The Kingdoms of Wala: Agnar and the battle of the Firemountain (1)

by Maximilian Lukas Aichele

  "What is your desire?", the guard asked.

  "I must go to the king!", Agnar replied.

  "No one can go to the king!"

  Agnar was again denied the entry to the castle and again he considered what he should do. He had already come too far to give up.

  He walked inconspicuously up and down for a while and looked at the castle. It looked much more magnificent and bigger from near. It had many colorful windows, that were framed with golden rims. Unfortunately, they was too high to climb on this way into the castle.

  Far to the right of the drawbridge, he discovered a narrow shaft from which water flowed. He lay just a few feet above the ground and was just so wide that Agnar could climb through.

  Once again, he pulled himself up at the wall and crawled through the shaft. The water was dirty and soaked all his clothes.

  It was only about two meters, which the shaft was long, until he came out on the other side in a large kitchen. The room was free of people and looked reasonably tidy. At the other end there was a door that led to a paneled with bright marble spiral staircase.

  Agnar quickly went up the stairs until he came to a large hall, with mirrored walls. Suddenly, two men, with heavy weapon skirts and black leather boots, walked through the hall, but none of the two stopped him. That just went well again. Where could the King be?

  While he thought about it, he looked around the room. It was a splendid hall, with many paintings and a gray marble floor that shone brightly in the light of the sun. It was not so easy to find something in such a large castle if one do not know the way.

  His clothes were still wet and pulled a long, dark puddle behind him. So it was only a matter of time before someone had stopped and arrested him.

  Agnar went back to the spiral staircase and hurried up the steps, until he was suddenly on the roof. From there one could move across the whole castle without encountering anyone. He decided to go to the large tower in the middle and continue his search for the king from there.

  The roof was mostly built of massive stones. In between of them there were also sections, which were only repaired with wooden planks.

  Carefully, Agnar walked over the roof and came closer and closer to the tower. He was close to his goal and he was walking carefully over the last wooden boards, when there was a loud crack and the ground beneath him collapsed. Agnar fell into the room below, exactly on a round dining table, where some soldiers were eating their lunch.

  The table shattered as Agnar landed on it. Fortunately nobody was hurt. The soldier jumped up and turned their spears at Agnar.

  »WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!?" yelled the captain, who just walked threw the door.

  "We have an intruder!", answered one of the soldiers.

  Agnar was still lying on the ground, holding his head. Then two of the men's put him up and took away his sword.

  "What are we going to do with him?", one of the soldiers asked the captain.

  "Bring him to Balduin. Let him decide, what will happen to him." Thereupon the soldiers dragged him through a long corridor, where there were many wooden doors.

  So, Agnar had not imagined this. Just as he wanted to ask, "where are you bringing me and who is Balduin?", a door opened and he was taken to a large hall.

  "You wait here!", said one of the men and went through another door.

  While Agnar was waiting, he wondered what would happen to him. In the best case, they'll just kick me out. He thought. The worst thing would have been for him, if they had imprisoned him and he could not search for Uller and Geirröd anymore.

  It passed an eternity, until the soldier returned.

  "Come with me!", he said, this time more friendly. Than they entert a hall, which Agnar made speechless. He was huge and lighter than the sun. Thick, white pillars wore the high ceiling, which was adorned with gold and precious stones. On the windows were hanging heavy, ruby-red curtains, with golden spears as bars. The walls and the floor were gold-paneled, and bright, colorful shields hung in every corner.

  Slowly and reverently, Agnar went in and saw a throne on the other side of the hall where a man sat.

  "Come closer!", said the man, holding his hand.

  Agnar followed the request and went towards him. Is that the king?

  Then the man nodded to the soldiers, whereupon they all left the hall. Now they were alone.

  There was a menacing tension in the air, when Agnar was facing him. The man had long, dark hair and wore a short beard. His clothes seemed very noble, but they was not that of a king. No crown adorned his head, and no scepter lay in his hands. So he just sat there looking at him.

  "So you're the intruder?", he asked, with a fixed view.

  "It was not my intention!", Agnar replied and had than also a question. "May I ask who you are?". The man stood up and stretched his chest.

  "I am Prince Balduin of Wala. Son of Aaron and grandson of Wieland. And with whom do I have the pleasure?". Thereupon Agnar bowed and said:

  "I am Agnar!", And showed him his respect.

  "All right, Agnar.", said the Prince. "Then please tell me why you are here?". At that moment Agnar noticed, that Balduin was holding his sword in his hands and played with the handle.

  "I'm looking for someone.", he replied after a long hesitation. Balduin raised the eyebrows questioningly and tryed to understand him.

  "Are you looking for him here in the castle?", he asked.

  "No.", said Agnar. "But I was hoping, the King might help me."

  "The king is not to speak, but perhaps I can help you." Then Agnar told the prince everything. He told him of his village, of Uller and Geirröd, who had disappeared and from the fight against the Orcs.

  Balduin listened attentively and made a worried face. He was silent for a long time, and thought about Agnar's words.

  "This damned Orcs!", he said. "Now they are already approaching us at the front door."

  The excitement that prevailed before seemed as if it had vanished. In view of Magnus story, Agnar would not have expected such a worried prince.

  "Why do you not do something against the attacks?", asked Agnar.

  "Do nothing?", Balduin replied and became angry. "What do you think we're doing all the time? All available soldiers are out there and defend this country with their lives. We simply do not have the strength to fight on all fronts at the same time." Then the prince went to the window from which one could look at the wide meadows in the west. "You know Agnar.", he continued with a lowered voice. "My father is not doing well. He has simply become too old to look after the land. More and more rulers and princes have deviated from him in recent years. The sad thing is that he does not want to admit it. In addition, he suffers from a disease that sucks his life out of his body."

  Agnar was ashamed to have asked him so clumsy.

  "And you prince?", he asked. "Can not you care for the kingdom?"

  "I am already doing all that is in my power. Unfortunately, only the king is allowed to give orders and no one else. The king reigns until his death, so is the law." Then he turned to the sword which the soldiers had taken from Agnar. "A beautiful sword, where did you get it?"

  "I got it from a man named Uller. It is the same Uller who disappeared together with my brother."

  Balduin looked at him excitedly. "You're not talking about Uller, the seller down at the market, right?"

  "Yes, exactly. Do you know him?", Agnar was also visibly excited.

  "Of course!", said Balduin. "He served for many years as a soldier under my father. I remember, how he always drived with his wagon through the area."

  Agnar came a big smile on his lips, as he heard this. It was the right decision to go to the castle. Then Baldwin continued:

  "It's a very special sword you must know. My father once gave it to the greatest warrior who ever lived. His name was Tyr. He was a man of strength and courage. Besides, he was fearless and quick like a lightning stroke." Then he put his voice. "I wish he was h
ere. He would knew what's to do to free the kingdom from these monsters."

  Then he held the blade to his face and touched the rune inscription with his fingers. "Here it is written:

  The one who is brave shall keep this sword.

  The one who is strong should swing this sword.

  The one who is wise can use this sword

  The one who is good shall have this sword."

  Agnar was very surprised to hear this. He wondered why Uller had told him that he had bought the sword in the town and why he had given it to him at all. In his eyes, it was much too precious to give it to an eighteen-year-old shepherd, especially since it was the sword of his father. But all these were questions which Uller could only answer to him, which brought him back to the actual theme of his conversation with the prince.

  "Please tell me Prince, what happens to the injuries that the Orc battles have survived?"

  "The wounded are usually brought to Borea. This is a small town in the east, just a few hours from here."

  "Could it be that Uller and my brother were brought there?"

  Balduin hesitated a moment before he answered. "That can be good, if they have survived."

  Thereupon Agnar was speechless. At such a thing he did not wanted to think. It was clear to him that Uller and Geirröd still lived and that they were doing well.

  "I would still like to stay longer with you…", Agnar began, "...but if Uller and my brother are indeed in Borea, I will not waste any more time and go there."

  Balduin nodded. "I understand.", he said. "I would do the same in your place." Then the prince went to a small desk by the window and took out a pen and paper. "Here, that might be useful to you.", he said and gave Agnar a piece of paper. On it stood:

  Passport

  The man before you, named Agnar, is empowered by

  this letter to act in the name of the King on Wala,

  and got absolute freedom of travel.

  drawn, Prince Balduin of Wala

  Agnar was very honored that the Prince expressed such a great confidence and thanked him many times. Now it was time to leave the castle and to go to the city called Borea.

  It was already far after noon and Agnar was not allowed to lose another second if he wanted to reach Borea before the sunset.

  Balduin went with him to one of the stables and gave him a horse from the possession of his father. With such a generosity, Agnar would not have expected, especially not after his spontaneous break into the castle. Finally, the Prince gave him a good advice.

  "If you are looking for a place to stay in Borea, you can visit an old friend of mine. He can also help you find your people."

  "That would be great!", said Agnar. "How can I find your friend?"

  »Go to the fountain, in the south of the city. There is a house that has the shape of a teapot. When you get there, knock on the door and ask for Hjalprek. Order him a nice greeting from me." Then he gave Agnar the horse's reins in his hand and gave him his sword back.

  "Thank you for everything!" Agnar said and left the castle.

  "Good luck!", Balduin shouted after him and went straight back to the throne room, while Agnar, comfortably past the soldier and rode back toward the old town.

  Before he went on the road to the east, he had Kerli even promised to visit her before.

  The market square was as full again as the day before. Again, people ran about wildly, discussing or pursuing another activity. Even those who have nothing to do, looked tense and restless.

  After a while he came to Kerli's house where her cat was already waiting for him. She lay on the windowsill and let the warm midday sun shine on their fur.

  "Go inside! My mistress is already waiting.", she said and lay her head on her paws.

  Agnar tied his horse to a wooden shield and entered the house. When he was inside, he felt this energy that flowed like lightning through his body. It was a healing power that made him happy and satisfied from within.

  He went into the main room and found Kerli, who was sitting on the swing, in the tree. She read a book, while the harp before the fireplace gave gentle notes. Agnar watched her and tapped at a shelf to make himself noticeable. Then she looked at him again, he felt his heart beat faster. For the first time since months, a carefree smile came over him and he was just happy for a moment.

  "Come and sit down!", she said and pointed to the free square beside her. She put her book aside and looked at him with her blue eyes. "I see, you succeeded."

  Agnar looked at her in amazement. How does she know that again? He asked himself and nodding to her friendly. Actually, he wanted to tell her everything, but somehow she already knew everything.

  "I'm glad that you came back to me again.", she said and took a small wooden box from the ground. "I wanted to give you something." Then she laid the box on his lap and ordered him to open it. Inside there was a blue gem that hung on a silver chain.

  "This is a blue raven!", said Kerli. "With this stone you always get in touch with me and can call me if you need help."

  Agnar took the chain in his hand and held it against the light. The stone broke the sun's rays into a thousand small and colored the whole room into a bright blue. It was one of the most beautiful gifts he ever got. Kerli and Agnar were both smiling and looking at each other.

  After hanging the chain around his neck, he thought again of Uller and Geirröd. "Will I find them?", he asked Kerli, in a sad voice.

  "Yes, you will!", she replied and laid his hand on his shoulder.

  They were sitting side by side for a while until it was time for Agnar to say goodbye. Her last words gave him new courage and strengthened his hope.

  "Good trip!", said Kerli and paused for a moment. "Take good care of yourself. There are dangers everywhere. Even before heaven, you must beware."

  "I will do this.", said Agnar. "And thanks for everything." Then he left the house and went to his horse. Kerli's cat led him to the eastern gate and dismissed him there to the infinite freedom of the country.

  After the hustle and bustle of the city, he was really looking forward to the peace of the meadows and forests. His thoughts circled beside Uller and his brother now also around Kerli and their magical house. He hoped very much to return to this wonderful place one day, but then without looking for someone.

  The sky was clear and the midday sun stood high above him. He had already achieved a lot and was full of confidence. With his heart he had already found the two, and he was sitting with them at home on the lake, fishing.

  "To Borea!", he shouted to his horse with a smile and rode with new energy toward the east.

  Hot Springs

  It was an arduous path that Agnar had before him. Soon the beautiful meadows ended and a menacing path, between wooden cliffs, came to the fore.

  There were many paths that lead astray and only a few places through which one could ride unhindered. In some places, the cliffs were so narrow that Agnar had to climb off the horse and only progressed step by step. Every now and then smaller stones loosened from the walls and fell to his feet. All the security and comfort he had in his homeland were now far behind him.

  The farther he came, the more he wondered if this was the right way. He was pretty sure that he went wrong at one of the many crossings and that he himself was to blame for crossing such rough terrain.

  At least the direction seemed to be right and it was not long before the path ended and Agnar found himself on a hilly landscape.

  On the horizon was a flat mountain chain, with a gap in the middle. In this gap a large iron gate was visible, which stood before a high stone tower. That must be it! Thought Agnar and rode cheerfully to it. The road was still wide, but there were now no obstacles anymore.

  About halfway through the path, he suddenly saw something big, bright in the high grass and therefore stopped. Although he had to be careful, his curiosity was bigger than his fear and reason.

  Looking closer, Agnar saw that it was only
a large, round stone that had attracted his attention. A normal traveler would have turned his back on this knowledge and would have moved on, but Agnar found something strange about this stone.

  Hesitantly, he jumped from the horse and carefully picked the stone up with both hands. For a stone of this size, it was very light and the color was quite odd. He had a very bright brown tone; He looked almost sand-colored.

  Agnar turned it like a ball and looked at him from all sides. On one side, two bulges were pressed out. Two were round and stood closely together, another was elongated and lay vertically under the first two and the last one was horizontal, just below the previous one.

  Agnar looked at the stone for a while, until he was frightened suddenly and let him fall. Now he knew what he had in his hands. It was a head. A severed head, from a stone being. The two vaults were, in fact, his face; consisting of the eyes, nose and mouth. The eyes were pinched and the mouth made a pain-distorted expression.

  Agnar immediately realized that it was not the head of a stature, but of something that was once alive. This sad look hit him to the marrow.

  It was already late in the afternoon and Agnar only wanted to be as far away as possible from this place. He was just about to get back on his horse, when he looked again at the stone-head and decided to give him the last honor.

  A few yards away from the site, he dug a wide hole with his hands and buried his head in it. Agnar knew that if he stayed longer in this place, he would have the same fate and rode quickly to the big iron gate. It was very similar to the iron gate at the Castle of Wala.

  In the high stone tower behind, men's with arrows and bow in their hands watched with a critical look as Agnar approached them.

  Having arrived at the gate, Agnar rode toward the guard and asked:

  "Please tell me, is this Borea?"

  "Yes!", said the man. "What do you want here?"