“I am glad and proud of you father. You completed your mission, and because of it, we can find the fortress. I promise we will take care of Herrog.” Tears streamed down Telon’s cheeks as he leaned in to embrace his father. Telon felt Gulac pull him in for the embrace. His father then sighed his last breath, his arms relaxed, and his spirit left his body. Telon would never know, but Gulac’s spirit paused for moment to admire his son before departing forever. He could not be prouder.
Telon held on to his father’s hand for a little longer and then gave way for some of the women present to take care of his body. If they were able to get him home, they would bury him in the halls of Tunder Bin with the highest of regard. Telon stood, wiping the remaining tears from his eyes and went to find his brother.
Tegan stood tall in front of the leaders of his army. Between Fiji, Dorir and himself, he had three kings of the dwarves. In total, there were just under two thousand dwarf warriors under his watch. Arlow, the King of the Men, carried over five hundred men on horse. Cergon brought over seven hundred centaurs, all whom were stout and well-armed. All knew the moment of reckoning was upon them.
With the fall of Kyrie, Tegan asked for another gargoyle to attend. He was an assistant to Kyrie and his name was Sandor. There were just over two hundred and fifty gargoyles in total.
Others asked to attend were Telon, Timo, Quelna, Belgin and Erol. The total size of their army was over three thousand strong. It seemed, to Erol and Cergon at least, pale in comparison to the number the enemy was able to utilize.
“We are on the brink of this final battle. I have spent many years preparing for this moment, but it is one that I never imagined would be easy. From what Erol and Cergon say, Herrog has quite an army prepared for us. As I stated at the start, I will go alone if needed. I would ask at this point that you voice your intentions toward this task.” Tegan was resolute in his determination and was absolutely ready to go it alone. His wife had endured enough.
“My daughter will not spend another evening in that mountain if I and my people can help it,” Dorir stated as he joined Tegan at the front of the group. His people adored Milan and they were ready to celebrate any life given for her for many years.
“We also commit. We stand by you now and forever,” Fiji concurred. Never had any of the three kingdoms gone to war without the other two.
With the dwarves committed to the assault, it was time for the others. Arlow spoke first, “We owe a deep debt to the dwarves of Flau Strand and Tunder Bin. Only through the success of this mission can we consider the debt rendered. We will not rest until it is. Tell us where we are needed.”
“We are also ready to do our share. The generosity of the dwarves, and their friends, has benefitted many. We will not turn you down at your time of need. You can count on us.” Cergon was determined to see this endeavor through, even though he knew just how large the challenge would be. Both the men and centaurs had heinous deeds for which to repay Herrog.
The last group to commit, and the one most were unsure of, was the gargoyles. The only leader any of them dealt with was Kyrie, so the mind of their new leader was a mystery. Sandor began, “I speak for the gargoyles. You do not know me, but I was a gargoyle freed from captivity in the Demon’s Chamber. I can speak first hand of the horrors that occurred there. The might of the dwarves and others freed me. We will not abandon you at this or any other time, I promise.”
Belgin, Erol, Gile and Timo did not need to voice their agreeance. There was however, one absence. “Where is Quelna?” Tegan asked, looking for the wizard. The messenger who let everyone know of the meeting came forth, “He was not in his tent. It has been emptied of his things.”
“Where is he?” Tegan again asked. He hoped someone at the meeting could answer the question, his anger rising. The possibility their wizard might have left for the other side hung strong in his thoughts.
“He cannot be trusted,” Timo announced, stepping forward. “I have been suspicious of him for quite some time. He has kept his thoughts closer every day. More than anything his actions have led us to delay.”
“He will have the Stone,” Telon interjected. The leader’s looks of disbelief obvious.
“The Stone of Doom and Ruin? You knew he had the Stone and told us nothing?” Fiji asked, unable to fathom Tegan holding secrets for the others.
“Yes, it is in his possession. It is the one spoken of in the script from the Demon’s Chamber. By chance, it came to Telon as a gift. Only recently did we find out just what it was. At that time, we gave it to Quelna for safe keeping,” Tegan informed the others, trying to explain himself. “Quelna asked us to keep it a secret until we knew for sure it was the one. I went along with his request but now it is plain to see he was only buying himself time.”
“So, Herrog has the Jewel of Light and Milan’s half of the Blood Diamond. He may soon also have the Stone of Doom and Ruin, he will be very powerful indeed,” Timo stated to everyone. Their fear of the Herrog not needing anymore fuel.
There was much for the group to consider, but a guard interrupted their meeting, running in, “Sir, a squadron of harpy’s approaches!”
Tegan, Telon and Timo went to greet them. As the small group of harpy warriors landed, the dwarves saw they carried four with them. The harpies set down Skyler, Taylor, a young troll and dwarf girl before them. Shalkar, Balthar and Meril came running, very happy to see their friends. They were amazed at the unexpected presence of the dwarf girl. Shalkar immediately slowed down and began slicking his hair back as he changed the course of his dash, from Taylor toward the girl.
“Stop,” Skyler ordered, “She is with me.” Shalkar took the moment’s rebuke in stride and welcomed his friends.
The six boys all slapped hands and backs and congratulated each other on making it this far. Skyler then tore himself away to address Tegan, allowing Taylor and Kylee to introduce Ambrosia to the rest.
“Lord, I have grim news.” Skyler took Tegan aside and told him of all he knew of Daril, most of which Tegan knew. He then told of Jedrek’s dream with the axe, and that Seran asked them to round up another dwarf army to come and help. He finally spoke of the refusal of Darrow and the dwarves of the Hills. The dwarf’s unwillingness to come was a hard blow for Tegan but he understood Darrow’s reluctance. He would deal with Leevite, however, in a far different manner.
Skyler continued his story, “After the dwarves of the Hills departed, I made the decision to go for the land of the harpies, hoping to catch a ride here. Angelica provided that and then some.”
“Who is the girl? It was not wise to bring the young lady on this mission,” Tegan stated.
“She is Ambrosia, daughter of Nanilla and Darrow,” Skyler replied, knowing how badly it sounded in his own ears. “Angelica offered to allow her to stay, but that is not what we wanted.”
“So, you brought the princess of the Dragon Glades with you, even as we enter battle? What were you thinking?” Tegan could not believe what he heard.
Ambrosia heard the last as Tegan walked up behind them, “King Tegan, pardon me. Skyler did not ask me or take me, for I left on my own accord. My mother, the queen, gave me her blessing. I assure you I can take care of myself.” She asserted her place, but Tegan still was not comfortable with her being there.
“I will allow you to stay but you will not go to battle. Only due to the urgency of my own mission am I not personally returning you to your father. Do not make me regret this decision.” Tegan sternly told her, and she knew better than to protest.
“Skyler, despite Ambrosia being here, you again have proven yourself. Thank you.” Tegan admired the young dwarf, “Never take for granted the friendships you have. Your wisdom to make the troll your friend was very compassionate and farsighted. Many would have allowed his slaughter. You saw something where most would have never looked.”
“I feel I have done the same with Ambrosia, Lord,” Skyler said, standing up for her presence when she could not herself. She greatly appreciated the gest
ure but would not so much as make a smile while Tegan still stood before them.
“Time may reveal that.” Tegan still did not want her there for the danger that he knew lied ahead. He dismissed the young dwarves, sending for food and water for them all.
As they went back, Timo and one of the harpy women stepped forward, “Tegan, this is Coral, head of this company. She has a message from Angelica.”
“Lord Tegan,” she started, bowing low out of respect, “Queen Angelica sends this message. She asks for your forgiveness at not coming to your aid earlier. She has sent us to help you as we can. We bring over one hundred harpy warriors to strengthen your forces. Angelica will also be sending a squadron to check on the people of Tunder Bin and ensure the city is safe in your absence. Where would you have us?”
“I thank you and your Queen for your help. Jaric will let you know where to be, so look to him for direction. Thank you for coming here and for checking on my people. We are meeting to set up our attack, I would ask you to attend as the leader of the harpy soldiers.”
The leaders all went back to the large fire where the others were still waiting. Tegan told them the news from Skyler.
“So, Milan sends us a vital message of the battle ahead. If Darrow will not come, who will?” Fiji thought aloud.
“I curse Quelna for his role! He is a traitor, no better than Herrog himself!” Dorir shamed the wizard who he took in many years ago. Many around the circle joined in cursing Quelna and his deeds.
Kylee grew restless and ambled next to Skyler, whispering in his ear. Skyler then went to Tegan while the group was arguing. Tegan raised his hands to quiet the crowd, “Everyone, this is Kylee. Skyler and his men saved him and he has acted valiantly on our behalf since then. He has something to say.”
Kylee was very reluctant and so nervous his entire body shook. His legs were barely able to carry him even two steps forward. “I, I have seen the wizard, the one you discuss,” he stuttered and struggled to continue. “He has been to our village. He is the one who ordered a company of trolls to intercept Daril to get the axe. He has been ordering our every move over the past years.”
While the news was not a surprise anymore, it solidified their hate for the wizard. It also did little to help those in attendance forget that Kylee was, after all, a troll.
“Quelna has turned and is gone. It is best we forget him for now. There will be a time and place to deal with him and all who failed to answer the call,” Timo advised, both in reference to Quelna and Darrow.
“We have a wizard we can trust, let’s be thankful for that,” Tegan added, very glad to have Timo on his side. He was now every bit the match for Quelna.
Arlow raised his hand and Tegan invited him to speak, “With the news of Milan’s message, what are we to do? It does us no good to free Milan only to have the enemy crush us outside the gates. I am not a coward, but neither am I insane.”
“With the news of Quelna and knowing Herrog’s desire to gather the Three Charms of his creation, I believe our mission has changed. While it is true Herrog has never been stronger, he is only growing more powerful by the day. If we are to free Milan and perhaps attain her part of the Blood Diamond, then we need to do it now. Should he gather the Three Charms there will be no stopping him. This fight may not be for our success but for that of those that come after us,” Tegan grimly put forth to the group.
The dark message was hard for everyone to hear, but each knew it to be true.
Cergon added to the grimness, as he was prone to do, “Should we attack, as you are proposing, there is an awful small entrance for everyone to get through. How do you propose we attempt to get to Milan without being slain a few at a time as we leave the tunnel?”
Tegan had no answers and did not know what to say. Kylee sheepishly stepped forward again, his voice cracked as he squeaked, “There is another entrance.”
All eyes landed on the small troll, burying his short-lived courage.
“Please Kylee,” Tegan encouraged the boy, kneeling in front of him. “Tell us what you know.”
“There is another entrance. I was just back from the castle when Skyler and the others found us. We entered by another way. It is not much larger, but it is farther up in the mountain, well away from the main gate. I can show you where it is,” Kylee offered, wanting to help if he could.
Tegan smiled wide and took a moment to look to Skyler. Once again, his wisdom to spare the troll paid off.
“And I do not know for sure,” he stammered on, wanting to help, “but I think the lady dwarf you are seeking is in the highest chamber of the highest tower. I heard them talk about the prisoner. I believe that would be her.”
Tegan’s heart ached hearing the words. It had been so long since he last felt her in his arms or heard her soft voice. Milan was by his side, every day, for many years. It was easy for him to assume it would always be as such, and just as easy to take her presence for granted. Kylee’s words rushed her from something in his imagination to a very real person again. His urgency rose like a tidal wave above the ocean. He could not hold it back longer.
He hugged Kylee, not even knowing why. It was the second time someone hugged Kylee and he was wholly unsure of how to react. He would admit later that the embrace from Nanilla was far more enjoyable.
Tegan rose, “First, we must make it look as though we are being abandoned. Our cavalry on hooves and our squadrons in the air, you will depart back toward the sea. After you reach the village, you will split to find your separate entrances to the hidden valley. We will send our hooved troops through the upper passage Kylee spoke of, led by Cergon and Bryon. Kylee, Skyler and his men will ride with them. Our winged squadrons will enter over the left rim of the mountains. Both will attack, hopefully unexpectedly. Cergon, you will wait until the squadrons descend on the fortress. That will be your sign to attack from your point. The surprise will draw their attention from the tunnels and give the rest of our army a chance to gain a solid footing inside the main entrance. From there we will launch our attack on the fortress. Our main goal will be to get to Milan and send her jewel back to Tunder Bin, away from Herrog. Should we do that and realize victory not possible, we will retreat as best we can for another day.”
The leaders all agreed to the plan and the troops made final preparations. Tegan laid out the plan, but it was only to gain support. He would not leave without Milan. Even if, as he had stated many times, he would stand before Herrog alone.
While the plan was good, everyone still understood the probable end was ugly. Many of them would perish in the desperate assault.
Skyler and his men, with Arlow’s men on horse led by Bryon and the centaurs led by Cergon, would make for the high passage. Kylee would show them the route, but only after they made it look like they were departing. They hoped to come upon the castle unexpected. Timo would also go with them, to wield his magic from on high to aid the attack.
Sandor would lead the gargoyles and Coral the harpies, who would do the same from the other side of the fortress. They would fly south toward the village as if leaving and then circle around to come down from over top the mountains on the other side. If the plan worked, their timed attacks would draw the attention of Herrog’s forces long enough to allow Tegan and his army the time to gain a foothold inside the main entrance to Herrog’s forces.
Then Tegan, Telon, Dorir and a few of their best men would rush for the main gate and seek to find Milan.
Cergon’s forces already departed south, and the airborne forces were also ready to leave. Coral and Sandor reported to Tegan. “We are ready,” Coral said, trying to give Tegan hope. “I believe this will work.”
Sandor added, “This will be the first battle in history the gargoyles and harpies fought side by side. Your actions over many years have led to this point and created many alliances. That should give you hope.”
Tegan realized he was right. He did not build the combined force overnight, but over the past few years of trust among all peoples of so
uthern Lemuria. Given time, this trust could spread even further. The different groups coming together at this important time was not an accident. It gave him and others hope. “We will do our best, today and always. I pray our best is good enough.”
With the gargoyles and harpies departed, the assault on Herrog’s fortress began.
Chapter 26: The Assault
Skyler, Bryon, Cergon, Timo, and their troops rushed south. They headed back toward the icy bridge that led over the ocean. They rode hard, but not frantic. The goal was to make it appear as though they were abandoning the mission, not hurrying toward another one. Upon reaching the abandoned village by the sea, they turned sharply and headed southeast along the shore. After a lengthy ride along the edge of Calonia, Kylee led them into the woods.
“This is it,” Kylee said to Cergon.
“What? What is it? There is no path here,” Cergon complained as he entered a tangled mess of a path.
“Yes, there is, it’s a troll path. We do an excellent job of hiding our paths,” Kylee said proudly.
“No, no you don’t. Trolls do an excellent job of not making a path, so they don’t need to hide it!” Cergon was less than impressed. He wondered how a species could be so stupid and lazy while causing so much turmoil.
The troll path led through the thick forest on the southern tip of Calonia. He guided them through the trees, zig zagging many times on the path that often only allowed one rider wide as the trees were so thick and tangled. Trusting their guide, they worked their way toward the upper pass, managing the forest as best they could.
Many grew frustrated with Kylee, as often he would stop and have them backtrack as he lost the path. No one was more irritated than Cergon. “What are you doing?” he asked Kylee, who tried to not seem embarrassed.
“He does these things,” Skyler explained, wanting to defend Kylee but he was lost for words.
“They certainly didn’t mark this very well!” Kylee giggled uneasily to himself, feeling every look and the thought that it betrayed. At every turn, he would see a sign for the trail again and find his path once more. At least so they hoped.
The Three Charms Page 31