Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  Marie smiles and says, “We would be honored, Captain.”

  “I have one more thing for you, Marie,” Ariella says as she holds out a small bag.

  “Oh, Captain,” Marie replies, “You really have given us more than enough.”

  “I insist,” Ariella says as she hands her the bag.

  Marie looks inside and starts to laugh. “What is it?” Allen asks.

  “It is just something for Marie,” Ariella answers. “To keep you in line, Allen.”

  Marie hands the bag to Allen and as he looks he finds a cat o' nine tails inside. Allen's face turns a little red. Marie laughs and says, “So you better listen to me, Allen, or else.”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Allen says with a smile.

  Allen and Marie say goodbye to the rest of the crew before disembarking. Jacob and John are standing next to Ariella when Jacob asks, “Captain, what was Allen's last name?”

  John says, “Wait, I thought Allen was his last name.”

  The two of them look at the captain who thinks for a moment. She replies, “I never really thought to ask. I had always assumed that he didn't have a last name, but now that I think about it, I do remember him telling me when we first met that I could call him Allen, or Mr. Allen if I preferred.” Ariella takes out Allen's contract and looks at the last page. She smiles and says, “He signed his contract Allen Allen.”

  “So it was both,” John states.

  “So it would seem,” Ariella replies. “So it would seem.”

  Chapter 27

  Day 8

  Burning Bridges

  The next day along the eastern coast, King Arioch has gathered troops together about two miles south of the Northwind. Inside a large tent Arioch is meeting with his two generals as well as the captain of Northwind's guard, Levin Graves. Joining them are the same three representatives from the Amazons of the Silver Moon who were at Sheathelm a few days earlier. Chance is also there along with Resheck, the goblin representative.

  They are standing around a table with a map spread across it. Arioch speaks to the group, “At this time, my friends, we do not have enough forces to take Northwind back. Levin, I am promoting you the rank of general and I will be assigning more troops to the ones you have already brought from Northwind.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Levin says with a bow. “I will not let you down.”

  Arioch turns to the goblin and says, “Resheck, you have more information. Would you please share it with us?”

  Resheck stands on his chair so that the others can see him better over the table. He says, “We goblins are sending our air ships, however, many of them are far across the seas. It will be many days before most of them can reach us. Right now we only have three, but that should be enough to keep their ground forces at bay.”

  A'ranah speaks up and says, “Our scouts have told us that the orcneas have ten drakes with them. No doubt to help them control the skies.”

  .

  *****

  “The orcneas have dragons?” Josh asks.

  “Well, kind of,” Kelik explains. “To many a drake and a dragon are the same thing. In fact, they are related, but there are a couple key differences that set them apart. Both drakes and dragons have a breath attack. This can be fire, ice, or some other form of attack depending on the type of drake or dragon. The difference between a dragon and drake is size and intelligence. Drakes usually grow no larger than the smallest of adult dragons. Dragons possess intelligence as high, and often higher, than most humans, while a drake never seem to become more than a well-trained beast.

  “Can you ride them?” Laura asks.

  “They are big enough to ride,” Kel'ana explains, “I even road one—uh—I mean read about one...in another story.”

  Kelik looks at Kel'ana and smiles at her slip up. He then says, “While they can be ridden, most orcnea beast masters use spells to see through the drake's eyes and control them that way.”

  “Are they faster than eagles?” Josh asks.

  Kelik laughs and replies. “Well, why don't we continue the story and you may find out.”

  *****

  Arioch looks out of his tent and up at the three air ships above. “Then we will keep the air ships back and make sure they are low enough that our archers and casters can protect them,” Arioch says. “We may not be able to use them to attack the orcnea's ground troops, but as long as the bridge remains out we may not have to worry about them attacking in the first place. They are not likely to cross the river without a bridge. Do we know how many troops they have?”

  Finna looks at the other two amazons and then answers, “From what we could estimate their numbers exceed twenty thousand.”

  Arioch hangs his head and replies, “Then they out number us four to one.”

  A'ranah says, “I know that the elves of Elonfar have sent word to all the other elves and will begin to send help as soon as they can.”

  “Until help arrives,” Chances says, “I suggest we hold here. Assaulting the walls of Northwind while we are outnumbered would do nothing for us. If we buy some time and prevent them from advancing until reinforcements arrive then we will have a better odds.”

  Arioch adds, “We will still have an edge in the open. I am almost certain we have more ranged fighters than they do. Even with their shamans we should be able to severely hurt them if they try to advance.”

  One of the generals, Dale Rains, has served Arioch since the King's reign first began. He is a seasoned veteran forty eight years of age. His silvered brown hair is pulled back tightly into a tail. His goatee is of the same silvered brown mix. He turns to Arioch and asks, “Sire, shall I order my men to begin to dig a trench and place spikes?”

  “Yes,” Arioch replies. Then turning to his other two generals he orders, “General Burton and general Graves, you will assist him.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” answers General Ramon Burton, a veteran from the Second Orcnea War.

  “Of course,” replies Levin.

  The three generals leave as Finna says, “My sisters and I could set up traps beyond the trench. We could cast enchantments into holes and with Chance's help we could hide his fireballs.”

  Serena La'harn adds, “While I normally would not care for such tactics, I think we have little choice if we want to hold them off.”

  Arioch nods his head and says, “Very well. Chance, will you please help your sister, Finna?”

  “Of course, Your Majesty,” Chance replies.

  “Oh, and Chance,” Arioch adds, “I know you are only doing it to set a good example to the others, but for the record, I have never liked it when you address me with titles.”

  Chance smiles and replies, “I know, my friend, but we are at war, and order in the chain of command is important.” Chance and Finna exit the tent to find other members of the Dri'el.

  A'ranah says to Arioch, “If what Chance told us earlier is true, Evelena and the others should cross over into the orcnea territory in the next few days. He said there did not seem to be much activity over the mountains. If that is so, they should have no problem causing a disruption in their supplies.”

  Arioch replies, “Let's just hope that the orcneas don't overrun us in the meantime.”

  Later outside, a long line of men stretch for miles as they dig trenches and set up spikes from east to west. Amazons from the house of Dri'el are scattered about in groups of three. They are setting magical traps in the field. Chance is with Finna and another amazon named Leanara. Finna uses earth magic to create a shallow hole. Leanara casts a spell into the hole that allows Chance to place a fireball inside without setting it off. They cover the holes with some of the long grass that lies all around them. Each group creates similar traps. Casting this many spells is exhausting and they can only make a couple before having to take a few minutes to rest.

  While they are resting General Graves approaches while carefully watching his step. When he gets close enough he calls out to Chance, “Sir! King Arioch wishes to see you at o
nce, one of the goblin ships has spotted something.”

  The three of them stand up and return to camp. When they finally reach the King's tent they are greeted by three goblins, including Resheck, along with King Arioch. “Good,” Arioch says, “you are here. The captain of the Dark Cloud informs me that the orcneas are close to completing a bridge across the Northwind River.”

  “Well, that certainly didn't take them long,” Chance says. “I assume you want me to destroy it?”

  “Yes,” Arioch says. “I know it is dangerous but we have an idea to keep you safe.”

  Resheck explains, “Someone will cast an invisibility spell on you and maintain it the entire time you are away. Just in case you do come across a shaman who can see you we will also have a deflection spell that will keep you safe from any spells that he may throw at you.”

  “You would have to work fast,” Finna says. “Those spells are hard to maintain, although those of us who can lend our strength should allow the casters to maintain the protections long enough for you to complete your task.”

  “Just be careful to stay away from any wolves,” Arioch warns. “They usually can sense your presence even when invisible.”

  Chance asks, “When do we begin?”

  “The sooner the better,” Resheck explains. “They are on the final section right now. Nothing will keep them from crossing once it is complete.”

  Arioch adds, “If it only took them this long to make the current bridge, destroying it may only buy us another day, but we need all the time we can get.”

  A'ranah enters the tent and says, “We are ready to cast the spells.”

  They leave the tent and outside are several Amazons of the Silver Moon. A'ranah says, “I will cast the deflect spell. Leanara will be able to cast the invisibility spell. The others will assist us in maintaining the spells so that you have enough time.”

  Finna also says, “I will be able to communicate with you, even in your eagle form.” She places her hand on Chance's forehead. Then in his head he can hear her ask, “Chance can you hear me?”

  “Yes,” Chance thinks, trying to communicate back, “Can you hear me?”

  “Very good,” Finna says mentally. “I can hear you well.”

  Chance transforms into an eagle and A'ranah casts the deflection spell, then Leanara makes Chance invisible. Arioch says, “Good luck, my friend, and be safe.” A moment later Finna laughs and Arioch asks, “What is so funny?”

  Finna replies, “Chance wants me to tell you that he will be as safe as he can considering he is about to go try to burn a bridge full of orcneas.”

  Arioch smiles and says, “Well, that is definitely Chance for you.”

  Chance flies unnoticed to the bridge, and he can see that the orcneas have it almost completed. The Northwind River is wide and spans about fifty paces across. It is shallow and the currents are strong. Many years ago a stone bridge was built. When Damian evacuated Northwind he made sure that the bridge was destroyed to prevent the orcneas from following. The walls of Northwind are along the river’s edge. Now the orcneas are using the base foundations from the destroyed stone bridge to support their new wooden one. Giant logs are tied together and anchored to the piles of stone.

  Chance glides low over the bridge and spots a clearing along the side near the center. He lands hoping to stay out of the workers way as they continue to bring forth more large logs. Chance communicates with Finna in his mind. “I have landed on the bridge and I am contemplating the best way to proceed.”

  “Be careful,” Finna replies. Finna relays the message to the King and the others.

  Chance spots a patrol making their way through the workers. Four guards are leading two black wolves in his direction. Knowing the he doesn't have much time, he transforms into his elven form. Grasping his amulet, Chance channels the magic within. Raising his other hand he sends out a large wave of intense flames before him. In an instant the northern half of the bridge is completely engulfed in flames.

  The orcneas run in a panic. Many jumping over the side of the bridge and into the water. On the other half of the bridge many of those orcneas also run. One shaman stands his ground and starts to cast a spell. Before Chance can stop him, the orcnea completes his spell. The orcnea looks right at Chance and begins pointing and yelling to the others.

  “I have been spotted by a shaman,” Chance relays to Finna.

  “Hurry, Chance. Get out of there.”

  Four guards near the shaman ready their bows as the shaman starts to cast another spell.

  Chance creates another wave of fire that ignites the rest of the bridge. The orcneas scatter with the exception of the shaman who stands unharmed within the fire. He finishes his next spell, and suddenly Chance's invisibility spell is disrupted. Chance begins to change back into an eagle as the shaman tries to target him with an ice spell. Fortunately for Chance the deflection spell is still intact, and the sharp icy daggers miss him.

  Chance jumps from the bridge and takes flight as he relays to Finna, “They dispelled my invisibility. I am on my way back now.”

  “Fly quickly, my brother,” Finna replies.

  Chance starts to fly as fast as he can but he doesn't get very far before he hears the screech of a drake behind him

  “Hurry, Chance,” Finna says in his head. “The drake is coming up behind you!”

  No matter how fast Chance flies, the drake is faster and begins to gain on him. At the camp Arioch begins to yell out orders. “Casters and archers to the ready!” he yells out. “We have a drake coming in fast. I want it brought down!” The men quickly ready their bows and crossbows, and wait.

  By now the drake is right on Chance's tail. Chance knows that he cannot fly straight any more. He begins to dive and then sharply pull up in an attempt to lose the scaly beast. The drake uses its icy breath to attack Chance. Knowing the deflection spell will not protect him from the jets of freezing air, Chance veers to avoid it.

  “Chance, it's an ice drake,” Finna tells him. “You should be able to hurt it.”

  Chance replies, “If it doesn't kill me first!” Chance flies hard to the right dodging another attempt by the drake to freeze him. Then he turns to the left. The drake screeches and releases another stream of deadly cold air. Chance tries to dodge, but it catches his right wing. Chance loses control and begins to fall the drake flies pass him and prepares to circle back.

  Nearly one hundred paces away, the camp watches as Chance makes a hard landing. Finna asks him through their link, “Chance, are you alright?” When Chance does not answer, Finna says to the others, “Chance isn't answering me!”

  “No!” Arioch yells. Then he asks A'ranah, “Do you still have that shield up on him?”

  “Yes,” A'ranah answers, “But it will not protect him from the drake.”

  “No,” Arioch replies, “but it will protect him from this. Archers, prepare to volley!” The men draw back their bows and begin to aim. “On my command!” Arioch yells.

  Out on the field, Chance slowly gets to his feet. His right arm is badly frostbitten and even further injured from the landing. He looks up to see the drake flying right at him. Using his left hand, Chance channels his strength into a jetting stream of fire just as the drake lands and attacks Chance with another icy blast. The fire and ice meet each other with a violent steamy impact. As the drake continues to spray his breath at him, Chance continues to push it back with his flame jet.

  Finna and the others look on as Arioch gives the command, “Fire!”

  Chance looks up at the sky as the arrows appear to dim the sun. Chance watches the arrows fall while the drake's attention is focused on Chance. The icy attack of the drake begins to push Chance's flame jet back and just as the ice is about to overtake Chance, the arrows strike the drake. The drake is not badly hurt but the arrows injure it enough to make it break off the attack.

  The drake then begins to flap its wings as it tries to take flight. Chance creates a fireball and channels more of his waning strength int
o it. Then just as the drake takes flight, Chance releases the spell and strikes the drake out of the air. The drake is now badly injured and cannot fly away. It lets out a long and low screech as Chance prepares another fireball. Before he finishes the drake off Chance says, “I am sorry it had to be this way.” Chance shoots the fireball at the drakes head, finishing it off.

  Exhausted and holding his right arm, Chance begins to walk back to camp. Many come out to greet him and when they finally reach Chance Finna says, “You had me worried.”

  “I am sorry,” Chance replies with a smile, “but I was a little too busy to talk.”

  Finna laughs and says, “Hold still and let me heal you.” Her glowing hands touch Chance's arm, and the injuries from the frostbite and from the fall are healed.

  “Well,” Arioch says. “The goblins just told me that the bridge collapsed.”

  Chance takes a deep breath and says, “Unfortunately, you can bet that they will be ready next time. We will not be able to use that trick again.”

  “You are probably right about that,” A'ranah says. “Hopefully, you bought us enough time that it will not matter.” They finish walking back to camp and begin to make their next plans in the King's tent.

  Meanwhile in the city of Northwind, the orcneas are having a similar meeting. The shaman that spotted Chance is reporting to his superiors. The three orcnea generals are sitting in chairs in the main hall of Northwind. They are discussing what has just transpired. “General Ka,” the shaman says as he bows, “you sent for me.”

  Lortec Ka stands and says, “Yes, I did. I am told that you believe you saw Chance Na'Moon, is that right?”

  “Yes, sir,” the shaman answers, “there is no mistake, General. It was him, I am sure of it.”

  Lortec laughs and says, “The Orcnea Slayer is here then, good.”

  “Good?” General Vork asks, “Why is this good?”

  Lortec explains, “I have trained and waited my whole life for this day. The day that I could meet the infamous Orcnea Slayer on the battle field and make him pay for what he has done. Now my entire reason for being is only a short distance away, awaiting us. We must complete the bridge as soon as possible.”