by Ben Hale
—A dog burst from the trees and dragged one of the soldiers to a screaming death. The other one bellowed at his horse and struck its rump, causing it to whinny and drive itself even harder—but the bartender’s horse was not a fast one, and it was already moving at top speed.
The soldier's eyes locked with Draif's. Full of pleading and panic, he cried, “Can your horse go any faster?”
Draif felt pride lance through his fear and he yelled back, “Of course.”
“If I don’t make it, then ride as fast as you can and light the dark forest!” The soldier shouted as his horse began to tire. “The winds are to the north and it will cause a firewall all the way to the lake!”
The soldier turned back and saw the hounds less than a stride away. All color drained from his face as he shot Draif a look of pure desperation. “You will save millions if you succeed! You must succe—”
One of the lead dogs lunged across the intervening space and landed on the back of the soldiers' horse. The weight was too much for the tired animal and its legs buckled. Both horse and rider crashed to the ground under a pile of black and red.
The agonized scream didn't last.
Stunned by the death of both men, Draif faced forward and lifted the reigns. “Go Bose go!” He shouted, and the long-legged horse gladly surged ahead. In seconds the distance between him and the snarling pack grew, and their howls of victory turned to dismay.
As he rode his steed faster than he’d ever ridden in his life, his thoughts buzzed, trying to comprehend the enormity of what had happened in the last hour. Struggling to understand, his mind shifted to the question of what he should do. In five miles the road split. There was no doubt that he could make the turn and escape south, but the soldier’s eyes as he’d been yanked to his death burned into his mind.
There had been the expected fear, but his expression had pleaded for Draif to perform the task framed by his final words. Escape? Or fight? Right up until the turn he struggled with the choice to continue the mission—where his life would certainly be in danger—or take the turn and increase his chances of survival.
When the fork came, Draif found himself riding past with only a twinge of regret. Turning his eyes away from the lifeline, he focused ahead and wondered why he hadn’t taken it. Whether it was the soldier’s look, or a desire to atone for the insanity of his village, he looked forward and drove his horse as hard as he dared.
Shoving all other thoughts aside, Draif tried to plan the best route to accomplish the task. If he remembered right, he would soon reach the abandoned mine at the end of the road. From there, an old mining path should lead to a hill that marked the edge of Orláknia . If he was lucky, he could reach the rise with five or six minutes to light a fire before they found him.
His decision made, he directed all his energy into making himself as light as possible. The great horse pounded across the ground as if it understood the greatness of his responsibility. Sharp hooves gouged the ground as Draif broke through the trees and saw the crumbling buildings. Curving past the mine, he led Bose onto the path north.
In seconds they were on the trail and the young man had to use all of his ability to keep them from running into brush or trees. Reaching a fallen log that blocked the trail, the big animal leaped over it without breaking stride. Branches reached out to scratch both horse and rider, causing a whinny of pain from Bose and a growl from Draif, but they didn’t slow.
Finally the rising ground leveled and Draif looked over the vast greenery of Orláknia. Leaping off his horse as he skidded to a halt, Draif grabbed the flint and steel he carried with him and raced to gather tinder. Once he had a sufficient pile, he crouched at the edge of a grassy field and built the nest for the spark.
With shaking hands he fought to strike the metal against the stone, but the strong wind that would soon be his ally was a deadly enemy. Whistling through the trees, it chilled everything on the top of the hill, including Draif and his attempt to start a fire.
A distant howl broke his concentration and he almost dropped his tools. Then a second call answered, closer than before. In moments the forest rang with their baying as they found his trail. Trembling with fear, Draif prayed with all his might that the wind would stop for just one second . . . and apparently he was heard.
Trees stopped swaying and as the wind abated. Draif’s hands flew, causing sparks to cascade onto the small pieces of dead wood—until one of them caught. Bending low, he blew on the glowing ember and a flame appeared. Hungry for more, it climbed through the larger branches that he laid on top of it. This time when the wind picked up Draif cast a look skyward in gratitude. Crackling, the blaze came to life in the dead grass.
Draif stumbled back as the heat intensified, all fear forgotten as he yelled in triumph—but then he heard the dogs. Just seconds away he could already see their dark forms and knew he didn’t have time to mount and escape. Lunging towards his horse he wrapped his arms around the strong neck and whispered, “You are the greatest horse to ever walk Lumineia, and I am so proud of you Bose.” Clenching his eyes shut, he waited for the end . . .
Just before he died he saw the fire explode northward, driven by the fierce wind. The field had become a mound of searing death, and by the time it struck the tree line it topped twenty feet. From tree to tree, the blaze spread across the forest as quick as thought, killing thousands of fiends already moving through it. In less than an hour, half of the forest burned, creating a massive firestorm that raced towards the lake. Forty miles from southern tip to the water, the raging inferno reached the water’s edge and began to spread east and west, engulfing the entire spread of the once ancestral home of the elves.
Hundreds of thousands of fiends leading the army of Draeken perished a fiery death, but the blaze didn't stop. The deadly barricade caged the entire fiend army, preventing any advance for almost three days. Less than fifty thousand fiends made it out of the forest and into Talinor, while an innumerable host could only howl their fury . . . and wait.
Chapter 19: Heroes and Villains
Braon nodded at Rokei to usher in the next visitor and tried not to rub his eyes. With people arriving from all over Lumineia, each day seemed longer than the last, and the constant stress was taking a toll on the young man. Even though most of the gathered people interacted with Newhawk or the other generals, there were still countless leaders that needed to meet Braon. He couldn’t delegate it without losing the faith of his men, even if his body yearned for sleep.
Turning from a pile of parchment, he saw Rokei lead in a foul-smelling man dressed in dark clothes. Countless rings and earrings festooned his body and clinked as he strode forward. In addition, he sported a seaman's cap and a long saber at his side. Striding up to Braon’s desk he opened his mouth to speak, but Thacker stepped forward with his hands clenched.
“Raize, you filthy scum! How did you get in here?”
The man smirked at Thacker’s response and tipped his hat to him, causing Thacker's face to cloud with anger. Rokei dodged out of the shadows and slid in between the two, a dagger in his hand towards the pirate. The sudden appearance of the elf seemed to amuse the rakishly dressed man even more.
“Oi Thacker! It’s right good to see you again mate.” He winked at Thacker, whose face reddened even further.
“This man killed my wife and imprisoned my children!” Thacker shouted, straining against Rokei's hold.
Braon rose to his feet and said, “Raize is it? Where do you hail from, and why are you here? Also, how many do you bring?” Even as he spoke he cast a warning glance at Thacker, who didn't appear to notice.
“The great western sea is where we berth, and me and my mates have nine ships with over a hundred per ship,” Raize said, ignoring Thacker and sitting down. Putting his feet up on Braon’s desk he added, “We heard about your little gathering and figured it would be smart to join up, even if it was lead by a pygmy.”
Braon saw Rokei step towards the pirate but he stopped him with a hard look. Coc
king his head to the side, he considered what to do. From Thacker he’d heard enough about Raize to know that the man was charismatic for a pirate, and had somehow managed to unify hundreds of pirates under a single banner during the time of fear. Despite his choices of murder and plunder, they still might have a use for him and his men. Every person is important, Taryn’s words echoed in his mind again, and he added, even if they are not good people.
“Captain Raize,” Braon said, deciding on his course of action. “I am Commander Braon, appointed by the Oracle and the elven high council. As you have come willingly to the gathering of the races I must allow you to join—“He held up a hand to forestall the outburst from Thacker, but didn’t break eye contact with the pirate. “—but there are several things you should know before you commit.” He held his gaze until the pirate nodded, still smirking, but continued to wait until his smile faded.
“We are gathering for the express purpose of defeating Draeken’s army in four weeks. Due to the shortage of time, no crime of any sort will be tolerated. Any infraction will be punished severely. Any severe crime merits immediate banishment or execution without trial. We do not have the time—or the manpower—to imprison or hold men for offenses to any nation, kindred, or people. There are no exceptions to this rule. However, any crimes committed prior to the gathering will be temporarily ignored. This does not mean you have been pardoned, or forgiven, by any race for any deed or misconduct. If we survive the coming conflict, you will be allowed to depart unharmed, but may then be hunted, arrested, or prosecuted for any past crimes. In other words, this alliance is temporary, and is only in effect because of the common need.”
Raize cocked his head and appeared serious for the first time. After a moment he asked, “To be blunt, your mate is right. We are pirates. I will do the best I can, but many of my men are of the more . . . unsavory, sort.”
Braon smiled. “That is why I am placing you on your ships in the Blue Lake. Join the growing armada there. I believe that as long as you stick to your ships, there should be fewer problems and fewer . . . executions as well.”
The pirate captain grinned. “Four weeks of relaxation until the battle huh? I can deal with that—”
“No Captain,” Braon interrupted. “We have no space for people not working. If we are to survive, every one of you will labor diligently for our cause.”
“Doing what type of labor?” Raize asked, his tone measured.
“Half of your men will fish, every day. We need resources to feed the refugees from the kingdoms as well as prepared food when the battle begins. I believe many of your men have fishing experience, so use them for that task. Gather as much as you can, and preserve what is not eaten.”
“And the other half?” the captain asked, but his brow had furrowed at the work assignment.
“The other half will fortify your ships as strongly as you consider possible. Gather wood from the forest and fashion ballistae, bows, crossbows, arrows, and any other weapons that you might need. If your men fail in this preparation, the army will overrun your vessels. They will slaughter you.”
Raize frowned, but rose to his feet before saying through clenched teeth, “We will do as you have ordered, but only because it appears we have no choice.”
As he turned to leave, Braon stopped him. “One more thing, Captain.” When he turned and glowered at him the young commander surprised him with a smile full of sympathy. “Regardless of your past, we welcome you to the gathering. Our own lives will depend on your support just as much as yours do on ours. Thank you.”
After a moment Raize bowed and departed without another word. As soon as he was gone Thacker exploded, “Braon, you can’t allow that man into our forces! He is evil to the core and you cannot trust him!”
Braon sighed and rubbed his eyes, weariness crashing over him. “I don’t trust him, Thacker, but we have to let him join. Your family’s lives may have been threatened by him before, but right now he and his crew might save one of your children because they are here.”
Thacker shook his head and stalked from the room. Under his breath Braon whispered, “And he is not evil to the core, or he would not be here.” Taking a sip of warm ale he tipped his head to Rokei. “Send in the next one.”
For the next hour Braon dealt with various issues ranging from problems in the construction of the battlements to difficulties in organization. Finally there were only two remaining and he stifled a yawn as they entered together. Before him stood two elves who couldn’t have been more different. One wore robes signifying magical training, and the other wore a long katsana on his back and a tunic of light mail.
“You are not from Azertorn.” Braon guessed, and they both grinned.
“What gave us away my young commander?” the mage asked.
He shrugged, “Your skin has seen much more . . . sun . . . than the elves of this city.”
The warrior’s grin widened, “As good as we have heard then.”
“Agreed my friend,” the mage nodded. “I am Daiki, and this is Murai. We have come from the island of Sri Rosen.”
“The training ground for the elves,” Braon smiled. The masters alone would be very valuable.
Murai tilted his head. “Correct again. The queen sent a message to the island and we left as soon as possible. We have brought every soul with us. Together we number over five hundred masters and four times that number of students, as well as horses, weapons, and any other gear that it was possible to bring.”
“I bet your ships were rather crowded,” Braon said with a chuckle.
“You have no idea,” Murai said, flashing a light grin.
Daiki sighed, “I wish it were better circumstances that brought us to this gathering, but it is not to be. I also apologize for the late hour, but we just arrived and wished to speak to you directly.”
“What is it you need?” Braon asked, but both of them shook their heads.
“We are here for our orders, Commander,” Murai exclaimed, inclining his head towards Braon.
The young man wondered what had been in the letter or what they had heard that caused such respect, but he hid his surprise. “For now, get some rest. In the morning I will need you to do several things. Most importantly, select seven of your best masters. Have them report here and speak to this man.” He motioned to Thacker. “He and his children form a telepathic link that we are using to communicate with our commands.”
Daiki’s eyes widened. “A mind link! Astonishing! I never thought I would see one.”
“And fortunate for our cause. Without it, we would be vulnerable—but with it—our organization is far superior. Because his children are the Links that connect our defenses, their survival is paramount. Your seven masters will be their personal guardians, as well as trainers for the rest of their guards. Because of their critical role in the battle, their survival is crucial.” His voice softened. “You should also know that some of them are very young, but have risen to their calling admirably.”
Daiki nodded, accepting the orders, “And the rest of us?”
“Our defenses cover seven battalions, three east of the city and three west. Spread your masters amongst the six regiments outside the city and report to the elves that are in charge of training. Do everything in your power to make sure every member of the battalions is ready for battle, regardless of race. Also, send your students to join Deiran’s forces in the city, unless they are too young to fight, in which case send them to the queen to help with women and children in the caves behind Azertorn.”
Murai’s lips twitched into a smile. “Excellent. We will begin sorting tonight and seven masters will be here in the morning.”
Braon nodded and the two elves departed as Thacker re-entered the room.
“I apologize for my outburst,” he said with his eyes on the floor. “I did not follow my training.”
Braon stood and moved to stand in front of him. “There is never a need to apologize for wanting to protect one’s family.”
Thac
ker lifted his head and swallowed. “I just . . . hate that man so much, and I can’t believe we will have to work with him.”
“I know Thacker, but keep in mind there are many others in your position. All of us must stand together with once hated rivals. It is our only way to live, and protect those we care about.”
After a moment Thacker swallowed and sighed before straightening his back. “It is late, but something tells me you are not finished for the day.”
“Correct, my friend. It is time we took a brief survey of our progress. Summon Newhawk and we will meet him on the roof.” Braon said, striding from the room.
Rokei and several other guards appeared as they headed through the house of Runya and Braon hid a smile at the sight. For the last several days his personal guards had mysteriously increased in number, and now six sentries slid in and out of the shadows around him. Rokei in particular appeared more wary and watchful, so it seemed that he might be the instigator of the extra protection. Braon had wondered if there might be an underlying reason for the increased vigilance, and reminded himself to speak with Rokei on the matter.
Braon stepped onto the roof of the House of Runya and took a deep breath of night air. Lush gardens grew across the entire roof, and waterways gurgled on winding paths. A partial moon in the scattered clouds lit the area and for the first time Braon realized how late it was. By the height of the moon it was probably after midnight.
A sudden gust of warmth heralded the arrival of the great phoenix as it landed on the edge of the roof. Before Newhawk could dismount Braon stepped forward and greeted the druid leader and his Link Seath.
“Thank you for coming. I was wondering if I might have the privilege of seeing the progress on the fortifications.” Braon said.
It would be my pleasure, a deep voice said inside his head, causing him to look around in astonishment.
Newhawk laughed, “Reiquen does not often speak to others, but I think he likes you, Braon.”
The great bird ruffled its neck and said in Braon’s mind, Of course. He is our commander and we are lucky to have a good one, The mind voice turned affectionate and he added, even if he is small.