by Jordan Cramm
Fengysha Series
Fury of Molith
Part Two of the Fengysha Series
Written by Jordan Cramm
Copyright © November 2015 by Jordan Cramm
For Lorne, who was a TREMENDOUS help in proofing this work. Thank you brother for your eyes, your patience, and your help!
For more of the Fengysha series, go to:
http://www.amazon.com/
Search for Fengysha Series, or for these specific titles:
Under The Elven Sky (Book 1)
Table Of Contents
Chapter 1: The Long Call
Chapter 2: Orcs At The Gates
Chapter 3: The City of Elender
Chapter 4: Events Of The Night
Chapter 5: The Mourning After
Chapter 6: The Voodian Find
Chapter 7: Morning Preparations
Chapter 8: The Toll Of Haste
Chapter 9: The Anticipated Arrival
Chapter 10: The Festival
Chapter 11: The Would-Be King
Chapter 12: The Underground Passage
Chapter 13: The Darkened Isles
Chapter 14: Underground Acclimation
Chapter 15: Spires Of Molith
Chapter 16: The Pipe And Bottle
Chapter 17: By The Way, My Name Is
Chapter 18: A Vampire's Progress
Chapter 19: The Price of Knowledge
Chapter 20: Battle Begins
Chapter 21: Lorne Outrider
Chapter 22: The Underground Cold
Chapter 23: The Bloodgrounds
Chapter 24: The Dwarven Form
Chapter 25: The Frosty Dragon
Chapter 26: Return To Akartha
Chapter 27: Nambrin's Last Uprising
Chapter 28: Back To Molith
Chapter 29: Pyres And Words
Chapter 30: Deceptive Fury
Chapter 31: Farewell For Now
Chapter 1: The Long Call
He rested what looked to be peacefully, apart from the snoring and occasional tremor. Such would be nothing of note except that he was in the tavern, and it was still open despite the earliness of the morning. He didn’t rouse at first. In fact it took two decent kicks to his shins before his body shuddered and he woke. Ale was dripping down his long braided, reddish beard, and his toxic alcohol-breath could be smelled from across the room.
“Come on Gorak, shift starts soon. Have you even been home at all since last rotation?” another Dwarf named Fenka asked.
“Hmm?” Gorak replied, still rousing, “What? Fenka, ah, is it time then?”
“Aye it is. Now grab your hammer and let’s go.”
“Ah fog it. Fine. Don’t get your knickers in a bunch over it,” Gorak replied as he wiped his chin and stood.
His helmet was on the table in front of him, which he picked up slowly as he stood. He set it atop his head, and while it did protect his head, it didn’t stop him from getting his face dirty, especially since at the tavern he never wore it.
“I mean it Gorak, get it in gear!” Fenka barked at him.
His movements were slow as he checked himself over. He reached for the goblet still on the table but found it empty. He didn’t even notice Fenka’s piercing gaze now. He belched loudly, spilling more stench of his breath into the air, leaving Fenka to just shake her head.
“I think you should start taking it easy on the ale Gorak. You can hardly stand.”
“Nonsense. I’m fine. Oh fog it, maybe you’re right. But maybe that’s why the Gods blessed us with a low center of gravity,” he replied wittingly.
“You’re unbelievable. It’s been more than ten years now Gorak. Don’t you think it’s time to move on?” Fenka asked urgently.
“To what exactly?” Gorak questioned.
“I dunno. Uggh, I give up. Let’s get moving though or we are going to be late for our detail.”
“Fog it. Yeah I’d hate to be late for scouting duty that we may never come back from. I’d hate to miss out on fighting with the hundreds of Orcs just waiting to kill us. Would be a shame to be late for death after all.”
“Always so dramatic. Would you just get a move on already?”
“Oh fog it, what’s the point?”
“Well,” Fenka remarked, “you can either take your chances with the Orcs, or you can take your chances here now with me and my axe. What’s it going to be then?”
“Alright, alright. Damn woman, can’t a man just enjoy a drink?” he asked.
“From the smell, your appearance, and your slow reaction time I’d say you’ve enjoyed too many already. Can’t you just let it go already? It’s in the past. She’s dead. Move on already.”
“You weren’t there,” he growled back in a low tone, “but I was. I’ll never forget that day. And I’m sorry that my heartfelt emotions get in your foggin way so much, but if it’s such a problem, why don’t you get yourself a different foggin Scout partner?”
She sighed.
“Because even this drunk you are one of the best here….fine whatever. I am sorry I harped on you about it again. I am just saying it would be nice if you could focus on our duties rather than spend your nights here in this tavern.”
“Why?” he asked, “What is wrong with the place? They have food, drinks, and obviously they don’t mind me sleeping in the chairs, and I don’t have to pay rent.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“What?”
“Nothing.” Fenka said with a huff, her dark brown hair dirty and knotted.
She slammed her own helmet on and shook her head once more as she watched Gorak adjust his own.
“And this time, can we not bring any leftover fish with us? You forgot we had it last time and it began stinking like one of your old socks,” Fenka said.
“I was carrying it inside my sock for safe keeping,” he replied.
“Never mind,” she remarked, “forget I asked. Can we get moving now?”
Gorak picked up and empty bottle at his table and tipped it up, trying to get a few drops but nothing came out.
“Yeah yeah, quit your nagging woman.”
The tavern was one of the many structures built directly into the city of Elender, which was a port city run by Humans and Dwarves alike. For the most part, the Dwarves kept to the underground, surfacing primarily for trade. Every year, the Dwarves delved deeper underground, mining new metals or jewels from within Fengysha itself. Of course, such a thing came with certain perils, even beyond the possibility of cave-ins. Orcs and Goblins both lived in deep caverns and open pockets within the interior of the world, and the further one went tunneling, the more likely it was for such dangers to become more frequent.
For the Dwarves of Elender, they were especially challenged because above the surface was an entire city where Humans lived, and the port existed. So, if the Dwarves were overrun by dangers from below, then it would only be a matter of time before the surfacers had to deal with the same problems, and as such would be likely taken by surprise. Of course the Dwarves of Elender were no pushovers either. Gorak and Fenka were just two Scouts among hundreds that often braved the new tunnels, helping to find new resources for their people. Also, from time to time they would be called upon to scout to other Dwarven cities that connected underground in an intricate network. Such journeys were long, and often boring, while other times could be full of peril and battle.
Gorak was a dwarf of 103 years however, and while he liked the peace times, he had seen his share of battle as well. With him was Fenka, who was only 62 years old, and had been in the service of the Forgotten Ones just like Gorak. The Forgotten Ones were those brave enough to sacrifice their own lives as soldiers in
service of the Dwarven realms. They were called such, because once someone joined, they were expected to give their lives at some point in the underground in such service. Primarily, the Forgotten Ones normally took Dwarves from the Warrior caste, and usually once someone joined, their family wept. It wasn’t for everyone, but the position did command certain respect and was considered honorable. The Forgotten Ones were normally revered even by other Dwarven Warriors, because while many in the Warrior caste were soldiers, and would see battle in their lifetimes, only the Forgotten Ones made it their way of life.
“You coming Gorak?” Fenka asked. “You know we need to report to Scout Master Rezak for our next assignment.”
“You go,” Gorak remarked, “I think I will just wait for you over there…”
Gorak pointed to a bench nearby, just outside the tavern. It, like most everything around them was fashioned from stone. Above their heads, great stone pillars formed archways and support beams high in the ceiling above. Upon the stone pillars and walls were Dwarven markings; ancient symbols depicting histories and giving directions for others to follow underground.
Daylight was a rare thing underground, but that is not to say that the Dwarves simply ran around in the dark. For one thing, mirrors were used in the majority of the city that reflected sunlight from the surface down below. But even without it, several fire braziers burned throughout the city at all times; there was even a group called the Legion of Light, whose sole purpose was to keep the city illuminated. So they employed such things as fire braziers, torches, lamps, and other methods as well. And while Dwarves were normally not Mages by trade at all, the Legion of Light did have within its ranks, a few Dwarves that could cast various illumination spells to create magic orbs to give off orb light. Such spells were not draining at all, and proved useful in helping to keep the city lit when it needed to be.
In a way, the city of Elender was more like two cities stacked on top of each other. One was the surface city which mostly was inhabited by Humans, while the Elender underground was only home to Dwarves. The culture between each section was vastly different, but each functioned together for their mutual benefit.
“Fine Gorak, like usual, I will get our next assignment while you … well while you do whatever it is you do. I will be back in a few moments. Try not to fall asleep.”
“Grum,” Gorak replied, “I will do no such foggin thing. Just go get our assignment would you.”
“Yeah yeah. Should I look for just a day’s work, or something longer?”
“Do you have to ask?”
“Right…the whole get back to the tavern and drown yourself in ale thing…short call then.”
“Grum yeah woman. Now get moving so we can get on with this foggin adventure.”
Fenka just shook her head as she walked away. The Scout Master for the Forgotten Ones was posted in a structure not far from the tavern. But such was done by design. After all, in the Forgotten Ones, a Dwarf could count on two things for certain; combat, and eventually death. It was no surprise that these often battle-hardened, stoic figures often drank.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside, pressing a closed fist over her chest in salute as a ranking officer passed by on his way out. He nodded and returned the salute but kept walking briskly. Ahead, there was only a stone counter top before her, where Scout Master Rezak was sitting. As she approached, he asked if Gorak had finally died.
“Sorry, he’s still among us. He’s shaking off another hangover,” Fenka said.
“Well, he’s earned it I guess,” Scout Master Rezak replied, “How he keeps going as he does is a mystery to me. Still, you’re lucky to be working with him. If my leg weren’t gone I would have put in for it myself. He’s too stubborn to die.”
“You got that right. I just hope it rubs off on his partner.”
“Well good luck on that score. So I am guessing he wants another short call am I right?”
“Yeah that’s what he said.”
“Well that’s going to be a problem. We just broke through into some new cavern systems, and right now the short calls have been suspended. All of our Scouts are being funneled toward the new discovery. We’ve already encountered enemies and expect to find more as we move further in. Orcs and Goblins both.”
“Great…that will make his foggin day…sorry for the language.”
“It’s alright. I don’t like this grum anymore than you do. But, we are the Forgotten Ones. Best to get right with the truth of it. Of course you don’t have to be a Scout. You could wait and move in with the main force.”
“There’s more freedom as a Scout.”
“Yeah I know. Of course, more danger too—going in by twos, sometimes coming out as just one, or not at all…some days I wished I had the main force at my back. Might have kept my leg if I did you know? Anyway, here’s a map to show you where you and Gorak need to be. It might be a long one, so pack heavy.”
“He’s really not going to like this.”
“Sorry.”
“Oh don’t be,” Fenka said, raising her head and smiling, “I’m looking forward to giving him the news.”
Scout Master Rezak let out a belly laugh that was strong and cheerful while Fenka just turned and walked back out of the structure. She pushed open the wooden door at the front of the building and stepped back out onto the stone floor of the city, which was smoothed down. Then she strolled toward Gorak with a slight grin on her face, ready to give him the news.
“All short calls are suspended right now. They only got long call. Broke new ground and found a whole new cavern system that is crawling apparently; Orcs and Goblins. Rezak said to pack heavy.”
“Are you serious? Well this is foggin great. I guess then…I am going home to pack. Meet back here as soon as you are ready. No short calls…?”
Gorak just trailed off, still grumbling and cursing about the mission ahead of them. He hadn’t wanted to be sent out for work in such a way. Long calls he knew could mean they would be gone for days, weeks, maybe even months. And the longer they were away from the city, and from fresh supply, the more perilous their journey would become. It was in fact on a long call when his former sweetheart and girlfriend had been killed. So as he walked through the city bound for his house he still grumbled, gripping his war hammer tightly. Fenka just stood and watched for a moment, laughing inwardly.
For her, this would be only her third long call, but the three priors were enough to alert her to their dangers and seriousness. She had only spent one with Gorak as her partner, and during that venture he had saved her life more than once. She remembered how he would yell at her to keep up or be left behind, or how he would bark at her about her fighting skills, and his belief that they needed serious improvement if she wanted to survive. Still, as much as they bickered, they had been partners for nearly four years now, and she wouldn’t trade him as a partner for anyone. Whether he would admit it or not, he felt the same way about her.
Their work and their time together had been such that they found a way to work well together. Of course they bickered quite a bit, but deep down, Fenka felt that the bicker was just a cover for the deep reservoir of feeling that Gorak possessed. In a way, she valued his input even as insults, because it kept her alive, and also because she knew it meant he cared in his own way.
She shook her head as she thought about it. They would have plenty of time together now whether they wanted to or not. But before they could begin the expedition into the deep underground, she too needed to pack. Plus, in the meantime she had to contain the nervousness and unease that she felt from the moment she was told they were going on a long call.
As she walked toward the common quarter of the city where her home was located, she began her mental checklist, going over supplies she would need to pack. Three axes, a mace, shield, spear…no, the spear would be too bulky. The axes, mace and shield of course. Two daggers as well. Forget the broadsword, because with the other stuff the weight is adding up. Okay, what else…hmm. Three chan
ges of clothes, bedroll, canteens, lanterns, parchment and quills, journal, and ah yes food. Lots of food. We can find water underground, but food, who knows. Ah, and I better pack some extra ale for Gorak. He’ll thank me for it. Oh, and tobacco. The long calls after all surely warrant it. Besides, Gorak likes the snuff too, so that will help our situation. I bet he packs only weapons, and ale. Well, he hasn’t failed to get me back alive yet, so at least there’s that…oh but the farts on the last long call…all that ale…well, we are the Forgotten Ones I guess.
She smiled at her inward thoughts, laughing at the unspoken joke. It was all she could do to keep calm. She knew as other Scout teams had received the news, they too were all likely in equal mental states now; preparing to venture out on the most dangerous types of missions they had. Once entire pockets of enemies were found, they could be documented and the news could be brought back to the main force of the Forgotten Ones, which would then march where needed. They would not however march for skirmish-level battles in most cases. Such were left to the Scouts themselves. So, Fenka knew she wasn’t alone in her nervousness. Still, it was a burden to carry.
Chapter 2: Orcs At The Gates
Elender had nice weather on the surface. The seagulls cawed as they flew over the ocean surf, begging for a meal that normally consisted of fish that swam to close to the rocks. Now though, they looked on with greater hope as ships began pulling into the docks. Of course, the entire 2nd Izenian fleet was too large for everyone to disembark at once, so only a few ships could do so at a time. Wolflen was the first to set foot upon the docks, and he turned back slightly, taking the hand of Princess Trueshot and helping her get her footing upon the dock. Behind them were Ayvock and Ravenshade, as well as Shamus Darkmoon, Wolflen’s own father. Behind them was the Black Cloak Guard, Wolflen’s own bodyguards. They were led by Flint Calmbreeze, who now walked normally without a limp.
