by Jordan Cramm
It wasn't long at all before they reached their destination, and when they arrived there was no missing it. The prairie grass had given way to more sand and rock, which they crossed quickly. But up ahead as they rode, they began to see the giant stones coming into view. They were giant to them even as they came close; spanning at least 400 feet in the air by their guess. What made the place even more strange however, was that each stone was a spire of sorts, bending inward toward the top to form a dome-like shape, though the Spires never touched each other at any of the points. All total though, the Spires were spaced out at 150 feet intervals, and there were several at first glance-more than 10 in plain view. Each Spire also had strange markings on them, and neither the Elves, the Izenians, or Dwarves could recognize what the markings said or meant.
“This has to be the place,” Ravenshade said as their ride came to a halt, “I mean just look at this place. It looks old, and as we cannot recognize these marks, they well could be the operation manual for how this thing works. Plus, look at the surface area between the Spires. If you had a mind to transport forces through here somehow, wouldn't this make a great gateway?”
“That's a frightening thought,” Wolflen remarked, “because if true, enemies could move place to place in force.”
“But who would have built these?” Jakarta asked, “I've never seen anything like it.”
“Strong magic maybe,” Mage Carra returned, “or maybe Giants carrying stones. Maybe both. Some kind of levitation for the stones maybe?”
As Wolflen stepped toward one of the stones after dismounting, he extended his hand toward one of the Spires and touched it. As he did, he told the others he felt a vibration, and those close to him could each hear a soft, but audible hum coming from the spire itself.
Wolflen pulled back his hand and reported he was no worse off for touching it at least, but that he had no idea what it was, or how it worked. Meanwhile, the column formation they all shared had become more of a swarm around their position, and the Dwarves began mingling with the main force.
“I think it's safe to say we are in the right spot though,” Wolflen went on. “And from my reckoning we are the only ones here right now. Let's move away from these a little bit and set up camp over there on the northwest side. Our enemies will likely be coming from that direction. Looks like we have some vegetation to the South. Do we have volunteers to go get wood for structures and fires?”
“Ah fog it,” Gorak came forward, “we'll go. We're good with our axes, and putting our mind to something other than staring at these foggin Spires will do us all good. Makes me sick just looking at them. They aren't natural.”
Wolflen nodded.
“Thank you 'King' Gorak for volunteering yourself and your men. We will begin the business of preparing camp otherwise, and sending out scouts so that we may have advance warning before our enemies arrive. If you need anything—any of you—I think you know what my tent looks like.”
Gorak turned and found his cave ram mount waiting, grumbling as he mounted once more and turned back toward the grouping of Dwarves that had spread out to gawk at the Spire ahead of them. Each of them seemed to fear it, but they held superstitions about such things. Besides, they were not necessarily wrong to fear the Spires, for by them entire armies could appear out of thin air if Wolflen and the others had been right about their theories. So, King Gorak yelled at his followers to get moving with haste.
“Wolflen,” Jakarta began asking, “shouldn't we create a perimeter around this thing?”
“What are your thoughts?” Wolflen asked.
“Just that if something comes through this gateway—assuming it is a gateway, then our forces sitting to the northwest would be caught completely off guard.”
“I see your point,” Wolflen answered, “very well. Let’s set guards with their tents around the perimeter as best we can. As for the bulk of our forces though, I want them on the northwest end of this thing to deflect attack from that direction. Meanwhile, pull our supply wagons to the exterior of this Spire-made-dome and set them in front of Spires. Butt them against the Spires in fact, or at least within a foot of clearing. The Spires may offer some natural shelter protection for the wagons that way, and I doubt anything will be coming through a portal and finding themselves in those exact locations anyway. I mean these Spires are at least 30 feet wide. We can get two wagons set in front of each Spire—3 if we really jam it. Those will be our food lines for chow. I'll set my tent at a focal point facing the northwest. Trevel, put together scout teams and let's make sure we aren't caught off guard. The rest of you, take up positions as Jakarta and Ayvock assign, and set up your tents. It could be another week before we see combat, or it could be moments away. Keep alert.”
Wolflen was right; they had no way of knowing how much time they gained by going through the underground, or how much their enemy was stalled along the way. One thing was certain though, they were certainly in the right place. They all knew it and felt it. It was an eerie and odd feeling. Looking up at the Spires as they stretched forth toward the sky didn't help, but once someone did, it was hard not to stare for a moment. It was eerie, and somewhat disturbing knowing the Spires were there and yet not knowing how they got there, who put them there, and what they were originally designed for. Still, they could all feel that they were in a place of strong magic well beyond their understanding. And knowing that battle loomed just beyond their sight was another feeling that clawed at each of them as every moment carried on.
Chapter 16: The Pipe and Bottle
Everyone had set to the task of preparing their new encampment. The Dwarves, while grumbling from time to time, proved their worth with their axes, chopping plenty of wood to be used for fortifications, and even hauling much of it back toward the encampment. They even put together a makeshift forge near camp, which they said would be valuable. The wagons had been set as Wolflen requested, and as such, they were set along the backside of 4 different Spires. Meanwhile, the rest of the company had begun setting up their tents as requested, and many were happy for the hope of rest that came by doing so. Still though, Wolflen pushed them beyond rest.
“Okay,” Wolflen said as he finished going over the map with the members of his council that were present, “by my guess we have a few days at most, assuming the Werewolves were bound here truly. Jakarta, have you ever constructed ballista?”
“Sure,” Jakarta replied, “I mean I haven't designed them personally, but yeah I understand the concept. You thinking catapults then?”
“Well, we brought a few barrels of my father's new black powder. We know it burns and that it is volatile. Put to purpose, that might help us defend our position if set upon.”
“But isn't that dangerous?” Mage Carra asked, “I mean, how long before I am healing burn victims?”
“It's a risk yes,” Wolflen agreed, “but one we must be willing to take. So Jakarta, do you think you could oversee the construction of say 3 catapults?”
Jakarta nodded.
“We have the wood. I'll say this for the Dwarves, they are hard workers. Trevel, I would appreciate if you would assist Jakarta in this.”
“No problem.”
“Thank you. Now, Ravenshade, I was hoping you would help the Princess here in setting up small blockades for our archers. They should be pointed in a northwestern direction.”
“No towers then?” Katrina asked.
“Hey, if you think towers would be better and we can get them built relatively quickly, I am all for it. How many people would you need for that m'lady?”
“Depends on how well defended they need to be. Maybe 20 men to build each tower...I can show them how.”
Wolflen nodded.
“That will also give the archers the ability to defend in all directions if need be...if, Kesper forbid, something comes through that gateway out there.”
“I'm not an archer myself,” Ravenshade offered, “but I can certainly help fortify these towers. I've attacked such structures before, so I
can help point out vulnerabilities.”
“Good,” Wolflen remarked, get it done. I will speak to King Gorak and see that the raw materials keep coming into camp. After that, Ayvock you and I are on a scout mission.”
“You think you should go out alone?” Jakarta asked, “After all, the last time you rode out with only one other of us, you were injured.”
Ayvock was silent but shrugging.
“Merely a scratch,” Wolflen remarked, “besides, we have some healers with us.”
“Merely a scratch he says...” Katrina chided, “at least head out with your helmet on this time.”
“You do have a habit of leaving it behind,” Ayvock answered.
“Who's side are you on here? And do you want to go scouting or not?”
“Oh I'll go. Kesper knows if I say no you'll ride out alone and none of us will see you again...sorry Katrina—kidding of course.”
“Yeah yeah,” she remarked, “just don't let him rush into combat again.”
“No no,” Wolflen replied, this is strictly a scout trip. We will ride back in a rush if we spot danger. I just want to know that we have a little bit of time left is all. Meanwhile, anyone who isn't working on catapult, towers, or other fortification, I want them out there digging trenches beyond our main camp area. I want lines at 400, 300, 200, and 100 feet out, and paint some markings on stones at each interval. These trenches should be half foot deep and as much wide. Put some black powder in each one. If we are lucky we can use fire to ward off our enemies as well as whatever else. Work the men hard if you have to Jakarta. We've no clue how much time we have.”
Jakarta nodded and then asked that Wolflen join him in his own tent after the meeting was over and Wolflen agreed. After that, the meeting was over and people dispersed, getting ready for their assigned duties. Katrina of course remained, and Ayvock said he would wait outside the tent for Wolflen.
He stepped toward her, feeling like duty was coming between them more than he would like. He knew she felt the same way. As such he didn't kiss her briefly, but held her for moment after moment, kissing her, and smiling as they talked.
“You sure you are going to be okay out there?” Katrina asked.
“I promise,” he remarked, “no heroics this time. I just want to get a feel for our timeline. I am hoping to be back by day's end, but won't promise such. Honestly, I thought this would be a good chance to spend some time with Ayvock you know.”
“You two haven't got much time to yourselves since Peludeen I know...and I know you miss that.”
“I suppose I do, yes.”
“Wolflen you don't have to feel obligated to be with me every waking moment. I know you and he are close. Just make sure that in your adventures together, you remember that I expect you to come home to me alive when it’s over. I know even this mission is risky, and I am only giving you my blessing because I know how close the two of you are, and that I have monopolized much of your time lately.”
“That's okay m'lady,” Wolflen replied with a smile, “time with you is time well spent.”
“Say it again then...no heroics this time.”
“No heroics this time. At the first sign of trouble, we will ride back for camp and give report. I promise.”
“Well you tell Sespa I expect your safe return.”
“I will.”
“I love you.”
“As I love you m'lady.”
“Be careful.”
“I will,” Wolflen remarked as he grabbed his helmet from the table and set it on his head, “and we will return as soon as we can. We ride in a heading to the northwest. Our enemies draw nearer from that direction, I am certain.”
Katrina nodded, agreeing that his assessment was the likely fact. They embraced once more in a hug and from behind his helmet, he pressed his lips forward, giving her a final peck of a kiss. She smiled and spanked his butt as he turned to leave, and he chuckled at her playfulness. When he left, she sighed and sat down on the edge of the main table a moment, not wanting to admit her own fears over watching him leave her side. Still, she knew they all had tasks that needed doing, and she also knew Wolflen and Ayvock needed some time together.
Outside the tent, Wolflen found Sespa waiting eagerly, and Ayvock was already mounted atop his horse Colt. Ayvock chided that Wolflen's private times with Katrina were surprisingly short, and that he figured they would be longer given that a War Mage should have stamina. Wolflen took Ayvock's meaning and just shook his head.
“It's not like that,” Wolflen replied, “I mean...not yet at least.”
“Well what are you waiting for?” Ayvock asked as Wolflen got to Sespa's back, “I mean we are in a war right? Might never come home kinda thing...”
“Alright, alright, enough of that talk.”
“Fine. Off to see the Dwarves then?” Ayvock asked.
“Naw, let's stop at Jakarta's tent first. He wanted to see me once the meeting was done. I don't like keeping him waiting.”
“You mean because he can kick your arse.”
“No,” Wolflen replied, “I mean because I respect him. He is my mentor.”
“...Who can kick your arse still.”
“You know,” Wolflen remarked, “I forgot just how snide you can be.”
“Snide?”
“Yes,” Wolflen answered, “snide...maybe it's you who needs to get laid. What, you can't seal the deal with Ravenshade or what?”
“Why don't you ask her.”
“Unbelievable.”
“What?”
“Nothing, let's go.”
“Lead the way.”
Wolflen chuckled as he spurred Sespa onward. He inwardly admitted he was looking forward to the time spent with his best friend. It would be just like their old times together out in the wild—except now there was a Werewolf horde out there somewhere, they were both combat trained, both a bit older, and both targets in the current war. Still, he was glad for the time.
At Jakarta's tent, Wolflen asked what the important matter was. Jakarta said it was nothing of real consequence but that if Wolflen was going to actually scout, that he should be properly provisioned to do so. As such, when Wolflen and Ayvock had arrived outside the tent, Jakarta stepped out to meet them with an expandable telescope in hand. He extended his arm to Wolflen atop Sespa's back, and handed it to him.
“I've seen these before. We never had much use for them in the cold lands near Akartha though.”
“Yeah,” Ayvock added, “in the cold lands the lenses fog up terribly, and half the time the metal frosts over and freezes so you can’t even expand the scope to get any kind of good use out of it anyway.”
“Well,” Jakarta replied, “out here the weather is warmer, and I don't think you will have to worry about lens foggin.”
Wolflen nodded.
“Thank you Jakarta.”
“You two be safe out there. I've lost students before, and it's never easy. But she loves you, and you are a Prince now as well as Steward. Many people in both races are counting on your return.”
“I know. She already made me promise no stunts this time around.”
“Good.”
Wolflen extended his hand and Jakarta met it with his own. Then after a brief handshake, Wolflen and Ayvock rode off toward the Dwarves that were still cutting trees in the distance away from camp, leaving Jakarta shaking his head as he stood in his own yellow armor; clean and ready for battle. As they rode closer to the Dwarves, Wolflen could see plumes of smoke rising from some of the Dwarves smoking pipes of sorts, and as they got closer, they could smell the tobacco in the air. Once Wolflen found King Gorak, he noted that the King himself had stopped to sit and take a break on a fell log, smoking a tobacco pipe.
“Ayvock and I are going to run a scouting mission to the northwest so we aren't caught unprepared. I have my people working on fortifications in camp, but to continue they are going to need the wood to continue coming in.”
“No foggin problem,” Gorak said with a huff of s
moke coming out of his nostrils, “we can do this all day.”
“I want to thank you for your work, and for that of your people. We are provisioned in our camp with some food...feel free to avail yourselves when you are hungry.”
“You got any of those foggin beef ribs left?”
“I think we do yes.”
“Fine things those are. You Izenians ain't half bad when it comes to meals. Wish you brought that fancy rum of yers though.”
Wolflen dismounted from Sespa's back and reached into one of the harness packs she wore. From it, he pulled a corked bottle and stepped toward Gorak sitting on the log.
“Tell you what,” Wolflen remarked, “gimme some of your tobacco, and a pipe to smoke it out of, and you can have this bottle here.”
“Hegh hegh,” Gorak snickered, “that's one foggin good deal if I ever heard one!”
Gorak stood and knocked the tobacco already in his pipe out to the ground, the cherry still burning as he stamped it underfoot. Then he blew through the pipe, sending the last tobacco flakes into the air. Next, he pulled a rag from inside his armor and wiped the mouthpiece clean. Then he turned back to the log he had been sitting on and grabbed the tobacco pouch itself, which was roughly the size of two Izenian fists. Wolflen noted that the pouch had cordage attached, so that it could be tied to a belt if desired. Gorak was happy to make the trade. Standing in his dull, gray, metallic armor he handed what he had to Wolflen.
“Sure you won't miss the pipe yourself?” Wolflen asked.
“Meh,” Gorak grumbled, “I am King now—someone will give me another. Besides, Fenka brought hers too I bet. Damn woman for all she's worth. I'll probably have to marry her and make her my Queen though.”
“You love her?” Ayvock asked.
“Now thats a crazy thing to ask a man with so many other people around.”
“Sorry...” Ayvock replied, deciding he didn't want to even try to understand.
“Hmmph....anyway,” Gorak went on, “that pipe is hardened glass. Might need a good cleaning, but I figure you can work that out yourself.”
