“Fine,” Diamedes said, moving to the other end of the table and grabbing Azor by his arm who did not move. “Azor, would you stand for a moment?”
“No,” the Northman said. “I will not be a sun god.”
A few people chuckled and Diamedes looked lost. Damien stood and muttered a word lighting his staff’s gemstone and filling the room with light as most everyone either backed away or made a sign of warding at the display of magic. “I’ll assist you.” Damien said.
“Alright,” Diamedes said, looking around at the apprehensive faces on the Ulathans. He only regained his courage when he looked at Duke Uthor who smiled at him. “Let us say that Damien represents our sun. His staff and light will represent the side of day as it is now, sort of.”
The looks around the room indicated agreement since full daylight hadn’t been seen for days now. Looking at Alyssa she responded before he could ask, “You want me to represent Agon?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind.” Alyssa stood and walked around the table standing at one end while Diamedes motioned for Damien to move further back which he did. Grabbing her shoulders he turned her ninety degrees, so she was facing the southern wall of the tower with her right part of her face lit from the bright light of the staff and the other side in a slight shadow. “This is Agon as the sun is about to set. Alyssa’s is facing the way we would stand and look overhead. Does everyone understand?”
“Yes,” Uthor said, and others nodded.
“I will represent the moons. Now, when Alyssa turns slightly to her left, the sun will have set and the moons will be just about here.” Diamedes said, standing directly in front of Alyssa. “Turn slightly now.”
Alyssa turned about forty-five degrees, “Like this?”
“Yes,” Diamedes said. “A bit more than I wanted but this will work. Now, the moons rise as they travel behind our planet.” Diamedes moved in a circular motion coming to stand about a foot and a half in front of Alyssa’s face.
“Is the sun doing anything?” Damien asked.
Diamedes nodded, “Continue to burn your sunlight. Once the moons have risen, they cross quickly like this.” Diamedes moved past Alyssa’s face and ended up to her left, kitty-corner from where he was.
“The moons move faster around us than we rotate,” Damien said, understanding astronomy better than anyone else in the room.
“Exactly,” Diamedes said. “Alyssa, I want you to shuffle slightly and face where I’m standing now but I’ll continue to move.”
“Alright,” She said, shuffling her feet and facing where Diamedes was.
He had moved further to her left and was now standing directly opposite of where he had started. “At this point the moons have or are setting. Now move to face me where I’m at now while I move again.”
“Like this?” Alyssa asked, moving to face directly opposite of where she had started.
“Yes,” Diamedes said, having moved now a considerable distance to her left and towards Damien. The historian now stood about five feet away. “You see the moons have set but at first light they can’t be seen by us because they share the sky with the sun which is so bright it blots them out.”
“But you moved away from her,” Uthor noted.
Diamedes nodded, “That is the key I’m about to show everyone. The moons travel quickly around Agon on the night side because they are closer and then they are slung-shot away from our world and move slower relative to our rotation until they reach about here. Alyssa, turn to face me.”
Alyssa turned and she now face Diamedes who was ten feet away from her with Damien another twenty feet or so beyond the historian. “That’s the alignment,” Uthor noted.
“Correct again, my Lord, but let me finish the cycle so it’s understood by all. Alyssa, turn another forty-five degrees and face in your original position when you started.” Alyssa turned and Diamedes had to scoot quickly to almost reach her line of vision, but he stopped short. “Here we are back at the beginning of the cycle where the sun sets yet again and the moons, Tira and Sara, are close to our world again and speeding up as they close the distance between us.”
“So the sun prevents us from seeing our moons during the day.” It was a statement from a noblewoman near Diamedes.
Diamedes answered, “That and the fact that they are considerably farther away than they are at night, so they are much smaller in the sky.”
Most of the audience murmured in approval and understanding. Uthor stood and clapped twice saying, “Well done, Diamedes. Where did you learn this?”
Diamedes turned to Alyssa and said softly, “Thank you so much, we’re finished now.” Turning to face Uthor he spoke louder, “My Lord, I read books and that’s how I learn. I needed an ancient text that we secured in Tannis to confirm my hypothesis.”
A man near Uthor asked, “What prevents the moons from simply flying away if they travel so far from us?”
Uthor noted the confusion on Diamedes’ face and added, “This is Heron, my new scientific advisor. He took over for Serus who passed last winter.”
“Ah, yes, I understand now,” Diamedes said. “I honestly am not sure. The text referred to some mystical force called gravity which binds the worlds together, though it is beyond my comprehension to understand. Does that help?”
Heron nodded, “Perhaps we can discuss at a more opportune time. I’d like to expand my knowledge as part of my service for my Lord and Liege.”
Diamedes nodded turning his attention to Uthor, “Where are your people? I saw so few today.”
Uthor’s face turned sad and he sat back down almost slumping in his chair before answering. “Many are dead, the rest we sent to the Caverns of Despair. You know of what I speak?”
“I do, how did they travel with the Kesh siege around your capital?”
“We sallied forth and opened a corridor killing many Kesh and their mercenary scum to the east. We petitioned for safe passage from the lone remaining druid in the Earlstyne Forest. He agreed and allowed my people to travel through his lands and enter the Felsics where the caves are located.”
“Was the Arnen known as Elly, er I mean Elister?” Diamedes asked.
“He was,” Uthor said.
“The Kesh didn’t contest?” Diamedes asked.
“They did,” Uthor said. “Many a citizen and soldier died in order to take as many as we could to a safe haven, or at least as safe as one could be in this time of ours.”
“What is your plan now then?” Diamedes asked.
“I intended to fight and hold our city until the last minute then have my remaining citizens head for the caves while I and my forces attacked the Kesh at the place where this gateway will open and see if I can prevent evil forces from entering our lands.” Uthor looked around at his remaining subjects and saw concerned faces all around him.
“You said last remaining druid,” Dour said. “What did you mean by that?”
Uthor looked over at the cleric answering, “The conclave of their order was a disaster. Most, if not all, of the Arnen perished at the hands of the Kesh.” Several eyes turned to look at Damien who had still remained standing as their sun. He slowly walked back to his chair and sat down looking forlorn. Uthor spoke again, “Present company excluded.”
“Of course,” Damien said almost robotically.
Dour spoke loudly, “This Kesh has fought his own kind and has saved your historian more than once. Let’s make sure you all don’t forget that.”
“Spoken as a true friend,” Uthor said. “Fear not, both of you Kesh, as we do not judge all on their nationality alone but rather on their deeds themselves. You are both welcome here in my land.”
“Good,” Dour said, sitting back content that he had made his point.
Having said that, time is short. Will you contest the gate?”
Uthor stood again and looked around at this remaining officers, noblemen, and servants. “We must sacrifice in order to preserve our world. Are you with me?”
The cheer from everyone
in the room was answer enough. Only Dour spoke as the din faded, “That’s just bloody great.”
Chapter 21
Portal
The last sortie by the Ulathan forces was successful as the Kesh had withdrawn to safer lines. The Ulathans did not need to defeat them but rather open a path through the siege so that they could reach the Earlstyne Forest not far to their east. The last refugees from Utandra traveled on foot and carried what meager provisions that they could including blankets and weapons. In total the civilian numbered about a thousand while the last of Duke Uthor’s army was about half that number.
Once they reached the relative safety of the forest, the citizens and civilians trekked east and headed south towards their haven of the caves through the Earlstyne Forest while Duke Uthor and his large force of soldiers headed east and north towards their fate and destiny to do combat with the evil Kesh forces and dragons that surely awaited them.
According to Diamedes they literally only had a day more if the calculations in the book were correct. Diamedes hid the red-dyed, leather book with its metallic bound secondary covering in one of the towers lest it fall into the hands of the Kesh or worse. He wasn’t sure why he did that, but it felt like it was the right thing to do.
When they came across the Gregus River they met a pair of men in brown robes standing on the other side. The older man used a wooden staff to slow the raging water of the river and part a path in the water for them to cross. They feared the river would resume its course and Uthor and his men along with the companions crossed quickly.
Seeing the younger of the two, though both still looked old, Diamedes ran up to him saying, “Elly, I never thought to see you again.”
“It’s good to meet one last time,” Elister said. “We know why you have come.”
Uthor walked to the men as his troops were crossing the wet river bed and running to reform on the east bank. “I owe you again, Elister.”
“Nonsense,” Elly said.
“I do not know your companion.” Uthor said looking at the older man who ignored them as he concentrated on keeping the river in check.
“This is the Chief Druid, Galonin,” Elly said.
“I thought all the Arnen were dead?” Diamedes asked.
Elly nodded, “I wasn’t at the conclave, but I was told that every Arnen save two perished.”
Diamedes nodded, “Galonin and Morgan.”
“Yes, that’s right,” Elly said smiling.
Diamedes frowned then explained, “Morgan fell saving us not long ago.”
Galonin had finished and the river suddenly surged forward threatening to overflow its banks. The man had scars on his face and hands and looked grim. “I’m sorry, I was rather occupied in ensuring your safety during your crossing of the river. I am Galonin and I don’t think we’ve met.”
Uthor and Diamedes exchanged handshakes with the Chief Druid before Diamedes spoke, “You know the Duke of Ulatha, Uthor and I am Diamedes a historian.”
“I know you both well,” the druid said. “You thought I was dead?”
“Yes,” Diamedes replied.
“I heard you say something about Morgan’s fate?” the druid asked.
“He perished saving us,” Diamedes said.
Galonin looked pensive and looked at Elister before saying, “I fear it is down to you and me now.”
Elister’s face also went sad, his countenance became grim and he nodded at his leader. “I will strive to do the order’s will.”
The chief druid nodded, “The Mother has something planned for you, though I can’t say what exactly. Why she’s limiting you to this forest is both unexplainable and interesting.”
“Then I will protect this forest with all my might,” Elister said.
The other companions, Dour, Alyssa, Azor, Zokar, and Damien arrived to stand behind the men. Diamedes noticed them and said, “These are my companions and you know the Duke’s troops who have crossed.”
“Yes,” Galonin said. “No need for further introductions. Time is short and we must travel north with all due haste. The High Mage is about to do something risky that will threaten the balance of our world.”
“He already has,” Diamedes noted.
Galonin looked at him and nodded, “I guess you’re right. He’s killed just about everyone who could oppose him. Tell me quickly about Morgan. Did he die in combat with a Kesh wizard?”
“An Arch Mage,” Diamedes clarified.
Galonin nodded, “That explains much. The man was good and his sacrifice noble. It helps us since the mages have been weakened. At this point we need a champion to face him. It must be you.”
The druid had turned and faced Uthor who spoke, “I will gladly face the High Mage in combat.”
“That must be done,” Galonin said, turning and walking north with Elly hurrying to catch up.
Damien spoke for the others, “I guess we did not come all this way to miss a fight.”
“No, we didn’t,” Diamedes said and the group followed.
The group made small talk but walked briskly for the remainder of the day and well into the night. When asked if they were going to camp overnight the chief druid only replied that if they did there would be no tomorrow. No one had the courage to ask him to explain.
The forest gave way to the trade road where a castle had once stood. Only a small tower, a part of the fortress remained standing. The rest was rubble and it was surrounded by a thousand Kesh troops. More than anyone had seen since the siege. It appeared that if a battle were to occur the Ulathans would be outnumbered at least two to one.
Fires raged around them, some in the trees and others were bonfires from the Kesh army. Smoke mixed with the dark, ash clouds overhead and cast the entire scene in perpetual shadow. Dor Akun dominated the sky and there was only back light from the sun behind it. Now the moons were finally visible in the daytime skies due to the darkness. Galonin turned to Uthor and spoke, “Let me address the High Mage first and prepare for combat.”
“We will do as we planned,” Uthor said, having discussed this on their journey in great detail with the druid.
Turning to Elister, Galonin said, “Take care of yourself and remember what we discussed this spring. You now have a large part of my powers within you. May Agon bless you and look after you always.”
Elister nodded and replied, “May the Mother forever look upon us.”
The man nodded and walked towards the Kesh soldiers as if he were an elderly patron using his staff to assist him. When he had closed most of the distance a figure rose from behind the largest rubble pile and stood looking down at all of them. The figure in a robe with a tasseled hat, holding a metallic staff with a diamond on top spoke. “You never cease to amaze me, Galonin. I am surprised to see you here.”
The Chief Druid stopped and stood defiantly in front of the High Mage and his line of troops five rows deep. “It must pain you to plan so excruciatingly well and have it all be for naught.”
“Who says so?” The High Mage asked.
“I do,” Galonin replied. “You wanted this moment for yourself and now it is contested.”
“Is it?” The mage said looking out and over the combined armies of Kesh and Ulatha. “I see a rabble of troops led by the incompetent Duke of these lands. Something I would hardly call contested.”
Galonin was wise and spoke loudly for all the Kesh troops to hear, “Then you won’t mind engaging in lone combat to assert your claim to this Ulathan land?”
The High Mage narrowed his eyes and a few Kesh officers dared to look back at him hopefully. The man calculated in his mind quickly and responded, “Combat with you, druid?” He said the last word as if it were a dirty one.
“No, with the rightful lord of these lands, Duke Uthor Tors of Ulatha.” Galonin said.
The High Mage raised a brow, “Does the Duke agree to single combat?”
“He does, and I will stay out of the combat unless and until a third party intervenes,” Galonin declared.
The High Mage nodded, “Time is short, I have work to do. Bring forth your champion.”
The relief on most of the soldiers faces, both Kesh and Ulathan, was visible and the tension remained palpable. Turning, Galonin motioned for Uthor who turned to face Diamedes. “You know the plan if we succeed?”
“We’re ready.”
“And you know what to do if we fail,” Uthor pressed.
“We do,” Diamedes said.
“Good, then if we are meant to die today may it be in the service of our realm. Take care of yourselves and I wish you and your companions all my best.” The duke didn’t wait for a reply and instead drew his longsword and pulled his shield from his back making his way to the druid in front of his troops that had fanned out to match the Kesh lines.
The High Mage spoke once his opponent reached the druid. “Today you die, Duke.”
Uthor nodded grimly at the High Mage and lowered his visor giving him the appearance of a deadly knight in his shiny plate mail and matching shield. While both were marked up from combat, he had personally polished them before leaving his castle days before. “I may very well die, but so may you.”
“Unlikely,” the High Mage stated rather proudly.
Uthor marched forward and the Kesh lines parted to allow him to pass. Galonin walked with him until they reached the base of the rubble of the main castle. The druid stopped there. The Ulathan troops moved forward almost to within touching distance of the Kesh army and stopped. Once the duke climbed to the top, he stood next to the High Mage and said, “When we are done, we will stop the dragons from entering our world.”
The High Mage responded, “You do not possess that power. It is for me and me alone to save this world by contesting their domination on their world. You are simply delaying the inevitable.”
The High Mage did not wait for a reply and instead brought his staff high overhead then down pointing it directly at Uthor. The High Mage aimed a lightning bolt directly at the Duke. Uthor brought his shield up and the electrical discharge hit and ricocheted back at the High Mage’s feet sending rock and stone shards in all directions.
The Dragon War Page 26
