Lesser Prince (Guardians of Gaeland Book 1)

by Jamie McFarlane

  ***

  The next morning they met in the warehouse. Glavious had switched to his travel garb - a light brown leather tunic and dark brown leather pants. His beard and hair were tightly braided and as a result were considerably shorter. Amber didn’t have much experience with dwarves, but was startled to see just how muscular Glavious’ arms looked as they extended from beneath the short sleeves of his tunic.

  “Dun just stand there. Grab yer packs. We best be off!”

  As if on cue, Nickson opened the doors to the warehouse and entered, leading three rather stout, saddled gray ponies, one of which was heavily packed with gear.

  “You really gonna ride those?” Sam asked.

  “Aww, don’t let him put you down, girls. He just dun know about mountain ponies.” Glavious gave Sam a withering look. Sam had a feeling he was going to hear about that later.

  Within the hour they were headed out of town. There was no charge for exiting Gestal and the guards barely paid them any attention. The fresh air was welcome, finally escaping the fetid stink of the city. The route Glavious took them along was different than the one they’d used to get into the city. But since Sam was satisfied with their direction, neither Amber nor Tig questioned it.

  After twenty minutes, Glavious raised his hand, “Hold on. I need to get something.” He stopped his pony and hopped off with considerably more grace than one would attribute to a dwarf. He rummaged through a pack and pulled a metallic war hammer from beneath its cover. With it, he pulled a thick leather belt that had an ornate bronze bracket on one side. He strapped the belt around his waist and placed the head of the hammer into the bracket. The cinnamon colored handle was as thick around as Amber’s wrist and was highly polished silver except at the end where it was blackened.

  “Holy crap, what’s that for? It’s huge!” Sam said admiringly.

  “That be my right arm. Dun get jealous.” Glavious answered.

  “Huh?” Sam asked.

  Glavious didn’t answer but walked around to the other side of the pony and uncovered a pendant shaped shield. The face of the shield was a deep maroon and the outline of a white bear was inset into it. The outer edge of the shield was a highly polished silver metal, the same as the head of the hammer.

  “Saweet!” Sam exclaimed.

  “Been in my family for longer that you can imagine, Sammy.” Glavious deftly hoisted the shield around so that it rode on his back. He easily remounted his pony. “Hate to be riding without my protection. Never know when yah might need it.”

  Once again they settled into a comfortable quiet. After a couple of hours, they stopped to let the horses drink at a stream.

  “We’re making pretty good time. I think we can easily make the castle by nightfall.” Sam said.

  “Shh,” Glavious whispered. He pulled the hammer off his belt, slid the shield onto his left arm, and nodded across the stream.

  Two large beasts appeared and jumped cleanly across. Tig was taken off guard and was barely able to shove his staff into the maw of a wolf.

  “Attack! Take yer defenses!” Glavious shouted as he positioned himself in front of Sam, intercepting the charge of one of the massive beasts. His shield absorbed most of the force, but Glavious had unbalanced himself as he’d moved to protect the boy. He and the wolf straightened back up at the same time, eyeing each other. Holding his great hammer, Glavious positioned himself in front of Sam.

  Amber watched Glavious intercept one wolf and Tig barely fend off the other. Tig wouldn't hold out long. She pulled her dagger from the sheath strapped to her leg and in a sharp movement, flung the dagger at the beast's head. At the last moment, it seemed to sense the blade’s flight and ducked out of the way.

  The three grey ponies nervously stamped and paced, backing away from the fray. The horses, however, reared and bolted from the area.

  Glavious swung at the wolf, finally turning it away from Sam. It was an odd sort of shuffling dance they were engaged in. The wolf attempted to get past the dwarf by battering the shield with its large paws and forearms, its weight easily twice that of its enemy. Glavious shoved it expertly back, deflecting the animal’s advance, giving ground but never allowing access to the important parts of his body.

  His hands full, Glavious was unable to bring the hammer around for a full swing. The wolf was too relentless in its press. So around they danced, each trying to find an advantage, but stalemate was all they could muster.

  Too late, Amber saw her error. The intelligence in the wolf’s eyes surprised her. It was something more than a regular dog or wolf and had been anticipating her throw. Now she had lost her only weapon and Tig was failing fast. Had she not distracted the wolf, it would have made contact with Tig already.

  “Foci trunda!” Sam bellowed and a softball-sized ball of flame shot toward the wolf attacking Tig. The ball exploded into the side of the wolf and set some of its hair on fire, but caused no further damage. It was enough, however, to divert the wolf’s attention. The wolf disengaged from Tig and leapt toward Sam.

  “No!” Tig yelled. “Plento Swanum!” He hurriedly pushed his one free hand forward. A gust of wind slammed into the retreating wolf, pushing it to the side and off of its lunge toward Sam. The reprieve was short-lived.

  Amber had finally made it over to Tig as the great wolf changed direction. “Your staff!” she yelled at him.

  She slowly watched the thought percolate in Tig’s brain. In her heightened battle state, Tig’s reaction took forever while her own movements appeared normal. To the others, she appeared to be moving like a whirlwind. Realization lit in Tig’s eyes and he pushed the staff in her direction. She grabbed it, wrenching it from his slowly opening hands.

  Fifteen feet separated her from Sam and the wolf, whose head was turning with a wide open maw. Tig’s wind blast had caused the wolf to overcommit his charge. Amber calculated that no matter how fast she moved, it would be impossible to intercept the razor sharp canine teeth that were on level with Sam’s neck. Her aim would have to be perfect and even so, Sam would most likely be severely injured. Nothing could stop it.

  A brilliant reflection caught the mid-day sun’s rays and Amber was distracted by an object hurtling through the air. Just before the wolf’s mouth closed on Sam, the head of Glavious’s hammer caught its neck with a sickening crunch. She turned her attention to see Glavious still battling the other wolf, now with only his shield to defend him.

  Amber was astonished at just how powerful the small dwarf was. His solid legs pistoned up and down as he skillfully fended off the wolf’s advances, using his entire body to combat the beast. Glavious had taken some damage, but battled fiercely. Amber could see his large right hand, no longer encumbered with the great hammer, clenched into a stone-like fist, looking for an opening in which to smash.

  Amber helicoptered Tig’s staff at her side as she covered the ground that separated them. She perfectly timed the upswing of the staff to coincide with Glavious’s shield bash which separated the dwarf from the wolf. Amber drove her legs up into the swing and focused all of her might. Her aim was true and the end of the staff caught the wolf in the soft tissue where the neck met its jaw. Before she’d even completed the swing, she knew the beast was defeated. Amber twisted back around to make sure the wolf which had attacked Sam and Tig continued to lay still.

  To her horror, the red-banded demon entered the clearing just behind Tig. In one easy movement, the demon closed on her friend and swept him up with one arm. It brought its claws up menacingly, preparing to rip through Tig's chest.

  Amber froze in place, recognizing the danger in front of them. She held her hand back to stop Glavious from advancing.

  “Ahh, very good little ones,” the demon’s voice jeered. “A shame that you destroyed my companions. I would like to say you fought well, but really now, four against two was hardly fair.”

  “What do yah want?” Glavious’ voice was gruff and demanding.

  “Quiet dwarf! Play your cards right and maybe I’ll let y
ou and the girl live.”

  “We’ll not be bargaining with the likes of you,” Glavious growled. “Put the lad down and maybe yah get to walk from here.”

  “Bravely spoken, but ridiculous!” it spat. “You are no match for me. It would be better if I didn’t kill this one, but I will.” It then looked at Sam. “You. Elf. Come here or I will kill him.”

  An odd feeling passed through Tig. It was almost one of relief. Perhaps it was finally time to deal with the demons instead of always running. He felt the heat of the demon’s arm around him. Initially, Tig hadn’t been able to take his eyes off the razor sharp claws. Now, he began to concentrate on the demon’s words. It was crazy. Why didn’t it just kill him? Why did it want to take him and Sam? It didn’t really matter, he couldn’t allow that, it would be certain death.

  “No!” Amber stepped between Sam and the demon. “Leave my brother out of this!”

  “Brave and quick with that staff. Do you think you are fast enough to stop me from ending this one?” The demon’s voice had an evil lilt.

  “Take me instead.” Amber dropped the staff on the ground and walked toward the demon.

  “Bert! No!” Sam started toward Amber, but Glavious grabbed his arm. “No, son. That demon will kill him like as he stands here.”

  “I can’t let her,” Sam’s voice warbled.

  Amber turned to face him, “I have to do this.”

  “Very touching,” the demon chided as he stepped forward and grabbed Amber.

  That was finally more than Tig could take. It was one thing for him to be captured, but another thing entirely when it came to Amber. He cried out and grabbed the demon’s arm, trying to pull it off his body. Then he felt the demon’s life blood beneath his hand, the very poison that had afflicted the elves of the Glade. The creature’s blood recoiled under Tig’s grasp, making the demon jerk and lose its grip.

  Tig, however, refused to release, pushing magic into the demon. Power welled up from the earth, into his body and out through his arms, as if nature itself was revolted by the evil. The demon wrenched his arm from Tig’s grasp and spun, letting go of both him and Amber. It turned to its ghostly form and sped away.

  Glavious quickly recovered his hammer and stood on guard. After a few minutes he finally relaxed. “Well, I’ll be. Never seen one turn tail and run like that.”

  “Excellent timing to be sure,” Sam said.

  “Right you are Sammy, and I’ll have you notice my ponies are still here, not high-tailing it across the plains like those darn horses.”

  “Okay, okay. I didn’t mean to make fun of the ponies!” Sam backpedaled.

  “Nope. I’m sure you didn’t, but, just ‘cause something’s short and stout dun mean it’s less capable. I’m just glad to be able to point that out. Now you hold on and I’ll round up those brave horses of yours.”

  Embracing Destiny

  It was well past sundown when the tired group finally reached the castle’s outside wall. Glavious had shown them an overgrown road that led from Gestal, avoiding the elevator at the bluffs and instead following the edge of the cliff until it gave way to the foothills of the mountain where the castle resided.

  The road ended at a large gate in the west wall. Tig noticed the shadow of a gargoyle perched there, looking out toward the road. The portcullis raised upon Tig’s request and the group entered a courtyard they’d not previously explored.

  On one side of the courtyard was a long stone barn. While the stone was in good shape, the thatched roof was in obvious need of repair. Tig wondered if thatching was beyond the physical skills of the gnomes, given their size.

  “Aye, this’ll do just fine,” Glavious said as he dismounted. “Back in the day this was a bustling place. One of my good friends, Renner, be the smithy here.”

  Amber inspected the stalls and found a couple of shovels and rakes. “Sam, grab a shovel and we'll clean out four of the stalls. It’s cold enough tonight that we can double ‘em up. Tig, find some water.”

  “Welcome back,” the small voice of a gnome piped up. “How can I help?” Tig turned to see Jar, standing on a snow covered bench.

  “Any idea where I can get some water and a bucket?” Tig asked.

  “You stink like city,” Jar answered.

  “No doubt, but that won’t help me with the water,” Tig responded.

  “I’m thinking it might be affecting your brain is all.”

  Tig was surprised to hear Jar’s rebuke as the gnome had been nothing but polite in their previous interactions. A long day of riding and the cold made him feel like being abrupt with the gnome, but he withheld it for the moment.

  “I’m tired, Jar. Could you just tell me what I’m missing?” Tig asked.

  “All you need to do is ask the troughs to fill and they will. There’s no reason to be carrying water anywhere.”

  It made sense, but Tig still felt like the gnome could have gone a little easier on him. He walked into the stable and grabbed a shovel to help clear the stalls. With the poorly maintained roof, snow, sticks and other debris had accumulated on the floor. It took well over an hour to get the stalls in good enough shape to hold the animals and they were all glad to have it done.

  The entrance to the Wizard’s Tower was on the other side of the castle. Glavious cursed at the crusted snow as he was the only one whose weight broke through, causing him to take a different path where the snow wasn’t as deep.

  When they stepped into the main entrance, Katinwal greeted them, “Welcome home, Prince Tigerious. I hope you’re hungry, we’ve laid out an evening meal in the dining hall.”

  Tig knelt down to be closer to her level. She surprised him by jumping onto his arm and scrambling up onto his shoulder. She leaned into his neck and gave him a tiny warm hug. It was such a small thing on her part, but communicated a level of trust he didn’t feel like he’d yet earned. The innocent gesture touched him deeply.

  He placed his hand up and gently held her legs against his shoulder as he stood to keep her safely in place. “Thank you, Kat. I’m sure we’re all very hungry. I hope we haven’t put you out again.”

  “Oh, you silly prince. This is our purpose. Faerie brought you back to Gaeland, the least we can do is make sure you have a warm place to sleep and good food to eat. We all need to do our part.”

  “I’d like Glavious to sleep on the residence level, is that okay?”

  “Of course. Master Shoth is an honored guest.”

  It didn’t take long to settle their packs back into the Residence and meet in the dining room. In the center of the table was a large bowl of steaming porridge and a plate of small sausage links.

  “Kat, do you have a moment for a question?” Tig asked.

  While they’d been in Gestal, the gnomes had been busy and installed a track around the outside edge of the room, leading from the dumb-waiter and ending up in the center of the table. It allowed the servers to move plates and food back and forth. Kat rode along on an empty plate and nimbly walked up to where Tig sat. She dropped to her knees and sat back on her heels.

  “What’s on your mind?” she asked.

  “When gnomes get sick or hurt, how do you help them? Do you have a doctor?” Tig asked.

  “Rex. He’s our healer, though he's getting very old.”

  “Would it be possible for me to talk with him tomorrow?”

  “I’m sure he’d be honored. You know, it used to be that the elves were the healers. It wasn’t until they left that we had to train our own,” she said. “Are you hurt?”

  “No, nothing like that. It was something you said about doing my part.”

  Kat stood back up, “I’ll let him know you’re asking after him. I’m sure he will be happy to make time for you.”

  “What are you all doing tomorrow?” Tig asked his companions.

  “I'll be in the Wizard’s Library.” Sam said.

  “I was hoping to get a look at the armory with Miss Elendahl,” Glavious interrupted. “Is that still in the basement?”


  “Prince Tigerious?” Kat gave Tig a questioning look.

  “Could I stipulate that Sam and Amber have free reign in the Wizard’s Tower?” Tig asked.

  “If that’s your wish, it will be so for this visit. I will ask Councilman Pex’s advice on how that can be done more permanently,” she responded.

  ***

  The next morning Tig was the last one to the dining table. The meal looked much like the previous night’s, with a porridge, a serving of meat and a sweet, red juice. He worried that the gnomes might be running low on supplies and that so many guests was creating a burden.

  Sam was nowhere to be found and Glavious and Amber were talking on the other side of the table.

  “What’s Sam up to?” Tig asked.

  “He’s in the library. Glavious and I were about to go to the armory. Want to join us?”

  “Sure,” he replied.

  The basement was clean but sparsely appointed. The floor consisted of granite blocks and the doors were arched oak with iron straps holding the planks together. Faerie-Globes provided much-needed light to the wide, clean hallways.

  “As far as memory serves, there’s never before been a lass who’s been The Bulwark,” Glavious said as he led them through subterranean hallways. The basement didn’t have the same space constraints as the above ground levels and they passed through a stone arch that was clearly part of the tower's foundation.

  They arrived at a room the size of a basketball court without the bleachers. The near side wall was filled with bows, swords, daggers, shields and polearms.

  “What’s a Bulwark?” Tig asked.

  “Defender of the crown,” Glavious said.

  “You said lass. Are you saying Amber is a Bulwark?”

  “Not a Bulwark,” Glavious accented the article in the sentence. “The Bulwark. Aye. Faerie chose Miss Elendahl as The Bulwark. I dun know all the ins and outs of it, but I think there’s a ceremony. As long as there be a Sovereign of Parnassus, there be a Bulwark.”

  “Who’s the Sovereign?” Tig was afraid of the answer.