A Tide of Shadows

by Tom Bielawski

  Regular patrols into the wilderness were created to make the Nashian presence known to the baronies, city-states, and principalities of the Southlanders. Conflicts between the bands of vicious brigands who claimed rule over the wilderlands and the forces of Colonel Sauger’s Marines led to the deaths of many criminals. The brigands who terrorized merchants, wreaked havoc on outlying farmsteads, and raided larger cities, had quickly learned that fighting the Nashians would be pointless.

  Word spread like wildfire from among the independent lands of the Northern Continent. Trade was now open and free and roads were becoming safe to travel as Nashian troops patrolled the highways. Nashia began plans to improve highways and build forts from which the Nashian troops could operate. Supply lines were being established deep into the territory of the Northern Continent as fall deepened and Shalthazar had done little more than study the Sigils and train his apprentices.

  But Shalthazar desperately wanted to add a real prize to his territory, and the nearby Principality of Caelambra would be that prize. It was an established state ruled by a prince with vibrant trade, fertile farmlands, a stout navy and a strong defense force. But, with word of the accomplishments of the Nashians spreading quickly, the Caelambrans demanded their prince to welcome the Nashians. Battalions of troops had marched to the outskirts of the city and the combined Nashian and Vaardic Fleet loomed on the horizon of the sea-faring city. When the prince refused to open the gates to the Nashians, the city guard staged a coup and ousted the prince. The Commander of the Guard named himself Ruler of Caelambra and declared loyalty to the Prophet-General of Ilian Nah.

  The Nashian’s successes brought hope to the people who lived in terror of marauders who plagued their wilderness, the Vaard who ruled the seas, and the unforgiving reality of life on a harsh continent. Before the Prophet-General knew it, he had conquered half of the continent! Trade was taking off between the lands of the new empire and gold was flowing across the sea to Old Nashia. It couldn’t have gone better! He held up the advancement of his troops at the Ogrewall Mountains that divided the former “wildlands” from the more prosperous Cklathish and Sargannish kingdoms further south and west. Shalthazar decided that it would be best to await the coming of spring before risking a foray into the lands of the Ogres Tribes in the Ogrewall Mountains, and beyond.

  The campaign lull would also allow him to devote the necessary resources he needed to begin searching for something which would allow the evil elf to begin the plans he kept even from Umber.

  Joint training exercises commenced between the Vaard and others from the subjugated city-states whom the Vaard referred to as Southlanders. Old rivalries were forgotten between Southlanders and Northlanders as the prospect of wealth and security fast became reality. Recruiting among the Nashian forces was high, and many people were joining the Army to improve their station; such was the promise of life in the service of Nashia. The local forces had been outfitted with Nashian armor and weapons and were permitted to decorate their armor with their own badges, coats of arms, and other customary symbols. Eventually the combined soldiers of the Vaard and Southlanders became known as the Ice Brigade and were commanded by their General: King Olaf Redskull.

  Relations between the Nashian regulars and the new recruits were strong and all were eager for the arrival of springtime, and war. As Umber had predicted, these people welcomed Shalthazar for being a strong leader, and they delighted in the prospect of plundering the spoiled Sargannish and Cklathish nations. Nashians learned much from the Northlanders and Southlanders under their command, including sharing cultures and learning languages.

  Nashian advisers arrived from the homeland across the sea and brought with them reinforcements and supplies and goods from Nashia to sell in Vaardic and Southlander markets. The Vaard were thrilled to learn of the Nashians’ thirst for fresh fish, in particular Vaardic salmon and trout, which were all but unheard of across the sea. Vaardic sheep also brought some of the finest wool and tasty meat Nashians had ever known and it was demanding a high price. In return the Vaard were pleased to have beef, cheeses, wines, and produce that were unavailable to them without conducting raids to the south. Trade in spices, food, clothing and other valuables flourished between Old and New. This new turn to reliance upon trade for survival, rather than raiding, had proven to be attractive to much of the Vaardic society and many eagerly entered the merchant industry.

  The Nashians also brought some modern advancements to the Vaard, such as rudimentary plumbing and advanced building designs. Vaardic life had always been harsh and discipline had always been kept by the sword. Shalthazar assumed that this was part of the reason why they had adapted so well to the militant Nashian society.

  Shalthazar began to study his enemies, the Cklath and the Sargannish. The Cklath inhabited a larger region commonly referred to as the Cklathlands. These lands were a collection of mainland nations and islands ruled by various kings, and thaynes and tar-thaynes. They were fierce and formidable and had been known to unify under common threats. Using his network of informants and spies, the wizard decided that quietly turning their kings to his side could provide the division amongst them that would prove to be their undoing.

  The next most serious threat the wizard faced was a powerful duchy bordering the Cklathlands, known as the Sargan Duchy. An Arch-Duke with claims of ancient Imperial heritage ruled over the vast lands. He commanded five separate armies, each stewarded by a great earl of distinction under his sway. It was reported that this Arch-Duke had aspirations of conquering eastward into lands now controlled by Shalthazar. The elf chuckled at that, wondering if this would-be emperor was now weighing the Prophet-General in the same way.

  But, the Sargan Duchy lay far to the west and far away from his current concerns. North of its borders was a nation of elves known as the Crimson Elves; fierce, proud, powerful in magic; they would be a serious threat to Umber’s plans. Shalthazar could not help but feel a twinge of animosity towards the imperious, pompous, and condescending so-called Crimson Elves. They would be no different than the smarmy elves of his home world and he would delight in their misery!

  All of these various thoughts ran swiftly through the sharp mind of the wicked elf in the briefest of moments. But he put them aside as three of his most important lieutenants entered his office. “Colonel Sauger, Admiral Maynar, Colonel Nox, King Redskull,” announced Shalthazar’s servant. He smiled amiably at the men as the entered and took their places around his war-table.

  “Welcome, men! May the light of Ilian Nah shine on you,” the elf said benevolently. The ranking officers bowed their heads and said, “And you as well, Prophet.”

  Shalthazar sat, followed by his guests. Every so often he convened a council with his top advisors to keep them informed of on the complete actions and benefits of their military campaign.

  “Our new nation is developing quite nicely. The interior has been subjugated, at least as far as the Ogrewall Mountains, where the Ogre Tribes reside. There is still much of the northern wilderness which we may, or may not, get to before spring.”

  “Trade to Old Nashia is flowing nicely and supplies, troops, and more colonists are arriving constantly. Our people are settling into their roles as mentors for these backward peoples. When spring thaws the passes, and the snows melt, we will move into the ogre lands. You all have done very well!” Shalthazar learned that a little praise for subordinates went a long way, although he still felt awkward bestowing anything but scorn on those beneath him. Ahh, but great rewards awaited him!

  “How is the training coming, King Redskull?“ asked the wizard.

  “The troops have developed nicely under the tutelage of General Nox, Holiness. They are ready and eager to spread the wrath of the Vaard and the glory of Nah!”

  Shalthazar’s use of the Nashian language had improved rapidly and surprisingly, as had that of his men. He was proud of this rag-tag group of miscreants-turned-soldiers, at least as much as the selfish and power-hungry elf could be proud of anythin
g.

  “Excellent. General Nox, do you have units selected to stay back and defend our territory?“

  “Yes, Holiness. My Eastern Highland Brigade arrived in country three weeks ago. They have acclimated well and are now familiar enough with the region. I will leave a team of advisers to assist them.”

  “What about our reserves?”

  “Another brigade of Eastern Highlanders will travel with us as our reserve force.”

  Shalthazar nodded curtly. “Colonel. How did your expedition to the south go?” he said as he turned to face the Marine.

  “Holiness,” began the Marine, awkwardly. “As you have learned, there are several kingdoms which make up the area known as ‘Cklathlands.’ The Cklathish kingdom known as Brythyn is the largest. It has a population of nearly two million people and a regular army of fifty thousand. We could expect that number to increase by double on short notice due the existence of a well-trained reserve militia. Their archers are deadly and their mounted bovine cavalry will be brutally effective against our own horse. The most disciplined foot units would not withstand a charge from these fearsome creatures, Holy One.”

  It won’t be fragile humans facing this bovine cavalry, however, the wizard mused.

  “Too, the terrain is mountainous and their borders are well protected. However, the Cklath are somewhat distracted, Holiness.“

  “How so?” asked Shalthazar.

  “There is another Cklathish territory across the bay, far to the south. It is known as Hybrand and it has long been under the thumb of the Arnathian Empire. Unrest and rumors of instability are rampant, the Imperial Monarchy has lost much respect. Also, there are factions within the territory that are working to oust the Arnathians.

  “The patron god of Arnathia, known as Qra’z, has begun rooting out non-believers from the empire. All non-humans are persecuted and magic is strictly forbidden on pain of death. However, somewhat contradictory rumors indicate an Arnathian plan to invade northward into the Cklathish lands of Brythyn, while still other rumors indicate a Cklathish invasion to the south is inevitable.”

  The wizard mentally chewed on this information. Some of it he already knew, having planted the seeds of unrest in Hybrand himself much earlier.

  “Prophet-General,” the colonel continued, “my scouts have learned of a legend among the people of this continent.”

  “Legend?” the wizard asked with only slight interest. Legends were sometimes rooted in fact, and could prove to be useful intelligence with the right analysis; other times, worthless.

  “There is a legend of a hidden tomb deep in the forests beyond Brythyn. It is called the Tomb of the Dark Paladin; a mortal human who attempted to challenge a god to mortal combat five centuries ago. It is said that he was a paladin who was once good but turned evil and wreaked much havoc upon the world before he was destroyed. In the last moments of his life he saw the error of his ways and he begged forgiveness from his god, Zuhr, who rewarded him with a cursed existence guarding his own tomb. It is said this paladin guards his own tomb to this very day, protecting its secrets from any who might seek to repeat his mistakes.”

  “Do you know where it is?” he asked, carefully masking his eagerness.

  “No, Your Holiness. We were unable to uncover anything more than rumor. One of my scout teams surveyed the countryside, however they could not find it.”

  Shalthazar couldn’t help but let out a small sigh. Shalthazar had dispatched some of his best hunters to find the Tomb before anyone else who had aims for his highly sought-after prize. And, there was one person whom Umber had shown him could prove to be a drastic threat to Umber’s plans. As a result, the wizard had dispatched his best lieutenants to head up the search for the Tomb, and to find the mortal who stood in his way.

  “Well done. I am promoting you to the rank of Brigade General. With the reinforcements we’ve received from our homeland, you now command a full strength brigade of Marines. I want all Marines to debark from all ships and muster under your command. You will report to General Nox.”

  Brigadier General Sauger stood at attention, saluted, and said, “Sir!”

  “When we begin our movement closer to the Cklathlands, I may need the assistance of your fleet, Admiral Maynar. You will take half the fleet and parallel our movement south along the coast. There may come a point where your Roughnecks will have to come ashore as reinforcements, bring in supplies, or pick up troops.”

  “Sir!” replied the admiral, proudly. “Our men have been training with the Marines in land warfare regularly. I am confident in their ability to fight!”

  “Excellent! Gentlemen, make your preparations. Allow the men to enjoy themselves this winter, because we march when the snows clear.”

  C H A P T E R

  9

  Questionable Help.

  Dockyard City.

  After winding through tunnels that led up, then down, then left, then right, and seemed to repeat this cycle over and over; the group arrived at a large wooden door with a handprint inside a circle on it. The walk had been tedious. Zach refused to speak as he led the group through the underground maze. Saera spoke in hushed tones with Willam and the man with a praying mantis on his shoulder still would not give his name and pointedly ignored all of Carym’s questions.

  Saera placed her palm on the handprint and it began to emit a red light. Carym had heard of wizards using magical wards for protection but this was particularly intriguing. Through its magic, the door seemed to know whose hand was placed upon it and if that person was allowed access. Apparently, Saera was approved for the door swung silently inward.

  “Welcome to our lair, Carym,” she snickered as she strode through the door.

  Carym was amazed at what he saw. They followed her through the massive door onto the main street of what appeared to be an underground city! In the distance, at the end of the main street, he saw a fortress made of granite and marble. Surrounding this fortress was a massive wall interspersed with menacing towers, flying buttresses, and parapets. It was a style of architecture like nothing he had ever seen. The group stopped inside the gate and Saera concluded a brief discussion while Carym gawked at the wondrous sight.

  “Eriagabbyn wishes to see you,” whispered Saera dramatically. “Follow me,” Saera smiled as she spun around, her black and brown cloak fluttered behind her.

  He had heard of the infamous Eriagabbyn. The man had a reputation for being a scoundrel, a thief, and a murderer, depending on who you talked to. With a sigh, he realized that much of what he thought he knew of people had been wrong.

  The side streets of this underground city branched off the main road at precise intervals and faded into the distance in perfectly straight lines. Carym was amazed at the geographic precision with which this city had been built and the seemingly perfect level ground. All of the streets were lined with poles that had brightly shining globes atop them. These lights were reflected and amplified by the roof of the cavern, which was lined with large rectangular pieces of shiny metal. Despite the large size of this underground city, there were relatively few people wandering among the streets. After the short but interesting walk down the main avenue of the city they arrived at the fortress that was built into the rock wall of the cavern itself.

  Carym knew that these people would give him no information lest they felt he needed to know it. So, he chose not to ask any of the hundreds of questions flitting through his mind as he surveyed the apparently ancient underground city. He had heard many tales of ancient civilizations that lived and thrived below the surface of Llars, tales which fascinated him as a child. He wanted to go exploring and learn about the people who lived here long ago; he had heard that both humans and dwarves coexisted peacefully long ago in the Underllars. He had never visited the Underllars before today, that being the name for any of the mysterious inhabited regions below the surface of the world. Although this place was in the Underllars, there were no signs of the infamous monsters and deadly wandering spirits doomed to haunt th
e deep places forever.

  Saera led the group inside the keep and into the grand chamber that once served as a throne room for this underground realm. The great chamber must have been richly decorated at one time for there were remnants of tapestries and piles of rotted wood that had once been furniture. Rubble strewn about the floor and damaged walls led Carym to think perhaps a battle had been fought here long ago. Finally they stopped at the end of the chamber where a man with Elvish features sat on a massive throne of silver and steel decorated with hammers, picks, axes, and other hand tools used by the stone miners and masons. The decor was ornate, but the throne had seen better days. The legends said that besides being amazing craftsmen, the dwarves were known as the scholars and sages of the ancient world and were rumored to have kept libraries of knowledge and lore dating back to the Creation. Carym longed to see the ancient texts, yet knew he would not be staying here long and would have no chance of seeking out the library; if dwarves had truly ever set foot in this place.

  The man who sat atop this throne was known as Eriagabbyn, and he was the leader of the infamous Black Spiders. He was wearing elegant black silks with a white spider boldly emblazoned upon his chest. His features were honest and his eyes seemed wise and just. Carym felt at home here all of a sudden, and knew that somehow this great lord would help him.

  “My lord, this is Carym of Hyrum,” announced Saera. “He is a carpenter by trade in Hybrand, and Warrior Zach is his business partner.”