by Andrew Wood
Whilst his king read the note, Luca explained to the others what was contained within it. "I assume by the handwriting, it is from the same person that sent us the book and ring," he said, before Darak butted in, "And look where that got us. I suggest we toss that note straight in fire, all it will bring is more bloody misery." Nobody really paid much attention to Darak's little rant, but listened further to Luca. He went on to tell them that whoever wrote the letter was warning them of a far greater threat from the south. "The Murati?" Sethin asked. Luca shook his head, "No I think it refers to something from a distant land. I think the Murati are going to be the ones hit first."
Caldar had the look of a man with troubles weighing heavily upon him. His wife noticed, and placed a comforting arm around him. "Let us sit down and talk about what we must do," she said calmly. Darak was clearly not impressed at them taking the note seriously, but sat back down with the others none the less. Caldar spoke, the seriousness in his voice plain to hear. He for one was not taking this warning lightly. "What does it mean by 'a force not of this world and like one never seen before?' Does that mean Orlac's," asked Sethin taking a turn to read the note.
Darak scoffed, still not sure why they were even taking this serious. Luca however, was certain this was a warning from an unknown ally. Just who this mysterious helper was, he had no clue. Vanessa replied to her son's question, "No Sethin I don't think it means Orlacs. It says something about never being seen before." The group read and reread the note, trying to work out what exactly was being said. "Why the bloody hell can't this person just tell us what he means, instead of writing in bloody riddles," Darak snapped.
It was midnight before the group had reached a decision on what to do. Darak, Taylor, Luca and Oliver would continue as planned to the Isle of Kelan. Sethin had asked to join them on their 'adventure', but was told in no uncertain terms by his mother, that was not going to happen. To appease her son however, she said he should be the one to visit the troops readying just south of the city. Caldar was sending one thousand men south, to the border as a precaution. A messenger had already been sent at haste to Murati, forewarning them they may be in danger. Another had been sent to their old ally Besemia, forewarning them that troubled times maybe coming.
It had soon become apparent that Luca's involvement would be critical. The decision to send him north to rescue his sister had not been made lightly. Caldar knew that his nephew may well be required if some mysterious magical force was indeed attacking from the south. The problem was he was also going to be needed in the rescue of his sister, because it was now accepted as fact, that someone magical was holding her.
Caldar stepped up to his young nephew. "I am so sorry Luca," he said with genuine sadness. "If this," he said waving the note in his hand, "Proves to be true, I fear you are going to be the one bearing the greatest burden." He sighed heavily, "I always prayed that I would never have to ask this of you. You are all I have left of Luken, and it saddens my heart that I now ask the same of you as I did of him." Luca looked at his uncle, and could see a tearful pair of eyes looking back at him. "I will do what I must Uncle," he said wrapping his arms around and hugging him. "That is what I feared you would say," Caldar replied, sniffing slightly.
Chapter 12.
Sat at the end of the wooden dock with his fishing rod in hand, the young Murati casually kicked his legs overhanging the edge. The morning sun was up and already the warmth of its rays could be felt on his young face. He glanced up quickly at his fishing line in the water, before dropping his gaze once more. He could hear the sound of the gulls circling the morning fishing boats as they moved into the harbour of the small town of Ari.
Life on the Murati south coast was one of a slow pace; the warm climate only adding to the comfortable lifestyle of its inhabitants. Ari had a population of several hundred, and though fishing played a large part in its economy, it also had a large number of small farms on its northern outskirts. It had a small garrison of soldiers whose duty it was to keep peace in both this town, and the surrounding villages to the north.
The town's houses were mainly stone, and painted white to help keep them cool in the hot summer months. Even though it was only spring, the days were already warm. The young Murati on the dock glanced up once more, checking his line for a bite. Fishing on the dock gave the opportunity for him to fish in deeper waters and the chance of a bigger catch. Feeling a pull on the rod in his hand, he looked up to see his line tighten. He did not attempt to land the fish that had taken his bait. He stood motionless staring out to sea.
Four large sea faring vessels moved slowly towards him. The youth had never seen such large ships before. They were black and strangely shaped, and atop the middle masts flew a flag the likes of which he had never seen. Such was his astonishment, the young Murati did not even realise his fishing rod had long since been carried off into the water.
The bows of the oncoming vessels cut through the water, slowing slightly as they approached the dock. The young Murati was not sure whether to stay and watch, or run. He decided on the latter, and had barely made it ten paces, when he heard the first of the massive ships slam into the dock area. He turned his head briefly to see timbers splintering and being sent skywards.
He did not make the end of the dock. With the harbour front just within reach, he felt himself being slammed face first onto the timber planks. His body remained pinned to the deck, as whatever had flattened him was keeping him there. Dazed and bleeding, he felt a cold sensation around his neck. He barely had the energy to lift his bloodied face up, but caught a glimpse of what had caused his sudden predicament. Barely four feet in height, he could see black hairy shapes scurrying ashore. These were like no creature or beast he had ever seen, and as he went to push himself back up, he felt his limbs unable to move as he wished.
The small beasts were reminiscent of some kind of ape, yet different in so many ways. They shuffled and leapt around as an ape may do, but its facial features were more that of some kind of wolf. They had large yellow fangs, and powerful limbs. The first of the screams from ashore sounded out, as the invading creatures moved into the town streets.
With the large boats now stationary, and moored up, aside what remained of the wooden dock stretching out into deeper waters, other figures moved about. As the creatures pinned their targets to the ground, so a group of men wearing light armour, carrying curved swords at their sides followed them. Each victim met the same fate. After being pinned to the ground, a metallic collar was fastened around their necks. Once fitted, the attackers would move on to a fresh target. Those captured and collared found they could not move. The ability to move their arms and legs was completely taken away from them.
Other soldiers clambered out of the ships and started lining up on the shorefront. Wearing the light armour once more, but with long spears in one-hand and metal shields in the other, they formed rank. Several bearing banners fitted in amongst them. Those banners were black with a large red symbol upon them, and fluttered just a little in the gentle sea breeze.
Those within the town garrison came running out of their small barrack building. One of the church bells was ringing constantly; a sign of trouble. With half of his men out patrolling the outer areas of Ari, the elderly captain watched his men line up. Sixteen in total ranging from raw recruits being only sixteen years of age through to old timers due for retirement. A man came running into the garrison courtyard, shouting and waving his arms frantically. "We are under attack," he cried out.
The elderly officer managed to decipher what the man was ranting about, just as the first of the strange creatures burst into the yard. The black hairy beast paused for second, deciding on a target. Three of the more experienced soldiers quickly drew their swords and cut the creature down. Its bluish silvery blood went spraying outwards as the blades sliced through its flesh. Its twitching body slumped in a black mass on the ground. The other troops stepped forward to take a closer look at whatever it was that had been slain.
The man who had ran into the garrison explained there were hundreds of these creatures running amok the streets of the town. "They pin people to the floor and then some men follow behind and clamp some sort of band around the person's neck," he uttered, hurriedly scanning the entrance in case more creatures came.
The senior officer, thought for a second, before turning to the youngest of his men. "Jamal, take the passage from the basement out of the north gate and run. Warn others, but get to Onay at all costs." The young recruit went to argue, but was hushed. "Please go quickly. We will hold off as long as we can, but we need to warn others. You are the fastest amongst us, now go..." his captain said shoving him back into the barracks building.
The screams outside the garrison yard appeared to get nearer, and the few Murati soldiers, prepared for what was approaching. "We stand together, we fight together. Whatever awaits us around that corner will fall to our blades," he shouted in a vain attempt at rallying his men. Leading the small group, with sword in one hand and a small round shield in the other, he stepped out of the garrison yard onto the main street.
The man stood astonished at what was before him. Hundreds of the black haired beasts were either holding people to the floor or chasing down those that were not. Many citizens lay scattered about the street, and he was not sure whether they were dead or just unable to move. His, and his men's arrival onto the main street did not go unnoticed, and soon they found themselves the attention of a large group of beasts.
Following behind them were soldiers dressed in strange garb, and wielding curved bladed swords. The Murati officer knew he would likely be walking to his death, but with a final rallying cry, raised his sword and charged. His men followed behind, hopelessly outnumbered they went charging to their imminent demise.
The first two creatures to reach the Murati both succumbed to swift sword strikes. The third however leapt up and crashed into the group, causing a few to stumble. The beasts that followed quickly made the most of the small window of opportunity, leaping down on the unfortunate soldiers. One screamed out as a set of large fangs sank into the flesh of his neck.
The handful of Murati guards were soon overwhelmed and dispatched with brutality, as would be expected by wild animals. Their bodies were left where they fell, as the beasts and soldiers rounded up the remainder of the town.
On the dock area, a tall, eloquent man, wearing a black robe and carrying a staff, walked slowly along the planks toward the shore, flanked either side by a large guard. These were no normal guards. They may have had the look of men, but that was where the similarity ended. Each of them was over seven feet in height, with muscles that bulged. They both had huge battle axes strapped across their backs. Their inhuman hands were just as vast and clawed at the tips.
The robed figure stepped from the dock area onto the sea frontage. The first of the town's residents were lying on the ground, unable to move sufficiently to escape. Each of them wearing the collars that had been placed about their necks. The man stopped, looking down on a Murati lying at his feet. He banged his staff on the ground, "Rise and follow," he said in a low tone.
The invaders rounded up the Murati, ushering them to the town square. Now able to move, they were herded together. The robed man stood off to one side, and stepped up onto a hastily made platform. "Fear not," he bellowed in his low tone. "We are not here to kill you. We are here to oversee you becoming part of our great Zulani Empire. Those who resisted our coming have been slain; the rest of you will be welcomed to follow his Imperial greatness. He accepts all those that do his bidding."
The captured town folk were allowed to continue with their day-to-day lives, on the proviso they did not attempt to leave the town. They were shown the true power of the 'Great Imperial Leader' when the robed figure tapped his staff on the ground. As one, the entire population in the square fell to their knees. "Do as you are asked and you will be allowed to live your lives. Displease us and you will suffer," the man bellowed out.
The town folk slowly dispersed, many of them clasping at the collars that were fastened about their necks. They had all been told that attempting its removal would result in instant death. Moreover, any person found even attempting to do so, would suffer the same fate. Several of the town's men had been tasked with clearing away the dead bodies that littered the street. Mainly these were Murati's, who had attempted a futile defence, but here and there were the dark shapes of the attacking beasts that had succumbed to those defenders.
The beasts that had made up the first wave of attackers were herded together, and those dead on the streets, both human and other, were thrown to them for food. Like packs of savage dogs, they tore and fought over the fresh meat on offer, a reward for their success. The invading soldiers took possession of several of the towns buildings, including the now empty garrison.
The robed man, still flanked by his enormous bodyguards walked slowly to the end of the harbour dock. The four large ships that had brought his attacking force ashore all now safely anchored. He cast his strange pale eyes across the horizon. He afforded a smile as he noticed a score or more dark shapes heading his way. His initial landing had been, as expected, a complete success. The element of surprise, and superior skills had brushed aside any resistance. What approached now was the second wave. Thousands of soldiers, as well as an entire menagerie of creatures this side of the world had never seen, would soon be with him. Once they had arrived and come ashore, they would have to move quickly to expand their foothold. The empire of the Imperial Leader would have new lands and followers, and the people of Murati would be the first to be annexed.
Jamal, the young Murati soldier felt his leg muscles tighten. He felt he could not run another step and he dropped to his knees gasping for breath. He had run for a long time, and looking around at his surroundings, quite some considerable distance. He had passed several small farming communities en-route, but had decided not to waste any time in getting to the city of Onay.
Murati did not have one major city, as many other countries appeared to have as a capital. They instead had a series of smaller ones, a little larger than most towns. Onay was one such place, and was the main trading hub for the south of the country.
With its large white walls, and elegantly crafted gates, Onay was home to a large contingent of the Murati army. The buildings within were again, mainly white painted town houses. Overseeing the running of this town was the king's younger brother. His name was Prince Issac and longstanding friend of the Corlan king and of the late Prince Luken. It had been Issac that had led the Murati contingent of troops in the previous war. Although their number had been small compared to that of the Besemian and Corlan contingents, he had taken great pride in at least playing a part. Issac had also been the one that had brokered many of the trade deals, since that time, including the training of troops. Every year, either a group of Corlan recruits made their way south to learn and experience the fighting methods of the Murati, or vice versa.
After Issac's father had died, just a few years ago, he had been given the trusted position of overseeing the south, by his older brother, who naturally had become king. As a rule, Onay was a relaxing, peaceful place. The large garrison based here, spent its days training or patrolling. As any place in the world, there was always the odd exception to the rule, and on occasions, troops had been needed to settle unrest. These usually consisted of nothing more than a foolish group of bandits trying to pray on travellers, or perhaps a smuggler attempting to avoid paying the import taxes. Whatever the state of affairs, Prince Issac of the People of Murati, always ensured his men were well prepared. He better than most, knew they could be called upon at any time.
Chapter 13.
Hope awoke feeling the cold water of the sea lashing up to her legs. With her face covered in wet sand, she was cold and very hungry. She forced herself up to her feet, and for the first time could see her current surroundings. After the eventful escape off the Darekian ship and her swim ashore that nearly saw her life end, she was at lea
st free.
She was on a sandy beach, but was not sure whether that beach was in Corlan or Darekia. Knowing she needed to find some form shelter and food, she slowly walked up the sands. Each step was painful and heavy going. Hope took one last look over her shoulder just to make sure there was no sign of any boats coming after her, before taking a narrow pathway leading off the beach. The route was clear and defined, meaning it was probably well used. All she had to do was follow it and see where it went.
Aboard the ship, Dalia cursed as she had gone to the cabin to check on her prisoner. The fact it was now clear she had gone, was irritating her. Surely, that fool girl had not attempted to swim ashore. Dalia had even considered the possibility that her prisoner had been thrown overboard. The freak storm that had hit them was quite a severe one. She had been told already that at least four of her men had been lost during the night, assumed drowned.
The Darekian woman sighed; she had been looking forward to making her prisoner one of her more personal slaves. At least she had discovered the true identity of her enemy. As some form of recompense for losing her prisoner, she did at least have the ring. She pulled the item of jewellery from her pocket, not sure whether to put it on. She could sense its power, but what it really did she had not managed to discover in the short time the bracelet was on.
Dalia ran back to her cabin. What had she done with the bracelet? She tried recalling what had taken place. The memory of placing it on the girl's wrist was still a fresh one. She recalled the urge she had felt to kiss her, and throwing the bracelet...'on the floor,' she thought racing back to her prisoner's cabin. Ignoring the slippery deck, she almost lost her footing and banged into the door. After regaining her composure, she entered the cabin, scanning the floor. After just a few moments she knew it was not there, and realised it was probably in her prisoner's hands. This was not good news. Dalia was well aware her blood link was with that item. Should anybody wear that bracelet, she could well have her head filled with some random person's thoughts. The only good thing, being that distance appeared to make the link weaker. When close to the wearer she had been almost unable to resist them; further away however, it was just images from the other persons mind.