by L. EE
Really? I know they’re intelligent, but I didn’t realize—
They’re smarter than their humans? Daisy snickered.
Humph.
Again Andy heard shortwave screeching and then a voice that squeaked and cracked: “The trees and mountains are fair to look upon in this land. And the—”
Is that the sound of something stripping leaves from a branch and eating them? Andy interrupted.
You have good ears, Andy.
“The leaves are sweet. I would like to stay here for a time.”
A sage voice responded, “I sense evil growing stronger with each passing day. We shall not tarry here beyond a fortnight.”
“Where shall we go, Father?” responded another higher-pitched voice.
These are unicorns, Andy!
Excellent! Oh, but they said they’re not staying beyond a fortnight. Isn’t that two weeks?
It is, Andy, Daisy confirmed.
We better hurry, Andy’s thoughts continued. Where are they? Can you tell?
Listen carefully. You may learn.
Andy heard the sound of running water and then the female unicorn exclaimed, “Oh Father, what is that awful smell?”
The creature with the cracking voice snorted. “That, I believe, would be a troll, sis.”
“Let’s move upwind. The stench is making me nauseous.”
Trolls? That’s perfect! We should be able to narrow the area down a lot from that.
Is that all you need?
Yes! This has been great, Daisy. Thank you so much for doing this.
Daisy and Mermin chatted for a few minutes before the dragon took off, instantly vanishing in the thick fog.
“Well, what did you find out?” the King asked.
Andy beamed. “There are three unicorns in the land at the moment; they’re up in the area with the trolls. But I heard them say they’re leaving within a fortnight. The one they called father said he felt evil increasing every day and he wants them out of here. The other two are brother and sister, it sounded like.”
Andy informed the King and Mermin of the other three conversations he’d overheard from the mythical creatures and voiced his concerns.
“This is timely information, Son. Since it won’t be long until the unicorns leave, let’s plan to set out for the territory of the trolls in the morning. Oh, and Andy, please be prepared to share your report at the war council meeting this afternoon.”
Having no idea what to expect, Andy questioned, “Are you sure?”
CHAPTER NINE
War Council
As soon as lunch ended, Andy joined Father and Mermin in climbing the stairs to the sixth floor.
“The war council meets up here?” Andy inquired, panting.
“It does. Most of the castle staff doesn’t know the room exists. I prefer to keep our war preparations as secretive as possible to avoid leaks,” the King replied.
Arriving at the landing, rather than heading left toward his chambers, the King turned right and entered an alcove. Darkness enveloped the windowless area. Father faced the wall and Andy heard him depress a stone. As with the secret doors in the rest of the castle, when they opened, the sound of stone sliding across stone filled the niche. A musty odor assaulted Andy’s nose and he sneezed. He couldn’t immediately deduce the room’s size, for it did not echo like most.
Mermin made his way around the perimeter and lit several dozen torches, causing the room to come into view. Ornate tapestries depicting knights in combat draped nearly every inch of the walls and colorful rugs blanketed the floor. Andy saw that additional fabric lined the entire ceiling. A large conference table dominated the center of the space.
“What do you think, Son?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I’ve taken great measures to ensure sound does not travel beyond these walls.”
Uncertain what his responsibilities might be, but impressed by the honor of being invited to attend the meeting, Andy offered, “Father, would you mind if I looked behind all the tapestries?”
The King smiled. “Found the secret passages to the maintenance stairway, huh? By all means, have a good look around. You can never be too careful.”
Andy grabbed a torch and ducked behind the nearest wall hanging. Feeling like a burrowing rodent, he circled the four stone walls but found no secret openings. “Nope, nothing,” he announced, satisfied, at which Father and Mermin grinned.
The first council member arrived shortly thereafter. The barrel-chested man strolled into the room sporting an impeccable royal blue uniform with a crest of two crossed sabers on his left arm.
“Ragnar! Great to see you again, old friend.”
The man kneeled and kissed the King’s ring before standing again.
“I’d like you to meet my son, Prince Andrew.”
“Yes, I heard your news. Congratulations, Your Majesty!”
“Andy, this is Regent Bellum. He commands the army of Oomaldee.”
Andy bowed.
Major Cahill waddled in next, clad in his dress uniform.
“You clean up nice,” Andy joked.
“That’s big news, you being the prince and all,” the major remarked.
Before Andy had the opportunity to respond, another council member puffed in, breathless after the exertion of the climb. The lumbering man choked out, “Your Majesty,” as he bowed to the King and kissed his ring.
“Viceroy Stoneshield, I’d like you to meet my son, Prince Andrew. Andy, Viceroy Stoneshield is deputy to Regent Bellum.”
The introductions continued through Major Caden and Major Magnor with the army and Regent Kayton Cronkar and Viceroy Aleron of the cavalry. Andy tried his best to remember all the names, but after the fifth officer, his thoughts scrambled. He hoped he didn’t have to engage in conversation with any other of the dozen officers Father introduced, lest he show how stupid he felt.
“Looks like we’re all here,” the King declared at last. “Andy, would you please close the door and secure it for us?”
Andy did so and then took a seat at the opposite end of the table from Father, nearest the door.
“I’ve asked Prince Andrew to join us. He will be ruling this kingdom one day and needs to learn the strategies of war,” the King began. “How better to learn than to listen in on our thinking and planning.”
A rumble of approving murmurs rippled around the table as all eyes glanced at Andy, causing him to shift in his chair, much like when he watched a scary movie.
“Now then, we are gathered here today to continue planning for an anticipated conflict with King Abaddon. I’m prepared to update you on our progress in developing large weapon systems. Regent Cronkar and Regent Bellum will update us on the readiness of our cavalry and army, respectively. But before we present these reports, I’d like to let you know about recent events in the city of Oops. As you know, King Abaddon has, from time to time, turned a few of our citizens into bird-people. The incidents have been few and far between to this point.”
Heads nodded around the table.
“We have evidence King Abaddon has recently increased the frequency of his actions, indiscriminately turning many more of our citizens into vulture-folk. Mermin and I just returned from investigating.”
“What?” several officers exclaimed.
“Why would he do such a thing?” Viceroy Aleron demanded.
“We believe King Abaddon is very weak at the moment as a result of wounds received from the sword Methuselah.”
A surprised chorus of “Methuselah?” hummed around the table.
Regent Cronkar questioned, “The sword exists? Are you sure?”
“The sword appeared two years ago to Prince Andrew.”
All eyes shot toward Andy.
“I know, I said the same thing the first time I saw it. I have not mentioned this before now because I did not know if it would ever be relevant to our work,” the King continued.
“You’ve battled King Abaddon?” Viceroy Aleron queried.
Andy nodded, then added, “Twice.”
Several officers murmured, then cleared their throats with newfound respect for their prince.
“How does King Abaddon’s weakened condition connect to his turning our people?” puzzled Viceroy Stoneshield.
“We believe King Abaddon has studied alchemy extensively. However, instead of turning objects into gold or silver, he has found a way to release energy by turning people and thereby strengthening himself.”
“Horrors!” Major Magnor shouted.
“Barbarian!” Major Caden exclaimed.
“It’s not right!” chimed Viceroy Aleron.
“Diabolical! He must be stopped!” exclaimed Major Cahill, standing up and waving his long arms animatedly in front of his beak-like nose.
Knowing what happened to the major, the room instantly quieted.
“Gentlemen, it doesn’t matter what we think of his tactics. He is not out to win an award for congeniality. He is bent on taking what he wants, and we must stop him.”
The grumbling ceased and the King continued. “How to accomplish that is the question for our meeting today,” he declared. “Recent events provide more evidence that the war we face is unlike any we have waged before. I believe we need to think and act differently to effectively combat Abaddon and his forces. Their tactics are guerilla and opportunistic rather than the formal, regimented style our armies employ on a battlefield. I am hereby constituting a new strategy that combines our traditional troop readiness and large weapon systems with the flexibility and nimbleness to combat local incursions quickly and decisively. We will fight insurgent activities with rebel moves of our own.”
As he spoke, heads nodded around the table.
“Because we have never fought this way, we will need to invent effective tactics. I propose we begin with a defensive approach, and as we learn more about how Abaddon and his troops fight, we will adapt countermeasures to go on the offensive.”
More grunts of agreement rose from around the table.
“This is our first opportunity to devise countermeasures to defeat him,” the King continued. “Our chief priority is to aide our citizens as best we can. Most importantly, they must see our efforts on their behalf, lest they become more fearful and bigger problems ensue. In this regard, I think we need to try a two-pronged approach.
“Regent Bellum, I request that you work locally with our citizens to identify farms, shops, and other facilities that should be guarded to stop Abaddon and his forces from randomly abducting people, and then make sufficient men available to accomplish this.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the officer replied. “We shall begin this afternoon.”
“Second, but of no less importance, we need to encourage folks to work together and remain united. We are as strong against Abaddon as our loyalty to each other. I thought Prince Andrew made an excellent point at the tavern the night before last. Son, why don’t you share what you told Asher Dain’s listeners.”
Andy glanced around the long table as he slowly stood. He felt a strong urge to flee. They’re all so accomplished. What have I got to say that’s worthy of their listening? I think I’d rather be battling Abaddon right about now.
He attempted to slow his breathing. “Well, ya see, there was this storyteller,” Andy began. He quickly summarized the tale and concluded with, “At the end, folks argued about the meaning. I thought their fighting was stupid, so I told them when so many have been attacked, making everyone else nervous and wondering if they might be next, now is not the time to be arguing. Rather, now is the time to come together and choose to love. We are as strong as the love we choose to share.”
“Well said,” Regent Cronkar praised.
Andy’s face flushed. “Thank you, sir.”
The King pulled the focus back to strategy as he added, “We need to develop a campaign of placards and other written and spoken narratives encouraging our people to band together and support each other—neighbor helping neighbor. I agree with Prince Andrew. We are as strong against our foe as the love we choose to share.”
Andy felt several eyes once again on him.
“Yes, Major Cahill,” the King said, recognizing the long arm waving like a flag in the wind.
“Your Majesty, I’d like to volunteer to spearhead this campaign.”
The King smiled and added, “I can’t think of anyone better for the task.”
“I’d like to help, too,” Major Magnor voiced.
“Thank you, gentlemen. Looks like this part of our strategy is in very capable hands. Assuming these efforts are effective at stemming the problem, they should go a long way to restoring peace and confidence in the kingdom.”
Several heads again bobbed.
“I like it, Your Majesty!” blurted out Major Caden. “It’s a brilliant plan.”
“Before we get ahead of ourselves,” the King interrupted, “let’s see how effective it is. If we are unsuccessful at better protecting our citizens, it won’t be brilliant, now will it?”
At this the room quieted again.
“I’d like to take a few minutes to give you some perspective on our current situation based on reports I’ve heard recently. Prince Andrew had opportunity to gather important information this morning about what’s going on elsewhere around our land. Andy, please tell everyone what you learned.”
Feeling a little more comfortable this time, he again stood. “Sirs, what I’m about to tell you may sound impossible, but I swear it really happened. My father and Mermin are witnesses.”
“That’s quite an introduction, Prince Andrew,” Regent Cronkar chuckled.
“Sorry, but you see, sir, I have a friend who is a dragon.” Andy waited for chuckles of disbelief at the absurdity of his statement, but none came. Instead, the officers glanced from Andy to the King and back. When his majesty’s expression remained unchanged, the men refocused their attention.
“Anyway, Daisy—that’s my dragon friend—helped me listen in on conversations of centaurs, griffins, pegasi, and unicorns. The centaurs foretold from the stars that the dragon constellation would overcome the warrior. I don’t know how soon. As you know, Abaddon is a dragon. I’m not sure if Oomaldee is the warrior, but if we are—”
Andy paused, expecting someone to discredit his report, but everyone remained quiet, listening attentively, so he continued. “Then I heard Abaddon is again attacking the gold and silver mines in Carta. The griffins are protecting the treasure, and it sounds like they aren’t about to give up the fight. Next, I overheard the leader of the pegasi giving a pep talk. He said they faced a foe of deep and ancient dark magic. That didn’t sound good. And last, I found out there are unicorns in the land right now, but their leader said he sensed evil growing stronger with each passing day and they wouldn’t stay longer than a fortnight.”
“Thank you, Andy,” the King said, rising. “Gentlemen, whether you take stock in these reports or not, we must be prepared for what I fear will be a long, hard struggle. It will test us militarily, but I believe it will also personally try each one of us as never before. We must be absolutely committed to each other and to our kingdom.”
A solemn mood fell on the room at these words. No one moved.
“Now then, let me tell you what’s been happening with war machine construction,” the King resumed. He gave his report and the other officials shared various updates before the meeting finally concluded.
When the group adjourned, Father informed Andy that he and Mermin would spend the afternoon planning the trip to find the unicorns. With this in mind, Andy decided to check the invisible book down in Mermin’s library as was his custom before each quest, for it always gave him information he would need to successfully complete the mission.
Andy pushed open the heavy wooden door to the library, walked over to the shelf, and extracted the book. He placed it on the table, pushing aside several books and scrolls, and opened it. A portion of the message had changed. The single page at the front now read:
/> 1. Flirt not with temptation.
2. Heed the messenger.
But it’s my mom’s life on the line! I’m sorry if it thinks I’m allowing myself to be tempted, but I disagree. And it’s calling me greedy again. How can it say that? I don’t get it.
Andy turned the page and opened the compartment with the white loop handle to see if it might hold some clue, but he saw only the six red dragon scales and the vial of venom.
Nothing new for this trip? That’s weird.
As the thought lingered in his mind, the same translucent swirl he’d seen before rose up from one of the round stone paperweights Mermin used to hold down the corners of scrolls. As always, it formed a ball twelve to fifteen inches in diameter that slowly rotated above the table. Andy backed away.
“What would you give to save me while still breaking the curse?” Mom’s voice asked again.
“I don’t know,” Andy whined. “I wish you’d stop asking me that.”
“Am I not worthy of your sacrifice?”
“You are, but…”
“What is your hesitation?”
“I don’t want to die.”
“And you think I do?”
“No. Look, I don’t know what to say.”
“May it not be said that the longer you are away in this land, the less you care about me or my future.”
“No! That’s not it.” But even as he protested, Andy wondered if it might be true, at least in part. Pangs of guilt bit down on his inneru, producing a whimper but no comments.
The translucent ball continued to spin, as if awaiting his answer. Andy slammed the book shut, returned it to the shelf, and ran out the door. He glanced over his shoulder, hoping it did not follow.
“Thank you,” he said under his breath when he saw he walked alone. Still, the encounter unsettled him. He knew this was not the end of it. What am I going to say the next time it shows up?
As he descended the stairs, Andy gave way for a servant waddling upward, which brought him back from his contemplations. He needed to find Alden and Hannah. They had some serious sword and dagger fighting to practice. This wasn’t going to be an easy trip.