by James Day
Twinkling lights came into view from the forest path as a road widened to cobblestone. Galway was a huge village, much larger now that it had been. Now it was a bustling place of trade for all kinds of goods and assignments. Fortune seekers came to look for gold in the mountains while others tracked down what was left of the race of Ogre. After the defeat of the Crimson Seekers they had headed for Northlands to hide in the mountains. The scattered Demons also remained in hiding as well as the Gargoyles. A few had survived, but they never came down to raid a village or a camp. They were the hunted. Within six years they were almost extinct, but a few remained biding their time, waiting for a new leader to come forth and usher in their kind.
The buildings were made of brick and mortar, with homes that remained on the outskirts. Stables, bars, and hostels lined the streets which were kept clean. Little oil lamps were hung in front of each home light the way as the company made its way down the path. The inhabitants saw the large caravan and quickly shut their windows and shudders. They wanted nothing from any big parties. Most caravans came in for a night and left the next day with fresh supplies. There were a few young lads that ran the streets for money and gave out information on the coming’s and goings of groups. But whatever plans were made in secret back rooms of bars and hostels remained secret. Information was controlled by a few that ran the town. The assassins controlled the trade and got the money and distributed the coin to the inhabitants. Goods, services, blacksmiths, leathermakers, and farmers all shared in the profits to keep the village going.
The Galway Inn was a three-story building that took up a block. There were dozens of rooms on all three floors. A stable was directly across the street where the company corralled their horses and paid for a night’s stay. The three-guardsman decided that they would watch over the stables in order to make sure no one stole their animals. Coin was paid to the innkeeper which was a separate from the Galway Inn. Noleann and Prince Grandur settled down in the room as the Spellmakers paired up in bunk beds. Shydrie had her own room as did the Mystics. They had taken one of the guardsman to stand guard in the hall, keeping them safe while the other two watched the road and the stable. They never said a word and just took orders obediently. After everyone settled in, Noleann and Prince Grandur went down into the Galway Inn Bar. It was a huge room with dozens of tables to seat four to six at a time. The room was filled with people eating and drinking. The tables in the backroom were left empty because the bartender knew that the company would need them for some privacy. There was no spying, no secret hidden rooms, only an escape doorway underneath a portion of the bar that slid back. The trap door led to underground tunnels and out into the forest. No one noticed the Prince or Princess, but then the room hushed as the two Elves made their way to the backroom. People whispered about the Elves and made comments. Something important was taking place if they were involved with the group.
A Dwarf and Gnome sat in the back by candlelight and they were asked to leave but refused. The Dwarf demanded more drinks. He was a small burly guy with a red beard and big bushy eyebrows and blue eyes. He wore brown hunters clothes and had a cloak with a broadsword at his side. He and his friend the Gnome drank and made jokes. They appeared to be drunk as Shydrie and Llyendrie sat down at a table. They eyed the two scrutinizing their every move. The Elves looked at them with disgust, they were only plain drunkards.
The Gnome was a taller fellow, much larger for your average gnome, with a blonde beard and green eyes. He was a little slimmer, but bulky and top heavy with muscles and a scar underneath his right cheek. He laughed boldly as he took a pewter mug and drank with the ale spilling all over.
“Wench, we want our food,” the Gnome said screaming aloud as Noleann watched. Then she notice a man in cowl move over to the table. He was hidden beneath it and slammed his knife on the table. The Dwarf and Gnome went silent for a moment, then they slammed two knives a peace into the wooden table. Both knives were twice the size. “We are not done,” the Gnome told the stranger. “Wench! Our food!”
The man drew his broadsword and sat down at the table. The serving girl came out nervously and service them two large roast chickens on plates, the aroma whiffed through the room as the Elves became angry. Shydrie shot over a look which the Gnome and Dwarf caught. They said nothing and continued arguing with man about drinking and leaving for the evening.
Noleann ordered some ale and she and the Prince drank and ate some bread and cheese. They sat separate from the Elves as the serving girl went over to them to take their order. The Elves ordered ale and bread to eat as they watched the three in the corner carrying on about something. The noise between the Gnome and Dwarf rose to a crescendo as the man tried to quiet them down. Shydrie decided that she would have no part of it. She and Llyendrie ate quietly making little conversation.
The Boy-Mystic and Dayven entered the back room. They sat down at a table with their hoods up in the dim light. The room was beginning to get crowded as Noleann waited for the three men to contact her, but no one showed or approached. She decided that maybe, they were waiting for the Dwarf and Gnome to leave with their friend. The two Mystics ordered hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks. They then ordered lamb and began eating quietly.
A huge burst of laugher exploded from the Dwarf as he finished his meal and spit the bones on the plate. He took another swig of ale and serving girl brought more ale over.
“Have one with us, then we will leave,” the Dwarf told the man.
“Just one,” he said quietly as he was given a mug to gulp down.
“I do not like the company we keep,” the Gnome said loudly, drinking heavily. “Especially Elves who should remain in Fallsridge.”
“I cannot take this anymore,” The She-Elf Warrior told the Spellmaker. “I’m losing my patience and maybe they need to be taught a lesson.”
Shydrie rose and went to the edge of the table and stood there. The three ignored her as if she did not exist. They kept bantering about the amount money given. Llyendrie rose to stop and turn Shydrie back to her seat, but she refused to budge.
Noleann gave a look at Prince Grandur and knew trouble was about to happen. She told the Prince to wait here, she would handle the situation with all of them.
The Gnome and Dwarf looked the man straight in eye. Then the Gnome spoke, “Looks like some Elves want their faces bashed in.”
“Please leave,” Shydrie ordered.
“A She-Elf giving commands,” the Dwarf laughed as the man stood up and Gnome and Dwarf rose from their seats.
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Shydrie announced.
“And a Spellmaker,” the Gnome hissed. “A magic wielder. Probably not a good one at that. I say we teach them a lesson.”
Then suddenly Noleann was there as the man rose. The Gnome, Dwarf and Man faced off with their foes. Then it happened. Everyone moved quickly as the table was thrown up in the air and chairs were sent flying. Gnome and Dwarf battled fiercely with Llyendrie and the She-Elf Warrior. A moment later they all spun around, kicking, and attempting to gain the upper advantage. But Shydrie was exhausted as the Gnome spun her arm around twisting it and putting a knife at her throat in the corner of the room. It had been a trick she used on others many times, but he was a fighter and knew how to defend himself. The Dwarf knocked the Spellmaker in the head and spun him around as he attempted to gain the upper advantage but was flipped and slammed into the wall. He grabbed Llyendrie up and put a knife to his throat. Noleann went for the man as they struggled having a close knife fight. It seemed that she knew every move the man was making as they fought. It brought back memories of her childhood as she kicked the man and spun him around. He flipped her, but she landed on her feet facing him, her knife under his chin.
“Release them.” The Bounty Huntress told the man.
The Gnome and Dwarf released them as they turned. Noleann took away the knife as the man let down his cowl.
Noleann could not believe it. The man was O’Dea.
She wrapped her arms around him with tears in her eyes as the others watched in shock. She began sobbing lightly as he patted her on her back. He stood her back and Prince Grandur came over with his broadsword ready. Then the Prince realized, they were the three assassins. Noleann continued crying as she tried to compose herself. Then they broke their embrace.
O’Dea was totally white haired, with beard and blue eyes. He had a short beard that was well trimmed. He took her by the shoulders as the rest of the party came to the table.
“You have become everything I’ve ever dreamed Noleann. You remembered everything I taught you and some other tricks as well.”
The Dwarf shrugged in anger. “The Elves are part of the group?”
“Yes,” O’Dea stared at them. “Now sober up. We have work to do.”
Shydrie and Llyendrie were in shock. They were the assassins that were going to accompany the group to Fire Rock Crater. The She-Elf Warrior took Noleann aside as the others began shaking hands.
“This is not right. They are drunks. They hate Elves and I am not fond of them.”
“They are the best. They outdid you and Llyendrie,” she said with some reservations. “You don’t have to like them, but they are now part of the group. I think they have proven themselves. Now let us make our introductions,” she finished.
The Gnome and Dwarf looked at the Elves with reservations rocking back and forth as O’Dea gave them a look.”
“We apologize. We behaved badly,” the Gnome said, and the Dwarf nodded.
“But we still don’t’ trust Elves,” the Dwarf added.
“I’m not exactly fond of the both of you,” the She-Elf Warrior said holding back her resentment. “I am Shydrie, She-Elf Warrior to King Allergeron and Queen Ellandree. I command the elven armies.”
“I am Spellmaker Llyendrie,” the Elf introduced himself. I lead the Spellmakers.”
“My name is O’Dea Assassin Mystic and I brought Noleann up as a child.”
“I am Gnome Assassin Dirk,” The Gnome said sizing up the Elves.
“I am Dwarf Assassin Razor,” he quipped and shook their hands.
The Mystics walked over and introduced themselves. They were surprised by the young age of Dunnganon. He was a legend and they did not expect a boy to be in a Mystics body. Mystic Dayven was known for defeating the Crimson Seekers. Now they were facing a new evil, the Dark Fae.
They joined tables and spoke for an hour concerning the mission at hand. They explained that a Faerie War was on the verge of coming to the Six Providences. The Gnome Assassin Dirk listened intently taking in all of the information concerning the Fire Imps and the Silverthreads. The Assassin Dwarf Razor was skeptical concerning faeries and Silverthreads, but he was in it for the money and did not care what they were fighting. They were told it would be a dangerous journey to Fire Rock Crater. The Dark Fae would eventually be hunting them, and they needed to be quick. The two assassin’s had heard of farms being burned and villagers in other counties being killed by something, but no one had not seen the creatures. It did not matter what they were because the Gnome Assassin and Dwarf Assassin were the best in the business. O’Dea would keep them under control and make sure everyone was protected.
O’Dea told Noleann that the Mystics had taken him to faraway lands and trained him in their arts. The elderly man was well built and knew how to keep himself from being injured. He had mastered some tricks, but never the Mystic blood fire. The Assassin Mystic knew how to do things quietly almost stealth like. He was able to call up light from his palms, create the illusion he was there and mastered all of the plants and herbs for healing. He studied their ways and spell books and was enough to be an apprentice. The team retired to bed as Noleann and O’Dea talked into the early morning and then decided it was time for bed. They retired for the evening as the Galway Inn closed down for the night.
An hour before dawn, just before twilight, Dwarf Assassin Razor and Gnome Assassin Dirk went outside and walked down the road taking deep breaths. They went to the outskirts of the town to make sure nothing strange had tracked them. When the two decided that everything was fine, that is when something caught their eyes. In the darkness a flash occurred, so fast that they hardly had time recollect it. Then another red streak zoomed by in the distance. The two assassins took a stance.
“They’re quick whatever they are,” Gnome Assassin Dirk removed two short swords in both hands and spun them around. Dwarf Assassin Razor also took out two broadswords, one from each side of his belt. He took a position back to back with his companion. They waited patiently. Then it struck. A Fire Imp leapt at the Gnome and he reacted violently spinning and cutting the creature up as it hit the ground injured and bleeding. It was covered in blood from the slashes and red eyes gleamed at the Gnome. Then suddenly the Dwarf released both swords swinging and cutting as the duo spun around twice striking the second Fire Imp that attacked. It howled in the night from its injuries. It scampered off into the woods. They remained on high alert from the attack and realized that the Dark Fae creatures had followed them to Galway.
Then something charged and it was large and big. A huge Dark Fae Wolf with a single rider went for the two men letting out a scream that echoed throughout the village. The Dark Fae Wolven Elf moved swiftly as with its short sword breaking up the two assassins. They faced their foe as it went for Dwarf Assassin Razor. The Dwarf released his knives striking the beast and Wolven Elf in the stomach. The beast slowed, but continued charging, fangs and a short muzzle spewing a howl as the others from the company were alerted and came running down the road. But it would take them a few minutes to reach their companions. The Gnome Assassin Dirk released his bow and arrow and struck the beast right between the eyes as the monster collapsed sending the injured Dark Fae Wolven Elf to charge at the men. It was on the Gnome as he spun with his weapons, cutting, and dodging his enemy. Then another rider with a Wolven Elf appeared, with his broadsword and charged. The fight ensued with the first Wolven Elf as it slowed from the injuries. Both Dwarf and Gnome cut it down. The second attack was on them as arrows were released through the air striking the beast and Wolven Elf. They went down in a heap. The others were almost there as archers fired more arrows that struck the bodies that died instantly from the second assault.
The injured Fire Imps circled around, slow, and methodical. They attacked once again, and their injuries were apparent to the company. Both Dwarf and Gnome Assassins cut them down as the enemies’ bodies dropped and were all sliced up. There was blood everywhere as Shydrie was first to arrive on the scene with her bow and arrow drawn.
“It is over,” the Dwarf said as he put his weapons back.
Shydrie was now flanked by the others, two Fire Imps and two Wolven Elves had attacked them. Their bodies lay in a heap. The guardsman came and gathered the bodies and put them in a pile and burned the remains.
Noleann and Prince Grandur watched the fire blaze as the two Mystics ran up to the company. The Spellmakers had remained behind.
“They grow bolder,” Mystic Dayven looked at the others. “There are more out there and if a pack attacks us, we may not be as lucky.
O’Dea strolled up to his men. “Well done. You have proven yourselves good adversaries to the Dark Fae.”
“It is far from over,” Mystic Dayven said as he peered out into the woods. Up on a hill, stood a lonely hooded figure all in black who was riding a Dark Fae Wolf. From what he could see the individual carried a steel rod staff and turned away in the darkness. “It was a test,” the Mystic said as the company stood around in a circle. “We must begin our journey as soon as possible. We must leave at sunrise. We are placing Galway in danger. It is the company their master wants, and they will regroup and attack us in the open.”
The Boy-Mystic nodded and did not say much as he watched the creatures turn to ash. Then he spoke, “the best way to defeat them is by arrows. If we can cut them down before they come close to hand to hand combat, then we have a better chance. The Fire Imps are
fast, but if we remain vigilant then we can defeat them. Then they turned to Prince Grandur who held the Sword of Shannon, it glowed a blue aura which slowly disappeared.
“Well that’s different. The sword glows when danger approaches. The Sword of Shannon may prove to protect us more than we know,” the She-Elf Warrior said as they turned and began heading back.
It was decided they were going to leave for the Snap.
The Dark Fae Warlock rode the Wolf Beast to a clearing and jumped off. He waved his steel rod staff and red fire exploded into an oak cracking it in two. They had defeated the Fire Imps. He had grown impatient with waiting and decided to test it on the two assassins. He had failed, but it was only a setback. His other minions would come forth when the time was right. He thought about the Fire Imps, more would come at his commands, but he needed to be more careful next time. He strode over to a tree and waved the steel rod staff where the red crystal glowed green. Green fire exploded into the oak and left a large smoldering hole the size of a man. Then the ash began to move as something was detaching from the tree. First black burnt branches came out of the sides of the smoldering hole. Then a woman’s body in black bark, burned and dark inched out. Tree branches extended out of the hole large with thorns all over it, but no leaves. A face glimmered, pale white with black eyes and black lips. It was some kind of woman who inched her way out with long legs like tree branches and body. She moved slowly at first getting used to her freedom. Then she released herself from the oak. Her form stood six feet tall and she spoke.
“You have summoned me from the Dark Fae Wood. What is your will my master?”
“To defeat those who want to retrieve the Hearthstone Sword. I need your help and your abilities. You have followers?”
“Yes,” she said. “The Dark Fae Wood Forest is my friend. They will aid us when the time comes. They live in the trees and bushes. They are all over and will obey my commands.”
“Good and do you have any other abilities?”
