Gilmreth the Awakening

by Raymond L. Weil

  “I don’t believe it’s the dragon we have to fear right now,” Damon said worriedly, peering down the street and at the narrow road that wound into town.

  The dusty road between Galvin and Draydon was normally only traveled by a few local farmers or traders, but now Damon could see a long line of horsemen, more than he had ever seen before. “Look at those riders, Aldin! That’s trouble coming!”

  “Jalene’s temple guards!” Aldin swore under his breath, looking at the rapidly approaching horsemen. They’d heard descriptions of these men and the dark uniforms they wore. “Jalene’s henchmen finally coming to Galvin. I guess we should have expected this after Gilmreth’s appearance the other night!”

  “Gilmreth was supposed to soften us up, prepare us for their arrival,” Damon said with dawning realization, his eyes watching the approaching riders worriedly. The entire village was about to get a rude awakening.

  “Well, Lynol screwed up that plan at least,” replied Aldin wryly, watching the nearing horsemen intently. “What should we do?”

  “Send Kalvin to warn Lynol. I don’t want her being surprised by these men. It’s hard telling what’s going to happen with them in the village,” said Damon, stepping back away from the edge of the porch. This was something they should have expected. They should have known that once Gilmreth made an appearance, Jalene’s temple guards wouldn’t be far behind.

  Aldin disappeared back inside, and moments later Damon could hear WhiteStorm’s hoofs beating the hard ground behind the store, rapidly fading as Kalvin rushed to warn Lynol. Stepping inside, Damon shut and locked the door, then lowered the window shades as the malevolent riders entered the village.

  Aldin and Damon watched through the narrow gaps in the shades as the dusty men came to a stop in front of Addison’s store. A tall, burly looking man, dressed in a black uniform trimmed in red, dismounted and disappeared inside, soon returning with a highly aggravated and frightened Addison.

  “They went straight to Addison’s store,” Aldin muttered disgustedly, watching the men gather around Addison, who was shoved up hard against the wall of his store by two rough looking guards.

  With a panicked look of desperation, he could be seen pointing toward the Mystol’s store, as if he was frantically trying to tell the guards something.

  “The man can’t keep his damn mouth shut,” Aldin spoke disgustedly. He didn’t like the looks of this at all as he continued to watch Addison and the temple guards who were questioning him.

  “Addison’s been under their control for several weeks now,” responded Damon worriedly, watching what was going on across the street. “I wonder what they want? Maybe we should wake Gwen and all of us get out of Galvin. We’ll be safer at our farm with Lynol.”

  “I have a bad feeling about this. I don’t think we’re going to get a chance to leave. I wish I’d sent Dresdia with Kalvin,” Aldin said beneath his breath as the guards jerked Addison away from the wall and pushed him roughly down the steps. “Addison must know that we’re here!”

  A group of ten or twelve men led by the big burly character headed straight toward the Mystol’s store. There could be no doubt as to their destination.

  “Here they come,” said Aldin, stepping back away from the window. “I would like to get Addison off by himself somewhere. The man is a scoundrel and unbelievably stupid! I wonder what he told them this time?”

  “He must have seen us ride in,” replied Damon, also stepping back from the window. Aldin and he moved back next to the store counter where they had a good view of the door.

  The men climbed the steps in front. Finding the door locked, one of the larger men kicked the door open, breaking it loose from its hinges. The men stomped into the store, crowding in through the now open doorway. Damon and Aldin stood their ground next to the counter, waiting to see what happened next. Both men were careful not to make any threatening moves.

  “That’s him!” spoke Addison in a shrill voice, pointing at Damon, his face flushed with fear and excitement. “That’s Damon Sylvar and his friend, Aldin Gor. They’re the people you want. They’ve always been trouble makers! If you have them, the rest of the village will do whatever you command!”

  “Shut up, Addison,” Aldin muttered just loud enough for him to hear.

  “Go to hell!” Addison screamed in anger, his eyes wide with triumph. “You’re going to get yours now! I told you someday this would happen!”

  Damon put his hand out, touching Aldin’s arm and shook his head. They didn’t need to get into a fight with Addison.

  Par nodded at two of the guards who took Addison back outside, tossing him roughly down the steps where he fell in a miserable whimpering heap upon the ground. One thing Par couldn’t stand was a sniveling coward, and that man definitely filled the bill.

  Par stood for a moment, carefully taking the measure of the two older men before him. Both were powerfully built and middle aged, and neither showed any sign of fear of him or of his men. At least these men didn’t appear to be cowards, which was something to say in their favor.

  “So you’re Damon Sylvar,” Par said contemptuously, trying to elicit a response. “You’re the last of the great Sylvars of Galvin. You don’t look so great to me!”

  Damon said nothing, staring at the man, their eyes meeting with Par finally turning his gaze away. This wasn’t the time to provoke him, Damon realized, hoping that Kalvin had gotten safely away to warn Lynol. They needed to bide their time, and a confrontation now would turn out badly. He knew that as soon as Kalvin reached Lynol, she would rush to Galvin. With her sorcery, she should be able to subdue these men. They just had to survive until she could get here.

  “I understand you have a daughter. Where is she?” Par demanded loudly, motioning for his men to seize Damon and Aldin.

  “I’m right here,” a young woman’s voice spoke tentatively from the open doorway leading to Gwen’s bedroom. “I’m Lynol Sylvar.”

  Damon and Aldin both recognized Dresdia’s voice. Damon started to say something, but a warning glance from Aldin silenced him. “She knows what she’s doing,” whispered Aldin, leaning forward where the guards couldn’t hear. “We don’t want them searching for Lynol; maybe Dresdia can buy her the time she needs. Once Lynol gets here, she can put a stop to all of this.”

  Damon nodded, his eyes focusing worriedly on Dresdia as she walked tentatively forward, coming to a stop a few feet in front of the leader. Dresdia stood still, waiting. There was silence in the room. Damon felt very uneasy with the role Dresdia had chosen to play. It could be an extremely dangerous one! He knew it was all Dresdia could do to stand before this man and not look afraid. He knew she must be terrified.

  Par walked over to Dresdia and grabbed her roughly by the arm, dragging her to the open doorway into the bright afternoon sunlight. Yes, she was a beauty all right; her long blond hair and emerald green eyes made her very enticing. Too bad he had strict instructions about this young woman. He had a special liking for women filled out the way she was.

  “Dalden,” spoke Par, turning to one of his guards and shoving the girl toward him. Dalden had been with the trade wagons that were returning to Draydon. Par had stopped them and ordered him to return to Galvin with the temple guards. “Keep four of the men here to watch these three. I don’t want anything happening to them. Make sure the girl’s left alone! She isn’t to be touched. We have specific instructions from Daes about her. We don’t want to displease him!”

  “Yes, sir,” replied Sikes, shoving Dresdia harshly down into a nearby chair.

  This girl was a looker. Sikes felt his eyes wandering down to the fullness of the girl’s breasts, feeling desire suddenly hit him. Then, jerking his eyes away, he looked back at Par. This girl was off limits. It was safer to put those dangerous thoughts out of his mind.

  Gesturing toward Damon and Aldin, Par continued. “You two sit down next to the girl. If either one of you tries anything, you will be dealt with harshly. Do you understand?”

 
; “Yes,” Damon replied as he and Aldin sat down in a couple of chairs next to an obviously frightened Dresdia.

  It was all that Aldin and Damon could do not to react. So far, no one had actually been harmed. They weren’t sure how much longer that would last.

  Par walked back out into the street with the remainder of his men, rejoining the others who were waiting impatiently. It was time for the looting to begin. “Remember, men,” warned Par, looking pointedly around at the swarthy group. “Any young virgins are to be brought to me and the priest. They aren’t to be harmed. The rest you can do with as you please. Let’s show this village what it means to resist the Temple of the Dragon!”

  With excited yells, Par’s men began to fan out around the village. In moments, chaos swept over the quiet village of Galvin. Shouts and screams echoed down the narrow streets as his men kicked in doors and invaded homes. After a few minutes, Par was satisfied that everything was proceeding according to plan. He headed over to the tavern he’d spotted when he first came into the village. For now, that would serve as his headquarters. Also, some stronger refreshment was in order.

  -

  It was late afternoon when Kalvin rode WhiteStorm in a swirl of dust into Lynol’s yard. Several times Kalvin had been forced to hide behind trees and in the brush as temple guards appeared, riding to search the outlying farms. Evidently, not all the guards had ridden into Galvin with the main group. Tying WhiteStorm to a post next to the back porch, Kalvin ran up the steps, pounding his hand on the back door and calling out Lynol’s name.

  “What’s wrong, Kalvin?” Lynol’s calm voice spoke from behind him.

  Whirling around, Kalvin saw Lynol standing next to WhiteStorm, petting the animal’s neck with a concerned look upon her face.

  “It looks like you’ve ridden WhiteStorm very hard. The poor thing’s breathing so heavily. What’s wrong?”

  “Jalene’s temple guards are in Galvin!” Kalvin cried out, worried about his father and sister. “We have to do something! Father, Dresdia, and your father are still there. I left them at the Mystol’s store. They sent me to warn you!”

  Lynol arched her eyebrows in surprise, growing concern crossing her face. “Temple guards in Galvin,” repeated Lynol, digesting the information. It seemed everything was moving so rapidly. “I guess we should have expected it. If Jalene sent Gilmreth the other night, it’s only reasonable she would send her guards to follow up.”

  Turning, she beckoned Kalvin to follow her. In her mind, she was concerned for her father, Aldin, and Dresdia’s safety. She wished they were safely out of Galvin; especially Dresdia. Dreadful rumors about the temple guard’s atrocious treatment of young women had already reached Lynol. If Dresdia was harmed in any way, the temple guards would pay dearly for their crime. If they injured any of her family or friends, they would rue the day they had come to Galvin!

  They quickly made their way to the entrance of the Sylvar Stone, walking down the steps and into the crypt far below. Looking around, Kalvin could see numerous books and scrolls bearing arcane symbols lying open upon a large elevated oak table; obvious signs of Lynol’s studies.

  The glowing simulacrum stood with arms folded across his chest watching them, waiting, curious as to what was going on. Malcon could see that both of the young people had looks of extreme worry and concern upon their faces.

  “Kalvin,” breathed Lynol, staring at the glowing simulacrum with worry in her voice. “Tell Malcon what has happened!”

  Breathlessly, Kalvin repeated the story to the glowing simulacrum about the temple guards arriving in Galvin. Malcon listened quietly, growing concerned at the news. He knew that these guards would have to be dealt with. Events were moving fast; too fast!

  “This is something we should have foreseen and prepared for,” Malcon’s simulacrum stated, staring calmly at the two. “We have been too complacent since these temple guards have never been seen on our side of the mountain before. We should have recognized Gilmreth’s attack for what it was; the beginning of Jalene’s long awaited move to bring this side of the mountain under her control.”

  “I must go to Galvin to help Father, Aldin, and Dresdia!” Lynol cried worriedly with growing impatience. She was seriously concerned about what might be happening in Galvin.

  “There are a lot of them, Lynol,” Kalvin warned. “I’m worried about Dresdia and our fathers too!”

  “I will never forgive myself if anything happens to any of them,” stated Lynol, looking at Malcon.

  She felt reasonably sure her father and Aldin would play it safe until she arrived. However, Dresdia’s wellbeing was another matter entirely. She knew her closest friend would be frightened. Tohm had already paid the ultimate price. She worriedly fearfully who would be next. Please keep Dresdia safe, Lynol pleaded. She couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to her closest friend.

  “I’ll go with you,” Kalvin volunteered, worried about his father and sister. “We can ride double on WhiteStorm.”

  “No, Kalvin,” said Lynol, shaking her head and taking his hand.

  “Lynol, I can’t just stay here and do nothing,” Kalvin replied determinedly. “My father and Dresdia are in Galvin; who knows what could be happening to them!”

  “No, Kalvin,” she repeated firmly, looking into his eyes. “There is something else I need you to do.”

  “What?” Kalvin blurted, surprised and disappointed that he wouldn’t be returning to Galvin with Lynol. What could she want?

  Lynol wasn’t sure what might happen in Galvin or immediately afterward. She might not have a chance to see Kalvin for quite some time. Once she revealed herself, she would have to act quickly. She dare not allow Jalene time to prepare. Then, looking deep into Kalvin’s eyes, she continued. “If I fail, there is something important you must do. Malcon will explain that to you. I will be back shortly.” Lynol released Kalvin’s hand and ran back up the stairs.

  Malcon’s simulacrum turned to face Kalvin, its face covered with a look of concern as the time for action had finally irrevocably arrived. The simulacrum spoke softly. “We must speak of Firestorm Mountain and the waiting sleepers within, Kalvin. Only you and Lynol have been inside the great complex under the mountain. If Lynol fails in the perilous task she has set for herself, it will be up to you to see that her life wasn’t wasted. Listen closely; this is what you will have to do.”

  Kalvin’s face became grim, yet he didn’t protest. He already suspected what the simulacrum was about to ask. Lynol had alluded several times that he might someday have to return to the ancient complex beneath Firestorm Mountain.

  -

  Kalvin was sitting at the large table, staring around at all the mysterious objects scattered about the large underground room. The simulacrum had explained in exact detail what Kalvin would have to do if Lynol failed against Jalene and Gilmreth. He’d answered all of Kalvin’s questions unhesitantly and clearly. The simulacrum had also given Kalvin access to the crypt without Lynol in case he needed more guidance.

  Footsteps descending the stone stairs attracted Kalvin’s attention. Turning his head, he saw Lynol step back into the room. With amazement, Kalvin stood up, staring in awe at the beautiful apparition before him. Lynol was dressed in dark blue denim jeans and a white blouse trimmed in Sylvar blue. A short blue cape hung from her shoulders with the Sylvar dragon crest upon each one. She looked stunningly beautiful. An aura of power and authority seemed to exude from her, an inner strength that literally glowed. Resting upon the white blouse between her breasts was her brilliant blue amulet, no longer quiescent but awash in its own fiery inner radiance. Before Kalvin stood a sorceress; of that there could be no doubt!

  “Lynol,” spoke Kalvin, taking a tentative step toward her.

  “Kalvin, you must stay here!” commanded Lynol, laying one soft hand upon his chest and looking into his questioning brown eyes.

  Kalvin gritted his teeth and looked as if he would turn away. Lynol could see the anguish on his face. She knew that he lov
ed her that he would protect her if need be. But against this threat, she knew he could do nothing.

  Kalvin’s brow furrowed and he gazed down at the stone floor, slowly shaking his head. He wanted to go with Lynol. He was terribly concerned for the safety of his father and sister.

  “Lynol, let me go with you. I will stay out of sight,” he pleaded, hoping she would agree.

  “No, Kalvin,” responded Lynol firmly, knowing how badly Kalvin wanted to help. “If I fail, you must go to Firestorm Mountain and awaken the sleepers. Malcon’s simulacrum has told you what must be done. You’re the only one that can do that!”

  She reached up, turned his face with her fingertips, and kissed him. Their lips met in a long, passionate kiss. Within the kiss was a promise of a future they both longed to share, which offered so much to live for if ancient prophecy would permit.

  Malcon watched the couple quietly. He remembered how Lys had wanted a life of her own with a husband and children, a life and dream that Gilmreth had cruelly ended. He hoped and prayed it wasn’t about to be repeated again.

  “Wait for me,” Lynol whispered softly. Turning, Lynol started to climb the stairs.

  “Lynol, wait,” Malcon’s simulacrum called unexpectedly.

  Turning, Lynol retraced her steps until she stood before the glowing blue figure. The two eyed each other for a timeless moment, the simulacrum with an almost fatherly look upon its face, the proud teacher and the graduating student.

  “Take Lys’ amulet,” spoke Malcon, pointing to the dais where the amulet rested underneath the richly embroidered silk cloth. “It is a powerful amulet in itself, and its power has already been used in the past against Gilmreth. You may find that you will need it.”

  Nodding, Lynol walked over to the dais, laying back the soft silk cloth and picking up the gently glowing amulet and golden chain. She’d already used it for some of the spells the simulacrum had taught her. The amulet was attuned to her, and she could use it easily if necessary. She preferred her own amulet. Lys’ amulet would be used only if her own failed. In addition, if hers failed Lynol knew that she would probably be dead!