by R. F. Pace
Sometime after midday, Wyn rode up from the rear of the group and announced there was someone approaching from the rear. He told Ralnor, “I gave an identification call to them and got no reply. I believe it is Halfar riding hard and isn’t able to hear the call over the pounding hooves. I didn’t want to wait too long before notifying you.” Ralnor said, “Keep trying the calls and let me know.” It didn’t take long before Wyn had called out from the back letting them know it in fact was Halfar. Once Ralnor was reassured he said, “Let’s stop here and eat. This will give Halfar some time to rest and eat. His horse will need it more than him.” The group stopped and Fontun started preparing lunch for everyone. Ralnor instructed the rest of the group, “Give the horses water before you rest. We will be able to get rest atop the horses, but they won’t be able to drink if we are running.”
Halfar rode hard into the break area. He yelled to Ralnor, “We are being followed by a rather large group. They are still several leagues back, but moving slightly faster than we are. Ralnor nodded in acknowledgment. Jake looked at Ralnor and said, “The town ahead of us isn’t a real good place to try and fight a battle. I think we would have better luck in the wooded area where we battled the ogres. They wouldn’t expect us to stop and fight.” Ralnor looked at Jake than in the direction they had just come from. He was in deep thought with this idea when he noticed Jake speaking again.
Jake had started calculating out loud. “If we are riding about five and a half five miles per hour and they’re traveling around six miles an hour, they will be able to catch us in about ten to twelve hours. The horses aren’t going to be able to last ten hour at this pace. If I remember correctly horses can only travel about thirty to forty miles in a day.” Ralnor and the other wardens along with the wizards were looking at Jake like he had lost his mind. Tammy broke Jakes’ concentration by asking Taragin, “Do you have a magic spell that we can cast on the horses to make them run faster or last longer?” Taragin said, “I’m afraid I do not.” He looked back at the other wizards who were shaking their heads no. Tammy said, “Well it was an idea.” Jake smile, “If they had one it would have been a great idea.”
Fontun called out to everyone, “Food is ready. It is not much, but will sustain us.” No one had to be told twice. They ate quickly and were back on their horses before they finished chewing their last bite. The loom of something bad was in the air, but no one wanted to admit to it. Once they were back on the horses and moving again, Jake said, “Best I can figure we have about ten to twelve hours before they catch us.” George asked, “Are we going to be able to make it to the ogre woods by then?” Jake smile, “Maybe. Does anyone know of a better spot between here and those woods?” Ralnor was the only one who spoke, “That is the only place in this area, so it will have to do.” Jake said, “If I calculated correctly, we should make it to the woods with a short time to spare before they arrive. It won’t give us much time to plan, so everyone needs to think of possible things we can do to defeat them.”
CHAPTER 40
They arrive at the ogre woods just after dark and all were weary and tired. Jake, Ralnor and Taragin started walking the area to make plans on how best to defend themselves and keep the various creatures from getting to them. Jake called for everyone to follow, so everyone would know what the plan was. They took all the ropes they had and secured them near the base of the various trees. The horses were once again secured near the rear of the woods. Taragin had suggested several areas to cast various spells. Over a little more than an hour later, Ralnor suggested, “Everyone get some rest while you can. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day.” That night, each were assigned to stand thirty minutes of watch. Everyone, including the wardens, were a bit jumpy while standing their watches.
Daybreak came and you could feel the uneasiness in the air. There were no sounds from animals or insects. The stillness was deafening. Taragin had cast his detect spell and found a very large group a short distance out and heading their way. He had the other wizards cast a vine spell around the back and web spells were cast to each side. “That should prevent them from flanking us,” commented Ralnor.
George was the first to notice movement in the distance. George announced, “We have company ladies and gentlemen.” All eyes turned toward the direction he was pointing. After a few seconds the distinct sounds of many feet and hooves hitting the ground could be heard. Taragin shouted everyone prepare your spells and standby to cast them. Ralnor exclaimed, “This should be a sight to behold! Wardens take your positions and cover the wizards.” The four wizards, along with Jake, George and Sara were taking cover behind the bushes in the front. They were only spaced about five feet apart. Rotan, Trueway and Tammy stood in the center about fifteen feet behind the wizards. Halfar and Ralnor covered the left side, while Sontar and Wyn covered the right side.
Taragin kept saying, “Wait.” “Wait.” “Just a little closer.” The horde was only fifty yards away, again he said, “Wait.” Taragin said, “Remember to cast at the front of them.” When the horde had slowed down, just twenty five yards out he yelled, “NOW!” The seven stood as one and all cast simultaneously. Taragin, Jake, Sara and Stirgan cast fireballs. Fontun, Haralin and George cast bolts of lightning. The horde consisted mainly of ninety to hundred kobolds and goblins, twenty to thirty hobgoblins and trolls. The middle section of the horde went up in smoke. The visibility went to zero in no time at all. Dust, dirt, smoke, clothes and creatures formed one giant mess. The creatures not directly hit by the spells stopped and began retreating.
The wardens took full advantage of the few unlucky members of the horde that were visible. One after another fell to well-placed arrows from the wardens. Just as soon as Taragin had visibility of the remaining horde he yelled, “Again” All seven casted the opposite spell from the first attack. Taragin, Jake, Sara and Stirgan now cast spells of lightning bolts, while Fontun, Haralin and George cast fireballs. The damage wasn’t as great as the first time, but more of the horde was eliminated. The few hobgoblins that remained tried to control the other members of the horde. The creatures closest to them listened for fear they would suffer the same fate as the others who defied them, death. Hobgoblins ruled with an iron fist. They had killed several of their own for backing away from the fight. Most were just beaten into moving forward. The ones on the edges were not moving forward or retreating. Those became sitting ducks for the archers. Everyone now had a bow in their hand picking them off one at a time. The hobgoblins finally convinced the remaining thirty or forth to attack. Most kobolds and goblins only took a single arrow to stop. Trolls and hobgoblins were a bit more difficult to drop. A single well-placed or lucky arrow did what was intended, dropping a few more that continued to advance. Most were well armored and closing fast.
When Ralnor saw the remaining members of the horde were getting too close for bows, he yelled, “Fall back! Use your swords!” The group only dropped back about five to ten yards. The horde took that as a sign they were scared and doubled their efforts to get to them. The ropes around the trees work very well to start with. It would have made for a funny video with all the kobolds and goblins tripping over it and each other. About twenty five of them fell at their feet. Sword work on a fallen opponent was generally frowned upon, but not on creatures like these. Those that had fallen were killed shortly after they hit the ground. Sara and Tammy moved toward the back, the four wizards somewhere in the middle and Jake, George and the six wardens in front. Fighting with the kobolds and goblins wasn’t much of a problem, they were the weakest of all the creatures. The trolls and hobgoblins were a different story. They were stronger and had more fight in them, very persistent. Most of the action the wizards and girls saw was from the quicker kobo
lds and goblins running around the wardens, trying to attack them from the rear.
The wardens, Jake and George were covered in blood and gore. Many times George had always wondered why the handle of a sword was ridged. He was now thankful for the ridges, because if not, it would have flown out of his hands a long time ago.
The lack of action for those behind the wardens, gave them time to admire Ralnor and his swordsmanship. He was graceful and didn’t make any move that wasted energy. Tammy related it to a ribbon dancer. A gymnast was able to maintain a steady motion, keeping the ribbon in the exact location they wanted. A sword across Tammy’s midsection brought her out of the daydream. She screeched so loud the goblin’s eyes went wide. Tammy turned and commenced her own little dance on the creature, with narration. She was nowhere as fluent, nor as graceful, and definitely not very effective, but she was getting the job done. She yelled, “You stupid little bug!” She took her sword and hit it about four times. Continuing her narration, “I’m going to cut both of your stinking arms off for damaging my leather!” She hit the smaller creature five or six more times. She said, “Your mother raised a fool!” This time the flat part of the sword connected with its head and out it went.
Stirgan rammed his sword into the goblins chest at Tammy’s feet. Tammy turned and looked at him as if to say, he was mine, get your own. Stirgan was smiling at Tammy and said, “I think he has suffered enough in one life.” Tammy went to say something then realized it was very quiet. As she looked up, she found that all eyes were on her, she did a slight curtsey and smiled. She pointed to her midsection and a very small cut that none of them could see and said, “He shouldn’t have cut my shirt.” That was all it took and everyone started laughing.
Everywhere they looked laid dead creatures. A spot of blood from a cut here and there were the only wounds anyone in the group had suffered, nothing major. Jake remarked, “That wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I expected more of a fight.” Ralnor warned, “Don’t be fooled by this. That was only a scouting expedition. A full attack by well-seasoned troops would not have been as quick or easy.” Ralnor pointed in the direction the horde had attacked from. There in the distance were six figures, two on horseback, and four others that stood as tall as the two riders.
Ralnor said, “They will return to the caverns and I guarantee they will not make the same mistakes they made this time. They will be ready for whatever we throw at them.” Jake said, “I hope we are long gone by then.” Ralnor said, “It will take them several moons to return with news of the attack, and several more to regroup from their losses, but they will be ready for us next time.” Ralnor’s statement didn’t make anyone feel good about the situation, because they knew his words were true. George broke the silence by saying, “May I suggest we hit the trail my friends.” Once again, no one had to be told a second time.
The wizard that had casted spells, cancelled them. Everyone mounted up and was ready to ride within a couple of minutes. The first thing they did was find a creek to get cleaned up. Taking time to water the horses and rest, Jake said, “If I remember correctly, we are only about three days from Wenya. Am I right? Taragin said, “If memory serves me accurately, you are totally correct.” Ralnor smiled and nodded his head in agreement. He was impressed with Jakes memory.
They had slowed the pace down considerably since the battle. They even stopped a little earlier than usual that night to make camp. Most of the group was not only worn out, but felt like they had been beat to death. A quick meal and most everyone was asleep shortly after. The wardens were not as tired from the battle, so they volunteered to take the watches for the evening. That night along with the remaining two days of travel went by quickly.
CHAPTER 41
They were a couple leagues out of Wenya when Ralnor rode up to Jake and said, “We are going to leave you here and ride around the city. We will meet up with you in a couple of days.” Taragin said, “You are more than welcome to come to the tower and stay with us.” Ralnor bowed his head, “Thank you for the offer my friend, but as you know elves in these parts draw a lot of attention. I do feel welcomed, but I think it best to avoid the human cities when possible.” Taragin looked more hurt than disappointed, “I do understand and will respect your wishes. Just know if you are ever in these parts you are always welcomed, and if you need anything, I will gladly assist you.” Ralnor thanked him, then turned and with the other wardens rode away.
The mood changed from happy to a more somber mood as they arrived in Wenya. Jake knew this was a very special group he had the privilege to be a part of. Knowing they would probably never be reunited again weighed heavily on his heart. Travelers approaching them brought Jake’s out of his deep thoughts.
The road was wide enough to have five riders across, but with the traffic of others in the area, they rode in two columns. The group that was approaching them consisted of four rather large men. They dress like they were merchants of some type. As the four drew closer they gave the group a slightly wider berth than what was required. Jake and Sara were riding at the front and it was Jake that greeted them with, “Good day.” The four nodded in acknowledgement, but the worried and nervousness shocked the group.
Jake took a look at the four men, then himself and the others in the group. Jake busted out laughing, which cause the men to push their horses a little faster to move away. The four men cast a concerned look behind them as they rode off. The others in the group thought Jake had lost his mind. Sara asked, “What’s so funny?” Jake said, “Just take a look at us.” They all looked at each other and then back at Jake. Jake said, “No, take a good look at us. We have blood stained cloths, our hair is matted and nasty, and we have layers of dust covering every bit of us. We are all tired, and our horses are filthy an in need of grooming. What would you think if you rode up on a group like us?” The others began laughing at what Jake had described. He had just portrayed a group of outlaws and bandits.
They rode into Wenya sitting tall in the saddles of the horses. They knew what they had accomplished and were proud of it. The people of the city didn’t want riffraff in their city and gave them a cold shoulder. The people crossed the streets as they approached and some even went inside to avoid them. Everyone in the group was smiling at the thought of them being perceived as outlaws.
They arrived at the tower and were confronted as unwanted guests rather than conquering adventures, until the young apprentice recognized Taragin. He was quick to say, “Forgive me Master Taragin, but I thought you were a bunch of...” Taragin finished it for him, “Outlaws?” The apprentice was now stammering and stuttering. Taragin said, “It is fine, forget about it. I need you to notify Master Doars that we have returned.” Word had spread quickly throughout the tower that the wizards along with the four teens had returned, along with the condition they were in. The halls were now filled with various greeters.
When Doars made his way down the stairs, most had scurried away. As he approached the group he smiled and said, “It is true, we have been invaded by bandits.” Taragin smiled and said, “We have had a long journey and I’m looking forward to a hot bath and soft bed. With your permission, we would like to partake in those. I would be happy to brief you in the morning with all of the details.” Doars smiled and said, “I not only encourage you, but must insist you take a bath. You smell like a dead troll. The briefing can wait until after you are rested.”
Taragin turned to Jake, “It has been a great pleasure assisting you on your quest. Be safe as you continue your journey home.” Taragin shook his hand then turn to look at Sara and Tammy. “Sara…,” before he could say anything, the girls launched themselves toward him, and gave Taragin a hug. Smiling he continued
, “You both are very strong ladies. It has been delightful meeting you, and learning about you and your families. Remain diligent in all that you do.” Glancing at Jake and George, Taragin added, “Keep these two out of trouble, if you can.” Everyone started laughing. Wiping tears from their eyes, the two answered simultaneously, “We’ll try.” George stood shuffling his feet and looking shy, he hated saying goodbye to people. Taragin stepped in front and gave a short laugh, “George, what can I say? You are one of a kind and that is said with total admiration. Too be so young and have your maturity is an asset to be proud of.” Looking at Jake and winking, he added, “Remember one thing…never look a gift horse in the mouth. You never know what will be in your next meal.” Unable to control it any longer, Taragin roared with laughter, with all the other travelers joining in. George just laughed and shook his head, stuck his hand out and said, “It has been my pleasure.” The wizards bid their farewells then turn and left the room.
Doars clapped Jake on the shoulder and offered, “There are rooms available here if you would like to stay.” Jake thanked him and stated, “We are going to spend a day or two at the Queen’s Inn. I would also like to thank you for the time and training we received. Never would I have thought that I would be able to fight off attacks, nor live without all of the modern day items we depend on back home. It truly has been life changing.” Jake shook Doars hand and started for the door. As the teens were leaving Doars said, “I take it you found the stone of Yatuku you were searching for.” Jake held Yatuku up showing the stone attached. Doars said, “Very good. Very good indeed.”
When they arrived at the Queen’s Inn, the innkeeper looked up and started to ask them to leave when he recognized them. It took him minute before he spoke, not knowing what had happened to them. Finally he said, “Welcome back to the Queen’s Inn. The same rooms are available, if those are your wishes.” Jake nodded, “Please.” As they turned toward the stairs, the innkeeper called, “Should I send tubs up for all?” Sara said, “Unless you want us to run the other guests out of here from our stench.” Both smiled at each other. George turned and asked, “Is it possible to have our clothes cleaned and ready for tomorrow?” The innkeeper said, “I can have them sent out, but by the looks of them they may never be clean again. The cleaner will more than likely need to keep them more than a day.” Tammy said, “Looks like we’re staying here for at least two days.”
