Of course you can, why didn’t I think of that?
Do you want to go now? House asked.
Not just yet, we should tell the others as a few would like to go back, said Alex, and sat down by Carrie and Luella.
‘Taking liberties there, Mister,’ said Carrie.
Alex smiled. ‘I thought you would appreciate that.’
‘It was quite nice what you said.’
Luella glanced at Alex. ‘What are you so happy about?’
‘I’m going to say good night to the children soon.’
‘You mean I can see them too?’ Luella asked.
‘Yes, Mother, while we’re on this world, we can see them every night.’
‘What are they up to now?’
Watching a film, they are an hour behind us, said House.
‘The same as the Elf World,’ said Claire.
No, the Elf World is and hour behind us, so their world would be two hours behind this one.
‘That’s handy,’ said Alex. ‘We’ll only go back for a little while when everyone else has gone to their own tents.’
‘Will I be able to have a shower?’ Claire asked.
Alex wrinkled his nose. ‘Yeah, that would be a good idea.’
‘Isn’t it time for us all to go to bed,’ said Blaze, as she joined them.
Alex grinned. ‘Not yet, Battle-axe.’
‘That’s not very nice,’ said Luella.
‘I was just thinking of some of the names they have here like Stormhook,’ said Alex, ‘and Blaze did use her axe with ease.’
‘So you want to call me Battle-axe?’ said Blaze.
‘No, your real name is much better.’
‘Did I hear my name mentioned?’ Stormhook asked.
Alex looked up at him. ‘Yeah, we were discussing names like yours, Lightning and Dart, but we know his is a nickname.’
‘Not nicknames, but second names,’ said Dart. ‘His real name is Col Cassun, and his second name comes from the fact that he fights like a storm, and has a hooked nose.’
‘Thanks for that,’ said Stormhook.
Kristina picked up a metal mug and took a drink from it. ‘We were thinking of those ourselves.’
‘And what are you good at, my lady?’ Dart asked.
‘I can make a shield around you that no weapon could penetrate.’
How about impenetrable?’ said Lightning.
Dart shook his head. ‘That’s just wrong.’
‘Not far off though,’ said Claire, and started laughing.
‘I can only think of one at the moment,’ said Stormhook, ‘it has nothing to do with your beauty, but of your powers. I would call you, Fortress.’
Kristina smiled. ‘I like that.’
‘And what of Lord Alex?’ said Lightning. ‘What strengths does he have so we can give him another name?’
‘He already has another name,’ said Carrie. ‘He’s called Siphon.’
‘What does that name mean?’ Dart asked.
‘It means he’s a god,’ said Carrie, and Alex just looked at her.
‘Is that true, my lord?’ Stormhook asked.
‘No, it’s true that many believe that Siphon is a god, but I’m Alex.’
‘We would like to know all about the other worlds,’ said Lightning, ‘if you would tell us about them.’
Alex looked over at the wizards. ‘Not me, but what about you Korzak?’
‘No, that’s what Zakora is best at doing.’
Zakora pointed. ‘Get all your people who want to listen over by that fire and I will tell them all I know.’
Alex and the others from the mansion waited until Zakora had the inhabitants of the world enthralled into the history of the old world, before entering their tents where they returned to the mansion.
‘Papa, Auntie Blaze, Nana, Mommy,’ was the first words they all heard when House took them home.
‘Are you back already?’ Adhara asked
‘No, sweetheart, but while we’re on that world we can see you every day,’ said Alex, as he hugged all his daughters, including Livvy who had stayed behind with the children.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Mobilising the Nobility
Alex woke feeling hot again. Carrie had already changed, and was peeking through the flaps of the tent. He pulled on his trousers. ‘What are you doing?’
Carrie turned and watched him as he put on his tunic. ‘Raven is out there waiting.’
‘He’s only trying to protect your honour.’
Carrie stuck her tongue out. ‘I don’t want it protecting.’
‘I think we should pack our stuff up.’
‘Already have,’ said Carrie. ‘He’s going to follow me everywhere.’
Alex put on his sleeveless coat. ‘I’m sure Stormhook will order him back to their ranks.’
‘Well, we better get going as they’re waiting to take the tent down,’ said Carrie, and stepped outside.
Alex followed and sat on the ground where others were eating breakfast. ‘What are we having this morning?’
Luella passed him a bowl. ‘Porridge.’
‘What, no elf food?’
‘No, dear, it will be porridge for breakfast while we’re with the army. We can’t feed everyone with the elf food and Duke Nester has supplied what we’re eating.’
‘I thought we brought plenty ourselves.’
‘We did for three hundred, not eight hundred, and knowing you it won’t stop there.’
Claire grinned. ‘Want some salt with it?’
Alex pulled a face. ‘Don’t be disgusting, is there any sugar?’
‘No, there was honey, but it’s all gone.’
‘House,’ said Alex, and a tub of sugar appeared in front of him. ‘Thanks.’
‘Good idea,’ said Carrie, and put a hand to his face.
Alex tipped some sugar onto his porridge. ‘What are you doing?’
‘You were hot last night.’
Claire nearly choked on her porridge. ‘Excuse me.’
Carrie turned red. ‘I didn’t mean that, his skin was hot.’
Luella looked at him. ‘Is there anything you would like to tell me?’
Alex shook his head. ‘Nothing to tell.’
‘So, why are you getting hot?’
Alex shrugged. ‘Dunno, it’s happened a few times lately, probably just hot flushes.’ He knew deep down it was something else, but what, he didn’t know.
It wasn’t long before they were back on the road. The army rode north, with House scouting ahead. Alex glanced to the right and saw a forest in the distance where something caught his eye. He couldn’t make out what as it was too far away. He strained his eyes to see, they grew warm, turned golden, and he could see a young woman being chased by a group of raiders. ‘Quickly,’ he said, to his horse and pointed to where he wanted to go. Bronte didn’t need any further instructions, and galloped as fast as he could.
‘What the hell?’ said Carrie, and raced after him, followed by the wolves and a few of the others including the gnomes who all decided to run.
The raiders were almost upon the woman when the closest to her went down from a spear to his chest. The wolves dived into the group followed by Carrie and her sword was too fast for any raider. Raven joined them and just stared at their speed. Cross bow bolts took out the next, and the remainder were slain by the gnomes.
Alex jumped off Bronte and ran to the woman who had collapsed to the ground. ‘Are you OK?’ he said, as he lifted her up.
The woman nodded. ‘Yes, my lord, just exhausted.’
‘What’s your name?’
‘I’m Ayan, a healer from the forest.’
‘Well, Ayan, I’m Alex and you’re safe now.’
‘Raven,’ said Carrie, ‘it’s very noble of you to protect me, but as you can see I’m quite capable of doing it for myself.’
‘Yes, I saw your skill and speed.’
‘Well, this young lady couldn’t protect herself against those, and you would honour me
if you took her under your protection.’
‘Yes, my lady, and thank you.’
Nester caught up with them. ‘Lord Alex, are you going to do all the fighting yourself or do we get to have some fun too?’
Alex lifted Ayan onto Raven’s horse. ‘Sorry, Lord Duke, but there was no time to tell everyone.’
They were not human, said Rho, disgusted with the taste in his mouth.
Alex stared at the dead bodies. ‘No, Dart said they were, but something changed them.’
No, they were never human, said Rho, as Aileen climbed off her horse and gave the wolves a drink to get rid of the taste.
Korzak inspected one of the bodies. ‘He’s correct . . . they’re more like something someone created.’
Alex climbed back onto Bronte. ‘You mean clones.’
Korzak nodded. ‘Yes, that’s the term.’
Dart looked confused. ‘I think I missed half the conversation, but what does that mean?’
‘They’re somehow creating their own soldiers,’ said Alex.
‘So that’s how their army grew so fast.’
‘And why they can just waste them,’ said Nester.
‘Yes,’ said Birkaz, ‘but blood is needed to create them.’
Alex frowned. ‘Human blood?’
‘I don’t believe so, but probably preferable.’
‘Whatever it is, we have to stop it.’
‘They were after healers,’ said Ayan, ‘but couldn’t go into the forest.’
Alex scratched his head. ‘Why did you come out of the forest if it’s so dangerous?’
‘I wasn’t in there, my lord, I was going back to it,’ said Ayan. ‘It’s never been dangerous to leave before.’
‘Do not worry about it too much, young lady,’ said Luella, ‘you’re safe now, and we will have a chat soon,’
‘My lady, I am not young and would probably double your age.’
‘And just how old are you?’
‘I’m nearly sixty,’ said Ayan, quite proud about it.
‘You do not double my age as I am over four thousand years old.’
Ayan’s eyes grew big. ‘But our world isn’t that old.’
‘I am not from this world.’
‘What’s your name, my lady?’
‘I am Luella, and this is my sister Daralis. Those two ladies are Aileen and Morven, and the bearded one is my brother, the wizard Adair.’
Ayan nearly fell off the horse and gripped Raven very tightly, who didn’t seem to mind. ‘But those are just legendary names.’
‘Yes, dear, and as I said we will have a chat soon.’
The army were soon riding back north and Alex beckoned Dart over to him. ‘Could you give me a layout of your world?’
‘Well as you know we’re in Ayrdale, and to the east is the Forest of Healers. To the west is Southland, which belongs to Earl Karlson. We’re heading towards Calberon the land of King Fulton, and to the west of is Westlake the land of King Landon his brother. North of Westlake is Morodonia, Duke Alderon’s land. The east of that’s Breton, Baron Blackwood’s land, and to the east of that’s Urbania, home of Earl Lexworth. The dwarf’s kingdom is between Calberon and Westlake, and is called Central Mountains. It’s ruled by King Grolt, and north of the Forest of Healers is Wizards Keep.’
Alex tried to figure out the land. ‘Is Fulton the ruler of all lands?’
‘Yes, he is the overlord of this entire world, but Alderon has other ideas.’
‘We have not heard from Baron Blackwood in a while either,’ said Stormhook.
Alex considered it. ‘Will all the others come to King Fulton’s aid?’
Stormhook nodded. ‘Yes, and should be on their way.’
If they could, said House.
Alex looked up. ‘What have you found?’
There is a large army travelling south through the mountains. There are also a lot of people running from the raiders towards the King’s army which has about twenty thousand and will be outnumbered greatly.
‘Will they get there before us?’
It will be close, but there is another problem to the west. The armies cannot move as they are also trapped.
‘How many soldiers are stuck there?’
About ten thousand, and there are another four thousand travelling north to join them, but will not be able to help.
‘Damn, we need them to join the fight, and if we go to their aid we won’t reach the king in time,’ said Alex. ‘How long will it take the army from the north to reach the king?’
About two days.
James glanced up. ‘How many of these raiders are keeping the western armies trapped?’
The armies are equal, but there are eight hooded figures with the raiders. I did try to translocate them somewhere else, but I couldn’t.
‘What could we do against such numbers?’ Dart asked.
Alex rubbed his chin as he considered it. ‘All we have to do is to get rid of the hooded figures and the numbers will be ours.’
Adair raised a brow. ‘You have a plan, and I like it.’
‘How many of us can do it?’
‘You and I, two goblins and the four elf lords, they might not all like being called wizards but they have the power.’
‘Perfect, one for each of us. Do you gentlemen want to come for a trip?’
‘We would love to,’ said Marakus.
Alex put his hand in the air for the army to stop and dismounted. ‘James, Henrik, can you figure out some way to slow the northern army down?’
James nodded. ‘I’ve already been thinking about it, I just need to know more about the land.’
‘May we know what this plan of yours is?’ Nester asked.
‘Of course,’ said Alex. ‘Our army needs to keep travelling north, so eight of us will go and get rid of the hooded creatures and King Landon’s army will be able to move again, as their army will be too much for the enemy. I would like you to come with us and explain to the king we’re on his side.’
‘What about my men?’
Adair leant on his staff. ‘Your men wouldn’t be able to take their horses as they don’t like travelling that way.’
‘Westlake is the land of horses,’ said Hubert, ‘and the king would gladly let us use some.’
‘Then get your men to dismount and let the others take their horses with them.’ Alex glanced up. ‘Lady Carrie, would you please lead the army north?’
Carrie stared open-mouthed. ‘Are you mad?’
‘No, and if you need any advice, then Stormhook and Dart will advise you.’
‘What about James or Henrik? Why can’t they lead?’
‘They will be busy.’
‘If a king falls in battle the men will follow his queen,’ said Dart, ‘and we will follow you, my lady.’
Carrie shook her head. ‘How long will you be gone?’
‘I don’t know, but I’d like them marching as soon as possible,’ said Alex. ‘Stay alert, as there could be many more of those small skirmishes ahead of you.’
Claire rode up alongside Carrie. ‘We will take care of any if we see them.’
‘I have no doubt about that, my lady,’ said Alex, smiling at her.
‘Don’t worry about us, my lord, and there’s no need to rush back as we’re quite capable on our own.’
‘Thanks, that makes me feel wanted.’
‘Claire’s just teasing,’ said Paige. ‘Do what you have to do and come back safely.’
‘We will,’ said Alex, and joined the others who had moved away from the army.
‘What exactly is going to happen?’ said Nestor.
‘The wizards and I will take care of the robed creatures. You will appear by King Landon’s army and will have to explain quickly what’s happening. You need to get him to attack the enemy soon as we kill their leaders.’
~~~~
Duke Nester and his knights appeared in Westlake near the king’s army who looked startled, until they saw who it was.
A grey haire
d man rode up to him. ‘Nester, what the hell is happening?’
‘I need horses for my men, and I will explain everything once we crush our enemy.’
‘Captain, get horses for the dukes men,’ King Landon ordered. ‘What plans do you have of getting rid of their leaders?’
‘Our new friends will do that.’ Nester looked over at the hooded figures keeping the army back with fireballs when eight others joined them.
‘The hooded creatures were not quick enough to react as Alex and seven wizards burnt them with different powers. Alex was attacked by clones soon as he killed the demon. He spun with the blade end of his spear killing them by the score. The elves also found the fighting easy but the overwhelming numbers almost had them, and House moved them out of the fight.
King Landon stared at the fighting. ‘I know they’re the enemy, but this looks like pointless slaughter.’
‘No,’ said Nester, ‘they’re not human, but mindless clones created by evil magic.’
‘Then let us help our new friends, and don’t take any prisoners.’
~~~~
Alex heard the thunder of horses and glanced up to see the Knights of Ayrdale charging, followed by the Westlake army. He decided it would be a good idea to get out of their way and flew to the others. They had joined the king, who looked too old for the fighting. ‘They are quite scary when they charge at you like that,’ he said, as his spear blades retracted, and he put it in the sword like scabbard the elves made for him.
‘I’m sure they are,’ said Adair, ‘and I would like you to meet King Landon.’
‘Your Majesty, it’s an honour to meet you, ‘said Alex, bowing flamboyantly, which made the others smile including the king.
Landon offered his hand, which Alex shook. ‘The honour is all mine, after what you and your friends did.’
Alex turned towards the battle. ‘Well, I don’t believe it will take your men long to finish them off.’
‘They are beginning to run already my lord, ‘a man next to the king said.
Alex pointed with his hand. ‘Straight into another army by the looks of it.’
‘It’s Earl Karlson,’ said Landon, as a creature fell to the ground.
It was about to fly away, said House.
Landon looked up. ‘Is that the great spirit you told me about?’
The Final Destiny: Vesta Mansion Trilogy - Book Three - Fantasy Page 25