling around the snowcapped peak of Lamont, and then she made for the cliffs of the High Plains of Landen. I will walk in so I do not cause them alarm. I am sure that they have heard of Kana’s flying demon and would not take kindly to an aerial approach.
Khalida alighted on the ground and walked resolutely toward the cliffs on the northwestern corner of Landen as the sun began to set on another clear day. The eagle like creature she had been on disappeared. It was crazy that the weather was so clear here while unnatural storms were blanketing the rest of Tuwa. Everywhere there was a conflict there were black clouds. She could also sense the traces of magic in the air from its heightened use over the past few weeks. The elements will be unavoidably altered by this war; that much is certain. I must work swiftly now if I am to save any part of the lands.
She saw the sentry guards at their posts stiffen as she approached. The guards were trying to figure out who or what she was as she continued to walk toward them. She could sense their fear and trepidation, so she sent out a soothing magical web to calm their heightened senses. She did not want them to act rashly and do something they would regret. Just because she was visiting King Leroy Ishrafle to discuss the alliance of the races of men, elves, dwarves, and giants did not mean that she particularly cared for the people of Landen. They had always abused their position in Tuwa and had not done their part to prevent this war and would most likely blame the guardians as they always did.
“Hail guards of Landen; it is I, Mistress Khalida.” She introduced herself to the sentries. She bowed as she uttered her pleasant greeting.
“Halt! Stay where you are!” ordered one of the guards timidly. He was shaking in spite of himself.
“You have no need to fear me. I am not the one you were told to watch for. Do you really believe that she would just walk right up to you? She would probably swoop down out of the sky on her winged beast and let it eat you both for merely being at your posts,” replied Khalida pointedly. She did not have the patience to placate these fools, and time was of the utmost importance.
“What are you saying?” stammered the other guard.
“I am saying that I am on your side. Now, please do not waste any more of my time. Inform your king that I am here to speak with him. I am representing the guardian council,” she said with an icy edge to her voice.
“We will notify him at once!” shouted one of the guards out of fright. He had not meant to yell, but his nerves were on edge, and he could not control his volume.
“Thank you,” replied the powerful guardian smoothly. She walked toward a chair by the sentry post and took a seat. She stared off into the distance and pondered exactly how she should approach King Leroy about what would be required of him. These high plains are the perfect natural defense against the hordes of Kana. The king must let us use his land as a defensive shield for the besieged peoples of Tuwa.
After a few minutes of silence, the guard who had shouted returned from sending the message from Khalida to the king. He had sent the message with a rider and instructed them to make haste. He wanted the situation to sound urgent because he wanted desperately to be out of the presence of this mysterious lady. The guard had heard tales of the guardians before, and they all depicted them as violent creatures that did not care one bit for the races of Tuwa. His view was not the popular perception of the Elementals, but it did represent a segment of people who would not help a guardian in their cause. She simply ignored the sentry as he resumed his post with his back to her. She laughed softly at his childish mannerisms and turned her attention away from the brooding guard to the other sentry who had managed to keep himself composed in her presence.
“What news has reached your ears regarding the events taking place outside your country?” she asked him quietly.
“The word is that demons from the north have begun to take over the lands. They say that devils have attacked our neighbors in Nairi,” the guard replied in hushed tones. He had a much higher opinion of the powerful guardian than his counterpart.
“Devils indeed…,”replied Khalida thoughtfully. The aggressors in these attacks are definitely displaying devilish traits. I wonder if the demons in the north have ventured outside their realm and decided to try and take over the lands again.
“Malady, could you tell me what is going on out there?” he asked hesitantly. “I do not share my friend’s view of you, and I would like to hear what you have to say on the matter.”
“I will tell you this much. You need to be prepared for anything. War is brewing again in Tuwa, and once again your country will need to be the stronghold for the races of good. I do not believe you need to worry yourself about demons or wraiths of the north. Beware the exiled races,” she said ominously. She gave the sentry a very meaningful look that told him very plainly that difficult times were on their doorstep.
A mou
nted messenger returned the following day with the request for an audience with Khalida immediately. The graceful guardian stood up and smiled at the messenger turned escort. Another horse had been brought back with the king’s messenger so that the guest could ride in haste to the meeting. King Leroy had sent his own steed to carry Khalida back to his court. The stallion was lord of all the white stallions in Tuwa. He was a beautiful beast that espoused grace and power. She was impressed by this gracious gesture. Her feelings about meeting with the king became much warmer and more positive in light of this token. This king surprises me with his generosity and his acceptance of the magnitude of the current situation. He is much more intelligent than I would have thought for a man.
As she rode toward the heart of Landen, they passed several villages and towns that were bustling around as though everything was normal. They had no real idea what horrors awaited them. They did not know that all of the races of Tuwa were drawing closer to an all-out war. She pitied them because their simplistic lives were about to be altered at her request. The fair plains of Landen were going to be full of refugees and armies from other countries. If the raging battles developed into war, the High Plains would be the place where the future would be decided. That was why she had to come now instead of later. In order for the outcome to be in her favor, and in favor of the good peoples of Tuwa, she would need to have the country of Landen prepared for all-out war before any army even drew near its borders.
After traveling for some miles, a huge city rose high on the horizon. A massive castle that looked more like a citadel gleamed in the sunlight as it sat imperiously in the very center of Brel. That was the name of the capital city of King Leroy’s domain. Before too long Khalida and her escort passed its outer wall and entered the main thoroughfare. There were little shops lining both sides of the street, and merchants were calling out the specials for the day. Little groups of children were running back and forth across the road and in between the stores. The sight of such normalcy and youthful joy caused the guardian to feel more hesitant about the information that she was going to impart to their king. Their lives would be irrevocably changed from this war, and those that lived to see the end of it would never be the same again. I will make sure Kana pays for what I am about to do. She will be made to suffer for destroying the lives of the good peoples of Tuwa. They will never have the same peace they have known their entire lives.
The sun burned brightly overhead, and there were birds flying high above in the air. In the west, dark clouds covered the Black Forest and smoke was rising into the sky in the region where the Seda were purported to be. None of the citizens of Brel took notice of the strange weather or burning forest. Everyone that Khalida passed smiled genuinely and waved as she passed. The eastern gate to the castle was the only part of the city that seemed to be heavily guarded. They were stopped by a small group of soldiers armed to the teeth and were asked to wait while they confirmed that their presence had been requested. Many of the king’s guard eyed the beautiful lady wearily. She knew right away from the looks on their faces that they believed her to be the rogue Elemental that had been rumored to be about the lands. She could see it in their eyes that they believed her to be that witch and that she had come here to bewitch their good king into taking up her wicked cause.
Only a few minutes passed before one of the king’s servants came running at top speed toward the castle’s gate. He skidded to a halt and bowed deeply while trying to catch his breath. The servant stood up and offered his hand to the elegant lady. She took his hand and dismounted the gorgeous white stallion with a smooth, swift motion. She nodded to the bewildered guards with a slight smile as she followed her new escort into the king’s court. She took heart at the protection the king had employed to protect his household, but she wondered why he had not imposed such strict protection throughout his kingdom. As she walked toward the main entrance to the court, she noticed that the people had tense looks on their faces. It was as though they were collectively holding their breath, waiting to see what she would do. She smiled warmly to try and ease the tension in the air about her.
The double doors burst open before they had even touched the doorstep. The king himself stood before her in a deep bow. As he stood up, it was clear that he was anxious to speak with her. He took Khalida’s hand in his and led her into the throne room. He did not take his kingly seat but sat at a table to the side of the throne. He seemed to recognize his place in her presence, and this, more than anything else, really put her at ease. She knew that her meeting with King Leroy would be very productive. She eased gracefully into her seat across the table from the king and waited patiently for her gracious host to begin their private meeting. All of the king’s guard left the room, and all of the doors were sealed. They were all alone in the king’s throne room to discuss the matters of war. There was intensity in the air as she waited on the king to break the silence.
“Mistress Khalida, I have been expecting you,” started the king suddenly.
“How is it that you have been expecting me, King Ishrafle?” queried the Elemental kindly.
“I have received news from Arnaud of your coming. He tells me that you are representing the guardian and that it is Kana who is causing all of the strife in the lands,” explained King Leroy.
“I did not think that you spoke to the eagles. I thought that you and your people let them make their homes on the cliffs as long as they did not make their presence known to your subjects. Has that changed in the past few years?” she asked sincerely.
“It has changed within the past few weeks actually. Arnaud felt that we would need each other considering the increasing number of confrontations that were breaking out all over the land of Tuwa. I agree with him whole-heartedly. What I would like to know from you is exactly what is going on?” He did not want to mince words. He felt that time was a commodity that was too precious to waste on pleasantries.
“You certainly do not waste any time in getting to the point. I appreciate that, Leroy. The Elemental you know as Kana has indeed broken from the guardian council and has made it her ambition to rule Tuwa and the peoples who inhabit the lands. She has gathered together the banished races plus a splinter group of elves to assist her in gaining control.”
“You mean to tell me that she has recruited the orcs, goblins, and rock trolls? She has also managed to convince the peaceful elves, or at least a part of them, to join her in her quest for dominion over the free peoples of Tuwa. Why has she done this? I thought that the guardians only cared about the elements and not the peoples of Tuwa.” He was totally put out by the thought that one of the powerful guardians had decided to try and take over the free peoples.
“I share your concerns about our fallen friend. I believe that she has become hungry for more power and will stop at nothing to get, what she perceives, to be ultimate power. If she can conquer the people and control them in addition to the elements she commands, she probably believes that she would be invincible.”
“So, what do we need to do? I already see that there is a confrontation in Nairi and the Black Forest. I have received word that a massive army has attacked Mount Carrick as well. Do we need to send our army to our friends’ aid?” He knew that action was required, and he also knew that Khalida would give him the best advice.
“I ask you to prepare your defenses for an all-out assault. Prepare to receive the besieged peoples of Tuwa and provide them with shelter and food. Their armies, or what is left of them, will help fortify your defensive positions. I foresee that the final battles will be fought here…in your country. If you act now and do as I have asked, your enemies will not set foot on your plains.”
“Is there anyone else who can help us?” There was a pleading tone in his voice as he spoke to Khalida.
“I will ask the eagles to join the cause in a more direct way. I will also recruit other creatures that will provide you with considerable support. The guardian council will fight alongside you mortals. We will not allow one of o
ur own to destroy the people of Tuwa.
The Fall
Queen Kishi’s assault on Nairi had gone on much longer than she had anticipated. She thought that these men would bow before the awesome power of the high elves. These people are just as stubborn as dwarves in their mountain homes. After a few weeks of fighting, the queen’s army had taken the southwestern part of the canyons. Smoke filled the air from the barrage of magical attacks combined with fire arrows. The queen had elevated the usage of her powers and had not suffered any strain or drain on her physical body. In the past, using magic on a frequent basis left her exhausted for hours or even days. She had learned a way of compensating for the price exacted from overuse and that was to replace what was lost from taking from the earth. She had somehow discovered the secret of rock trolls who regained their strength or healed themselves by taking power from the land. She did not fully realize that by doing this she was heading down a path, which leads to enslavement to the darkest kind of magic.
As the sun rose on another day of fighting, she could not help but to think that this day would be significant or special in some way. As she stared at nothing in particular, the beautiful colors made by the different kinds of smoke caught her attention. There were purples, reds, blues, oranges, and green wisps of smoke that twisted about one another like they were locked in a forbidden dance. They curled and swirled about lazily as the silence of the morning deepened. There was an expectant feeling in the air and after a few more minutes of quiet, a strong northerly wind rolled through and the haze dissipated. The sky was beginning to clear of the incessant vapor, and the air was beginning to smell less and less like the dead. After so many weeks of rain, fire, explosions, death, and suffering, this new day had the promise of something more.
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