Metal and Magic: A Fantasy Journey

by Steve Windsor

  “I am not sure that it is you he waits for. He always sets his sights on ships and its passengers or crew and even then, his interest does not include those of the wealthy.”

  “He must have gotten wind of the pirates somehow.”

  “If he’s here, then it is very likely my father is as well.” Vannera said, deep in thought.

  “You harbor the false King’s daughter?” Obin asked looking at Vannera with contempt.

  “Watch your words.” Davydd said, stepping forward.

  “This is not the time for conflict among us.” Baximus said walking forward.

  “Obin. It has been a while. I have one question. Did you come here of your own free will, or at the behest of King Vitalis?” Baximus asked.

  “At his majesty’s orders, I was dispatched here.”

  Baximus breathed a sigh of relief. “Then you are not alone.”

  “No... unfortunately.” Obin looked away.

  “Some things never change.” Baximus said as he shook his head.

  “Father... We need to lay out plans.” Davydd said. He glanced over and Segmiatus who was sitting away from the group and staring at nothing in particular. He had been distant ever since their encounter with the wraiths at the field of dead souls. Davydd had meant to speak to him in private, but had not found the opportunity yet.

  “Very well then.” Baximus said. “Our first task is to ensure we know when Kazan attempts to meet with Ivan. For that, I believe Max should be equal to the task.” Baximus looked at Davydd, who nodded his head.

  “Sam and Segmiatus will be in charge of scouting for all Angwelethean soldiers here under the guise of residents. Segmiatus, you are well versed in the tactics of Angwelethean soldiers, and as such you will take command of this.”

  Segmiatus nodded.

  “Vannera and Matilom, you two will seek a vantage point on a rooftop where you can see as far and wide as you can in all directions. You will be our guide and let us know where Kazan is at all times. Your sight has developed greatly and you can discern individual auras now.”

  Vannera nodded as well.

  “I and Leo shall take to the ports in hopes of spotting Sidion’s ships, or Ivan’s. Davydd, you and Obin shall follow Leo and me. We will take the path back to where Leo last saw Kazan. Let us hope he is still there. Once you spot him, Vannera who will at first have eyes on you, should see him as well. Obin, have your men lend support to us as best they can.”

  “They already are, though they have been instructed not to combat the enemy until ordered to do so.”

  The tension in the room was palpable. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts. For once, the gauntlet was within reach.

  “Everyone here.” Davydd began “You have all risked your lives believing that we do what is right for Angweleth... for Terrinaus.” He looked around the room. “Some of you have known that this day would come for much longer than I have, and some of you have known about it for as long as I have. Regardless, you have stood by me even when I could not stand. You have believed in me, even when I scarcely believed in myself. You have trusted me unwaveringly. Whatever today brings, I thank you. Whatever today brings, we will not pause, we will not turn and run, we will not give up hope until we achieve that which we came for. Let us show the enemy that no amount of power or control can ever subdue the human spirit or the will to live and live well.”

  The speech seemed to galvanize the others and strengthen their resolve. The glimmer of hope returned to their eyes as they nodded heads and made gestures of approval.

  “An orator.” Obin said in a low voice so that only Davydd could hear. “Not a trait easily mastered. You inspire well young Miljorn. It is no wonder you have come so far even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.”

  “I have had my moments of doubt.” Davydd said.

  “Yet you overcome them. Perseverance my friend, is also a valuable trait. Remember that. In the meantime, I suggest you address whatever it is that troubles your friend over there. If he goes into battle in such spirits, I fear he will not live through it.” Davydd looked at Segmiatus again and then back at Obin.

  “I pray my attempt does not dampen his mood any further.”

  Davydd walked over to Segmiatus and sat by him. They sat in silence for a while, watching the others make preparations. Davydd looked at Segmiatus, noting his forlorn look.

  “Did you know him?” Davydd asked.

  “I was too young to remember.” Segmiatus said after another brief silence.

  “Why Segmiatus? Why did you not tell me about this?”

  “There was no need... There never was.”

  “You told me he had gone to a faraway land.”

  “Yes... he did. He came here.”

  Davydd breathed in heavily.

  “I understand now... why you so strongly wanted to come on this quest. You saw yourself in me. Did you not?”

  “I came because I could not let my closest friend embark on a deathly journey while I stayed back in the comfort of Angweleth. I did not expect this. I almost caused everyone’s demise. I even got reprimanded by lady Feona. I don’t deserve to be part of this.”

  “Are you done moping?” Davydd asked. “Such nonsense. You are a part of this Segmiatus. You have been my closest friend and confidant. I cannot blame you for longing to converse with your father once more. I know what it is like... to have someone missing in your life and wonder where they are.”

  “Indeed... you found yours...”

  “As did you. The choice to honor his sacrifice is yours to make, however you to choose to make it. But I need you by my side. I ask as a friend... for your support... your real support.”

  Segmiatus looked up at Davydd, who was smiling at him. He gave him a friendly pat and on the shoulder and rejoined the rest, leaving Segmiatus to his thoughts.

  Farok walked into the captain’s quarters of the ship he was on. It was not the royal ship in which the king of Angweleth usually rode in, but it was the one Sidion Vror had chosen to travel in, as it would draw less attention. In the captain’s quarters, Sidion Vror stood watching the expanse of ocean that stretched out far in front of them.

  “What news do you bring, Farok?” Sidion asked, looking behind him.

  “One of the men who follow Davydd Miljorn was in Sangwa today. It was the one who holds the power of the unseen. I tried to follow but he was gone from my sight before I could make a move.”

  “Could you tell what he was doing?”

  “He was standing in front of an inn and he did glance at it. I am not sure, but he might have been following someone.”

  Sidion turned around to face Farok.

  “Then we must assume they know where the pirates are. It is already getting dark, which is good. Bring the ships to shore under the cover of night. Once we get sight of Davydd, or Ivan and their followers, we strike.”

  They were ready to move, all of them. They wore focused and intense looks on their faces as they prepared to head out of the upper room in the inn. Davydd nervously played with his sword handle, by his side. A hand wrapped around his and when he instinctively turned to look, his eyes caught Vannera’s smiling face.

  “Steady my love, steady.” She said reassuringly.

  “Vannera...” Davydd began but trailed off.

  “What troubles you? You can tell me.” She put her right hand gently on his cheek.

  “I am sorry... for what I may have to do... tonight.”

  Vannera looked at him for a while realizing what he meant, and buried her head in his chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck and slowly lifted her face to his ears. Her eyes were moist.

  “Do you remember what I told you back at Windhaven?” She asked.

  A chilly feeling came over Davydd and he nodded.

  “Do not hesitate.” He finally said.

  Vannera slowly nodded her approval.

  “Do not. So promise me, promise me you will not exchange your life for his. Promise me you will do this for
me.”

  “What if you are wrong?”

  “Then whatever you do, you do not die, and you bring back the gauntlet, with you alive... Davydd Miljorn.”

  Davydd nodded again. He looked down and unhooked his sheathed sword that rested on his left side. He handed it to Vannera.

  “I pray you never have to draw this.”

  “And what about you?”

  “I have this.” Davydd slightly pulled back a rag which had been tied over his right wrist, revealing the silver band that was the form Lynda’s second sword had assumed.

  “And I have Balek’s sword.” Davydd continued.

  “Davydd...”

  “Take the sword... please.”

  Vannera nodded and did so. “You always worry.” She said smiling.

  Davydd returned the smile.

  “Have a little faith.” She continued. It was Davydd’s turn to nod.

  “I love you Vannera.”

  “And I you Davydd Miljorn. And I you.” And with that, her lips met his in a long sensuous kiss. For a brief moment in time, the world was theirs and nothing else mattered. When they finally pulled back, Matilom cleared his throat.

  “Ahem. The gauntlet... shall not... be found with words of love and kisses.” They all laughed at his sarcasm.

  Davydd looked at everyone for a brief moment. The time had finally come.

  “Shall we begin?” He said.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: I have come for what is mine

  Kazan put on his clothes while staring at the naked woman who lay in bed asleep. It felt like an eternity since he last felt the touch of a woman. The wait was worthwhile. The woman had been a lively one and his hunger had been satiated. Kazan put on his boots and glanced at her one more time before heading out of the room. He took the flight of steps down to the bottom floor of the inn, where he exchanged brief pleasantries with the inn-keeper, before heading out into the night. His eyes scanned the streets to his left and right before continuing on in the direction of the port. He was to meet with Horius at the main street before the port, at which time they would be accompanied by more of his father’s men to the boat which would ferry them to his father’s ship. As he walked on he frequently glanced behind him to make sure no one was following. He hadn’t forgotten about the unexpected fortune that had befallen him at the shrine. He had been suspicious of his aided escape, but there was no time to think. Hence his diverted path through the field of brave souls, where he knew he could slip by unnoticed. He’d watched as the wraiths went into frenzy behind him. They had tried to follow him. He was sure of it. Whatever their fate was, he had not waited to find out. What he did know was he had not seen any of them since and he could not wait to be sure while his window of opportunity was still open. Kazan arrived at the main street of Sangwa which led directly towards the ports were the ships and boats docked. He turned left and walked near a row of taverns, making sure to keep away from the lighted parts of the street. Up ahead, a man stood in the corner smoking a cigar. He sucked in three times, making the cigar’s burning edge light up three times as well. It was a signal. It was Horius. Kazan made his way towards him and stopped a few paces away but was still close enough so they could hear each other.

  “It is a very chilly night.” Horius finally said.

  “Indeed.” Kazan responded. “It is the kind that lures people to the warmth of a fire.”

  “Or the warmth of a woman.” Horius included.

  “Right you are again. But that warmth is fleeting. A fire is more lasting.” Kazan countered.

  “Fires bring insects to play and they follow your scent wherever you go.”

  “Sometimes. But tonight I have been fortunate to be without them.”

  Horius nodded. He put the cigar down on the ground, and stepped on it.

  “Kazan.” Horius said hugging the pirate prince.

  “It is good to see you my friend.” Kazan said returning the gesture.

  “It is a mutual feeling. Now, we must hurry. Your father awaits you.” Horius motioned with his head and three men who had blended in with the drunkards in front of a tavern, broke character and began walking towards them. Horius and Kazan began walking towards the port where a boat had docked. Once they got to the docks, Ivan and his towering frame emerged from the shadows to meet them.

  “Father.” Kazan said. “I...” He was cut off by a vicious slap across the face. Kazan’s head cocked to his right, behind the force of the slap. He looked back at his father in shock and anger.

  “Have I not taught you anything?!” Ivan bellowed.

  “Father I merely sought to...”

  “You have risked it all for us. Years and years of patience and you let your youthful exuberance get the better of you. Come. Let us go.”

  “You are not going anywhere.” The voice came from behind Ivan. It was that of Max. Ivan made to move but felt Max’s dagger at the back of his neck. His eyes picked out the figures of Baximus and Leo materializing behind Horius and the other three pirates. Leo struck one down unconscious with the handle of his sword and quickly grabbed another, placing his sword in front of the pirate’s neck. Baximus had already subdued the other one. Davydd and Obin emerged from the shadows, walking directly towards Kazan and Ivan.

  “You...” Kazan said when Davydd got up to him.

  “You really are a fool.” Ivan said to Kazan. “I wish I had another son.”

  Davydd placed his left hand on Kazan’s right shoulder, as his eyes rested on Ivan.

  “Hello Ivan the terrible.” Davydd said.

  “And whom do I speak to, that dares hold my son prisoner.”

  “My name is Davydd Miljorn, son of King Rikard Miljorn and the goddess Lady Lynda, heir to the throne of Angweleth and rightful wielder of the gauntlet and sword of Feona. I believe you have the gauntlet, and I have come here to collect what belongs to me.”

  “What belongs to you? The gauntlet is in my possession, not yours. It belongs to me and you will never have it.”

  “Well then... if it does belong to you, why aren’t you wearing it?”

  Ivan flashed Davydd an infuriated look. “I will eventually break the spell.”

  “Is your thirst for power that blinding?! Years have passed and you have found no way to bend the gauntlet to your will. Right now, humanity is on the verge of war and I need that gauntlet to play my part.”

  “Sorry young king, you will learn, much like the other kings of Terrianus that I don’t care much for the fate of humanity. Now, release my son, before I take him from you by force.”

  “You will hand over the gauntlet.” A voice said. It came from the right side of Davydd. He looked to see that a second boat had silently docked and disembarking was Sidion Vror himself, along with Farok and a few other death class soldiers. Behind them, barely visible in the waters, were more small boats with other soldiers in them. The boats made their way to the shore, slowly but steadily. Their approach was as ominous as the approach of the night after the day. There was nothing anyone could do to stop it, and it would engulf all. Behind the boats still and even less visible, were the darkened large shapes of Sidion’s ships.

  “You will hand over the gauntlet to me.” Sidion said. “To not do so is to invite death upon yourself and everyone else here. And this time Ivan, your death will not be a carefully plotted deceit.”

  All three men stood motionless for a while. They were all there, driven by varying needs and goals, be it destiny, greed, power, a sense of duty or something even more and as yet intangible.

  “Sidion...” Davydd started.

  “King... Sidion.” Sidion retorted.

  “Back in Windhaven, you said you do what you do for the good of Angweleth. Yet right now, your actions say you have other intentions.”

  “My intentions are the same young Miljorn. And they extend towards all of Terrianus. It seems as though you have matured greatly since the last time we met. Maybe I can talk some sense into you this time. If you take that gauntlet and wear it, a spell will
be broken. It is one that limits the dragol’s movements in our realm. Were it to be broken, the dragol would invade our world faster than an arrow of yours could find its mark. As we are now, we are not ready to stop such a force.”

  “Then when will we be? How weak is the spell that my father cast now Sidion?”

  Sidion’s eyes widened.

  “Yes.” Davydd continued, reading his shock. “I am well aware of the events that transpired before his passing. Events driven by none other than you. You say wait but it is for your own merit that you do. And even if it were not, right now is our best chance to finally put an end to this. Once I wield the gauntlet then I will find the sword.”

  “And what if you don’t find the sword in time?”

  Davydd was silent for a moment. “I will find it. I ask you to trust me.”

  Sidion glared at Davydd. Ivan took advantage of the momentary break in concentration, and reached for his axe, striking at Max as he did so. The Angwelethean guardian had already evaded the blow by traveling through a portal. Ivan swung down at the two Angwelethean kings, who reacted just in time to remove themselves from harm’s way.

  “I am sorry my friends.” Ivan said in a deep voice. “But I do not have the patience to exchange reason with either of you. The gauntlet is mine. Come and make your attempt on it, at your own peril.”

  A great number of pirates were now disembarking from Ivan’s ship. They fanned out in front of him, while he, Kazan and Horius retreated, making their way towards the pirate ship.

  “It seems the time for words is over.” Obin said, drawing his sword. The energy holes that went along the middle of his blade pulsated even faster.

  “Attack!” Sidion screamed out and his soldiers began fanning out in both directions on the dock, attacking the pirates as well as Davydd and his men. Davydd pulled out Balek’s sword and used it to wade off a few of the soldiers before he, Baximus, Leo, Obin and Max all retreated behind some incoming Beathalethean soldiers, who yelling and screaming all the way, clashed violently with the Angwelethean soldiers at the port. The invasion had begun, and all around Sangwa, the screams and clashes of other soldiers at different docks, could be heard. Davydd turned to Obin.