by Brian Murray
Jamie pressed the dagger against his friend’s chest as tears welled. He forced his eyes shut, and nodded, his forehead resting against his friend’s brow. “Aye.”
“They were good . . . ” The sergeant did not finish his sentence. Instead, he exhaled for the last time.
“Goodbye, my friend,” whispered Jamie as a tear rolled down his cheek.
Captain Jamie left the dagger and slowly got to his feet. He had always been a gruff man, but now something inside him died. He loved his men and they all respected him and would give up their lives for him. Now, he just wanted this to be over. He told no one, but wished he had not accepted this mission. He wished he had sent his men to Paradise—they had deserved it. But he had accepted the mission and now condemned his men to an excruciating and heart breaking eternity of wandering the Grey Path, missing out on Paradise they had been guaranteed for fight evil at the Southern Pass.
All the men quickened their pace, everyone anxious to get out of the Mines of Moranton.
Tucci led the way through the winding tunnels, followed by the five friends, with the axe-wielders bringing up the rear. Very little noise rumbled in the tunnels except for the occasional scream and mad shrilling from the dying, which tore at everyone. Dax would have preferred no noise, but he could not silence the marching or the screams.
“Tucci?”
“Yes, Dax,” answered the Chosen’s son, who dropped back to walk next to the older warrior.
“How many exits are there from the mines to Yallaz’oom?”
“As far as I know there’s only one exit,” replied the young man.
“So we can assume there will be a welcoming party.”
“I would assume that if contact has been made with the Dark One, there will be a force waiting at the exit.”
“Is the exit the same size as the entrance?”
“Yes.”
Dax dropped back along the line and walked next to Captain Jamie. The axe-wielder captain was limping slightly from the injury he had received in the cavern but like all the other men, he did not moan. “Jamie, how are you doing?”
“The leg’s a bit sore, but I’m not complaining,” answered Jamie, smiling, but his smile lacked any humour.
“You axe-wielders are not known for your complaining.”
“You said it, my friend—we’re a hard bunch.”
“I have spoken to Tucci and he says there is only one exit to Yallaz’oom.”
“So we can expect some kind of welcome,” added Jamie, narrowing his eyes.
“That is what I think, too. He has told me the exit is about the same size as the entrance. We need to devise a plan to break through the force.”
“I will think on it.”
“Good.”
Dax strolled back up to the front of the column.
“Anything wrong, Dax?” asked Zane.
“There is only one exit out of the mines. I have spoken to Jamie and we will come up with a plan once we know what we face.”
***
The men marched through the seeming endless black tunnels, their spirits ebbing away as the men mourned their fallen comrades. Tucci, guiding the men, had gained their trust. Dax kept the young man in his sights, but was happy to drop back and talk to Captain Jamie, leaving Tucci alone. After what must have been several days, the men neared the exit of the tunnels. Soon, the sounds of howling filtered into the tunnel as they drew closer.
Dax and Rayth sneaked forward and watched the cave mouth. They peered through the darkness, and saw tall lumbering creatures ambling pass the tunnel exit howling. Dax silently cursed when he recognised the beasts. The two men crept back to the others and reported.
“Talon Hunters,” said Dax. Nothing more was needed; the friends knew the threat they faced.
“Not those beasts again,” said Tanas glumly.
“How many of them?” asked Zane.
“I’m not sure, but I would say at least a couple of hundred,” replied Rayth, shrugging his broad shoulders.
“What are we going to do?” asked Thade.
Dax’s eyes glinted in the torchlight when he answered. “Attack them.”
“Attack them?” asked Zane, astonished.
“We have no other choice. We only have the element of surprise in our favour. So, we attack them. And the sooner the better.”
“So what do you plan, Dax?” asked Thade.
Dax’s response was a wicked smile.
“Oh hell, that’s not good,” replied Thade in exasperation.
“Tucci, what’s outside the tunnel?” asked Dax.
“I have not been beyond the exit, but I have looked out. There are some dense dried out shrubs surrounding the clearing, then I don’t know.”
“So not only do we have a Dax plan to contend with,” said Thade, “but we’ll be entering the unknown. This is getting better and better.”
“You’ll like my plan, Thade; trust me,” said Dax, putting his arm around the younger man’s shoulders and pulling him in close.
Thade looked at Dax, only to see the man still smiling coolly. He shook his head, but the smile became infectious.
Dax silently worried for his boy. Colour had drained from his clammy skin. The older warrior prayed for his survival. If nothing else, he wanted his boy to get home. The only reason Thade was because of him, and that made the older warrior feel guilty. They were like father and son, so where one went the other would follow, even now—to Hell itself.
***
The axe-wielders prepared. They sharpened their axes and listened to the orders given by Captain Jamie. The sound of whetting stones slithering rhythmically against steel comforted many of the men, calming their nerves. The orders were quite simple—defend the king, and break through as fast as they could.
Dax and Zane moved close to the mouth of the tunnel and watched the Talon Hunters. The beasts lumbered around, howling at each other, and occasionally fighting amongst themselves. Dax quietly told Zane to wait there whilst he crept forward. Zane watched as Dax merged with the darkness.
Dax reached the exit and peered out into Yallaz’oom. He was not impressed. He continued watching the Talon Hunters, noting that they were a disorganised mass. He knew they were ferocious fighters, but the calm and well-disciplined axe-wielders should be able to break through these beasts—he hoped. Dax crept back into the tunnel and nodded towards Zane. The two men moved further into the tunnel and met up with the rest. Dax went straight to Captain Jamie.
“Let’s do it,” Dax announced tonelessly.
“As planned?”
“Yes, go in and break through as quickly as possible. I like simple plans. They cater to simple people like me,” said Dax, smiling.
Captain Jamie returned Dax’s boyish grin, then gave his orders in a hoarse hiss. The company of axe-wielders started to move forward. Dax had noticed a change in the captain since his friend’s death. He had tried to discuss the matter with the axe-wielder, but Jamie just stood silent, then after politely excusing himself, strode off. Dax knew the man was a professional and as a former leader of men, he knew what the captain was going through. His were the strongest of men and they did not deserve to die from the flesh gnawing fever. But now the men had a battle to fight. Dax saw the glint of eagerness return in their eyes. Even Captain Jamie had the glint, but his was tinged with madness. He wanted to exact some serious vengeance on someone or something, for his men’s deaths, and the beasts would feel his wrath.
***
Dax strode through the tunnel to where Tucci sat on his own. “Are you coming with us?” asked the older warrior, crouching down next to the Chosen’s son.
Tucci looked into the man’s violet eyes and smiled weakly. “I don’t think so. I’ve done all I can for you. I have not been outside the mines and cannot guide you any farther. I believe this is where we part company.”
Dax remained silent for a while, thinking. “Tucci, I know in life you were an evil man.” He raised his hand to stop the younger man speaking.
“But I think you have learned your lesson in death. I would suggest you go back through the mines and walk the Grey Path again. I am sure the Divine One will look at you favourably for what you have done for us.”
Tucci just nodded and stared down at the ground.
“I will make sure your father hears what you have done for us here,” said Dax softly.
Tucci looked up at Dax, his eyes misting. “You would do that? For me?”
“I think it would be important for both of you for him to know. You have done a great deed and your father will be proud.”
“Thank you, Dax,” replied Tucci, his voice choked with emotion.
“No, Tucci, thank you for your help.” Dax rose and held out his hand. Tucci took the hand and Dax helped him to his feet.
Dax looked at the young man and saw him in a different light. “Prince Tucci of the Phadrine, thank you,” said the older warrior, bowing.
Tucci was shocked by the man’s gesture. He bowed in return and smiled. “Dax, you’re the finest of men and I’m proud to have gotten to know you again through clear eyes. You have the best of men with you. I wish you and all of them a long and happy life.”
Tucci did not wait for a reply. He turned on his heels and walked back into the darkness of the tunnels, his back straight, his head held up high, and tears streaming down his cheeks.
Dax watched the Chosen’s son disappear into the darkness. When he could no longer see the young man, he whispered, “You are a good man now that you have found the light again. I hope the Divine One looks down on you with compassion.” He turned and jogged back to the exit.
***
Craig, a Royal Lancer, had escorted King Zane from the battlefield outside Teldor. Tonight, he scouted several miles away from Thade’s home. It was a clear night and the moon illuminated the hills in a silvery glow. Craig had not been a true royalist, but something about King Zane struck the man. He had seen his king injured but refuse help from the healers at the temporary camp. This action had touched the Royal Lancer; it showed him his king cared about his men. Now, he would give his life for his sovereign.
He gazed out toward the southeast from his position on top of a hill. In the distance, he saw several shapes cresting a knoll. He estimated there must be five or six animals. Something about them disturbed the Royal Lancer, and he slowly rose to his feet. It was their calmness, he decided. They were heading towards him without a care in the world. The animals were downwind from his position and should have picked up his scent and fled. But these creatures did not deviate; they headed straight for him—towards the house where the royal family rested.
Craig noticed something else. Even from such a distance, he was sure they must be huge hounds. Craig’s mouth went dry. He remembered the beasts at Teldor and their lack of fear. Dread filled the soldier’s heart and he did not hesitate. He ran down the hill and mounted his horse. Instantly, his spurred his horse into a gallop and headed back to the house.
It took Craig just over half a day to reach the house, pushing his horse very hard. He arrived at the house and skidded his horse to a stop. He approached his senior officer and reported, “There are beasts travelling towards us, sir.”
“Beasts?” the captain asked doubtfully. “How many?”
“Five or six, I think.”
“We have over fifty men here, why rush back?”
“Sir, there’s something about them, something disturbing. My scent didn’t seem to trouble them and they’re heading here; of that I’m positive.”
“Creatures, you say? Are you sure they are heading this way?”
“Yes sir.”
“Are they the same as the beasts from Teldor?”
“No sir. They’re different—they ran on all fours like massive hounds.”
“How far behind?” asked the captain, frowning.
“The pace they’re travelling, sir, I would say they’re a half day or so behind me.”
The captain cursed and thought for a while. “Call all the men together. We had better ensure our defences are ready.” He went into the house to inform the queen.
***
The axe-wielders gathered in silence near the exit of the mines. Captain Jamie raised his fist. The men halted. Jamie stood between Rayth and Dax at the front of the column. Behind them Zane, Tanas, and Thade waited wordlessly. All of the warriors had their weapons drawn. Sweaty hands were wiped dry. Grim, solid faces looked forward, all eager to leave the death in the mines; to leave behind the memories. Jamie looked at Dax, who nodded. Jamie pulled his fist down, then thrust his arm forward, pointing towards the exit. The men started to trot forward with their weapons ready. When the men exited the tunnel, they roared at the top of their voices and charged into the Talon Hunters.
***
The Talon Hunters were not prepared for the attack and the axe-wielders’ charging wedge quickly cut deep into their ranks. The warriors pushed on, but soon the Talon Hunters realised they were under attack. They retaliated; the fighting bloody and fierce. The axe-wielders continued their forward momentum, but the rear of the wedge started to slow as the Talon Hunters ploughed into their sides.
Using their sharp claws, the beasts ripped into the axe-wielders and blood sprayed high into the air. The air became filled with angry howls from the Talon Hunters, and the screaming of injured and dying axe-wielders. The axe-wielders roared in defiance and pushed on deeper among the beasts. Cleaving, chopping, and hacking, the warriors took the fight to the Talon Hunters, fighting like men possessed. One thing that would not happen on this day—the men would not be pushed back into the tunnels. They were out of the Mines of Moranton and would die on their feet in battle rather than re-enter the dark labyrinth.
Rayth, Dax, and Captain Jamie fought in a unit as though they had fought together for decades, killing all in their path. Blood dripped from their axes as they pressed on. Behind them, Thade, Tanas, and Zane calmly battled the beasts. Covered in the beast’s blood, they followed the three axe-men through the fray. Farther back, the rest of the axe-wielders chopped and roared at the beasts, the roar of the axe-wielders clearer, louder than the howling Talon Hunters. The beasts started to push into the ranks, but the men held their formation. Many men fell—they fell in glory with their axes in hand on the battlefield.
Rayth chopped high while Dax buried his two axes into the same beast’s chest—it fell. Dax wrenched his axes free and stepped over the dead creature of darkness to be faced by two charging Talon Hunters. Roaring his battle cry, Dax charged. He swung both axes and they buried into the beasts’ necks. The momentum of the beasts’ charge carried Dax backwards. Behind him, Rayth and Captain Jamie waited, standing motionless until the two Talon Hunters were on top of them. They both arced colossal chops and buried their murderous axes into the beasts’ craniums. The beasts instantly stopped and Dax freed his death-dealers as they fell. No words were spoken as all three men stepped forward.
Thade, Tanas, and Zane worked their way through the beasts. More Talon Hunters attacked the three men, but they remained steady and calm. Two more charged from either side. Thade and Tanas went back-to-back and waited for the creatures. They did not have to wait long. The beasts jumped high towards the two warriors.
Tanas stabbed out.
Thade slashed out.
Tanas stepped forward and braced himself. His two short swords caught the beast in the eyes, skewering its brain, then slammed out the back of its skull.
After slashing high, Thade quickly ducked and stabbed low with his gladiator swords. The high cut hacked through the beast’s throat. His low thrust caught the beast in the groin area. Both beasts died instantly in a pool of dark blood, brain matter, and shards of bone.
Zane watched another beast charge towards him. The towering beast had its arms stretched forward and its orange, cat-like eyes were blazing. Zane ran towards the creature, calculating what to do. He stopped, crossed his swords in front of his chest, and knelt down on one knee. At the last moment, he hacked out sidew
ays with both swords and rolled onto his back. His blade cleaved through the beast’s flailing arms. Rolling back, Zane planted his right foot in the creature’s gut and, using its momentum, threw the beast behind him. Zane rose quickly and joined the other two men. He did not look behind him, knowing that the axe-wielders would finish off the wounded creature. They did so without mercy.
***
Dax, Rayth and Captain Jamie continued to lead the charging wedge that finally broke through the ranks of Talon Hunters. Behind them, Zane, Tanas, and Thade battled their way towards them. The rest of the axe-wielders were in a standing battle with the dark beasts. Captain Jamie ordered the leading axe-wielders who had broken through the ranks with him to run to the brown dead shrubs surrounding the clearing, and wait for his command. Dax, Rayth, and Jamie turned and charged into the backs of the Talon Hunters. The three axe-men cut a path for the three younger warriors to escape.
“GET OUT!” roared Dax at Zane who, like the older warrior, was covered in dripping ooze.
Zane was about to say something when Rayth grabbed the young man by his jerkin. “Zane go. NOW!”
Zane and Thade ran from the battle to the relative safety of the shrubs. The two men stopped running and turned to watch the fighting. Dax, Rayth, Captain Jamie, and Tanas formed a circle, facing outwards, defending each other from the beasts.
“Axe-wielders—to me!” bellowed Captain Jamie.
The axe-wielders could just hear the command over the slashing of flesh, the crunching of bone, the howling of beasts, and the screams of death. The warriors gathered and the defensive circle started to grow. Around the circle of men, the beasts howled and attacked, but they could not break through. More and more axe-wielders scrambled to join their companions, many with injuries, some not reaching their goal. The death count was high and still rising.
“Fighting square!” ordered Captain Jamie. The axe-wielders changed their formation and created a fighting square of four hundred warriors, four men deep. When the outer man tired or was injured, a fresher warrior would replace him. For an age, the square remained stationary while the Talon Hunters attacked all sides, but the beasts could not penetrate the hacking line of murderous metal. Around the square, the bodies of men and beasts, dead or injured, littered the blood-drenched ground.
