War in Colgilor

by Colin Gibbons

  ‘I will take your decision back to the Great Wizard. He will be overjoyed, as his last words to me before I left were how important it was to have you fighting alongside. “Fearsome warriors”, he called you, so this is a good day for me and all those in Colgilor who enjoy their freedom.’ He took a portal out of his rucksack. ‘This is a portal to the Great Wizard’s cave: you will be able to go through once he opens it up. That will be when everything is in place and we are ready to attack. Meanwhile, you should spend the time to prepare yourselves.’

  Pan turned to ‘Ava’. ‘I must leave now, but first let us play together once more. Maybe after the Dark Wizard is vanquished we can gather all the Kingdoms together for a celebration, and you could once again display your magical melodies.’

  Ava smiled awkwardly before picking up her flute, closing her eyes and letting the flute emit its mesmerising sound. Pan joined in and the whole area was filled with a wonderful, warm sensation. As the music finished, Pan bowed his head to Ava before disappearing, and the whole camp burst into cheers. Ava blushed and dropped her head. Shaun saw her embarrassment and wrapped his arms around her and whispered, ‘See, I was right to bring you along. I doubt we would have had this success without you.’

  Cabura turned to Creedor. ‘We were captured by the Dark Wizard’s guards and they enslaved our families, threatening to kill them if we did not obey their demands. We had to train with them every day in their methods of combat, so we would fight alongside them in the battle with the Great Wizard. So would it not be to our advantage if I brought all my warriors here so we could train together and be prepared for their technique?’

  ‘I think that is a great plan,’ said Sateala, ‘and what would be even better is if both of your tribes join us Fauns in the secret valley, and we could all train together. Once we have learned their method and how best to nullify them, we would be in the perfect position to surprise and defeat them, but of course I would have to check with our elders and the Great Wizard.’

  Again the Centaurs gave their approval, raising their weapons above their heads and chanting. Creedor put his arms on Cabura and Sateala. ‘I think they have given their answer: we will await your instructions.’

  Shaun waited till the chanting ceased before glancing over to Creedor. ‘We must be off now. I’m sure the Great Wizard will contact you once he has spoken to the elders of the secret valley. I thank you and your tribe and look forward to fighting by your side.’ They said their goodbyes before he and his little troop waved to the Centaurs as they left the camp.

  They travelled back to the secret valley to find the elders had already welcomed Sedene’s Fauns back into the fold, but when Sateala explained to the Chief Elder at the idea of the Centaurs joining them, he would discuss the matter with the other elders. Shaun, as usual, was important, and as the hours ticked by all these delays were a worry, as they had no idea when the Dark Wizard would attack.

  Just as the sun began to darken and fade on its journey down towards the horizon, the elders finally emerged from their lodge. There was a brief, awkward moment of silence before the Chief Elder approached Shaun. ‘As you know, we have always kept the location of our valley a guarded secret. Anyone entering would never be allowed to leave.’ He paused a moment and raised his hand as Shaun was about to explain further. ‘But,’ he continued, ‘we realise that this will not be possible under the circumstances. If we do not welcome the Centaurs to join us, this would be to the advantage of the Dark Wizard. So we are all in agreement: desperate measures are needed in desperate, dangerous times.’

  Shaun sighed out loud with relief as he bowed his head to the elders, and a huge smile spread across his face. ‘Thank you so much. This is a really important decision. The Centaurs and your Fauns would be the final piece of the Great Wizard’s plan. With them all trained together they will make a huge difference to our success.’ He strolled over to Sateala, Sedene and Cabura. He gave each a warm embrace before leading Ava over to the portal. They turned and waved before stepping through to the Great Wizard’s cave.

  They were greeted with a pleasant surprise: the Great Wizard had allowed Creedor and his Centaurs to join Cabura’s Centaurs. He knew the elders would agree to them all training together in the secret valley to form a formidable army with the knowledge of the Dark Wizard’s tactics and style of combat.

  So without further delay the Great Wizard spoke to the Chief Elder and thanked him for his decision before opening the portal to allow all the Centaurs to pass through. After the last one disappeared he turned to Shaun and Ava. ‘Enjoy the remainder of the day to catch up with a well-earned rest, and of course I’m sure a little refreshment wouldn’t go amiss,’ he said with a smile and a mischievous glint in his eye. ‘For tomorrow we must discuss our plan of action. Herne has been keeping watch over the Darkside, and has told me there is an increase in the movement of the Dark Wizard’s guards.’ He put his hand on Ava’s shoulder. ‘And you have not disappointed us. Shaun was wise to take you with him: you and your magic flute must take a lot of the credit for this success.’ She smiled awkwardly, glancing over to Shaun, and the Great Wizard turned and ambled back over the bridge towards his private quarters.

  Meanwhile the Dark Wizard had summoned Baba Yelka to his fortress. As she was escorted along the main corridor by one of his guards, she was struggling to remain calm: her hands and brow were damp and sweaty as her mind was flooded with reasons why he would speak with her, and each one was filled with doom and gloom. And as she approached the large, ornate door with its weird etchings of mysterious symbols, her legs felt like lumps of lead and she was visibly shaking from head to toe when the guard banged on the door three times. After a nerve-jangling wait the harsh voice of the Dark Wizard bellowed from within. ‘Enter!’ The guard slowly opened the door and pushed Baba Yelka inside before closing the door behind her.

  The Dark Wizard was sitting at his table, and Baba Yelka kept her head bowed, trying to peek over her tiny glasses that were perched on the end of her nose, and holding her breath, waiting for him to speak. To her amazement he beckoned her over. ‘Come, take a seat. I have an important task for you to carry out.’ She quickly strode over to the chair at the other side of the table and sat down. ‘First of all, how are you and your sister progressing with the Zombie army?’

  His soft tone took her by surprise and she sat up, raising her head. ‘Yes, we are doing really well.’ She paused a moment, nervously clearing her throat. ‘They have all been raised from the dead and we are busy providing weapons for them so you will have a fully equipped fighting machine ready for action very soon.’

  ‘Excellent!’ screamed the Dark Wizard. ‘Everything is in place apart from one last detail. I have in my control all the evil inhabitants and creatures of the Darkside, but we still need to increase our dark magic.’ He sank back in his chair, running his fingers through his beard. ‘As you are aware, the Great Wizard has untold powers, and with the boy with the magic hammer, their combined strength is very worrying. Do you remember the two warlocks that were banished from Colgilor by the Great Wizard after the Great War? They were strong sorcerers: with them alongside we would possess the greater power, and I’m sure they would be more than willing to join forces with us to gain revenge on him.’

  She nodded her head. ‘Yes, I agree. but where do we look for them? All I remember is that they were banished to the other side of the rugged, mountainous border on the outskirts of our land.’

  ‘Well!’ he shrieked, banging on his table. ‘What are you waiting for? That is where you must start your search.’ Baba Yelka shuddered at the sound of his sharp, icy tone but that was what she was expecting. She knew he had very little patience, if any. He sat up, leaning over his table. ‘To make sure you travel in safety, I will send three of my personal guards with you.’ He stood up and ambled over to a large chest in the corner of the room and took out a large mirror, placing it in a bag, ‘You can take this portal with you so your return journey will be so much easier, but be
warned: if you return without them, you will face an agonising death.’ A cold, evil smirk crossed his face which sent shivers down her back and she took the mirror and bowed her head before scuttling out of the room.

  Baba Yelka and the three guards travelled for several days before reaching the wild, barren, hostile area which was totally isolated from the remainder of Colgilor. It was late afternoon and the sun had all but disappeared over the mountain tops, so they decided to bed down for the night so that they would be well rested to tackle the climb across the mountainous border.

  At first light they made sure the horses were fed and watered before tethering them in a sheltered area close to the mountainside and setting off on the ascent. The going was slow and laborious, but finally they reached the summit, and to their delight found a dirt track winding its way down to the valley floor below.

  It was a slow trek down on the shale and gravel path, but once they reached the bottom, one of the guards turned to Baba Yelka. ‘What now?’ he said, shaking his head. ‘The mountainside is riddled with caves. We could spend the rest of our lives searching through them and the warlocks may not even be here.’

  She stood a moment, scanning the rock face and rubbing her long, misshapen chin, her face screwed up. She was no oil painting at the best of times, but her expression sent shivers down the backs of the guards. She looked more frightening than the Dark Wizard, if that was possible. All of a sudden her face changed into a smug, sickly smile as she gave out one of her nerve-jangling cackles which made the guards take a step back. She turned to face the mountainside and took out her magic wand, pointing upwards and reciting several mumbled rhymes, her eyes swirling and her head swaying from side to side in some sort of trance. Suddenly the whole mountainside was bathed in an eerie, green mist which moved constantly, twisting and twirling, which the guards struggled to turn away from – the twirling motion seemed hypnotic. This continued for several minutes before Baba Yelka screamed out as she again waved her wand towards the mountainside. The guards’ eyes snapped open as some of the mist slowly cleared, leaving a small cloud of the mist which circled around and around part way up the dirt track.

  ‘That must be it!’ she shrieked as she set off to investigate. The guards looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders before chasing after her. The dirt track was even more difficult underfoot than the one at the other side of the mountain; again there was shale and gravel, but there were also clumps of thick vegetation and gnarled timber stumps blocking their way. Finally they reached the cloud of mist. Baba Yelka raised her wand and the mist disappeared, leaving a small crevice in the rock face which was camouflaged with thick bushes. The guards cleared the opening and led the way forward into the dark tunnel which twisted and turned, one tunnel leading to another in a continuous maze; the path passed through strange chambers with rugged walls and ceilings, all etched and sculpted by the constant trickle of water through cracks and clefts above which also allowed flickers of light to pass through, casting eerie shadows and making the guards and even Baba Yelka somewhat nervous and uneasy.

  The guards’ main concern was how would they be able to find their way back, so their nerves were jangling as they constantly turned their heads from side to side, half-expecting someone or something to jump out from the shadows. And as they entered another chamber they came to a sudden halt and drew their swords as they spotted a huddled figure step back into the shadows at the far end of the chamber. Baba Yelka raised her wand and slowly moved forward with the guards close behind. ‘Valdousa, Galish, is that you? The Dark Wizard has sent us to talk to you.’

  There was a short lull before the two warlocks stepped out of the shadows. They were like twin brothers, both wearing identical clothing: long, black robes and huge, black-brimmed hats with the projecting edge turned up all the way round. Their hands were gnarled with age, their faces heavily wrinkled, and they had large ears and bulbous noses. Each had long, frizzy, grey beards which flowed down over their robes, and each had a small pair of round spectacles perched on the end of their nose. Baba Yelka ambled over towards them. ‘The Dark Wizard and the Great Wizard are gathering armies to face each other in the war of all wars. The victors will rule the whole of Colgilor and the Dark Wizard has requested you join us in our battle. So that with you two and me and my sister Baba Medina, our combined power would be more than a match for the Great Wizard.’

  Valdousa turned to Galish. ‘Why would we risk our lives? What have we to gain?’ Baba Yelka moved closer, again scanning the chamber. ‘Well, for one thing, these living conditions look dreadful to me. And another thing: would you not enjoy gaining revenge on the Great Wizard for exiling you from your homeland?’

  Valdousa put his arm around Galish before turning to Baba Yelka. ‘Wait outside: I need to discuss this with Galish. What you have said is true but nevertheless it is a big decision and we need time to mull over our thoughts.’

  She nodded her head before returning to join the guards and ushering them out of the chamber and back through the maze of tunnels.

  They waited in the shade of the entrance away from the heat of the scorching midday sun, and as the time ticked by they were beginning to give up hope, when finally they could hear the voices of the warlocks filtering through the tunnels and gradually becoming louder.

  She gave one of her sickly smiles as the warlocks emerged carrying their few belongings. ‘We were beginning to think you had decided to stay, but we are so pleased you will be coming back with us, as will the Dark Wizard be.’

  ‘It was a difficult decision,’ replied Valdousa. ‘I just hope we don’t regret it, and now we have the long, arduous journey to face.’

  Baba Yelka shook her head. ‘No, the Dark Wizard gave us a portal which we have left at the other side of the mountain with our horses, so if we set off now we should just about make it before dark.’

  With their spirits lifted by the success, the journey back over the mountain seemed so much easier, apart from the two warlocks who were so old and decrepit and needed the help of the guards. They were virtually being carried as they reached the other side. Baba Yelka took out the portal and waved the guards through, two of them assisting the warlocks and the third leading the horses, with Baba Yelka following close behind. Even when they stepped into the fortress, Baba Yelka’s spirits were high: for the first time she was actually looking forward to seeing the Dark Wizard and show that they had succeeded. But, true to his reputation, the Dark Wizard showed no signs of joy or praise; he simply sat at his desk scowling as the guards escorted them into the room.

  ‘You can go now,’ he said in his cold, hollow voice to Baba Yelka. ‘I will speak with the two warlocks alone. You can go back to your sister. I will send for you when I am ready. And make sure you have the Zombie army prepared.’

  Baba Yelka had few feelings of any sort, but that was hurtful. But she was relieved to leave the fortress, as there were times when she thought the Dark Wizard would carry out his threat of a slow, painful death.

  While that had been going on, the Great Wizard had been busy putting the final touches to his war plan. The Goblins had ceased with their daily tasks in the mine to concentrate on producing fairy arrows, and as each batch was completed, they were taken to the Great Wizard’s cave for him to add his touch of magic to them. Once he had the huge number he felt was required, he gathered all the warriors together. He opened the portal to the Magic Kingdom and the warriors passed through carrying all the caskets containing the arrows. As the last ones disappeared, the two Dragons followed, with Shaun and the Great Wizard the last to leave.

  They were greeted with loud cheers from the waiting crowd. The warriors were assembled in separate groups alongside their leaders who had travelled from their Kingdoms to show a united front. The Fairy elders were there, as were the elders from the secret valley to support their fauns and Centaurs; both Dwarf Kings and Princes were also there: Delross, Dumall and their sons Duball and Dakro. And to Shaun’s surprise and delight even the Grey
Elf was there with his Elves. Herne was standing with the two Dark Wizard’s guards, Garoob and Garoushe.

  While they all chatted excitedly together, the Great Wizard took Shaun, Herne and all the leaders into the Guardian’s private cave to finalise the details of the attack. After a long interlude, Shaun emerged and beckoned Ferreira to join him before escorting him back into the cave.

  Ferreira looked a little uneasy as he watched the Guardian approach. ‘Don’t look so nervous. This is an important day in all the warriors’ lives, but especially for the Fairies.’ He paused a moment before continuing. ‘As you are aware, I and your honourable departed leader Favoria rode with the Great Fairy warriors into battle, but even those famous victories will be over shadowed by what we hope you are about to achieve: the total end to all the evil that is poisoning our great land.’ He turned and ambled over to a large, golden chest: there was a loud groaning noise as he opened the lid. ‘This chest has not been opened since those memorable times,’ he said as he pulled out a beautiful golden sword. ‘This was carried into battle by the leader of those great warriors, your Favoria, and so you will have the privilege of repeating his honour by leading the Fairy warriors to their greatest victory.’ He paused again. ‘And also the other weapons of those warriors will be carried by the warriors of your choice, the strongest and most faithful.’ He carried the sword over to Ferreira who by this time was a little overwhelmed and was fighting back his tears. He bowed his head as he took hold of the sacred weapon. He kissed the blade before taking his own sword out of its sheath and carefully sliding the precious weapon in its place.

  The Guardian placed a hand on the shoulder of Ferreira before continuing. ‘At the time before the Great War there were thirteen troops of Fairies in Colgilor, and the strongest and most skilful of those warriors were selected to form the legendary elite troop to ride into battle on the magnificent steeds leading the other Fairy warriors.