By now several of the minotaurs were shouting and cheering, and some even jeered at the big minotaur’s inability to land a blow.
Zylor never let up, pummelling and elbowing the beast with practiced skill. He pressed the larger minotaur back against the ship’s rail and gave him a solid uppercut to the jaw. The large minotaur staggered, tripped dizzily, and toppled overboard.
Cheers rose from the decks of all of the minotaur vessels and the Lady of the Sea. Zylor had won hands down.
A rope was thrown and the defeated minotaur was hauled aboard. He rubbed the water from his hairy body and came forward to confront Zylor. He held out his hand. “You bested me fair and square, Zylor. You have my support if you get yourself elected.”
Zylor shook hands with the defeated minotaur and everyone cheered.
“What do we do now?” asked one minotaur suddenly.
“Here’s my plan,” said Zylor loudly so that all could hear. “I want you to return to the land battle and secretly inform the minotaur warriors stationed there of the lizardmages’ plot. Then, I want you to pose as simply another infantry division and slip in among the other minotaurs. Tell them to turn on our so-called allies when they hear the signal. When I take back the throne, I will return to the field of battle and instruct the general to give the signal to attack.”
“If you succeed,” said one minotaur doubtfully.
Others nearby murmured at this statement.
Zylor nodded in understanding. “It’s possible that I might fail, but I doubt it. Traygor wins by cheating, but I won’t allow that to happen if I can help it. Nevertheless, if I fail, strike at the first light of dawn. Maybe the emperor will get the message, and he will see the light and do the right thing.”
“And after we eliminate our so-called allies?” prodded Garad.
“After that, send the fools who survive back into the caves where they came from,” said Zylor. “Live zombies can be freed by the destruction of the skull staves. Dead zombies will simply collapse like the corpses they are. The humans are too battered to give chase, so our borders are safe for the time being. Then, after this is all done, return to the emperor and demonstrate your unwillingness to work under the shadow of the lizardmages. We are our own race. Let’s keep it that way.”
Several minotaurs cheered.
“I’ll pass the word on to the rest of the fleet,” said Garad. He slapped Zylor on the shoulder. “You’d better get moving. Time grows short if you wish to do your part.”
Zylor nodded. “Good luck, Garad. I only hope the land forces are as easy to convince to go along with this as your sailors.”
“We will prevail,” said Garad. “In fact, word is Karlan is the general of the land forces now. He got promoted to that position because of his battle experience and because the previous general ran off in shame after the last defeat at the hands of the humans.”
“You’re kidding?!” exclaimed Zylor.
Garad grinned. “He’ll be interested to know what happened to you and hear of your unusual plans for the war.”
“I’ll bet he will,” said Zylor dryly. “I’ll trust you to take care of it, Garad. Good luck.”
“Same to you,” said Garad, shaking his hand.
Zylor made for the Lady of the Sea and several minotaurs slapped him on the back to congratulate him on his victory over the large minotaur. Others wished him luck.
It wasn’t until the companions were all assembled once again that they noticed the absence of Rubin. A curse near the back of the ship a moment later confirmed their fears. Captain Durango stood looking out to sea at a location where the side rails were missing. The kraken had caused that damage, and that’s where the captain figured he had lost his loyal first mate.
Perenia blanched. “Is he—?”
Milena laid a hand on the centaur’s flank. “I wish it were not so, Perenia, but what other explanation could there be? We never saw him fighting up with the other sailors. He must have been knocked overboard while we weren’t looking.”
“We should have kept an eye on him!” cried Della tearfully. She had grown to like the burly sailor with his jovial attitude.
“It can’t be,” whispered Kazin in shock. “The prophesy—.”
Suddenly Captain Durango swore and tore off a broken section of the ship with his bare hands. In rage, he hurled the plank far out into the sea. Then he ordered a crewman to take the helm and stalked off to his quarters, slamming the door behind him.
“He’s not taking it too well,” commented Sherman. There were the beginnings of tears in his own eyes. He had enjoyed the company of the sailor as well.
“He was a brave warrior,” said Zylor. “He fought well.”
“He was good at dice too,” said Harran. When Zylor glared at him, Harran added, “Among other things, of course.”
“It can’t be,” murmured Kazin again. He suddenly wondered whether the Book of Prophesy was for certain.
“We must go, Kazin,” reminded Zylor.
Kazin looked at the minotaur with uncertainty in his eyes. If things could change from what the Book of Prophesy had prophesied, so could Zylor’s situation in the election battle.
“Go where?” demanded Della. She looked at the mage. “What’s he talking about, Kazin?”
“We have to attend the election battles,” said Kazin. “The election is three days away and the only way Zylor can get there is to fly with me.”
“I’m going too,” said Della firmly.
Kazin shook his head. “No, Della. You and Perenia must go to the Tower of Strength and tell the soldiers there that your races are soon going to send aid.”
“No,” said Della. “I want to come with you. If you’re protecting me, I assure you, I can take care of myself!”
“It’s not that,” said Kazin, shaking his head again. “You will be in more danger at the tower in the middle of the war.”
“Then why can’t I go with you?” demanded the elf.
Kazin hesitated. “No, Della—.”
Milena intervened. “Della, sometimes our choices are made for us. Right now, you’re more valuable as an ambassador to the humans at the Tower of Strength. Your appearance and confirmation of more aid from the elves will bolster morale among the troops, and give some cheer to those whose lives are now on the line.”
“But I can help at the arena too!” cried the elf helplessly. “Can’t I?”
Zylor shook his head. “No, Della. I’m afraid minotaurs despise the elves too much to allow them freedom in my realm. You would be killed in seconds.”
“But you like me!” exclaimed the elf, her eyes widening. “Don’t you?” she squeaked fearfully.
Zylor tried to manage a nice smile but failed. “Of course. Someday, perhaps during my reign, we will come to accept your race. Until then, you will be an outcast in my realm as I am in yours.”
Della gulped but smiled weakly.
“Della might not be coming,” said Sherman suddenly, “but I am.” He displayed his ring for all to see. “No one will see me with this ring on.”
“Not a bad idea,” said Kazin.
“I’m coming too,” said Harran. “I owe it to Zylor to help him regain his leadership.”
“How so, dwarf?” demanded Zylor.
Harran faced the minotaur, looking up into his bullish face. “For constantly saving my life, you lug head!” growled the dwarf. “For instance that minotaur you just clobbered a few minutes ago—he had me beat! He would have sliced me in half had you not arrived in time to stop it from happening with that bloody war horn!”
Zylor stared incredulously at the dwarf. Then he tilted his head back and roared with laughter. “Harran,” laughed the minotaur, “you are truly a man of honour! If it will make you feel better, I’ll let you come, but because you are not allowed
freedom in my realm, you must pose as my servant. Agreed?”
Harran reddened slightly. “Agreed,” he said at last. “But I’ll be the most obnoxious, irritating servant you’ll ever have the pleasure of knowing!”
Zylor almost choked with laughter. Then he sobered up and slapped the dwarf on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Harran.”
Harran rubbed his shoulder tenderly where the minotaur had slapped him. “We’ll see about that,” he muttered under his breath, eyeing the minotaur through his thick eyebrows.
“I think I’ll stay with the girls,” said Milena. “This election battle or whatever it is sounds too violent. I’ll take my chances at the tower instead.” She looked at the suffering crew around her. “There’s plenty to keep me busy until I get there, and once there, I’m sure my services will be in even more demand.” She paused and withdrew some herbs from her cloak, which she handed to Zylor. “These herbs are excellent detoxification herbs. From what I understand, your uncle likes to cheat. If he tries to poison you, these herbs will help to negate the effects. Eat them before your battle, just in case.”
Zylor accepted the herbs. “I will do as you suggest, druid. Your healing touch has been very helpful in the past few weeks.”
“You’re welcome,” said Milena.
“When will I see you again, Kazin?” asked Della.
“When Zylor retakes his throne,” said Kazin, “I will return with him and the others and he will signal his warriors.”
“What if he fails?” asked Della.
“If that happens, I will still return,” said Kazin. “I promise.”
Della rushed forward and planted a kiss on the mage’s cheek. “Take care of yourself,” she whispered.
Kazin squeezed her hand. “You too, Della.” With that, he went to a vacant part of the deck and transformed into a dragon.
Zylor, Harran, and Sherman scrambled aboard the reptile and were off with waves and farewells.
Chapter 54
He will do.”
“He must do. It is written. The druid was present.”
“Is the amulet ready?”
“Yes.”
“How will he know to find the other half?”
“He will know. The amulet will draw him there.”
“And afterwards?”
“The amulet will be complete and he will be drawn to the center, where our magic will make itself manifest.”
“How?”
“I do not know. The writings are vague. All I know is that it is necessary.”
“And how do you know he will use it as he must and then return it? He is a human! Humans are greedy!”
There was a pause. “Very well. We will ensure he returns the amulet to the pool by holding one of his eyes as collateral. He will return to make the trade.”
“I hope so.”
“It is written.”
“What of the conch shell? Can we trust him with it?”
“Yes. He will pass it on to a dwarf.”
“I thought the agreement was to pass it on to a dwarf directly?”
“It may not be possible. Time will not allow us to wait any longer.”
“Then how do you know he will pass it on to a dwarf?”
“With these dice,” said the voice softly, handling the dice with care.
“You have used magic?”
“Yes. He will lose the conch only to a dwarf.”
“Then two things will be accomplished at once?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Call me when it is time to return him to his kind.”
“I will.”
“The portal has been sealed, milord,” said Nimbar.
“Sealed?! How?”
“Unknown, milord.”
“Can’t it be reopened?”
“No, milord.”
Grakath swore. “It took me years to find that portal! Now it’s gone, along with any information on what’s happening down there!”
“Perhaps they will be able to send reports by pigeon—,” began Nimbar.
“Fool!” shrieked Grakath. “Any communication using that means of delivery would take weeks to reach us—not to mention possible interceptions by the mages those birds would have to fly over to get here!”
“Of course, Sir,” said Nimbar unemotionally.
“No, we will have to proceed without the knowledge of what the southern forces are up to,” said Grakath.
“They were doing well according to the last reports,” said Nimbar. “They were gathering to finish off the centaurs.”
“Let’s hope that’s the case,” said Grakath sullenly. “I just wish I knew why the portal collapsed. It shouldn’t have happened. Either there was a flaw in the magic holding it open, or there is someone out there who is more powerful than I realize.”
“Doubtful, milord,” said Nimbar.
“Doubts are what should not be ignored,” said Grakath. “Speaking of doubts, you didn’t hear from that fool Randall, have you?”
“He reported sighting the Guardian and set a trap to snare him,” said Nimbar. “No more was heard from him since.”
Grakath growled and gently brushed his communication orb with his fingertips. “He better have succeeded, if he knows what’s good for him. If he failed, he must pay for his failure, if he hasn’t already done so.”
“Yes, milord.”
“Send a message to the lizardmen, Nimbar.”
“Sir?”
“Tell them to begin the assault on the Tower of Hope.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“And tell them to make a more vigorous attempt. There are bound to be a few soldiers still guarding that place after what happened last time.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Nimbar. “They won’t be pleased about it, though. It will mean taking some of their forces from the eastern battle.”
“What are they worried about?” demanded Grakath. “They’re only supposed to cause diversions, not win battles! That’s up to me! Besides, the minotaurs can handle the eastern front without all that extra help.”
“Yes, milord.”
“Are the dwarves still holed up?”
“Yes, milord,” said Nimbar. “The lizardmen have the situation in hand.”
“Good. The longer they are kept out of it, the sooner I can complete my own goal. After that, the dwarves will fall without too much hassle, and by that time, even the elves will be an insignificant threat.”
“Yes, milord.”
“Are the remaining bands of barbarians destroyed yet?”
“Very soon,” said Nimbar. “All opposition will be crushed within a week.”
Grakath grunted. “It’s about time. In the meantime, I’ve got to pacify the nobles and offer them some of the riches we’ve gained in the last while. It’s a good thing undead troops don’t work for money, or I’d be broke.”
“Yes, milord.”
“When the last of the barbarians are taken care of, have the entire army assemble before the Faceless Cliffs. The mages must all rest for the opening of the portal.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Nimbar.
Chapter 55
Kazin eyed the land below. Although cloaked in the dark of night, he could make out the minotaur city on the horizon. He had to land here, out of the city’s lights, in order to maintain the secrecy of his visit.
He landed without incident (the third time in a row), and allowed his passengers to dismount.
He had nine passengers this time, including six additional minotaurs that Zylor said could be trusted.
They had initially flown past their intended destination to stop high in the mountains, where Zylor and Harran met with a group of dwarves and minotaurs who lived there.
After a hasty reunion, Zylor explained his mission and asked them for their support in the days ahead. Several minotaurs insisted on joining Zylor in the election battle in case they were needed to deal with any resistance. Zylor deferred to Kazin on this point.
Kazin said he could carry up to six of the huge beasts without too much difficulty, so they drew straws to determine who could come along.
Meanwhile, Harran spoke with Horst Hammarhold concerning his decline into dishonoured status. Horst did not seem shocked by this. He pointed at several dwarves who were new to the community.
“Almost every week there is a newly dishonoured family of dwarves seeking a safe haven,” explained Horst. “As a result, we’ve decided to call our little community ‘Haven’.”
“Do they say why they have been dishonoured?” asked Harran curiously.
“Because they are ruled by a fool and a coward!” said a shrill voice behind them. It was the dwarven elder, who had somehow snuck up to them. He wore only a light cloak over his bedclothes.
“You shouldn’t be out of bed!” exclaimed Horst.
The elder sniffed. “And miss all the excitement? Don’t be silly! I don’t plan to get my rest until I die. As long as I’m still alive, I’ll do as I please—and no one can tell me different!” Suddenly the old dwarf spied Zylor. “Zylor!” he squeaked. Hobbling as fast as his gnarled legs could carry him, he went over to greet the minotaur.
Horst sighed. “How that old dwarf continues to find the energy I’ll never know.”
“Some people won’t die as long as they have something to live for,” commented Harran.
“And as long as they aren’t controlled by lizardmen,” added Horst smugly.
“What do you mean?” asked Harran.
“There have been several groups exiting the caves below us for the past several weeks,” began Horst. “They are the so-called allies of the minotaurs. The most recent groups to appear consisted mainly of dwarves.”
“What?!” gasped Harran.
Horst held up a hand. “Let me finish. These particular dwarves were not as they seemed. They were under the control of several lizardmages.”
“Zombie-dwarves!” exclaimed Harran.
Kazin's Quest: Book I of The Dragon Mage Trilogy Page 55