“Just two of you are going to stop a force of men over one thousand strong? Oh right. You have a wizard. Why is he still at the cave? Fishing, you said?”
Eric adopted a more conciliatory expression and tone. “Look, if you really want to know the answers to your questions, then escort us to Ogren and convince him to let you listen. Otherwise, and I mean this nicely, please get out of our way. We do not have time for this.”
Turning toward his men, Talis mused, “The King of Minari, hmm? If we can’t confirm your story, we can always feed you to the leviathan.”
“Not after we killed it.”
Talis stopped and turned back in visible surprise, eyes intently locked on Eric’s. The rogue stared calmly into the captain’s eyes and saw his matter-of-fact gaze register. The next question did not surprise him. “Who are you?”
Eric gestured up the trail. “Ogren?”
Talis sighed and turned toward Valegis, Eric and Jolian following as the warriors stood back to let them pass, then encircling them. As they continued up the path, the captain barked at one of his men, indicating the fish with a jerk of his head, “Pick that up!”
Eric eyed the forty-foot gray towers as they neared, archers clearly visible but relaxed. He saw little damage to show attacks had ever taken place. A wall extended out and partially up into the mountains. Torches and lanterns were already burning as dusk came early in the mountains, making Eric feel the need to send Jolian back as soon as possible. He didn’t like the idea of the others waiting in the dark. They had cleared the area before this gate of brush, and from this vantage point he confirmed an impression he’d had—another path approached from a different direction so that one could continue that way by the gate instead of going in. But now they passed between two wide doors made of vertical wood beams, the gates closing behind them.
To either side as they continued were small barracks and more guards, who eyed them with either indifference or curiosity. A few were dwarves, who paid them no attention. Talis led them forward with only four of the guards accompanying them now, the rest remaining behind. Ahead were trees and a widening path of natural stone that had been chiseled and carved to be smooth. Two mountains loomed beside them, a host of archery towers there. Anything that made it through that gate would get slaughtered. The new road led between various small buildings that seemed disposable, as if necessary, but expected to be destroyed in an assault. As they ventured farther across this pass between mountains, the people increased in number. An archway of stone awaited, two more doors opened wide until they passed through.
And now Eric saw the valley where they had built Valegis. A thirty-foot tall, black stone wall enclosed it in a rough oval, uneven in various places, as if going around obstacles no one had been able to remove. It was wide enough, like the Great Wall of China in places, for wagons to be pulled along the top, as he saw several there now. Towers periodically rose from it for another twenty feet, each with an open top for archers. The wall stood back from the mountains and all trees had been cleared from around it up the slopes. He expected a castle or other fortification but didn’t see one. From here, Eric could only see part of what looked like a wide moat that he assumed surrounded it, and from the snow still atop the peaks, he suspected it served as a defense against flooding during spring as much as against an attack.
Inside the wall, the land appeared to have been left alone, buildings alternating with trees and a few boulders so big that he could see them from here. Several very wide towers were inside and didn’t seem defensive. Each had several long, horizontal beams sticking out at least thirty feet from the sides from large holes. Beyond it all was another mountain pass that seemed similar from here, except that the sun was shining through it and into their eyes. And for that reason, Eric did not immediately see the giant falcon flying toward Valegis. It bore a rider and circled one tower before landing on what he now realized was a perch. He couldn’t see what happened to the rider after that, partly because he and the others began descending a narrow stone staircase. It reached the moat and a wooden drawbridge they walked over to enter the town.
Eric tried to take in the sights. It occurred to him that this was the first time he’d been in such a place without the others, but he was the most street smart and felt comfortable. Jolian had been right. The place didn’t have an unsavory feel. He could hear children playing nearby, the smell of fresh breads and meats hung in the air, and the humans and few dwarves he saw watched them curiously but without malice. He guessed the town held about five-thousand people.
They marched straight to the center, past a strolling flautist he’d been hearing for several minutes, a fountain, and men who were skinning something that looked like boar, more of the animals roasting over a fire. A wide lawn that he guessed was used for gatherings stood near the mayor’s manor as they neared, and with any luck, Jolian would leave from there as a dragon in under thirty minutes, with the mayor’s blessing. He felt urgency. And the town seemed safe, not like some den of thieves.
When they reached a mansion in the town’s center, Talis made them wait outside as he ascended the gray stone steps and disappeared inside for several minutes before returning and gesturing for them to follow, the guards still with them. They soon entered a dining room with a long mahogany table and eight high-backed chairs with green velvet cushions. At the table’s head and looking unimpressed stood a tall, red-bearded man who calmly appraised his visitors. Eric felt there would be little fooling this man, but he didn’t intend to anyway. They placed two mugs of ale on the table as the man gestured to sit. He joined them, Talis and the guards remaining in the room as the door closed. A fireplace cast flickering shadows around the room.
“I am Ogren,” the man began in a deep voice, “mayor of Valegis. I understand you are in something of a hurry, and I have no interest in kirii dung, so speak plainly and we can see how we may assist each other.”
Eric already liked him. “Forgive me for not being more forthcoming with Talis and your guards, but there are things we mean not everyone to hear. You trust those in this room to not speak of what we discuss?”
Ogren looked at them one by one, and Eric had the impression he was silencing them by doing so before turning his eyes back to the rogue. “Yes.”
Eric held his gaze. “I am Andier of Roir, one of the Ellorian Champions. My companions, Soliander, the Lady Eriana, and Lord Korrin, are nearby and awaiting help. You know that there is a Quest Ring at Castle Arking? They summoned us to help this world and now we need some help from you if we are to succeed.”
Ogren stared silently at him for several moments and then leaned back in his chair. “I heard the champions have been missing.”
“No longer.”
“I heard this as well. What proof have you?”
“None. And it doesn’t matter. You know that a force of men recently left Castle Arking for Ortham in Gisla. We are here to stop them.”
Ogren studied him. “And you believe sparis from the Kirii Cave will help this? How?”
“Do you know what this force of men carries with them?”
“Perhaps.”
“One orb of Dominion. They have already enthralled the dwarven queen and King Orin of Minari. We require the fish for a spell that will prevent us from being similarly affected by the orb.”
“And yet you are on a mission from that king to stop this orb from reaching Ortham?”
“Not exactly. His wizard Denir still thinks for himself and summoned us without the king’s awareness.”
“So then you are not on a mission from the king, as you told Talis. Why should I believe a man who lies?”
That was a fair question, and Eric thought quickly. “We are here on behalf of the Kingdom of Minari, and the rest of Rovell and other worlds, despite the Minarin king being compromised. It is at my discretion what to reveal to a man of Talis’ authority as compared to your own.”
Ogren seemed to appreciate that answer and looked at Jolian. “And who is she?”
“A dragon.”
A murmur from the guards caused Ogren to hold up a hand to silence them. “Will you honor me by proving that?”
Eric turned to Jolian, who slowly rose from her seat to stand near the fireplace and a window that was partially open to the darkening sky outside.
“Listen for the sound,” she began, “of your falcons screaming. I have done what I can to prevent them from sensing my presence, but know that they have no predators save my kind, and they will react when I let them know I am here.”
She whispered something Eric didn’t hear and morphed from her current appearance into the red leather-clad vixen he had become accustomed to. At the same moment, a horrible screeching of many birds erupted outside along with the shouts of men that Eric assumed were trying to control suddenly terrified giant birds. And Jolian’s shadow on the wall stopped looking humanoid, the silhouette of a dragon replacing it. Several of the guardsmen put their hands on swords’ hilts until Talis told them to stand down. Eric turned to Ogren and saw a sobered expression on his face. He gestured for her to sit, a glance at the window suggesting he wanted the reaction to stop. Jolian nodded as she resumed her seat, the disturbance outside ending.
Eric said, “We knew we would terrify the town, so we stopped nearby and hiked the rest of the way here.”
Ogren asked, “Why is a dragon involved?”
Eric answered, “It speaks to the seriousness of what is happening. The Orbs of Dominion are real and are a threat to the world order on Rovell and other planets. It is being taken to Ortham to the portal in the Hall of Worlds. Once it leaves, we may not be able to find and destroy it. Many kingdoms would end up under the control of whoever has the other orb. We need to prevent this and you can help.”
“How?”
“First, we need you to let Jolian transform into a dragon outside and fly back to the Kirii Cave entrance, and bring the rest of our group here without your people getting upset, or the guards attacking her.”
“How many are we talking about?”
“Just three, and another dragon that is in human form and bound.”
Ogren cocked an eyebrow. “Explain that.”
“It is my brother,” answered Jolian. She revealed how the orb compromised Brazin and the measures they had taken to ensure he was not a threat for now.
“And you would leave him here?” Ogren’s frown left little doubt as to his feelings about it.
“Listen,” began Eric, “it is getting late. My priority is to arrange for Jolian to go get the others before dark, which is any minute now. We can decide what to do with Brazin after. Will you let us do this? What can you do to calm everyone as she comes and goes?”
Ogren sighed but ultimately agreed to this much. He sent Talis out to spread the word and getting people to gather at the town square, where he soon stood before them as Eric and Jolian listened to him answer questions and concerns as darkness quickly descended. Eric wasn’t sure how well all of it was going, but it no longer mattered. He watched with a mixture of apprehension and amusement as Jolian walked through the throng to a clear area on the great lawn, where she assumed her true form. The wave of audible fear that swept through the crowd had hardly begun when she took to the sky with powerful thrusts of her wings. Several people hastily left as she rose and flew out of view.
“First time I’ve seen a dragon,” Ogren remarked, watching her go.
Eric commiserated. “It takes some getting used to. Thank you for helping us.”
The big man turned to him. “Just be mindful that people here have simple lives. All of this will easily overwhelm them. I would like you and your friends to keep clear of everyone, for their peace of mind and yours.”
“But not you?”
He chuckled. “I’ve seen a few things in my time. I am not given to fanciful thoughts. Listen, it is getting late. I think you will need to stay here overnight, unless you’re really determined to go.”
“Let me see what they think once they return.”
“Sure.” He nodded at the mansion. “This is the best we have. I’ll be here, and we can have the place surrounded to keep the curious away. I’ll get some food brought over. I assume there’s more to discuss, including what help we can provide.”
“Yes. And thank you again.”
Ogren waved him off. “If you’re right about all of this…”
He didn’t finish, and they waited in silence. It didn’t take long for Jolian to return, the saddle attached and Anna riding her back, a struggling and awake Brazin clutched in Jolian’s front claws. Those who hadn’t cleared the lawn by now scampered aside. Eric helped Anna to the ground and learned everything was fine back at the tunnel entrance, though the sounds of something moving in the growing darkness had alarmed them. Jolian left again as Eric and Talis carried Brazin up to the mansion’s steps, where they waited again. Jolian had squashed his magic powers a second time, and the dragon remained bound.
Even less time passed before Jolian returned with Matt and Ryan, morphing into a human again and leaving the saddle on the lawn as they gathered inside with Ogren. They had laid a meal out for the five of them, Ogren, and Talis, the guards told to leave, Brazin lying in the corner. But a knock on the door preceded Talis letting someone in. A guard appeared, quietly reporting something to him as Eric wondered if something was amiss. Then Talis sent him out and closed the door again.
Chapter 8 – The Lords of Fear
Matt’s stomach growled at the smell of fresh bread, brown rice, and something that looked like pork, the raw vegetables attracting less of his attention. The bitter ale he’d already sampled made him want more, but the danger of intoxication in unfamiliar surroundings had him wishing for water that wasn’t there. Did these people know about staying hydrated while drinking alcohol? The room seemed pleasant and even cozy with the warm fire and torches, the scent of burning wood reminding him of the few camping trips he had endured growing up. Sometimes all of this just seemed like one big adventure, and moments like this were pleasant compared to the terror of the Kirii Cave, the fear of Eric not returning, or the awful bellows and screeches he’d been hearing in the mountains while awaiting Jolian’s return with Ryan and Anna. Something had been out there and getting closer. Now it didn’t matter, and he wanted to relax as much as that was possible, given the circumstances.
“What did he want?” Ogren asked his captain of the guard.
Taking his seat, Talis replied, “He followed their trail as per protocol. He found it began away from the path at Mount Dorun. Several large footprints and claw marks were present. It suggests that their story is true.”
“I think we’re past that,” the mayor admitted. “Now that you’re all here, what else do you need? Let me start by saying that we’re aware of this force of men moving toward Ortham. You know who leads them?”
Eric helped himself to bread and answered, “The Lords of Fear. You know of them?”
“Yes. We are a trading town and so news reaches us daily. They are north of Durba and should arrive in Ortham tomorrow midday.”
Matt remembered the town from the map. Having more time relieved him. He wasn’t normally afraid of the dark, but flying through the night on a dragon to a strange city on an alien planet wasn’t appealing. Who knew what else flew at night and might suddenly attack? What if they ended up on the ground camping overnight? The security of Valegis made him grateful, and he hoped future quests had far less traveling, though he doubted they would be so lucky. He had seen teleportation spells in Soliander’s spell books but wasn’t sure he could do them. He really needed time to memorize these things and find out if they could work on Earth. He intended to study tonight once this meeting was over.
What if they were on a quest somewhere and, instead of risking danger while journeying over land, sea, or air, he just cast them to where they needed to be? Fear of camping suddenly seemed a genuine issue because of being exposed in the dark wilderness, vulnerable sleeping, and trusting your equally ine
xperienced friends to stay awake when it was their turn to stay on guard. Or trusting strangers to do it. Trust was becoming an issue, but the normalcy of their dinner and a secure town had him dreading their departure the next day.
As Matt ate and listened, Eric recounted what had happened with Novir and Brazin, getting reassurance that they would replace any food supplies. He offered some coins Denir had given them, Ogren waving that off. With Jolian able to carry them all, replacement food and a place to stay tonight was all they really needed. Talk turned to how the Lords of Fear could be defeated, even with the group using the Mind Shield spell on themselves.
“Our plan,” began Ryan, “was to get close and then pretend the orb has ensnared us. That will hopefully let us get close enough to take it.”
Putting down a mug, Talis asked, “What if the orb isn’t on?”
Ryan sighed and lifted his own drink. “We’ll have to keep fighting our way to it.”
“I think it will be on,” said Matt, fingering some bread. “Whoever is controlling the master orb can check in with the lords and may expect trouble as they get near the portal, so they would have it on to both watch and assist by ensnaring more people and making everyone compliant.”
His eyes on Brazin, who lay glaring at all of them, Talis asked, “How close does someone have to be to this orb for it to work on them?”
“We don’t know,” Matt admitted, having wondered the same. “My impression is it works up to a hundred yards away. I base this on what Novir told us about what happened at Bolin Hill, but he could have been lying.”
“From the reports of what has happened near Durba,” began Ogren, “that seems correct. The number of people with them has grown to over a thousand.”
“Great.”
“Even if you get the orb,” began Ogren, “then what? They won’t let you just walk away with it.”
Eric said, “I am hoping we can do this near the portal and then convince them with violence that they had better leave through it.”
The Light Bringer: An Epic Fantasy Adventure Novel (The Dragon Gate Series Book 2) Page 13