Two years after the project began, the castle is habitable. The baron sends a hundred troops to man the castle while the white goblins continue to cut out chambers for dormitories and storage rooms. There is no limit to how large the interior of the castle could become.
In exchange for the goblins’ labor, the Baron sends three large wagonloads of grain each week. Two feed the goblins working on the castle. The contents of the third are transported into the mountain. With the core of the castle nearing completion, Trak realizes it is time to drastically reduce the size of the goblin workforce.
***
He meets with Ghad to discuss the situation. “I see your hive has grown prosperous,” Trak compliments the goblin leader. “Why has Tironock left you in peace? Is it because your hive is so near the surface?”
Ghad replies, “That is half of it; the second reason is the hive is near water. Water neutralizes Tironock’s ability to access the power of the Earth.” Ghad recognizes the castle he has built for Trak is almost complete, and he would have to find another way to feed his population. Fortunately, his underground plantations are now productive. He asks Trak, “Does King Red need any other castles constructed?”
In response to Ghad’s question, and with the Baron Teiber’s approval, Trak invites King Red to come and inspect the castle. The Baron furnishes the quarters the king will occupy, while Lord Ran hires cooks and servants to purchase the food and prepare the courses for the anticipated banquet.
King Red arrives a fortnight later and brings Queen Meriem and her twins. Trak can’t completely suppress a smile when he sees the king escort his mother into the castle’s feast hall. The king is seated at the head of an ornately carved oak table. Queen Meriem sits on his right and Baron Teiber on his left. Trak and Ran are placed on the Baron’s side of the table and the king’s senior military commanders next to the queen. From his seat, Trak can hardly see the queen, let alone converse with her.
Light from the setting sun streams through glass panes and bathes the blue and gold rugs and tapestries in a warm light. Trak wonders, how did the goblins create a space that surface dwellers would enjoy aesthetically? As darkness falls, the hearth and torches are lit. The king revels in the novelty of sitting in an underground banquet hall.
The toilets are a favorite with the king. He and Baron Teiber are discussing the castle’s innovative features when the king inquires as to the cost of the construction. “Hiring hundreds of skilled craftsmen must have been costly,” the king speculates. Trak and the Baron realizes at the same moment, the king doesn’t know the castle was built by goblins. How would the king react when he learns thousands of goblins are living only a few leagues from where he is eating? The Baron can’t think of a safe answer so he defers, “Lord Trak, would you explain the financial details to His Majesty.”
Trak is caught unprepared but recovers quickly, “Your Majesty, we found a group of refugees who were so desperate they worked for food.”
The king is excited. “That is amazing! They did all this in less than three years just for food? Where can I find these refugees? I need them to build a new fortress along my eastern border.”
“I’m sure they would be honored to build the fortress for you, but there is one problem.” Trak hesitates a moment before saying, “They are goblins.”
“Well, I guess that is not so bad, we have hundreds of goblins working in our mines. Some even travel about as free men,” the king replies.
“These are rather special goblins, My Liege. They prefer to stay out of site of men and work only at night.”
“Well, that is peculiar, but not a problem,” the king concludes.
“At your pleasure, I will negotiate with the refugees for however many skilled workers Your Majesty requires. They will need tools, but require only food as payment. When Your Majesty is ready to commence, I will ensure the workers are available where and when you need them,” Trak responds.
“A most generous offer,” the king heartily replies. “I will have my advisors work with you. This discussion reminds me. When the baron first brought you to my kingdom, I understood you would make new pyrotechnique weapons. Has any progress been made on that score?”
“No, Your Majesty. The task would occupy my full attention, and I will need special facilities and suppliers of particular ingredients. Is there, perhaps, an accomplished alchemist in your kingdom who would have the facilities needed?”
“I don’t know how accomplished he is, but there is an alchemist who occupies a workshop in my fortress. Why don’t you visit and see if he has what you need? The pyrotechniques are a matter of some urgency. If the situation fails to improve dramatically, I will be at war with Eastland next summer,” the king reveals.
“I should come immediately,” Trak acknowledges. “After meeting the alchemist, I can visit the site where you intend to build the fortress. Familiarity with the location will be useful in hiring the correct number of refugees.”
When the king retires for the evening, Lord Ran and Trak walk out on the balcony where they watch the moonlit sea. Ran observes, “It has been nearly six years since you came to the kingdom. You once said that you wanted to leave after five years. Has that time now arrived?”
“Perhaps, it is time. The king calls me to be an alchemist. If he builds another fortress in the east, I will become the intermediary between men and the white goblins. It looks like I will be gone for a long time.”
Lord Ran asks, “How should I pay you for your fifteen percent share in the iron works?” Trak has not thought about what his share is worth. “Most of the value of the operation is in the buildings and in the skills of the workers. I give my father half of our profits in payment for the use of his craftsmen. Most of the remainder is reinvested in the enterprise.”
“I don’t need a lot of money. I would be happy with a small stipend, enough cash so I will not have to beg the king should I require something,” Trak suggests.
Trak visits Ghad that night and tells him of the pending opportunity. Trak promises to return when he has more specific information about the planned fortress.
The next morning King Red departs and Trak goes with him. The king seems eager to talk to Trak about pyrotechniques and invites Trak to ride at his side. His mother and her twins, Trak’s half siblings, ride in a wagon behind the king and listen to their conversation. When the king excuses himself and drops back to discuss something with his military commander, his mother asks him, “Have you heard from Krage?”
“No, but I had contact with his mother a year ago. At that time she and Krage were in the goblin capital. I haven’t spoken to my grandmother since, and I have had no contact with Krage.”
“Are you going to avoid speaking to your father forever?” his mother asks with a hint of frustration.
“No, that is not my intent, but I find it hard to melt the ice between us,” Trak replies.
“Before the king returns, I need to warn you all is not well in the kingdom. The eastern border is unstable, and the king’s eastern nobles are likely to shift their allegiance if King Red cannot provide better security. The king hopes your new explosive weapons will alter the conflict in his favor.”
“Thank you for the warning. Does the king treat you well?” Trak inquires.
“The king grows old and has lost the hunger which once drove him. He is more like a grandfather than a father to his children. He has become the kingdom’s caretaker and hopes to live until his son is old enough to take the throne. At times he asks me to join him when he entertains an important visitor, but usually he leaves me alone with my ladies in waiting. At times, I miss Krage, but I have no intention of ever returning to the goblin capital. My life is not complete, but it is tolerable. My children give me much pleasure.”
Chapter 29
City of Neu Ardonbrae: The Thaumaturgist Makes a Journey
Krage tires of his routine in the Septantrak and decides to take an official tour of the temple’s outlying communities. In the thirty years h
e has been Thaumaturgist, he has never performed what is regarded as an essential obligation of his office. Krage intends to make a loop around the kingdom and return by way of the west coast. Along the route, he will visit the Septantrak’s major coastal communities.
He asks the king for a small guard to escort him. He is surprised when Hogarth Kingfriend and four other palace guards arrive to accompany him. Hogarth says his days as master-at-arms are over. He is too old for the job, and at Lord Lizardthroat’s instigation, the king appointed a new master.
“Welcome, Master Hogarth,” says Krage. “We both grow old. Let us take this final journey together. We will speak of days that others have forgotten and enjoy the ales of every tavern in the kingdom.” Krage was true to his word.
On a warm spring day the party sets off for the east. They travel slowly through the countryside, enjoying each tavern they encounter on the way. They linger at every vista, knowing it will likely be their last chance to view the rich earth that has ever been so generous. The Thaumaturgist is greeted at each small temple enclave as though an awaited messiah has at long last arrived. It has been more than fifty years since a Thaumaturgist visited and thanked them for their faithfulness. He preaches a message of brotherhood. He is sure tolerance will be required to defeat Tironock. Krage notes the needs of each community he visits. He will speak with Alrik when he returns and send long overdue aid.
When he arrives at an enclave named The Rocks by the Sea, he is greeted by Alexia. She is now running the small community of twenty followers. She and Grenab Spidermouth have two children. It is Cook who prepares the welcoming meal. His former companions seem content with their simple lives. Hogarth and Grenab's reunion is emotional. They reminisce over the Battle of Dragon’s Belly and their rescue of King Giforing until the ale they consume puts them to sleep. Alexia pries Krage for news of Myrel. He assures her she is well and is preparing to take her place as the next Thaumaturgist should she be chosen.
Alexia worries the Thaumaturgist will remember she never completed her Initiate’s Trial and, therefore, isn’t eligible to lead her enclave. Krage has not forgotten, and in the morning, before he leaves, he assembles the clerics and announces that Alexia has passed her Trial. In front of her friends and family Alexia takes the Vow of Septan, the First Thaumaturgist. By the Blood of the Stones of Septan she swears to serve the Spore.
Hogarth considers staying, but in the morning departs with Krage for Kaseel, the large community near the border of Eastland. When Krage arrives at the fortress-like enclave that stands atop a craggy hill, he finds the gates locked. He is made to wait until the head cleric is summoned and orders the gate opened. Krage and the head cleric remember each other from their days as Initiates. The cleric is Atzel Lizardthroat, none other than Melkerei’s younger brother. Atzel dislikes Krage for siding with King Giforing, and has been openly hostile toward him because of the mess he created over King Red’s queen. Atzel is forced to wear his most diplomatic face and apologize for making Krage wait at the gate. “Marauding bands from Eastland have grown bold of late, and I have ordered the gates locked for the protection of the community’s inhabitants.”
After escorting the Thaumaturgist to the simple cell that is reserved for visitors, Atzel orders a meal prepared and sets with Krage while he eats. Although he dislikes Krage, he isn’t going to miss this opportunity to gather news from the capital and brief the Thaumaturgist on the needs of his enclave.
Krage has barely begun eating when Atzel relates, “The fighting between King Red and the Eastland nobles threatens to spill into the goblin kingdom. Five years ago, Eastlanders began raiding Bretwalda. King Red responded by building a new fortress and manning it with raiders of his own. He has burned and plundered the lands of Eastland, forcing refugees to flee north into the forests of the goblin kingdom. The refugees steal from local farmers. I fear that even the enclave isn’t safe. It is time King Lorring sends troops to protect us.”
“Surely, you have sent word to your brother. What does he say?” Krage asks.
“He is delighted that pig faces are fighting pig faces. He hopes they will so weaken each other that our southern border will be safe for a generation. He is prepared to wait and see how the conflict develops.”
“I’ve heard that King Red’s new fortress was built by goblins,” the Thaumaturgist asks for confirmation.
“Possibly, some say goblins built it and others say it was King Red’s sorcerer, a cross-breed who calls himself Dragonfire. By all accounts, it is a strange piece of witchcraft. It is built in a mountain from the inside out. Outside, all that can be seen is a giant cave-like opening that resembles the maw of a giant worm. No one knew of the fortress’s existence until its entrance was suddenly blasted from the mountainside. Some say that any army that enters will find itself in a maze of tunnels and be lost forever. Each morning, cavalry ride out of the worm’s belly and raid Eastland. The tactic has effectively reduced the border to a wasteland. The Eastland nobles are in a panic. Queen Fae is preparing to come to their aid. It is rumored she is assembling a force to march on the new fortress.”
“Where did King Red find goblins willing to build his fortress?” Krage asks.
“Not from around here, that much is certain. There aren’t enough skilled masons in these parts to keep this enclave repaired. Some say, King Red’s sorcerer made a pact with subterranean wraiths that have come south fleeing Tironock Kan.”
When Atzel retires and Krage is alone in his cell, he puzzled on what he has learned. He is certain that King Red’s new sorcerer must be his son Trak. His son’s involvement with white goblins concerns him. Has Trak fallen under the influence of Tironock? Is it possible that the Second Sowing will begin in the south?
For the first time since his escape from the hive beneath Ardonbrae, Krage projects his spirit. He sends it flying over the border in search of King Red’s new fortress. He finds its maw-like opening and enters.
He is in a broad tunnel that is tall enough to accommodate a man on horseback. At the far end, the tunnel branches into numerous passages. He doesn’t know where to look for his son, so he ascends a wide staircase that leads to a dining hall. Thirty men sit about a hearth eating and drinking. They cannot see him and are too drunk to sense his presence. Krage listens to their conversations.
“Queen Fae's attack will come soon. It has been days since we ‘ave fought Eastland raiders. They ‘ave all pulled back to prepare for a siege on this fortress,” indicates one man.
“Let ‘em come,” says another. “I want to see the looks on their faces when they meet with the fortress’ defenses.”
Krage leaves the dining hall and ascends a series of stairways. He reasons that Trak will choose somewhere near the top of the mountain for his personal quarters. Indeed, he finds Trak writing at a desk. His son senses his presence immediately. “Hello, Father. What brings you? I hope nothing is wrong?” Trak lays down his quill and turns to face Krage. He expects to see Krage looking six years older than when he last saw him. Instead he sees Krage as he appeared in his youth. Of course, thinks Trak, the spirit doesn’t age the same as the body.
“Queen Fae is about to move against Bretwalda. I have come to see your new fortress for myself. It is impressive. Will it stop the Eastlanders?” asks Krage.
“Yes, it will consume their army in a single swallow,” Trak replies almost casually. “How is my grandmother?”
“She grows feeble. Her time is short. She spends most days conversing with her ancestors. She says she will wait until the Second Sowing before joining them. I don’t know why she is certain the Sowing is so near at hand,” Krage replies.
“What will you do when the Sowing comes?” Trak asks.
“I have sought the answer for a lifetime and am no closer to knowing what must be done. Perhaps, the next Thaumaturgist will find the answer.”
Trak is glad he wouldn’t have to deal with the problem. “Do you know who is to be the next Thaumaturgist?”
“The Earth S
pirit will choose whom she pleases. In the past, it has always been a direct descendant of the First Thaumaturgist. I do not believe Shenal Ken has forgotten of your existence, though there is another she may choose,” Krage adds.
Before Trak can ask who the other might be, Krage inquires about Queen Meriem. Trak replies, “It is interesting you should ask. I am just finishing a letter to her. Her twins are now almost five. They give her endless pleasure. She once told me that she misses you, but not her life in the goblin capital.” Krage thanks him for his kind words and departs.
Chapter 30
Goblin Fortress, Bretwalda: The Spider’s Web
Queen Fae’s army advances on the goblin fortress. She leads her infantry by the most direct route while her two cavalry units approach at oblique angles. She hopes not all of her strength will be detected, and the enemy underestimates the size of her force. She believes she has an overwhelming advantage over the fortress defenders. Her scouts report only a hundred cavalry occupy the fort.
Fae sits upon her warhorse watching fifty of King Red’s raiders leave the goblin fortress for their daily raid on Eastland; she is set to ambush them as they cross the border. Her infantry outnumber the mounted raiders ten to one. When the raiders attempt to cross the bridge that defines the border, Fae’s infantry attacks. She is recognized immediately as a large, heavy woman who wears a thick wool dress under her iron mail. The raiders, seeing they are outnumbered, turn and gallop toward the fortress. Fae’s cavalry close on the retreating raiders from either side, but King Red’s horsemen reach the mouth of the fortress half a league ahead of their pursuers.
Queen Fae’s cavalry doesn’t hesitate. The horsemen barely slow their charge as they enter the mouth of the fortress, expecting to engage the defenders. Instead, the Eastlanders find themselves in a long empty tunnel. They come prepared to deal with the darkness, and light their torches. At the end of the tunnel, they spot a wide staircase and several passages. The Eastland cavalry commander leads half of his force into the only tunnel large enough to accommodate mounted horsemen. The commander reasons at the end of the tunnel there must be a chamber large enough to accommodate the fleeing raiders. As the pursuers move deeper into the mountain, the tunnel narrows until the horses are forced to proceed single file.
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