The Cavalier Trilogy: Book 03 - Glimmer in the Shadow

by Jason McWhirter

  “Good, you’re here,” Captain Malazene said as Hadrick approached the group. “General, this is Captain Hadrick of the Free Legion.”

  The general smiled warmly extending his hand in greeting. They shook in the warrior’s handgrip and Hadrick felt the strength in the man. He was built like a swordsman, slender waist, broad shoulders and an iron grip. “Well met, Captain. I’m sorry to hear about your home, and I thank you for your scout’s warning. This is Captain Graggis, Third Lance of the Finarthian Knights, Master Trader Durgen from Dwarf Mount, Prince Dynure from Annure, and Sar-gathos, Ekahal from the elven lands of Mel’ un-riam.” Hadrick shook each of their hands.

  Hadrick was momentarily shocked. He was in audience with a very powerful group. For Bandris’s axe he had just shaken hands with an Ekahal. He had heard of the reclusive wizards but knew no one who had met one. They seldom left their forests as far as he knew.

  After making his introductions the general continued. “I’m sorry to cut the pleasantries short but we have some very urgent business to discuss and we could use your help,” General Ruthalis said as he directed their attention back to the map at the table. “Can you confirm what your scout told us?”

  “Yes, sir, and more,” Hadrick replied. “Myself and several other men infiltrated their camp last night. I would say my scout's estimate of five thousand is accurate,” Hadrick said.

  “And the siege engines?” Lord Dynure asked.

  “What siege engines?” Hadrick smiled.

  “I don’t understand. Your scout said they had siege engines.”

  “That was the reason for the mission. We burned the machines, every last one of them.” Hadrick was now grinning.

  “Hah, I be likin' this one!” Durgen roared as he slapped Hadrick on the back.

  “You’re serious?” Dynure asked.

  “Indeed.”

  Dynure smiled and shook his head. “Well done, Captain. You may have just given us the time that we need. Without those engines we should be able to hold off that many for weeks.”

  “Time? What is the plan, sir?” Hadrick asked.

  “We are bringing down the bridge,” the general said.

  “You hope to buy more time for Finarth,” Hadrick stated, quickly surmising the plan.

  “We do. With this bridge destroyed Malbeck cannot bring his army across,” the general continued, indicting the bridge on the map. “He will have to swing his forces around in order to get to the Tuvell Garrison and then the Lindsor Bridge. That will give us another month at least.”

  “What of those bridges?” Hadrick asked, pointing to both of them on the map.

  “We have engineers there now. Those bridges should be at the bottom of the river within the week,” General Ruthalis replied.

  “Which will gain you even more time as he will have to find a way to get his massive army across,” Hadrick reasoned.

  “That is the plan,” Lord Dynure said.

  “How long before you can fall this bridge?” Hadrick asked.

  General Ruthalis nodded towards Durgen.

  “Four or five days. 'Tis no easy task to bring down support structures that have been enhanced by magic,” Durgen said.

  “So we need to hold off the army until the bridge can be dropped,” Hadrick concluded.

  They simply nodded.

  “We? So you’re staying with us?” Lord Dynure asked.

  “Oh yes, we have a score to settle, and my men are ready to settle it with steel,” Hadrick said.

  “That is good news. We can use your experience, as well as your metal,” the general replied.

  “There is one more thing, General,” Hadrick began a bit apprehensively, “Last night we barely made it out of the camp alive, in fact we wouldn’t have made it at all if we had not been rescued by something.”

  “Something?” Sar-gathos said, speaking up for the first time.

  Hadrick looked at the elf and was struck by how beautiful he was. He knew beautiful was not the right word, but handsome didn’t fit either. It was the type of beauty one would see on a warm summer night when the sun is setting behind white capped mountain peaks, or the glistening glow of the moon reflected on the waters of a calm lake. His fair skin was smooth and his features were graceful, and even his voice calmed the spirit.

  “Two of my men and a wanderer we picked up on the road were being attacked by dire wolves and their riders. One of my men was badly hurt and then out of the darkness emerged a form, a huge creature that not only killed both wolves and their riders but carried my injured man two miles back to our camp.” Everyone was leaning in now, clearly interested in Hadrick's strange story. “Sir, it was an ogrillion.”

  “What!? You must be mistaken. An ogrillion helped you, by killing orcs?” the general said incredulously.

  “It did, sir, and that’s not all. Hagar, that is the name the beast goes by, was also wearing armor embossed with Shyann’s mark and carrying a beautifully crafted mace the size of a small tree. They were polished like mirrors and the armor fit the creature perfectly, as if it had been made especially for him. I have never seen the likes of it. I can’t explain it, sir, but I didn’t feel a mean bone in him,” Hadrick said.

  “I don’t mean to sound ignorant, but what is an ogrillion?” Graggis asked.

  Sar-gathos, his eyes narrowed in thought, replied, “They are rare beasts, half-orc and half-ogre.”

  “Not a good combination,” Graggis growled.

  No one said anything for a few moments. The story seemed unbelievable, but none of them had any reason to think that Hadrick would make it up. What would be the point? It was too outlandish not to be the truth.

  “You are sure the armor had Shyann’s symbol on it?” Sar-gathos asked.

  “Very much so.”

  “I mean no disrespect, Captain, but I find that very hard to believe,” General Ruthalis said.

  “Sir, if I hadn't seen it myself, I would not believe it either. But it’s true. The wanderer I told you about, Tuvallis, wants to go outside the gate and lead him across the river,” Hadrick continued.

  “He is outside the gate now?” Sar-gathos asked.

  “We believe so.”

  “I cannot let an ogrillion inside the garrison. It would create pandemonium,” General Ruthalis said.

  “Tuvallis figured you’d say that and asked me to commandeer him a boat to get the beast across.”

  “I would like to meet this Hagar. If he is as you say, I will get him across the river,” Sar-gathos offered.

  Captain Hadrick and Sar-gathos found Tuvallis easily enough. His Free Legion soldiers and the refugees were already lighting cook fires and preparing their tents and bedding. The ground was flat and relatively dry, making it a good spot to rest. Hadrick knew that everyone was running short on food, a situation that would have to be remedied shortly.

  As Hadrick crossed the bridge he saw handfuls of dwarves scurrying about accompanied by the constant noise of hammering and sawing on stone that sounded throughout the night. The massive bridge was impressive, constructed of giant stone blocks, its four support structures plunging deep into the water, and spanning a river a thousand paces wide. He could not fathom how a bridge of that size could be brought down. He thought perhaps they could just drop one of the spans but then realized that would not be enough. The Dark One could possibly use magic to rebuild a span, but to rebuild the entire bridge would not be possible within a workable time frame.

  He didn’t speak much with Sar-gathos as they walked across the bridge. Hadrick didn’t know what to say to the elf. The Ekahal’s presence unnerved him for some reason. The elf wore light flowing hunter's clothes in shades of brown and green and his long hooded cloak fluttered around him like silk. His tunic was lined with gold and intricate leaf designs flowed gracefully across it. He carried a long wood staff that was capped with a green stone and at his waist was a delicate looking long sword. Hadrick knew that most human wizards did not wear swords as the study of magic took too much time an
d effort. They did not have the time or luxury to learn weapon craft. But he understood that elves lived much longer lives, giving them the time to study both crafts. He had no doubt that Sar-gathos knew how to use that blade at his side.

  Tuvallis and Seli were with three other soldiers who were all busy setting up tents and lighting fires. Hadrick led the elf over to the group and approached Tuvallis as he was throwing wood on a fire. “Tuvallis, I would like you to meet Sar-gathos, an Ekahal from Mel’ un-riam.” Tuvallis seemed momentarily taken aback by the new guest, but he quickly composed himself. “Well met, sir,” he said as he shook the elf's hand. Seli was next to Tuvallis in an instant and so he introduced her as well.

  Hadrick then turned to Tuvallis again, “I have permission to take you to Hagar right now. Sar-gathos wishes to meet the ogrillion and help where he may. Are you ready?”

  “I am.”

  “Sir, do you mind if I go? I would very much like to meet this ogrillion,” Seli asked.

  “How are your injuries?”

  “I am feeling much better. Just some deep aches and occasional pain at times.”

  “Injuries? How were you hurt?” Sar-gathos asked.

  “Umm,” Seli stumbled over her words as she spoke to the Ekahal. “Umm, sir, I was captured by an orc raiding party. They beat me, and, umm...”

  “Tuvallis here came to her rescue,” Hadrick interrupted. “He was traveling out of the Tundren Mountains and heading to Finarth when he came across the orc party.”

  “And you stole her away in the night?” the Ekahal asked.

  “No, sir, it was not possible. They were near ready to…kill her. I had to intervene quickly,” Tuvallis said.

  “You killed them,” Sar-gathos reasoned. “How many?”

  “Ten.”

  “Well done, Tuvallis, it comforts my soul to know there are still those capable of great acts of courage. If you don’t mind, Seli, I would like to see to your wounds,” Sar-gathos offered.

  Seli looked at Tuvallis apprehensively. He nodded and she turned back to the elf.

  “Do not worry, warrior of Cuthaine, I will not harm you,” Sar-gathos said as he stepped closer.

  “I meant no disrespect, sir. Magic makes me nervous, and I must be honest, you do as well.”

  Sar-gathos laughed, the sound of his laughter melodious and free, like the laughter of children playing before supper. “Honesty is a virtue, and one that I appreciate.”

  “It’s just that I’ve never met an Ekahal. I have heard of your power, and stories of elven Ekahals were told to me as a child. And now one stands before me offering me healing. You can see how that would make my stomach flutter.”

  “Indeed, but worry not. I am just an elf with more power than most. But I bleed, just like you,” he said as he reached out and gripped both of her hands. “You will feel a little warmth and tingling, and that will be all.”

  Sar-gathos closed his eyes and began to chant, whispering elven words that they could not understand. The memory of their sound disappeared as quickly as they were spoken. Seli felt a slight tingle and then a wave of warm energy flooded through her. After a few seconds it was gone, and so was her pain. She opened her eyes and looked at the elf who was returning her smile.

  “You see, there is nothing to be afraid of. You had some very deep bruising that was causing a lot of pain. Several ribs were cracked but healing well, and your skull took quite a blow. But the pain should just be a memory now.”

  “Thank you. I feel…perfect,” Seli said gratefully.

  “I appreciate your healing of one of my soldiers,” Hadrick said.

  “It was my honor. Courage should always be rewarded. Now let us see to this Hagar.”

  It didn’t take them long to find Hagar. They had moved outside the gate and Tuvallis looked around, unsure of where the beast would be. There were several stands of trees off in the distance where Hagar would most likely be hidden, and luckily they found him at the first, a collection of large oaks with thick branches that twisted only as oaks do. There was little underbrush to obstruct visibility, and they quickly found Hagar behind the largest tree, whose massive trunk barely hid his incredible bulk. But the ogrillion heard them easily enough when Tuvallis called his name. He emerged from behind the tree and stepped towards the group, hesitating when he saw the others. He seemed to know that his size and ancestry would scare them, so he held back with his gaze low, non-threatening.

  “Interesting,” Sar-gathos said as he stepped closer. He moved slowly so he wouldn’t frighten the beast.

  “Hagar, this is Sar-gathos, and my friend, Seli. We have come to help you,” Tuvallis said. The ogrillion looked up at the sound of Tuvallis’s voice. Well he actually looked down at Tuvallis, but his eyes moved upwards from the ground. His lips peeled back exposing vicious yellow teeth. Seli’s hand instinctively went to her sword, but Tuvallis gently touched her arm to restrain her. “Don’t worry, I believe that be his smile,” he said with a chuckle.

  “Hagar,” the ogrillion said, thumping his chest and dropping to one knee. Now his eyes were just above their own.

  “The armor shines like that worn by a cavalier. And that mace is magnificent, and clearly made for him. How can this be?” Seli asked.

  “I know not,” was all Tuvallis could say.

  Sar-gathos began a soft chant and instantly Hagar’s eyes swung to look at the elf. Then his eyes grew wide and his smile broadened. They stood there looking at each other for a few minutes before Sar-gathos turned back to Tuvallis and Seli. He was smiling.

  “There is no evil in him, and he has quite a tale to tell,” the Ekahal said.

  “You spoke with him?” Tuvallis asked incredulously.

  “Yes, in a sense. He does not know a formal language, not even ogre or orcish as he was cast out of his ogre clan when he was very young. The spell allowed us to converse with images.”

  “What does he want?” Hadrick asked.

  “The same as all of us. He is heading to Finarth to fight, to fight alongside us, to fight against Malbeck.”

  “And the armor?” Hadrick continued.

  “He said he received guidance in his head. I could not totally understand the images, but it sounded like he was led here, and to his armor. He was led to the armor by a giant stag.” Sar-gathos didn’t even finish his sentence as he saw the expression on Tuvallis’s face. “What is it?”

  “I have also seen a giant stag, bigger than a horse. The biggest I have ever seen. And I have felt something, something inside me leading me here. I cannot explain it, but de feeling is very strong, like I was needed here.”

  “When did you see this stag?” Seli asked.

  “A handful of years ago, maybe four. The stag led me to two village boys who were attacked by boargs. I came to their aid and saved them. It was the same boy I told you about, Seli, the boy named Jonas that as you told me accompanied King Kromm of Tarsis to Cuthaine a month ago.”

  “And by all accounts he was a cavalier,” Seli said.

  “Which would not have been the case had you not saved him years ago,” Sar-gathos reasoned.

  “That has to be more than a coincidence,” Seli said, amazed.

  “I think, Tuvallis that you are being guided by Shyann herself, and it seems that Hagar is as well. She wants you both at Finarth,” Sar-gathos said.

  “I thought you elves did not believe in gods,” Seli asked boldly. She now felt more at ease with the Ekahal, and her words were not checked by nerves.

  “You are correct. But we believe in beings that humans and others think are gods. The power of the Ru’Ach is vast and all encompassing. It is everything that you see around you, including these figures that you call gods. But gods did not create the worlds, nor did they create you, or me. But this is not the time for a theological discussion; let us deal with the situation at hand. Hagar is clearly our ally, I will vouch for him. The armor he wears is blessed by Shyann herself, which proves his heart is free of evil intent. With that said, I still see no
way to bring him into the garrison. The soldiers will not know how to react to him. Let us stick with your original plan and get him across the river where you and Captain Hadrick can deal with him. Captain Hadrick, do your men know of the ogrillion?”

  “Only the few that were with us when he came to our aid. I ordered my men silent in regards to the beast’s presence. For now anyway,” Hadrick replied.

  “I suggest you introduce him to your men. Start slow and maybe his acceptance will grow like wild-fire,” Sar-gathos said.

  Tuvallis nodded his head in approval. “How do we get him across the river?”

  “We fly,” the elf said with a smile.

  And the Ekahal was true to his word. They made it to the river’s edge and stood on a small bank that had been cut away slowly by the steady stream of water that constantly flowed from the headwaters high in the Tundren peaks. Hagar looked at the water apprehensively, clearly not a fan of deep rushing rivers.

  “How do we fly across that?” Seli asked skeptically.

  “You need not do a thing. Just trust me and don’t move,” Sargathos said as he began to chant. Seli looked at Tuvallis nervously but he just raised his eyebrows nonchalantly.