“It’s time to flee! They…”, the leader of Nultari could not finish to say a word.
Kordius quickly withdrew the trident that had pierced the neck of Tenarkis, advancing astride his white wolf, while dozens of exalted necromancers for the battle followed him. The Nultari seemed increasingly sad, since their hammers of combat now no longer had any enchantments.
“I don’t think these stupid elephant-men were made for war. They’re not able to do anything against my army.”, Kordius said and then watched Tenarkis on the floor, dying.
“Now that Edryon abandoned us, I don’t know if we still have a chance. What can we do, goblin?”, Rasputin asked eagerly.
At the moment that Sgnilliv prepared to reply the magician, he stayed silent with the scene that he had just witnessed. Hundreds of warriors and clerics approached the necromancers, raising swords and preparing shields.
“They are very well armed.”, the goblin said, “They’re coming to help us. Salur is changing for better, right? He’s in the midst of the army, along with Edryon!”
“Yes, but if we do not act fast, the Nultari, the warriors and even the clerics will not be sufficient. The necromancers can create undeads, increasing their attack powers.,” the wizard replied.
While the Salur’s army was rapidly approaching the evil men of Kordius, Rasputin felt more satisfied. The Nultari continued to attack with their hammers, hitting and destroying his enemies into pieces.
“Edryon! Proceed with the clerics and take care! Do not let them to create more zombies!”, Sgnilliv screamed and then closed his eyes, preparing for a magical ritual.
“I’m still surprised that we are not here alone. Salur decided to help us, but anyway this is very good. And is not the time to know what are his intentions.”, Rasputin said, after creating a barrier of magical energy, which prevented the necromancers to continue advancing.
While most of his army seemed confused and without many combat actions, Kordius continued ignoring his possible defeat. The sorcerer of the elementals crossed the sand covered of Nultari bodies, showing a great calm. He looked up and said some magic words, and then a red cloud formed over the clerics and warriors of Salur.
“What is he doing?”, Sgnilliv asked, “I will not let him to create any magic!”
“Kordius, that bastard! He must be willing to create new undeads!”, shouted Rasputin and continued focusing on the energy barrier he had created.
The goblin closed the eyes again and also the palms of his hands. Large blue flames appeared around his body. Edryon seemed more surprised to realize the strong energy that spread throughout the battlefield. Sgnilliv was determined to use his more dangerous spells.
“Look, the Nultari ended with the last! They have destroyed the necromancers!”, Edryon yelled, very excited, despite being with his legs almost paralyzed, covered with black blisters.
“But the sorcerer will stand up until to finish his forces. He is still alive. Strange creatures have emerged among the clerics. They seem fire elementals, and they’re going out of that magic cloud.”, Rasputin said, as he struggled to keep the magic wall of energy.
In the middle of the bodies of necromancers, Nultari, clerics and warriors, spread by the sand on the beach of the Island of the Gnomes, Salur went ahead with his broad sword of steel, crossing with violence the inflamed flesh of the fire elementals. Kordius looked increasingly desperate as he stared incredulously at his army, which now seemed defeated. He shouted with authority, ordering his creatures to do new attacks.
When a giant iceball tore the sky in a surprising way, Rasputin stepped back and pulled Edryon to him. Sgnilliv opened his eyes and looked attentive to a large explosion that hitted a few necromancers who had survived the hammers of the Nultari. His magic had been a success, and then a tear trickled down from his face. Immediately the goblin remembered the rituals he had learned with Rasputin, ten years ago.
“You will continue right here and now drop your staff! If you try to escape, you’ll be death”, said a man with a black hood, mounted on a horse, with the blade of his sword resting against the neck of Kordius.
“Gullinar? How did you come to the island?”, the sorcerer shouted, very scared.
“Forget this useless talk. I came here to show you revenge.”, Gullinar said in a cold way, removed the hood and prepared to cut off the head of the sorcerer.
Suddenly, among the clerics of Salur, another young man approached Kordius and said:
“Gullinar, stop it now. You know it is forbidden the murder of the sorcerers of my father.”
“You are acting like a fool! Our Majesty had always allowed me the executions against the unjust and the criminals! It is better for you to review your order!”, Gullinar shouted angrily, and then guarded back into the sheath his broad sword of steel.
Kordius touched his neck with the right hand and after having realized that it was without any type of injury, he smiled, revealing an air of contempt and arrogance. Rasputin approached Gullinar, he seemed to disbelieve in the words of the King William II’s son, because no sorcerer had betrayed the people of Hanneris.
“I’m disappointed with your attitude, sir. This man only deserves the death. He brought many tragedies to our people, and now he will leave this island like an innocent.”, Rasputin said, looking firmly to the king’s son.
“It’s his right. Let him go.”
24
Against The Winds
Now the stone towers of the castle seemed to have been
reinforced, the invasions of dragons were part of a distant past, hundred years ago, but still remained in the memories of Edryon. He still remembered the deadly combats, defending himself against blows of fire, protecting Hanneris with all his skill as the best dragon hunter that had existed in the world of Fynge.
Hanneris owed much to the gray elf, it was more than just rewards in gold because Edryon felt that despite having completed all the trainings with the warrior bard Krenn Lawf, he never received any recognition from the people and even from the King William I. Edryon never was sure that someday he would be an elf that could cross the road, receiving applauses, or any other compliance, or a single “Thank you”. Acknowledgements would not bring him wealth, it will not bring back his family, and much less it would make the tragedies of the past being just a lie.
Much of what the elf had learned as a dragon slayer, was with Krenn Lawf, the Heng Lawf’s father. The dream to one day he could go into taberns filled with elves, dwarves and humans, to say that he had driven Tharonnak, or even destroyed more menacing dragons, had now been held. There was much to be told, much to be revealed, so being only a few hours sitting in a chair beside the beautiful elves and taking a good wine, it was not sufficient. Beside the finest witches, women who claimed to possess magical powers, only to take advantage of the innocent nobles, but with leather bags full of gold coins. With thoughts turned again to the castle in front of him, Edryon looked at his companions who were advanced on the road with their horses.
Rasputin and Sgnilliv seemed very tired because the trip had been long, and they could not rest long enough to recover the energy. The rain poured down mercilessly, wetting the three travelers quickly, Edryon still did not care, and continued to look carefully at the sky, searching for possible winged enemies. Sgnilliv covered his face with the hood of his gray cloak, and then said:
“This rain does not bring me good memories. But now the city is well protected, and that’s what matters.”
The Edryon’s horse reared and advanced galloping until to reach the Sgnilliv’s white horse. The goblin showed a smile on his face that the gray elf did not see long ago. The defeat of Kordius’s army had brought new hope for everyone.
“No necromancer will again take the peace of this world!”, Edryon shouted enthusiastically.
As they prepared to cross the gates of the castle entrance, a group of forty druids began booing Rasputin and the other adventurers. Rotten tomatoes, potatoes, and eggs flew quickly in the air, hitti
ng the horses, armors, weapons and shields.
“These idiots do not learn? They should be expelled from Hanneris.”, said Edryon very nervous.
Five druids came before the horse of Rasputin, and then one of them raised his staff close to the animal’s mane, tapping the tip of the wood on the left knee of the magician, who retaliated with a strong kick, knocking the old man in the middle of the red earth.
“If they keep acting this way, I see no more reason to stay here in this city.”, Rasputin replied firmly.
After passing through the castle gates and distancing themselves from the group of druids, the travelers saw hundreds of people, elves, some dwarves, humans and a few goblins, who seemed to be waiting for them, clapping and mouthing words of thanks. Edryon was surprised, because he not long ago had been well received in the city, and he felt very proud to be back in Hanneris. The women ran toward the gray elf, handing him flowers and baskets of gifts.
“It’s great to come back here and see that they still remember our support, is not it?”, Rasputin asked, showing a big smile of satisfaction.
“But the druids, they should be more tolerant. They look like a bunch of savages. They did not bring any help to the city.”, Sgnilliv said.
Edryon, noticing all those flowers, remembered with sadness of Sarah, his wife. She always gave him unexpected gifts when he returned home from another battle.
Suddenly Sgnilliv descended from his white horse and ran toward the crowd, shouting:
“Listen! No one here needs applause! We don’t need any support. The majority never acknowledged the Edryon’s services to the people, and many of you do not even know who is he, is not it?”
“What are you doing, goblin?”, Rasputin shouted, as he descended from his mount, “Stop the confusion, and let’s enjoy the celebration!”
Edryon felt disappointed to not having helped the city as much as he wanted, but this time he realized that the goblin was right in his words. The elf moved forward with his horse near Sgnilliv, and held him firmly by the arm, saying:
“Let’s get outta here. We don’t need to waste time with nonsense.”
“Listen, Edryon, this is very important! They can not keep acting this way, as if Hanneris never depended on our efforts.”, the goblin said forcefully.
After rising on the stage of ceremonies installed beside the city’s main square, Ornell showed in his face a joy that not long ago was part of his days. The bard waited that the people stopped cheering for a while, and then began a speech:
“Ladies, gentlemen, and all the people of Hanneris! Today is a very special day because Edryon and the magicians Rasputin and Sgnilliv defeated the necromancers, bringing back the peace and security that we’ve been waiting for many years. I’m very proud to be the leader of the Council of the Leaves, and I hope to help the city increasingly on what is in the possible. “
Immediately hundreds of people cheered, shouting the name of Rasputin, while tens of elves approached, joining the crowd. Ornell looked surprised for the people, he thought that they would also say the name of Edryon, and also Sgnilliv, which seemed increasingly angry.
“That’s enough!”, the wizard shouted, entering in front of the bard, staying away from the scene of ceremonies, “Many of you, or most, knows all the problems we faced together. Edryon defended the city against Tharonnak, the dragon of hell, though Multorgh have defeated him. Sgnilliv had the best tabern in town, and it was considered the best in the continent. Today this goblin is one of the most skilled magicians in the world, and he never expected anything in return. He lost his wife, he lost an arm, he lost all the things he liked so much, but today he topped all this, to be here with you. So understand that they also deserve recognition.”
A woman with short and well kept black hair, but using an old brown dress, came out from the crowd, entering the front of the stage and shouted:
“Edryon, I know that you’re the best dragon slayer!”
The gray elf gave a smile that for long ago it was not showed in his face. When he prepared to approach the woman, Edryon realized that Ornell was holding a sword of steel very well crafted, and around him, some people encouraged Edryon to receive the weapon of the bard.
“Elf, you still has much to do for our people. Now get up on stage and receive your new position in the Hanneris’s city.”, Ornell said firmly, but with an expression of pride.
Edryon trod carefully on the wooden steps as he looked surprised to many people who seemed happy to learn that the gray elf received a tribute. The time of the dragons had passed, but somehow he felt that Hanneris still needed a hunter up to the city, which could bring peace wherever they are endangered. Some druids seemed eager to hear what was the new position of Edryon, and then waited in silence by the decision of Ornell, who was still holding up the broad sword of steel.
The gray elf knelt next to the bard, who handed him the weapon and said, as he showed in his face a great pride:
“Edryon, receive your new post as commander, accepts the new destiny as if it were the most important of your life, and continue honoring our people with your valuable services to our city.”
A strange feeling ran through the body of the elf at the same time that Sarah was invading his mind, in sad memories of her death in the tower. She did not deserve to have lost her life so horribly, a beautiful young elvish girl who always loved him, always wanted to be together even in the difficult times. The Edryon’s shaky legs were becoming heavier, and then blisters appeared on his gray skin. The vision seemed weaker, and then he remembered he could have been infected by the mutant elves. Edryon did not want to leave that world, he did not want to abandon all the things he always believed. Edryon still needed to show the people of Hanneris that he was the best dragon slayer. But thoughts of death mingled with his hopes, and the body not had enough of any move, until all became white, and there was no more thoughts.
Sunbeams invaded the window when Edryon opened his eyes and found Sgnilliv and Rasputin at his side, while the elf was still lying on a bed of wood very neat.
“Edryon, try to not move. You need to rest and it will not be a good idea to try to get up. You lost much blood, but you’ll be fine.”, Rasputin said quite worried.
“We want you to understand what we will say. Your days will be few in this world, but we will do our utmost to find a cure for your disease, Edryon. Don’t be afraid. You’ll be fine.”, Agmar said as he filled a timber basin of water.
Immediately Edryon looked increasingly nervous because he knew he could lose his life in that house of healing, but the gray elf had still an overwhelming desire to overcome everything that has appeared in his thoughts. Just a disease would no longer to destroy all his dreams, all the missions that he still wanted to do, to help the world of Fynge, but the pain became increasingly intense, as bubbles appeared all over his body in an amazing speed.
The next day Edryon realized that the celebrations in the Hanneris’s city were still there, because excited children ran down the road, while the older hugged and shouted words of thanks and victory.
“If you want, you can go out a little bit to see the celebration.”, Rasputin said, showing a great concern about the elf.
“Listen, I don’t want to lose my life so… so… okay! Take me out there. Since I have no choice…”, replied the elf, as he struggled to get out of the bed.
When Rasputin and Sgnilliv led Edryon from out of the house of healing, a light rain began to fall, wetting the roofs of the buildings, but the people still does not seemed to mind the slight drops of water. The elf looked scared for his legs and noticed that the bubbles were rising.
“Do you really think one day all this will end?”, Edryon asked, a bit haggard.
“No. Unfortunately, they will continue, trying to destroy our people and Hanneris. But that does not mean you should give up. Elf, you has already done so much for the city and the world of Fynge. It’s time to rest and wait for the forces coming back to your heart.”, Rasputin said as he look
ed surprised for a group of three animated elven girls, entering the tabern of Thornak, the dwarf.
While Sgnilliv worked to help Edryon along the road, offering his left shoulder for support, dozens of people seemed to be discussing something near the main square of Hanneris. In the crowd was Ornell, who was shouting a lot, showing in his face an intense anger.
“It’s all wrong, we are leaving the city each day more without protections! From today we must strengthen the towers and walls. I want to train more soldiers and also to better protect the entrances of the Mage Guild.”, said the leader of the bards, while pointing to Agmar, the shaman druid.
“You know very well that this will not advance. Most of the soldiers came out to the rescue of Urentir, as you commanded.”, replied one of the druids.
Edryon, observing the crowd talking and saying words that served only to bring more conflicts, remembered with sadness when he had been stoned by the druids. They also appeared not to understand that the elf was not guilty for the invasion of the skeleton fairies.
“Stop this now, you idiots! Our people will not win anything with these discussions! Don’t you still understand?”, the gray elf screamed and fell in the middle of the road with his legs swollen and covered with blisters.
After four days of great festivities throughout the city, a caravan full of simple men, dressed in leather, crossed the gates of the main entrance. Ornell then realized that it were the druids from the Forest of the Spirits, who had left Hanneris.
“They seem to be merchants or townspeople. Who are they?”, Edryon asked.
“Don’t you remember? From the time they left the city to protect the forest? I don’t think they have achieved. Solving the problem of the imbalance in the magic of that region will not be easy.”, Ornell said while still looking at the new visitors.
After a few minutes, dozens of noisy carts pulled by lean and fast horses, went through the iron gates, scattering dust that was carried by the winds from the cold night. When the druids were preparing to unload their equipments on the ground, some children began to cry inside the wagons, they seemed frightened by the road, which now revealed burning houses and citizens concerned to rebuild them.
Edryon (Book 1 of Edryon Trilogy) Page 22