by K. Dzr
* * * * *
“Demetrius won’t actually be ‘meeting’ us,” Alexander explained as he led the troop through the evergreens. “He is creating an island, far away, where all who reside will be safe. He is also creating a…passage that will transport all who step through it to this island. Like Elysi, only those with magic will know it is there.”
“Then our first priority,” Tahir said, “will be to set up a camp near the passage so we can move everyone through quickly. We will wait there for Demetrius. The area needs to be well hidden, well protected, and well supplied. The way I see it, we have three objectives: secure our camp, lead the magics to our camp, and stop Kraven. I think we’d accomplish the most by working independently, keeping our primary objectives in mind.”
They all listened intently as Tahir delegated jobs and explained how each was relevant to the master plan. He gave no directions for accomplishing their tasks. He trusted them to use the methods they saw fit, just as Demetrius had done for him.
“Tahir,” Alexander paused, looking around. They’d been traveling through dense woods at a quick pace for most of the day. Not too far ahead, the woods gave way to rocky terrain scaling upwards. Beyond two large rocks, which almost formed a gateway, the path cut up the rocky hillside.
“This is our route to the passage. The cliffs on either side are steep and rugged—difficult for humans or horses to climb. We should be able to pass through undetected, protected by our surroundings.”
“Then, let’s set up camp here. Is everyone clear as to what needs to be done?”
They all nodded.
“Ellic,” are you sure you remember the way back to Iltrepidore?” Tahir asked.
“Of course I do. Smokey might not have been able to remember, but Ellic does,” she said as she smiled to Tahir. He returned the smile and nodded his head thinking of how much the little dragon had changed since the first day he met her. “Please do not worry about me completing my task. Mine is a simple one. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
The small group stood around her exchanging hugs and well wishes before she flapped her leathery wings and began her journey to the Dracarae islands.
They watched the Dracara rise above the lush treetops overhead. Alexander turned and nodded to Tahir. In the blink of an eye, he was no longer wolf, but falcon, already soaring to fulfill his mission. Gavin, Meelix and Destiny immediately began formulating their plan, laying out their best course of action and determining what needed to be done and by whom.
“Do you need to rest, Oraden?” Tahir asked.
“Did Alexander or Ellic need to rest?”
“Then, let’s go!” He kissed his wife goodbye and waved to the others. Oraden neighed and galloped back the way they came, toward the centaurian hills of Kieval.
Over the next several days, the effects of King Francis’ mandate became apparent. Riders delivered Francis’ decree to the various towns under his rule and to nearby kingdoms. Whether these kingdoms would adopt similar laws, Tahir did not know. He did know it would be wise to stay as far from humans as possible, for now.
Likewise, Alexander spread the word. He traveled much faster and farther by wing than the riders could by foot or hoof. He visited every magical oasis he knew of, informing unicorns, sprites and the like, of the King’s decree; and explaining Tahir’s plan to lead them all to safety.
Reaction to the news was mixed. Many of the magics were peaceful, simple creatures; they obediently followed Tahir’s instructions. Others were angry, confused, but obeyed anyway. Others still, stubborn in their ways, refused to adapt, would not leave their homes. Alexander did not have the time or patience to argue with them. He hoped they would change their minds before Kraven or bounty hunters found them.
In the towns, blacksmiths created weapons and armor specifically for slaying magics. Most people found the King’s reward too tempting to ignore. Many shared Tahir’s fear of the magics retaliating, and began preparing for the worst. Towns where he was once welcomed as a hero, he was now afraid to go near for fear of putting Oraden’s life in danger. Fortunately, his journey to the centaurs did not force him to venture near larger towns, which typically meant more soldiers and therefore, more loyalty to the King.
Tahir and Oraden had at least three days’ travel ahead of them. They’d never gone to visit the centaurs before, but it was a necessary journey. The centaurs’ strength and fighting prowess was legendary amongst magical creatures. Kraven was no doubt, raising an army. If they were going to stop him, having the support of the centaurs could make all the difference. He knew he was famous in both the world of magics and the world of men. Hopefully that would be enough to win their allegiance. If Kraven hadn’t reached them first.
Oraden galloped as fast as he could, taking only short breaks to eat and drink. Tahir knew Oraden could go no faster, but it was taking entirely too long.
Ellic, on the other hand, made excellent progress, reaching Iltrepidore by the end of the first day. Upon receiving the news, Darios ordered every capable Dracara to return to England with Ellic, to help any way they could. Like Demetrius, the Elder had known for some time that this day was coming; its inevitability was the reason the Dracara had taken the islands in the first place. Still, they could not have Francis killing off magics, or Kraven declaring war against humanity. If it was war these humans wanted, it was war they would get.
While Ellic led an army of Dracara back to the camp, Destiny, Gavin and Meelix were building. Darios arranged meetings with Xanderick and the Elders of Fire, and then with Li’Ang. Within a few short days, all the pieces in this game of strategy were in motion.
Construction at the camp was going faster than anyone could have imagined. Dracara knocked over trees with their monstrous girth, chopped wood with their teeth, and towed lumber. Within hours of Alexander’s departure, sprites and gnomes arrived atop unicorns and jackalopes with all the supplies they could gather on such short notice. Always eager to help, the sprites busied themselves assisting Destiny; they braided rope, made blankets, drew maps, and cooked food. The gnomes, following Meelix’s directions, built large baskets like the one he designed back in Elysi. They also worked on a wagon to hitch to Bounty for Gavin’s next trip to Salisbury to buy weapons, food, tools, clothing and medical supplies.
Destiny was amazed. Each day, more and more creatures arrived. Some by Alexander’s direction, others simply joined the groups they saw traveling to the secret camp. Word was spreading quickly, and she was glad to see so many different creatures joining them. Each brought its own unique talents and skills, making her job easier than anticipated. The sprites and gnomes seemed endlessly useful. Trained jackalopes carried the little people quickly to their destinations. The satyrs, who all but refused to do any real work, stood lookout for friend or foe, supplied music, and functioned as messengers and translators. The unicorns’ mere presence drew fairies and enveloped the camp in a magical cloak, protecting and hiding all of its inhabitants. Destiny only hoped Gavin would be able to find his way back. By the end of the week, they were ready to move to the various rendezvous points where Alexander instructed groups of magics to wait for their escorts.
Oraden dropped his invisible cloak and came to a stop at the peak of a hill overlooking the rolling plains of the centaurs. As expected, it was a beautiful landscape—rich with grasses, flowers and deciduous foliage. They watched the centaurs gallop, spar and practice archery before deciding to proceed.
Oraden cantered down the hill toward the stream cradled between small hills. The centaurs took notice and surrounded them, forcing Oraden to a halt. Most magical creatures they encountered greeted them with childlike enthusiasm, quickly welcoming them into their circle. The centaurs were not like most magical creatures. There was nothing childlike or warm about the tall, muscular half-horse half-men. They observed the intruders suspiciously, muttering to each other. One of the larger centaurs, bearing old scars on his chest and face, pushed through the crowd to face the two outsiders.
“You
are the human that killed the sorcerer?”
“Yes, with help.”
The centaur eyeballed the young man and his small steed. Even atop Oraden, Tahir had to look up at the giant horse-man. His horse body was huge. With thick legs and long fur surrounding his hooves, he was similar to the breeds most knights rode. His tail was short in comparison to Oraden’s, but then, Oraden’s mane and tail were much longer and fuller than most horses. His human half was proportionately huge; a hairy chest as big as a wine barrel, and a stomach flat and chiseled. The centaur circled the two, slowly inspecting them and their weapons. Tahir could feel Oraden’s uneasiness beneath him, but he remained silent and stood his ground. The centaur’s gaze landed on Tahir’s bow; in a glance, he recognized its craftsmanship and knew its value. The centaur’s face softened.
“Where did you get your bow?”
“It was given to me, by Demetrius.”
“Demetrius?”
“Yes, do you know of him?”
“Of course. May see it?”
“Yes, of course. It was made by dwarves,” Tahir explained as he took off the bow and handed it over. “Demetrius gave it to me to battle the sorcerer Artemisios.”
“Yes, yes…this is very nice,” The centaur held it up, examining it carefully, admiring its craft. Then his face contorted with anger. “What makes you think a pitiful creature like you deserves such a weapon?”
He handed the bow to another centaur and pushed Tahir hard, knocking him off Oraden’s back. Oraden reared up, kicking and neighing, his horn beginning to radiate the familiar glow of crimson. The centaurs laughed as Tahir shuffled to his feet. Several other centaurs joined in as a struggle erupted. They pushed him again; this time, when they knocked Tahir to the ground, they began kicking at him. They grabbed Oraden by the horn, jerked his head around and threw him to the ground. Again and again the pair struggled to their feet. The centaurs howled with laughter and took turns slapping them around.
“You are pathetic!” the big centaur roared. “You don’t deserve your weapons. Whoever you managed to steal them from is probably hunting you down as we speak! I’ll keep your bow, and you can keep your life, but leave us now and never return!”
The centaur snatched the bow from his comrade and turned his back to leave. Tahir looked at Oraden and read the rage in his bloodshot eyes, flared nostrils, and the crimson glow of his horn. He jumped on the unicorn’s back.
“Centaur!” he called out. “Give me back my bow, you coward!”
The centaur stopped and the crowd fell silent. He turned to the duo staring him down.
“Your bow? I thought I made it clear; you have no right to such a bow. If you want my bow you can just come and take it!”
“You call me a liar? A thief? You think I am weak?” Tahir challenged. “Let me show you just how wrong you are!”
The unicorn charged the giant horse-man; the crowd quickly backed out of the way. Oraden’s magic propelled them faster than physically possible. Before the crowd’s eyes, the wind picked up and the two vanished; only a billowing cloud of dust swirled toward the confused centaur.
Tahir leapt from Oraden’s back, immediately becoming visible again. He lunged at the shocked centaur’s head and grabbed him by the neck. The momentum spun him behind the centaur. With all his strength, Tahir locked his arm around the centaur’s neck and choked him. He swung his legs and jerked the centaur’s head to the ground, flipping the giant to his back. All four legs kicked at the air as he crashed down. Tahir slammed his knee into the creature’s throat. Tahir unsheathed his sword and held it a breath from the centaur’s face. Oraden stood over the fallen beast and snorted.
“You don’t deserve that bow,” the unicorn mocked. Tahir smiled in agreement and snatched the bow from the centaur’s hands. He rose to his feet and sheathed his sword. The other centaurs whispered and muttered, not sure what to think. Their leader slowly rose to his feet humiliated, anger apparent all over his face.
“The world as we know it is changing,” Tahir mounted Oraden again. “We are on the cusp of war as we speak. People who do not understand you are hunting you and other magics alike. The wizard Kraven is forming an army. Many will die. Humans, sprites, unicorns, Dracara, centaurs…we will all be affected. Whether you want to or not, you will have to fight or run and hide. We came here for your help.”
“War?” The centaur’s face perked up as though he’d forgotten what just happened.
“Yes. Demetrius told us you were a powerful and brave people; skilled archers and swordsmen. We need your help to defeat a powerful, common enemy.”
“The centaurs have not seen battle in hundreds of years, but not one day passes that we do not train as though war is upon us. I am G’bor, leader of this tribe. And you really are who you say you are? Tahir the Archer and Oraden the Black Unicorn?”
“Can you not see color? Do you think this horn is fake?” Oraden shook his head in disbelief.
“You see our weapons. Have we not proven ourselves?” Tahir asked.
“Please, accept my apologies for mocking you earlier. I would never refuse aid to Demetrius and Alexander. Your battle is our battle.” G’bor’s fist struck his chest.
The centaurs cheered and waved weapons, rearing on their hind legs. Oraden and Tahir looked on hundreds, maybe thousands of them. They would be a formidable army, indeed.