Ascending the stairs Glenda saw a wide landing at the top. Hanging above the landing was a heavy iron gate. The gate could be lowered to seal off the stairway’s top access. Once lowered, iron rods slid into slots in the stone to secure the gate. Set ten paces back on the landing was a massive iron door. It was obviously the entrance to the duke’s residence. The two gates and door would each require a battering ram to gain entry.
The landing continued around the side wall of the duke’s sanctuary and opened into a corridor. At intervals along the corridor were alcoves cut into the solid stone. The alcoves appeared empty but were possibly storage areas for food or armaments during a siege.
Glenda walked forward, then stopped a short distance from the door. She motioned for the girl to take the tray, “I’ll knock on the door but then I’ll retreat into an alcove. You should receive all the credit for doing a remarkable job of carrying the tray. Even this mage should be pleased over your effort. Remember I am not here, you are alone and there is no need to share credit.” The girl nodded her understanding as she took the tray.
Glenda knocked and then ran to the closest alcove and knelt down. She had a full view of the landing platform and a bit of the door. She slid into her stealth mode and calmed her breath as she calmed her mind, Must not give the creature any awareness of my being here.
A few moments passed and the great door slowly swung open. Standing to receive the tray was the duke. Glenda observed his persona was that of a subdued servant. His eyes simply stared forward. His mind seemed to be looking inward.
While accepting the tray he nodded at the girl to wait before leaving. As the door remained partially opened Glenda heard the mage call out, “Place the tray on the table and remove the covers. Let’s see if a disciplinary action is required for the delivery girl.”
There was a pause followed by a slurping sound and a sharp intake of breath. “This soup is the hottest we have received. This human body can barely accept it without harm. Tell the girl she is dismissed.” There was no praise or thanks, only a door closing on the girl.
Glenda stood and waved at the girl to head back. Once the girl was out of sight and going down the stairs Glenda bounded down to catch her. “Well, we know you did a remarkable job even if there was no praise. The overseer will know how well you did since she is likely expecting you to return with cuff marks and bruises… or worse.”
“All thanks to you my protector and, may I say, my lady.”
Glenda liked the sound of “my lady” but accepted the compliment with a modest, “You deserved help and I am glad I could offer it. I do have a question, however.”
“Anything. What would you like to know?”
“Is this the usual routine for their meals?”
“Yes. Unless there is a special feast, they take their meals together in the duke’s quarters. The overseer takes her orders only from the mage, and the delivery instructions never change.”
As an afterthought the girl added, “This overseer was appointed by the mage to replace the old overseer who we all liked. This overseer has a nasty streak to her, maybe that’s why she was chosen. She assigns the delivery crew as one of her ways to maintain absolute control over the kitchen staff. She picks harshly on the younger staff, but even the grown men avoid irritating her, she has a sharp tongue and an unforgiving memory and she can bring in the mage if needed.
“Typically she sends two of the younger boys to carry the tray. The boys spell each other the same as you did for me. Nobody wants the chore due to the scrutiny of the mage over spillage and cold soup.
“Many boys have returned with deep red welts from leather straps. One lad returned like a different person. He was of no further use in the kitchen and was placed in the fields to plant and harvest. The one with him refused to tell what happened, he only trembled when asked.”
As she listened to the girl, Glenda felt a plan forming in her mind. The predictability of the meal delivery offered the possibility of an ambush. She was excited to share this discovery with Traveler and Olaff.
Chapter 91
A Plan Emerges
Once she was back in Olaff’s retreat she found Traveler and the giant Olaff in a heated conversation. “Nothing works!” pronounced a clearly frustrated Traveler. “We have thought of every possible way to either control or kill the creature but it’s an impossible task, we just don’t know enough. We need a stalking horse to learn more.”
Olaff frowned, “What kind of horse is a stalking horse? I’ve never seen one.”
Traveler snapped out of his funk, “The phrase originally described how hunters would walk beside their horses to hide their presence from game. The hunters used the horses as a form of camouflage to get closer.”
Olaff understood the use of a decoy and now the stalking horse phrase. He then said, “Glenda, you were our stalking horse. What did you find out?”
Laughing she answered, “Thank you, Olaff for making me a horse.” Laughing she added, “Stalker ‘yes’ but horse ‘no’. Let me start by saying I feel great about stalking and surviving. Let me share what I’ve found out, but first my throat is dry. Permit me to prime the throat pump.” Glenda settled down on the bench with a mug of watered cider, took a deep drink, then proceeded.
She described how she found a way to observe both the mage and the duke. “I actually used the stalking horse idea. I knew that the creature needed to feed the mage’s body as well permit the duke to eat, so I followed the food.
“In the kitchen I spotted a girl that was taking a silver tray with choice foods and figured she was taking the tray to the mage and the duke. She literally became the horse to my stalking and I joined her to deliver the tray.
“I found out that the duke and the mage always eat meals together in the duke’s quarters. And now we know where they are located. Their retreat is hidden at the end of a long stone tunnel. It’s well-fortified with heavy gates and doors and it would take an army with a battering ram to gain entry.
“The good news is that the mage is overconfident. There are no guards and the sealing gates are always open. We can walk right up to the front door and knock on it. Even better, their location has a number of adjoining alcove areas that are perfect for a surprise attack. As powerful as he is, the jinn is vulnerable for a close-up ambush.”
Both Olaff and Traveler began clapping. Olaff was the first to say, “Well done, Glenda! You are both clever and a first-class scout. Your information gives us the basis to plan an ambush strategy.”
Traveler gave Glenda a big thumbs-up sign as he asked, “How did you avoid detection?”
“Turns out that was easy. The mage sends the duke out for the tray. All I had to do was stealth-hide inside an alcove and watch the exchange between the kitchen girl and the duke.
“I was close enough that I could hear the mage’s voice ordering the duke about the tray’s placement. My guess is the mage is continuing to exercise his control over the duke to ensure there is no resistance left in him. His commands to the duke sounded like puppy training.”
Olaff’s face developed a deep frown, his eyes appeared like an erupting volcano ready to spew out blue lava. The idea of his friend being reduced to the status of a puppy was anathema to him. There would be a reckoning day for the creature, and Olaff would relish that day.
Traveler took inventory of their findings and said, “Now we know where to attack. The problem remains how to launch a successful attack. We have seen how the creature can easily take control of any man, even the duke. We need a way to neutralize his power, any ideas?”
Glenda was in a thoughtful place as she said, “Let’s start with some group brainstorming. Nobody should hold back because they are afraid of suggesting an idea that may embarrass them. No ego concerns are permitted.”
Olaff frowned again with the strange word “ego” but decided he could understand it from the context, It likely just means pride in this case.
Traveler started the brainstorming, “Let me review the idea
s that Olaff and I kicked around while you were gone.”
Glenda gave an encouraging nod, “That’s the spirit! Fire your ideas at me. If I have an idea while you’re talking, I’ll throw it out. Of course, both of you should do the same. Sometimes hearing an idea a second time leads to a new thought.”
Traveler began a slow, thoughtful recounting of the previously discussed options. Olaff added his comments as each action step was presented. As Traveler described each idea, he took his time and invited criticisms. Everyone reflected on an action’s merits and risks. There were a number of constructive comments from Glenda who was hearing this for the first time.
Following the intensive review Glenda asked the obvious question, “What are we missing? Why does every action end in disaster?”
Olaff was sitting quietly in apparent deep thought, then he offered, “Is there an ally, not necessarily human, that we’ve missed? Is there any anything the creature avoids?”
“Well, he sure avoids Theo,” replied Traveler. “Sadly we cannot use Theo, we’re on our own.”
“Another possibility is water,” said Glenda. “I sense the jinn has no use for it, I think it avoids it. Somehow water may present some impediment to its powers.”
Traveler was intrigued and said, “That’s an interesting possibility. I remember M’s story of hiding from the jinn on the island and they never crossed the river. While water won’t kill them, maybe it deters them in some way. The question is, how can we use that to our advantage?”
Traveler leaned back in his chair, shook his head and said, “My brain hurts. Overthinking without getting an answer is bad on my pride as well as my problem-solving skills. Let’s take a break and revisit all this tomorrow, right now I need a rest.”
Glenda and Olaff nodded in agreement. Glenda added, “Keep using your problem-solving skills, Traveler. Maybe an answer will come while you sleep. I have faith in you.”
With Glenda’s praise Traveler felt his spirits and pride lifting. He found to his surprise that he was fully awake and sitting straight in the chair.
Olaff stretched his arms, rolled his neck around, then stood up. “All this talking and thinking has made me sleepy.” He disappeared and shortly reappeared carrying a mountain of heavy woolen blankets.
On the top were thick canvas-like horse blankets. Glenda and Traveler watched as he first made a thick floor cover using the horse blankets beside the fire. Next he layered the heavy wool sleeping blankets. Once this blanket platform was finished, he inspected it with a critical look. The bed was over nearly a foot high.
“That should do the job. Even sleeping on a side my shoulders should still be cushioned from the floor.” With that he sat down, pulled off his boots, pulled a remaining sleeping blanket across his body and head, gave a deep sigh, and disappeared into giant’s slumber land.
“Sweet dreams, friend,” murmured Glenda. Looking down at Olaff’s boots she grinned and whispered, “We could ride in one of those across to the landing, who needs a boat?” Traveler barely smiled back. His mind was far away twisting his mental Rubik’s Cube for a possible solution.
He’s still thinking, maybe something will pop up, best to leave him alone. As for me, I’m not inspired except to go crash. With that she stood up to head out. After a few feet she briefly turned back, “Speaking of big boots, please don’t drop yours on the floor when you take them off. They sound like explosions in the sleeping cave.” Traveler nodded back. Later his brain delivered her request, Of course I will take them off. I’m a gentleman.
Sitting beside the pile of blankets that was the sleeping giant Traveler stared into the dying fire. He watched small flames move up through openings in the dying embers. The flames were clearly hungry and called out to be fed. Rising up he placed several more logs across the hot bed of coals. Flames rejoiced as they grew in size. Their thanks were expressed by an increase in their radiating heat.
Pleased, Traveler sat back to watch the flames twisting through the log pile. He found his own mind was fully alert. He began again to consider their conundrum in confronting the jinn.
Since he had gotten a second mental wind, he decided to stay by the fire and give Glenda plenty of time to relax and fall asleep. He and Olaff needed her at the top of her game. Traveler knew she had great problem-solving abilities when rested and right now she needed to recharge her brain battery.
Traveler found his own mind was fully engaged in how to contain the creature. He had no confidence they could kill the jinn but maybe containment was possible.
Relaxed while watching the fire, he had an epiphany. Rather than relying on his brain’s normal “go-to logic” for a solution, he would turn the free spirit of his creative mind loose. Creativity may succeed where logic fails, he thought. Let me try a totally unstructured approach.
As he let go of the stress of logical thinking, he found he had drifted into a semi-dream state while watching the shifting flames. The flames did not logically study log placement for greater oxygen, they followed their instincts. They became creative in finding their breathing paths.
Just as the flames found their paths so did Traveler. A solution arrived without conscious effort. His creative mind had accepted all the previously discussed facts and possible options with their bad outcomes. Discarding these past thoughts, the creative mind moved on.
When the solution arrived, Traveler realized it had been kept buried under too much prior data and structured analysis. Creativity had cleared the fog of distraction away. You were hiding in plain sight, he thought.
The solution had arrived like an unexpected dream, it was not invited it simply arrived. Like any dream, Traveler knew that dreams are quickly forgotten. He went to the nearby table and picked up a writing stylus and parchment. He first made a drawing of the model the dream had presented. He quickly followed the drawing by writing down the action steps in their necessary order.
Once fully recorded he stood up, walked out to the landing, and took deep breaths. He came back in, sat, and reviewed his notes. Satisfied, he felt an inner glow. I think this can work! Thank you, Glenda, for encouraging me to stay with finding a solution.
Leaning back and studying his solution he knew he had been inspired by some creative part of his mind. That part had refused to be bogged down with mind-numbing details. He recalled how Alexander the Great had faced and solved a similar problem.
Alexander had defeated the mighty Persian empire ruled by King Darius in 333 BC. Following this great victory, he led his army into modern Turkey.
According to the legend he entered the capital city of Gordium and encountered the famous Gordian Knot which was tied onto a yoke. Legend said that whoever unraveled the knot was destined to be the ruler of Asia.
Alexander loved the challenge of difficult puzzles and was fascinated by the complexity of the knot. He immediately worked to untie it. After repeated attempts, all of which failed, he had an inspiration.
Realizing the only requirement was to separate the knot from the yoke he drew his sword. In a single stroke he cut through the knot. His solution was recognized by the citizens of Gordium as an indication of his problem-solving genius. True to the knot’s prophesy, he continued onward to conquer large parts of Asia.
Traveler’s ego was not so large that he placed himself on a par with Alexander, however he saw the similarity in their situations, the creature was his unsolvable knot. His solution required mental concentration combined with a single powerful stroke.
With the possible solution in hand he was suddenly exhausted both physically and mentally. It’s amazing how just thinking can tire us out, he reflected.
He followed the hallway to the sleeping chamber. He noted Glenda’s deep breathing and carefully removed his boots. He lay down, turned on his side facing the dimly lit doorway and found Morpheus greeting him with a congratulatory smile.
Chapter 92
Setting Up the Plan
Traveler felt like a waking bear inside the dark quiet room. He was refre
shed and famished. He noted that the princess was gone and wondered when she had left the sleeping cave. Pulling his boots on he stretched, took deep breaths and walked to the dining area. He felt the warmth of the fire before turning the corner to enter the dining space.
“I thought you were going to hibernate for the whole day. I know bears are ravenous when they wake so there is a nice lunch here, not up to M’s standards, but plenty good for bears. Try the tea, it really is up to M’s standard.” She proceeded to hand Traveler a large mug with an aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg coming off the steaming top.
Traveler accepted the mug, took a deep sip and smiled. “Thank you, it’s delicious! You sweetened it with honey and that’s exactly what this bear needs to stop growling.”
Glenda smiled, “Yes, it is delicious! We need to tell M the ingredients, assuming we ever get back.”
Traveler heard an opening to present his plan and jumped on it. “We are getting back, Glenda! I followed your advice and think we have a winning plan.”
Glenda immediately perked up, “Really? I’m all ears and eyes, tell it to me.”
“Should we wait for Olaff? Where is he anyway?”
“He was gone when I got up, no idea where he is. Give me the plan while you eat. We can decide whether to present it when he’s back. Let’s not get his hopes up until we’re both excited about it. Believe me I want to be excited. I’m already excited and I haven’t even heard it yet. Tell me the way we win at this jinn game.” Grinning she added, “Gin game pun definitely intended.”
“I’ll present the plan first, then I’ll eat. Right now I’m too excited to eat.” Traveler walked over to his notes and waved them in the air. To bolster his confidence he called out, “It’s showtime!”
Then with a nervous look he added, “Maybe my brilliant idea will fade in the light of an objective critic. He slapped a fast cadence with his fingers on the table and said, “Anyway here goes, drum roll, please!”
The Blighted Fortress Page 30