“You mean the city after Akrotiri on the route to Skaney? The last stop before the trade caravans cross the Barren Lands? You did mention it before."
“The same.”
The two waited. In a short while, a man entered the room. Danay closed the door. Tyler looked at the man. He looked like an experienced fighter. It showed in his features. The focus in his eyes, the way he moved. Though his nervousness showed. He was not a tall man, being of average height, around five feet and six inches, give or take a few. With pronounced muscles on a medium body frame. He didn’t have weapons nor a helmet. He did wear a cuirass, but unlike the hoplite design with defined muscular curves, his was plain. An iron armor chestplate kept clean and functional. Clean-shaven, he had cropped black hair.
“My Lord Dionysus,” said the man, as he dropped to his knees and bowed.
Tyler was startled. The man knew the deity’s true nature. He glanced at the god. Dionysus had a tight smile on his face, though he could see that a faint glow had appeared around the deity.
“Rise, Primus Reze. The king of the Pelasgoi himself as an emissary?”
The man stood up and again gave a short bow before answering.
“It would be disrespectful, my Lord, for anyone else to seek an audience with you. Forgive my impertinence for not announcing that I was coming. Times have called for some deception to elude the eyes and ears of our enemies.”
“Your apology pleases me. Come, sit on that chair. Let us hear the message you have carried from far away.”
Tyler was quiet. He could see that Dionysus was in god-mode. The man took the seat at the end of the table, facing the god.
“Now speak,” ordered the deity. Dionysus' voice sounded as if it came from around the room.
“My Lord, word had reached our council that the Dorians threaten Akrotiri. Despite some history with the Hellenes, we have kept our peace and stayed in the area near the Barren Plains. We have enjoyed good relations with the Ionians, benefited enormously from the trade, and grown as a people. Akrotiri provided a bulwark for us through the years. And now we hear it is under dire threat of an invasion.”
“The trade to Skaney does include goods from other lands coming from Nea Athinai. By your watch, you have made the route as safe as it can be. You have the blessings of my friend, the god Hephaestus. The threat from the Dorians is real, and I know what it means to your people.”
“My Lord, the Dorians look upon us as barbarians. A fallen Akrotiri would also mean a campaign against the Pelasgoi . One of extermination and slavery, if their history is any indication.”
“I understand. But first, my displeasure with your people. What are you going to do about it?”
“We know that, my Lord. We humbly beg your forgiveness. Our concerns about the effects of drunkenness while smithing and our people being in a state of perpetual conflict with the raiders of the route have blinded us.”
Hey, those are valid reasons! thought Tyler.
“But we come with a proposal, and we pray it would please you, my Lord,” Reze continued. “Cortana will set aside land outside the city walls and name as your district. We will build you a temple and allow taverns on that land.”
“That pleases me. It wouldn’t do to have divine Hephaestus be unhappy. You have my blessings.”
The young mage looked at Reze. The relief in his face was palpable though he was already sweating.
“Another matter, my Lord. With your indulgence,” continued Reze.
“Go on.”
“With your permission, we plan to send a force to help defend Akrotiri. Though we don’t practice phalanx warfare, our hardened warriors will prove to be useful defenders for a city under siege.”
“How many,” asked Dionysus.
“2,000 heavy infantry, 1,500 archers, 1,000 javelinmen, and 1,000 cavalry. We can’t commit more as we have to provide for our defense and the trade route. Once I get back, they can be here in four days. We have already started the call for warriors.”
“The king would welcome the assistance. After this is over, I think it is high time Cortana and Akrotiri come to a formal agreement as to the ties between them.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
“Is that all, Primus?”
“Yes, my Lord. I believe Hephaestus' gifts and knowledge, as bequeathed to our undeserving people, will be of use in the coming war.”
“I am sure it will, Primus. You have my leave to go.”
The man rose and bowed. A question about the mage’s presence was in his eyes. He just didn't dare to ask, being already terrified in the presence of Dionysus.
As the man left, Tyler turned to Dionysus.
“First time I saw you as a deity,” he commented.
“Contrasts with the first time we met?” laughed Dionysus.
“Yes, it does.”
“Sometimes, young mage, people have to be reminded who they are facing. But the compromise offered by Cortana is indeed welcome. That has been a bone in my throat for some time now. If not for Hephaestus, I would have burned that city to the ground for its heresy. Bad example to my followers.”
"But why you? You're known in the city as Master Dio, owner of the best inn in town. Not as Dionysus, the god."
"People who get to hear a god's whispers would know. Pappo is but a minor god. Well, it helped that Danay is of their people."
"He's a Pelasgian?"
"I just said so, didn't I? If they had worshipped Ares, then Cortana would have been slag a long time ago. Mayhem and ruinous war first, of course."
Tyler didn’t remark. But his impression of Dionysus as a dangerous and bloodthirsty deity when provoked was strengthened.
A sledgehammer to fix a nail. Even if it destroys the thing sought to be repaired. Sounds familiar. Dio, you’re more human than you realize.
“Now that’s over, back to the trap issue. His Royal Highness still had not provided the map I requested,” said Tyler.
“Oh, about that. I think I have one here. Had it made years ago when I was planning to sell wine to Kriti. Let me look. It’s around here somewhere. But we do have to determine the route that lochos is going to take and where exactly are they now. Every day that passes brings them closer to Dori and 15,000 men,” Dionysus said. Then he paused. “But I think a report just mentioned the number is already almost 20,000 men. And rising. Dorian reinforcements have started to arrive, and a lot of mercenaries have been engaged. Nothing like a winning war to encourage men to join.”
The deity stood up and rummaged among the clutter in a bookshelf to his left.
“Ah, found it! Here!”
Tyler took the map and spread it on the table, using books to pin the corners down.
“You’re right. We need exact information. These hills around Dori don’t encourage a blind search.”
He looked at the map carefully.
"Hey, there's a freaking dragon on this map!" he exclaimed.
“Don’t mind that. It’s artistic license. The name of the mountain range as I mentioned. Dragonfly Mountains,” the deity chortled.
Really loves the name.
“Dragons were living there a long time ago. The big flying Norse ones but I haven’t seen any of them in a millennium or so,” Dionysus continued.
“I hope you’re still right about that.”
“So, what if I am wrong? You get to see one of the grand dragons. Big as a small mountain. Terrifying. But those beautiful and majestic creatures! What a sight! Only very territorial. Also possess a bit of magic. While on the ground, it is said that some of them can hide and even become invisible. I really don't know. Cloak themselves to look like their surroundings would be more plausible. But the more powerful among them can even take the form of a human.”
“They can?” said the startled Tyler.
“Only the truly powerful. Watch out for telltale scales along the forearm. You see that, either you run away very fast, grovel abjectly, or be very polite.”
“I don’t think I would
like to meet any. Thank you. And about this map, it shows a big area. We have to know the route and location of the lochos before we can do anything.”
“Leave that to me. Now that I know, I will have something in an hour or so. You still haven’t forgotten it’s a trap?”
“No. The consequences of springing the trap would be the problem, and I can’t bring all of my companions with me. The work here in Akrotiri has to continue.”
“I wish I could help you there, but war is a specialized field. That why we have war-gods, battle gods, gods of strategy, and such. We’re out of those. Athena won’t be showing herself.”
“I know. You do know how bad the defenses of the city are. The Pelasgoi will be a welcome addition. But whether they’ll just be more men for the Dorians to kill is another matter altogether.”
“I hate to see that happen to new potential worshippers. And a new market for my wine. Anyway, I have to take my leave. Your information won’t get itself.”
“Thanks again, Dio. I really appreciate this.”
“Hah!” the deity replied as he disappeared.
Tyler stood up and went to the door. Opening it, he saw the three warriors gathered on a table. Calling them in, he went back to his chair. The three filed in and Habrok closed the door. Tyler saw Astrid with a new set of armor.
“You did find Astrid new armor,” he said when the three had taken their places.
“It’s made of an alloy, Sire,” replied Astrid. “A bit stronger than iron, but as light as leather. With some enchantment too. Won’t rust, adds to reflexes, and doesn’t rattle. New swords. Classic xiphos. Don’t know the metal but I have been told it cuts through armor like butter. The blades do have inscriptions on them. Danay said it’s supposed to help penetrate magical barriers. It won’t work on some kinds of magical barriers though.”
“Let’s try it. Remove your armor and put it on the other side of the table. Leave the map where it is. I will place a barrier on top of it. On my signal, try to penetrate the barrier. Though I should warn you, the barrier is tougher than it was back in Skaney.”
Astrid removed her cuirass and placed it on the table. Jorund and Habrok moved back. Seeing the clear space around Astrid, Tyler created a shield above the chestplate.
“Ready?”
The Valkyrie nodded.
“Now!”
The blade swung in a sharp and clean arc through the air. It struck the thick invisible barrier. Tyler’s enhanced eyesight saw it penetrate about half an inch before bouncing off.
“It does penetrate magical barriers. But only to a certain extent. About half an inch. It might do well against enchanted armor provided no barrier exists.”
They all sat down. Astrid put her armor back on.
“We will be getting information shortly about where precisely is the trap now. It’s the lochos supposedly escorting one of the sons of Ares. If it is indeed a trap, it will be moving slowly. Now, a hard decision to make. Jorund, you have to stay here and continue your work. And lead the city’s defense if it comes to that. The job, as you know by now, is beyond the abilities of its present general. He is already ordered to follow your commands, so that makes matters easier. Some reinforcements are coming in a few days from the city of Cortana. Hardened and experienced fighters. Around 2,000 heavy infantry, 1,500 archers, 1,000 javelinmen, and 1,000 cavalry, if my memory serves me right. But the heavy infantry is not trained to fight in a phalanx.”
“My Lord, I prefer to go with you,” said Jorund.
“I know, Jorund. But among the three of you, you’re the only one with the experience for the task. Akrotiri doesn’t only need fighting men right now, the city also needs a capable commander. How many mercenaries from its allies have arrived?”
“A measly three hundred men.”
“We are on our own. I don’t even trust those three hundred mercenaries to be around if fighting starts. Fighting an overwhelming human army is hard enough. But if that army is accompanied by demigods and minor gods, then it’s over before the fighting starts. We have to remove the high-value players from the board first. Hopefully, their removal will dissuade other Dorian cities from contributing soldiers to the campaign. Or least send fewer soldiers.”
“I understand, Sire. It shall be as you command,” replied Jorund.
“Now for the two of you. I can’t expect you to fight it out with Ares’ retinue. Just watch my back. There will be human soldiers with them. Focus on dealing with them but don’t stray from me,” said Tyler, looking at Astrid and Habrok.
“Sire, Danay did have a supply of those magic-penetrating liquids. Greek versions though. Similar to what I used against that dokkalfr night-mage. I don’t know how effective they are, but I guess I can use them on my arrows,” commented Habrok.
“Give some to Astrid. Hell, wipe them on your weapons. There’s nothing to lose by using it like that.”
“Yes, Sire.”
“And again, a reminder to the two of you. Forget the past. Work as comrades-in-arms. Bickering may lead to the death of all of us. Understood?”
The two nodded their heads.
God! Again, I sound so confident. I still haven’t come up with a plan! Five minor gods! Well, four if the son of Ares is not around. But still. Four freaking beings with freaking abilities! A trump card or two would have been very welcome.
Then, he remembered Odin’s box. I better look into that. It may be of use.
“So that’s it for now. Armor up. Get your gear. Habrok, please ask for provisions from Danay. Enough for three days. Split the weight between you and Astrid. Jorund, I guess it’s back to His Royal Highness for you. And I am still waiting for my map.”
On that note, the three left to prepare. Jorund on his way back to the palace and the two to their rooms and then talk to Danay. Tyler was left behind. He dug out the box from his pocket. A small box, same in appearance as the one with the communication stone. A familiar faint surge of energy coursed through him when he held it in his hand. He opened the box. Inside was another stone, this time golden in hue. Sigils were again present on its surface. As he looked at the reverse side, runic inscriptions greeted him. But this time, they were all Norse runes.
He cupped the stone in his right hand. Another surge of energy came from it, but this time it contained information. An area spell. A lightning cloud. The new knowledge showed him how to use the stone and what will it look like when cast. To activate it, one has merely to focus where the cloud will appear and then crush it.
I don’t think I can use this against those minor gods. They would be moving quickly, and it would be easy for them to get out of the cloud’s coverage.
He thought for a while, comfortable in the cozy ambiance of the room. His right hand was still holding the stone. A thought came to his mind.
“Guys.”
“Yes, Elder.” Hal was the one who responded this time.
“There’s a magical stone in my right hand. A gift from Odin. It creates a cloud which disperses lightning bolts over an area. I don’t believe I know that spell though I may have cast it during one of my moments near Bildsfell. Would it be possible for you to analyze the stone and its spell? Try to determine if I could add it to my list.”
“Of course, Elder. Do try to grip it a little tighter.”
Tyler followed the instruction but was careful not to crush it. An indoor lightning storm wouldn’t be a good idea. After a while, X spoke up.
“We have finished analyzing, Elder. You may return the stone to its box. We are reviewing our findings.”
He returned the stone to the box and put it back in his pocket. He did find it inconvenient to push his armor out of the way.
“Review finished, Elder,” said Hal. “The spell is now available to you. A High Mage spell. It does require a lot of energy at full strength. The area of coverage and the number, as well as frequency of the lightning bolts, is going to be dependent on the energy infused during the spell.”
“Thanks, Hal.”
Got one over you, Mr. Five-Steps-Ahead! These two AIs are indeed trump cards! But it won’t hurt to find more. Well, I better get back to my room.
As he started to get up from his chair, Dionysus suddenly returned, startling Tyler.
“Oh, there you are, I was hoping you would still be here,” said Dionysus.
Tyler got back to sitting while Dionysus took his seat.
“I found them. Well, the lochos anyway. And strong individual energy patterns around it. No sign of any son of Ares. You’re right. It’s a trap.”
“Invisible?”
“No. Those minor gods don’t have that power. They're probably masking their presence. Somebody got them artifacts to hide their energies. But I could sense four individuals.”
“The four from Ares’ retinue then,” commented Tyler.
“I guess so. But something is going on too. The whole area around Dori, at least in a five-mile radius around the city is covered by a potent spell. It prevents magical transfer into the city. As if anybody is crazy enough to try to sneak inside a city on the warpath.”
“How about the area where the lochos is traveling in?”
“Nothing of the sort. But if the Dorians got hold of such a spell, your trap can really be a trap. Such a spell can also be cast to do the reverse. Prevent anybody from leaving. You may not be able to transport back if things get hairy. Let’s presume that they do have a spell to do exactly that once you engage them.”
“I think that’s what they’re exactly going to do to prevent any escape from their trap. How long does the spell last?”
“That’s the problem. A few hours or a day, depending on its configuration. Do you still want to do this?”
“It’s not a question of want but need. If those four appear here with an army, then our job becomes an impossible one. I would rather risk facing them in an isolated situation than in a full-scale attack. Right now, they only have a lochos with them. That’s the best scenario so far.”
“You’re going be a petteia piece, Tyler. And not in a favorable position.”
“I am not familiar with the term, Dio. But I have always not been in a favorable position.”
Gifts of the Greeks Page 24
