by Ronald Long
The word went back into the cave that the company would be moving soon and everyone pressed toward the entrance. Teresa and Lote were already outside, surveying the area in order to see if any strangling goblins had stayed behind.
Ealrin heard the twang of a bowstring and a grunt of a goblin.
Apparently some had.
“I’ll amend what I said Gorplin,” Holve said as they began to file out of the cave. “It seems you’ll fight goblins today after all.”
Ealrin took up his sword next to the dwarf. Teresa drew her blades and Lote strung another arrow to her bow.
Indeed there were some goblins who ran to them with a fierceness.
Ealrin’s brow furrowed.
The night was about to burn red as well as orange.
***
The cave emptied quickly as a few defended those fleeing.
Granted the dwarves weren't much for stealth compared to the men and especially the silence of the elves, but since the goblins were mostly so far off at this point it didn't matter much.
They hugged the base of the mountain, ensuring to keep as many trees inbetween them as possible as they made their way north.
If King Thoran was to march this way, the least they could do was to meet him enroute.
And still the sky burned orange.
"What in the world is that, Holve?" Ealrin asked as they marched as quickly as they dared through the forest.
Holve was still slow but also stubborn. The few hundred kept a decent pace as they made their way north to Liaf. Holve wouldn't slow for anyone. Though he grunted and grimaced, he marched.
"We'll know once we see the sky," he said through gritted teeth. Ealrin could tell the journey had worn down the soldier. "For the time being, march."
And so they marched.
It must have been two hours, maybe three before they came to the clearing. A wide circle of trees opened before them. For some reason, no tall pine or oak grew in this ring, only grass.
It would have been time for Ealrin to wonder what would cause such a thing to occur.
If it were not for the burning orange comet in the sky.
"Not so dark anymore is it?" said Gorplin as the dwarves came out of the forest last. Their short legs weren't meant for quickness.
"You know of the dark comet?" ask Ealrin, only afterwards realizing how foolish of a question it had been. Anyone with a view of the sky in the last two years would have seen the fireball in the night sky.
But none until now had seen it so close.
"Yes," replied Gorplin, ignoring the silliness of Ealrin's question. "Though we dwarves don't pay much attention to the skies. I'd rather be lost in a mine than the stars."
"A fault of your race at times, I think," replied Lote as she gazed up at the sky.
Ealrin thought that may have been a bit harsh on the dwarf. It seemed Gorplin agreed as he gripped his hammer a little tighter and huffed loudly.
Holve placed a hand on Gorplin's shoulder. Perhaps it was to calm the dwarf down. Perhaps also it was to steady himself. His breathing was still heavy from the last hour's march.
"We've been watching the dark one as it approached Gilia," continued Lote, not noticing Gorplin's anger at her statement. "It brings an omen with it. Though what exactly it is, I cannot say. The stars do not tell the future as definitively as the runes set in the stones of dwarves. They more show the path a river could take unimpeded. A possible course. One of many possibilities."
All stood gazing up at the fiery comet. It was, indeed, closer than Ealrin had seen since he could remember. Of course that was only a short time. But never had it burned this brightly in the night sky. That he knew from Holve and Roland's stories. It had always been a deep purple, thus disappearing in the night sky and earning its name.
There was a moment of silence from those gathering in the clearing.
In the distance the shouts of goblins rang out over the night noises: the chirping of crickets, the call of night birds, the babble of a nearby stream.
Ealrin voiced what he imagined others were thinking.
"What possibilities have your people seen in the sky, Lote?"
She broke her gaze with the comet and looked to Ealrin. Her eyes were misty and, could it be, a tear?
She opened her mouth to speak, but before she had time to answer, they heard the peal of a trumpet.
A herald of Thoran.
Chapter 35:
King Thoran
The maroon and gold and banners of the army of the king were a welcome sight to Ealrin. It had been nearly four weeks since he had last seen them march from the capital. Though they looked as if they had been recently in battle, their numbers were still sufficient enough to take even the Merc army from the pass on even ground.
Spears stood tall and pierced the night sky. Swords clanged against shields on the backs of eight thousand. Boots marched along the road that split the beach from the forest and mountains. Two thousand horses carried two thousand spears and their holders. In the middle of it all was the king himself. His personal banner to his left, an eagle clutching a sword and wearing a crown, and the banner of Thoran to his right.
Here was hope.
Men, elves and dwarves cheered as the company began to march through their ranks. Mostly at the sight of Holve and Teresa: the general of Thoran and the daughter of the king.
Perhaps there was hope in them as well.
Yet something was odd to Ealrin.
It was night time, yet the army marched as if it were the middle of the day. Could the light of the comet spurred them into action? Or was it something else?
It wouldn't take long for him to find out. They approached the king, who at seeing them, raised his hand to stop the march. Trumpets sounded out again from all around and the army halted.
"My king," Holve said, as he bowed to the king. Those around him, including the dwarves of Kaz-Ulum did likewise. "We are grateful to see you, yet we have much to tell you."
Ealrin looked up at the king.
Though he could see there was relief to see Holve, Teresa, and the others, there was a furrow on his brow and pain in his voice.
"My general, my daughter. It is good to see you. But where is the army that marched from River Head?"
Holve stood up and looked around him. As he did, there came the pounding of goblins drums from further south.
"We've much to say, my king. But I fear it must be as we prepare for battle."
***
As it turned out, Holve was right. From their vantage point outside of the forest, it was evident that at least fifty goblin ships floated out at sea.
And from them rowed countless smaller boats, bringing the grey horde to shore.
The scouts who were surveying the landing of the boats south of the army of the army of Thoran counted six to eight thousand goblins. This was to be a battle that would be hard fought and sorely won.
If it was to be won at all.
While the preparations were being made, Gorplin, Lote, Teresa, Ealrin, and Holve met with King Thoran to discuss the current standing of the Swords as well as their new found knowledge of Androlion.
Of those swords who had marched from River Head, only Tory, Teresa, Holve, Lote, and a male elf named Minare. Frerin, Khali, and Narvi had perished in the battle with the Mercs. Frenin and Narvi at the hands of Cory. The two other elves, Enlon and Elel, were unaccounted for, as was Brute, the largest and strongest of the human Swords. Some said he was defending the entrance to the cave that collapsed as the survivors escaped from the Mercs through the tunnel.
King Thoran’s countenance was sullen. His most elite warriors had fallen to the hands of betrayal and war. Ealrin could tell that this was why the king had not trained other knights and warriors in his domain.
The man hated war as much as Ealrin did.
“As for those lost in battle, we remember their sacrifice and will here make it count for something worthwhile. All of them,” the king thrust his own spear into the sk
y as he looked at those who stood in a circle around him. His shout was loud and fierce. “A Sword of the King!”
“A Sword of the King!” came the salute from those who remained.
“And as for Cory. We will not let such a betrayal go unatoned for. He will find justice, whether by my hand of by that of my allies.” At this the king looked down to Gorplin and put his hand on the dwarf’s shoulder.
“I would hope you will find Thoran to be your ally, brace dwarf of Kaz-Ulum. It seems I owe the lives of those who stand before me to you and your people. You are a skilled and able leader. I am sorry to hear of the attack on your mountain, but I hope that our meeting has been determined by fate and that we can become great allies, Gorplin of Kaz-Ulum.”
Gorplin’s chest swelled with pride at being addressed so. A grim smile pushed at his beard and mustache as he looked up at the king and raised his hammer in salute.
“Bah! You’ll find the dwarves of Kaz-Ulum to be strong allies my Lord! Our allegiance is set!”
The king looked up as the sound of goblin drums began to sound stronger southwest of them. The horde was approaching.
“See to your people, Gorplin. I’ve assembled the dwarves of Thoran by the forest on the road. My men can handle charging on the beach. I’ll not make you suffer running in sand for my sake.”
“Bah. A strong ally indeed!” said Gorplin, as he hefted his hammer to his shoulder and jogged off to join his companions and the other dwarves in the coming battle.
The king looked up as the sound of goblin drums began to sound stronger southwest of them. The horde was approaching.
“See to your people, Gorplin. I’ve assembled the dwarves of Thoran by the forest on the road. My men can handle charging on the beach. I’ll not make you suffer running in sand for my sake.”
“Bah. A strong ally indeed!” said Gorplin, as he hefted his hammer to his shoulder and jogged off to join his companions and the other dwarves in the coming battle.
The king then turned Teresa and smiled at her. Ellen saw in his eyes a great sense of relief.
"My daughter," he said as he held his arms out to embrace her.
Hello Teresa on the field of battle was one of the most intimidating warriors Ellen had ever seen, in the arms of her father she was the picture of a kings princess.
he held her for several moments and then took her shoulders and his hands. He looked at her with great affection and love.
Ellen wondered if he had a father like that.
"you have never been one for dresses and frilly things, Teresa. I wonder if perhaps your mother were still alive you would have preferred a quieter life than the one you have chosen. And yet I could never been more proud of you are. You are fine soldier for your king and your father. You have served me well. I would tell you not to fight in the front ranks but I know it wouldn't do any good."
At this the king chuckled and held her face with one hand.
"Be brave my daughter. Lead your people bravely. attend to the Warriors on the beach. Show them that the house of Thoran is a courageous one."
He embraced her once more and then but his four head to hers.
"Be safe and return to me when the battle is won."
With that, Teresa saluted her father and King, and it made her way to the beach. Ellen saw in the king-size both cried and hurt. How it must pain him to send his daughter into battle. And yet, as Ellen had plainly see, Teresa was one of his finest warriors.
The king turned his attention back to Helen and hold.
"I had hoped we would meet under better circumstances, but fate would not have it."
He considered them both for a moment.
With a sigh he said, "Holve, stay at my side in this. I fear what may come after the goblins as well as for your health. You don't look well my friend. The journey you've taken has been difficult on you, though you try to hide it, I can tell."
Holve grimaced, but bowed.
"Yes, My King," he said as he stood straight again, he hefted his spear to his side. It really was such a fine piece of work and only after having seen thousands of spears being carried by other warriors of Thoran did Ealrin really see that it was special.
He grasped his own odd but plain sword.
"And what would you have of me?" Ealrin asked.
The king's face turned into a weary smile as he looked at Ealrin with his compassionate eyes.
"My general is at my side and yet my daughter goes to the front lines. I wonder if you would serve the king by serving his princess?"
Ealrin bowed and said, "I will, King Thoran."
He began to walk off towards the beach, the same direction Teresa had gone only moment ago, but then stopped.
On an impulse he took the few steps back to Holve and hugged him.
It certainly caught Holve off guard, but then Ealrin felt himself wrapped in the arms of his constant companion since his shipwreck. It felt good.
He let go of Holve and stepped back to look into those same eyes that had watched over him when he was unconscious. The eyes that had guided him to this point. He felt like whenever he was in the sight of Holve, all was well.
Holve spoke.
"Ealrin Belouve, you've come a long way in a year. For all I know I still couldn't say where you come from."
And he knew Holve was right.
Looking down Ealrin thought about his journey. Out of all their many travels over Ruyn thus far, Ealrin hadn't recognized a soul, nor had anyone else thought they had seen him before. But then he looked back into Holve’s eyes. Something was wrong.
Was that a tear?
Holve took a deep breath through his nose and continued on.
"To hell with who you were, Ealrin. I've been most impressed with who you are becoming!"
Holve slapped his shoulder and shoved him away.
“Now get out there before the goblins get to the front!”
And with that, Ealrin ran towards the beach to join Teresa and fight for the kingdom of Thoran.
For a country he thought he may soon call home.
Chapter 36:
War
The army marches to war. The Southern Republic in front, the Merc raiders in front. Holve and Ealrin speak of the purpose of war and why some battles must be fought.
Ealrin stood at the front line with the rest of the Warriors of Thoran. On his right was Teresa, daughter of the king. Once again her face was that of a stout warrior. While she was in the arms of her father, Ellen had thought that the warrior side of her Adventist completely. Out here on the field of battle, however, Ellen was sure he had imagined her softer side altogether.
Her blades were drawn and held tightly in her hands. She paced back-and-forth slightly, always keeping an eye on the growing tired of goblins on the horizon.
"You ever fought goblins before?" Ask Cedric, one of the human survivors and scouts for the previous battle. You look younger than Ellen did, and under the certain circumstances of their upcoming fight, a little nervous.
"Once," Ellen replied looking over at the young scout. "It was several months ago out at sea. The key is to aim low."
Cedric chuckled a little, the tension in his face easing.
"I'll try to keep that in mind," he said.
Cedric looked back to Verizon and his eyebrows furrowed.
"They're coming," he said.
Ellen looked for himself and saw that tired of gray wasn't the spilling from over the horizon.
"Why do you suppose there's war?" Cedric asked as he unsheathed his sword and readied his shield.
Ellen's answer was already on his lips.
"As long as there is unchecked evil and hatred and those who are willing to opposing have courage, there will be war." He paused for a moment as he took his own sword out of its sheath. He looked back to Cedric.
"A friend told me that."
***
Teresa stopped her pacing, grimaced at the approaching goblin horde, then turned to the army of Thoran.
"Warriors
of Thoran!"
She raised both her blades high.
“Do not fight these monsters because you relish the chance to swing your sword! Do not fight them because you detest their race! These that charge us have threatened our home! They come to kill and destroy our families, our people!”
“Warriors of Thoran, let us show those that would force evil onto a nation that strives for peace and the good of all what will come to it! Your king fights with you! Defend your homes! Protect your king!”
She turned and pointed her blade at the approaching horde. Thousands of goblins now sprinted toward the line of Thoran warriors. Ealrin could see elves standing in the forest, bows strung and ready. Dwarves stood on the road, preparing for a charge of their own.
War had come to Thoran.
“For Thoran! For the king!”
“For Thoran!” came the thunderous reply as four thousand men surged forward, spears out, swords drawn, and fire in their hearts.
***
Ealrin ran as hard as he could on the sandy beach. His hands already ached from gripping his sword and borrowed maroon shield.
It was the third time in two weeks his sword would draw blood.
Above him a hail of elvish arrows flew. They rained down on the goblins' ranks and whittled down the first hundred.
It was no matter.
Thousands more raced over their fallen comrades.
The two lines smashed into one another. Goblins leapt high in the air, throttling some Thoran warriors with their spears. Teresa carved a path through the grey beasts and Ealrin did his best to keep up. To be her defender.
It never truly seemed like she needed it.
Through the chaos, Ealrin could perceive the dwarves smashing into their section of goblins.
The elves continued the rain arrows upon the goblins both at close quarters and at those who continued to run forward.
Blood mixed with sand and ocean around Ealrin's feet.
He parried a blow with his sword then thrust his own into his attacker. He drew it back and swung again at another goblin.
The tide of grey seemed endless.