The Blue Journal (Fantasmagoria Book 1)

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The Blue Journal (Fantasmagoria Book 1) Page 31

by I. B. George


  The few moments of silence after the speech seemed to Robert like the longest of his life.

  “Long live Prince Robert! Death to the tyrant!” someone called out eventually, which made everyone burst into cheers, showing their adherence to the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Fire.

  The old man face Robert, smiling:

  “It appears, Prince, that you’ve just got yourself an army.”

  It had turned dark outside and the cold was ever more piercing, but everyone was enflamed by the prince’s speech and the impending moment of battle.

  The celebrations lasted until midnight in Mardor. At long last, the people went back to their homes where they fell asleep thinking of the day when they were going to face their destiny.

  Chapter 12

  Ash With Traces of Blue

  Seated around the table in Robert’s tent, the eight friends accompanied by the best warriors in the Kingdom of Fire, were discussing the final strategies before the big battle. A few hours ago they had set up camp a few thousands paces from the bottom of the hill on which Heldor Castle rested majestically. After a two-day journey and two-hour rest, they were all ready to keep counsel before the final battle.

  “So far, Prince, our camp is made up of almost two thousand and five hundred soldiers from the Kingdom of Fire. We can add to that around one thousand and five hundred soldiers more who have volunteered from all around Fantasmagoria,” announced a tall, well-built man, with grey hair and a white beard, who everyone knew as Sathor.

  In his youth, Captain Sathor had been the Guards Commander at Sardar Castle, a role he had occupied skilfully for over thirty years.

  Knowing his skills as a strategist, Master Azar advised Robert to allow him the task of organising and leading the fighters from the Kingdom of Fire into battle.

  Right now, together with the other commanders around the table, Captain Sathor was presenting to the prince the number of troops and how they were distributed on the battlefield by pointing to him the position of the army on a big map made of veal skin which lay on the big table of karan wood.

  “We don’t know exactly the number of King Tyreas’s troops,” continued Sathor, “but from the information we have from our scouts, we suspect that their army has around ten thousand soldiers.”

  “That’s a lot more than what we have at the moment, Captain,” said Aryana, hiding her concern.

  “That’s true, Your Majesty,” agreed Sathor with an elegant bow, according to the old customs at the royal court.

  “Under the current circumstances, Captain, what are our chances?” asked Voras, who had taken leadership over the people from the Kingdom of Night which had joined Robert’s army.

  “Forgive me Your Majesty and honoured sirs,” continued Sathor looking at the commanders around the table, “but with the risk of offending some of the people here, the warriors from the Kingdom of Fire are by far the fieriest in the entire Elementis.”

  Nobody argued with that. They all remembered the bravery of those in the Kingdom of Fire throughout the wars in Fantasmagoria.

  “So,” continued the captain, “I dare say that the number of soldiers owned by Tyreas is irrelevant. What worries me the most are those flying machines which the Water Chosen can use to get near our camp and throw huge water torrents, causing us great losses.”

  “I would like to add, if you’ll allow me,” intervened Rolan who had been named as the leader of the few hundred soldiers from the Kingdom of Water who had joined Robert’s side, “that we need to lure those in Heldor to an open fight to balance our chances. I know the castle very well and I know that its strategic position makes it almost impossible to get near the defence wall”

  General Sathor nodded in approval to Rolan’s words.

  “I’m counting on the fact that in his arrogance, King Tyres might want to finish with us as quickly as possible and send his troops to the outside of the castle.”

  “From what I know of the king, you can bet that’s exactly what’s going to happen,” confirmed Rolan. “He has never shown any patience and he has always considered himself superior to his opponents and tried to crush them on his first chance.”

  From how well you know Tyreas, friend Rolan, you might think you’re pretty close, thought Azar as he promised to himself to keep an eye on his companion, especially now that the end was near.

  “That’s exactly what’s going to happen,” added Radius from somewhere behind the captains around the table. “King Tyres will not spend the last hours before the prophecy waiting for the fourth phase of the moon to pass. He will counterattack because he wants to remove as soon as possible this nuisance he’s been dealing with ever since Robert has reached Fantasmagoria.”

  “Well then, all we have to do is work out how we could counterattack the charge from Tyreas’s troops,” concluded Captain Vidar among the approving sounds of all those present.

  They all bent over the map where a few wooden pieces stood, marking the different positions of the army.

  “The riders will attack from the flanks,” proposed Sathor, placing the wooden horses on the left and right of the pawns which represented the soldiers on foot. “So far, we have almost one thousand and four hundred horses. We will allow those in Heldor to attack then the riders will trap them like a claw by attacking the flanks and the rear guard in order to cut off their retreat. Let’s hope that when they feel trapped, they will panic and start fighting chaotically.”

  “Considering that tomorrow is the end of the prophecy, this battle might not bring an end to Tyreas who will continue to be guarded by the walls of Heldor,” said Radius gravely.

  “The Professor is right,” confirmed Azar. “With Tyreas still alive and ruling, the prophecy will not have closure and everything will be lost. Even if our troops win the battle, it doesn’t mean we’ll win the war. Unfortunately, I don’t think we will manage to get into the fortress to capture the king. Surely Tyreas will keep at least two thousand soldiers on the battlements to protect the walls and two thousand soldiers behind a fortress such as Heldor can make all the difference.”

  “Besides, we will have the Water Chosen over our heads and they can really change the odds of the battle,” Akura expressed his concern.

  “That’s true,” added Azar. “Sadly, we were unable to find in time the secret of the Blue Flame of the Eremons. We would have been able to neutralise the powers of all the Chosen around, except those from the Kingdom of Fire. In that case, Tyreas’s flying machines would not have mattered.”

  “Without their powers, the Water Chosen can only do damage if they throw themselves over the camp,” added Rolan cheerfully.

  Everybody laughed as they heard Rolan’s words, which managed once again to cheer people up.

  “On the other hand,” he continued, “I might have a solution to capturing the king.”

  Everybody went silent and turned towards Rolan who was watching them untroubled, unaware of the impact his words had on those present.

  “What are you saying, my friend?” enquired Radius in surprise.

  Rolan took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts.

  “Do you recall the start of our journey and the Demented Forest?”

  “Of course we do,” confirmed Robert. “How can we forget those terrible ghosts who nearly put an end to our journey from the beginning?”

  “The Shadows, that’s right,” added Captain Vidar.

  “Do you remember the legend around the Shadows?” Rolan asked his friends. “It said that the four knights defended Heldor Castle with their own life and that the king of the Kingdom of Water at that time blocked the exit to the secret passage that led out of the castle, thus condemning them to certain death…”

  “We do remember, honourable, but now it’s not a good time for stories,” interrupted Azar. “What are you getting at?”

  “Well,” continued Rolan, “I know where the entrance to that passage is, which leads to the dungeons at Heldor Castle.”

  A deadly
silence descended over everyone there. After a few moments, Voras’s voice interrupted the moments of quietness.

  “But speak up, blockhead, you’re killing us. Tell us everything you know.”

  “If you’ll allow me, honourables,” uttered Rolan heading towards the map, closer to where Heldor Castle was marked.

  The commanders around the table gathered closer to him, eager to hear the explanation about the secret passage.

  “The entrance to the passage is here,” said Rolan pointing on the map to a place situated behind the castle and beyond the hill it was built on. “The entrance is covered by a huge boulder and over the years, the vegetation has spread wildly, sheltering its position from view. I discovered it many years ago, when I used to play with my friends around the castle.”

  “Are you sure we can get in that way?” asked Akura.

  “Of course. It’s true we have some walking to do and we need to go around the hill without being seen but I believe that if we leave before dawn, we could get there in the first hours of morning.”

  “If you thought about all that, probably king Tyreas did too!” exclaimed Azar, thinking of a potential trap.

  “I don’t think so. Few people know the exact location of this place. I’m pretty sure Tyreas would not suspect someone could get into the castle through there. And besides, even if someone did get in, they would easily get lost through the catacombs of the castle if they weren’t familiar with each corridor.”

  “Then, let’s go!” called Robert. “Each minute is precious.”

  “With all due respect, Prince, I don’t think you should be taking part in this mission,” argued Azar.

  “Why not?!” wondered Robert.

  “For the simple reason that if things don’t work out our way, we could be captured. If that happened to us, it wouldn’t be a problem. But if Your Majesty ends up in the king’s hands, I don’t need to tell you what fate awaits you.”

  Robert realised that Master Azar’s arguments were more than solid. As long as he was free, safe in the camp, the prophecy still had a chance to come true.

  He thought bitterly that it will be the first time when he couldn’t be with his friends, but the end purpose was more important than his own wishes.

  “As always, Master, I can’t ignore the good advices you’ve been giving me and how well you’ve been looking after me. Rolan,” he added, turning his eyes to his friend. “Choose whoever you think fit for this mission!”

  “If you’ll allow me, Your Highness, I would like to volunteer for this mission, together with two or three of my people,” rang out the voice of Captain Cavas, who until then stood quietly behind the commanders without daring to interfere with their discussion. “I even thought that my fifty people and I, might be a negligible number in this struggle. Besides, apart from the honour you might give me by accepting my proposal, I believe that in this way, my contribution to re-establishing the peace in Elementis would truly matter,” concluded the Captain who had joined Robert’s camp a few hours earlier.

  “Captain Cavas, even without my permission to take part in this mission, I still think you have done your duty towards me and the Eremon House. However, I gladly accept your offer,” smiled Robert, “and I know you won’t let me down.”

  “You can rely on that, Your Majesty,” uttered Cavas in one breath, clutching the sword at his waist.

  “Then it’s settled, my friends. Let’s hope that all our efforts will not have been in vain and that the gods will be in our favour by fulfilling the prophecies of the Oracle of Konaar,” concluded Robert. “Choose your men wisely, Rolan, because our fate and that of the entire Elementis could depend on them.”

  “I already know who I shall take along, Prince. I don’t think I can do without the friends who have been with us lately and have gone through so many challenges: Voras, Azar, Captain Vidar and Aryana. I also gladly accept Captain Cavas’s decision to join us, together with three of his men. If I’ve counted correctly, I think there’s nine of us, right?”

  “Ten, friend Rolan,” answered Radius. “You forgot to count me.”

  “I haven’t forgotten, Professor, I just thought it might be better if you stayed with Robert. If we don’t succeed, our battle will be lost. In that case, you will have to save the prince, take him back safely to Arvinard and from there to the Human Realm.”

  “You’re right! It’s best if I stayed with Robert. Surely King Tyreas will pursue him even after the prophecy because he can always become a symbol of the resistance against his rule.”

  “We’ll leave at dawn, my friends, so there’s enough time to hand over the command of our troops and get ready for the road. Captain Cavas will also have some time to choose his people. We’ll meet at dawn in front of my tent. May Lokar keep us safe.”

  “May the gods be with us!” they all called out in one voice.

  A few moments later, Robert was left on his own, wondering if fate will help them succeed even without the help of the Blue Flame.

  ***

  “Six-three, Hunchback,” called Mavar gleefully. “Give me the dagger!”

  Bug’ar sighed and pulled his dagger from the belt. He’d had it for a long time, from a poacher he’d caught hunting through the woods where they normally hang out. The bone handle was hand engraved with hunting scenes which showed how much the craftsman valued the things he made. At one end the blade was curved and the edge was so sharp it could cut through a hair.

  “Take it, son of Zathar!” called “The Hunchback” with bitterness. “I’ve never seen a luckier man than you in my life…”

  Mavar grinned, showing his yellow teeth.

  “Sorry, Hunchback, but a stake is a stake. You bet your knife and you lost it. Too bad.”

  Bug’ar gnashed his teeth, trying hard not to get into a fight.

  “Do you still want to play?” he asked, caught in the fever of gambling.

  “What’s the stake, my friend?” The only thing you’ve got left is your hunchback and I don’t intend to have that!” chuckled Mavar. “My bad leg is enough.”

  Bug’ar undid his shirt, showing a gold chain with a claw hanging from it.

  “This is a gryphon’s claw,” he whispered as if he was revealing some big secret. “The wizards from the Frozen Realm used to have two gryphons… and this is from one of them.”

  Mavar looked at him incredulously, watching the claw hanging on the chain.

  “Get out of here… It’s a falcon’s claw.”

  “You’re even blinder than Grintas, pal,” answered Bug’ar pointing to their friend, “One-Eye”, who was always acting as a referee. “It’s a gryphon’s claw.”

  “Maybe a bear’s…”

  “A gryphon, blockhead!” shouted Bug’ar angrily.

  Mavar scratched his head and kept looking at the Hunchback.

  “Let’s say it is a gryphon’s claw,” he agreed half-heartedly, “but how can a good-for-nothing like you have such a treasure?”

  Somewhat less annoyed, Bug’ar answered him:

  “From the same hunter I got the dagger from. He went over the Boundary and found the frozen remains of a gryphon. He worked for a few hours to get his hands on this claw. I think it’s the only one in Fantasmagoria,” said “The Hunchback”, trying to raise the stake.

  Mavar understood what Bug’ar was up to and tried to play it cool.

  “I don’t know what to say, my friend… without an evaluation from someone who knows about these things, I can’t really say if it’s authentic. I can raise your dagger and about two more golden coins.”

  “Five,” added “The Hunchback” as he tried to get some more out of it.

  After all, what have I got to lose? thought Mavar to himself. If it is real, that claw is priceless and I can get a fortune for it. If not, I get nothing, but I’ve stripped my buddy Bug’ar enough for one day… and if I lose, there’s no damage done, I’ll get the bugger another time.

  “OK, five, but just because we’re friends,” Mavar justif
ied his decision without showing that he was quite happy with the stake on the table.

  The Hunchback mumbled with satisfaction and grabbed the dice. If he was going to win, he would be back on the game. If not, he would have to wait until after the fight so he can get his hands on a few things he might use in the game. That of course, in case the victory would be on Prince Robert’s side.

  With such thoughts in mind, he threw the dice in the dust outside the tent. The dice rolled, making all three of them widen their eyes, waiting for the final result.

  “Six-five, Hobbler,” called Bug’ar gleefully. “What do you say now?”

  May Zathar take you, Hunchback, thought Mavar, wondering if he would be quick enough to swap the dice for the rigged ones.

  He grabbed the dice, thinking hard about how to find a way. He saw the Hunchback watching him carefully and realised that only Lokar could help him now.

  He sighed and started rolling the dice in the cup of his hand, ready to throw.

  “Hey, you!” a voice rang out, making them turn their eyes.

  It was Zorval, the Wanderers’ second in command, rushing towards them at a steady pace.

  All three of them jumped up and saluted while Mavar sighed with relief.

  “Come here, you jokers!” called Zorval with daggers in his eyes.

  The three friends started towards him, approaching him in quick steps.

  “What’s up, boss?” asked Mavar impudently.

  “The captain wants you. Urgently. What horrors have you done now?”

  They looked at each other, wondering if they’ve done something lately that might have caught the captain’s attention.

  “Commander,” started Mavar cautiously, “if this is about the disappearance of “Fat” Numas portion of food, we have nothing to do with it… some say there might have been a beast going round his tent…”

  Zorval watched him in bewilderment.

  “I don’t know anything about Numas’s food, you blockheads… the captain wants you for something else. But now that I know, we’ll talk about Numas’s grub later on,” Zorval gnashed through his teeth.

 

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