Achil & The Rise Of The Mandrake
Page 45
***
Andreas’s plan was about to be tested as the Wolfmen came into view, sniffing and tasting the air as they moved. They were large beasts almost the size of bears but less cumbersome.
In the centre of a small clearing were some of their old clothes. Two young trees had been pulled back; they had fixed wooden spikes into them. It was hoped that the attraction of the clothes would draw the creatures onto them, and they would then let the trees spring back, dispatching the Wolfmen once and for all.
The trap was about to close, when one of the Wolfmen stopped and stiffened as though it sensed some hidden menace. Achil heard a snort behind him, he slowly turned his head and there to his horror were two of the largest green eyes staring down at him from a fallen tree. It was a large wild cat at least twice the size of a man. Achil gave out a yell and rushed forward, closely followed by the big cat, the Wolfmen confused by the change of smell hesitated, as Achil bounded between them.
As the big cat pounced Achil dived to the ground, at the same time one of the Wolfman jumped forward and the two beasts collided in mid air, a fearful struggle ensued. The other Wolfman moved to intercede. Andreas who had been stunned briefly, let go of the vine that held back the tree, it swung forward completely missing its target. Instead it sprang back knocking him to the ground, luckily though there were no spikes on that side of the tree. And the only bruises he received were to his pride.
Achil hurriedly got to his feet and moved himself into position for Nicholas to strike. Just as another Wolfman came bounding through the trees and landed in front of Achil, as it touched the ground Nicholas let go of his vine. This time the tree swung round, and slammed into the Wolfman, a spike gashed its leg and sent the creature flying. The three of them seized their opportunity and took off.
As they ran Nicholas began to laugh. “I’m sorry but you should have seen Achil's face when he came running through the thicket being chased by that big cat. And then you should have seen the look on Andreas’s face as the tree sprung back and hit him.”
Achil and Andreas looked at each other, and also began laughing. They left the forest some time in the night, and made their way to a small hamlet on its border, where they were able to purchase a meal, two sturdy horses, and an old mount that had seen better days. It was now hoped that they were on the final leg of their journey home. They did not wish to stretch the horses too much, so they moved them at a steady pace, and even as the veil of night lifted and they found themselves on the open prairie, the horses were kept to a mild canter; they continued on for most of that day and through the following night only breaking to eat what small morsels of food they had left. As the sun rose on the horizon like a mighty crown, in the distance they could see it bounce clearly off the top of a golden dome, as though two suns were greeting each other. It was Findolin and home.
***
News spread fast that Achil had returned and on entry to the city they were immediately summoned to the great hall. Whilst they had been away they had missed the inauguration of the new King. The Archers of Cashel and the Queen of Askalon had departed for Osgaroth. And some of the Dragon People had remained and were helping to refortify the city.
King Paladin was in council, they were looking at a map of Mead, and the Kingdom of Jin. Achil recounted their adventure. The King listened carefully, his gaze seemed far away as he heard the tale of Achil’s struggle with Marshal Ti.
After Achil had finished, King Paladin nodded his gratitude for what had been done and turned their attention back to the map laid out on the table.
“I have been discussing with the Alchemist and Agoran how to wage a war against a highly superior and better equipped army than our own,” said King Paladin. “I believe we are agreed that the only way to do it is to find out exactly how happy everyone is to be part of that empire of theirs. We have to encourage any rebellious peoples in the occupied lands by supplying them with the means and the will to throw off their oppressors.”
“That may prove more difficult than you think,” said Achil. “One thing we found out whilst away; is that the reason for Jin not being at the Battle for Findolin was because he was crushing the last remnants of resistance to his rule. There simply won’t be anyone left alive to rebel.”
Agoran took a sip from his goblet, as he put it back down it slipped from his grasp and fell on its side, spilling wine over the map, and the Central Kingdoms. It looked ominously like the foretelling of a land that would soon run red with blood. Achil quickly wiped the wine away.
“Agoran how long before we have strength to go on the offensive against them?” asked Achil.
Agoran grunted impassively.
“I would estimate five years barring any more conflicts. By then the new weapon should be perfected,” he replied.
King Paladin looked at each of them in turn, “Then we will need to put them off from returning somehow, Achil you and your two friends are obvious choices to be one of the first groups to go. You are to find out all you can about the Mandrake, seek out any that would be our friends; find any weaknesses and if possible exploit them. Are you willing to go deep into the kingdom of Jin and discover who we can treat with; and stir up the wolf in its den.”
The three looked at each other and nodded.
“We will,” replied Achil.
“There is one other thing,” continued King Paladin. “A friend of ours has come from Osgaroth and wishes to join you on your quest. We have accepted her help; and if there is ever to be a heavy reckoning with the Mandrake, then we will need all the help we can get.”
From an open doorway walked a women, her footfall was so light it was as though she glided along the floor, she slowly stepped out of the shadow and into the light pulling back her hood as she did so.
“Hi, boys,” said the woman. “I understand you’ve been having a few adventures without me. Now that’s naughty.”
Achil and Andreas smiled broadly, while Nicholas threw his arms around her. Nishga was back.