by Jon Kiln
Canne was a king amongst the Asgwern. He was far bigger and more powerful than any other, and easily capable of outflying these three creatures. It was the main reason that Thalia had chosen him to be her own personal Asgwern. Canne flew much faster to keep his Master safe. Cronos found himself slowing the beast down to keep them closer to their hunters. It was all a matter of timing: too fast and they would be left behind, too slow and they were almost upon him. As they flew at speed, he did not know what his plan was. Perhaps he had acted rashly. Now he was uncertain how he could deal with these creatures, all alone. Considering an escape at speed to leave the other Asgwern in his wake, he saw up ahead a chasm that was cut into the ground. It was wide and deep, and an idea came to him.
Filled with self-belief, he pressed his knees into Canne’s neck and directed him down, instructing Canne to fly at great speed straight into the chasm below. The Asgwern behind him followed his moves. He could hear their battle screeches, almost triumphant in believing they had him trapped. Faster and faster Canne swooped down, the other Asgwern in pursuit. Cronos guided him, until they were below the level of the cliff walls and heading straight for a sheer rock face. Right at the last minute, Cronos pulled back on Canne’s neck. The large Asgwern banked swiftly to the right, now flying in parallel with the chasm walls. The leading Asgwern that followed was not so swift, and quickly smashed into the cliff face, at speed. It fell with a rider still on its back, plunging down two hundred feet below. Soon both were laying in a crumpled heap on the ground, unmoving. One down, two to go.
Knowing his first tactic would not work a second time, he took flight, high in the skies, while he considered his next move. Glancing behind he could see the ugly beasts close on his tail. Their vicious sharp maws opened wide as they screeched their anger. Beaks so wide he could almost see into their craw. Canne did not appear as ugly as they were. Perhaps because he had lost the glint of evil in his eye, but they had not. Their eyes flickered with a red glow, glimmering wickedly from each beast.
The skies were stormy and dark, all around was twilight. Never could the sun burn through the magic-induced ominous weather. Cronos felt his time was running out. He needed to be rid of these flying monsters, and get back to Grecia and her wolves.
Knowing that Canne was tiring, he had to think of something quickly. Attack would be the best form of defense. He quickly banked Canne to the right, his move so unexpected to the chasing creatures, that they flew right past him. Cronos pulled back on Canne and directed him to fly behind the Asgwern. Now he was the one doing the chasing. Before they had a chance to react, Canne swooped down on the creature at the rear, his sharp talons grasping the demon rider and lifting him off the back of his ride, before releasing him and letting him fall to the ground, many hundreds of feet below.
The Asgwern was now riderless and in a panic as it flew aimlessly. They were solitary creatures, these monstrous birds, and only flew in packs when directed to do so by their riders. Now there was no one controlling the creature, and it was unsure what to do. It had become so disorientated that it had not realized that Canne was upon it, until it was too late. Canne sunk his talons into the confused Asgwern’s neck. His sharp talons pierced the skin, completely closing his claws tightly, decapitating the flying demon. Canne watched in satisfaction as the bird spiraled down, until it thudded into the chasm floor.
This time, it was Canne who was nearly caught unawares as the remaining creature suddenly swung round, spurred on by his rider, and attacked him. Its sharp beak stabbed at Canne’s face, just missing his eye, but still it cut into Canne, drawing blood. During the attack, Canne turned almost upside down, Cronos nearly falling from the back of his body, and only just managed to grab at the Asgwern’s neck, clinging on.
They faced off together, two ferocious beasts hovering in the sky, their huge wings beating frantically to keep them stable. Canne looked at the ferocious red eyes of his enemy, aware he was tiring. He could see fatigue in his opponent too, and more than fatigue, he could sense fear. They clashed together, talons attempting to find purchase on each other’s bodies. Beaks stabbed swiftly, in the hope of striking the fatal flow, or at least causing a debilitating wound.
Both Asgwerns were veterans of battle, and knew how to avoid serious injury. The battle raged on and on. The creatures trying to find an advantage, but neither was able. Canne, although weary, was beginning to overpower his opponent, easily fighting off the attacks and countering with his own. He had not yet managed to land a killing blow, but the other Asgwern was bleeding from a number of wounds, and its actions were becoming more erratic as it realized it might be facing defeat.
Cronos could see that victory was almost theirs, as the other Asgwern showed signs of weakness. He urged Canne on to find the killing blow. So engrossed was he, that he failed to notice that the demon on its back had drawn his bow, and fired at him. The arrow crashed against his head, sending him into a slump as his sight went hazy. No longer able to hold onto Canne’s back, he slipped off the Asgwern and went hurtling down toward the ground below.
Canne felt victory was close, and maneuvered himself into a position to land the killing blow. At that moment, he felt the young boy fall from his back. His whole purpose in life was to protect this child, at all costs. If he failed in this, then he may as well die too. Ignoring the other Asgwern, he left the battle, and quickly looked below to witness a small human body hurtling towards the ground. He dived down at speed, desperate to reach the boy before he hit the ground.
Despite his speed and quick reactions, it seemed he would not make it in time. The boy was almost at the ground when the great Asgwern flew under his unconscious body. The underside of the Asgwern’s body scraped on jagged rocks, but Canne managed to thud Cronos onto his back. He slowly banked and landed on the floor of the canyon, gently easing the boy off his back. Cronos fell to the floor, motionless.
Canne approached him tentatively, fearing the worst. He viewed the boy’s body, prone on the ground. Red human blood seeped from an open wound on his head. Canne gave out a rattling sound of sadness from his throat as he purred at the boy. He arched back his huge head, and above he could see that the other Asgwern circled, high in the sky. Canne let out a long wail of despair as he stood protectively over the small and still body of Cronos.
33
As he rode into the camp looking for the commanders, Artas spotted Perseus, Qutaybah’s head man and a strong mercenary. They had ridden and fought together when forced to rescue the Duchess from the Akkedis in the land of Vandemland. Perseus had proved to be a true friend, and a great warrior. He was glad of his presence and rode over to greet him.
“So, you bring trouble to our doorstep again, my friend?” Perseus joked as he clasped arms with Artas, while they both balanced on horseback.
“This world does not wish us to grow old and fat,” Artas replied, laughing. “Is Qutaybah around?”
“He’s in the Commanders’ tent and speaks with leaders from your lands. I think he warns them to expect fierce creatures at the other side of Chervin Forest.”
Artas looked over to the edge of the forest. The landscape had changed slightly, from only a few days ago. The trees were very dense, even more so than he remembered, it was almost as if they had closed in together and formed a barrier. The forest looked impassable, but Artas knew this to not be true, as he himself had ridden through it barely three days earlier. There was some strange magic at work here.
“The trees come together to allow none to pass that they do not desire the company of. Do not look so concerned, they will part for us,” Perseus informed Artas as he noticed his worried frown looking over to the forest.
“I’ve seen some strange things these past few years, but this forest is one of the strangest. How can trees move? It’s simply not possible.” Artas was truly in awe.
“My people do not ask those questions, Artas. Legend has it that the forest has protected this land many times, but no one who lives today has actually seen it in a
ction. Yet now, here you and I witness the forest defending this border. It will not allow those creatures to pass through, and if they are foolish enough to try, it will be the end of them, of this I have no doubts.”
“Let’s hope it allows us through then,” Artas replied.
“Have faith, Palaran. We shall pass safely.”
Perseus turned his horse to give the black stallion to the stable masters. Artas followed with his dappled mare. They approached the Commanders’ tent together. After saluting to the guard, Perseus entered with Artas following behind.
In the tent, Artas recognized many of the generals from Palara. He had an honorary role as Head of the Palaran army, but it was simply a ceremonial position. The Palarans quietly acknowledged his arrival with small nods and salutes. Commander Braithwaite, one of Palara’s best, approached Artas to speak privately with him.
“Is it true, Artas?” Braithwaite asked. “There are huge beasts to fight, that are not of this world?”
“It is, Commander. I’m afraid it’s the same foe as two years ago. The witches have risen again, and this time they’ve managed to summon creatures not of this world.”
“Then how are we to beat such enemies?” Braithwaite pondered.
“With bravery and valor, Commander,” Artas smiled. “They may be fierce and strong, but they’re not the brightest of creatures. We need to outsmart them. If we keep one step ahead, I think we’ll defeat them.”
“You seem confident of this, Artas.”
“Ganry is in the royal city of Mirnee, where the witches seem to have possessed all the commanders. I’m sure, as we speak, he’s already battling the creatures there, with the aid of Mirnean fighters.”
“I’m no coward, Artas, but do we have what it takes to put these things down?”
“I know you’re no coward, sir.” Artas patted his shoulders and attempted a smile. “We shall defeat them, because we have no choice. They will not be satisfied with Mirnee; next it will be Palara. Defeat them we must, Commander, as the alternative does not bear thinking of.”
The commander nodded his understanding. This war was not just Mirnee’s, it was the world’s. If they did not conquer these deadly creatures, all was at risk. Commander Braithwaite thought of his own family. His children were all grown now, two of them in the ranks of soldiers in the camp. He had three amazing grandchildren and the thought that they would live in a world where those creatures ruled, boiled his blood.
“The troops are ready, Artas, just say the word,” Commander Braithwaite finished.
“Can you tell me what Queen Myriam has organized, Commander?” Artas wondered.
“She’s sent some of the naval forces directly to the royal city in Mirnee, and she’s sent word to the wolf people to send their help. Plus, our own forces are being gathered, but we’re keeping a heavy guard on our borders and the castle, in case they get through.”
Artas nodded. Myriam had done well, she had thought of every possible angle to send help from Palara. Ganry would appreciate the naval forces, if they got there in time.
The commander and Artas returned to the meeting. Qutaybah was describing the beasts to the leaders of Vandemland and Palara. At that moment, Artas spotted Myriam, deep in conversation and dressed in battle armor. Although shocked, he was not surprised. She would want to lead from the front, as was the custom with the D’Anjue family. He just hoped she would survive the coming days.
34
Hendon and Azmariddian, the Mirnean druid, had so far encountered little trouble as they carried out their task of finding the Book of Opposites. According to the ancient scroll, the witches had hidden it in their high temple. The old text books and scrolls they had studied, indicated that the high temple was south of Mirnee, less than a day’s walk. It was here that he hoped to find the spell book, and with that send these accursed creatures back to where they came from.
They were busily discussing the merits of different forms of incantations, that they almost walked into a patrol of demons. It was only upon hearing their marching footsteps at the very last minute, that alerted them to their presence. Quickly, they scurried behind a formation of large boulders at the road side, hidden out of sight.
“Look,” Azmariddian whispered, as he pointed to a line of humans which were being led by a fearsome-looking creature. The line was guarded by four other demons, who walked at their sides. “They’re chained. I think they’re taking human prisoners to use as slaves, poor souls. Can we not help them?”
Hendon looked on. Of course he wanted to help these wretched people who were heavily manacled. Even from here, he could see their skin rubbed raw and bleeding from the heavy metal. From what he was looking at, he doubted many of them would live for much longer. Especially if left in their current predicament. It was a difficult decision because their mission was crucial in this war, but an idea came to him. Concentrating all his efforts, he cast his mind out into the wilderness, searching for the aura of a powerful beast. As he did so, he came across a huge bear, not far from here.
“There is a bear close by. I think I can lead it here and persuade it that these creatures are a threat to it,” Hendon informed the druid.
“Will one bear be enough, do you think?” Azmariddian queried. “It would not be fair of us to bring this creature here, only to face its own death.”
“You’re right, it might be enough alone, but I sense others nearby,” Hendon replied, his face a mask of concentration while he searched the land looking for more allies. “Yes. Yes, I’ve found two more, and they’re already angry,” he smiled as if this was good news. “They’re just itching for a fight.”
Hendon squat down on the floor and concentrated his thoughts on commanding the bears. Communicating with animals was a skill he had since he was a child. He could often make creatures obey him, without saying a word. But this situation was still difficult, as he did not have much time.
First, he needed to coax them here, and they were still some distance away. Nonetheless, he burrowed his way into the mind of the first great bear, cajoling him into taking the path that would lead him towards them. The bear was not too pleased with this sudden interference. It had wanted to go to the river to hunt, and now it was being asked to go in the opposite direction. Once Hendon was certain that the bear was heading this way, he left him and jumped into the minds of one of the others. Again, persuading them to change their track, and head towards him.
Hendon felt pleased with himself once all three bears were heading this way, though he was aware that none of them was too pleased to be taking an unwanted detour. It made their heads buzz with anger, even though they were unsure why. Each of them understood their anger was directed to some unseen force on the road.
Hendon could sense the arrival of the first bear, and it suddenly came crashing out of the undergrowth and onto the road directly in front of the demons and humans.
Just for a moment they stood facing each other off. Not a soul moved, not a sound was to be heard. The demons looked bemused at the huge bear that blocked their path, uncertain what to make of it. The lead demon, the one holding the chains shackled around the humans, moved closer to inspect this strange creature.
Hendon pushed hard in the bear’s mind, agitating him to a point of fury, until he lashed out at the creature in front of him. Its huge paws cut across the demon’s neck. Its long claws cut deep, leaving bloodied furrows in the split flesh. Green blood spurted high into the air, as the demon looked on in surprise. Its face showed a look of incomprehension, before it crumpled to the floor, dead.
That was the cue for all hell to break loose. The demons were now angered, and surprised by the death of their fellow kind. They drew weapons, slowly advancing on the bear. Unsure of what it was, they occasionally slashed out with a sword or an axe. Still they were wary of getting too close, and none of the blows struck the bear.
The bear roared its mood out loudly, and stood high on its hind legs. It was indeed a fearsome creature, towering above the demon
s in front of it. Steadily, they backed away.
Behind the demons, the other two bears charged out of the woodlands. Hendon concentrated on them, casting his mind on them he worked up a furious anger. Buzzing around in their heads like a troublesome bee, he urged them on and directed their wrath at the demons before them. The poor bears felt as if their heads would explode and were full of confusion and fury. They believed the creatures before them were to blame.
Roaring out in rage, they attacked the hapless demons who were quickly overpowered. Razor sharp teeth and knife-like claws ripped them to shreds. The attack was so sudden and furious that none of the demons were able to offer any resistance. It was soon over and all lay dead on the road, horribly mutilated, ravaged and ripped to shreds by the bears who Hendon had set into a violent frenzy. He worked now to calm their minds, as the last thing he needed was for the bears to attack the humans.
Slowly the bears returned to a state of serenity with their anger dispelled. They sniffed curiously at the dead creatures, prodding them with huge paws, and sniffing at the free flowing blood. The first bear ambled towards the humans, all pressed together and still chained to the dead demon. Just for a moment, Hendon thought the bear would attack in its blood lust, but he could sense the creature’s mind was calm now. It simply dropped back down on all fours and walked back into the forest, not once looking back. The others soon followed, their anger now satiated, they too ambled off at a dozy pace.