Return to Colgilor

by Colin Gibbins

  The end of the room was screened off with luxurious velvet curtains. Dakro pulled one of them aside to reveal his father’s bedroom all decked out in sumptuous style. They walked along a line of golden chests and engraved cupboards. Dakro checked each one in turn and in the corner stood a tall, solid metal unit; it stood out from the other fittings, as it looked so old and the engraving was strangely alluring and mystical, almost mesmerising. They struggled to take their eyes off it. Dakro tried several times to open it without success; there was no lock but the door was jammed or rusted tight shut.

  ‘It’s no use,’ said Dakro. ‘I can’t budge it: the door must never have been opened for such a long time.’

  Duval’s face was fraught as he racked his brains for a solution. If only Shaun was there: he could possibly release the door using his gold ring. Just then his expression changed, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

  ‘Let me have a go.’ They swapped places and he put his hands on either side of the door before moving his face forward. ‘Father, can you hear me? It’s Duval. If your brother is with you, can he open the cabinet?’ He stepped back.

  There was deadly silence as they both held their breath and they waited and waited. Just as they were about to give up there was a slight squeaking sound, gradually increasing in volume to loud creaking. They both jumped back and gasped out loud as the door slowly swung open and there on a shelf inside stood a large, ornate mirror, and to Duval’s delight his father’s face was smiling back at him.

  ‘Hello, son, it’s so good to see you safe and well, and yes, my brother is here with me. Shaun’s rescue plan went without a hitch. They are both looking forward to you joining us. What about you? Did you manage to free the forge of the Dark Wizard’s guards?’

  ‘Yes, we, too, were successful: Dakro is standing beside me and he would love to speak to his father.’

  ‘Of course, I have a better idea. Why don’t both of you step through the portal and we can talk over a meal? It is being served as we speak. Leave your army there: they need to get to know King Delross’s guards. We will have to fight side by side someday soon. I’ve spoken.’

  Duval turned to Dakro. ‘You go through, I’ll follow as soon as I speak with my guards.’ Dakro smiled as he approached the portal, trying hard to contain his joy: he had wondered whether he would ever see his father again. Very few, if any, escape the clutches of the Dark Wizard. His face lit up, his heart thumping with a combination of relief and excitement as his eyes followed his father standing in the room, his arms outstretched, tears rolling down his chin. He strode over and they hugged each other so tightly.

  ‘Father, I’ve been so worried.’ His voice hushed with emotion. ‘We owe so much to the brave and selfless actions of our new friends and allies.’

  Duval and his father embraced warmly without saying a word. Dumall, too, was relieved his son had returned safely. ‘Come, let us eat before it gets cold.’

  Shaun’s face lit up as he led them over to a dining table that had been set in the room and they were soon eating heartily and chattering constantly as they tried to catch up on all the things they had missed since their falling out. After they had finished their meal they retired to the comfort of Dumall’s plush seating area to enjoy a drink of mead, the Dwarfs’ favourite tipple.

  ‘What now?’ enquired Delross. ‘Have you any plans? Duval told me of the Dark Wizard’s intention to wreak havoc all over Colgilor.’

  Dumall shook his head, his face creased with sorrow. ‘Yes, I’m afraid so. There are grave times ahead but if all the kingdoms come together, and with the Grey Elf and the Great Wizard on our side we shouldn’t be afraid, and in the end if there is any justice in this land of ours, good will always conquer evil. Talking of the Grey Elf, as soon as we are finished here, I am going to his castle with Shaun. He wishes to discuss our next move, and if you wish you could accompany us. Duval and Dakro will enjoy a little time together.’

  Delross glanced over to his son. ‘Do you mind? I was so looking forward to spending time with you myself, but this is really important.’

  ‘Of course not,’ replied Dakro, ‘it’s not just important. It’s imperative, if we are to continue to enjoy the freedom we have now. If the Dark Wizard was to take over our Kingdoms we would all be slaves, those who survived his ruthless methods. Yes, you go, we will be fine.’

  They all stood up and enjoyed a family hug for several minutes without a word being uttered. Dumall and Delross returned to the portal and waited until the Grey Elf’s face appeared on the screen before stepping through. Dumall ushered his brother towards the Grey Elf who was seated in front of the portal, his twisted staff in his hand, his grey eyes locked onto his visitors.

  ‘I hope you don’t mind,’ said Dumall, sensing a hint of displeasure on the elf’s face. ‘I have brought my brother Delross along: he will be a great asset. He is still in contact with many of the Dwarf tribes and kingdoms. Their Chieftains and Kings control huge Dwarven armies: a major force, they will terrify an opposing enemy.’

  The Grey Elf’s face cracked into a hesitant smile and nodded in agreement as he rose to his feet. ‘Come, let us discuss our ideas and see what we can conjure up. Time is of the essence.’

  He led them out of the room along a narrow corridor into a small room with a round table and several chairs. They sat down and the two elf servants entered the room carrying plates of refreshments and goblets of water. They took it in turns to make their suggestions, and within a short time they agreed to hold a council of war, bringing all the leaders and their elders together to formulate their battle strategy.

  The Grey Elf had already made a provisional agreement with the Guardian of the Magic Kingdom that they could hold such a council in his cave. Although the Kingdom was a secret, special place, the Guardian knew if the Dark Wizard was to conquer Colgilor he would take over his beloved land and destroy the magical shrine to the ancient fairy warriors, which was in the secret valley along with the legendary fairy horses who continued to run free. Besides, the Magic Kingdom was by far the nearest to the dark side and it would make their attacking armies easier to organise from one place, rather than from each kingdom. So it was agreed that Delross and Dumall would speak with the other Dwarf Kingdoms, and the Grey Elf would arrange for the leaders of the other Kingdoms to attend. They would speak again as soon as they could set a suitably convenient time for all concerned. They said their goodbyes before stepping back through the portal, leaving Shaun alone with the Grey Elf.

  ‘Have I a part to play in this council of war?’ Shaun said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

  The Grey Elf smiled. ‘You? Of course. You, my friend, are the main one; not only do all the leaders trust and admire you, but also the Great Wizard himself insists you are the one to lead the way. I spoke with him early this morning and he is so impressed by the way you have used the magic powers he has given you. He also told me he has a special task for you, but he will tell you himself at the gathering of the leaders. In the meantime, go and spend some well-earned rest with Louis and Ava: they are waiting for you in the elves’ kingdom.’ He turned to the portal and pointed his staff towards the screen: there was a flash of light, leaving a hazy blur which trembled and shook before slowly clearing to reveal Ava and Louis’ smiling faces staring back at him. Shaun jumped up and put his hand on the Grey Elf’s shoulder before striding through to the warm reception from his two friends, tears rolling down all their faces as they wrapped their arms around each other.

  Amazingly within a few days the date had been set: every kingdom was enthusiastic about being involved. Their leaders knew it would take a combined effort if they were to defeat the Dark Wizard and any of the kingdoms that refused would be isolated and left to the mercy of the evil Wizard, which was not an option. Shaun Ava and Louis were honorary guests as they had travelled through the land and encountered many of the dangers that their armies would have to face, giving them the vital information they would need. Herne was invit
ed because he had vital details of the inhabitants and dangers of the dark side. Garoob and Garushe had first-hand knowledge of the Dark Wizard’s fortress. They knew better than anyone the strengths and weaknesses of his empire.

  Shaun was overjoyed to see some of the friends. He and his band had met while on their quest: Gillie the Gnome, Guardian of all the animals in the enchanted forest, along with the leader of an army of fauns who lived in a secret glen at the centre of the forest, and with their chief elder of the community. She shook her head at the sight of the faun; she still struggled to comprehend its make-up, human down to the waist with small horns and pointed ears, hairy goat legs and cloven goat hooves. But they would be a powerful force in any army, as would their distant relatives, the centaurs: part man, part horse and said to be deadly archers. They were secretive creatures but would be willing to join their relatives, the fauns, to protect their idyllic world: they, too, resided in the forest.

  Geriba the Goblin was there with his leader. They were overwhelmed to meet up again with their friends, who had become heroes in their Kingdom, and Ferreira the fairy warrior and his chief elder, even Princess Elba the elf whom Shaun and his band had rescued from the evil Low Elves and of course her close companion, Ellena, who turned out to be Ava’s long-lost sister: they were parted at birth, and Ava was taken to earth and changed for an earthling. There were other chieftains, elders and leaders that Shaun had never seen before. They had all gathered to hear why it was so important to attend. They had been told all their kingdoms were under threat. And of course Louis’ father, the King, was there with several other leprechaun leaders.

  The cave was buzzing with conversation, all enquiring what the others knew about the reason they had been summoned, but suddenly the back stone wall of the cave began to sway, moving from side to side in a misty haze and, as it cleared in the centre, there was an opaque window. It continued to waver for a moment or two before slowly clearing: the face of the Great Wizard materialised and the cave fell into deathly silence.

  ‘I’m pleased so many of you are here.’ His voice was filled with authority as it boomed out, reverberating around the cave. ‘Our land is in great danger: the Dark Wizard intends taking over each of your kingdoms, and the only way we can prevent that happening is if we all join together as one mighty force. This information must be kept secret, not even your closest relations can be told, because if the Dark Wizard has the slightest indication that we know, he would attack before we have time to prepare. So I say to you, go and build up your armies and weapons, so we are fully equipped for the battle ahead. Capture and train as many of the wild horses that roam your kingdoms and we will be at full strength.’ He turned to King Dumall. ‘Would you and the boy Shaun stay behind? There is something I must discuss with you, something of vital importance to the success of our future.’

  The cave slowly emptied one by one as the Guardians set up the portal back to each of their Kingdoms, leaving Dumall and Shaun looking a little perplexed.

  ‘What can it be?’ Dumall said, stroking his head. Shaun just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

  As the last one slipped through and the Guardian closed the portal the Great Wizard gazed down, his face fraught and solemn: there was an uncomfortable silence for a short while before he spoke. ‘It was your direct ancestors who created the magic hammer, Mjolnir, that you possess. They also created several other magical weapons for the gods. They, too, possessed great powers: do you know of any of these?’

  ‘Yes, we know of these legendary weapons but only stories that have been passed down through the generations,’ replied Dumall.

  ‘And are there no runes or manuscripts with information of them?’

  Dumall paused a moment, deep in thought. ‘Not that I am aware of, but the hammer was left in a golden casket. It has strange symbols inscribed on it which I cannot decipher.’

  ‘Would you bring the hammer and casket to me? Bring Shaun along: I will save you the long journey and open my portal, something I have never done before but time is so important. We must not waste any, so return to your mine, collect the hammer and casket, and wait with Shaun by your portal and I will allow you through.’ He slowly faded from the rock face. Dumall and Shaun stepped through the Guardian’s portal back to his private quarters at the mine.

  He told his son to look after things while he was away. He picked up the hammer and casket before he and Shaun returned to his room, and they waited patiently until the Great Wizard appeared. He did not speak, he just waved them through. Shaun had visited his kingdom while on their quest, but he never got further than the huge, open cavern near the entrance, but this was his personal living quarters which he was sure no one else had ever seen. He was seated on a large, quilted, throne-shaped chair. He was wearing similar attire to their previous meeting, a dark, velvet gown with a soft, velvet robe embossed with strange symbols, and he was holding his caduceus, a long, golden staff with two golden serpents twirling around the top, but his bright green eyes were no longer cold and distant; they were warm and welcoming.

  ‘You are the first and probably the last to enter these quarters and I am sure I can trust you not to speak of this meeting or what we are about to discuss to anyone.’ They both nodded their agreement. ‘First of all, could I inspect the casket?’ he said, reaching out his hands.

  Dumall approached and placed the casket in his hands before stepping back alongside Shaun. They watched as he lifted the casket up and slowly turned it around and around, his green eyes now totally focused on the symbols, after several intense minutes in utter silence scrutinising every detail, he placed the casket down on a table by his side. He stood up and pointed his staff towards the casket and appeared to translate the symbols, reading out loud. All of a sudden the serpents began to move and they untwined their heads, touching the casket, and to Dumall and Shaun’s amazement the bottom section of the casket slid out like some sort of secret drawer. He sat back down and lifted a small scroll out of the drawer; he carefully inspected it before unrolling it and laying it on the table. Shaun was beside himself with expectation and wonderment: what could possibly be on that parchment dating back dear knows how many hundreds of years? The suspense was killing him as the minutes ticked by in total silence. Dumall, too, was anxiously waiting, wondering whether the Great Wizard was unable to translate it, or was it so old and complicated that it was a long, tedious procedure.

  Finally he looked up and smiled at his two guests. ‘This is what I was hoping to find. It records details of the most powerful of the legendary weapons. In the wrong hands they could cause death and destruction, so much so that they could destroy our world completely. The gods were so concerned they would one day be used for evil that they decided to put them in a safe place out of reach of any of our inhabitants – irretrievable. They loaded all the weapons into a magic ship that belonged to them: it was named the Skioblaonir. It could sail on water, air or over land. It could hold all the gods and their equipment, but yet could be folded small enough to be carried by hand. They sent it with two of the Dwarfs that created some of the weapons, Dain and Brokk, to the most inhospitable part of Colgilor the land of the dragons and left it at the bottom of the raging inferno of the valley of fire. Sadly, the two Dwarfs never returned: that is the reason the Dwarfs and dragons became bitter enemies.’

  ‘I will go,’ said Dumall in a bold, confident tone. ‘I will take a small army and we will return with the weapons.’

  ‘Sadly, that will not be possible,’ replied the Great Wizard. ‘An army of Dwarfs would only threaten the dragons: they would attack without giving you the chance to explain: ten armies could not conquer so many dragons, and your horses could never travel that distance. It is the furthest area in the land, past the land of the giants. Even Star, the winged horse, would struggle.’

  ‘But it is our responsibility our ancestors created the weapons we need to find out what happened to our two ancestors who took them to that land.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ said
the Great Wizard, shaking his head, a grim expression crossing his face. ‘We need these weapons if we are to have any chance of defeating the Dark Wizard. Our warriors, Dwarf Fairies and elves in particular are more than a match for his guards, but as your guards found out, your weapons have no effect on the zombies, and I’m sure that is what he is waiting for to build up their numbers. The two witches are devoting all their time and effort in raising them from the dead, and once they have a large army we would stand no chance, so it is imperative we have these weapons when we face them in battle.

  ‘I’ll go,’ Shaun said. ‘I will take Louis and Ava. We will ride with Star as we did on our quest against the Trolls.’

  Dumall turned to Shaun. ‘We all know of your courage: the Trolls were formidable, but with a land full of dragons you would stand no chance. One dragon could burn you alive – you, Star, and your two friends.’

  ‘I was hoping you would volunteer,’ the Great Wizard said with a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. ‘You are our only hope. I can see why you would want to take Louis even just for the company, but Ava, how can she be of use?’

  ‘There’s more to Ava than her angelic looks and her beautiful ears. You have not heard her play the magic flute: it mesmerised a few dangerous beasts while on our quest. I think she will be able to calm the dragons down, giving us the time to communicate with them, and I don’t know whether you are aware but we actually flew on the back of a dragon. She took us over the mountain to the Dwarfs’ kingdom, saving us a long, arduous journey on foot.’ The Great Wizard actually laughed out loud, his shoulders bobbing up and down. ‘No, I didn’t know that but what is remarkable is that I’m not surprised.’ He glanced over to Dumall. ‘So we agree: Shaun and his little band will once again ride together and hopefully bring back the weapons we need to save our land.’