Gareth moves closer to Roarken and puts a large hand upon his neck…squeezing. “I thought you two were brothers in arms?”
Roarken is able to push Gareth’s hand away. “I would never bruise the skin of one such as this mighty dwarf. We fought many battles side by side. Our swords were red with the blood of those that shed the light for the dark.
It is a lie told to the guards whom I paid in order to visit here. To them, I am exacting revenge on a dwarf who slew my entire family. Tis a falsehood fabricated to soften their hearts for me, and grow the anger for Truk. This allowed me to come and go. The coins that crossed their palms were taken from them while they slept. A groat here, a silver penny there; they never missed it.”
Roarken continues. “All the guards could hear from their station at the top of the stair is Truk’s screams and banging about the dungeon. In fact, he eats what I can sneak here hidden in my armor. His screams are an act. The banging is my kicking at the walls and door.”
“The gatekeeper must bring him prisoner’s food. Does he not see the lack of Truk’s additional injuries?” Amari asks.
Roarken spies the clean skin and new clothes on his friend. “Your work I assume Maiden?”
Amari just smiles.
“Before you purified Truk, his body was covered with bruises and sores inflicted by the guards. They could not tell if he had more or less wounds than the day before. I brought poultices and salves for his wounds, but he would not let me tend to his injuries. He was afraid the soldiers would realize that someone was helping him.
Since I visit regularly, then I was the fool helping Truk, not beating him. Before you came, Truk had all but gave up on living. He told me more than once that he would have rather died in battle; axe in hand.”
“You are a worthy friend Roarken. Will you join us when we leave this place?”
Roarken scans the faces of the others. “Maiden, I have devised several plans for freeing Truk. Most discarded as unattainable. Since coming here, I have marked all the guard posts and changings of the watch. They do not follow any pattern or consistent time. We have but one sword between us. I know you have magic to call upon, but there are too many soldiers to win against.”
“The means and time will present itself to us soon. Amari says.
“Maiden, by what ill luck are you thrown in this pit of the earth?”
Amari goes on to recount all that transpires since she was revived from death for the benefit of Truk and Roarken. Only a little could she summon-up before the sleep of the half-dead.
“You Roarken—I remember were always the sly fox. You could talk your way out from under an executioner’s ax. I see that your cunning ways have served you well. Nevertheless, are you not tempting fate posing as a King’s soldier looking for yourself?”
“What better place to hide then among the wolves. Besides, I always wore armor and half helmet during our battles with the Druids and the king’s soldiers. None would know my face. Save you and my brothers of the warrior’s sword. I even managed to convince the other soldiers that Roarken was reported to be over seven feet tall; walked with a limp; bald and tattooed.”
“Remarkable! Tell us your adventures and what you can of our last battle with the Druids?” The Maiden asks. I have so many gaps in my remembering that need filling.”
Roarken, now called Ramcrav spins his tale. “It was the time of the Blood Druids rule over five decades ago. Our legions of warriors against the dark were formed and well trained. All swore allegiance to you my Maiden sister. We seemed to be in one battle after another—always the victor. Ours was the honorable quest against the shade.
You once told us as we sat around the battle fires, the Goddess Aurelia watches over us and guide our hands.
Your army slew many of the Druids and their minions. However, in battles even the pure and good die. Our numbers were reduced as well. The Ords gave what they got and served you well Maiden. They vowed to defend you to the last.
I know of at least two Ords who took a blade meant for your back.
Once, during a battle near the Fire Woods where the Druids had retreated, an Ord warrior lost both his legs from an opponent’s axe. Even as he lay there dying, he continued swinging his sword, inflicting wounds on our enemies. Only his grave wounds stopped him. His brothers carried him off after the battle to be consumed in a warrior’s pyre.
This last battle went on for three long bloody days; neither your weakened warriors nor druids giving quarter or pause. Spreading through the ranks came the word that you were slain and carried off the field by the Druids. Many from both sides lay dead or dying. We continued to fight, but the fire in our hearts was failing without you to lead us. Our numbers are but a third of what they were when we started the battle.
By mutual consent, what was left of the Druids and your forces stopped fighting. We collected our wounded and dead…returning to our homes and families. Many years went by as we lived our lives in a tense peace.
However, in the last two years, the king proclaimed we who fought side-by-side with the Maiden Witch were to be hunted and imprisoned. Any who resisted would be slain. The king’s soldiers started their campaign with the Ords. Their skin markings, fair hair and slight build made them stand out from other men. The last of the Ords’ Clans were only a few villages scattered around Aventine.
I dare to say not even a single one who you knew still exists to this day. True to the promise the Ords had given, they would not yield. Many died. Numerous soldiers lost their own lives before even a single Ord joined its ancestors.
Those Ords who survived were put to the sword.” Roarken lowers his head and breathes a heavy sigh. “The villages and homes were put to the torch; however, not before they killed every man, woman and child.”
After composing himself, he continues. “Mimna and I roamed the lands of Aventine staying just ahead of those still searching for us. I lost track of Truk until I took on the guise of a king’s minion and learned that my dwarf friend was languishing in this dungeon. I have tried many moons to devise a way to free him. There are too many soldiers here. They send out regular patrols searching for thieves and dissidents. The guards’ watches overlap each other; leaving no gaps. Now that you are here my sister—we may have a chance to be free again.”
“It is true my long ago brother in arms. However, we need to find a way out of here soon. The evil witch of the dark is coming for us. We do not know how much time we have to win free from this place. It may already be too late.”
“I am still your servant. Task me as you wish.”
“I must have Katana and the magic it possesses in order to gain our freedom. Can you get into the armory where our weapons are secured?”
“Yes, I have free rein of the king’s castle. Only the monarch’s secluded rooms are out of reach and guarded by his private sentinels. No one is admitted except his servants and brother. The armory—is that where your great saber lies as well?”
“Yes, along with Helixx and my companion’s other weapons and travel kits.”
Roarken’s eyes widen. “You found the earth sword?”
“Yes, Helixx had lain deep within the Dragon’s Grave, along with Sire Goglas of Tinswood, who slew the great monster.”
“The Dragon’s Grave? I thought such a place was a myth meant to scare children and fools?”
“No it exists. When we are safe and far from here; the tale of our discoveries and escape from that pit will be recounted around our cook fires. For now; can you find and bring Katana to me?”
“I will do as you command Maiden.”
“You know of its enchanted power Roarken. Enfold it in heavy cloth and do not touch it directly. I would hate to lose your sword arm.”
“I remember well the magic charm that surrounds that fine blade. I will do as you bid me.”
“Be quick about your task as those that want our spirits are drawing even closer.”
“Yes Maiden. The dungeon guard will be returning soon from his rounds. I p
aid the guards above, so I could administer a supposed beating on Truk. Who knew I would have the chance to see you again? I have already stayed passed a fair amount of time. You must put his cell back to right. Truk must return to his dingy abode.” He looks at a renewed dwarf and comrade—“sorry my friend.”
Truk gives a warrior’s salute with a closed fist to his chest where his heart lies beating.
“We will tend to Truk and this chamber Roarken. Please, you must hurry!” Amari says.
Roarken bows his head to the Maiden and quickly leaves the room and locks the great door. His footsteps can be heard as he hurries up the long tunnel to the surface. He must have forgotten to hold his breath, as we hear several deep coughs caused by the smoky torches.
Gareth lifts Truk’s broken cell door outward as the old dwarf goes back into his small cramped space. The door is put back into place, but there is nothing to hold it from falling as the hinges are shattered. From inside his cell Truk puts his bulk against the cell door to keep it from falling back inward.
The Maiden and her companions find places in the room to sit. They all act complacent to lull the guard into thinking they have accepted their fates.
It is but a short time, and the heavy footsteps of the overweight guard can be heard coming down the tunnel. His breathing is labored as well. The exertion of just walking is too much for the portly man. The small portal which covers the barred window in the door is unlatched. A round face appears, and dark eyes survey those imprisoned.
“What do you want?” Natsha asks with distain in her voice.
Through short gasps for air, he says. “I must check on you.”
“Why? Do you think we will escape from here when you are not looking?”
“Hardly! You are fifty feet under the castle,” he smirks. “The only way out is up the tunnel. If you could open this door and travel the length of the passage, you would find the portal at the top is barred as well. Five armed guards are stationed there.” He adds. Maybe you can figure out how to dig through stone. Ha!”
Natsha gets closer to the door window so the guard can see her eyes. “Come inside and I will quickly dispel your mirth.”
“You think me a fool. I know who lies behind you.” He nods to Amari. “She is the Maiden Witch. Long sought after by the king’s men and another witch called Urel Irgini.
You had better make peace with the gods as that evil woman has been summoned when the word of your capture and imprisonment was reported. She will be here before the sun sets on the morrow.” He mumbles to himself. “Sorceresses; can we have not peace from their kind.”
Dian comes forward and asks. “What part of the day is it? We are blind to the path of the sun and moon.”
“Not that it shall matter, but the sun is directly overhead and shines bright.” He scans the faces of the others while looking through the narrow barred window. “Answer me this and do not spit lies as a serpent. What did Ramcrav want of you?”
“Who is the Ramcrav you speak of?” Amari asks feigning ignorance.
“He is one of the King’s soldiers who came here a short time ago. The guards stationed above said he was here for a time and then left in a hurry!”
Amari frowns. “Oh him; he gave no name. His desire was to taunt us through the door. Same as you are doing this moment.
He left quickly when I threatened to cast a spell on him.” The Maiden lowers her head and rubs her hands together. “I tire of you and this place. Please leave us in peace to contemplate our future before I place a spell upon your head.”
Thinking the stout door between himself and the captives enough protection, he says. “Foolish woman—you have no future; none of you do! You will be handed over to the witch for her pleasure. Your companions are to be executed as enemies against his Lord King Borin.”
“What, no court to plead our case? Natsha asks. “Even criminals have a right to judge and jury for their transgressions.
“I know nothing of what you say. You are condemned by the will and order of the king.
He slams the door’s window and walks away laughing.
“Well,” says Dian. “We know that by this time tomorrow, we will be meat for the executioner’s axe.”
Just then, Amari touches her chest near her heart.
Gareth comes close. “Maiden, be you in pain?”
“I am all right friend. I felt Katana’s spirit touch mine. Roarken must have won his way into the armory and is retrieving my saber. Even now, I can feel it come closer. If he can lay it in my hand before he is discovered…we will be free of this place in a short while.”
Gareth helps Truk lower the damaged door quietly to the floor. They both come and stand by the others. It seems forever, then, they hear the familiar footsteps of their brother warrior.
The jailer’s door window is opened. “Stand back” comes the whisper from the other side.
The door is unlatched and swings open wide.
Roarken enters with a sleep roll across his back. “Maiden, I brought your left hand of power.” He pulls the roll of cloth from his wide shoulders and lays it upon the stone floor. Grasping a corner of the heavy cloth, he unwraps the folds and reveals what is hidden. The last turn of the cloth reveals the bright blue hue of the Maiden’s Saber.
“You have done well Roarken! She lifts the sword from the blankets and caresses the fine edge. The rune covered hilt, and blade warms at her light touch. Amari brings the long blade to her lips. “Too long have we been apart dear Katana.”
Amari can feel renewed strength flow through her every muscle and bone. The air is filled with static as she lifts it above her head. She smiles at the warriors gathered about her.
Gareth speaks first. “Maiden, can you transport us as before when we were trapped in the Dragon’s Grave?”
Amari looks to Gareth, who asked the question. She searches each of their eyes. “I am afraid there are too many of us this time. If it were we three as before, then yes.
Alas, we now are six strong. The Pariton teleportation method cannot be used safely with this amount of people. It requires I focus on a desired location and the faces of the others with me while doing so. It must be done correctly or I could lose one of you in the shade. Even for me, it would be hard to stay focused on five of you and the end location.”
“Can you take three of us” as Gareth points to Dian, Natsha and Truk; “then come back for the rest?”
Amari shakes her head. “If I were given ample time to rest between each transportation. Do you remember when we landed on the beach after escaping the Dragon’s Grave? My strength was seriously diminished. It took almost a full day to restore my energy. If I indeed were to spirit away the others, you would be at the mercy of the soldiers and the evil witch.
You are brave my valiant Gareth. Even with Roarken at your side, no weapon fills your hand. I dare to think, before I could return, both your spirits would be gone. No, we must win out of here by doing battle with those who wish to imprison us. Besides, Helixx must not be left behind for my sister to find.”
“Maiden, Truk and I will stay here while you and the others escape,” volunteers Roarken.
“No Roarken. I will not leave you and Truk now we are reunited again.”
“It makes sense if we stay. Truk can go back to his cell and be as he was. I would blend back in with the soldiers. We would be overlooked while they searched for you. We could wait two days. At a day and appointed hour, I would join Truk and you could come back for us. You would have a measure of time to rest here as only Truk would be the prisoner, and the guards would not care if he lived or died. Sometimes, it was days he was left alone. So you see. This is a sound plan.”
Amari touches Roarken’s unshaven face. “Thank you for sacrificing yourself for the others, but there are too many things that could go wrong with your plan. We stay together.”
Roarken bows his head to her wishes.
“My sister; I could only bring your saber this time. I do not even have my own sword. To
carry anything more than the apparent bedroll would have aroused the suspicion of the guards above. As it is, I gave them all the coins I had left to come down here this last time. None questioned my reasons. As long as I closed their palm on a shiny gold piece, they could not care less why I wanted to go below the earth.”
“Leave the men above to me Roarken. Come all of you let’s be off to the clear air above.”
Chapter 8 – The Maiden’s Saber Reunited
One by one, those who fight for light and the path of truth follow the White Witch out of the dungeon. They pick their way up the long passage to the surface.
Amari leads them with Katana to the fore. Following close behind at the Maiden’s heels is Dian and Natsha. Gareth has the old dwarf upon his back as the sightless warrior is still recovering from his ordeal in the dungeon. At the rear is Roarken. He is without a weapon. His sword was surrendered before going into the tunnel. He can retrieve it when he leaves.
They tread lightly to hide their footsteps. Too many footfalls would alert the guards on the other side of the barrier that more than one person is approaching. The sting of the burning torches causes Dian to cough.
Natsha wraps her hand around Dian’s mouth. “Quiet sister or this escape will be over much too quickly. Patience—soon we shall breathe cleaner air.”
Dian nods her head and muffles her choking as best as she can.
Upon reaching the door at the top of the stairs, Amari motions for Roarken to come forward.
He pushes past the others and comes close to the Maiden.
She leans near to his ear. “What can we expect outside this portal?”
He quietly answers. “Four heavily armed soldiers stand on the other side of this door. Two men will be facing the heavy bolted door with spears at the ready. Another two will be watching the approach and the courtyard. A small bell mounted on a short pole will bring reinforcements if rung.”
Amari places her hand on the surface of the door, as if trying to sense what lies beyond. In the semi-darkness, she asks Roarken. “Is this a normal guard activity, or is it because we are imprisoned here, and they worry we will try to escape?”
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