Shaun smiled. ‘Thank you so much for helping our friend and we would appreciate you travelling with us, particularly if the cyclops and its friends catch up with us. I think they will be seeking revenge.’
Draygar shook his head. ‘What? You have encountered the cyclops,’ he said, looking at the two small, fragile beings. ‘How is that possible?’
Shaun grasped his magic hammer. ‘This is the God Thor’s Mjolnir. It was loaned to us by one of your distant relations, King Dumall.’
‘Louis has told us of our distant relatives. Come,’ said Draygar, moving forward. ‘Let us return to the safety of our forge: you can tell us more of this King Dumall and his tribe.’ He turned and led them over to the cave entrance and they disappeared inside. Ava was holding Louis’ hand; she was determined they wouldn’t be separated again.
As they entered the forge Shaun glanced over to Ava. It was unbelievable: although these Dwarfs never even knew of the existence of King Dumall and his tribe, this forge was near enough identical. A huge furnace stood in the centre of the cave with rows of anvils and water troughs nearby; even the workers were dressed the same as King Dumall’s workers, with long, leather aprons and tool belts around their waists, and sweatbands around their heads and wrists. The blacksmiths beat the metal on the anvils with large hammers before quenching them in the water troughs. Several other workers carried metal over to them and, after taking the finished weapons away, all of them were covered in sweat from the intense heat. The forge even had similar gigantic fans at the other end of the cave with a team taking it in turns to wind the huge hand wheels operating the fans, pushing the hot air over towards the exit tunnel.
The following morning after a hearty breakfast with Shaun giving more details about King Dumall, Draygar told his three guests of the dangers that lay ahead, describing treacherous landscapes, fearsome creatures and beings they may encounter, and that was before they reached the raging inferno of the valley of fire. Trying his utmost to put them off, he told them the gods had lowered the Skioblaonir with the weapons into the valley, knowing it would be impossible to retrieve. Nothing could possibly survive their ferocious flames. But realising whatever he said would not put off these three brave little warriors, and even with the assistance of Thor’s hammer, he doubted they could possibly succeed.
But there was something special about this small band. Their courage and belief were astounding, so he arranged for a dozen of his finest warriors to accompany them and bade them fond farewell as he watched them leave. They had touched his heart and he hoped to see them again but deep down he had the strong feeling he would not.
They set off once again. Ava was delighted to have the Dwarfs alongside. Six of them led the way and the other six walked behind, covering their backs and for the first time on this dreadful journey Ava felt safe. But her positive thoughts were soon shattered as the stillness was broken by the sound of terrifying screams which reverberated all around them, bringing the Dwarfs to a sudden stop and they drew their swords.
The leader Draygar turned to Shaun. ‘Ogres,’ he whispered. ‘Stay still. They usually hunt in packs: they are so strong and move with great speed. If they spot us we will stay and fight. Just remain silent and still: they may not see us.’
Keeping in the shadows of the mountainside, they held their breath as the screaming increased. They had experienced many spine-chilling grunts and screams on their journeys, but this was at another level. Ava and Shaun put their hands over their ears as they feared their eardrums would burst. Suddenly their worst fears were realised as out of one of the caves emerged four of the ugliest creatures they had ever seen, even more so than the Trolls, although they were somewhat smaller. Standing huddled together, stocky, muscular creatures covered in long, unkempt hair. Their hands and feet were gorilla-like but their faces were downright evil with a large, bulbous nose, a gaping mouth with black, slavering, fang-like teeth and bright green, piercing eyes which shone in the eerie half-light. They started to scream in unison, louder and louder. Shaun looked to the Dwarfs but to his horror they were standing rigid with a vacant expression on their faces as though in a trance. Luckily, Ava had her wits about her and whipped out the black sack of fairy dust and sprinkled a handful over Shaun and Louis. The Dwarfs could only stand and watch as Shaun and Louis approached the ogres, and as one of them lunged a huge, hairy arm towards Shaun he stepped to one side, grabbed the arm and swung the screaming creature round and round before throwing it over his shoulder and bouncing it off the mountainside.
The other three ogres moved forward. Louis grabbed the first one and repeated the performance, swinging it around his head before throwing it over to land on top of the one lying motionless on the ground. Shaun sprang forward, grabbing one of the other two and using it to batter the remaining one to the ground before stepping back. He and Louis stood ready for round two. One of the ogres managed to stagger to its feet, looked at the two tiny beings with a puzzled expression on its face, let out another nerve-shattering scream before helping the other three to their feet, and they staggered back to the cave entrance and gave another searing glance over their shoulders before disappearing inside.
The Dwarfs, like the ogres, were absolutely dumbfounded.
‘How is it possible?’ one gasped. ‘Why were you not affected by their screams? They use it to paralyse their victims, yet you were unaffected and they have so much strength, but yours is unbelievable, taking in the fact that you are so small, what with your success over the cyclops and now this. We are supposed to be protecting you, not the other way around.’
Louis chuckled. ‘Don’t take it to heart. We used magic fairy dust but we need you with us: you give us the confidence to continue this hazardous journey.’
They were soon on the march again and further on they approached the end of the towering mountainside. Two huge outcrops of rock formed an archway to a new landscape: they decided to stop for a rest and refreshments before passing through. The Dwarfs were thrilled to discover the contents of their companions’ rucksacks and they were soon eating merrily away, and were even supplied with a goblet of mead, their favourite tipple.
Seeing all of them in a happy, contented mood as they sat gazing through the arch, Ava slipped out her golden flute. The Dwarfs were laughing and chatting away, but as soon as she put her lips to the mouthpiece and ran her fingers across the instrument, they sank back in silence, mesmerised by the magical melodies that flowed through the still morning air.
She continued for several minutes when she was aware of the beautiful sound of some strange bird calls, and when she glanced up there were two large birds sitting side by side on the arch singing to her music. She stopped and glanced over to the Dwarfs.
‘Carry on,’ whispered Draygar. ‘Those are a pair of phoenix. Their songs are an omen of peace and joy. Although we have heard their songs in the past we have never actually seen them. It is your music that has appealed to them: we are very, very honoured by their presence.’
She was really in the zone now: she stood up and closed her eyes, her head swaying from side to side as the music flowed out, reverberating all around them. The Phoenix responded by sweeping down and landing a short distance from her, continuing to accompany her with their song, only louder. Ava’s eyes snapped open and nearly popped out of her head as these two beautiful birds were within touching distance. They were as big as an eagle with beautiful, multi-coloured plumage, purple, red, blue and gold – a delightful yet strange sight. All of a sudden they shuffled slowly towards her, still singing. Their emerald green eyes locked into hers. They came to a stop right beside her, bowed their heads and rubbing their beaks against her before turning and flying off, their songs filling the air and gradually dying away as the birds faded in the distance.
‘Where did you learn to play like that?’ said Draygar. ‘Truly magical and we are privileged to have witnessed a sight. We or anyone in this land will probably never see again the legendary phoenix paying homage. You must never for
get this experience: once in a lifetime if you’re fortunate enough.’
Shaun and Louis wrapped their arms around her. ‘Yes,’ said Shaun, a tear in his eye. ‘Your music has brought us another treasured memory. Pity we didn’t have a camera: I’m sure even your talented elf friends would be impressed.’
She dropped her head, a little embarrassed, but in her heart really proud. All of them felt their spirits had been lifted by that moment of magic, or maybe it was the peace and joy passed on by the phoenix.
They packed their rucksacks and took a long, lingering look ahead before marching through the arch, and as they did so a strange thing happened. Suddenly the gloomy atmosphere faded: the swirling haze disappeared and the pungent gases were gone, making things so much easier. But the landscape was still a challenge, with harsh valleys, deep and shadowy with strange stone towers and weird-shaped rock formations, with a labyrinth of tracks and pathways winding their way, though shrouded by trees and sparse vegetation, and all this hemmed in by towering, rugged peaks skirting the perimeter.
The Dwarfs led the way, marching briskly forward, eyes peeled, their minds on full alert as they travelled in silence, constantly scanning their surroundings. Shaun, Louis and in particular Ava were struggling to keep up, but they, too, were fully aware of the dangers.
All of a sudden the rising sun popped up above the rugged peaks.
‘Quick,’ cried Shaun, ‘run for cover.’
The Dwarfs pulled their swords and grouped together, their heads spinning from side to side and their eyes flashing, searching for the danger.
Draygar turned to Shaun. ‘What did you see? What direction?’
Shaun pointed to the sky. ‘The sun: you need to seek cover, or it will turn you to stone.’
The Dwarfs threw their heads back and roared with laughter. ‘It is true we don’t see much of the sun, but when we do we enjoy the experience of being bathed in the warmth of its rays.’
‘How can that be?’ said Louis. ‘All of our Dwarf friends have told us of its effect on them. They even change themselves into toads if they are caught out during daytime.’
Draygar looked at the other Dwarfs. ‘We have heard this said but we are immune to its effects. When our ancestors brought the Skioblaonir and the weapons here, the gods realised the journey would have turned them to stone, so they changed their metabolism and that has been passed on through the generations.’
Shaun sighed with relief. ‘That’s good. I wish our friends back home could become immune: it would make their lives a lot easier.’
With that, the Dwarfs slipped their swords back in their sheaths and continued on their journey. With the sun warm and a gentle breeze caressing their faces, it was a pleasant change from the harsh, vile conditions they had endured since entering the prohibited area. They followed a pathway between the rock formations and entered a maze of vertical rock walls and towers with dark, shadowy, deep recesses leading them over and under stone bridges and arches with overhanging, distorted trees, their trunks wizened and gnarled, underfoot the moss-coated rocks and matted vegetation making it treacherous, and they struggled to stay on their feet.
As they stumbled forward they found themselves deeper and deeper inside the maze and had lost all sense of the direction they were taking. After a long and arduous struggle they reached a dead end. They dropped to the ground, totally exhausted and consumed with despair.
‘What now?’ Shaun said, shaking his head. ‘I think we will struggle to find our way back: there must be another way.’
Draygar struggled to his feet. ‘I was sure we were going in the right direction,’ he said as he ran his hands over the solid stone wall in front of him. ‘Wait a moment, this wall looks different from the other walls in the maze.’
Shaun scrambled to his feet and inspected the wall. ‘You’re right. Do you think it could have been put there to prevent us going any further? It certainly looks to have been built more recently than these adjoining walls.’ He waved them back and took his hammer from its pouch, and with one mighty blow smashed the wall into a pile of rubble. The Dwarfs jumped back and gasped in awe. And as the dust settled there was the continuation of the pathway ahead. The Dwarfs all cheered with a mixture of delight and relief.
‘I knew I was right!’ screamed Draygar as he clambered over the rubble with the others scrambling over behind him.
Finally they reached the end of the maze and entered a deep valley with wooded cliffs. They paused a moment or two to take in the spectacular vista before setting off once again. The sky was overcast but the air was fresh and cool as they set a steady pace, enjoying the peaceful and serene surroundings.
All of a sudden Draygar came to halt, raising his hand to bring his little troop to stop in their tracks. ‘Can you hear that?’
They all held their breath, trying to pick up the sound.
‘Horses,’ whispered Louis. ‘Sounds like a herd of horses,’ and just then from out of the wooded cliffs on both sides of the valley emerged twenty or more strange creatures galloping out further up the valley in front of them. They came to a halt: each one was carrying a longbow and they all slipped an arrow out of their quivers and loaded up, pointing them towards the startled intruders.
‘What are they?’ stuttered Ava. ‘They have the bodies of horses but their upper bodies look human.’
Draygar looked anxious. ‘They are centaurs, wild and aggressive creatures. Don’t make any sudden movement. Maybe I can talk to them.’
‘That’s my job,’ said Shaun. ‘I brought you here so it is up to me, and anyway, I look a lot less of a threat than you.’ He threw a comforting smile over to Ava before slowly stepping forward, but before he could speak the centaurs drew back their bowstrings in unison. But as usual he was ahead of situation. Pointing his ring finger towards them, he closed his eyes and moved his hand from one side of the valley to the other. And as the centaurs tried to release their arrows, their bowstrings snapped and the arrows fell harmlessly to the ground.
Shaun took out his hammer and moved a few steps forward.
‘This is the God Thor’s magic hammer, Mjolnir. We mean you no harm. We have come to your land for help. The evil inhabitants of our part of Colgilor are threatening to take over and kill or enslave us. He would not want this: he was the protector of good and used this hammer against the evil elements of his world.’
‘How do we know this is that hammer?’ said one of the centaurs, his voice booming out and reverberating through the valley.
Shaun raised the hammer and a thunderbolt shot out, exploding above their heads. He walked over to a rocky base of one of the cliffs and struck it once. In an instant the cliff disintegrated, the rubble tumbling down in front of the centaurs who quickly stepped back from the cloud of dust and debris.
Draygar moved up alongside Shaun. ‘Please listen to what he has to say: they have travelled from the far end of Colgilor in search of the legendary weapons forged by our ancestors and the gods’ boat, the Skioblaonir, which carried the weapons here to the flaming valley. And this is not for themselves: they risk their lives to protect all the good inhabitants of Colgilor which include our distant relations, tribes of Dwarfs, and I’m sure you, too, have centaurs living there: all of them need protecting. The gods must believe them, otherwise they would never have allowed this brave little band to reach us.’
As the dust settled one of the centaurs moved forward.
‘I am the leader of this troop. My name is Caroush. Stay there while we decide what we must do.’ He turned to the other centaurs and they talked for several minutes before he turned back to face Draygar. ‘Very well, we will leave this up to the gods. Our whole purpose for being in this valley is to prevent any intruders passing through and reaching the flaming valley, but if you still want to go on after I have told you what lies ahead, then so be it. You truly will be in the hands of the gods. A short distance from here lies the Death Canyon. No creature or being has ever entered the canyon and returned to tell what the go
ds have put in there to prevent any intruder passing through. We have heard thunderous, bellowing roars and seen belching flames shooting skyward, so we assume it is some sort of dragon, but if by some good fortune or magic you succeed in passing through, then you will be faced with the flaming valley and its intense, raging fires, its unbearable heat. The boat you seek lies at the bottom of a toxic river with suffocating gases and flames erupting from the riverbed.’
‘Yes, we know our task will not be without danger,’ said Shaun, ‘but we are well prepared. We have no option but to at least try, because without those weapons all the good inhabitants of our world will be either killed or enslaved. This is unthinkable: we would rather perish in the flaming valley than return home without trying.’
Caroush pondered a moment, staring thoughtfully towards Shaun: how could one so small be so brave? A smile spread across his face.
‘I can see you are determined to carry on and I am sure your leaders have chosen wisely when they gave you this important task when all their lives are depending on your success, and I’m sure the gods will forgive us for assisting you on your way.’
So with the centaurs leading the way and Shaun, Louis and Ava following with the Dwarfs a little further behind guarding their backs, they continued along the floor of the valley until they came to a halt in front of two majestic, ornate stone columns rising skyward with a huge, arched head spanning over the columns decorated with strange symbols and emblems like some sort of cathedral entrance. Beyond was total darkness, just a deep, eerie, cavernous void.
Caroush turned to Shaun. ‘This is the one and only entrance to the Death Canyon: that’s all we know other than that the canyon leads to the flaming valley, but as I have told you, we or no one else has ever seen inside, so you will have to find your own way from here. May the gods be with you.’ He bowed his head in respect.
Return to Colgilor Page 22