The Fires of Starpoint Mountain

by Bill Albert

  Rosario had also been trying to reach Gallif but her attempts to connect as a healer had also failed.

  A reflection caught his eye and he turned to see the armor sitting piled in a chair. Regretfully he put it on piece by piece. Once the costa was on, he thought for a moment planning what he would do was he was outside, took a deep breath, then open the door into the hallway.

  He had discovered there were certain areas in Spring Field where humans, dwarves, and non-militia hobgoblins were allowed to live. Most of the others in this dorm were cooks, cleaners, sweepers, and people who did all the things the Giants didn’t want to do it was quite nice and he had been impressed by it the first day but by now it has started to feel more like they were being controlled together. They could come and go as they please for most of the day but were required to be inside the dorms by sundown unless they had a special assignment and papers inside the presence of Acrufix still had some effect on people but outside, amongst the Giants, he was just another human being

  He decided to try and find something out about Gallif. He walked to the detention area and made it past the first to guard posts before coming to a stop. At the third guard post the Fifth Minister and one of his aides were having a heated discussion with a guard captain.

  “This is inexcusable,” the aide said to the captain. “Do you know who this is?”

  “Yes, my Lord,” the captain said looking at the giant. “I recognize the Fifth Minister, of course. You must understand that puts me in a very precarious position.”

  “After the fall, the terrible fall, of the mountain the Fifth Minister led the mercy missions to help rescue survivors. As he was then,” the aide said, “he is on a mission of mercy now.”

  “Yes, sir,” the captain said. “The Royal Moment of Mercy will come on the morning of execution, until then the subject must be left alone to concentrate on her, oh, their crimes,” he said hoping his self-correction was enough. “It is a long-held practice and I cannot ignore it.”

  “You are ignoring a request from one of the Circle of Ministers,” the aide said forcefully. “According to our laws and traditions you know there are certain privileges they are given.”

  The captain took a sharp breath thinking about the clamp he was now in. Yes, there were special rules and privileges allowed to distinguish Giants but there were also well-established rules about visiting prisoners that were scheduled to be executed.

  “Yes, my Lord,” the captain said not looking at the aide. “If there was anything else you wanted, I would provide it without question. It’s just that there are so much happening and so many people wanting to see misfortune fall on her we must be extra careful. With two days to go there are already thousands of citizens waiting for the noon Death Call.”

  “And I expect the craftsman with a small, blunt wooden axes and red painted figures of the girls are working the crowd steadily,” the Fifth Minister finally spoke.

  “Yes sir,” the captain nodded.

  “I imagine her having read here has made the crest is jobs easier,” the Fifth Minister said with a smile.

  “Of course, my Lord,” the captain said in confusion. The light heartedness of his voice was even more off putting than his demands to visit the condemned.

  “I understand your concerns for protocol in these times. You’ve done the right thing.”

  “Thank you, my Lord,” the captain said wide-eyed. It wasn’t an actual apology from the Fifth Minister, but it was as close as heat, or anyone else, has ever heard.

  The Fifth Minister and his aide turned and walked away without another word. The captain was so shocked by what had happened even the presence of Acrufix watching didn’t register.

  Luvin turned away and started walking hoping his presence there was not too obvious. He could not get to her this way and all other attempts had been blocked one way or another.

  He thought about going to find Mekon or Rosario but decided that wouldn’t help right now either. Mekon was still working in secret to try and spread the word of the Third Minister’s plans and the truth about the elves. Rosario would be working in the healing wards at her cover. He hoped that she would have better luck.

  He spent an hour just walking from building to building. He didn’t enter any of them but just kept going from shadow to shadow and watch the Giants go about their daily business. He caught the attention of a giant child who, only two or three years old, was still large and strong, who seemed fascinated by the reflections in his armor. He steadily turned and walked away for its curiosity was picked up by the parents.

  He was almost back to the safer area when four members of the hobgoblin militia approached him. Though their weapons remain in their belts he was aware of their presence and accessibility.

  “Acrufix,” one of the militia addressed him politely. “It is an honor to have your legend with us.”

  “Thank you,” Luvin said nodding to them unsure of what else he should say.

  We’ve been sent to extend a special invitation to you. One of the Circle of Ministers, the Third Minister would like you to join him in his office. We were sent to escort you there.”

  “Of course,” Luvin said in a calm voice that did not betray his increased heartbeat. “I will follow you.”

  With that they turned and marched off with Luvin walking a step behind them.

  Luvin forces thoughts to concentrate on the meeting he was about to attend. He knew, from Gallif, about his corruption. The giant was wicked, he knew about the elves, and Luvin reminded himself repeatedly that this was not one the kind and loving Circle of Ministers that he and everyone he knew had grown up worshiping. This Giants had tried to defeat them with his spies and agents. Worse, he had tried to kill Gallif.

  He hoped the Third minister would trust Acrufix, the legendary Elven Killer, to be dedicated to him and the Giant Lords.

  Before he knew it, they were inside the tower and beneath the chamber where the Circle of Ministers sat. They were headed upwards over giant steps, but he maintained his confident stance as they reached an upper level. They walked down a short hallway, stopped for brief exchange between the militia guard and the Third Minister’s personal security chief, then down a very short hallway to a closed door. The guard opens the door and Luvin could see the Third Minister behind his desk. Luvin took a deep breath and walked in. The door was solidly closed and locked behind him.

  Considering it was midday the room was very dark. There were no open windows, the windows that were there were heavily curtained, and the air was musky.

  The Third Minister sat behind his desk and showed no emotion at all as he looked up. “Please, sit down,” the Third Minister said pointing to the chair on the opposite side of the desk. “You’ve enjoyed your time in Spring Field, I hope.” He asked pleasantly.

  “Yes,” Luvin answered coolly. He was careful to think of exactly what he was going to say before speaking. “It is a pleasure to finally see more of the city.”

  “Indeed,” the Third Minister nodded. “Where were you before that?”

  “I was out hunting down the girl.”

  “Why didn’t you kill her?”

  “Too many people around her,” Luvin answered after a pause. “Too many people to make it look like she’d been killed trying to escape. Besides, I think a Royal Execution would be a better fate for her anyway. A spectacle, a triumph, and all will base in the glory of the Giant Lords.”

  “Very well done” the giant said. He stopped and took a lengthy, detailed look at the armed figure before him.

  “So, the girl will be executed tomorrow,” he said thinking of how quickly he could draw his own flame sword.

  “Yes,” the Third Minister smiled gleefully. “Only a day left, and the human will be gone.”

  “I don’t understand,” Luvin continued gaining confidence. “Why was that girl that much of a threat to you? With all the power you officially, and unofficially, have. What’s made Gallif so dangerous?”

  “She was too much
of a wildcard,” the giant said as he rose and started to pace around the room. “She was also very lucky. She managed, one way or another, to catch on to my plans. Even those inside the mountain.”

  “You know she was inside Starpoint Mountain with Zaslow.”

  “Yes, Zaslow is an agent to me just like you were. Like Madrassa and so many others she managed to remove my agents. I just wonder though,” he said over his shoulder as he faced away. “Exactly when did she get you? I mean, Jayus, who originally wore that armor.”

  The Third Minister spun around quickly, spoke a brief incantation, and flicked the silver tip of a wand at Luvin. As if grabbed by a giant, invisible hand Luvin was lifted from the chair and slammed against the wall.

  The Third Minister step towards him so furious he was shaking. “Who are you?” He demanded to know.

  “I’m Acrufix,” Luvin said with his much determination as he could muster.

  “No, he would’ve answered my summons days ago. You would’ve known the secret ways to and from this office and you could have killed her a long time ago.”

  The giant grab Luvin who is pressed against the wall as if magnetized. His large hands and fingers started to bleed as he tried to pull away the helmet, but the cast was too strong even for him. Angrily he stood back and glared at the faceless figure.

  “Open it,” he said flicking the one gently and Luvin’s direction. “Take that mask off now or I’ll rip your head from your body to find out who you are.”

  Now having one arm free Luvin slowly reached up with his right hand and on snapped the helmet as soon it was free, and another flick from the wand, his hand snapped back to being held against the wall.

  After removing the helmet, the Third Minister walked close to Luvin and studied his face. He thought a long time before speaking. “I know you,” he said almost mystified. “You were with her when we were attacked by the orcs.”

  “Yes, we fought to protect you, or was it just part of your plan?”

  “No, no, no, this was an unprepared attack in my caravan. Zaslow had some of his own plans and I was in the wrong place at the right time. Turned out to be quite fortuitous. People love rallying around victims of vicious attacks. They’ll do anything you ask them to. I would have rewarded him if he hadn’t been killed by your friend.”

  “I’m sure one of the other Zaslows would be happy to get their rewards. If they haven’t gotten them in hell.”

  “Ah,” the giant chuckled. “You know about that too. UN her and the rest have been quite a thorn in my side. Most of my agents have disappeared.”

  “That’s only the beginning,” Luvin said feeling strong. “Marassa gone! Acrufix gone! Zaslow gone! Soon you and your kind will follow them!”

  The Third Minister leaned over, so his face was close to Luvin’s. “Soon I will be King” he said. “But don’t worry little boy, you won’t be around to enjoy it.” Worse than his menacing glare was the smile that slowly crept across his face. “I do suppose I owe you, though,” he said lightly, “for rescuing me from the orcs. I was going to let you stay here long enough to hear the cheers of thousands who will watch Gallif get executed tomorrow,” he said.

  Luvin’s face turned white as he feared for the first time that that could happen.

  “No,” the Third Minister said in mock kindness. “I’ll let the rats and the maggots in the pit feast on your flesh first.”

  The Third Minister spoke another incantation with the silver tip of the wand pointed directly at Luvin. He felt himself moving and realize he was flowing away from the wall. He tried to struggle but could barely move a muscle. The cast on the armor was complete, he couldn’t wriggle out of it or loosen it.

  The Third Minister open the hidden panels and took the long, slow walked down the stairs to the torture chamber.

  Luvin awake the whole time, floated in the air a few feet ahead of him. On occasion, both accidentally and purposefully, Luvin banged against the wall or ceiling. Though the armor still protected him his four head or ears scraped against the stone several times. Before they reached the torture, chamber there was a bloodstained bruise along the right side of his face.

  The Third Minister maneuvered him so he hung above a pit so dark that he could not see the bottom, but the sickening smell made it clear what was in there. Luvin had smelled death before. “I left your helmet in my office. I will use it as a trophy. When I am King, I won’t need Acrufix anymore. Don’t worry, I will make sure that he sacrifices his life for the good of the kingdom. That’s almost true.”

  Luvin looked at him with pure hatred. His only solace was that Gallif lived and knew that the last thing the Third Minister would ever see was her red hair and green eyes.

  “Your kingdom will fall just like the mountain. Only no one will mourn your dust.”

  The Third Minister released him from the cast and Gallif’s face was the last thing Luvin saw before his head hit the bottom of the stone pit.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN: MR RAT

  On the third morning Gallif awoke and was surprised to find the Mr. Rat had disappeared. She looked around the cell wondering where he had found a crack a big enough to squeeze through. She knew rats and mice for quite limber and could squeeze through amazingly tight places, but she had spent most of the first days scanning the four for a crease or crack and found none.

  She had managed to create an uneasy alliance with Mr. Rat and, once they are both understood no one was going to release them soon, then kept a respectful distance from each other.

  “Good luck, Mr. Rat,” she said aloud and stretch out on the floor. Everyone in the Land of Starpoint knew what happened the day of a Royal Execution. Though they were very rare, there had only been to in her lifetime, learning the ways of the Giant Lords and how to respect them was something they were taught in the first grade. Unfortunately, no one had ever thought to ask what happened to the condemned in the days leading up to it.

  She smiled thinking how no one had ever thought to ask that question. As she had learned not thinking to ask questions, being complacent with what they had, was the seed of what she was in today.

  How is it possible that, in the thousand years since the Last Dragon War no one had ever question the truth about the elves? Not one? Was the land so bloodied and afraid after that final dragon battle that they didn’t want to ask? Were they afraid or were they just lazy?

  One of the things she had no doubts about was that what she was doing was right. The truth about the elves, and the Giant Lords, must be revealed. If Giant Lords society could not survive with the truth, then they should be replaced by those who could. That’s was the only way to lead. Her thoughts were interrupted by the warning to stand and stay away from the door. Breakfast was being served. After the first day, there was a steady stream of bread, tepid water, and dried fruit. It was enough to keep her going but not enough to stop her from being hungry the rest of the day.

  Her eyes had drifted to the dim cast lighting of the cell and she squinted and looked away as the door was open.

  “She will kill you if you try to fight,” the familiar voiceover J Lo echoed through the small room. “Taking her as a hostage will do no good either. You are guilty of assassinating the King of the Giant Lords and we will kill her if that’s what it takes to get to execute it on time.” With that the door slammed shut and there was silence. Gallif sense there was someone else in the room with her before her eyes adjusted, she heard a familiar voice from very close.

  “You do have a way of making friends,” Rosario said.

  Gallif looked up with a smile and they briefly kiss each other on the lips.

  “How did you get in here?” Gallif asked in a whisper. “Have you seen Luvin? Have you spoken with Mekon?”

  “To answer your questions in order, with luck, yes, and yes. Now I need you to do me a big favor.”

  “What?”

  “Shut up.”

  Gallif was about to respond but Rosario put her finger to Gallif slips to quiet her.

&
nbsp; “I don’t have a lot of time; this is just a quick examination to make sure your fit enough for execution.” As she spoke Rosario checked her pulse, filter four head, then examined her arms and legs for marks and bruises. “Luvin has been masquerading as Acrufix for a few days. He tried every way to get in to see you, but security is that tight. He, Mekon, and myself have been meeting every evening. I also saw Acrufix with some guards this morning on a tour. Mekon is in hiding, the Third Minister is on to him, so it’s been slow process. He’s talked to a few agents that he’s worked with. There have been some suspicious things happening. Lots of meetings and sudden changes in activities. When do you want them to rescue you?”

  “I don’t, Gallif shook her head. “For this to work I have to be taken to the execution.”

  Rosario looked deep into her green eyes and Gallif knew that her friend would be there for her if she was needed. Rosario gently ran her fingers across Gallif’s cheek. “I’m sorry,” she whispered and slapped Gallif in the jaw hard enough to knock her onto the floor.

  “Open!” Rosario demanded and the room was flooded with light is the heavy door swung open.

  The guards looked in Rosario, then Gallif holding her jaw, then back at Rosario with a smile. They lowered their weapons as she left the cell and they happily let her walk past them. They took a hate filled yet please look at Gallif’s bruise and slammed the door shut.

  ***

  Confident that Luvin, Rosario, and Mekon would be able to watch each other’s backs she spent most of the day relaxing and waiting. She also wondered how well Lincilara was doing helping Blinks and Angelia reach the library.

  She couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of how Blinks would handle the ferry. She knew blinks was smart and trustworthy, if occasionally misguided, but he would be no match for Lincilara. She maybe just over 5 inches tall but Gallif would bet on her strength any day.

  She caught herself laughing at some of Blinks’ not so great moments and the missed the handsome man greatly.