Return to Colgilor

by Colin Gibbins

  After ten days of this gruelling regime they reached the end of the wild, mountainous area and came to rest on a huge plateau covered in irregular, misshaped rock towers and weird, twisted peaks with deep troughs twisting and turning through them: a truly desolate landscape and with the sun washing over them, creating an eerie, moon-like surface with multicoloured, gilded shades on their peaks and dark, dappled areas around their base.

  They dismounted and stood staring forward, scanning the bleak, formidable road ahead. Shaun could see the despondent expression on their faces.

  ‘Tell you what, let us have a well-earned break, a whole day off: just find some cool, shaded spot and eat and drink till we burst,’ he said with a twinkle in his eye. The thought of food always did that to him and it brought a giggle from his two friends: the first time for a long time. They agreed and Star flew down and weaved in between the formations until they found a small oasis in one of the many troughs between a cluster of steep-walled towers. The pool of water looked so inviting and refreshing, lifting their spirits. Shaun couldn’t resist stripping off down to his boxers and jumping into the cool, blue water, but he screamed out as the sudden shock took away his breath, and Louis and Ava laughed so much that tears rolled down their cheeks, and, although Star had the water from his rucksack, he, too, couldn’t resist taking a drink from the trough before slipping into the water to join Shaun. They remained there for the rest of the day, and as they felt safe and secure hidden from view, they decided to stay for the night and recharge their batteries. Star, too, was pleased for the break: it would probably be the last time they would be able to relax, as the land of the dragons was coming ever closer.

  At the crack of dawn the following morning, Shaun was the first to stir: there was no dawn chorus to greet him, only deathly silence which was unnerving. He got up and yawned before rubbing the sleep from his eyes; he had slept well for the first time in ages and his body felt relaxed and rested. Star was standing by the water’s edge, enjoying a cool drink. Louis and Ava were awakened by the sound of Shaun munching into his breakfast, which brought a smile to their faces. They, too, felt so much better for their day’s rest. After breakfast they were on their way again as the rising sun appeared above them, but with a gentle breeze caressing their faces it was much more comfortable than previous days. With their spirits lifted, they enjoyed the morning journey.

  But as the sun moved across the sky, the temperature rose sharply. They were on the lookout for shelter and were pleased when they approached a deep valley with steep rock cliffs rising from the valley floor with numerous caves on both sides at different levels. But their joy was short-lived as the stillness was broken by the sound of howling coming from one of the caves which quickly escalated. The howling seemed to resonate from every cave, growing to an ear-splitting crescendo which echoed up and down the valley, sending cold shivers down their spines, and suddenly from out of several of the caves emerged huge, hyena-like animals with large, powerful, slavering jaws and dragon-like wings; yet more terrifying was that riding on their backs were weird, sinister-looking creatures. Ugly, pixie-like with glaring, fiery eyes, razor-sharp, fang-like teeth, large, protruding, scaly reptile ears and thick, sharp horns. Their arms and legs were very much alike, and their hands and feet had dangerous, long claws.

  They remained at the entrance a dozen or more either side of the valley, their fiery eyes locked onto Star and the three mesmerised passengers who had come to rest on the valley floor.

  ‘What now?’ Shaun said nervously. ‘Shall we make a dash or stay here?’

  ‘They look ready to attack,’ Louis replied. ‘I think we should make a dash: maybe Star can outrun them.’ Just then, one of the Pixie creatures started screeching and the others joined in, which set off the hyenas’ howling and wailing – the noise was horrendous. Shaun took the lead with a shake of Star’s reins and they bolted off down the valley and quickly took flight, but the creatures responded. The Hyenas flexed their wings and flew out of their caves in hot pursuit. They were no match for Star: his mighty wing was propelling him so much faster than the Hyenas, and of course the day’s rest had been beneficial, and he had regained some of his strength. But the creatures were relentless, even though Star was going further and further away. They would not give up and continued the chase.

  After several miles of travelling at breakneck speed and the fierce, scorching sun beating down relentlessly, Star was beginning to wane and the creatures were slowly catching up. Shaun kept glancing over his shoulder and knew it was only a matter of time before they were caught. He leant forward and told Star to slow down: it was no good going full speed until they came to a complete standstill. Maybe he could frighten them off when the creatures eventually caught up. They flew in two groups, one either side of their prey, keeping their distance but seemingly waiting for Star to tire before attacking.

  They continued for a mile or so before two of the creatures on either side started to close in as though testing Star’s resolve, but Shaun was ready, pointing his ring towards one, then the other, and closing his eyes. There was a blinding flash as the two hyenas’ wings disappeared and they fell to the ground. He quickly shook Star’s reins and they were off again at full speed.

  He glanced over his shoulder and smiled as the remaining creatures came to a halt and flew down towards where the two injured creatures lay. ‘That seems to have stopped them,’ Shaun said with a smug grin, and Ava sighed out loud.

  ‘I thought that was the end: did you see how ugly and dangerous they looked? Those claws and teeth.’ She shivered and shook her head. ‘What damage could they do? Thank goodness for the magic ring.’

  ‘Yes, it certainly saved the day, but I don’t know how we could have fared if they had all attacked together from both sides.’

  ‘I don’t want to alarm you, but I fear we may find out,’ Louis said, glancing over his shoulder. ‘Those dreaded creatures have not given up: they are not far behind us.’

  But as the creatures drew closer, suddenly the valley was filled with the sound of a bugle blasting out and a crescendo of howling, and to Shaun’s amazement Herne appeared from over the valley peak, blowing his bugle, and his faithful hounds following behind in full cry. They swooped down a few hundred metres in front of Star, and the hounds split into two packs, one either side as Herne rode towards them at the same level as the creatures. Star responded, quickly dropping down to the valley floor to enable Herne and the hounds to have a clear view of the approaching enemy. Shaun and his little band watched in awe as Herne, his mighty sword in one hand, and his axe in the other, ploughed into the creatures, cutting and slicing his way through with his hounds tearing into the hyenas’ legs, dragging them down. The screams and wailing were nerve-jangling: most of the creatures were killed or severely wounded, and the survivors limped off back up the valley, and Herne and his hounds swooped down in front of his grateful friends.

  He dismounted and walked towards them, his arms outstretched. A huge, mischievous grin broke across his face as he scooped them up, hugging them so tightly they could hardly breathe, let alone speak. When he finally put them back down, Shaun shook his head, anxiety in his eyes.

  ‘Thank you so much, you saved our lives. But what trouble you will be in when the Great Wizard discovers you have disobeyed him and followed us.’

  ‘You worry too much, my little friend,’ Herne replied. ‘I have his permission to follow you, but to remain out of sight unless you find yourselves in a life-threatening situation and that is exactly what I have done.’

  ‘I knew,’ cried Ava, ‘I have been saying the whole of our journey I could feel we were being watched and all the time it was you.’

  ‘What happens now?’ said Louis. ‘Do you accompany us or stay out of sight?’

  Herne stroked his beard, pondering the thought. ‘I don’t think the Great Wizard would object to me riding with you to the border of the dragons’ land and we will see what happens when we get there.’

  Ava sm
iled and nodded. She probably wouldn’t admit it, but she felt a whole lot safer with him by their side.

  So they mounted up and with the sun starting to slip down towards the distant horizon and the heat subsiding, they rode on out of the valley into a strange, sinister landscape of fiery desolation with huge rock formations, mounds and barren ridges with deep troughs and gulleys. A vague rainbow arced across the clouded sky above, and a bright heat haze shimmering over the sun washed the landscape in ever-changing colours and shadows.

  It appeared deserted, but Herne was aware that danger could be lurking anywhere in this strange terrain, and as the light was beginning to fade the shadows became more and more menacing. He knew they must find a safe shelter for the night sooner rather than later. But as they swept around a large, rugged ridge, they came face to face with two dragons: it was difficult to tell who was most surprised. The dragons were flying overhead and they dropped down onto a nearby ledge just staring with huge, evil, red eyes at these strange intruders. And without warning they each sent out a burst of flames over towards them which engulfed a large formation close by, and it totally disintegrated. Before the dragons could repeat the attack, Star flew off in the opposite direction with Herne close behind, but to their horror the dragons were in pursuit, shooting out bursts of flames like some sort of flame-thrower. Even though the flames were above their heads, the heat was suffocating.

  Although they were huge beasts they were quite agile and able to twist and turn, sweeping over and around the mounds and ridges. Shaun could feel Star tiring as the heat was sapping his energy, so he told Star to drop down into one of the deep gulleys between two mounds and Herne followed, a little perplexed by the action: he would have preferred to ride on and try and lose their pursuers. But once inside the gulley Shaun pointed his ring above and closed his eyes; to the relief of his friends a rock formation appeared, bridging between the two mounds and forming a solid roof and the perfect cover from the dragons.

  They held their breath, keeping deathly still as the sound of the dragons’ wings flapping above them continued for several minutes, dying away, then returning, obviously searching the area over and over before finally fading away into the distance.

  ‘That was a close call,’ whispered Shaun. ‘It obviously gives us a problem they tried to kill as without giving us a chance to explain.’

  Ava took out her magic flute. ‘Maybe this could calm them down.’

  Louis shook his head. ‘Those dragons must patrol the area outside their secret world, making sure no intruders live to spread the word.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Shaun, ‘so I’m afraid Herne and Star will have to stay here. If the dragons see them they will attack and kill us all and our friends in Colgilor will perish. Anyway, Star, you have done your job bringing us here, and you, Herne, saving our lives: you have both done more than we could ask for. And Louis and Ava, I think you should stay with them and I will go in alone. I have the hammer and the ring to protect me. As I see it, that is the only chance of at least reaching their leaders and explaining our need of their help.’

  ‘No way,’ said Ava, her eyes blazing with anger. ‘The three of us are in this together.’ She twisted the rainbow band on her wrist. Remember this: we are a little band and we stay together: that is how we defeated the evil Trolls.’

  Louis put his arm around their backs. ‘Yes, we must go in there together. I’m sure the dragons will have no reason to be alarmed by our presence: the sight of Herne would be another thing. I’m sorry, Herne, but you do look so powerful and threatening to those who do not know you, so that’s decided: the three of us will face them together. Remember our little band is a match for any bully regardless of their size.’ He raised his hand with his golden rainbow wristband, and Shaun and Ava smiled as they touched it with their bands before ending up in a group hug.

  Herne stepped forward. ‘That sounds good, but one big problem: how will you reach the land of the dragons on foot? It is some way off yet, and you would never survive in the heat.’ He again pondered a moment, deep in thought. Then a wry smile cracked his face. ‘Wait till dusk and I will go alone on a little scouting trip to try and find how far it is to their border. I doubt whether the dragons will be flying around in the darkness.’

  Shaun looked to Louis. ‘I don’t like the idea, it is too risky. He has already done more than enough for us.’

  Herne’s face creased into a deep frown. ‘I’m sorry, it is either that or I will follow you once you set off. At least if I check out the best route, I will be satisfied I have given you the best chance of success, and Star and I will wait for your return.’

  ‘Very well,’ Shaun said reluctantly. ‘It will be of great assistance if we know.’

  Herne grabbed the three of them and spun them around. ‘That’s just in case I don’t return,’ he said with a twinkle in his eye and gave out a thunderous roar of laughter before turning and leading his horse to the end of the covered tunnel. Louis and Ava followed behind. They waited till twilight and the evening shadows descended before waving him off. He mounted up, smiled warmly at his three little friends, and slowly and silently moved to the end of the trough and peered around the side of the mound. He glanced back, waved before disappearing into the gloom, leaving his faithful hounds with his friends.

  Shaun fed and watered Star and the hounds before he, Ava and Louis made themselves comfortable, and as usual Shaun couldn’t resist rummaging through his rucksack for a tasty snack.

  ‘It’s going to be a long night,’ he said as he closed his rucksack. ‘We may as well try and catch some sleep. I doubt Herne will be back anytime soon.’

  Louis could sleep on a clothes line: he was fast asleep within minutes. But Shaun and Ava tossed and turned as they tried desperately to nod off. Ava couldn’t erase the image in her mind of the dragons chasing them, and she was half-expecting a blast of flames to shoot along the open tunnel, burning them to death. But as the night wore on and the cool air filled the tunnel she finally snoozed off. Shaun smiled as he looked down on her sleeping body and he gently laid a cover over her before quietly creeping to the end of the tunnel. He stood gazing up at the huge, silvery moon which seemed to be smiling down on him and the mass of twinkling stars which formed a magical, dazzling canopy; even in that dangerous barren area of Colgilor there was beauty.

  It turned out to be a long night, as Shaun had predicted. As he paced up and down, glancing constantly for sight or sound of his brave friend, he even crept back over to Ava and lay down, trying to catch some sleep, but it was hopeless: his mind was going nineteen to the dozen and his stomach was doing somersaults. What if Herne didn’t return? he thought. What would they do? It was no use, he would have to decide that in the morning. He just couldn’t think straight: he was too wound up. But finally he was mentally and physically exhausted: he was struggling to keep his eyes open so he lay down beside Ava, put his arm around her, and was soon fast asleep.

  Ava was the first to stir. Her eyes snapped open as she felt a warm, wet sensation on her face and a huge smile crossed her face to see several of the hounds standing over her. She sat up and gently shook Shaun. He groaned and stretched his arms before opening his eyes. He lay for a few seconds, moving his head from side to side before leaping to his feet.

  ‘Herne, where is Herne? Has he returned?’

  Ava shook her head. ‘I don’t think so, I’m sure he would have woken us up if he had.’

  Shaun strode along the tunnel and peered outside: the first rays of the morning sun were lighting up the sky and Shaun knew Herne would be in danger now from the patrolling dragons. He turned to Ava.

  ‘Get ready, we must leave immediately, the plans have changed.’

  Louis was still fast asleep: he looked so content. Shaun thought it was a shame to disturb him, but it was more important to go and search for Herne, so he shook him.

  ‘Louis, time to get up. Herne has not returned.’

  Louis’ eyes slowly opened. ‘What?!’ he murmured
drowsily.

  ‘Herne, he hasn’t come back. I fear he is in trouble: we must leave now we haven’t even got time for breakfast.’

  Ava glanced over to Louis, shrugging her shoulders with a surprised expression on her face as she moved to pack her rucksack. They quickly gathered their belongings, and Shaun led Star and the hounds along the tunnel. He peered around the side of the mound.

  ‘Right, if we let the hounds go I’m sure they will find their master. We will follow behind.’ They mounted up and waited till the hounds set off before moving forward. But they had only travelled a short distance before they heard the sound of something approaching, and quickly Shaun steered Star down between two large rock formations. They dismounted and herded the hounds behind a boulder before crouching down, holding their breath and their eyes wide open, gazing skyward. It seemed like an age but in reality only a few moments before Herne appeared, and the little band gave out a huge cry of relief as he swept down to join them. His hounds, too, were excited, running to greet him and jumping up and howling. A wry smile crossed his face.

  ‘We had better return to our little hideout just in case the two dragons spot us. I did see them a few miles back.’

  Once they were safely under cover in their tunnel they were firing question after question at him. ‘Did you reach their border? How far is it? Is there plenty of cover?’

  He shook his head, raising his hand. ‘Hold on, I will tell you the information I have gathered, but first I must feed the hounds and I could do with some refreshments myself.’