by Dave Hazel
Mykal pulled himself up and rubbed his sleepy eyes. The sun just started to sneak into the sky. The others all looked wide awake and ready to go. “I’ll tell ya, this riding on horseback from dawn to dusk crap isn’t for me,” he mumbled and staggered into their circle around the fire. He gently set himself down.
Norg spoke while eating. “When journey over, I not want see beasts again.” He looked up at the horses that were twice his height. “Never felt pain in bottom. Hurt like battle aches.”
When Mykal sat, Doninka moved to sit beside him. “Hey Towbar,” Mykal called to take attention away from her. “Those soldiers we passed just a couple of days ago, do you think they’ll get to the Pass before the Sosos try to attack again?”
“I do not know when the Sosos plan to attack again so I am not sure. I am angered that I have not received the force promised by your father,” he said and turned to Doninka.
“There must be good reason,” she said defensively.
“I know your father, dear one.” Towbar gave her a nod of reassurance. “There is something odd behind the decisions that have been made. Clearly he knows what I need to defend the Pass. My request had not been fulfilled after he gave full assurance. There is something foul afoot. I will get to the bottom of it.”
“Do you think we’ll be able to hold off the Sosos until all the soldiers get there?” Mykal asked. He didn’t want to say it, but he was done with war. He wanted to focus his thoughts on returning home.
“I am not sure. With the help of the Dwarven people we may be strong enough to stop them.” He gave a thankful nod to Norg. “King Krago said if my soldiers are overwhelmed he will send more Dwarven soldiers to help. We must understand the Sosos have not attacked because they are building for an all-out assault. Since my horse soldiers beat them back, they may think my entire force is in position. They will wait until all their forces are in place. In the past we would take the battle to them. However, after they feel their strength is superior, they will attack. And you my friend taught me a valuable lesson about fighting inside the Pass. Their massive strength will be hampered.”
“Norg, why do so few of your people speak the common tongue?” Doninka asked. “All our people speak the common tongue.”
“There was time, long, long ago when all Dwarven race speak common tongue. Dwarven people move in mountain, close off world, no need common tongue. Few want keep language alive. King at time agreed. Chosen few tasked keep common language alive. Time pass, numbers smaller, common tongue now rare language. Dwarven race think never live outside mountain. No need for common tongue. Common tongue not strong for Dwarven people. You hear my speak. Not good. Not used much. My people lazy common tongue. Need use. Need practice.”
“It is time we stop talking and start riding,” Towbar said and turned to watch the sun start to break the horizon. “We have much ground to cover. After our business is completed we must make a rapid return. Rogal, you and the men break down camp and ride fast to meet us when you are done.”
“Yes, Lord Towbar,” Rogal said after standing to attention.
“Come on then, let’s go,” Mykal jumped up. “I’ll eat while we ride. I’m getting pretty good at this riding stuff. I can even do this with no hands,” he joked. They all gave him an odd look. “Oh wait a minute.” His tone changed when he realized what Towbar said. “Are you saying I don’t get to rest my ass while we’re there?”
“We will have very little time for rest.”
For the remainder of the trip they were all silent except for Doninka who continually looked for reasons to start conversations with Mykal. Everyone saw her affections were locked on Mykal. She reminded Mykal of a high school girl in love for the first time. Their experiences inside the mountain cemented her emotions despite his repeated declarations of his devotion to his wife in another world.
“Towbar, may I ask something of you,” Doninka whispered to the giant as she rode beside him. She had no idea Mykal could hear her with his increased hearing.
“Yes child, you know I would do anything for you.”
“I desire for you not to help Mykal go home.”
Towbar looked at her and chuckled. “My dear Doninka, I can see that you are love sick. I gave my word to my friend that I would do all in my power to help them return from where they came. I will honor my word for all that he has done for our people. He does not belong here.”
“He may learn to love it here,” she whispered.
“Would you desire to break his heart?”
“Never! I would never do him any harm. I love him so.”
“If I did as you asked it would break his heart. Do you want me to hurt my friend?”
“I, I. No. However I,” she paused and gave it thought. “I am so confused. I desire him to stay. Yet, I would never desire to cause him grief or heartache. Towbar, this is so hard.”
“If you truly love him, you will desire what is best for him and allow him to be reunited with his family.”
“I understand,” she pouted. “Towbar, why is this so hard?”
“Because you are no longer a little girl. I know you will do what is right concerning your emotions, dear one.”
“Do you think he will return to his home?”
“All I can do is introduce him to Nidious. It will be in the hands of the gods to determine if he should return. If you love him as I can see that you do, you will pray to the gods to give him his heart’s desire for all he has done for you.”
2.
Miles away they saw the Great Walled City of Beramus. Mykal couldn’t believe his eyes. “Man, its way bigger than I thought it would be.” From a distance it reminded him of a modern city from his world without the skyscrapers.
An enormous wall encircled the entire city. The buildings were large and spread over vast amounts of land. There were homes and small farms outside of the stone enclosure. Those who chose to live outside the wall of the city limits paid lower taxes. The lost revenue on property tax would be made up when the same individuals tried to sell their wares or services inside the city walls.
When they neared the city Mykal sensed Towbar had grown agitated, though the giant said nothing. “Towbar, after this is all said and done with the Sosos, you people really oughta think about building a wall across the Pass. I woulda never imagined the wall around the city being this large. You could do the same thing at the Pass and keep the Sosos out for a very long time.”
“I agree,” Towbar replied. He seemed to be quietly fuming.
They approached one of the main gates to the city on a main road in the wide open flats. The size of the stone walls amazed Mykal. The walls were fifty to sixty feet high and higher where the guard towers were located.
Mykal sensed Towbar about to explode in rage. The giant’s body language and mood created an atmosphere of tension. Mykal looked at the faces of Doninka and the soldiers. Something didn’t seem right. Towbar jumped off his horse and stomped to the massive 30 feet high wood doors. With his mighty fists Towbar pounded several times. He looked like he wanted to rip the heavy reinforced gate entrance from its hinges.
“This should not be,” he snarled under his breath and continued to pound the wood.
“Halt, who goes there?” A voiced called from the tower set over the entrance.
“It is Towbar you fool,” the giant barked. “Why did you not see our approach?”
“It is Lord Towbar,” the sentry spoke to another. His words carried a tone of panic. “Open the gates quickly. I, I, I am sorry m-my L-Lord.”
“Who is in charge of this post? I demand to speak with him immediately,” Towbar said. His voice threatened punishment and his tone dared hesitation.
When the large wooden doors were slowly rolled open Mykal saw the walls were at least twenty-five feet thick at the base and after the first twenty feet in height they narrowed to approximately fifteen feet. A number of the guards sleeping quarters, rest areas, and duty locations were built into the wall. Those on duty would be housed
at the wall.
“Wow, is it like this all the way around the city?”
“Yes it is,” Doninka answered.
“Man, it musta took forever to build this,” Mykal remarked since he couldn’t see the entire size of the city.
They heard several pair of feet running down a long flight of wooden stairs. The quickness of steps demonstrated fear. “My Lord Towbar,” the frightened soldier gasped and bowed before the giant. “I am the officer in charge of this post,” he said and the two other soldiers snapped to attention behind him.
“Why are your guards not alert?” Towbar raised his voice and stared down into the man’s shaken face. “They did not know we were here until I pounded the gate. I did nothing to conceal my arrival. Where are the roaming patrols?”
“My Lord, I was given orders several days ago to bring the soldiers in. I was informed there would no longer be a need to send patrols out into the area.”
“Orders?” Towbar barked. The soldier jerked with fright. “I understand allowing posts to be lax on the south wall. There should never be this negligence on the north wall. Never!” His voice boomed sending the man into jerking spasms of fright. The two soldiers behind followed his trembling example. “Have I made myself clear?” His voice lowered but his fury continued to burn.
“Y-Yes my Lord. I, I understand. I agree. I come from a long line of soldiers, my Lord. I recognize the importance,” the frightened man stammered. “I am obeying orders to stand down.”
Towbar paused, looked at the man and then spoke in a calm tone. “I want posts back to normal, immediately. My anger is not with you,” he said to put the soldier at ease. “I want all posts doubled. I want patrols outside the wall doubled as well. It will be your responsibility to see that it is carried out. While you are carrying out this order, you are carrying my voice and my power. If anyone resists, or so much as gives a look of their disapproval, that person will answer to me immediately. Whatever orders and directives are in place, are hereby withdrawn and canceled as of right now, by my authority. If you encounter a superior who will not heed my orders send that person to me immediately. If that person will not cease what he is doing and refuses to come to me you are to strike him down where he stands. You are to take a squad of soldiers with you to carry out my orders and you are to take these two men with you to confirm what has been instructed. Carry my orders to the acting commander. Have I made myself clear?”
“Yes, Lord Towbar,” the soldier bowed his head.
“Make it known to everyone you encounter I am in no mood for this foolish behavior. I will not tolerate disobedience.”
“Yes my Lord. Please Lord, may I be so bold as to ask, in the event I am questioned, why we are doubling the posts and why we are patrolling outside the walls?”
“Sosos you fool!” He snarled. “We are at war with Sosos and we are badly outnumbered at the Pass. That is if we still hold the Pass. It is possible the Sosos may have taken the Pass and they may be marching on to Beramus as I waste time with talk.”
“Yes my Lord,” he humbly bowed and trembled slightly. “May I please say, my Lord, and please understand my Lord, I am not being argumentative, it is just that I wish to inform you what orders we were instructed to follow.”
“Proceed.”
“We have been told the Sosos are no longer a threat to our people or our country. A truce has been struck.”
“This is a lie,” he declared. “Complete and utter nonsense. I have just returned from the Pass and we have been at war with the Sosos for weeks now. We have women, children and old men fighting the Sosos just to maintain a hold on the Pass. Now that I am here, I will get to the bottom of this. We have been waiting for soldiers to arrive and only a partial force has arrived. You need to make clear to every person you encounter, Sosos are on the war path and have attacked in great numbers.”
“Yes my Lord. I will tend to it immediately,” the officer bowed his head and departed. The two soldiers followed him.
“I will deal with the fools immediately,” Towbar growled under his breath and turned back to his party. “I can think of a couple of men who will be out of a job and possibly be dead by this time tomorrow.”
“What is happening Towbar?” Doninka’s question showed her fear and concern. “Father knows what a threat the Sosos are. Father also knows Sosos could never be trusted in any agreement of a truce. He would never allow the guards to stop performing their duties.”
“I agree, my child,” Towbar answered in a civil tone. “I do not know what has taken place during the short time I have been away. I aim to find out. I intend to make things right.”
When they entered the gates Mykal saw many buildings but it all appeared to be more like military barracks and a small town area that serviced primarily soldiers. The actual city of Beramus was still a couple of miles away. “I can’t get over how big this place is Towbar.”
“This city of Beramus, and the surrounding area is the third largest city in our country. The other two cities are larger in both population and size. However, neither of the two are walled. Both are farther south. This city is better suited for the King and his duties. Should the situation turn sour and Sosos were to advance on Beramus, The King, leading officials and their families would be moved to the other cities.”
They rode in great haste. By the time they reached the city all daylight vanished. They traveled down torch lit streets. Though Mykal couldn’t see much around him, Towbar and Doninka knew exactly where they were going.
Many people were out on the streets and they knew it was Towbar by his size alone. Many who noticed him gave respectful salutations and called his name reverentially. It appeared local people loved and admired Towbar. The giant waved or nodded but they continued on.
In the center of the city they came to another walled area. Mykal saw Doninka’s face light up with excitement. She hadn’t been home in a couple of years. The king’s palace was well guarded and surrounded by walls a little smaller than those that circled the city. This detached and closed off area had been created for the King and his family as well as other important civilian and military personnel and their families.
“Open the gates,” Towbar ordered as they approached the gates. “It is I, Towbar, and be quick about it.”
“Yes my Lord,” the guard hurried to unlock the gates.
Almost immediately the large wood door with thick reinforced bands of iron swung open. They rode in and proceeded to the long flight of stone steps that led to the King’s palace. They were met by some guards who rushed out to see who would be calling on the King. They were surprised to see Towbar. He ordered them to tend to their horses.
“Is there anything else that you request my Lord?” One of the soldiers asked.
“Yes, I have need to speak to the King. Ensure he is awake. If he is sleeping tell him I request his presence for a council of great importance. Tell him I have three great surprises with me. Do not mention those that are with me,” he looked at Doninka, Mykal and Norg.
While Towbar spoke with the soldier Mykal felt the strange glares he and Norg received from the others soldiers and people who were present. Mykal knew he looked odd to these people because of his camouflage uniform. Norg must have looked like a freak. Mykal didn’t care what these people might think. His only concern and mission now was to meet Nidious, the one person who Towbar believed can help him find his way back home.
The guard turned and ran with great speed up the long flight of stone stairs. Mykal and Norg made their way up the stairs slowly. They were stiff and sore from the long journey. Doninka didn’t seem to feel any pain from riding and she beamed with happiness at being home.
“Damn, what I wouldn’t give for you people to have an escalator,” Mykal joked with a gasp as he eyed the long flight of stairs.
“A what?” Doninka asked.
“Stairs that move for you so you don’t have to walk,” he chuckled at how lazy that must have sounded. He looked at their befuddled glares and
laughed out loud.
“What type of person would even think of such a device?” Towbar asked. “My friend, your people sound much too soft.”
“We Dwarven people, strong race. We endure much pain,” Norg said while rubbing his backside. “I discover Dwarven weakness. I not experience such pain.” Norg walked bow-legged as if still riding the great beast.
Mykal couldn’t keep from laughing though he didn’t think Norg intended to be humorous. Norg’s facial expression while rubbing his buttocks came across as comical. “That was one hellova ride,” Mykal agreed.
The four of them traveled a lengthy corridor. The highly polished floor nearly glowed under the torch light. The walls were beautifully decorated with large eye catching paintings. Marble statues of warriors posed in different forms of combat lined the walls. Mykal had only a moment to look at the statues as they rushed by them, but he saw they were great works of art. He wished he could stop and appreciate the detail of each spectacular piece.
They crossed a couple of intersections with armed guards posted regularly throughout the complex. Every time they neared soldiers, the soldiers snapped to attention acknowledging the presence of Towbar. They passed by a couple of open rooms that had several guards who were lounging around who were either waiting to go on duty or on a rest break, but they looked bored.
“I know what that stuff is all about,” Mykal said with a smirk and nodded to the bored looking guards.
“When I go in to speak with the King I wish to be alone,” Towbar said and walked briskly in front of them. “Doninka, I do not wish for you to reveal your identity to anyone who does not already know who you are. Wait until I know the full scope of the situation here. Something is not right.”
“Are my parents in danger?”
“I do not know child,” Towbar said and stopped in front of a set of large double doors. They heard laughing and merriment coming from the other side of the closed doors. “Wait here until I return,” he said to the three of them. “I will return as quickly as I can. I will make sure each of you get in to speak to the King, but I must speak to him in private first.”