Long ago in a
time before the great age of ice, there was a land called Lavion ruled by a
wise Queen and her young, but very knowledgeable daughter princess Abby. At the
age often the princess had already read the entire royal library in her cliff
castle Troxmain and was constantly sending for more from all around her kingdom
and neighboring lands.
She was searching for
something, that much her mother Queen Felica could tell. Her daughter seemed
obsessed at times, and she wondered if it may be because of the loss of her
father several years ago. She hoped it wasn't. There was nothing anyone could
really do to help give them a lead in finding her husband. The story has always
been shrouded in mystery and confusion. All she knew from what she had gathered
the last two years was that one day he went off on one of his hunting trips. He
usually hunts in the great singing forest at the northern tip of their country.
And that was the last they ever saw him and his three hunting servants.
One evening Felica
noticed her daughter intently studying a
particularly old book she had recently received from a merchant from
the eastern kingdom of Saum.
" My Abby, you are reading in very poor light. You only have
one candle to read by."
Abby looked up from her book," What was that Mother?" Queen
Felica approached her daughter until she was only a
few feet away," You need to light more candles. You'll strain your
eyes if you continue to read in poor light."
Abby smiled at her mother
who was already dressed in a beautiful evening gown and robe set which was
solid white with gold spun in a pattern of swans throughout.
" That is unnecessary mother, I've decided to quit for the
evening
anyway. Is it very late? I didn't plan to stay up very late
to-night." Felica laughed and sat down beside her daughter on her bed, “No
Abby, it is not very late. I just heard the court caller call out the ninth
hour before I stepped in."
Princess Abby held up her tattered book to the candlelight to show
her mother. She pointed to several passages," I want to show you these
before I retire."
Her mother squinted her eyes straining to see what the words were
saying," What is so interesting about this old book?"
Abby glanced out her
window at the moon that was slowly peeking through the cloud cover of the rain
storms they had received that afternoon as she answered her mother," Oh,
it is about an ancient legend of a land beyond the mountains of doom."
" You mean the Saleen mountains don't you?"
Abby sighed," Everyone calls them the mountains of doom so I will
too. Anyway, it tells of Uniy a land beyond those mountains that is said to be
inhabited only by strange horses called Unicorns."
Abby noticed that her
mother bit her lip as she mentioned the creatures by name. Then she quietly
commented," I think your father Lord Johnston Dann, found a Unicorn."
" What makes you think that?"
" It is said that whomsoever finds a Unicorn shall never
return, and just before he left that last day I saw him, he mentioned to me in
private that he was going to hunt in a new place in the forest further than
he'd ever been. There had been a rumor spread that a new and strange looking
type of wild horse had been sighted several weeks before."
Abby grabbed her mother's hands with hers asking," Has there been sightings since then?"
"Yes, but the sightings have decreased each month. None have been
seen this month and the month has almost run its course.
Oh Abby, I want to believe that your father is still alive, but like
the Unicorn both seem too impossible to."
Abby hugged her mother and quietly said," I believe father is and
somehow I sense that the Unicorn do exist. I can't explain these feelings about
both, but I do feel them."
For a moment there was a
silence. A silence of understanding between a daughter and her mother, then it
was gone as Abby's mother broke the spell of intimacy.
"Well, you must retire to bed and get plenty of sleep for
tomorrow
is a big day for you."
" Yes it is. It will be my first journey unescorted by
family."
" Have you decided where to journey to?"
" Yes. To the Valley of the Sun to visit the priests and the
people of Xnoxe living in the area."
Her mother was obviously pleased with the choice smiling," Oh,
that is a wonderful choice Abby. It will help you spiritually and the Xnoxe
people will be impressed by your visit, that you chose their land among the
entire Kingdom."
Abby faked a yawn,” Yes,
I will probably dream about them."
Felica still smiling, kissed her daughter on the top of her blond
head and rose to leave," Goodnight my Abby. I will have a special
breakfast prepared for you in the morning, oh and a surprise too."
She left before Abby could inquire about her mother had meant by a
surprise.
After closing her great
oak bedroom door she jumped excitedly
onto her large feather stuffed bed. She pulled up the covers tightly
around her and before she drifted off to sleep she thought about the journey
that she would begin tomorrow. It would be a long journey and it would not be
where her mother or anyone had thought. Father, I am coming.
The next morning after
wolfing down a wonderful breakfast
which consisted of fruits and nuts from other lands and fresh baked
bread from the castle bakery, Abby dressed in her not so favorite traveling
clothes before meeting her mother and her two little blonde head brothers Friny
and Breth. They met at the main stables.
One thing she added to her attire was a head wrap to help disguise
her person from others she would meet along the way. Too many would recognize
her long
golden blonde hair even though it had been braided ,wrapped and
pinned around in a crown shape upon her head. Even her traveling attire was old
and drab in its colors.
Felica gazed up and down
Abby and seemed satisfied," Perfect Abby! It is not wise for someone of
nobility to travel alone and for everyone to know who she is. Though Lavionian
people are basically good, there are exceptions and even wanderers from elsewhere
that are not so nice."
Abby's mother took her hand," Come, I want to show you something."
The two entered the
stable building front door with Friny and Breth following close behind them
throwing small pebbles at their backsides all the way while practically
giggling themselves into a stupor. They were typical seven year olds.
Above the stables, but
within earshot was a tall stone observation tower. One window faced the stables
and a tall evil looking man with coal black hair streaked with gray throughout
and short beard to match, peered at the two just over the window sill.
After watching and listening intently to everything Abby and the Queen
had said, he chuckled to himself as they disappeared within the stable's walls.
"Abby, you better take
your mother's advice and stay disguised. She’s right."
The dark haired individual gloated to himself, "Some people are not so nice. Before
this day is through Queen Felica, you'll pay dearly for demoting your great
wizard to entertaining magician. Thus
Crieton the magnificent does swear by
his name and all the unholys that your daughter will be dead and your family will
be cursed never to rule this land again. I will topple this castle and from a
new stronghold I will rule Lavion for a thousand centuries."
Crieton was still
mumbling and chuckling to himself as he backed into a wall on the other side of
the small circular room and vanished behind a cleverly concealed trapdoor.
Crieton was going mad.
Inside the stables toward
the back wall, Felica handed the rein of a beautiful white horse into her
daughter's outstretched hand.
" This will be your horse."
Abby stroked the horse's nose," He is a wonder to behold
mother."
"Quite big is he not?" Breth asked in awe, smiled,"
Yes and he is very intelligent.
He understands commands by
word in five different languages and is one of the
swiftest we have ever had in Lavion."
" I am impressed." Abby commented.
A voice from the main
doorway behind them said," I am not."
There in the doorway, stood the widest most muscular man Abby had
ever seen. He stood only several inches taller than the queen, but his muscular
frame practically filled the doorway. His long brown hair cascaded down past
his broad shoulders.
The stranger's eyes were the crystal blue of the far northern tribesmen
of Vallhan, but his skin was tanned as if he had spent his life under the
tropical suns. Felica recognized him for what he was by what he wore. His short
chain mail and leather loin-cloth together with his battle-ax and double-edged
long sword gave him away.
" Ah yes, its the mercenary Abby." Felica announced in
the same tone one would upon discovering a large insect in one's soup. The
large Vallhanian seemed amused at the queen's repugnancy of his person and he
grinned from ear to ear as he took a very enthusiastic and exaggerated bow.
" What a wise queen you are. And I thought my disguise would work,
but your eyes ever sharp, ever on the look out for trouble spotted me right
away."
Felica turned up her nose to him, but it had the opposite effect on
Abby. Abby bravely advanced a few steps toward the amused mercenary, "Who
are you?"
" I'm sorry, I have forgotten my manners, in front of ladies
yet."
The Vallhanian mercenary bowed once more," I am Tanar of the Teuk
of Vallhan. Mercenary for hire to some, trusted friends who's not afraid of a
fight to others. ' Abby's eyes danced with excitement that she could hardly
contain,” You haven't told me much, but somehow I
feel that you will be perfect for the journey that is ahead for me. That is why you're here is it
not?"
Tanar glanced down at the
young princess and then at the queen who with her
arms folded over her chest
remarked to him as if she read his thoughts," Yes Tanar, this is
the princess I had
communicated you about. She will not be
alone. Two of my finest servants will accompany her."
His smile vanishing from
his face, Tanar asked the queen," You mean to tell me I have to escort
this child on a long journey through all kinds of dangers? I thought she was a
young woman that you spoke of, not a
mere babe-in-arms!"
Before Felica could speak, Abby stamped her foot and angrily addressed
the disappointed Tanar," I am not a child! I am a princess with full
partnership authority over this land with my mother. We rule equally. Besides,
I will soon be a woman before your brain can think of a way out of this,
knave!"
Tanar seemed unimpressed
ignoring the princess and instead addressing
the queen," Your Majesty, this is some kind of joke
right?" The mercenary began looking all around him even behind
while he raised his voice," Alright Baboo, a joke is a joke.You have had
your laugh, come on out so that I can strip your hide from your back for the
trouble you put me through.
I almost ran my horse into
the ground to get here on time just to
waste my time."
Felica's upraised voice
stopped him to bring reality crashing
down upon him," This is no joke Tanar. She is Abby, princess
of all Lavion and because of that she is in need to journey the queen's first
journey of wisdom and strength. She is wise beyond her years and is ready in
every way."
" Except one ole queen." Tanar said flatly," She is
too young emotionally and physically and I am not going to do it for that price.
Uh uh, not now nor tomorrow." Upon speaking his piece, he whirled around
and stomped out of the stables. Felica looked at her daughter," That, was
supposed to be part of your surprise."
The queen shook with rage rooted to the spot from it," Oooh,
now I know why I dealt with that type from a distance." She placed
her hands on each side of the top of her golden head of hair, Well, we will
have to make do."
Abby knew her mother was
thinking of alternate plans, but she had lost interest. Instead she strolled
out of the stable barn through a side door to follow the disappointed Tanar. He
had stopped several yards outside and was peering around as if looking for
something. Finally, he must have spotted what he was looking for and she heard
his loud voice exclaim to himself," Ah, there you are horse."
Taking in wind, the large
mercenary gave forth a loud whistle
several times. Upon hearing that shrill noise from his master's
lips, the white horse with brown spots near a distant stone wall of
the castle acted as if spooked and promptly bolted out the servants entrance leading
to the outside grounds. She heard his remark under his breath," Well,
what's come over him? Dumb animal."
Tanar whirled around when
he heard a voice close behind him,
" Would it help if you were offered more pay?"
Tanar stared at princess Abby not knowing what to make of her.
Of course he had never been in the company of young girls before
that he could remember. He had little memory of his childhood, for he had
matured at a very early age. Still a young boy, he witnessed a terrible earth
shaker destroy his village and almost all who inhabited there including his two brothers, mother and father.
Tanar replied to Abby's
question ,"Yes, it would. But how can a little girl like you acquire
enough to pay someone like me?" The princess drew closer until her face
was almost in Tanar's,
" You forget Tanar of the Tuek, that I am the true princess of
Lavion and I share the responsibility of ruling and the wealth. Someday I will
rule it solely. You had better take a better tone when you address me
Vallhanian."
The Vallhanian warrior
pretended to be afraid," Oh princess! You have me shaking in my armor
now."
" Stop it! I know you are not afraid of me nor anyone around.
My mother told stories of you and your kind many times. I can reward you ten times what the queen offered
you."
Tanar's eyes widened," Really?" He laughed in
surprise," I would think your mother would have something to say about
that."
Tanar's horse strolled by as if to spite him, but the mercenary ignored
him." No, this will be between you and me."
" Why do you offer so much without bargaining?" Tanar
became suddenly cautious. He was beginning to have a bad feeling...
Abby's blonde head turned
to glance once behind her toward the stables before she answered," Because
I am not going to the Valley of the Sun as my mother will be led to
believe."
" Oh? Then where?" Tanar asked intrigued.
" I am traveling in the direction of the Saleen mountains and
beyond, hopefully to reach the land of Uniy."
Tanar was incredulous," You mean the mountains of doom? The
land of the Unicorn?
Oh no. Not for that price, not for any..."
Abby interrupted him," Twenty times the queen's amount."
Tanar for a moment was
silent and rubbed his wide chin. Finally his eyes narrowing he replied,"
Oookaay, you have a bargain, but if we go on this crazy journey of yours and I
find out that you can't pay up little girl, then I'll hold you for ransom and
the queen will pay the amount times twenty."
Abby quickly agreed," That sounds reasonable to me. Now, there
are two small conditions. One, you will help me look for my father when we
reach Uniy. And the other is from now on to address my person as princess Abby,
not little girl." She said in disdain.
Tanar rolled his eyes and
sighed," Yes, fine. When do we start princess Abby?"
"Within the hour, so find you a horse amongst our stables or catch
your old one, but most important, be ready to leave very soon."
"Don't worry I will be ready."
Abby smiled at Tanar," I'm sure you will be."
Tanar watched in half
dread and half amusement the form of
the little princess take her leave and disappear once more into the
stables. To himself he wondered," Tanar, what have you got yourself
into?"
Queen Felica still stood
near the beautiful white horse near the back wall of the stables, when she noticed Abby's approach.
" Mother, he has finally agreed to go." Abby announced to
Felica.
" How did you ever accomplish that?"
" I appealed to his sense of duty, and besides I reminded him
of
a sister he lost a long time ago."
Queen Felica knew of no
sister that Tanar ever had or mention
of one, but decided not to press the subject. Instead she thanked
the gods that he had
agreed to go.
" This is great news." Felica hugged her daughter then
pulled her
at arms length.
" I told him we leave within the hour."
" Good. Then let us have your horse made ready and packed
immediately."
An hour later, Tanar, two
royal servants and Abby were on their way.
There was a large turnout of the population
who lived within the castle walls that morning to see their princess off on her
journey. Word from the night before last, traveled quickly of Abby's impending
journey and everyone that could make it was there by the time her party passed
through the foot thick iron doors to
the castle's entrance.
Men, women and children
lined the top scaffolds of castle Troxmain's outer wall to bid their fair
wells. People by the score waved and yelled good luck or goodbye as Abby
stopped her horse and turned in her
saddle to wave bye one final time to her mother and her people. She could see
her mother and her two little brothers standing just outside the main entrance
on the drawbridge waving to her.
She smiled and waved
yelling to them," I shall return soon, mother."
Felica the Lavionian queen replied," Good luck and stay close
to your escorts."
Abby only smiled back and then she turned back in her saddle.
She nudged her mount to a gallop to catch up with Tanar's and the
two servants'.
Creiton the disgruntled
mad wizard was among the crowd too. As Abby had brought
her mount to a stop to say her last farewells, the old wrinkled
wizard began to stare her direction and chanted some incantation toward her
while moving his thin long hands around this way and that, sometimes forming a
circle and other times a triangle shape. After a moment, he appeared to be through
and was in the process of easing his way furtively unnoticed out of the crowd of
humanity. Suddenly, he found himself accosted by two burly guards who picked
him up easily off the scaffold flooring by each arm and quickly made their way
toward the stairs leading to the main castle grounds.
" Put me down you
fools. You can't do this to Crieton, Lavion's greatest wizard!"
One of the guards with a scar on his double chin and a large black
mustache countered," Oh yes we can if we have orders to do so, old
man."
The mad wizard cringed his
neck toward the one who had spoken," What? The queen?"
A moment later in a
corner of the main courtyard where few would notice them, Crieton found
himself with the guards slightly
behind him standing before Felica. She
was an angry queen, at best when Crieton's eyes met hers.
" I only hope you hadn't finish whatever spell that was that
you were casting upon my daughter or her party, for your sake." Felica
said to Crieton in a menacing tone he had never heard her use before.
" Oh mighty queen, I am innocent of any wrong doing. I had
only summoned a small protective spell of the elements so that..." Crieton
started to explain, but was cut off by Felica's upraised voice," Enough.
Say not one word more to my person. Instead, you will listen. You dared to
conspire against the throne and don't deny it, for one of my spies overheard
your mutterings to yourself and incantations. I should throw you in a dungeon
so deep that no one would ever find
you, but instead I shall do something worse .
From this day forward, you
are banished from within Troxmain's walls forever.
You are free to roam this land and find your own way of life."
Crieton with relief
said as he knelt before his queen," Oh thank you your majesty. I..."
In an instant, Felica's face was inches from his and a large dagger
she carried was inches from his heart. Crieton took in a quick breath of
surprise and shock as Felica whispered her threat to him," However, if I
find that a spell of yours has harmed Abby in any way, I shall have you hunted
down and brought before me.
And then ole wizard, I shall personally cut out that black heart of
yours."
Her voice and demeanor
chilled Crieton to the bone and he could only reply numbly," Yes, your
majesty. I will leave
immediately."
As he still knelt his body shaking, Felica addressed the two
guards.
"Escort this...weasel out of the castle and far from my sight.
He may pack the bare essentials for survival. I am done with him."
The mustached guard
answered," Yes your majesty." Then he
looked down at Crieton," Come on scum. I haven't all day. You
have very little time here left. Best you make the most of it, eh?"
He laughed at the old shaking man as Felica turned and left without
a backward glance at her former wizard.
Phaw! Who needs a wizard anyway, she thought to herself. Felica
could only hope that there hadn't been a spell and that her daughter was safe
with that sorry excuse for a body guard Tanar.
The princess' party
headed west the first day and most of that part of the journey to Abby was
uneventful, even boring. One of the royal servants named Fick, a weasel faced
little man was constantly complaining as they rode. He only stopped when eating
or setting up camp for the night. At one point Abby leaned to one side in her
saddle to ask quietly in Tanar's ear," Can't you make him stop that
constant whining?"
Tanar replied with a
wink, "All in do time princess. We will not need their services tomorrow.
Oh, don't worry, I won't kill them. Just lay those two long enough that when
they awake, we will be long gone. There will not be any witnesses as to where we
have headed. That I can promise you."
Abby sat up straight in
her saddle apparently satisfied, but only with that particular detail. A moment
later she asked, "Tanar ,is it true you once slain a large fire breathing
dragon that was terrorizing your homeland?"
Tanar laughed and Fick peered over her shoulder uneasily,
Twas more a large lizard with deadly venom little one. He could no
more breath fire than the cold snow capped mountains of Vahallan! So, word gets
out about me. But what words they are!" Tanar shook his head in
amazement," That's a lesson to be learned Abby. Never trust a story that
travels word by mouth ahead of the man." He slapped his tanned thigh and
Abby thought he would never stop laughing. Early evening of the second day in
the middle of the prairie lands as far as the eye could see, Tanar rode up
ahead and after a short conversation with the two royal servants acting as
lookouts, he returned to explain to princess Abby their immediate plans.
" This is the high point of this part of the land, so we will
make camp here.
Besides, a few miles ahead is the turning point for us. If we start
traveling in the wrong direction they will become suspicious and.…"
Abby interrupted the
scheming warrior," And they will become
alarmed and might even escape to tell. I see."
Tanar grinned," Very good Abby, you'll catch on yet."
Abby couldn't think of anything
to retaliate for that remark, so she stuck out her tongue. Tanar acted as if he
had ignored it as they dismounted their steeds. They made camp, but it wasn't
much to Abby's eyes.
No tents, just a bed
roll and blankets to sleep on under the stars. There wasn't light either. Not
even a camp fire and Abby found herself being served a special smoky piece of
cold meat, a cold piece of cheese and colder piece of tough bread, certainly
not from a royal bakery. This puzzled her and as they began to eat she sat down
beside Tanar asking him quietly." Why no fire?"
"Too many enemies to fool with out here. As your mother
mentioned earlier and she was right. We need nor draw undo attention."
He patted her shaking knee and assured her," Don't fret little
one, when we have reached Elif town, we shall have plenty of warmth and cooked
food. I have some friends there will give us a place to stay for the night for
it will take us another day to reach it..."
" I thought Elf town now had a fort manned by humans and that
Elf town was only a small part of the overall town."
Tanar scowled, Yeah, and they even changed the name to Fort Elgone.
I know, but I don't trust the humans there. The fort is rumored to be manned by
cut throats, thieves and the like." Tanar folded his arms," As I
said, I have elf friends there that I trust. No one else."
Abby eyed him,"
Alright, Ok, we'll go to your friends there, but I better have some head room
in their little houses."
Fick suddenly sat down on the other side of Abby asking," What
was that?"
Tanar gruffly replied," Nothing Fick. See that the horses are
tied securely to their stakes."
" But I have just started eating." Fick protested.
Tanar's hand closed around the handle of his long sword within his
strapped scabbard at his side," Eat along the way then; after that you two
should retire. Right?"
Abby made it official," Fick, do as he says."
Fick got the message reluctantly," As you wish my
princess."
When he was out of ear shot, Tanar announced to Abby," We will
leave at dawn."
" Why?" Perplexed, Abby asked the mercenary.
" There is a chill out there..."
" Yes, burr, I feel it too."
" It is something else, and I hope we never find out what. I
fear no man, but when it comes to the unknown, I prefer to leave it as
such."
" Good idea, good idea." Abby mumbled sleepily and
crawled under her blanket. Tanar watched her for a while after she had fallen
asleep. Someday, Abby would grow into a beautiful woman and if the kingdom is
still around, she would be queen over it. And rule it. He smiled to himself as
he gently touched her hair once.
It was then he realized
for the first time in his life what it felt like to be a father. He felt
protective and proud of her. He also felt pain for he knew even before he had
met her what her real reason for his journey to the land of the Unicorn was. He
had heard the stories of this princess and her long lost father beyond the
mountains of doom. Well, if he couldn't
be her father, then he would be her best friend. Why did she have hope after
all this time? Why did he? He sighed and resigned to the fact that that
knowledge was best left to the gods.
There was that chill
again. He stood and after stretching, scanned the total darkness around their
camp that had recently fallen. There was no sound or movement that his sharp
eyes and ears could detect. He looked for the two servants and found Sivil the
other servant lying sound asleep not far from
where Abby was, but Fick was nowhere to be found.
Before he could react,
a foul stench assailed him blowing gently from the
south. It reminded him very much as a battle scene would smell
where many men dead several days, their bodies bloated and sometimes
unrecognizable depending on the wounds and infection that had set in. It
reminded him of something as ridiculous as rotten vegetables and fruit covered
with flies. He shivered and then there was a blood-curdling scream in the
distance in the direction of that insidious smell. He didn't wait to find out
if it had been Fick. Drawing his broad battleaxe he tapped Sivil on the head
with the side of its blade enough to keep him out until they were gone, and
then he ran swiftly to Abby.
There was no time to
wake the princess and she weighed so little to Tanar that he was able to easily
scoop her up blankets and all with one arm and throw her form across her horse.
He grabbed the reins of her nervous
horse and then he stepped up into the saddle of his own mount. As he began to
ride away from their camp pulling Abby's horse along too, he heard a hissing sound
growing louder and louder until he could hardly hear the voices of their horses
who were certainly spooked about something.
He ventured a glance
over his shoulder toward their nearly abandoned camp and suddenly forced both
neighing horses to stop. Even before he spotted the hundred or so yellow
glowing eyes on the opposite side of the camp, he had felt a growing fear in the pit of his stomach.
Now the sight made him tingle with fright and alarm. He thought of
Sivil the servant, but knew that it was too late to wake him even if he could.
What monstrous apparition was he seeing? It looked to be fully twenty feet
across.
Though it was mostly a
cloudy night, there was still enough moonlight shinning across the camp that
when the creature finally moved into it, Tanar was able to recognize it for
what it was. It was a Hugh hairy black spider, black as the heart of a cave.
Never in all his travels had he seen such a hellish creature, even
in the jungles of Kalabi. Instead of eight legs it had ten! Baboo, a long time
friend of Tanar's who was from Kalabi would have jumped up and down in
excitement because it is only from creatures smaller than this one that they
extracked a poison they use on their spears and blow darts.
Under his breath the mercenary warrior commented," I would
like to see you drain the poison from this one Baboo."
Here was something he could see, something he could touch.
Something he could fight.
But there was one little problem, and it was lying across a large
white horse trying its best to break his grip and run. He couldn't leave Abby,
it just would not be safe. bolting into the night her steed would surely throw
her off her saddle and injure her severely.
He watched helplessly as
the black monster leapt upon the defenceless servant's sleeping form. Its large
fangs tearing into Sivil who never had a chance to scream. Tanar didn't stay to
watch the butchery any longer for he feared that Abby might waken and see that
terrible scene.
"Well," he
thought," At least I'm rid of those servants."
As he started to ride off to safety pulling the princess' mount
with him, he could hear the hissing sound increasing steadily in volume and
realized that the huge spider had already lost interest in the servant's
shredded body and had somehow spotted them.
Tanar urged his
spotted mount to greater speed, but he dared not let it run at full speed
without losing control of Abby's horse. Abby could easily have fallen from her
mount without controlling the reins, yet their pursuit as large as it was could
probably run at a tremendous pace matching any horse's own speed.
Abby's protector
decided to take a risk. He made the horses slow down to a stop, and then
dismounting his horse and running to Abby still lying across the saddle, he
shook her till she woke up with a start. Her head rose up and she groggily
asked," What is going on Tanar? What am I doing on my saddle like
this?"
Tanar glanced around
nervously," Abby, I don't have time to explain, but you must mount your
saddle the right way now and leave with
me as fast as you can." The urgency in the warrior's voice
dispelled any argument that the little princess might have made. Instead, she
promptly sat up into her saddle and said," Say no more Vallhanian, just
point me in the right direction and
we'll be on our way."
Tanar jumped onto his
mount and grinning he said," Just follow me if you can."
" I will." Abby assured him, but before they could urge
their mounts onward, the old wizard Creiton his long flowing shinny green wizard's
robe coat flapping in the gentle wind, stepped out of the shadows addressing
the pair menacingly," At least I've caught up with you two! This time I
shall finish the spell and you my little upstart and you ignorant barbarian
will die horribly." Tanar yelling at him from his spooked horse cutting
off his cackling laughter.
" And you old fool
whomever you are, will probably die along with us, for in a moment a very large
ugly monster of a spider will be here to suck the blood from your old collapsed
vein's."
Creiton hesitated and then laughed," Very good barbarian. You
made me lose my thoughts for a moment. A very good deception, but as you and I
both know there is no such thing as a ..."
Creiton was cut off by Abby's
scream! She had sighted the eyes of the approaching spider and it was moving
every bit as fast as Tanar had guessed it could.
Tanar pointed to the glowing eyes," There is our deception
now. What say you to that?" The old wrinkled face wizard took one look at
the source of Abby's anxiety and shaken replied," I say...do you have any
room on your saddles for an old harmless wizard?"
The mercenary laughed," Perhaps I do, I wouldn't trust you on
the princess' horse."
Crieton greatly relieved, approached Tanar's mount running as fast
as his ancient legs could carry him. He was stopped short when the mercenary
drew his long sword and pointed the
blade tip at his throat. " Will you promise not to hinder either one of us
in the princess' mission?" Tanar asked Crieton.
Crieton glanced at the ever growing form of their pursuer and
quickly replied," I promise oh great warrior, Now please!"
" Will you further promise to not pull any spells on us and
help to protect the princess instead?
Wizard's oath?" The warrior
mercenary wanted to make sure.
" Yes, of course. " This really hurt, but the old Crieton
knew he had no choice.
" Please, can I hop on now, before I become a meal to that,
that thing?" Tanar sheathed his sword saying," Don't just stand there
like a temple statue of Stelinn. Grab my arm, and hold onto me for dear life,
we are out of time."
As the wizard whimpering
all the way was pulled up into the saddle, Tanar noticed that Abby was already
urging her horse on at a full gallop. Tanar kicked his own horse into action
and soon they were flying across the night like the northern winds of Vallahanian. The awful stench of the
monstrous spider was so strong that it made the old wizard sneeze, It must be
close. Can't you get more speed out of this horse of yours if you can call it
to?"
" Careful wizard,
watch what you say or I'll toss you to that beast back there. That might even
slow him down."
For a long while,
Crieton remained quiet turning his head only to look back over his shoulder at
the progress of their pursuer. Several hundred yards was the distance between
the spider and his possible prey.
The princess and company kept this distance, but they knew it would
be only a matter of time before their mounts would tire and the awful nightmare
on ten legs would pounce on them.
By dawn, Abby's horse
began to lag further and further behind. With each passing moment
and the spider seemed to
sense this because it redoubled its efforts. Tanar was entertaining thoughts of
turning to fight, and Crieton was thinking of asking the barbarian to run his
person through rather than face the awful aspect of being eaten alive. Then
suddenly they sighted a mountain in the distance. It was by no means a large
mountain. In fact, it was only a large pile of rocks, several hundred feet
high, a lone tribute to what had once been a mountain.
Tanar shouted gleefully
to Abby," Hold on princess. Get all the speed out of your animal
that you can. We've got one chance, and that is to reach that mound
of rocks." Abby yelled a reply, but Tanar couldn't hear it for the wind
and the noise of his horse's heavy breathing.
The wizard could only
say," Hurry, please hurry." Somehow, maybe because they were so
frightened, or the sheer determination of Tanar to survive, they
reached the rocks. Many of them
were as large as elephants that inhabited amongst Baboo's jungles.
Tanar quickly dismounted, practically
dragging the old
bewildered wizard off the saddle by his
leg. " Why in the name of the gods are we doing this?" Crieton asked, as he staggered to his feet.
" Shut up!" was Tanar's only reply as he signaled for Abby to dismount also. Abby looked questioningly at her
mercenary protector as she jumped off her steed.
" Let's get rid of the
horses and then follow me." instructed Tanar.
They shooed their horses, who bolted for the open ground and then
began to quickly climb the large
boulders and rocks of the ancient mound. After several dozen feet
up, the wizard began to falter
and lag behind. He complained, "Can't go on...somebody,
please help me."
After that, he had to be helped up the rest of the way by Tanar,
who was wishing he had left the
old dog back by the camp
sight.
Moments after the
start of their ascent the hissing angry monster arrived. At first, it stood as
if confused and almost started after the horses. Abby saw their predicament and
threw several stones as large as she could lift above
her head down onto the
large spider's back. That got its attention in a hurry. With a louder hiss, it
began to gingerly climb in their direction.
Tanar yelled up to Abby
who was in the lead. " That is it Abby,
he must follow us."
Crieton was beside himself as he strained to reach a handhold above his
head. " A-Are you crazy? We had a chance if it had followed the
horses, now we have no chance."
Tanar chuckled, "Yes, he will follow us, but if he had followed our
tired horses he would have devoured them. We would be on foot and he would
catch us easily." " Then what
are we doing?" the wizard asked in
alarm.
Tanar didn't answer him, instead he yelled to Abby," Do you
see a cliff with large rocks on it?"
Abby yelled back," Yes, I've reached one that does have large
rocks."
The cliff was merely a
flattened piece of large stone almost as large as a barn which petruded further
out than the rest. As the sun began to rise from beyond the horizon, Abby
dusted off her tattered and grimy clothing. She watched the remaining climbers
and the large spider pursuing them. The heat from the rocks, though minimal
compared to exposure to the afternoon sun, was having its effect on the
monster's exposed sticky feet. It moved much more slowly than the humans. It
was beginning to dawn on the little princess what her mercenary's plan was. She first helped Tanar, then Crieton upon
the ledge just large enough to hold them, and several large stones sitting
there for countless ages made almost round by the winds and rain.
Tanar pointed to the
largest stone nearly six feet high and four feet in diameter. "Alright,
let us all position ourselves behind that stone."
" I understand your plan now Tanar." Abby said gleefully
as she skipped to her position behind the large stone.
Discarding his long sword and battle ax to the ground, Tanar
positioned his shoulder against the stone beside Abby and explained," When
I say heave, we will all push against this boulder until it gives, and with the
blessing of the gods it will be that nightmare's undoing."
" At least we will try." Abby said. The old Crieton stood
to one side in a way that he could look over the edge to watch the spider's
progress and their endeavor to move the heavy stone. " And Crieton, the
greatest of all the wizards, shall use his vast powers to help destroy the
awful beast from hell." Tanar glanced
Crieton's way. " How? By causing the very lightning to strike
it?" he asked him sarcastically
.Crieton acted as if his feelings were
hurt. " By the gods, no! Nothing as disastrous as that! I shall simply withdraw some of the bulk
from the stone to make it easier to
shove over the cliff." Tanar
replied,
" Hm-m-m, you try that."
As the wizard chanted
unintelligentable phrases and sounds from spells constructed
from a mysterious ancient
past, Tanar braced himself and said to Abby," Heave!" Both grunted and groaned as they pushed against the stone with all their
might. Just as Abby began to give up,
they suddenly found themselves pushing it over the edge as easily as if it had been made of wood. Tanar
swore under his breath as he watched the large block of stone tumble toward the
monstrous hissing spider.
" It is done! I
have done it!" Crieton cried out with joy as he fairly bounced over to the
edge to watch the results. By that time
Abby was also peering over the cliff's edge.
"That was marvelous Crieton, except for one thing."
" What thing is that
oh princess?" Crieton asked with a sneer." You made it too light and
I am afraid all it is going to do is give him one big headache."
Tanar and Crieton
watched in disbelief as the stone hit their pursuer squarely on the top of the
head stunning the great spider yet not killing it. Several chunks of the stone that shattered on impact with the
monster's head did fall beneath its gigantic legs though causing the evil thing
to lose its footing. Losing its
balance, the giant spider flipped and temporarily at least landed on its hairy
back.
Tanar saw his chance
and with a Vallhanian cry to battle, the excited warrior recklessly jumped off
the edge of rock before Abby and Crieton could react. Abby watched in horror as
her big idiot of a warrior tumbled a score of yards down the score of rocks.
Somehow he landed squarely
on his feet atop the struggling spider and with a second battle cry he drew his
long sword, raised it above his head
and jabbed the entire length into the monster's exposed belly.
Tanar started to wave and
shout his glee to the two above when with a high shriek and hiss the spider
suddenly righted itself throwing the surprised warrior sprawling upon the rocky
ground. Abby cried out a warning, but it was too late. Still groggy from the
spill, Tanar watched helplessly as
the monstrous nightmare bore down on him with its large dripping
fangs. Tanar thought he would faint from the smell and the sight of the hideous
cavern of a mouth. He was trying to reach his broad war ax only a few feet
away, when suddenly the hissing and the loud grinding noise of the beast
stopped.
Tanar froze and slowly ventured a look at the giant spider only
when he heard Abby's high toned
laughter from above.
Apparently, the wound
he had inflicted upon the monster took a while to have its effect, but finally
it did stilling its life force forever.
As many insects do, it froze dead in the position it was in before its
demise. In this case, it was in a
attack position with maniples raised on the offensive.
Tanar scraped and
bruised over much of his body, but little else worse for wear, climbed the pile
carefully until he was helped to the ledge the last few feet by his companions.
Abby threw her arms around his middle and hugged him then she drew back
suddenly. " That was wonderfully
brave, but now you are bleeding all over and you stink."
The big warrior
laughed, " Well, what do you expect?
We'll worry about whether we're clean or comfortable when we have reached Elf town. For now, we must find our horses and try to
reach there before dark."
The princess replied,” Yes, you are right. I am thankful that we
are alive after that ordeal."
The old Crieton stiffly congratulated Tanar with a handshake then
withdrew mumbling something about luck.
Tanar stopped him with a
hand on his bony shoulder and turned him around to face him, " What is
wrong wizard?"
Crieton hesitated, then in a measured voice said," I've failed
again."
Tanar smiled, slapped the old man on the back once almost making
him lose his balance," No you
have not Crieton. If you hadn't have lightened the stone, the beast
would have been upon us before
we could have ever pushed
it over the edge. You still have it wizard! I am impressed!"
Abby led the way down the
mountain of stones. She was getting used to climbing up and down and it was fun
as long as you didn't have a monster chasing you. At the foot of the mountain,
Crieton started to ask how they were to retrieve their horses back when the
large barbarian whistled three times very loudly and a few moments later their
ears were greeted with the familiar sounds of neighing nervous horses. Their
eyes were wide with fear especially when they beheld the sight of the monstrous
corpse nearby.
Abby asked," How did
you get my horse to answer your voice?"
" Simple, yours followed mine who answers to me...most of the
time."
Tanar, Abby and Crieton waited a moment longer and soon they were
reward ed with the sight of a large white horse and a spotted white and brown
one running out from behind the mountain. As the two approached within several
feet of the princess' party,
Tanar noticed that they still seemed nervous though they could
clearly see the corpse of the giant spider.
Crieton commented as he
waited for Tanar and Abby to mount so that he could mount behind the barbarian
on his horse," Perhaps there are other monsters like him or other dangers
that they sense in this area. May I suggest we leave here with all possible
speed my princess."
Tanar almost didn't wait long enough for the wizard to get
completely into his saddle before he spurred his mount forward, "Perhaps
you are right...Heeeeyah!"
This time Tanar led the
way as they crossed the last of the prairie lands and within several hours they
were among the foothills of the mountains of doom. They only stopped once to
refresh themselves from an underground spring that gurgled out from two large
stones in the side of one of the hills by the well traveled road to fort Elgone
or Elftown as Tanar was fond of calling the inhabited area there.
After another hours ride
among the golden wild flower covered hills, they rounded a particularly sharp
curve in the road and suddenly found fort Elgone in front of them; only a mere
half mile ahead.
Princess Abby couldn't contain her excitement upon laying eyes upon
the infamous fort," Oh Tanar, it is a great fort."
"It is indeed my princess." Tanar agreed absentmindedly
as he carefully surveyed the fort and surrounding hills. There was no smoke
from fires, nor any activity in the fields surrounding fort Elgone. As
they
moved closer, he could not see a sentry or guard among the walls,
and the gates were open.
Crieton sneered at the
fort," Phshah, I've seen better and..."
He was cut off suddenly by Tanar," Quickly, follow me and
don't spare the speed!"
Tanar to Crieton's astonishment was suddenly frantically urging his
mount toward a nearby clump of tall trees. Abby without question followed suit
and soon they were well hidden, dismounted and behind those tall green trees.
Tanar had to clamp a big hand over the old wizard's mouth because he started to
loudly question their action," What in dragon's breath are, mmmphff!"
" Shhh! Be quiet old fool before I have to break your thin
neck." Tanar had whispered in Crieton's ear.
Abby leaned over to the two asking quietly," Why are we doing
this Tanar? Do you hate the fort people so much that you feel we must sneak by
them?"
Tanar glanced behind him and then replied," No, there is
something not right with the fort. It looks dead, like everyone left. If it has been attacked and
the fortifications breached then who ever did it may still be in there."
Abby replied in a small voice," Oh, I see."
Crieton whispered as best as he could with an old cracked voice,
" Nonsense! They’re probably sleeping and someone forgot to
close the gates. Or
perhaps they have heard of our coming and have prepared a welcome.
No? How
about everyone went camping?"
Tanar only replied with a suggestion," You have the magic
though it may be little, perhaps
you can summon the element
spirits to see for us what is in that fort town?"
Rubbing his pointed chin, Crieton looked at Abby," I shall
try...
for her, not you."
" Fine, then get on with it." Tanar snarled
half-heartedly for he had other things on his mind and a small slight or insult he wasn't about to let bother him at
that moment.
The old wrinkled wizard with
flowing green tattered garments moving strangely about him almost unnaturally,
sat down with his legs crossed up close to his thin body. He closed his eyes
and began to chant several phrases over and over again. The language he chanted
in was in a word or two familiar to Tanar. He had heard words of that type from the lips of the witch men in
Baboo's land, but this was of even more ancient tongue. The way Crieton's voice
rose high then low at times made the hair on the back of Tanar's neck stand up.
It was almost like a song, a song that crackling fire would make. A song that
the winds would make blowing through an old dwelling.
While Tanar pretended to
keep all of his attention on the surrounding hills and dusty road beside
them, Abby watched in wide
eyed amazement at the old wizard's antics until Crieton suddenly
stopped the chanting and without moving or even opening his eyes,
he remarked in a distant voice," The
defendants of fort
Elgone... are all captured or dead."
Abby knelt on one knee
and asked," Is anyone still there?"
The wizard frown and paused before he answered," Yes.. a few
of the enemy stayed behind to
loot.. Gods! How awful!
What revolting creatures they are. They are dark and green and they
have fangs! Their eyes of
red fire or white ice took a long time to adjust to the sunlight because they
are from a dark place...dark and fowl." His body shook all
over for a moment and then
he began to hum.
Abby asked anxiously," What are they?"
" I can not answer. Many of them are almost immortal, but what
they have in strength and endurance, they lack in intelligence."
That got Tanar's
attention," Then they couldn't have pulled it off without someone else to
lead them right?"
Crieton stopped his humming once more," Yes...I feel his pres-
ence from a distance, but he will not let me in. In fact, he has
great powers, far greater than anything...NO!" Suddenly,
Crieton
was awake and upon his feet. He shook a little as he spoke, this
time in a normal voice," My lady, I beseech you to turn back. What we may
face is a greater darker power than any I have ever known or heard of. A power
of darkness without measure. Evil beyond evil."
Abby asked," How do you know that it is?"
Crieton looked down upon his long fingernails and cried out in alarm,"
Aiieh! He has marked me."
There on each nail was a dark drop of blood that seemingly appeared
out of nowhere. First
Abby then Tanar closely examined his trembling hands. Tanar could
feel the fear of the
unknown crawling inside him, but he hid it by asking as he turned
loose of Crieton’s hands," Marked
you for what? Is this some kind of wizard's game?"
Crieton cried out,"
No no! It is not a game, for he has marked me
for something special he has in mind and it will surely be my
demise. A slow one to be sure."
" Quiet, you old fool! Nothing will be able to get to you as
long
as the princess and I are with you."Tanar enlightened or tried
to enlighten him.
" But you don't understand. Whatever powerful sorcerer this
may be will find a way. Sooner or
later he will."
Crieton was about in a panic or a state of one.
Abby placed a finger to her lips and said," Shhh, I thought I
heard something."
Together the three peered
from behind the largest of the trees
and a moment later Tanar shook his head.
" I see nothing out there girl. I say the best way to handle
this is to face it head on." With
those words he stepped out
into the road. Nothing moved. No arrows flew,
although they were still out of range.
Abby threw up her
hands," I give up. We might as well follow.
He seems to know what he is doing."
Crieton said nothing, but carefully kept the barbarians and Abby's
bodies in front of him as if they
would shield him. But he
knew in his heart that what awaited him in the future even though he
wiped the blood from his hands, could seek him and snuff him out
like a windstorm would a candle.
That started the trembling
again. Blast his frail aged body! If only he could find out the incantation or
potion that would allow him to switch bodies with someone younger and stronger. But alas, that
knowledge
had died out with the
ancients ones.
Tanar boldly with long
strides strolled down the road until he was only a few yards from the gates.
Abby and the wizard were soon standing beside him as he cupped his
hands to his mouth and yelled
toward the walls of the fort called Elgone," Hello in there!
This is Tanar of Vallhian, Mercenary for hire.
Anyone need my services? I'm open to suggestions."
He half turned to Abby
to say something since there was no immediate response, when Tanar heard
something snap just inside the gates. It was an open fort grounds
inside, but the entire view was blocked,
strangled by debris and wreckage. Tanar without another word
swiftly ran behind the edge of the left gate and
cautiously looked inside. A
large battle axe sailed by his face from within barely missing it and landing
only
inches in front of Crieton
who fell backwards flat
on his back onto the dusty road. Abby ran for the right gate as
Tanar rushed inside
with a blood curdling
battle cry. When the princess reached the thick wooden gate, she
drew a large dagger
decorated with red rubies on the handle and followed Tanar heedless
of what awaited them within those besieged walls. They expected a
reception when they rushed in
waiting for them on the
ground.
Instead, three
creatures awaited them flying flapping their bat-like wings sometimes hovering
at
least a dozen feet above the fort grounds. They were the ugliest
creatures with two legs that Tanar had
ever seen. Some were a dark greenish gray while one was almost onyx
in color. They looked reptilian
in nature with scaly tough skin and long sharp nails on their four
fingered hands and large four toed feet.
Their large fanged mouths dripped of saliva and emitted growls and
weird barking sounds at times.
These three at least
five feet tall though in reality they were probably shorter and all wore very
little
clothing except a loin
cloth and a light chain mail over their broad chests. They were armed only with
a
short double blade sword and a double blade axe.
Abby remarked," Hey Tanar, they’re dressed like you."
Tanar replied with an excited laugh," Yes, but vermin are
vermin no matter what you dress them in."
There was no more time for words because with a united shriek
of rage, the ghoulish creatures dived for the attack upon the
warrior and his princess who had
braced themselves as best they could.
Abby did not wait to
grapple with these formable creatures
in hand to hand combat, but instead she threw her dagger with all her might at the head of the one
flying directly for her.
The three-edged dagger sunk to the handle into the right eye of that enraged
reptilian. The creature plunged
head first into part of the tall fortress wall behind and just above
the startled princess. It
was dead before its body crashed to the ground.
Heartened by Abby's
luck at eliminating one of their assailants, Tanar dueled with the other two
while they hovered several feet above the ground. He struck away their swords
time and again as they lunged and parried theirs in hopes of finding an opening
to slay him. After a few minutes of sword fighting with the large barbarian who
was armed with a sword thrice the size of their own, one creature lost heart and
flew away and over the nearest wall of the abandoned fortress.
Seeing this development,
the other one became desperate and suddenly threw itself upon Tanar before he
could meet him with his long sword, knocking him off his feet to land in the
middle of a large fountain made of some kind of red metal.
Fortunately, there the fountain was still full of water to break
his fall. The foul shrieking creature was upon Tanar in a second trying its best to throttle and drown the
struggling man warrior.
Its long nailed hands were around his throat slowly squeezing,
tightening ever tighter with incredible strength, the life of Tanar.
Underwater he looked for his sword, but it must had fallen to the
ground as they had tumbled together into the fountain. Through the water he
could see the ugly grin on the creature's face and he could also see the
exposed ribcage of his assailant.
With all his might he beat at the creatures sides with his big
fists. It felt as if he was breaking
every bone in his hands as he desperately pounded away.
Just as the air was
about to release from his lungs to be replaced by a fatal quantity of fountain
water, the pressure around his neck eased up then suddenly the
creature's body and hands was no
longer on Tanar, but with a
splash was floating beside him its head turned almost completely around. Its
neck was very broken.
Tanar quickly sat up
and took in a big gasp of air. His body was racked with a coughing fit from
the exertions underwater. Then he heard a very familiar voice
booming at him.
" I thought I'd never see the day when Tanar of the Tuek would
bath in a water fountain. Now, I have truly seen it all."
Tanar had trouble focusing his eyes at first, but when they did he
found standing there before him
his old friend Baboo the lion man of Kalabi laughing his head off.
Baboo's large black six foot six
frame was a welcome sight to Tanar. He missed his old friend, the
only man he knew that could out
wrestle him with sheer
strength. There had been rumors amongst his people that he fought lions with
his bare hands for fun. There was even one about he had plans of
becoming the first king of his
country, gathering all the tribes
under one rule. Tanar thought that was a bit unbelievable even for
Baboo.
" Baboo! You big son of a crazed witch man. What are you doing
here? And why are you wearing that fancy lion-skin headdress upon that big bald
head?"
Tanar acted as if he never noticed the rainbow colored cape of
feathers that Baboo carried folded under one arm. It was the very one that his
friend usually wore to weddings of royal families.
Baboo with a large
helping hand that made Tanar's look small in comparison, pulled him to his feet
and out of the fountain; as he replied
matter-of-factly," Your wizard Crieton..."
" He is not mine." Tanar corrected as he tried to wring
the water out of his clothing.
Baboo rolled his eyes grinning," Well, whoever he belongs to
trading places with me to save your necks."
" What's that mean?” Abby asked.
Baboo glanced Abby's way who was starring at him in wide-eyed
disbelief,"
Well as we switched places physically, somehow he entered my mind
and explained to me that by his magical powers he would send me here and take
my place where I was at the time. That is as near as I can explain it the way
he did. I am a simple man and don't understand the ways of magic and science so
it was with some shock to me that I found myself in front of the gates of fort
Elgone."
" I would have almost lost the contents of my stomach if I had
experienced it." Tanar concurred.
Baboo laughing slapped
Tanar on the back almost sending him to
the ground," But it
wasn't near the shock that Crieton is probably feeling right now. I
was in the middle of my
marriage ceremony about to wed one of the daughters of the leader
of the Kambolli tribe."
Abby stepped closer," Oh, how awful for you! How you will miss
her!
" Hah! Let the old fool have her, I care not to marry, I would
only do it to help our tribes
have a chance to unite, but I don't want to be a king, at least for
a little while. I miss the action, the
excitement of a good fight and a good woman. "Tanar
asked," What will become of Crieton?"
"Oh, he will likely be killed for spiriting me away from
them.” Baboo chuckled.
" No! This must not happen. It is true he is cranky and at
times
a scheming old toad, but he did save your life Tanar and he did
get you out of a troublesome situation Baboo."
Baboo stared at this upstart girl and asked," What would you
have me do little girl? How am I to
grab someone more than
twenty days journey from here?"
Abby switched her pleading gaze to Tanar," Isn't there something
we can do? Doesn't this bother you at all?" When she saw no response from
her mercenary except a frown, Abby turned her back on both men saying,
"Well!
It appears you two are not
only ungrateful backwards barbarians, but you are obviously without conscious
too."
Tanar ignored her angry pouting," Oh, I'm sorry, in the
excitement I forgot my manners. This Baboo, is princess Abby from Lavion who I
am escorting and sometimes baby sitting..."
Tanar saw Abby flinch from his comment continued," I'm taking
her to a land beyond the mountains of doom."
" Please to meet you princess." Baboo gave her an
exaggerated bow," You might as well ask him to escort you to the moon. No
one has crossed those mountains and lived to tell about it."
Abby turned back to face Tanar's big friend," My father has
and I am going to find him with or without your help."
Baboo remarked," My, but how your tangled dirty hair does
shine when you display your royal anger
princess Abby." He then turned to Tanar, " She’s really
not a princess is she?"
Tanar replied," Uh-huh. Princess Abby, this is Baboo the lion
man
of Kalabi country. We've seen plenty of this ole world
together."
" Fought many of
foes together too, but this journey beyond the doom mountains is madness! Why
don't we go fight a herd of dragons, THAT would be easier."
It was Baboo's turn to be ignored by Tanar who strolled over to the
creature that Abby killed and
calmly pulled out her
dagger from its head. He placed it in Abby's hand as he asked Baboo.
" Have any idea what these creatures are?"
The black warrior starred
into the fountain water at the features of the creature he had broken its
neck," Your
wizard I feel knew much
more about them, but he only explained
to me what I already had heard.
They’re called gargoyles and they supposedly live under the
mountains of doom. No one has seen any
of them in five hundred years. Everyone thought they were wiped out
in the great war of the Triiou
wizards, which is in itself
ancient history. Some say they were created by an evil sorcerer named Lort
Keriwn
Lor who was said to have
disappeared at the time of the death of his creations."
Tanar motioned the others
to follow as he investigated further
into the fort. Abby caught up with him," Isn't there anything
we can do for Crieton? He isn't completely mad, after all; he helped us when he
didn't have to didn't he?"
" We can't do much, but my elf friends may know of a way. If
they are alive."
Since Baboo had no weapon upon his person, he pilfered through the
wreckage along the way for
whatever he could find. Soon, Tanar and Abby heard him whistling
happily along behind them. Tanar
ventured a glance behind
him noticed Baboo had found a great long handled double bladed battle ax
which he was swinging back and forth experimentally with his right hand and had found a large bow
complete with arrow pouch
which he slung across his left
shoulder.
Tanar commented to Abby
with a smile," We will be well protected if he doesn't trip over them
and impale himself."
When Abby saw what her mercenary was talking about she chuckled in
amusement, but was cut off by Baboo's booming voice," Hey ,isn't that Elf town?"
Tanar replied," Yes, and I hope someone is home."
The back buildings and well of fort Elgone was burned to the ground
leaving a clear view of much of this weird jumble of low buildings and houses
called Elftown. Most of the red and green tiled roofs of the town were left
untouched except for the governor's
palace and garrison quarters.
Their roofs were mostly
smashed through or collapsed as if a
great hand had smote them us under from above. Still, the three
travelers stood there on the outskirts of Elftown in awe of the
sight.
Abby commented to Tanar," I guess that explains the lack of
footprints on the grounds in or around the fort. They were attacked
from the air."
Tanar kept tugging at his sword pulling it from his scabbard a few
inches and then letting it drop back over and over again.
" I've never run across creatures such as these that could
walk and fly as well."
" Could they have caused that damage yonder in Elftown?"
The princess asked Tanar.
Tanar frowned in concentration," No, not even their great
strength combined could have done that. It looks the work of a wizards power,
perhaps more than one."
Baboo brought up a chilling prospect," There was one wizard,
sorcerer whatever you choose to have called him that could have
easily done this."
No one spoke his name, but Abby could feel the dread the two
warriors beside her were feeling. Something even more dreadful to the princess
was bothering her and she voiced it out loud,
" What I would like to know is where are all the bodies from
these attacks?"
Baboo could feel Tanar and Abby staring at him as if for an answer,
but he hesitated a moment before he gave one.
Well, Baboo? You seem to know more about this attack. Do you have
an explanation?" The princess queried
Baboo.
" Yes, I have heard about them in legend. "Baboo
explained.
" Let me guess ole friend," Tanar said." They are
cannibals."
" You got it. Well, they do prefer horse meat, but..."
Abby stared back at the
fort and shivered," No. How could evil such as this exist?"
No one had explanation, instead Tanar silently started back for
their horses deep in his own thoughts, a brooding giant of a warrior.
Chapter VII
Baboo didn't seem to
mind walking along his long time friend and the beautiful little princess,
without a horse to
ride. He didn't care for the four leg creatures too much and rarely rode them
even though Tanar often complimented on his natural horsemanship.
He would keep his feet on the ground as much as he could, thank
you. Oh, he did like the sea or any
large body of water to sail
a boat or ship on, but nothing could compare to the feeling he got from
hunting through an exotic jungle or forest. The fact that he
disliked the cities of man, made him in a
similar mold as Tanar in
nature.
Elftown had very
little in common with the towns and cities of man, except there were walls and
roofs to their many structures.
There was no great wall to protect them from dangers outside. Each
structure had to be built on a hill or Elf-made mound of dirt or
rock. For what reason that knowledge
was either lost through
history or kept as a secret known only by the Elves.
Here too there was no
smoke filtering out of chimneys or open fire and at first they saw no movement
of any kind until they were near the center of Elftown. Then, two
middle-aged creatures standing only
four feet high looking
similar to midget people with long pointed ears and tiny pointed noses slowly,
cautiously
strolled from around a particularly long building with strange
markings near its entrance. When Elves
are upset enough or in some
kind of shock, they tend to walk sideways stumbling over almost everything.
The sight nearly made
Abby's stomach hurt with laughter. Tanar shot her a look of warning for Elves
were a touchy lot and no
one knew how many might have been
lurking around them. Enough of these
creatures could give anyone trouble.
When they were close
enough Tanar could see that one was female and the other was male. The male
spoke first in a voice that sounded more like a violin than
human," I am Kip Taul Udip mayor of this once
beautiful town. Who are
you? What you want here?" His human dialect was broken, but understandable
enough.
Tanar spoke for the
others having dealt with Elves before.
" We are three weary travelers needing a place to stay in your
town for the night since the fort was destroyed.
We can be trusted. We are not spies or thieves and I have friends
among your people." The two elves looked
at each other and the female asked,” Friends?"
" Yes," Tanar explained carefully," Do you know of
Pippve Vippen and his feather clan, Kip Taul Udip Zip?"
The male elf replied importantly," You call me Kip ok?"
When he saw the human female smile he smiled back
showing a mouth full of rotting teeth," The feather clan has
been banished, but Pippve and his family are allowed to
stay, for their ancestors had helped to settle this land in the
ancient flood age and we not forget that."
Abby asked," Do you know where they are?"
" Who?"
Abby placed her hands on her hips," Pippve and his
family."
Kip scratched his almost balding head," I knew that he lived
on the western side of town near the hills, but he may not be there now."
Tanar was edgy," Why is that?"
Kip looked up into the sky nervously," Those horrible monsters
that destroyed the human fort did great damage to our town as a warning only, but it scared everyone so bad we hid
in the hills."
" Some may still be running up into the mountains." the
female elf added.
Baboo asked his friends with a hint of impatience," Now what?
We go on?"
Tanar replied quickly," No, we'll stay here if it is ok with
Kip."
Kip still nervous but under some control said," Of course you
can. You have shown concern and I believe you are humans who can be
trusted.
If you can not find Pippve then return to my palace over to your
left and you are welcome to stay the night."
"Yes, but only the night." The female elf added with a
hint of fear.
The two warriors and Abby
thanked the elves and as they began to head west, Tanar shouted one last
question their way," Was there anyone else that you could see
with the flying creatures when they attacked your town?"
The female
answered," Yes, a tall human I think he was human,
with strange clothing and a large headdress of feathers upon his
head. He flew with monsters, but it was strange..."
Tanar asked," What do you mean?"
Kip tried to get the female to stop talking by pulling desperately
at her arm, but she replied before they were
out of hearing range."
He had no wings."
Both elves quickly stumbled on down another narrow winding street
like most of all the other streets
of Elftown, leaving the
three travelers stunned and a little more wary.
As Abby and her two
escorts traveled further west through the Elf habitats and businesses, they saw
more
and more elves battered and
shaken, but alive trickling back into their town. Some cursed the humans openly
as they
passed each other seemingly blaming them for bringing disaster upon
them. Abby's heart was troubled and saddened by the sight of these refugees and
their attitude toward humans.
After a few minutes more
of this, Abby turned to Tanar, "Can't we do anything to change this, to
help them in some way?"
Tanar could easily read the frustration and heartbreak upon his
little princess' face," No, they would only think that you are trying to
cover things up, smooth this over. Best we leave them alone."
Abby thought this over for a moment and finally agreed trying hard
the rest of the way to
ignore the elves' suffering
and growing hatred.
Tanar was the first to
spot his old friend and family. Pippve
Vippen shouted something to Tanar and broke into a run for he had
spotted his giant friend at the same instant. Abby and Baboo stood silently watching the happy reunion that
took place. Pipve was a younger elf than Kip and had a vitality of life to match Tanar's own. He
looked almost like a young boy running to his father except for
the short sword and dagger
he wore by his side. Both Tanar and the elf threw their arms about one
another to hug each other
the way two old friends would when they haven't seen each other in years, nor
did they think that they
would ever see one another again.
"Tanar, you big
ox! It is well you are here. Wish you here sooner. We could have used your
skill even
though I doubt even a Vallhian warrior would have made the
difference."
Just as Abby wondered
when they would stop hugging each other, Tanar and his elf friend
separated as he agreed," You're right you little mushroom. I
would probably had fled for the hills with you."
Pippven punched the Vallian warrior lightly in the stomach,"
Of
course I'm right! I'm always right, remember? What are you do-
ing out here anyway, I thought you would never venture near the
mountains of doom."
Tanar glanced Abby's
way," Oh, you know me. Always gluten for punishment, adventure and the
danger."
The smiling elf giggled in amusement," I remember you as type
as gluten for a price." Pippven got a look at the princess and
the black giant beside her," Hm-m-m, I see.
You're either a guide for a
fortune or that warrior there will beat you if you don't do it."
He said the last part
with a laugh of mischief. Tanar swung a halfhearted swing with his arm to slap
his elf
friend, but Pippven easily dodged it by leaping backward a few
feet. Elves were great leapers. In a forest swinging
from tree to tree, they could look like they were flying. Tanar
wasn't surprised nor angry at his
friend for he had
great respect for most elves and their uncanny resolve and to
always tell the truth and to always know it.
They both began to laugh
and laugh until Abby approached them and cleared her voice," Tanar you can
be
so rude at times. Please
introduce us to your friend. I wish to meet him."
Tanar introduced Baboo
and the princess to Pippven and then to Pippven’s family
Vveke his wife of slight build even for an elf,
who was very warm and intelligent. Tik and Tok his sons who were
still only small
child elves couldn't speak
human language so far, yet they took an instant liking to Baboo's
hiding games he would
perform with his hands,
making
coins or toys disappear and reappear from one of their pointed
ears. Nor did they tire
of the story the big loin man warrior would tell of hunting on the
plains of Tier Amnia and
deep within the jungles of
his homeland. Their laughter helped set a cheerful mood for everyone.
Pippve insisted that
they spend the night at least one, in his
dwelling; one of the larger in the western part of Elftown. As it
turned out, one of the few that received little damage. Even though
Pippve thought he
had plenty of room for everyone, his human guests found it to be a
little cramped for comfort.
Both warriors the time the time they spent there took turns bumping
their heads into the
top of the door frames.
After a customary elfin dinner of small prairie animal meats, goat
cheese, pull bread and several different berry wines everyone sat
around a large fireplace and
watched the great logs pop and crackle from the roaring fire.
For a while, they
laughed, joked, and even sang or tried to sing elfin folk songs of
adventure and mirth, but
soon the children, Baboo and Abby were yawning more than
anything else and that was the signal for all to retire. Everyone did, but Pippve Vvebe, and Tanar.
The warrior's muscles ached
from the days journey and recent battle with the gargoyles, but it
was more important to him
to stay up just a little longer than miss some precious moments with an old
friend.
For a while the three
still sat around the fireplace in Pippve's
den in silence, and then finally Tanar asked his elf friend.
"Did everyone flee to the hills, Pippve?"
"Yes...Well, I never saw Kip and his wife reach where most of
us hid."
" That's what I thought."
Now Pippve curiosity reviving him a little from his fatigue
asked, " What do you mean?"
" I don't know." Tanar stopped and threw a stick into the
fire,
" I wouldn't trust him if I were you. Sure, they were
frightened
and stunned by the attack, but I felt it was mostly an act."
" How could you tell that ole friend? He is a very important
person here. Has lived
here twenty years or more."
Tanar's brain was
clouding from fatigue and a full belly. It had
begun to rain hard outside, which made it even harder to keep
awake.
" Just a feeling I guess." Tanar moved closer before he
spoke again," When we leave tomorrow, watch Kip.
If he tries to leave town
after, prevent him from doing so."
Vvebe perplexed asked the weary warrior," How do we do this?
We will look odd doing such a
thing."
Tanar smiled," Cause an accident or perhaps get our honorable
mayor to decree in front of all elves this
recent attack on your town
a disaster. I leave that to you. Will you do this?"
Pippve agreed, but was a little upset," I will do, but it will
cause trouble among us. Already
several of
my neighbors will threaten me for keeping your kind here. If you have noticed, there is growing
hostility toward humans."
" I have noticed, and if you check around you would find that
maybe the whole thing started from the
mouth of your mayor."
While the two elves thought this over, Tanar had one more thing on
his mind," Have you ever seen a
Unicorn? I mean, this princess I am accompanying claims her long lost father she is hunting for is
in the
land where those fabled
creatures live. If there isn't such a creature than our time may be wasted
in
looking for such a land."
"By the sacred
living tree, we use to see them all the time." Pippve exclaimed," But
lately we have not
seen one. Maybe they have retreated further into the woods of the mountains of doom or perhaps
they stay in their own land now, we don't know."
" So you have seen such creatures."
" Oh my yes! Such beautiful beasts they are. We have not seen
lately, but in earlier times we have
talked with them. Ever
since the humans built the fort by us they stopped speaking to us."
Tanar gazed into the crackling blaze for a moment before he stated
matter-of-factly," Then Abby
was right and we must continue."
" Through the mountains of doom? This is joke right? If not
then I must tell you
that your chances of surviving through those mountains are one in a
thousand."
Vuebe voiced her opinion.
Tanar smiled with a
terrible look in his eyes," That's all right. Abby doesn't know
it yet, but she'll pay me double the sum after this is over."
" I hope you survive to enjoy it you big fool." Pippve
remarked.
Tanar yawned," Don't bother seeing me to my sleeping place, I
shall find it. You
two I shall see in the morning."
" I just want to say, it is good to see my ole friend
again." Pippve
said to Tanar as they rose from where they had sat.
Tanar placed a large hand on Pippve's shoulder," It is good to
see you too you little wart.
I wish you could go with us, but I already have to share my pay
with Baboo." Both Tanar
and Pippve laughed at the
Vallian's joke.
Abby slept in the
children's room on one of two beds while the
two little boy elves slept in the other . As she lay there listening
to the rain, she thought about
all that had happened that
day. Things had happened, had changed so quickly. She had actually
killed a living thing that day and though it bothered her greatly,
she knew she had to bury those
feelings if she was to keep her sanity. And speaking of sanity, who
was the strange flying man?
Could it be the wizard of legends she had heard of all her life?
What happened to the Unicorns she had heard of?
Did the flying man have
something to do with their absence? She did overhear Tanar and Pippve talk
about their
strange behavior and eventual disappearance. Why was this
happening? But
most important of all,
where was her father? Before she fell asleep she prayed to the gods that
he was safe and that he wasn't involved in all this. Soon there was
only the night, the rain and
the even breathing of Abby asleep.
Deep inside one of the
highest mountains of doom was a large area riddled with enormous, underground
rivers, and cold lakes of
pure sparkling water. In one of the caverns nearest to the mountains
surface was a series of
man-made rooms resembling dudgeons eight feet by eight feet, older than
time. Within one of these
sat a depressed and troubled man,
broken both physically and mentally
from the torture he had suffered months on end at the hands of
hideous creatures from hell. The room
stank of rotting things and
other unknown smells unimaginable. Thankfully, the room had no
light, but the dim glow that shown through a tiny barred opening at
the ceiling of his cell, for the
ceiling was his door.
The glow was from a
lantern down a corridor above. Sometimes he would imagine it was the
glow of the moon showing its light upon his royal bedroom from
years ago. Felica, how he
missed her so. And Abby,
his dear sweet little girl. That was what he couldn't bear the most
was the prospect that he would never see them again.
He did have a long low
bench that hung from one wall running its entire length that he slept
and ate on. He was thankful for that and also that his capture’s
hadn't harassed or tortured him
in at least a day and a
night. For whatever mysterious reason he was thankful. Something was
keeping them busy. Perhaps
the Unicorns? Ah, if only it were so; but alas, that would be a far
fetched dream now that few remained free from the gargoyles and the
evil Tharmat Gyoe's
dominance. Now that the evil sorcerer had what he sought for five hundred years, he doubted that any
one could stop him. He no longer cared for himself, but he did fear
for his wife and daughter's
safety. Soon, his world
would be turned upside down by this madman and he was helpless to
do a thing. The tears of a grieving man soon dampened the damp cell
floor further.
Early in the morning as a
heavy fog began to lift from Elftown Tanar, Baboo, and Abby
had already finished a large breakfast that Vuebe and several
neighboring female elves had
surprisingly prepared for them. In minutes they were packed and
ready to start. Pippve had
the horses ready as the
humans stepped outside to do those very chores.
Abby was delighted, but
Tanar asked," Why the quick send off?"
Pippve seemed puzzled," Send off? What you mean?"
" I mean, I get the idea all of a sudden you want us out of
here quick."
"Oh no, Tanar." Pippve was embarrassed," We have
realized over last night and this morning
you three may be our only hope and the Unicorn's only hope from the
terror of the gargoyles.
We wish you health and
speed. Time is precious in your quest for I fear it is running out."
Baboo asked Pippve," So, you do believe that these are
gargoyles?"
" Yes, now please hurry Abby, find your father and the
unicorns. Stop the flying man and..."
"I know." Tanar finished," And stop the gargoyles.
Sure Pippve, and we have the magic and
army to stop 'em."
" I am confident of you Tanar." Pippve said with false
enthusiasm. " Of course it would be
easier to turn back."
" Yes, it would and I would remain broke, besides I'd like to
be around for this little girl's
reunion with her father if I could."
With those words, Tanar
placed a big arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick hug.
She smiled at her big mercenary," Thanks. I really do have
confidence in you Tanar also." Abby
looked up at the black warrior who had already nervously mounted a
horse the elves gave
him. He seemed a trifle
impatient to leave," You too Baboo, you both make me feel a lot
safer than any guards my mother could have sent me."
Baboo quickly said," Save that thought little lady until we
reach the end of the road." He then
turned his steed, waved a farewell to Pippve and his family and
began riding off toward the
forest and the mountains of
doom."
Abby asked Tanar as
she climbed upon her mount," What is bothering him?"
Tanar shrugged his shoulders and mounted his own horse without
another word.
They said their thanks and farewells to Pippve and the other elves
that had gathered to
see them off. With fresh
supplies and better spirits, they started at a gallop to catch up
with their black friend.
An hour’s ride and the
princess and her companions entered the Olem forest, which
ran well up into the famous
mountain chain. The forest was very thick with pine and brush,
which made it virtually impossible for much light to filter in. All
around was dark and gloomy
even in the height of the
day. What made it worse was their dusty well-traveled road soon
became little more than an
animal trail casting a shadow over the travelers' mood.
Several times Abby
could have sworn she caught a glimpse out of
the corner, of her eye of something following them, staying even
with them amongst
the thick undergrowth. It
was only a blur it moved so fast. Abby said nothing; instead
she caught Tanar and Baboo's attention
and motioned in the direction she had been watching. Both men
grinned
and Tanar whispered," We were aware of it some time ago.
Pretend to
not notice and in a little while perhaps I shall find out who our
peeper is."
Baboo placed a big
finger to his lips grinning. He even winked at Abby as if it were
some kind of playtime. This
slightly aggravated her, but she went along for she was intrigued
by the way they were acting
at what may be a serious threat.
Abby tried to take
Tanar's advice, she tried a distraction by changing the subject,"
Where did Olem forest get its name? I could not find much about it
in my library of books."
Tanar swatted at a pesky misquote before he answered," Olem
was a famous ancestor of the
Elf race who ruled them as a king when elves
lived only in this forest. He led his people into battle against
the gargoyles and evil sorcerer Tharmat
Gyoe. That was when they rose the first time out of the mountains
of doom in an attempt to conquer the
surface world. In the end, Olem was killed in the battle and the
elves were driven out of the forest.
That was five hundred years ago. But they still remember it. They
still believe that this forest is their forest, Olem's forest."
" But what stopped the sorcerer, the gargoyles?" Abby was
puzzled.
" No one is sure.
It would seem one night not long after the battle for Olem forest; the sorcerer
lost his powers and the gargoyles being the sorry lot they are,
turned tail and ran."
Baboo interrupted their conversation," I have heard tales of
these unicorn creatures rising to the
challenge and with their
magical horns; they defeated Tharmat Gyoe and
his gargoyles overnight. But why don't you ask one that might know.
Like for instance, him."
Tanar and Abby gaze
followed to what Baboo was pointing to. There
standing like a dream only several yards in front of them on the
trail; was
an adult male unicorn. It is said that you can always tell if it is
a male
because of the prominent horn on his forehead glowing with an ever
changing colors. Every color of the rainbow. A female's horn
located in
the same area, is only an off white color. But her overall form is
sleek and not
angular, without grace as a male's.
Tanar's horse became nervous, spooked by the
sudden appearance of this wondrous
creature, but he soon had it under control. By that time Abby had
dismounted and had started
to approach the unicorn, which startled them further by speaking to
them in Lavion in a voice
not unlike a mixture of
human and a musical harp.
"Please stay where
you are, unless you wish to disappear as I shall soon. I haven't long..."
Baboo swore in his native tongue and followed Tanar's advance on
foot until they were even
with the young princess. She was in the process of asking the
unicorn a question.
" Are you one that was following us?"
"Yes, and who I am is not important. Please listen, for I only
have time to say this once.
Sorcerer Tharmat Gyoe and his army of gargoyles have risen from the
caverns again, partly because it
takes nearly 500 years for
all the gargoyles' eggs to hatch. Another is they have finally found out the
secret to the unicorn's magic. There are only a few of us left,
and Tharmat has captured the rest. Many of my brothers have been
killed for our horns, which
he has used to produce a
powerful magical headdress. He is using this headdress for his own evil plans.
With this headdress he is invincible, but there is a greater threat
to us all that he is not aware of."
"What is that?" Abby asked the glowing horned unicorn.
" The headdress is unstable and sometime soon when he is using
it, the
thing of evil will cause the very fabric of space and time to open.
A doorway shall open to
another universe, letting
in unimaginable horrors that he cannot control."
" How do you know this unicorn?" Tanar managed to ask
trying hard to hold down his fear
of this magical mystical creature that stood proudly before him.
" Although we are near
immortal like the gargoyles, it was our ancestors thousands of years
ago that found a way into your universe. Doorways that they dared
to open only once long enough
to pass from there to here.
It has been closed since. It was an escape from those horrible creatures
that lived in the other universe. If it were to be opened
uncontrolled,
evil creatures from our universe could pass into your world and all
life
would be threatened. You see, that is why our ancestors left their
original
home to escape the evil that threatened to engulf them. There is no
record of what they were,
only that they were powerful in every way. Ah, I feel the change
coming now."
" Wait!" Abby
was desperate to ask one more vital question." What of
lord Johnston Dann, my father? Did you know of him?"
" Yes of course! He helped us fight against the gargoyle army,
but in the end Tharmat was too
powerful. Your father is
only human and could not fight magic."
" Where is the lord? Is he alive?" asked Tanar.
The white glow
surrounding the unicorn began to brighten even more as he quickly
answered," He
is alive captured somewhere within Tharmat's lair. Your wizard
shall know which mountain and how
to enter it. If you want
your father you must rescue him. Our
magic cannot penetrate those mountains
for Tharmat has cast a
protective spell over them. Rest
assured, we are working on it. Perhaps in time..."
" Please don't leave us. We need your help." Abby pleaded
with the unicorn whose image was beginning to fade, to disappear with all the surrounding
glowing light. " Crieton can help you more than I. More than
you can imagine. Be
careful Abby. There are dangers you and your champions have yet to
face. They don't
call them the mountains of doom for nothing. Don't worry brave one,
we shall meet again
and we will be there when the time is right. Goodbye."
The three travelers had
to cover their eyes from the intensity of the
bright light that flashed from where the unicorn once stood. When
their eyes had recovered
they found to their
surprise, an old thin man wearing only a small pair of shorts native to
Baboo's land standing where the unicorn had been a moment before.
Baboo laughed at the
sight," Will you look who traded places with our
unicorn friend? Ha Ha Ha! Hey, Crieton. How did you like our
wedding ceremony?"
Tanar joined in the laughter. Though Crieton the wizard was shaken
by the ordeal of transferring
and switching bodies from one location to another a thousand miles
away, he wasn't stirred," Look
you over-sized
sitroke ape, it was because of you and your mercenary friend over
there that I teleswitched. It nearly
got me killed!"
Crieton turned his
attention to Abby ignoring Baboo and Tanar's even louder laughter," Did
you know Baboo failed to tell me about his particular situation
when we switched? The bride looked
almost as big as he and twice as mean especially after she realized
what had happened.
With several spear tips and axe blades at my throat, I was able to
somehow talk my way out
of an immediate execution at the hands of Baboo's former
countrymen."
Baboo suddenly serious, asked," Former? What do you mean
wizard?"
" I mean ole fig head that they not only want to banish you
from your
homeland, but your would be relatives want to hunt you down and
kill you."
Baboo looked worried and wrung his hands," Oh that is just
great."
Crieton began to smile
mischievously because he knew he had the upper hand even
if it were for only a moment, he would savor it," Don't worry
big fellow, I smoothed
things over for you."
" I am afraid to know, but I must. How did you do that ole
wise wizard?"
" I told them it was an emergency."
" And?"
" Why I also explained to ole chief Kaa that you would marry
both his
daughters instead of just one."
Baboo placed his hands on top of his head in dismay," Oh no,
not that! The other one's
bigger than me and twice as cranky! Crieton!" Now
Baboo was getting angry," What have you done?" Now I
can't go back!"
" Yes, you will because chief Kaa sent five of his best
warriors to hunt you down and they
just happen to be your future brother-in-laws."
"Aiiehh!" Baboo shouted," I have a headache and I
believe if I am rid of this puny
wizard, I'll get rid of my headache."
Crieton did not wait, with a shriek he ran toward a particularly
large
twisted tree several feet in diameter. Baboo with arms stretched
out to grab the wizard, was
right on his heals. Around
and around the tree they
ran as Tanar and Abby watched with great amusement.
Suddenly a limb several
times around as wide as a man's arm swung down as if alive and swat
Baboo off his feet
backwards onto the spongy moss covered ground. He grunted from the
impact, but no other words issued from his lips as he regained his
footing. He snapped the limb
in two with one blow from the side of his hand and continued to
chase Crieton. Then another
limb appeared and another knocking the black
giant to the ground each time. Finally, Baboo caught the wizard and
was
about to strangle him when his form suddenly melted and took the
form of a squirrel who easily
slipped out of the
astonished giant's hands. He scurried up the tree like a shot from a game
bow. Baboo looked at his
hands and then at his two companions," Did he really do that or am I going
daft?"
"He is getting
better I must admit." Abby giggled.
" Ah, hiding games! Won't do us much good against Tharmat
Gyoe." Tanar commented.
" Hey, I was the one on the receiving end of his hiding game
remember? Ouch, those limbs
really were after me. They were almost as bad as a swipe from
a lion's claw." Baboo rubbed
his chest, dusted himself
off and just as he regained his feet, he heard a lion's growl as if it were
just above him. He ran for his battleaxe as Tanar and Abby drew
their swords.
" Surely that can't be that scrawny wizard, can it?"
Baboo asked out loud to Tanar.
Before Tanar could answer or Baboo could retrieve his battleaxe, a
golden blur of teeth and
claws jumped down only a
few feet in front
of the black warrior.
" A lion?" Baboo muttered as he stared at his new
arrival's large eyes.
Indeed the creature was a full-grown male lion whose roar was very
much like a hungry one to
Tanar and the princess.
Abby frightened but determined to stick by her Vallian mercenary
asked in a shaky voice," What
do we do now?"
Baboo's eyes were locked with the lion's, but he did answer her
without turning," Don't make any
sudden moves people. I think he's after me. I'll take him on if he
dares."
Tanar concerned, warned his long time friend," How are you
going to do that, you don't have a
weapon and you'll never reach your bow in time."
" That's right. Let us divert his attention long enough for
you to reach
your bow." Abby added.
Baboo couldn't help but smile at their concern, but he was
experienced
in these situations better than the others," No thanks, I'll
just have to improvise."
Slowly reaching back with one hand over his shoulder, he felt for
his arrow holder as the large
predator continued to roar and tense its leg muscles to spring into
action. After a tense moment, Baboo
found a large tipped
hunting arrow and slowly drew it out and over his shoulder. Just as he had a
good hold of the arrow in one hand, the lion leapt squarely upon
him. Abby screamed.
Purely by instinct
Baboo knelt on one knee holding the arrow up at an
angle so that with luck, it would impale the heart of the shaggy
beast as
it landed on him. Instead, the lion leapt completely over Baboo and
landed upon someone behind
him. Tanar swore in
amazement. Abby shouted and was pointing at something that was going on
behind Baboo who regained
his feet quickly. He heard screams, but by the time he had turned around
to see what the lion
actually attacked; it was all over. The lion had a large gargoyle down on the
ground biting big chunks
out of its neck. The
gargoyle was mostly dead from the severe clawing it took seconds
before. The lion pawed
at the corpse several times as he lay on top of it, making sure it
was dead, then it turned its attention to Baboo.
The black warrior by
that time had his bow out and drawn back with a particularly
ugly looking arrow ready on the cord. " Come on beast, I'm
ready for you now you golden cur. Haven't had enough eh?"
Instead of attacking the three travelers, the lion sat down and
calmly
stared at them as it breathed heavily from the excursion. Then,
before
their startled eyes the golden predator began to melt. It changed shape
until only an old thin man in
a pair of native shorts and
sandals stood where the lion had been seconds before. He grinned
from ear to ear and said," Baboo I'm surprised at you. You
wouldn't shoot an unarmed man would you?"
Baboo signed and lowered
his weapon. With a nervous laugh he replied, " I had thought
about it, but we need you to lead us into Tharmat's lair. I shall
let you live for now wizard."
The wizard bowed,
"Oh thank you oh great rabbit warrior."
Baboo spit on the ground in front of Crieton saying," Just
change into
some beast and we'll see what a rabbit I will be!"
As Abby and Tanar
approached the wizard and Baboo, Tanar asked a question to distract
their attention," The unicorn did inform you of the princess
father's location didn't he?"
Crieton continued to smile," Yes and perhaps the whereabouts
of most of the unicorns that are
imprisoned and may be alive there, but I must warn you all that it
shall not be easy. Even with
my powers improving as they
have, we will have a very small chance at success. Also we
have very little time. I
have learned that even now as I speak, Tharmat is preparing his gargoyle
legions for his biggest campaign. A war with Lavion and a strike
into the very heart of the valley
of the sun. But the worst
is as our unicorn friend told you. When he uses that headdress on
such a large attack as
that, it shall pave the way for evil beings from the other universe. And
this time the doorway shall never close."
Tanar spoke in a dry voice," A little chance is better than
none."
Those words were still
trying to sink in on Abby's brain when they heard the unmistakable
cry of gargoyles in flight
not far from where they were. The trees kept them from seeing the
flying menace, but it also meant that they wouldn't be spotted from
the air right away. Still, the
knowledge that the
gargoyles were up there was enough to prompt them to move on to the
mountain fortress
immediately. With Crieton leading the way, they fled single file through the
forest of ever thickening
brush and trees with Tanar in front
of the little princess and Baboo guarding the rear.
Graduately the forest
began to thin out again. Their journey began to take on the appearance
of a climb as the land began to slope upward steeper and steeper.
At one point in a small clearing
in the trees, Crieton
exclaimed over his shoulder,"
There is our destination friends," He pointed
toward a high mountain peak that was showing prominently above the
trees. Though much of the
sky was clear, near the top
of the mountain there was a strange thunderstorm brewing. The dark
clouds boiled and rumbled constantly and grew louder by the moment.
The constant lightning lit up the
twisted mountainsides, flashing blue and red streaks.
Everyone was silent with awe and a growing
dread as they watched while hiking their way along
the mountainside. A half-hour later, Abby could see they were
nearing the edge of the tree line.
Beyond that point trees could not grow which meant they would be
exposed to another attack by
gargoyles. At the edge of
the tree line, Crieton stopped and the others gathered by his side,"
Fortunately
for us the patrol of gargoyles are confused and have flown the
wrong direction to find us. Our one big
problem is we have to hike up the mountain side
several hundred yards before we reach the entrance."
Tanar's gaze followed Creiton's and his arm pointing to a point on
a small cliff in the distance. Creiton
explained further,"
This side of the mountain wouldn't be much of a climb, because of its gradual
angle
upward to the top. But
large gray boulders and small jagged rocks covered every step of the way. It is
as though the mountain had
taken a terrific blow on this side facing us causing large land slides."
Tanar observed the set in Abby's jaw and her
determined look and knew they had to go. He turned to
Creiton," Do you have
the ability to draw some of the storm our way?"
Creiton's face brightened a little seeing what Tanar was
thinking," I'm not sure. Perhaps I could bring the
rain from it to fall down
here. That would make it more difficult for anyone to spot us."
" It would be a great diversion too." Baboo stated
excitedly." Yeah, make it rain. Just leave the lightning
up there ok? Baboo pleaded as calmly as possible," I care not
for it and its noise. It is loud enough in the
jungle without hearing it echo across these stupid mountains."
Abby suppressed a
chuckle. He was probably right this time, for being frightened of the
lightning. This
storm did not look natural
to her.
Creiton stepped forward
into the clearing without another word and
threw a handful of red powder into the ever-increasing cool wind.
Then he began to chant incantations in
a strange ancient language long forgotten by Lavion.
Eerie storm clouds and
its lightening began to spread and to spill over
onto their side of the mountain. Soon, rain was falling on them so
hard that it stung their heads and the wind
picked up until they could hardly stay on their feet, especially when
they made a dash for the hidden entrance.
On the way Abby shouted to Creiton," That'll be quite enough
Creiton. I should like to survive your conjured cover spell thank
you."
Creiton cupped his hands and replied," I'm sorry my princess.
I really
don't know how I did all this. It's never done this much
before."
Tanar grumbled," That's because he's never done it
before."
When they reached the location of the mountain entrance they were
making inches at a time on their hands
and knees.
Tanar shouted to the
wizard to make sure he heard him over the constant rumble of the lightning and
tremendous wind.
" Now what? How do we get in...and quickly? It seems to be
getting worse."
The others looked on as close as they could as Creiton approached
the tall cliff wall before them. Much of the
gray stone streaked with black and tan colored minerals all looking
very much the same and the rain splashing into his eyes
didn't help, but finally he found what he was searching for. A
perfect round hole the size of a grapefruit to the
right of him. It was located at eye level dug into the strange
solid rock. Creiton spoke out loud
several words in
the ancient wizards
language and boldly inserted three
fingers of his right hand
into the unusual hole.
Tanar heard a brief
creaking sound of large gears within the cliff wall
and suddenly the stone began to separate along a large crack in
that wall
beginning at the top some twenty feet. The rumble it made as the
two sides moved back slowly
were briefly drown out by a loud crack of sound of a green bolt of
lightning striking the ground nearby, barely
missing Baboo. This
persuaded the black warrior to help the stone doors open faster by bracing his
back
against one and pushing
outward with his big hands against the other. In a moment, it was large enough
that they
were quickly able to squeeze through to the inside of sorcerer
Tharmat's fortress.
Chapter IX
At first to Abby, the
area beyond the ponderous rock doors seemed
pitch black until her eyes adjusted to the new surroundings.
" My first thoughts were, have we walked into a trap? I can't
see a thing!
Now I see some parts of the walls give off a faint glow, a light of
their own." Abby ran her hand
across
the sides of the stone walls that apparently supported a narrow passage.
" A faint light at best my princess." responded Ceiton
who seemed to have little trouble finding his way
in the infinitesimal
glow," Perhaps we still may be walking into a trap."
Tanar heard a small thud of a sound behind him and when he glanced
over his shoulder he noticed the
stone doors to the entrance has slid shut again.
" Creiton."
"Yes, Tanar?"
" Are the doors supposed to close on their own?"
" No, I don't think so."
" I have a terrible feeling about this." Baboo whispered.
" Perhaps this is a little used entrance. That would explain
why they haven't placed guards around this
place." Abby ventured nervously.
" But that doesn't explain about the doors or the lack of
lighting." Baboo
replied in a hushed voice.
" Maybe it was the wind." Tanar growled impatiently.
Unnoticed, Creiton had
wandered some twenty feet further along the tall narrow passage before
he conjectured," Perhaps... there are actually
two tunnels to take from here, but if we stay on the one leading
straight
ahead we shall eventually find what we are all looking for. I feel
he
isn't f-..." Suddenly, he was cut off in mid-sentence.
Baboo in a small voice exclaimed " Hey! Wait up wizard. Don't
you ever leave us like
that."
Tanar slapped Baboo on
the back none too gently as they made their way slowly ahead," Come on
now Baboo. That's all I need, to have you get jumpy on us. Cheer
up. Look how far we have come.
Why, I believe the worse is behind us."
Somehow, Abby reached where the old wizard had first stood and
after examining
the walls around her she shouted down Tanar and Baboo way,"
Hey, there's
something strange about these walls. They have small holes all over
their surface."
Seconds later, the two
warriors had caught up with her and began to examine the walls
for themselves which ran twice as high as a normal man is tall.
Suddenly, Abby noticed the
old wizard wasn't around where she could see him, but had wandered further
ahead.
She was about to press
ahead when she heard Creiton's voice from
the darkness," A little further and you'll find that our
tunnel changes into a slight
decline...Hold it! I just
stepped on something." There was a momentary pause which she
guessed was caused by Creiton searching
the floor, then she heard a gasp which sounded from the wizard's
lips," Quickly. Run my direction and
don't touch the walls! Whatever you do don't touch them. It is a
trap!"
Abby asked Tanar," Did you hear that?"
"Yes." answered Tanar," Let us not waste
words." The Vallian warrior
did not wait for Abby's reaction. Instead, he grabbed her by the
waste and threw her over his shoulder
like a sack of grain. While
Abby beat his back and arms with her clenched fists, Tanar ran as fast as his
legs could
remember he had ran through the snow covered mountains of his
homeland with as much weight as a full
grown man would weigh on
his back, a feat that took years of training in endurance.
Baboo was not far behind
them for fear inspired his legs to pump like
gazelle's. Baboo noticed the razor sharp metal burs that began to
emerge
from those holes in the stone walls. Most perturbed an average of
an inch, but some as far as three.
That in itself would have been bad, but deep within those walls the
lion man warrior of the jungles
could hear the unmistakable sound of grinding gears and heavy
sliding stones. And in the faint
glow his worse fears were confirmed as he watched in wide-eyed terror, the moving walls closing
in on each side.
He yelled as they
continued to run," We'll never make it, the walls will finish us before we
reach Creiton."
Tanar yelled to Creiton," Wizard! Can't you use your spell to
lighten the
load in theses walls?"
Creiton wrung his hands in exasperation and helplessness," How
do you
lighten a whole mountain Tanar? Oh, this is so terrible..."
Tanar didn't get as
far in life as he had by being just another barbarian adventurer. In seconds he
realized he must act or
they would surely parish from the pointed crushing walls. Dropping Abby to
the floor, he stopped suddenly asking Baboo a question, who almost fell over him.
"Would you say your battleaxe is as long as my sword?"
" Tanar, we don't have time to compare our weapons to..."
Baboo started to protest. Tanar shouting
desperately interrupted him.
" Baboo! Yes or no."
"Why, yes they are...I don't see, wait! I get your meaning!
Let's try it, but we'll lose our weapons!"
Tanar brought his face very close to Baboo's," Which do you prefer
to lose, our weapons, or our lives?"
The next moment as Abby struggled to her feet, the two warriors
drew
their weapons and carefully braced one end of each against one wall
and waited until the other wall
reached the other end of
the weapons. With a loud screech, the walls temporarily stopped their advance.
Tanar and Baboo laughed
with relief and Baboo slapped Tanar on the back. They could hear
Creiton the old wizard, jumping up and down, laughing and yelling
to
them," You did it! You did it! Whoopee! But
you better get your back sides over to the safe area before they
give
under that tremendous pressure and you three will be as flat as
Lavion
saucer bread." The old wizard continued to laugh at the
simple, but
effective way that the barbarian warriors had solved the
trap...temporarily.
Several times along the
way, the arrow tips grazed them and each place it broke the
skin burned like fire. When Tanar, Abby and Baboo finally reached
the safe part of the
passageway with Baboo right on their heels, the princess almost out
of breath examined her cuts
and scrapes. Tanar did not,
even though his friend the lion man did. Long ago this Vallian
warrior had been conditioned to be resistant to most pain. To a
point.
" I hope those
arrows weren't poison tipped." Abby commented.
" If they had been, we would be dead by now." Baboo
explained as he watched the two
heavy stonewalls they had
just passed through slowly bend and brake they’re wedged weapons
and close solidly together.
The resounding boom of the walls slapping together echoed
down the passageway that lay before them. Suddenly, Abby pointed
down the passageway
and cried out," Look,
where did the wizard go?"
Indeed, in the moment
it took to examine themselves and gather their wits, Creiton had
vanished. Not a trace of
him to be found in the area they were in. The three explorerers
examined every square inch of that passageway until it ended with a
large oak door at least
eight feet tall and five feet wide barring their progress. After a
close examination of its broad
surface, they could not
find a handle or a lock.
Abby called out to her
wizard," Creiton, where are you? Are you on the other side of this
door? If you are, just
knock or something."
After a moment, she heard a light tapping from the other side.
Tanar raised his head at the
same time Abby did and exclaimed," By Tuek! I think that was
him on the other side.
See if he knows a way through this strange door. It is truly the
strangest door I've ever seen."
Baboo, who can be
impatient at best sometimes, said," Forget that."
as he nudged his friends to the side away from the odd door, "
I'm not standing here all day
for that wizard and his games."
Just beyond the door, they could hear Creiton yelling
faintly," Stop that dolt! I know of an easier way."
But it was too late,
for Baboo was already bracing his large muscular frame against the
stone floor. Taking a deep
breath, Baboo pushed with all his might and to his surprise, the
tall door fell inward the
first time sending dust flying in all directions, causing them to cough
and gag for a moment. Tanar
was the first to see that on the other side, the tunnel dropped
at a sharp angle, sharp
enough it almost looked as if it dropped off of a ledge of a cliff. Also, this
part of the tunnel looked to be only
wide and tall enough for one person at a time to crawl through. And
again, the wizard was
nowhere to be found.
Just as they stepped
through the doorway and walked over the caved in door, Baboo
stopped and asked," What's that whistling sound?"
Tanar started to give a smart retort to his question, when a
tremendous current of air suddenly
began to suck them into the tunnel drop off like we were so many
leaves in the wind. Never had
they felt so helpless as
the incredibly strong air current sent them flying in and down steep angled
tunnel. As they dropped
down into the dark hole that led to who knows where, their shoulders, legs,
hands and heads kept bouncing off the smoothly sculptured rock
walls and ceiling.
Baboo shouted," Hey,
I like slides, but this is re-...ouch! I hope there's a soft bottom to
this...aiiieeee!"
Abby first to be sucked into the darkened tunnel, was first to spot
the lava flow that boiled angrily
past the ending of the tunnel, not far below and looking closer
every second. She screamed," By
all the gods of Lavion!
We're going to be cooked."
Baboo yelled," Sorry
princess, guess I got too anxious to get through that door."
Tanar said nothing for he was too busy trying to stop his progress
with his legs and arms long
enough to give him a chance to save them somehow. It sounded
impossible. But it was better
than giving up. After trying to unsuccessfully several times he
finally resigned to his fate. He regretted
only two things in his life and that was his little princess had to
share their fate, and that he was to die without
a sword in his hands, fighting the good fight.
Chapter X
In a dudgeon cell not
far from Abby and her companions, the prisoner who looked much
older than he actually was had been trying to sleep on the
cold stone floor. But after a while,
he
finally gave up. His
stomach was growling so from the hunger he felt. Then there was the constant
growling or snoring of his
unseen gargoyle guards in a hallway above his cell.
He sat up and rubbed
his eyes, then he stumbled to his feet. A few paces and he stood just
below the barred window
opening in the low ceiling. Just as he was about to rake his metal food
dish across those bars to wake his capturers, a gargoyle stuck his
terrible gray-green face down to
the bars on the other side and spoke to him in broken Lavion that
he could hardly understand," Keep
your arms up. Someone needs
to see you now. We must hurry."
The tattered dressed
prisoner did as he was told and soon he heard the click of a lock opening
and the sharp squeak of the barred door being thrown back upward
and outward. In a instant, gargoyle
arms grabbed his arms and lifted him out of his cell to the floor
above as if he were a feather.
He felt like he had been
eating feathers.
As he was about to ask
one of the guards a question, he suddenly felt a horribly sharp pain pass
through his left side and
it felt as though it burst through his left shoulder. The blow made him cry out
and he fell against one wall of the hallway he had been lifted up
to from his cell. He winced as he tried
to regain his feet and then
he noticed something new in the hands of a large gargoyle that took it upon
himself as the lead guard.
It looked like a black metal tube, with a tiny green glowing sphere fastened
to one end.
It was the appearate
cause of his numbing pain attack. The large gargoyle grinned hideously and
made a motion as if to touch him somewhere again with that strange
tube device he held.
" Alright you brute, I'm going," the prisoner said to his
tormentor," You don't have to use that thing on
me. I am not cattle that
you can prod around on."
" Move then." His capturer yelled in a grotesque voice
and pointed down the hallway to a side that had
a large smooth metallic
door with no handle or latch built into it. At least, this hall was lit with
lanterns enough
to see most of his new setting around him, he thought to himself.
When he was placed in this last dudgeon
cell, he had been out cold
from the torture he had received at the hands of several cruel gargoyles in a
completely different
location of Tharmat's mountain fortress. As he gingerly walked down the hallway
he
began to have a strange
feeling that he wasn't going to a place of torture this time. Only this single
brute was escorting him.
Before he reached the
door, he was beginning to wish it were the place of torture that was his
destination. Every time he tried to turn to ask where he was going
or any question at all, his escort
either shoved him in the back or acted as if he was going to touch
him with the evil device of pain again.
When the door slid open
as they approached within several feet, it gave the prisoner a surprise, but
not near the one he received when he stepped through the doorway
into a vast chamber. The chamber's
ceiling was held up by Hugh columns of carved black and white speckled marble stone and its
stone
floors were covered with
vast luxurious black and red carpets
from some mysterious empire in the east.
The vast room was
designed to be perfectly round in nature and he could barely see where
the walls end
and the ceiling began.
Once again he had
stopped in his tracks for a moment from the shock of seeing such a different
setting from
one room to the next, he
was prodded by the brute's tube. This time he did fall down, flat on his face.
After
all, a human could take just so much. As he struggled to regain his
muscle movement to get up again; he heard
an eerie voice from the far
side of the lavish room.
"Enough Brkek!
Help him up and bring him before me."
Upon hearing those instructions, the brute named Brykek dropped his
tube in his haste and pulled his human
prisoner to his feet so fast that it nearly dislocated his ribs in
the process. Then with one arm around
the human's form, he helped
him walk slowly to the far side where the voice had originated.
" That's much
better Brykek...you may go." instructed the strange voice.
The prisoner fell to his knees, but did manage to turn around to
watch
the brutish Brykek depart from the round room.
" Something is not right here." he thought to himself.
Then his heart almost skipped a beat when he noticed
that the gargoyle brute
forgot his tube. It still lay on the floor where it had rolled into the
shadows. After
a moment, he was able to
calm himself down and after a fitful coughing spell he turned to face whoever
was in the room with him.
Then he heard a laugh
that sent chills through his spine and he almost went into an uncontrollable
shaking
spell. After a moment of laughter, the voice spoke again.
"You know, this is working out better than I had planned. With
the gargoyle infants at their peak of incubation
more and more every day; my power is increasing by the minute. I
shall rule all this world sooner than I dreamed."
The ragged prisoner who
was suffering from exposure and malnutrition could barely make out a figure
sitting in a large royal styled wooden chair complete with gold and
purple diamonds covering the surface. For
some unknown reason the
lighting was not very good, where this individual was sitting. Still, it wasn't
too
hard to make out the sple-
ndor of the luxurious furniture that decorated this side of the
round room. No doubt loot taken from cities
conquered in the recent past.
" Do what you will with me. It will not change the fate that
awaits you..."
The figure in the chair
leaned over enough that a single stream of light revealed his face and garments
that
he wore. Tharmat looked as
though he couldn't have been more than twenty-five years old, yet some claimed
that he was at least twenty times that. His handsome tanned face
and straight coal black hair reminded the prisoner
of features belonging to one of those men native to an island in
the south seas or on the mysterious southern
continent of Suteria. The golden chains around his neck and strange
white feathered cloak he wore around his
shoulders and arms, not
even his gold chain mailed vest and high laced sandals could not compare to
what
adorned his almost square shaped head. It was the headdress made of
unicorn horns that he had heard so
much of. They had somehow been heated and bent into different
shapes like a puzzle to be welded to one
another. It formed a cylinder shaped hat one and a half feet tall
of solid horns with purple feathers sticking from it here and there for color.
Tharmat leered
ugly," Fate? I control mine and I control yours. I have become immortal,
fool. There is no power that can stand up to me now. Just ask your old
friend."
The prisoner heard the
rattling of chains and saw that Tharmat had one end of them in his hand. The
sorcerer suddenly gave a jerk on the chains and a familiar figure of an old man
stumbled out of the shadows from beside the large royal chair. It was Creiton,
his faithful wizard of what seemed like eons ago. Did he really have a kingdom?
Was it really Creiton before him? He rose to his feet in anger," If you've
harmed Creiton, so help me, I swear by all the gods I'll hunt you..."
"And do what? Kill me?" Tharmat interrupted him with
laughter," Your wizard tried and now knows the truth, don't you? You old
fool."
Creiton couldn't lift his eyes for the shame he felt and the sorrow
that swept through him for his king, Abby and the others. He couldn't even make
his voice box work to retort this evil upstart's taunts.
Tharmat laughed and
jerked the chain once more causing the hapless old wizard to tumble to the
floor. Creiton didn't bother to get up he just said in a tiny voice," I'm
sorry my king. I have failed everyone. The queen would have been right to
finish me."
The prisoner who had
been king of Lavion again spoke like one to his former wizard," Truth?
What truth does this fiend speak of Creiton?"
But Creiton did not get
a chance to answer, for Tharmat answered for him as he stared down all the
while upon Creiton as if he were an insect,” The only truth in this world of
course, that I gave him extra powers to see how far he and his princess could
make it. They did well, but it was all for naught. Now you and your kind must
die to make way for the era for Tharmat." Tharmat turned his head to look
upon Abby's father and said in a innocent voice," You did know that your
daughter is here didn't you?"
The ragged prisoner shouted,"
No! You have her here? " Then he tried to lunge at Tharmat, but was
slammed back hard onto the floor by an invisible force that must have
surrounded the evil sorcerer. The force of the blow knocked the wind out of
Lord Johns-
ton Dann, but in a moment he was back on his feet, filled with rage
and frustration.
" You're dead as sure as you stand there fiend."
The golden chains
around Tharmat’s neck and strange white feathered cloak he wore around his
shoulders and arms, not even his gold chain mailed vest and high laced sandals
could not compare to what adorned his almost square shaped head. It was the
headdress made of unicorn horns that he had heard so much of. They had somehow
been heated and bent into different shapes like a puzzle to be welded to one
another. It formed a cylinder shaped hat one and a half feet tall of solid
horns with purple feathers sticking from it here and there for color.
Tharmat leered
ugly," Fate? I control mine and I control yours. I have become immortal,
fool. There is no power that can stand up to me now. Just ask your old
friend."
The prisoner heard the
rattling of chains and saw that Tharmat had one end of them in his hand. The
sorcerer suddenly gave a jerk on the chains and a familiar figure of an old man
stumbled out of the shadows from beside the large royal chair. It was Creiton,
his faithful wizard of what seemed like eons ago. Did he really have a kingdom?
Was it really Creiton before him? He rose to his feet in anger," If you've
harmed Creiton, so help me, I swear by all the gods I'll hunt you..."
"And do what? Kill me?" Tharmat interrupted him with
laughter," Your wizard tried and now knows the truth, don't you? You old
fool."
Creiton couldn't lift his eyes for the shame he felt and the sorrow
that swept through him for his king, Abby and the others. He couldn't even make
his voice box work to retort this evil upstart's taunts.
"Tisk,Tisk. A valiant effort I admit, but a futile one. So was
your daughter's and her warrior friends. Even as I speak, they should drop into
my lava well, any second now." Tharmat laughed again, but his was more
like the hiss of a serpent. He stopped suddenly when he realized that the old
wizard he had in chains had stood up and began to laugh. Quietly at first like
a chuckle and finally he was in hysterics as if he couldn't stop if he wanted
to.
Tharmat started to yell
at the old Creiton, for it looked as though he had gone out of his mind.
Suddenly, a slight sound caught his attention.
First it seemed to resemble a series of popping sounds. Then as
they grew louder, the walls and floors began to shake violently like an
earthquake.
Tharmat looked as if he
was panic and confused," What is that?"
Creiton replied between giggles," Like my master wizard always
use to say, sometimes to obtain power, you have to rely on your brain."
Tharmat in a full fledged panic grabbed the form of Creiton by the
top of his shirt and lifted him harshly into the air," What do you mean
old man? Speak."
Creiton spat onto the
floor in front of Tharmat," I have kept a mental
image in my mind of where Abby and her friends were all this time
that we have separated."
" So?"
" They are not burned to a cinder as you would have them, but
are safe and are headed this way. Dolt!" Creiton's form began to shimmer
to change and the chains fell from his new form, the form of a unicorn.
In shock Tharmat hardly
seemed to notice the change in Creiton's form," But my army of gargoyles
will smash them easily..."
The unicorn from had still another answer," No, I don't think
so. You see, they'll be busy..." As he spoke those words there was another
much
louder explosion that rocked the mountain so that Tharmat's chair
crumbled into pieces forcing the evil sorcerer to float several feet above the
surface where his chair had been. While he regained his balance and was about
to ask more questions, Lord Dann took that opportunity to stumble over to the
shadows where he had seen the strange tube fall. His first try in feeling
around for it on the darkened floor was successful. When he had it in his possession, he made his way
slowly toward the evil sorcerer keeping to the shadows as best he could. Other
small explosions rumbled through the fortress walls.
Tharmat asked the
unicorn," How is it possible that the princess and her friends
survived?"
The unicorn for which Tharmat was now beginning to realize was a
true unicorn and not an old wizard turned its gaze toward the direction of the
front doorway across Tharmat's round room and replied," Why don't you ask
them yourself?"
Tharmat peered at the
spot the unicorn was looking and was startled to find Tanar had flung the door
open. The warrior was in the act of shoving a dead guard's headless body to the
side where it fell to the floor. Other small explosions rumbled through the
fortress walls. Baboo and Abby followed Tanar inside, but he was the first to
speak since being of sharper eye then the other two he had spotted and recognized Tharmat's floating form across
the vast room.
" Well Tharmat, we meet at last and I've got to tell you, the
game is over. Take off that silly headgear and surrender for Tanar of Vallia is
your conqueror."
Tharmat was only taken
aback a moment, but his reply was confident enough to make the others realize
he had recovered," What do you know of conquering, dog? It must have been
sheer luck that brought you here and nothing more."
Abby had her say,"
No, It was the wizard Creiton's true magic that brought us out of the jaws of
death and to your decrypted chamber ole arrogant sorcerer. We were falling into
the lava and I thought we were doomed when suddenly; we were floating up the
way we had come. That was when I noticed another tunnel on the way up I had not
noticed before and on the edge of its opening was some of Creiton's special
magic trace liquid that can only be seen glowing in the dark. I had heard of it
through the court gossip and didn't believe in its existence until then.
He had left traces of it like a trail to help find our way. I stopped
myself and shouted to the others to cling to rocks and pull themselves after me
into the tunnel. Then it was simple to follow the traces of his liquid along
the floor of the tunnel through the dungeon and finally to this place."
Tanar whispered to Abby," Jaws of death?"
" A lot of your gargoyle guards seem to be busy with something
else. What is that about?" Baboo asked.
Abby pretended not to hear Tanar's question as she approached
closer to
Tharmat. Tharmat's form rose a little further and his eyes began to
glow with a reddish hue. He glanced at the unicorn," No doubt you shall
inform me unicorn before I scatter your remains throughout my mountains."
The unicorn took a step
closer instead of backing away. “It was more
of the wizard's magic that had caused the switching places with me.
No
doubt you are familiar with that type of magic. The wizard was
standing just outside of your fortress mountain in time to lead the
attack."
The evil sorcerer said several choice words in an unknown language
to
Abby and her friends, before he asked," What attack?"
The unicorn laughed in
a high voice and Abby and her friends were all
ears as he replied, for the benefit of Tharmat, but also to
Abby," You see,
when the princess and her friends were attacked by the black demon
of the plains that you had sent to eliminate them, one of the servants
survived. He returned to Lavion, but not before Creiton slipped a note in his
pocket that explained to queen Felica of Lavion that he would meet her at the
base of the mountains of doom somewhere to help in the rescue of her daughter
and perhaps her husband Lord Johnston Dann. Abby's wizard knew something of the
future to have known that Abby would eventually be captured. You see, he would
hope this would regain favor with his queen so that he would no longer be
banished from the land of Lavion for his mistakes and be a real wizard again
someday."
Tanar blurted,"
Dragon's fire! He is already a true wizard and I believe he has outwitted you
Tharmat."
The evil one looked about the room in distain and laughed
insanely," So it is Lavion's army that has entered my domain. Are you all
through? Good! Now I will tell you , I don't need my gargoyle army , for my
headdress of unicorn power is complete after these long centuries and I am now
powerful enough to defeat your warriors, Lavion's army and all of Lavion with a
sweep of my hand..."
The unicorn interrupted Tharmat," I think not evil one. Your
days of terror are over. You must surrender now, or parish."
" What nonsense are you mouthing now?" Tharmat asked.
" Look to the corner of the room on the side of you opposite
of myself."
The strange evil
Tharmat took a look and froze in disbelief. There,
just as the unicorn instructed, a strange twinkling series of
lights of every
color imaginable began to float about. At first the area they
floated in was only several feet across, but in a matter of seconds, the area
grew and continued to grow as Tharmat asked the unicorn," What are those
lights for? Some sort of cheap carnival trick?" In Tharmat's heart he
already knew it was no trick. He didn't need an answer from the unicorn to
know.
Chapter XI
When Felica, queen of
Lavion received the news from the servant that escaped the terrible jaws of
death of the giant spider, and read the special note wizard Creiton had sent;
she immediately gathered her army throughout the land. There was some delay for
most were scattered across the country as civilians, tending sheep or farmers or
helping build a road. A large body of them arrived late for chasing bandits,
which they never caught.
Felica knowing time was
of an essence lead her horsemen dressed in light battle armor and sword on
ahead of her infantry so that at least she and part of her army would have a
chance of arriving on time. Besides, everyone knew a foot soldier would stand
no chance against the gargoyles, which could fly to meet them in battle when
they reached the mountains of doom.
Along the way, the queen
noticed death and great destruction across her beloved land and the land called
Saleen. When they finally reached the edge of the mountains of doom, Felica
observed a tall colorful bird almost the size of the average man studying,
leaning against a post that helped support a bridge they wanted and needed to
cross. Felica and her long column of nervous soldiers halted their mounts in
front of the strange bird and she
addressed it uncomfortably," Creiton? Is that you?"
The strange colorful
bird squawked and then replied in Lavionian language," Yes my queen, and I
believe you arrived just in time to wipe out the gargoyles once and for
all."
The bird's features melted and rearranged themselves in a matter of
moments as Felica watched in awe and silence. Horses of the army neighed and
danced around nervously, spooked by the sight and they sensed something
unnatural was going on. Before long, Creiton stood as old and thin looking as
ever near his queen. At least he hoped
she was still his queen. He crossed his fingers on one hand he had
behind him.
"How are we supposed to match our force against that?"
Felica asked him as they watched thousands of gargoyles many already in the
stormy sky approaching them from several secret entrances throughout the mountain
and from several other mountains nearby.
There were even several
hundred approaching their location from wince they had
traveled. The din they made by flapping their bat like wings and
screech-
ing their war cries was so loud that Creiton had to shout to be
heard by his queen.
" Did you bring the noise makers I had developed with
you?"
"Yes." Felica pulled open a flap on a satchel she had
laying across the front of her saddle," They are here and can easily be
thrown...what are they good for?"
"Did you pack the hardening liquid rock over their
forms?"
" Of course, I follow directions pretty well. I even
distributed a number
of them amongst most of my soldiers. We had made a lot of
them."
Creiton looked back at
the secret entrance further up the mountain he knew so well and said,"
Instruct your men to light the strings that stick out of the top of the noise
makers when a good number of the enemy is within throwing range and then throw
them in such a way that they will land among their number and pass among those
attacking by
air. When they explode you should see the results at once. It
should turn the tide."
Felica pulled her mount
closer to Creiton," It shall be done, but what of the evil sorcerer
Tharmat?"
Creiton smiled to himself," Don't worry about him my queen, he
is pre-
occupied, but I must return to your daughter's side to ensure her
safety
as well as the others. We're still not out of this yet."
Felica gasped," She is inside Tharmat's fortress? Why?"
"Why?! Her father is inside though I'm not exactly sure
where."
Felica jumped from her
mount and drew her royal blue bladed sword in one move. Creiton turned to her
as she approached him. He couldn't help noticing the determination in her voice
and the way she stared hard at him." John, my beloved is alive? Then you
will lead me to them."
Creiton hesitated," But there may be many gargoles standing in
our way between here and Tharmat’s chambers.”
"Don't worry about them wizard, I'll take care of them. You
just get us there, now! Your queen orders you to."
Creiton smiled broadly for he was happy once more. She had all but
announced that he was once again Lavion's wizard.
"Yes, my queen. We had better make a run for the entrance when
your men begin to throw my noise makers."
" Good plan, I'll instruct the men about them now."
Felica mentioned as she changed directions and he watched in bliss as she
gathered her officers to spread his instructions among her Calvary. He watched
in half interest as the officers in turn spread the word and her men took up
positions among trees and many large stones strewn about the area. Still, the
gargoyles were unaware of what fate awaited them rushed headlong into the
attack with a ferocity and confidence they had gained with the false knowledge
that their master Tharmat would be there to support them with his evil sorcery.
Many of those flying began to dive at Felica's men throwing crude spears and
stones among their number. Most missed their mark, but several men were wounded
slightly in the first wave of the attack. Then it was their turn and the
gargoyles suddenly found themselves
flying through a thick wave of arrows and noisemakers.
The arrows had little
effect until the noisemakers began to explode.
Felica made a mental note to remember to name them something other
than what Creiton had originally called, for she realized right away she was
witnessing the beginning of a whole sale slaughter. The exploding missiles sent
pieces of debris as hard as any metal flying in all directions. Hundreds of the
flying nightmares were cut to pieces by those deadly jagged debris. Dead or
dying broken forms fell in droves to the rocks and trees below.
Only half of the
gargoyles survived the onslaught of the missiles and arrows, but their ferocity
was not diminished in the least and soon the human cavalry found themselves
fighting there in a desperate hand-to-hand battle to the finish. Still, Felica
felt things were well in hand and so Creiton was coerced into leading his queen
up the mountain to the secret entrance.
When Felica burst
through the door into Tharmat's chamber, she found Abby, Tanar and Baboo
battling a half dozen young gargoyles. They had apparently slipped in on them
from a secret trap door leading through the floor in a corner of the vast room.
Felica was the only one with a decent weapon so she shouted at the
mercenary," Tanar, maybe you need this."
Tanar glanced her way as he knocked a gargoyle to the floor with
his fist," Felica! Well I'm blessed by the gods!"
The queen of Lavion
tossed Tanar her royal blue sword right over the heads of two gargoyles and he
neatly caught it in mid-air. Wasting no motion, he brought its blade down on
his opponent who was trying to claw his legs as it tried to regain its footing.
The blade split the desperate creature in two. The Vallian glanced at Felica
who was passing by him," Good blade Felica!"
She only nodded and hurried on. She had better things to do than
chat with a Vallian barbarian who probably got her daughter into this mess.
Then she spotted her Abby again who seemed to be holding her own at the moment
against two smaller unarmed gargoyles. Abby saw her at the same instant and
cried out," Mother! How did you know?"
Felica did not
smile," I am thankful you are alive, but you are still in trouble young
lady and when this is over you'll have to accept the consequences."
Abby stabbed one of the
gargoyles in the leg and shouted above the noises of battle," Gladly. but
haven't you noticed? We're fighting for our lives here!"
Felica did not waste any more time, but dodged a gargoyle’s battle
axe and
ran further inside the chamber. As she passed Baboo who was in the
process of smashing two gargoyles heads together, she remarked," A sight
different than a wedding eh Baboo? Creiton let me in on your ambitious
plans."
He laughed in pleasure at this beautiful Lavion queen before
him," Yes, but safer."
That made Felica smile,
but she continued without another word and Baboo accepted this behavior as a
typical queenly trait, knocking the two gargoyles out cold with one blow.
Felica had traveled only ten feet when she tripped over something in the
darkness just as she spotted the evil floating sorcerer and a beautiful
shinning white unicorn. She fell right beside her long lost husband Johnston
Dann who was still trying to sneak his way in the shadows to get close to
Tharmat. Their eyes met and it was as though they had never parted.
" Together Felica?" He asked.
" Together!" Felica replied excitement in her voice that
Johnston had
missed hearing for so very long.
And together with her
long dagger drawn, Felica and her beloved with his confiscated torture tube,
sprung to their feet to rush in on Tharmat. The evil sorcerer noticed that the
unicorn had his guard down and in fact was in the middle of some useless
conversation with him and he knew that it was time to strike. Even the
creature’s horn was not shinning as would usually be the case if in great
stress. This puzzled him, but only for a tick of the clock.
Suddenly, large
purplish lightning bolts sprung from his fingers and eyes dancing their dance
of death upon the unicorn's entire body, engulfing it entirely, but only for
another tick of the clock.
By the time he heard
the war cries of the Lavion king and queen, it was too late to put up an
effective shield. Still, the woman's dagger only penetrated a few inches, which
infuriated him further. Now the shock tube was a different matter. Part of it
had been forged of metal, but some was of the very essence of the horns of
unicorns and when it touched his chest it burned like fire. He yelled in agony
and anger; releasing the unicorn of his engulfing onslaught. He then focused
and released a shinning yellow ball of pure
force. It exploded between his Lavion assailants sending their bodies
flying a dozen feet across the chamber.
Abby looked up in time
to witness this horrible scene and cried out," Mother!" Heedless of
the danger around her, she ran toward her mother who's crumpled form lay in the
shadows. Baboo grabbed a gargoyle from behind and snapped its neck before it
could drive a spear into the young princesses' back. That turned out to be the
last gargoyle between them and the gargoyle’s leader. So, Tanar and Baboo both
covered in blood turned and advanced in grim determination toward Tharmat.
Then the unicorn rose
from the floor and pleaded with Tharmat," Tharmat, throw the headdress
into the universal doorway, the twinkling lights above you or you and all this
universe will be doomed."
Tharmat's laughter was cut off when he felt Tanar's sword glance
off the headdress sending it crashing to the floor.
The barbarian had
thrown his sword at him. Tharmat was shocked at the bold move. But the biggest
shock was the result of his action. He cried out in anguish for without its
power he was only as powerful as the old Lavionian wizard Creiton. He tried to
grab for the headdress, but felt his body drift away from it instead, still
floating three feet above the floor. He could no longer control the power of
levitation.
Tharmat cried
out," Unicorn. Stop this! You can't let me drift into the doorway!"
The unicorn said nothing. He knew it was too late to stop him even
if he had his full energy restored. He could only hang his head for he wished
not to look at what would befall Tharmat.
Their spirits soaring,
Tanar and Baboo yelling war cries of triumph, flung their bodies as one into
the hapless floating sorcerer. The twinkling lights picked up speed in
expanding further and a dark black hole where no light passed through the size
of a man length wise; appeared amongst the middle of them.
Tharmat had time only
to scream out loud," No!" and then his body
faded into the dark opening. Tanar's and Baboo's war cries were cut
off by first horrible screams of agony that sounded very much that of Tharmat's
voice. Then they all were stunned to silence by a strange terrible roaring from
some gigantic beast that bellowed from the dark shimmering opening.
Abby was the first to
hear the unicorn's shaky voice over the con-
stant roaring sounds that seemed to increase in volume with each
passing
second." Quickly princess Abby, only you have the heart and
the resolve
to pick up the evil headdress and throw it into the opening. The
evil sorcerer is gone, but an even greater evil will enter this universe, this
world unless you get rid of that headdress now!"
Abby was already shaken
deeply by seeing her mother hurt and the constant foreign noises that emanated
from the strange opening. Fear as she had never experienced threatened to
engulf her mind and shatter her forever. She froze curled up against Felica's
body and in a state of utter terror.
The unicorn knew that
time was of the essence, as if it never was!
He had to shake her out of her catatonic state or they would all
parish.
Only the Lavion princess while still a virgin and still pure in
thoughts
could pull it off.
Again the unicorn spoke
to her, now more urgently," Abby, Abby!
You're our only hope. I thought you wanted to be queen some day. Is
this
how a future queen should act if problems arise in her
kingdom?"
He could see that it helped, but was not enough. The unicorn tried
a different approach for they were running out of time. Already a large scaly
gray hand with long razor shaped nails had pushed itself through to their world
and had grabbed up Abby's two warrior friends as if they were toy dolls, to
crush them to a pulp. Creiton tried every spell he could, but they bounced off
the hand as if they were merely gusts of wind.
The unicorn yelled to
her again," Abby. What will happen to your father who lies only several
yards from you if the ultimate evil finds him? Yes, that man who was helping your mother was your father,
a friend of my kind and a prisoner of Tharmat. Do you wish to see him parish
after finally finding him, after all these years? Do you..."
The unicorn was cut off by Abby's cry of defiance," No! No! I
won't let it. Never!" Abby rose and grabbed the headdress.
" Throw it at the hand Abby. The demon creature wants it. It
does not realize the danger the headdress poses to it. I can feel its feelings.
I..." The unicorn suddenly fainted for the creature's thoughts were so
evil that it had been too much for him in his weakened condition.
Creiton yelled to the warriors who were vainly trying to struggle
their way out of the steel like grip of the gigantic hand," Tanar! Baboo!
Be ready to jump our direction. The princess has the headdress."
Whether they heard him no one could tell for sure, but they were
sure the
creature had. An instant later, the hand let the two bruised
warriors drop
to the chamber floor.
Baboo stared up at the creature and yelled above its roaring,"
That's right
ugly! You're in trouble now!"
In that moment, Abby
lifted the headdress of the damned above her head with both hands shouting
toward the opening," I cast this to you of which you have always wanted.
Go back from wince you have come and never return, evil thing from universe of
hell."
Then Abby threw the
headdress as hard as she could straight for the palm of the large scaly hand.
It's fingers quickly closed about it. An earth-shattering scream echoed
throughout the chamber and suddenly to Abby it felt as if the whole world
disappeared in an incredible brilliant white light. Then, all was darkened by
darkness darker than the deepest black of any cave. For a while, she felt as
though she was floating and then bouncing around as if on a ship in rough seas.
The darkness closed about her once more.
Chapter
XII
When she awoke she
realized the bouncing feeling she had felt in the darkness was really her body
being carried on a crude stretcher out of what was left of Tharmat's chamber
and eventually outside. She could hear the sounds of battle between gargoyles
and humans still in progress amongst the mountainside and forest. But try as
she did, she could not rise to see it. Every time she did she felt her head
would split in two from the terrific pounding inside. Her moan alerted the
stretcher-bearers she had regained consciousness. Her bearers turned out to be
Creiton and Tanar. Tanar looked down smiling at her.
" Hold on little one. You've got a nasty wound to the head. If
it wasn't
for Creiton's bandaging of your wound, you would have bled to
death."
Then Creiton noticed
Abby was awake adding," If your barbarian friend here had cried any more
tears on you, you would have drowned before you bled to death!"
Tanar glared at Creiton," Alright for you, you quack of a
wizard. You
can just close your idle mouth now."
Abby couldn't help it, she was so glad to see their ugly, beautiful
faces. Creitons truthful words seemed so funny that she burst out laughing despite
the splitting headache. Tanar and Creiton saw her laughing and it was catching.
They too were soon laughing along with her. Then Felica's face appeared over
her and Abby said," Ah mother, is all going well?"
The Lavion queen smiled tiredly down at her brave daughter's
face," All
is going well everywhere my daughter. Thanks to you."
Tanar interrupted by clearing his voice to get attention. Felica
looked at
him patiently," Yes?"
" Well, I know that all remains is to mop up what's left of
the gargoyles that still want to fight..."
"Yes?"
"I was wondering, since Abby looks like she is in good hands,
if I could
perhaps help out with the mopping up that is?"
" No, your friend Baboo needs to be attended to first. Then
you can do what you like. I'm not your queen."
Tanar winked at Falica and laughed with an edge of excitement in
his voice," Hey! You are right there." He glanced down at his little
friend," Abby, I’m glad you are ok. We have shown the world didn't we?
It’s the good memories; the good fights that count, my princess. I'll see you
later, you can count on that." The Vallian placed his hand against his
broad chest and then pressed his same hand into her right hand briefly. Then
after he helped lower the stretcher, he turned and headed in Baboo's direction.
His friend lay stretched out under a bush with his head resting on someone's
saddle. He looked unconious, from a distance.
Abby craned her neck
and watched Tanar leave asking her mother," What happened to Baboo?"
Felica smiled as she also
watched the warrior go to see about his friend," Oh, the clod was fine
until he hit his head on a low beam coming out of the entrance to Tharmat's
mountain fortress. Come all this way with hardly a scratch and then knocks
himself out."
" Why didn't Tanar ask for his pay?"
Felica looked down at her daughter," Maybe he felt it wasn't
the right
time."
Then suddenly, Abby's father bigger than life and looking a little
health-
ier than when he was inside the mountain, stood over her
saying," Perhaps he's a warrior who's found a true friend and he felt his
biggest reward was your friendship."
Felica winked at her husband," Perhaps his thoughts are now
only to help his big friend over there and will probably keep Baboo's source of
injury a secret."
Creiton slipped up to them and said," Ha! You'll excuse me if
I find that a bit funny."
All three of the royal
family laughed at Creiton's remark until Abby asked," Hey! What of the
unicorn? Where is he?"
Abby's father sobered up," That is the strange part. Not a
trace has been found of him. Perhaps in his old homeland there may be some
unicorns left, but not a sign of them here. When the doorway to the other
universe disappeared so did the unicorn."
Abby craned her neck to
ask Creiton," You wouldn't happen to have anything to do with this would
you?"
Creiton started
whistling and placed his hands behind him strolling away from the others as
though they didn't exist. Felica asked Abby," Are you sure you want him
back in our castle?"
Abby ignored the question for she had more important subject on her
mind," Oh father, I'm so happy to see you again. I just can't
believe..." She broke into tears of joy, and Felica helped her husband
lift Abby to her feet. Her bandaged head throbbed, but she didn't care, for her
father and mother were reunited again and they held her tightly against them.
They laughed and cried together for a long while happy they were a family
again.
In the days that
followed on their way home, Abby found that a small number of gargoyles had escaped
back into the depths of the earth never to return as a threat to the outside world. The rest of Felica's army
arrived only to turn around to go home. Some of them were assigned to rebuild
the fort near Elftown, but this time Johnston Dann decreed it would be built
and established under the careful supervision of Pippve
the elf and the local elf government. The elf Kip was immediately
jailed
for conspiracy with the evil Tharmat.
Baboo recovered quickly
and decided to leave for home to see if he could patch up things with his
people and in particular with his would be wife. After the royal family and
Tanar said their goodbyes to Baboo and were watching him ride off to the south
from where they camped near Elftown, Abby asked Tanar," Do you think you'll
ever see him again?"
Tanar took a deep
breath and felt for his sword until he realized it was still missing," Oh
yes. Unless his fiancés knock him in the head. And it usually takes a mountain
to do that." He laughed at his own remark.
" I hope you don't embarrass him with that story of his
injury." Abby
wondered out loud.
Tanar chuckled," I hope he doesn't give me cause to."
Abby punched his shoulder," You're impossible Tanar."
" Some have told me so, especially a queen I know of."
When they arrived
through the gates of the castle Troxmain that next afternoon, thousands of
Lavionian citizens greeted them with cheers and praises. Banners flew from
every tower, from every window, and trumpets and bells sounded from every wall.
A tremendous sound of celebration burst from every corner inside the castle
city. A volley of a special version of the noise makers burst high above the
castle in every
color of the rainbow and continued well into the night. After a
brief ceremony and an even much more brief speech by Lord Johnston Dann, for he
was still weakened by his ordeal, there was a celebration to end all
celebrations. People flooded in from five different countries besides their
own, including a special envoy of spiritual sisters from the Valley of the Sun
dressed in their long flowing garments of spun gold and red silk. An event
unheard of in all the history of Lavion.
Abby excited and elated
they were finally back safe and sound, drug Tanar throughout her castle
especially her rooms and her family's living quarters until he laughed and
stopped her saying," Whoa girl, I need some energy to join your people in
the celebration.
Abby laughed too," Ah of course, how silly of me. Let us go,
I'm starving."
Creiton watched from his old tower in mirth as he saw Abby drag the
poor warrior toward the main hall and dinning building. He would miss that
muscle bound barbarian. Now where did they take his pet Takkins lizard to?
Later in the night,
after the great feast of food and drink from every corner of the land and some
from places they weren't even familiar with, Tanar quietly gathered his few
possessions. He saddled his spotted horse and he slipped into Abby's bedroom.
He could tell she would sleep soundly for some time to come, but he felt he
must say his goodbyes even if she never heard them. This was easier for him; he
always hated heart-rending goodbyes; especially of a child.
What he didn't notice
was the silent form of Felica standing in a partially opened secret door that
was right next to Abby's bed. Tanar approached the foot of Abby's bed and
quietly said what he came there to say.
" Abby, I must go. A man like me can't have a home for very
long. I'm a
Vallian warrior. Worse, I'm also a wondering mercenary by nature.
So you see, a man like me can't get close to someone for any..."
He stopped because he suddenly had something making his throat feel
clogged. But after a deep breath, he felt he could go on," Still, I'll
always remember you and our times together. If I were to ever hope to have a
daughter, I would wish that she turned out like you. Just like you. She would
make me proud. Well, you’ve heard enough of my nonsense so I ride. Better
become a queen Abby, I’ll be checking up on you."
He kissed her cheek
and stood a moment longer gazing at her silently breathing form. As he began to
turn to leave, he heard a tiny noise and was startled to see Felica rising to
her feet from behind the bed.
In a whisper, she
remarked," Ride Tanar if you must, but ride with these words. You'll
always have a place to come to. She may have her father back, but she could use
an uncle."
Tanar grinned," Now why didn't I think of that? Hope she's not
in too much trouble for looking for her father."
Felica walked around
her daughter's bed and as she replied still in a whisper," No not really.
I don't think she'll go against my wishes again. I'd say she has learned a
lesson or two from this."
"That is good to hear." Tanar said thoughtfully.
" I have learned something too." Felica commented.
" Oh? And what is that, queen Felica?"
" Not all mercenaries are heartless, and you Tanar must have
the biggest heart of all."
Tanar could tell the queen of Lavion meant every word and even in
the dimly lit hallway, Felica could see the Vallian warrior blush.
" It is best you leave and get a good head start. I will match
my wealth against anyone, that come morning my daughter will send out a search
party for you."
Felica suddenly leaned up to Tanar and kissed him on the
cheek," Thank you Tanar for all you have done for my daughter and for my
kingdom."
Tanar smiled broadly and handed her the royal sword," I give
you back your sword my lady. I plan to return to Vallia and will have a new
sword made. You may have need of yours. Goodbye Felica and tell Abby all she
has here is worth more than all the adventures I may have in a lifetime."
" Oh I shall Tanar, I shall." Felica smiled as Tanar
waved once, turned and disappeared down a stairwell.
Outside, Tanar found Lord
Dann waiting for him with his mount's reigns in his hand. The two men firmly
shook hands understanding volumes of one another without a word spoken. After
Tanar mounted his horse, he leaned over and said to King Dann," Take care
of your family your Majesty, I've become fond of them."
" I know and I will forever be in your debt, Tanar. May your
journey be a safe one and the road through life you choose a rewarding
one."
Something made Tanar glance up at Abby's window that faced the
stables. There he saw Felica wave one last goodbye as he urged his horse on
toward the gate, which was already waiting open. As he rode through the gate,
Creiton was standing on the other side and tossed the Vallian warrior a sword.
Upon catching it, Tanar stopped his mount and examined the weapon in the
moonlight. To his surprise and delight he recognized it was an exact copy of
his old long sword.
He laughed and
said," Creiton you old goat, you never cease to amaze me. I hope you
become the most powerful wizard in all the world."
Creiton waved him
off," I'll be happy to keep my teeth a few more years."
Tanar chuckled and said," With my luck, you'll live forever.
Goodbye wizard." He rode off at a full gallop before Creiton could reply.
A short while later,
Tanar stopped his mount to see what was jiggling in both sides of his saddle.
Inside the large bags where supplies are usually kept, he found gold coins and
jewels which upon closer examination; add up to twenty times the original
amount he had been hired for.
As he rode on toward
the North Country, he couldn't help but shout," Abby, you're a girl after
my own heart. Aiieh! What a life!"
Miles away, a princess lay on her bed dreaming of a bold warrior
who returned happily to his homeland fearless and free and she would have it no
other way.
The End