by Dave Hazel
“I know. It saved my life when William tried to kill me. I’m gonna need it when I return the package to Jill and the President, cuz I think they’re gonna try to kill me.”
“Why would they do that, my friend?”
“To silence me. They’re afraid of the truth ever getting out. That’s the real reason why William tried to kill me. When he told me he was going to shoot me, I disappeared and he shot at me. Then I slowly opened the door to allow the Goblins in to catch him or kill him, but he was so busy trying to find me he didn’t notice they came in. They shot him in the leg and captured him. He begged me to kill him but I wanted him to suffer for what he did. I should have killed that rotten bastard myself.”
“My friend, I do not understand. If you accomplished the task they put before you, why would they want to silence you?”
“I don’t know. To protect themselves I guess. But damn it, I even made it clear that I didn’t want anything in return, other than for me to be left alone once this was all said and done. I’m just so glad William felt so confident that he could get away with it cuz he told me what he was going to do. If he would have done his job like a professional he woulda never told me. He woulda just shot me without any explanations. He shot Boris in the back without saying anything. If I wouldn’t have walked in on them he would have killed that poor kid Wickey and then joined us. We would never have been able to prove otherwise and then he would have shot me in the back at some time when I would have least expected it. Damn it, I just don’t know if there are others here who are with him. So when I take the package back I’m gonna have to be careful. But hey, here, I want you to have these,” Mykal said as he took the four magic wands from his long trouser pocket.
“Oh my. Thank you my friend,” Towbar said and expressed more emotion than at any time since Mykal had known him.
“I gave Jake a dagger and if in time I don’t find a need for this sword,” he said and tapped the handle. “I’ll give it to you as well, but I know you have a magic sword.”
“In my world, one can never have too much magic. The only danger is if the One, discovers someone has possession of magic,” Towbar said referring to Zizmon-Tarl. “I thank you deeply my friend.”
“Hey, you saved my life and it’s because of you that I can detect magic. So this is my way of saying thank you.”
“Men spend entire life times to search for the hidden treasures of magic and never accumulate the treasures you have just handed to me. I marvel at your generosity my friend. Now, as strange as it is to say, I need you to instruct me how to use these precious wands,” Towbar said and looked awestruck as he stared at and fingered the slender rods in his hands.
“No problem big guy, I think I owe you a little bit more than this.” Mykal gave a light smile.
“No, my friend. I know you jest when you say that. It is I who owe you. The Pass would have been overrun had I not met you and you put your life at risk to help my people.”
“Ah, don’t mention it. We’re rehashing favors.”
“How well do you know the others?” Towbar changed the subject abruptly. “I speak of Nordad, those with him, and the Elves?”
“Not too well, we’ve just met them a couple of days ago.”
“Do you trust them?” Towbar asked and looked at them.
“I guess I do. We’ve helped each other and we fought together. Why do you ask?”
“I am not sure. My concern is they may be spies of Ziz--”
“Don’t say his name,” Mykal said to cut him off.
“Thank you for reminding me. My concern is they may be spies of the Overlord,” he said. They agreed earlier to use the term Overlord in place of the name Zizmon-Tarl. “If we are close to the Overlord’s fortress as suggested, it could be possible.”
“Right now I don’t think we need to worry about that. We’re all in this spot together. It might be something to think about later. When we first met them, they were running from soldiers who they claimed to be soldiers of Ziz-whoops, I mean the Ziggy Stardust. We wiped them out and we’re been together since. My concern though,” Mykal said and paused to look to make sure no one could hear him. “I know they’re adventures searching for treasures so I don’t know if they would try to take this stuff from us.”
“We will remain on guard. Do you have any idea how we may get from inside this mountain?”
“No idea at all Towbar. We’re completely lost.”
“This is not good, my friend.” Towbar frowned. “I do not think we should attempt to use the magic powder in a confined space. Coming here was very difficult for me. My body still aches from the crushing pain I felt. I believe a normal man would have died.”
“I don’t doubt it. I wasn’t in the fog and I know how much my hand and arm hurt. But if it comes down to it, that’s what we’re gonna have to try, cuz I wanna get the hell outta here.”
“There must be a way to depart my friend. The air in here is fresh and not stale as I would have suspected.”
“Hey you’re right.” Mykal sniffed. “I didn’t think of that.”
“We will find it, my friend.”
“What are we gonna find?” Jake asked as he and Diaz joined them. “Are we on to something?”
“Not yet, but Towbar just pointed out that the air in here is fresh and not stale so there has to be a source for it.”
“That sounds easy,” Jake mocked.
“So Towbar, I wanted to ask how is everything going back at the Pass?” Mykal asked to change subjects. “Have the Sosos tried to attack yet? How are Larry, Sam and the Dosch family doing?”
“The Sosos have not attacked, but they continue to build their forces. I am sure they are being joined by forces from around the world.”
“So you’re thinking it’s gonna be Armageddon?” Diaz asked.
“Armagon?
“No, Armageddon,” Mykal responded then turned to Diaz. “You mean like an end of the world kinda war, right?”
“Ah yes, Mykal mentioned that term during the first visit.”
“Yes,” Diaz answered and spoke to Towbar. “In our world my God has predicted thousands of years ago of a coming war to end all wars, where He will personally smite the evil armies of our world. It will be at a place called Armageddon.”
“It will be the end of our world type of war as my people know it,” Towbar said. “It is what the Sosos and the evil one intend. However, I do not know if the gods will intervene to defeat the evil forces sent against us. I explained to Mykal, I believe the gods brought you people here to do that work.”
“I can’t promise you that we’ll beat them,” Mykal said. “But I can promise you that we’ll give them the damn fight of their lives, and they will receive the worse ass whooping they ever had. If they take the Pass it won’t be because it was given to them.”
“Thank you my friend. As for your friends in the Pass, they are fine. Most people fear you are dead, but others believe you are very much alive. Larry tells everyone that you are too stubborn to die. He encourages all that you will return.”
“Good, cuz I am gonna return,” he declared confidently.
“Some time Towbar,” Diaz spoke cautiously. “I would like to explain to you the truth about the One True God versus the many gods you think have brought us here.”
“I would enjoy that,” Towbar said and looked at Diaz. “Larry has angered some of the people who were trapped behind enemy lines with us,” Towbar turned back to Mykal and actually started to chuckle. “When we were traveling as part of the cavalry of the clouds, in the helicopter, Larry fell down on the floor and pushed that strange object out of the helicopter. The man named David Brooks yelled at Larry and threatened violence against Larry until I stepped in between them.”
“The tape,” Mykal laughed out loud and snapped his fingers. “Larry said he would get rid of the tape,” Mykal laughed again and cheered up at the thought of the incriminating video tape disappearing over Soso occupied territory. “That’s good to hear.”
<
br /> “In answer to your questions, King Krago of the Dwarven people has mustered most of his forces into the Pass,” Towbar announced. “He has made available every man, woman and child. He agrees the Sosos must not take control of the Pass. King Krago believes there are other Dwarven clans in other areas of the mountains and has sent delegations on a search to find them and share with them the danger.”
“Excuse me Towbar,” Starling interjected himself into their conversation. “I do not intend to be rude by interrupting your discussion. However, did I hear you correctly? Are there Dwarven people where you live? We will be able to meet them?”
“Yes. If we are able to depart here,” Towbar answered and then corrected himself. “When! When we depart this mountain, is what I meant to say. Yes, you will be able to meet the Dwarven people. We have only learned of the existence of the Dwarven people a few months ago. We stumbled upon them quite accidently. They have kept their presence hidden from my people for ages.”
Mykal started to snicker and realized they only found the Dwarven people due to Tech Sergeant Mansfield’s injury with a Shay-lonk, a Soso death arrow. Mykal and his friends took Mansfield to a secluded location to die quietly. Mykal turned to Jake. “In Towbar’s world it’s always, ‘one thing leads to another, and then to another, and then to another,’ whether you like it or not,” he chuckled because Jake still didn’t know that Mykal’s friends had a hand in Mansfield’s disappearance, thus had a hand in Mansfield’s death. Technical Sergeant Rob Mansfield’s body had never been recovered.
“I have always heard tales of Dwarven people from the elders who passed on tales from their forefathers,” Leeno said.
“Yes, we have been taught they are a brooding, very moody type of folk,” Blair added.
“They are different,” Towbar said with a slight nod. “They are good people.”
“I remember when I first met them,” Mykal responded. “They talked of Elves and said that long ago they were good friends with the Elves, but that the Elves went their separate ways. The Dwarves I spoke to would be glad to meet you guys.”
“Man, we’ve been through a lot of stuff in the last six months,” Jake said and shook his head. “Haven’t we Myk?”
“As much as we’ve been through, all my hair outta be grey,” Mykal laughed and ran his hand through his hair. “I really feel like Towbar’s world has aged me. I must have a bunch of wrinkles now.”
“Tell me about it,” Jake sneered. “I already started with more years on you so I make one of those wrinkly dogs, a Shar Pei look like a Greyhound.”
3.
They walked a slow steady pace for the wounded. They travelled for hours and seemed to make good time. Periodic stops occurred to swap out men carrying the seriously wounded men like Jumbdex, Gorman and Cotton. They tended to the wounds the best they could, but there wasn’t much they could do for them. They were relieved the Goblins hadn’t discovered the secret door and they hadn’t encountered any more of the foul little creatures.
“Mykal, we have to stop again,” Diaz said as he approached Mykal and Towbar from behind.
“Why, what’s up?”
“It’s Jumbdex. He wants to talk to you. No, he didn’t say what he wanted,” Diaz added in anticipation of Mykal’s next question.
“How does he look?”
“To be honest, I’m surprised he’s lasted this long,” Diaz said with a sad sigh. “I thought he would have died already because he’s still bleeding a lot. If the Goblins get through the door they’ll have an easy trail to follow. I will say though, these men of Nordad’s, the people of Towbar’s world for that matter, are strong people. Very strong people. I admire that.” Diaz smiled at Towbar.
“Well, let’s go see what he wants.”
“What do you think he could desire in this location?” Towbar asked.
“I don’t know Towbar. Maybe he wants to know when we’re getting outta here. Hey Jake, how’s he doing?” Mykal asked as he joined those gathered around Jumbdex who was laid on the floor. Mykal saw Jumbdex’s face had paled under the thick heavy beard.
“I wish I knew,” Jake lied and shrugged, but his eyes told Mykal it didn’t look good.
“Can’t we get his bleeding to stop?” Mykal gasped when he saw a small pool forming around the injured man.
“We’ve tried Myk,” Finley said and shook his head.
“It is not a question about stopping the bleeding any longer,” Nordad said and looked up from his friend’s side. “Jumbdex here, my long trusted friend, he has been with me longer than any other. He knows he is dying Mykal. There is nothing we can do for him. To save him that is and he knows this,” he added with his gruff tone. “He would like to make a request of you. I would like to see that my dear friend has his last request granted out of friendship.”
“I don’t understand, what’s his request? We’re trapped.”
“He tells me that he is suffering severely. It was one of your men who did this to him. We know that it was an accident,” Nordad said and quickly threw his hands in the air before Mykal or anyone else would argue that point. “All my friend desires is for his suffering to end. Jumbdex would like you to stop his suffering quickly and painlessly. His request is for you to finish what one of your men did to him.”
“What?” Mykal’s gasp and facial expression revealed the shock he felt. “You mean he wants me to kill him?”
“Do not think of it as killing my close friend,” Nordad said with an odd smile. Nordad came to accept the fact that his closest friend would pass away. “Rather, view it as putting an end to his suffering. This is his desire.”
“No!” Mykal huffed in shock. “No way. I can’t do that. I already feel responsible for all the deaths that occurred. I’m not gonna take his life.” Mykal’s objection was filled with emotion after suffering the loss of one of his closest friends.
“Mykal, you must,” Nordad argued gently. “I implore you. You will not take his life. Rather, you will take the suffering from his life.”
“Why me?” Mykal’s voice rose sharply, showing unwanted pressure. “You do it. You’re his close friend. Don’t put this on me. You put him outta his misery.”
“I do not have the capability to make it swift and painless as you do. Please Mykal, as a friend, I am asking you to help end Jumbdex’s suffering,” Nordad begged as Jumbdex let out a groan. “He is my brother in war and adventure. I can not bear to watch him suffer so. I will cherish the good memories from our childhood onward. I ask you to honor his last request. Please.”
“Listen, there’s a chance we’re gonna get outta here soon and we’ll get back to the Pass where we have medical people standing by who’ll be able to save him and fix him up. Our doctors are the best. Don’t put this on me. I can’t do it.”
Jumbdex’s whispered words were inaudible and he weakly raised his hand. Jumbdex’s near white face hinted at all the blood loss. Nordad knelt closer. “He is begging you to take away his suffering. He would be grateful to you.”
“I’m not doing it,” Mykal snarled angrily mixed with a broken heart. He pulled his .357 magnum from the holster. He shoved the weapon toward Nordad handle first. “You do it, cuz I want no part of this.” He looked down at Jumbdex and pictured Boris who would still be alive if he would have intervened. “I’m sorry Jumbdex, I can’t do that,” he said. His words were covered with raw emotion. He wanted to get away from everyone.
“Mykal, I know not how to operate this thing,” Nordad said softly showing his displeasure. “I can not do this. Who would be willing to end Jumbdex’s agony?” Nordad turned to Diaz.
“Oh no. It is totally against my spiritual convictions.”
Mykal shoved his pistol back into the leather holster. “Come on everyone. We’re leaving.”
“I, I, I’ll do it,” Jake volunteered and held out his visibly trembling hand.
Mykal handed Jake his revolver. Mykal’s face expressed anger when he released the weapon into Jake’s hand.
“My
kal,” Jumbdex tried to call but his voice barely rose above a whisper. “Mykal…I am in…terrible…pain. Please make…”
“I can’t,” Mykal blurted out and turned away. “Come on, I’m leaving. I don’t want any part of this.”
Towbar walked beside Mykal. “My friend, why are you uneasy by this?”
“Why, do you think I’m wrong for not killing him?”
“No, my friend. I am curious why you are troubled.”
“I really don’t know,” Mykal replied and gave a sigh. “In the past six months I’ve killed so many people. I’ve killed people in self-defense. I’ve killed people who had it coming to them and I just can’t stand the thought of deliberately killing someone I consider to be a friend or who didn’t have it coming to him. If we make it back quick enough, the doctors might be able to save him. Maybe it’s cuz I just lost Boris as a friend. I don’t--”
Suddenly the walls seemed to shake with a deafening thunder that exploded from Mykal’s revolver. Mykal believed Jake placed the barrel to Jumbdex’s head and squeezed the trigger. He could picture the life being taken from the man and it troubled him, despite the fact it was Jumbdex’s desire to end his life.
Mykal jerked with surprise like everyone else but he didn’t look back. He knew Jumbdex died. A few minutes later Jake joined him and returned his revolver to him. They walked in silence. Jumbdex had been left where he lay.
Jake finally broke the silence of the quiet stroll. “Myk, the last thing he said was to let you know that he didn’t hold any of us responsible for the way things turned out.”
This brought back to Mykal’s memory when Lieutenant Kim wanted to kill one of his wounded Korean soldiers. He wouldn’t allow it, but the soldier died before he received help. Mykal struggled with Jumbdex’s death. He believed strongly that if Jumbdex could have held out a little longer, they could have gotten the wounded man the help he needed.
4.
They pressed on, walking in silence. Most were tired of being trapped inside the mountain. Mykal’s saddened thoughts revolved around Boris. It could have been different if he didn’t allow Boris to volunteer to stay behind, or if he would have allowed Boris to deal with William earlier when Boris wanted to kill William. ‘So many friggin what ifs,’ he thought and sighed. ‘But then if it didn’t turn out the way it did I woulda never known the President and Jill wanted to have me silenced. Why can’t I stop thinking about all this shit for a few minutes?’ He yelled his thoughts inside his mind. The same thoughts kept repeating in his head like an endless loop of a tape with an annoying song. ‘I shoulda killed that friggin bastard William,’ his mind regretted for the umpteenth time. ‘Jill and the President are gonna get theirs if what William said is true,’ he thought with hatred and looked down at the gold band around his finger. Mykal realized he just contemplated killing the President of the United States. He looked around to ensure no one could hear his thoughts.