by M. L. Forman
“I have found our friends’ weapons,” said Sindar when he returned to Alex a short time later. “And I have found the trail of the goblins who have our friends. Now we must consider how best to pursue our enemy.”
“What do you mean?” Alex questioned, thinking that they would simply ride out as soon as the horses returned.
“Goblins will not travel in sunlight unless they absolutely must,” said Sindar. “They are unsteady on their feet while the sun is up.”
“So if we catch them in sunlight, we will have a great advantage.”
“I doubt that we will catch them during the day,” said Sindar, rubbing his face in thought. “These goblins will move at night. They will find a hiding place when the sun starts to rise and not move again until it begins to set. Our advantage is that days are long in Norsland during the summertime, so we will have more time to pursue them and they will have less time to flee.”
“And when we overtake them?”
“Then we will rescue our friends, or at the least avenge their deaths. Rescue will be difficult, as goblins would sooner kill their captives than let them go.”
“Then we have a great disadvantage in trying to save them.”
“We may find a way,” said Sindar. “Much will depend on where and when we find them.”
“How many goblins do you think there are? I mean, how many are we going to have to kill to free our friends?” Alex questioned.
“Fifty—maybe sixty of them,” Sindar answered. “From the trails I could find, it appears that they have broken into smaller groups and are all running for their holes. I would guess the loss of their shaman has them scared. Whatever trouble they were on their way to make, it will not happen now.”
“At least we have done some good,” said Alex. “The horses will be here soon, and then we can start after the goblins.”
“They will know you for a wizard and a warrior, and they will fear you,” Sindar commented. “You have used a lot of magic; perhaps you should rest a little longer before we start.”
“Their fear may drive them to kill our friends,” said Alex in a worried tone. “I can rest once we have rescued the others.”
“Their fear will drive them to run, but not to kill the others. They will keep them alive as hostages, and use them to drive you away, if they can.”
“How could they use my friends to drive me away?” Alex asked.
“They will make threats and promises. They will promise to let them go if you will promise not to attack. Their promises will be lies, of course, but as a wizard, you would be bound by your promise.”
“I would not feel bound by anything I promised to goblins,” said Alex defiantly.
“They are clever and wicked. They will make you promise by something that matters to you greatly. I have seen others caught in such traps before.”
“I do not know what promise goblins would ask that I would feel bound to keep, but I do not wish to find out. Perhaps we should start walking now, the horses can catch up.”
“Your magic needs time to recover,” Sindar said slowly. “And we may need all the magic you can summon to save our friends.”
“My magic is fine,” Alex answered. “I will be able to do whatever needs doing when the time comes.”
“Are you so sure?”
“I—” Alex started and stopped. “No, I guess I’m not. Whalen explained how there is only so much magic a wizard can do before it runs out. He told me that magic is like a bowl catching raindrops. Every bit of magic used takes some of the water out of the bowl, and it sometimes takes a long time for the bowl to fill up again.”
“From the looks of this meadow, I would say you poured a great deal of water out of your bowl,” Sindar said in a worried tone.
“Whalen also said that different wizards have different sized bowls,” Alex answered, not wanting to think about what might happen if his magic ran out. “He told me I would know when the bowl was nearly empty, and right now, it doesn’t feel very empty.”
“Very well,” said Sindar. “We will begin our chase as soon as the horses return.”
Shahree and the other horses appeared in less than an hour. Sindar and Alex checked them all to make sure they were unhurt before they started off after the goblins. Alex was worried for his friends and what the goblins might do to them, and his worries made him eager to be moving.
Sindar led the way, and Alex followed close behind him. The goblin path was easy to follow. The creatures had hacked at trees as they passed and stomped the grass flat; Alex could have followed the path in the dark if he had to.
“How do you know that our friends were captured by this group of goblins?” asked Alex.
“Boot prints,” Sindar said. “The goblins trample everything, but here and there I see prints from leather boots.”
“But how do you know they belong to Bregnest and the others?” asked Alex.
“Goblins don’t wear leather boots. They either go barefoot, or they wear square-toed boots with iron soles.”
Alex didn’t ask any more questions, trusting that Sindar knew what he was doing. They rode without stopping until the sun was down and the only light was the deep red of the western horizon. Sindar insisted that they rest for a few hours and get something to eat. It had been a long time since Alex had eaten, and he was hungry, but he didn’t feel at all sleepy.
“You are still hot with anger, though you seem to have your emotions under control,” Sindar commented. “You should rest, even if you don’t feel the need. When we overtake our enemy, you must be fresh and ready for battle.”
Reluctantly Alex tried to sleep, but his dreams were full of goblins and he kept waking up. He finally managed to slip into a light but restful sleep. His mind remained alert as his body relaxed, and he let his thoughts search for a way to free his friends.
Before the sun was up the next morning, Alex and Sindar started following the goblin’s trail. “I would guess from their tracks that only fifty or so of our enemy remain,” said Sindar. “If no others join them, we may have a good chance of killing them all.”
“Fifty goblins against the two of us?”
“I know. It seems unlikely that we could kill them all and save our friends at the same time.”
“It is a difficult problem,” Alex commented, seeing how troubled Sindar was. “First things first, however. We must find the goblins, and then we can decide how best to destroy them and rescue our friends.”
“You are correct. These tracks are only hours old. I think if we ride hard, we may catch the goblins tonight. Though I would prefer finding them while the sun is up if we can, since that is when they will be the weakest.”
“That would be best. If luck is with us, we may find the goblins tomorrow and free our friends by tomorrow night.”
“And if luck is against us, we will slay the goblins before the third day arrives,” Sindar said softly, his voice deadly cold.
All that day Alex and Sindar followed the goblins’ trail through the forest and open meadows. Alex was surprised that the goblins had traveled so far so quickly, and their speed made him worry.
As darkness was covering the land, Sindar halted once more. He looked at the ground and then at Alex.
“These tracks are fresh,” Sindar whispered. “We should rest here for a time. If the goblins discover that we are following them, they will move faster tonight, and our hopes of catching them tomorrow will be lost.”
“Will they be watching the road behind them?” Alex questioned, climbing off Shahree.
“Probably. They know that you were left behind and that you may follow. They do not know that there are two of us—or at least I don’t think they know. It would be to our advantage if they think you are alone.”
“Have you thought of a way to rescue our friends?” Alex asked hopefully.
“I have an idea, but it is not yet clear to me. Much will depend on where we find the goblins hiding tomorrow.”
Alex nodded his understanding and loo
sened Shahree’s saddle. They might need to ride fast at a moment’s notice, but he wanted to make her as comfortable as possible. Alex gently stroked Shahree’s neck, whispering softly that he was sorry for her burden. Shahree nuzzled his shoulder but made no sound, and Alex knew that she understood.
Sindar let Alex sleep until midnight and then woke him to continue the chase. Alex felt completely refreshed and was glad to be back in pursuit of his friends. He didn’t want to leave them in the goblins’ hands any longer than he absolutely had to. And with Sindar’s help and a little luck, they might be able to rescue them in less than a day now.
As dawn came once more, Sindar made Alex rest again. Alex was vexed by the delay, but he did as Sindar asked. Sindar, after all, knew a great deal more about goblins than he did. Alex slept for about an hour and then was up again, ready to carry on the chase.
Sindar looked troubled as they moved forward, however. This was the second full day of hunting, and soon the chase would be at an end, one way or another. Alex hoped that Sindar would find a way to rescue their friends, because he had no ideas at all.
Shortly after midday, Sindar stopped and motioned for Alex to remain where he was. Alex watched as Sindar jumped from his horse and moved into the trees without making a sound. Alex knew they must be close to the goblins, and he was starting to feel nervous. He had trusted to luck before, but he didn’t like doing it when his friends’ lives were on the line. When Sindar returned, he motioned for Alex to follow him back the way they had come. After about a mile, he spoke.
“The goblins are in a narrow gully,” said Sindar. “The back of the gully is steep and they aren’t watching it. That is where our friends are, with only a few guards watching them. There are three other men tied up as well. They appear to be soldiers, but I don’t recognize the design on their uniforms.”
“Three others?” Alex questioned, then shook his head. “Three or thirty, it doesn’t matter if we can’t get down the gully to them. If we had bows we might be able to kill the guards and then climb down to our friends and the others, but as we are . . .”
“We don’t need bows. The mouth of the gully opens into a wide meadow, and on the far side of the meadow the trees are thick.”
“How will that help us?” Alex questioned.
“My plan is this: Tonight, when the sun touches the tops of the trees, you start dozens of fires on the far side of the meadow. The goblins will think that a large number of men or some other enemy has camped there, and they will be worried. While they are distracted, I will climb down the back of the gully and free our friends.”
“They will see you,” Alex protested. “And even if you make it down, you’ll be trapped in the back of the gully.”
“Perhaps,” Sindar agreed. “However, I should be able to kill the guards and free our company. I doubt they will be in any shape to fight, at least at first. That won’t matter because once they are safe, I will attack the goblins from behind. Then you can ride forward and attack from the front.”
“A risky plan at best,” said Alex, shaking his head as he tried to think of a better way to rescue their friends. “There are fifty or more goblins, Sindar. I know they fear our swords, and I know Moon Slayer can help us kill them, but—fifty of them?”
“We have no choice,” Sindar insisted. “It is unlikely that we will catch them in a spot like this again. In another day or two they may reach their own caves, and all hope will be lost. The goblins are afraid, and the fires you conjure will add to their fear. Those who let fear govern them often make mistakes.”
“You’re right,” Alex agreed reluctantly. “We have no choice. We must do what we can and hope for the best. Perhaps I can find another way to add to their fear. I might be able to cast an illusion or two that will help us.”
“Rest now,” said Sindar. “There are still several hours before we need to move, and you have slept little in the past two days.”
“I’m fine. I will have time to rest when this is finished.”
“Try to rest your mind at least,” Sindar persisted. “You will need all your power and all your luck this night.”
Chapter Nine
Rescue
Alex managed to sleep for perhaps two hours before he was up and moving around once more. He was nervous and worried and even a little scared. The plan he and Sindar had agreed on was terribly risky and almost sure to fail. Unfortunately, it was the only plan they had, and Alex knew this might be the only chance they had to save their friends.
Alex knew Sindar was tense as well, but neither of them spoke about what was going to happen. They simply waited for the sun to set and hoped that their plan would work.
Alex tried to think of something he could do to scare the goblins even more. He had thought of using illusions to add to their fear, but for a long time he couldn’t think of anything that would make the goblins want to run instead of fight. When the answer finally came to him, Alex almost laughed out loud. It was an illusion he was sure he could create and one that was sure to make the goblins run away as fast as their legs could carry them.
“A dragon?” Sindar questioned when Alex presented his idea. “Indeed, there are few creatures that would not run away from a dragon, but can you do it?”
“I can create the illusion of a dragon,” Alex answered confidently. “I might even be able to make it breathe fire.”
“Then perhaps one large fire on the hillside,” said Sindar. “As if the dragon is just waking. Have your illusion fly out of the fire toward the gully. And if you can manage to ignite a few trees along the way, it would help.”
“I’ll do all that I can,” said Alex. The sun was already dropping into the west, and he walked to Shahree and tightened her saddle. “Let’s get moving. It’s time.”
“When the sun touches the trees and the meadow is covered with shadow,” Sindar reminded Alex.
“Be careful,” Alex said. “I don’t want to come to the wall looking for you.”
“You will not find me there. If your dragon does not drive the goblins off, I will attack. If you hear the sound of battle, come quickly, my friend.”
“As fast as I can,” Alex answered, turning Shahree into the trees.
Alex rode in a great loop around the goblin camp, making his way to the far side of the meadow. He had studied the land as they had waited and knew exactly which path to take. Sindar rode in the opposite direction, and Alex hoped that he would arrive quietly at the back of the gully, unnoticed by the goblins below.
Alex tried to clear his mind as he rode, but his worries persisted no matter what he did. Absentmindedly he patted Shahree’s neck, knowing that he might have to ride her into battle for the first time.
“I must move swiftly, my friend,” Alex said softly to the horse. “I do not willingly take you into this fight, but it seems I have no choice.”
Shahree snorted at his words, as if unconcerned by the thought of battle. Alex patted her neck again. He was glad that she at least didn’t seem worried about what was coming.
Reaching the place above the meadow where he would create his illusion, Alex dismounted and looked toward the gully where his enemy was waiting. He couldn’t see much except for an occasional flash of sunlight on steel. Obviously the goblins had set a watch at the mouth of the gully, and Alex hoped they were paying attention.
As the last rays of sunlight left the meadow and the sun touched the treetops, Alex mounted Shahree once more. He was still nervous and worried, but it was time to set their plan into action.
“Let us hope for the best, my friend,” Alex said to Shahree.
Shahree snorted in excitement, and Alex let loose his magic, sending an entire grove of pine trees into flames. The trees burned like matchsticks, and as the flames reached into the sky, Alex created his illusion.
A huge red dragon exploded out of the burning trees. Alex let loose a thunderclap spell that sent flaming branches flying in every direction. He let his thoughts slip into the illusion, which allowed him to
control it and see the world through the dragon’s eyes. A wild sense of freedom filled him, taking his breath away as the illusion lifted into the darkening sky.
For a few seconds the dragon hovered over the meadow, and in those seconds Alex fought to keep himself from becoming part of his own illusion. He had known that creating illusions could be dangerous, but he had not known how dangerous. The beauty and power of the dragon filled his mind, and he longed to have the complete freedom that the dragon shape offered.
Shahree snorted and reared slightly, shaking Alex from his thoughts. Alex could still see through the eyes of his illusion, but the desire to become part of it was gone. Refocusing his mind, he sent his dragon diving toward the meadow and the unsuspecting goblins.
The dragon breathed out a ball of flame as it dropped toward the gully, and in the firelight Alex could see that his idea was working far better than he’d expected. Goblins ran wildly out of the gully, fighting past the slower goblins in front of them. The dragon flew over the gully before lifting back into the air and turning slowly toward the meadow.
“Now, my friend,” said Alex as he urged his horse forward. “We need to reach the others before any more trouble finds us.”
Shahree whinnied loudly and galloped down the hillside. As they reached the open meadow, Shahree broke into a run.
Alex set his illusion to circling the meadow, allowing the circles to grow larger and larger with each pass, as though the dragon was hunting.
As Alex rode into the gully he called out to Sindar, “Are they all right?”
“They are alive,” said Sindar. “Though they’ve had a rough time of it, and were treated none too gently.”
Alex jumped from his saddle and ran forward to help cut the ropes from the rest of the company. He left the unknown three men tied up for the time being. His friends all looked pale and tired, but unhurt, and that was a huge relief. Alex wanted to cheer, but then he saw the fear in his friends’ eyes. He turned to see what they were looking at and realized that they could see his illusion flying past the gully.
