by E J Gilmour
‘Perhaps he is the Prince of Shadows,’ suggested Red, recalling the earlier mention of the evil adversary from the Forgotten Age.
‘I hope not,’ said King Ignis nervously. ‘I always thought those old stories were just legends and myths. Until recently I thought the same about wyverns. We are going to see many dark times ahead if the Prince of Shadows has returned to Veredor.’
‘We will fight these enemies together, whoever they are,’ said Duke Egil.
King Ignis was happy at hearing his confidence. ‘Indeed, we will not allow the forces of darkness to take hold.’
**
They left the Orelin basin and journeyed south along the road toward the Iron Gate Pass for the rest of the afternoon. It was a fine day, and the clouds had mostly dispersed allowing the warmth of the sun to shine down. The soldiers were glad to be heading home. There was a growing sense of hope that they would soon see their families again and see an end to the evil reign in their homeland. All the men felt encouraged by their victory against the muckron horde.
That evening they made a camp beside a small river. Eben, Red, and Stella were sitting around a campfire. Max had joined them and was playing a wooden flute. The sound of the music was soothing to their tired minds.
‘That tune was lovely. You play so well,’ said Stella.
‘I bring my flute everywhere with me. My father gave it to me before he died. I grew up in Ancora near the western gate. I haven’t heard from my mother and sisters for nearly two years. I often wonder how they are.’
‘You will see them again soon,’ said Red as he took the wooden spoon from the pot and tasted the stew he had been preparing. He then brought out some wooden bowls from his leather bag. Eben had no idea where he had found his cooking equipment. He served the four of them some of his delicious mushroom stew.
‘Very nice, Red,’ said Eben.
‘I was a cook for a little while when I was still living in Silvor,’ said Red.
‘You’ve done just about everything,’ said Stella.
Red nodded and a big smile crossed his face. ‘Twenty years old and seen it all,’ he said proudly.
‘Probably you should think about settling down,’ suggested Eben.
‘That’s the plan,’ said Red, his smile becoming even wider as he glanced across at Stella. Stella shyly looked away.
‘What about you, Eben. After the war, what will you do?’ asked Red.
‘All I really want to do is find my parents.’
‘Where will you go?’ asked Stella.
‘I plan to travel to the lands beyond the Endless Wall Mountains. I hope to find the remaining Fiorian Knights. King Ignis told me that my mother was once the leader of the Fiorian Order. They may be able to tell me what happened to my mother and father.’
‘Your mother was a Fiorian; that’s amazing,’ said Stella, her eyes widening at the revelation.
‘I hope she’s still out there somewhere,’ said Eben.
‘If she is I’m sure you will find her,’ said Red confidently.
‘I have heard the Western Lands are beautiful. Especially Irvaria and Everdon,’ said Stella. ‘I hope you find your parents.’
‘I will search until I do,’ said Eben, feeling he would not rest until he knew what happened to his mother and father.
**
The following morning the army moved further south. The towering Endora Mountains covered the entire southern skyline. The landscape gradually flattened out and looked much like the plains they had ridden across when they had first come out of the Northern Pass. The army was marching quite quickly, mostly due to the enthusiasm of the men. The road curved gradually toward the southwest as they progressed. The Iron Gate Pass was set at the collision point of the Endora Mountains and the Endless Wall Mountains. The pass had always been the only road to Vastoria from Ortaria and Scaldonia; this fact had caused it to be the focal point of numerous wars throughout the ages.
Eben had heard that the land of Vastoria beyond the pass was a harsh and inhospitable desert. The Vastorians were mostly a tribal and nomadic people. They lived in the wastelands and made a living from the unforgiving environment. This gave Vastorians a reputation as a rough and ruthless people. Further west, beyond the borders of Vastoria, was the famed Kingdom of Irvaria. Irvaria was said to be a land of grand castles, lush rolling hills, beautiful lakes, enchanting forests, and noble people. Eben wondered how far he would have to go to find the answers he sought.
‘Eben, if I was to ever get married would you be my best man?’ asked Red.
Eben looked over to Red who was riding beside him. He then looked back over his shoulder and saw that Stella was riding quite a long way back with Meara and Baftel.
‘Of course,’ he replied.
‘Good. Great,’ said Red, nodding and smiling. Red slowed his horse and waited for Stella to catch up. Eben continued to ride at the front of the army with King Ignis.
‘He’s an interesting young man, that Red,’ said King Ignis. ‘He never takes anything seriously, yet he is always there when you need his help; such a strange combination.’
‘He’s my best friend,’ said Eben as he looked over his shoulder at Red and Stella riding further back.
‘I’ll have to make him into a knight for his service to Ortaria, even though he was born in Silvor,’ said King Ignis. ‘Keep this a secret; I’ll make it a surprise for him on our return to Ancora.’
‘I won’t say a word.’ Eben felt happy about what King Ignis had said. He knew Red would be overjoyed at being offered a knighthood.
**
Late in the morning on the following day the Ortarian army was approaching the meeting place of the two mountain ranges in the southwest corner of Scaldonia. The land grew hilly the further they proceeded south. Ahead of them were two great mountains and a deep valley. They moved along the well maintained road that cut into the hillsides and led up through the great valley between the two snow-capped mountains. After midday King Ignis halted the army on a hilltop, and from their position they had a wide view of the mountains.
‘The Iron Gate Pass,’ said King Ignis. ‘In two days we will be in Galdir.’
The King led the way along the road as it curved up through the mountains. The road led them through deep valleys and was often carved into mountainsides. Often there were sheer cliffs that descended into deep and craggy valleys below. There was always enough room for at least two wagons side by side.
When evening arrived they set up camp at the base of a valley high in the mountains. The army had prepared for the cold by bringing firewood from the wooded lands below, and before long hundreds of fires lit up the valley in the early evening. Meara, Red, Stella, Baftel, and Cassiel were sitting with Eben around a blazing campfire.
‘Tomorrow we will part ways,’ said Meara. ‘Before long I will return to Ortaria. There will be a great need for the Irilians in these lands. I hope to bring many wizards to assist the people of the Eastern Lands.’
‘Do you think the Zyranians can be stopped?’ asked Red.
‘Yes, I do. I also believe there are still some good Zyranians; however, the High Commander and the Gatekeeper have certainly turned to evil ways. I am convinced they are in the service of the evil Master in the north. I hope to bring about a revolution within the Zyranian Order. Magic was always intended to be used for good. In ancient times men had no magic. The Astarian Lumen instructed men in the ways of Astarian magic to help men defend Veredor. Those first few wizards formed the Fire Order. They built the Tower of Fire in the Old Guardian Mountains; the Fire Order has lived there ever since. From the Fire Order came the Irilians and the Zyranians. The primary intention always remained the same: to use magic for the good of all and to protect Veredor from evil. Therefore I believe the way to overcome the Zyranian Order is to call on the good Zyranians who still hold to the true ways of old.’
‘When Baltac became the High Commander all those who were good were pushed down or out of the Zyranian Order.’ said Ba
ftel. ‘The good wizards who remained have been given the lowliest positions in the order, and there are several others like myself, outcasts.’
‘Soon we will gather the outcasts and help them to retake control of Zyran,’ said Meara.
**
The next morning the army moved onward through the Iron Gate Pass. The road continued to take them higher into the icy mountains. By early afternoon the way opened out onto a wide flat area situated between three enormous snow covered peaks. They had come to the crossroads of the pass. Three roads led away from the area. Each way had ancient stone gateways set into towering walls, but the old gates were long since gone. The flattened area between the gates was about the size of a large farmer’s field, about four hundred yards across. Each gateway opened the way to the three respective countries. West led to Vastoria, north to Scaldonia, and east to Ortaria.
‘This place is called the Edius Plateau,’ said King Ignis as his eyes scanned the empty area. ‘Many wars have been fought between these three gates.’
The army stopped on the plateau as it was the place where Meara and Baftel would be leaving them. The two wizards rode to the front of the lines of soldiers.
‘King Ignis, I will return as quickly as possible,’ said Meara. ‘I wish you the best for the trials that are ahead of you.’
‘I look forward to your return to Ancora,’ said King Ignis warmly. Meara then turned to Eben.
‘Eben, remember what I told you about crossing the bridge. I’m sure you will do amazing things. We will meet again soon. Be brave and strong.’
‘I will,’ said Eben.
She then looked to Cassiel. ‘You are now my apprentice and a wizard of the Irilian Order. Represent us with honour in Ortaria. I will send word to you, and we will meet again soon. Serve King Ignis loyally.’
‘I will be true to the Irilian Order and serve King Ignis,’ said Cassiel, bowing to Meara.
‘Goodbye my friends,’ she said, turning her horse toward the gate that led to Vastoria.
Baftel raised his hand and waved to the company as they departed. ‘I will see you all again,’ said the old wizard. Meara was leading Baftel’s horse behind her own horse. They rode away slowly, and before long they were out of sight.
‘Let’s continue,’ said King Ignis. The army moved away from the Edius Plateau and through the eastern gateway toward Ortaria. As the evening arrived the army came to a wide valley with a waterfall which fell down from the heights above to a fast flowing stream that rushed through the base of the valley. They set up camp again beside the waterfall.
Later in the evening Eben sat by the stream with Red and Stella.
‘It’s going to be different with Meara and Baftel gone,’ said Stella, a hint of sadness in her voice.
‘We will be fine,’ said Red. ‘Meara said she’ll return to Ortaria as soon as possible, and she’ll bring with her more wizards to teach those Zyranians a thing or two.’
‘You’re right, Red. She won’t be gone for long.’
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The following day they came out of the mountains and into the foothills on the Ortarian side of the range. The air was clear, and the sun was shining brightly down on them. From a high hill Eben could see the Kingdom of Ortaria stretching out into the distance. He could see the hills below and emerald green plains that faded into the distant horizon. His eyes were drawn to a hill about three miles away. A mighty fortress was set at the height of the hill. A small town covered the steep hillsides surrounding the tower.
‘Galdir!’ cried King Ignis excitedly.
The general mood in the army was hopeful; Eben could feel the excitement in the air. They continued to move forward toward the fortress, and within two hours they were rounding the last hill.
A group of riders rode out from the fortress to meet them; their leader was wearing bright armour in the manner of a knight, but without a helm. A large moustache dominated his face, and he was mostly bald with hair growing out only above his ears. The other riders were Ortarian cavalrymen.
‘Hail! General Hugo!’ shouted the leading rider. ‘I expect to hear good news. Has Orelin fallen?’
‘Baron Doriak, there is much we must discuss,’ replied General Hugo. Baron Doriak’s posture stiffened; he took a quick breath as he stared in shock at King Ignis. A few moments passed in complete silence.
‘I don’t see how this can be,’ said the Baron, visibly shaking. ‘I received word from King Ignis in Ancora only yesterday, and yet, here I see that King Ignis rides with the army. Surely there is something wrong.’
‘I am King Ignis. The message you received was from an imposter,’ said the King firmly.
‘I don’t know if this can possibly be true,’ said Baron Doriak, his eyes narrowing.
‘It is true,’ said General Hugo. ‘We have been the victims of grave treachery. King Ignis has been imprisoned in the Dungeons of Zyran for three years. An imposter has been ruling our lands. Now that King Ignis has returned we will make all things right in Ortaria.’
‘I trust you, General Hugo; however, this news is difficult for me to understand. I must say that I am shocked. Let me lead you to the fortress. We will discuss this matter further in private. Follow me, Your Highness,’ said Baron Doriak as he turned his horse.
The army marched onward toward the fortress. The towering fortress was a thin structure made of dark bluestone and looked to be as old as the mountains themselves. The tower was about fifty yards across at the base and about a hundred and fifty yards in height. The fortress only had narrow vertical windows set high above the ground. On top of the fortress three flags of Ortaria blew gently in the wind; the flags depicted the golden lion of Ortaria set against a red background. A defensive wall, standing about forty feet in height, encircled the town at the base of the hill. Several small towers were set at intervals along the wall. The army marched up to the main gate.
King Ignis turned to General Hugo. ‘Hugo, tell the men to set up camp here. Allow them to enter the town if they wish, but tell them to be respectful toward the townsfolk. Have your commanders organise supplies for the journey to Ancora. I want to leave at first light.’
‘It will be done,’ said General Hugo with a curt nod.
The King then turned to Eben. ‘Eben, come with me up to the fortress. I’m not yet sure this place is completely safe, so keep your eyes open.’ A few moments later General Hugo returned. Baron Doriak led King Ignis and Eben up toward the fortress. General Hugo, Cassiel, Red, and Stella followed after them. The town was depressed and desolate; however, it was in a far better state than Ancora or Lantern Hill. The people stared as they rode by. Eben could hear the surprised shouts as the people of the town saw King Ignis riding with the Baron.
They arrived at the top of the hill. At the base of the fortress was a great iron door set above several stone steps. There were many depictions carved into the surface of the great door. Two guardsmen stood on each side of the entrance. They all dismounted and tied up their horses. A few moments later they walked through the doorway into a hall. Mighty pillars lined the walls, rising about eighty feet to the ceiling above, and the floor was covered with grey slate. On the far side of the hall was an empty bronze throne. To their left and right stone stairways led up to the higher level. Several doorways led off from the main hall on both sides.
‘The Hall of Galdir, it has been too many years since I was last here,’ said King Ignis as he walked toward the bronze throne.
‘I would not sit there if I was you,’ said Baron Doriak as the iron door slammed shut. The doors lining the walls burst open, and groups of armed Ortarian guardsmen charged into the hall. About forty guardsmen surrounded the group as Baron Doriak walked toward the throne and sat down, relaxing back with a smug grin on his face.
‘What is the meaning of this?’ shouted King Ignis, his hand going to the hilt of his sword.
‘The real King Ignis has instructed me, by royal decree, to capture the pretender and to remove General
Hugo’s rank. I will take control of the army.’
‘This is madness!’ cried General Hugo. ‘The army will never allow it!’
‘Yes they will. Because I am the highest ranked man in Galdir, now that you, Hugo, have had your rank and nobility taken from you. This pretender will be put in chains and taken back to Ancora. You will be punished for trying to masquerade as the King of Ortaria.’ King Ignis looked across at Eben who was standing at his side.
Cassiel began to lift his hands; Baron Doriak’s snorted and then glared at him. ‘Ah, yes, the young Zyranian. My reports say you are an impatient fool and that your skills are feeble at best. Do you think using your magic now will save you or your friends?’ Several of the guardsmen pointed their spears at Cassiel. Cassiel lowered his hands and looked across at King Ignis for direction. The King turned to Eben.
‘Eben,’ whispered King Ignis. ‘These guardsmen are Ortarians; they don’t deserve to die for following the orders of this mad fool. I saw you slay a hundred muckrons and a wyvern.’
‘What are you plotting?’ shouted the Baron, clenching his fists.
Eben glanced around at the guardsmen and drew his sword. He nodded back to King Ignis confidently. A moment later Eben stepped forward toward Baron Doriak.
‘You cannot take the King,’ said Eben boldly.
‘Do you want to die, boy? Your group is outnumbered at least five to one!’ shouted Baron Doriak, his lips curling in anger. Eben continued walking toward Baron Doriak. ‘Kill him!’ cried the Baron.
The guardsmen charged at Eben. Eben easily parried several attacks and sliced a spear in two as he kicked a guardsman back. He parried and threw another to the ground as he continued walking toward Baron Doriak. More guardsmen charged at him and again he parried and threw a man down as he tripped another up and knocked the man’s sword away. A moment later he held his sword inches from the Baron’s chest. Baron Doriak stared up at Eben in shock.
‘Tell them to drop their weapons!’ said Eben in a low voice.
The Baron shrunk back in fear. He looked to the guardsmen who had been knocked to the ground and the others who were stumbling away; none of them were seriously hurt, but they had all been completely outmatched.
‘Drop your weapons,’ he muttered, trembling in fear as he stared up at Eben. ‘Who are you?’