Return to Colgilor

by Colin Gibbins

  ‘I must go and speak with the Grey Elf and then return the ring to the Great Wizard: that will take me a day or two,’ said Shaun. ‘So we will meet at the elves lake.’

  ‘Yes, that sounds perfect,’ said Louis. ‘I will need to go home first: my father needs to see me, and of course Ava will already have returned there.’

  Shaun gave them each a warm embrace before leaving the room, and as he walked along the corridor towards the King’s room he could hear footsteps behind him and he turned to see Garoob hurrying along to catch up.

  ‘Please, I must talk with you!’ he shouted as he rushed up beside him.

  ‘Is it important? I really do need to speak with the Grey Elf.’

  ‘Yes, very important and what I have to say is for the ears of the Grey Elf, but I can tell you how he acts on my information will affect the lives of everyone in Colgilor.’

  Shaun looked him up and down. ‘How do I know this is not some sort of plan hatched by the Dark Wizard to gain my trust and then take back information about the Grey Elf? He is a very secretive person: I doubt he would be interested.’

  ‘Well, please ask him, time is running out. Do you really want this on your conscience?’

  ‘Stay there, I will speak with him and come back shortly.’ Shaun turned and hurried along to the King’s room, knocked and walked in. ‘Could I speak with the Grey Elf through the portal? It is vital I speak to him now.’

  ‘Of course,’ said the King as he walked over to the portal and opened it up. Shaun waited until he could see the face of the Grey Elf appear before moving over to join the King. ‘Take as long as you need.’ He smiled and slipped out of the room.

  The Grey Elf’s face crinkled into a smile when he saw Shaun. ‘It’s so good to see you, the King has told me of your success. When will you be joining me? We need to spend some time so you can fill me in with all the details.’

  ‘Yes, of course. I’ll be there shortly but one of the prisoners we freed had been a personal guard to the Dark Wizard and he fell out of favour and was condemned to the torture chamber to suffer a long, lingering death. He tells me he has vital information that affects all of Colgilor and will only pass that information over to you.’

  ‘It could be a trap devised by the Dark Wizard, don’t you think?’

  ‘Yes, that’s what I feared, but thinking of the contraption he was strapped to, which was slowly stretching his limbs and a huge, spiked canopy was gradually descending over him, there was no escape. It was only by using the magic hammer and the Great Wizard’s magic ring that I was able to free him.’

  The Grey Elf sank back in his chair, running his fingers through his beard, deep in thought. After pondering for several minutes he nodded his head. ‘Very well, we dare not ignore him: we would never forgive ourselves if something disastrous happened and we could have prevented it. You accompany him through the portal and we will listen to what he has to say.’

  Shaun slipped out of the room. ‘The Grey Elf will see you just stay here while I tell the King we are leaving.’ He hurried along the corridor and Garoob waited patiently until he returned. ‘Follow me,’ Shaun said as he stepped back into the room. ‘I must tell you we are a little suspicious. You can understand why the Dark Wizard is an evil being but has incredible powers: he would stop at nothing to capture or kill the Grey Elf.’

  ‘Yes, I understand. I have seen the worst of him: some things he does are beyond imagination. He has no feelings, even for his most loyal of servants. Now my brother and I are free of him, we have every intention of helping in his downfall.’

  Shaun looked him up and down and smiled politely. Garoob looked sincere enough, but he would have to watch him very carefully and stay on his guard. He led Garoob over to the portal. The Grey Elf was sitting in his chair motionless and in deathly silence. His eyes locked onto Garoob as though searching his very soul. Suddenly he looked towards Shaun and beckoned them forward. As soon as Garoob stepped into the room he bowed his head, trying to avoid eye contact, something all the guards in the Dark Wizard’s fortress were made to do.

  The Grey Elf stood up and walked over to him. ‘That won’t be necessary: you have nothing to fear from me unless you wish to harm me or my friend. Please take a seat and tell me of this important information.’

  Garoob glanced over to Shaun who was standing watching his every move his hammer out of its pouch ready for action if needed. ‘It is yours only: can Shaun wait outside?’

  The Grey Elf shook his head. ‘Anything you have to say can be said in front of him. He is the one person in the whole of Colgilor whom I can trust completely, and if you say it affects all of us, I will need to share this information with the leaders of all the Kingdom.’

  ‘Very well. I owe my life to Shaun. I also trust him, but I thought it best I tell you first, then you could decide what to do. The Dark Wizard has been preparing to take control of the whole of Colgilor. He is building up his army and he has taken the King of one of the mountain Dwarfs captive in his fortress, forcing the Dwarfs to forge stocks of weapons for him. He has also joined with the two witches, Baba Yelka and Baba Madea to raise the corpses buried in the dark side and unleash an army of zombies. These are more dangerous than his own guards as they cannot be killed. How can you defeat such foes?’

  The Grey Elf glanced over to Shaun. ‘Have you seen any of this?’

  Shaun’s face creased into a grimace. ‘Unfortunately, yes, when we attacked Baba Yelka’s army in the burial chamber, she re-animated some of the corpses and I saw our Dwarf army stabbing and cutting them to no avail. What made it worse was the zombies were brandishing swords, an unbelievable yet terrifying sight.

  The Grey Elf shook his head, and his eyes filled with sadness and anguish. ‘Necromancy – I thought that had disappeared forever. A perilous craft, the ultimate in the dark arts, virtually impossible to defeat. Take Garoob to the dining room and have some refreshments. I need to speak with the Great Wizard. I will join you once I have consulted him.’

  Shaun didn’t need telling twice. His stomach was rumbling and churning with a combination of the stressful news and hunger. Having said that, everything made Shaun hungry. He led Garoob along to the dining room. One of the Grey Elf helpers was busy setting the table. His face lit up when he saw Shaun. ‘It’s so good to see you again. Take a seat. I’ll fetch a plateful of food – oh nearly forgot, make that two or three platefuls,’ he chuckled as he slipped out of the room.

  ‘There will be a worrying time for the good people of Colgilor.’ Shaun sighed. ‘I have met so many of them in all kingdoms and the thought of the Dark Wizard ruling over them is disastrous.’

  ‘No one would want to live in a land overseen by this evil brute, but if anything can defeat him, it’s the combination of the Grey Elf and the Great Wizard: their power would be superior to his, and of course there are many mighty warriors in Colgilor and if they all came together they would be able to crush his armies, but the big question that would have to be answered would be: how do you defeat the zombies?’

  They were interrupted by two elves carrying plates of refreshments striding into the room. They placed them on the table. Both smiled and bowed their heads before slipping back out. ‘That’s enough of depressing chat,’ said Shaun. ‘Let’s just enjoy this sumptuous food and wait to hear what the Grey Elf has to say.’ Garoob must have been hungry, too, as the pair sat in silence cleaning every last plate. Shaun looked up and burst into fits of laughter. ‘I thought I had an appetite, but you are not so far behind.’

  Garoob smiled as he sank back in his chair before giving out a loud, contended sigh. ‘It’s strange yet wonderful to feel free. I’ve lived so long under the Dark Wizard’s cloud of doom I’d forgotten how to smile or laugh, as have all those serving under him. As you have said, it would be unthinkable for all those who are now free and happy to have to face such a future. You must tell them they had better fight to the death than live in a land of misery and pain.’

  They were interrupte
d by the Grey Elf who sauntered into the room. He smiled as he glanced down to see the empty plates. ‘It’s a good thing I had a meal earlier.’

  ‘It’s not all down to me,’ said Shaun indignantly. ‘Garoob has had more than his fair share.’ Garoob dropped his head, a little embarrassed.

  ‘I’m sure he would have an appetite, having been starved for so long. It’s good you both have had your fill, as we have important things to do and we must waste no time if what Garoob says is true.’ He sat down beside them, his face etched with anxiety. ‘I have spoken with the Great Wizard and the King and we have decided it is imperative that we stop the supply of weapons being forged. The Dwarf King captured by the Dark Wizard is the King’s brother, Delross. They fell out many years ago. They have a large army big enough to attack the fortress, but with their King being held there they would never risk his life, so the first thing we must do is to free Delross.’

  Garoob’s face lit up. ‘I can do that if you give me a few Dwarf warriors. I know of a secret tunnel which leads from the mountainside close by under the fortress and into the dungeon area. There will only be two or three guards stationed there.’

  ‘You would go back in there and risk your life: why would you do such a thing?’

  Garoob looked the Grey Elf in the eye. ‘I am ashamed of some of the things I did under his instructions, and I will gladly die if it helps end his tyranny.’

  The Grey Elf turned to Shaun. ‘Do you trust Garoob?’

  Shaun nodded his head. ‘I do and to prove it I would be willing to accompany him on this important mission.’

  ‘Very well. If you are both sure. The Great Wizard thought you might say that, Shaun, so you must keep his ring until we have defeated the Dark Wizard, and you will be allowed to keep the magic hammer until we have been victorious. You both must leave immediately for the Dwarf Kingdom. The King will explain his plan. Oh, just in case you get confused, his name is King Dumall, and his brother, King Delross. While you are away I will speak with the leaders of all the Kingdoms to arrange a council of war.’ He stood up, ushered them out of the room and escorted them to his magic room. They said their goodbyes before Shaun and Garoob stepped through the portal.

  King Dumall was waiting with his son. A huge smile lit up the Prince’s face when he saw Shaun and he jumped up, wrapping his arms around him. ‘I was somewhat in a daze when you rescued me so I must apologise for not showing my appreciation: again you have saved my life. It is good we have you here to face the evil monster that is the Dark Wizard: we will be stronger by your presence.’

  ‘Please take a seat,’ said King Dumall. ‘We need to move fast. The Grey Elf and I have hatched a plan. Shaun Garoob and six of our finest warriors will travel to the Dark Wizard’s fortress to free my brother Delross. My son and his guards will travel to my brother’s mountain forge to overpower the Dark Wizard’s guards.’

  Shaun had been sitting silently, running the plan over in his head. He waited till the King had finished talking before standing up. ‘There is only one problem I can see. Once we have freed Delross I’m pretty sure the alarm will be raised, and what I remember of my last encounter with the Dark Wizard’s guards was that their mounts were very fast. Depending on how much time we have before they give chase would determine whether we could reach Delross’s forge before we were attacked.’

  King Dumall sank back in his chair, rubbing his chin and nodding in agreement. ‘Have you a better idea? You are known for your solutions in dangerous situations.’

  ‘Well, if, as Garoob tells, there are only two or three of their guards in the dungeon area, we would not need so many of your warriors. I think Garoob, myself and Herne would be able to overcome them, especially if I still have the magic ring and hammer.’

  ‘And to ensure a hasty escape once we have freed Delross, Herne’s horse can fly, so he could take Delross, and if you remember when I was here with Louis on his quest, we were riding Star, the winged horse from the Magic Kingdom. So Garoob and myself would ride on him: with both horses able to fly, the guards would never catch us.’

  Dumall was listening intently to every word, his face creased in concentration. There was a brief moment of silence before he turned to Shaun. ‘Yes, I see the sense in what you say if you and Garoob leave us for a while until I speak to the Grey Elf and the Guardians.’

  The Prince stood up. ‘Come. While we are waiting I’ll show you around the forge. We are putting all our time and effort into forging weapons ready for the big battle that will decide the fate of Colgilor.’ He turned to Garoob. ‘I don’t think anyone has thanked you, for if it were not for your vital information, the Dark Wizard could have taken over each kingdom one at a time, as none would have been prepared. We certainly would not have. Now we have time to unite the kingdoms into one mighty force and hopefully be able to crush the evil elements of our land.’ Garoob bowed his head to acknowledge the praise, and he and Shaun followed the Prince out of the room.

  Garoob was so impressed by the quality of the weapons. He had heard so much about the mighty Dwarf warriors and their superior weapons, but these were so much more. The Prince could see by the look on his face what he was thinking as he led him over to the back of the forge and into a large armoury. Garoob’s eyes lit up as all around the room were shelves full of swords, axes and an assortment of other weapons. The Prince ushered him over to a table with a dozen or so swords in their sheaths laid on a velvet quilt. ‘These are swords forged by our ancestors. We try to match these qualities but are unable to produce them to the same standard.’

  Garoob’s eyes were sparkling as he rubbed his hand over one of them. He glanced back at the Prince. ‘Can I pick it up?’

  ‘Yes, of course, take it out of its sheath and inspect it closely.’ Garoob was so excited: he was like a child in a toyshop. He gasped out loud as he drew it from its sheath. It seemed to shine and glint in the half-light of the lamp hanging above them; it felt so light and easy to wield, yet so strong. ‘You like that one?’ said the Prince. Garoob just nodded, a dreamy expression on his face. ‘Then you shall keep it: that is your reward.’ Garoob didn’t respond immediately: the words hadn’t sunk in. ‘Unless you don’t want it: maybe you would prefer a different weapon.’

  Garoob glanced over to Shaun who was standing close by, by a huge grin on his face. ‘Really? I can keep this treasured sword,’ he said, shaking his head in disbelief and his stomach churning with excitement. ‘Thank you so much, I will cherish it and use it to help you defeat the Dark Wizard.’

  They were interrupted by one of King Dumall’s guards. He bowed his head to the Prince. ‘Sire, the King wishes you and your guests to join him in his room.’

  ‘Tell him we are on our way.’ He put his arms around Shaun and Garoob. ‘Come, let us not keep my father waiting. He is not the most patient person. I suppose when you are King you are spoilt a little,’ he said with a mischievous grin. Sure enough, when they entered the King’s room he was sitting tapping his fingers on the table. Shaun and Garoob just looked towards the Prince, struggling to stop themselves from laughing. Shaun could see that the portal was open and the Guardian’s face was on the screen. ‘We will waste no more time,’ said the King in a more serious tone than usual. ‘I have spoken to the Grey Elf and he agrees with your plan and the Guardian has instructed Herne to visit the hidden valley to persuade Star to travel with you to the Dark Wizard’s fortress. Hopefully they are both waiting for you so I will wish you a safe journey.’ He stood up and embraced his two visitors. ‘You have the magic hammer: may it keep you safe and help you free my brother. I look forward to seeing him again. Hopefully this will heal the rift between us.’

  Shaun hugged the Prince and Garoob raised his sword and smiled. ‘Thank you again.’ The Prince nodded as he waved them off and they stepped through into the Guardian’s cave.

  Shaun’s face lit up as Herne strode over to grab hold of him and lift him up in the air while Garoob just stood there, his mouth wide open, looking up and shak
ing his head in awe at the size of Herne’s physique, and the colour drained from his face as Herne put Shaun down before turning towards him. ‘So you are the Dark Wizard’s guard that we have to thank for warning us of his evil plans.’ Garoob didn’t respond, he just froze and held his breath, trying not to cry out as he was grabbed by Herne’s huge, muscular arms and whisked into the air. He gave out of a huge sigh of relief as he was finally put down. ‘Come, I have someone you will be pleased to see again!’ he roared as he strode out of the cave with Shaun leading, and Garoob scurrying after him.

  They had spent so much time in the gloom of the dark side they had to shield their eyes from the dazzling sunlight. It took several minutes before they were able to scan their surroundings and Shaun cried out with glee, his heart leapt with joy, and a tear welled up in his eye at the sight of his mighty, winged steed Star racing towards him, throwing its head in the air and sending out an ear-splitting neighing which reverberated all around them. Shaun ran to meet it. Star dropped its head and Shaun wrapped his arms around its neck and rubbed his face against it. Garoob was awestruck by the sight of Herne when he saw him, but this magical creature was something else: it dwarfed Herne’s steed and it had a strange, magical aura which washed over its huge, muscular, beautiful, white body which glistened in the warm sunlight, and as it flexed its enormous wings Garoob gasped out loud: never had he seen such a sight – truly spell-binding.