Dryw Henge

by Jonathan Forth

  Copyright © 2019 Jonathan Forth

  The moral right of the author has been asserted.

  Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Cover illustrated by Ignacio Corva.

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  ISBN 9781789019469

  British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.

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  Matador® is an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd

  To Sunny, who sacrificed his time on the beach to answer the question, ‘What do you think?’ many many times.

  Contents

  The Four Realms Cast of Characters

  1A New Beginning

  2Stanley the Dragon

  3The Nyle Ice Fields

  4Saturnus

  5The Black Boar

  6Everstead

  7The Pickpockets

  8The Black Wizard

  9The Aquamuran Army

  10The Terramian Cavalry

  11The Windstrom Army

  12Dryw Henge

  13Vane

  14On the Run

  15The Bridge Over the Symbel

  16Sirion

  17Insurgence

  18The Lost Valley

  19The Alethea Totem

  20Skirmishes

  21The Convent

  22Revenge at Celestina

  23Beasts in the Woods

  24The Sappers

  25The Battle for Ampheus

  26Gorath

  Epilogue

  The Four Realms Cast of Characters

  Terramis:

  King Armanar: King of the Realm of Terramis and Ward of its capital Ampheus. (Weapon: The sword, Light Wielder). Mount – Star Dancer.

  Queen Laila: Queen of Terramis and Lady of the Realm.

  Prince Aron: Son of King Armanar and Queen Laila. (Weapon: The sword, Golden Blade). Mount – Wildwind.

  Princess Fayette: Daughter of King Armanar and Queen Laila. (Weapon: The sword, Queen’s Defiance).

  Leo: Young man appearing in Daylon’s visions. (Weapon: The Staff of Talisien). Mount – Flint.

  Grandmother: Leo’s grandmother. Not known by any other name.

  Logar: Captain of the King’s Guard at Ampheus. (Weapon: The sword, Beast Slayer). Mount – Rolling Thunder.

  Daylon: Seer to King Armanar (Weapon: The dagger, Razor Phantom).

  Sumnar: Ex-Captain of the King’s Guard at Ampheus.

  Ladryn: Wizard to King Armanar at Ampheus.

  Keilif: Captain of the King’s Archers at Ampheus. (Weapon: The bow, True Flight).

  Dorf: Marshal of the King’s Guard at Ampheus. (Weapon: The war hammer, Thunderclap).

  Urien: Captain of the King’s Cavalry at Ampheus. (Weapon: The shield, Dauntless).

  Aland: Knight of Prince Aron’s personal guard. (Weapon: The crossbow, Flame). Mount – Proud Wanderer.

  Ailin: Knight of Prince Aron’s personal guard. (Weapon: The crossbow, Flare). Mount – Far Ranger.

  Gulden: Knight of the King’s Guard at Ampheus. Twin brother of Rolden. (Weapon: The sword, Truth Giver). Mount – Star Chaser / Sky Bound.

  Rolden: Knight of the King’s Guard at Ampheus. Twin brother of Gulden. Weapon: The sword, Iron Enforcer).

  Sister Hulda: Head of the convent in Windfell Woods.

  Halle: Adopted girl by the convent in Windfell Woods.

  Windstrom:

  Ambassador Martis: Windstrom Ambassador to Ampheus.

  Elder Rian: Elder of the Council of Windstrom.

  Elder Asha: Elder of the Council of Windstrom.

  Mia: Sky Born. Mount – Storm Pride.

  Aquamura:

  Ambassador Kelton: Aquamuran Ambassador to Ampheus.

  Lady Amice: A Terramian and personal friend of Queen Laila. Widower of a wealthy Aquamuran merchant.

  High Commissioner Yip: Chairman of the Aquamuran High Commission.

  Commissioner Niff: Commissioner to the Aquamuran High Commission.

  Gowan: Emissary of Gamura.

  Rear Admiral Dunbar: Commander of the Aquamuran fleet.

  Captain Blade: Pirate, nay Privateer.

  Gamura:

  Gorath ‘The Dark Lord’: Druid of Gamura and Leader of the Horde.

  General Shomari: Janshai, General and Commander of the Horde.

  Worak: Horde Captain, Janshai.

  Characters of the Four Realms:

  Saturnus: Ancient Druid of Terramis.

  Chapter 1

  A New Beginning

  Daylon sat in the glow of the fire at the Clan encampment, the reflection of the flames flickering across his face. “I assume everyone is familiar with our history. The Four Realms: Terramis, Windstrom, Aquamura, and Gamura. Bound by the four totems: Earth, Air, Water and Fire in the nurturing hands of the druids.

  “That the Dark Lord Gorath wanted more, believed the druids should be the rightful rulers of the Four Realms. That he found a fifth dark element, that totem was Quintessence. Its corrupt power devouring Gorath, fanning a desire to rule an Ancient World of his own making. Saturnus saw this vision of a bleak future and wanted to create a world where man would continue to live in peace, free for the betterment of humanity. Instead, it has become a never-ending battle between the forces of good and evil across these lands. This is our hardship and the burden of our forefathers before us.

  “What is rarely spoken of is a prophecy that foretold this happening long before the battle between Saturnus and Gorath.

  “It was written in the Chronicles of Durik. The chronicle has long been a subject of debate. There are those that consider it is a prophecy, pure and simple. Others believe it is an arcane knowledge that can be used to influence the future. Some, simply one version of what is to come, but that once written has become self-fulfilling.

  “That the final outcome for the Four Realms remains unclear, it lends weight to generations who have questioned the credence and the faith that can be placed on the chronicle. For many years the chronicle was banned, the parchments on which it was written gathered and destroyed. Few remain. There was only a single copy at Ampheus and I created a transcript before we left.” He went to his saddlebag and took out a leather-bound parchment and opened it.

  “I will read what it says. I will leave it to each of you to judge what it means. This is why we embarked on our journey. Why Gorath will do all in his power to make sure we fail:

  “Darkness was allowed to fester and grow. Sympathy for the land and one’s fellow man ebbed and waned. Ignored, paid no mind by man, distracted by petty squabbling and
the desire for the trappings of life. His armies will rise. War will come upon us and the beasts of the underworld will unite and will crawl from the recesses of the earth.

  “The sun will sink into the dark looming clouds. The rain and winds build into swirling torrents, uprooting trees, leaving a swathe of devastation in their path. Man’s proud cities will fall and crumble, forgotten. The night stars will tremble and shake as twilight approaches. The heavens will mourn all they behold below from the night sky. The people will weep and despair for the shackles placed upon them and their children’s hopes will wilt and fade.

  “But if you listen you can discern a whisper. Strain your eyes and a faint apparition may emerge. Reach out and perhaps you can sense their being. There is a hope that kings will hold ground to safeguard and shield the ascent of man. That the good in mankind can prevail. Pay heed and stay close at hand.

  “These words cannot be destroyed and will endure through time.”

  The companions paused, letting the words float freely around them making their own sense of the meaning as their awareness was drawn back to the fire and their surroundings.

  *

  Ladryn was chained to a wall in the dungeon. His hands were bound to his sides preventing him from bringing them together to meld spells. A leather strap was lashed around his head and held his mouth open, thwarting him from creating his incantations. Logar had questioned him earlier but had not really discovered anything of use. Whatever plans Gorath may have shared with Ladryn would surely be rewritten now given his failure to take Ampheus. He would no doubt persist with the siege if only to prevent the King from leaving the castle, retaliating and becoming a thorn in Gorath’s side. What was clear was he would turn his hateful intentions on Aquamura and Windstrom. He would continue to hunt down the Queen, Prince Aron and Saturnus.

  King Armanar sat on a stool in front of Ladryn. He was leant forward scratching his chin. Logar stood behind him with his arms crossed, flanked by two dungeon guards.

  “We will release the Horde later today. Many want to stay but we do not have the resources to house and feed them indefinitely. It may seem heartless but I need to prioritise the well-being of my Terramians. Gorath will do what he wants to them, they will have to face their fate. The wounded and walking will carry their dead. It will be the only time we will lower the drawbridge until the siege is ended.

  “Though, I have a conundrum. I have a Horde wizard that if I just allowed to leave could be raining fireballs down on Ampheus tomorrow. If he remains in the castle and we drop our guard he could open the gates once more or bring untold treachery on the castle.” Ladryn shook his head, but Armanar held up his hand.

  “Logar here, in his own subtle way, simply wants me to chop your head off.” Ladryn’s eyes widened in panic.

  “I feel you deserve a punishment more fitting a man who would have our families, friends, and companions murdered. You should fester the rest of your life in these dungeons, but I do not want to take the risk. Equally I want you and your evil being gone from Ampheus and unable to stir our memories.”

  He stood up and straightened, weighed down by his decision. “I believe this is the last time we will meet. Guards fetch the physician. Cut out his tongue! Sever his hands!” Ladryn struggled in his shackles; the King turned and left the dungeon.

  *

  That afternoon the drawbridge was lowered and the ragtag army trudged out. The survivors supported the wounded and pulled the dead behind them. All told four hundred men. They made their way onto the muddy bank beyond. One of the last to leave was a bloodied body on a stretcher with bandages on his face and hands.

  Once the drawbridge was locked back in place, those in Ampheus breathed a collective sigh of relief. Soldiers washed the blood-soaked cobblestones in the courtyard with water pulled up in wooden buckets from the lake. One blessing was that the Horde had been so confident in taking Ampheus, they had not set much of it ablaze, so there was relatively little to repair in the castle itself.

  The dead were carried to the catacombs for the time being and would be given a more appropriate burial once the siege was lifted. They accessed the catacombs to the rear of the chapel where the nobility was laid to rest. The body of each man and woman arranged side by side with their fellow guardsmen, whatever rank or nobility.

  Their swords rested on their chests with their arms crossed to clasp them. Families were allowed to pay their respects and perhaps leave a token or a keepsake. The dead could take these to the afterlife to remember those they had left behind.

  Finally, many gathered outside the chapel and were addressed by the King. He stood in a simple cream robe, unadorned with any gilding or trimmings. Those that were present removed any head coverings and bowed their heads as the King spoke.

  “To our fallen brothers and sisters who fought by our sides and perished. Dying with pride and honour, defending all that is worthy and sacred in this world. We release you from this presence on the mortal soil, let your souls journey to the next life in peace and contentment, for your sacrifice will not go unrewarded and will be remembered in song and verse for a thousand years. Troth to the Realms.”

  The King beat his chest. “Troth to the Realms,” whispered all those present. The drums started a slow melancholy rhythm. A trumpet sang a sad lament to the fallen as the King read their names one after another, tears running down his cheeks.

  The next day at dawn four hundred stakes were placed row by row on the bank around the lake. Each had a hordesman’s head impaled on top of it.

  Logar turned to the King, “It is not your fault, Sire, we had to think of our own. This war is far from done yet and it would be too much of a risk to let any stay.”

  The King scanned the line and nodded, “I don’t see the wizard, I wonder what Gorath has in store for him.”

  *

  The Queen and Captain Blade headed down to the docks and stepped onto The Black Boar’s tender.

  “Really?” said the Queen. “This is titchy.” It just fitted the five of them. And that was with Captain Blade standing on the stern and holding his cutlass in the sky.

  Rolden turned to the Queen, “Really Your Majesty, are we really going through with this, this man is a buffoon?”

  As they rowed out of the harbour, Her Majesty asked, “Captain which of these is your ship?”

  “Well,” said Blade, “can you see that fine galleon over there, just beyond the lighthouse?”

  “Yes,” said Her Majesty, momentarily relieved.

  “Well mine is the one next to it.” The Queen was suddenly disheartened to spot an old junk next to the galleon. The captain laughed, “Only pulling your leg milady. The galleon, that’s The Black Boar.”

  “Actually it is a lot bigger than I imagined,” said the Queen. Captain Blade winked, “That’s what they all say milady!”

  They stepped aboard The Black Boar. She seemed a solid sturdy ship. “Right milady, she’s a beautiful boat ain’t she?

  “Crusty here is my quartermaster. Keeps the crew and me in line he does. Crusty, let’s get the loafing sloths we call crew above decks, I want a word with them.”

  “Right you are captain,” said Crusty and he blew on the ship’s whistle. There was a stampede of feet as men appeared from below decks and descended from the rigging.

  “Ahhh, welcome back captain,” said one. “Good to see they didn’t stretch that neck of yours too far,” said another and chuckles were heard.

  The Queen perused this ragtag bunch of men, most of whom were, bare footed and wore ripped trousers and shredded shirts. Perhaps fifty men, but by a rough calculation only eighty-six eyes, eighty-four legs and seventy-five arms; and maybe another sixty or so missing bits she categorised as ‘other missing appendages’.

  Some were still worse for wear and wobbling a little on their feet.

  “Right you scurvy dogs, there is a special guest on boar
d the ship, Queen Laila of Terramis!”

  “Shiver me timbers,” said one, “Are we going to ransom her, captain?”

  “Aaiiyyaaii,” said Blade, “in normal circumstance that would be exactly what we do.

  “But this is not normal circumstances. We are going to help her track down a Gamuran thief and steal back a ‘totem’ he has stolen from the Aquamuran High Commission.”

  There was an air of confusion among the crew. “Doesn’t sound very piratey,” said one. “Sounds a bit like going legit. I don’t think I like the implications of that captain.”

  “Well you bunch of slack anchors, she saved my life and we are in her debt, it is what it is,” said Blade.

  “Not quite,” said Old Crusty. “I don’t need to remind you this ’ere vessel is a democracy. We should vote on it!”

  “Captain, can I say a few words?” asked the Queen.

  “Of course, milady be my guest,” said Blade.

  “Right crew, I’ll get straight to the point. Being a pirate today is fair game right. It’s nice and simple. You capture the right ship, you take the spoils. You run foul of the Aquamuran Navy, you hang. It could not be clearer than that. Agreed?

  “Now, if Gorath conquers the Ancient World, everything will go to ruin. There’ll be no more ships left to pillage. However, defeat him and in stability everyone will prosper, there will be boats shipping ale, exotic spices and gold all over the world.

  “More than even this fine handsome crew of pirates could plunder!”

  “Did she say handsome? Well then she’s got my vote,” said one.

  “All right you yellow-livered layabouts, let’s vote. All those in favour say ‘Aaiiyyaaii’.”

  The crew burst into a chorus of, “Aye aye captain!”

  “Alright Lieutenant Smyth, let’s get this ’ere ship underway.” The Lieutenant nodded.

  “Aye captain. Crew, raise the anchor, set the sails.”