Dimwater's Demons

by Sam Ferguson

  “Captain Terrelius didn’t let Alerik off easily, though. He explained that the king had ordered Alerik’s compliance and then said, ‘We need your wisdom, and the strength of your company.’ Alerik smirked and brought a hand up to stroke his beard. Finally, he agreed to help by giving his wisdom, but he cautioned Captain Terrelius that his house was lacking in strength. ‘I have only a handful of servants in my home of fighting age. Most of the rest are far beyond their prime,’ Alerik explained.

  ‘“What of the men who built your bastion?’ Captain Terrelius probed. ‘I heard there were hundreds of workers who came to you throughout the years, and that none of them ever returned. Where did they go?’

  “Alerik looked to the ground and the twinkle in his eye vanished, replaced by a grim longing and a rigid frown. ‘The Gray Wood was not always the safe place it is now,’ Alerik said. ‘Many died trying to clear the forest of scamps and savage beasts brought by the dragon’s presence. Many more died erecting the great defense you see before you now. It seems even the land of this forest fought against us. Those who lived remain with me still.’ Alerik took in a deep breath and put his smile back on his face, albeit not as large as the one before, and then he beckoned them to come inside the bastion.

  “Captain Terrelius signaled for his men to advance, and the troop followed into the keep through the portcullis. The Captain noted only a handful of guards along the walls. Most of them looked to be well into their forties, if not in their fifties. Gray hair and wrinkled faces seemed to be as common as swords among Alerik’s guards. Disturbed by this, Captain Terrelius called out to Alerik, saying, ‘The king said you had a mighty host at your command.’

  ‘“Mighty in valor and honor, yes,’ Alerik replied swiftly. ‘We rely more on tactics and strategy than upon our numbers.’ Alerik showed the guests into the main hall of his bastion, allowing them to rest their legs and remove their armor. Many sat along the fur rugs lining the walls, while others went immediately to the several long tables in the middle that had already been set with food enough for a king’s feast. Three hearths glowed brightly with lively fires that spread warmth throughout the hall. A few maidens continued to bring out bread and cakes to set before all of the men while Alerik invited everyone to the table to feast upon duck and roast pig. ‘I have only one rule,’ Alerik said as he sat at the table and beckoned for Captain Terrelius to sit at his right. ‘No one leaves the bastion at night.’ Captain Terrelius turned a quizzical gaze at Alerik. ‘The Gray Wood may be safer now than before, but it is still not the place one should go traipsing around after dark. There are creatures out there that are unpredictable, and I am not talking about the great serpent that plagues the eastern mountains.’

  Britner turned from the fire then and reached down for his canteen. He took a long drink before continuing with the story. “Captain Terrelius agreed to the rule and insisted that they would leave at first light. Alerik nodded, seeming to agree with the idea, and. then he signaled for his piper and fifer to play music for them as the men all ate their fill. It was not long before the hall echoed with laughter and loud, merry conversation. As the night wore on and the food was picked clean from the table, one of the men finished his fourth cup of wine and stood to address Alerik.

  “The man demanded to hear the story of Alerik slaying the first dragon. Many of the warriors rapped their knuckles on the table and voiced their agreement. Captain Terrelius watched as Alerik’s jovial expression again melted away and became distant and melancholy. Alerik the Dragonslayer rose up from his wooden chair and shook his head. He said, ‘That is not a tale I enjoy telling.’ His raucous guests were quick to boo and jeer him, but he remained steadfast. ‘I lost many friends, and all of my brothers,’ he continued. ‘But if you must hear it, then I will send my bard out to tell the tale. I shall retire for the night.’

  “Captain Terrelius watched as Alerik promptly left the chamber through a door off to the side. A moment later a middle-aged man came out with a lute. The man introduced himself as Thoron Derinis, son of Master Jofar Derinis. He spoke in a loud voice and jumped onto one of the tables amidst the warriors’ thunderous applause. He began, saying, ‘I will tell the tale of how Alerik slew the great dragon, as it was passed on to me by my father. Listen well and keep ye still, for the tale is one of horror, of fright, and hell. I will show you the valor of my lord, the great Alerik, and the swiftness of his blade to end the plague that haunted this fair land some thirty years ago.”

  “Let me tell this part, Brit,” Dengar pleaded as he stood up again.

  Britner was obviously annoyed, but motioned for Dengar to proceed. Kathair laughed as he watched Dengar jump up on a log and get into character, clearing his throat and grabbing at his collars as if he truly were a bard.

  Dengar’s hand swept out over the air in front of him and he smiled wildly at Kathair. His voice was deep, but not entirely unpleasant as he sang the tale. “Black was the night, and red was the morn, when dragon appeared with white fang and red horn. Maidens did faint and strong men did lose heart, as beast slew all life with its fiery darts. Down from the mountains it flew to our land, our flocks, knights, and wizards struck down by clawed hand.

  “Consumed most by grief, king did see from his throne, ‘spite of tears as kingdom fell to ash and to bone. At once he did summon the most skilled of warriors, but none were a match for the foul beast’s furor.

  “Lands ravished, laid waste, o’er the land blood was let, a great price of gold and of glory king had set. To him who could slay the draconian bane, would go title, lands, a fortune and fame. Thus into our story of woe and of grief, comes our marvelous savior and surest relief.

  “A band of heroes two hundred men strong, approached the good king with boast and a song. ‘The foul dragon’s head we surely will take,’ cried the heroes as a solemn oath they did make.

  “So, horde of champions set out to the Gray Wood, jaws set as behind steel shield they stood. The great dragon reared its horned, ugly head, a bright flash of hellfire and scores lay there dead. Onward with boldness our heroes did press, stabbing and slashing the beast’s stony breast.

  “Though valiant as friends did fall in the fight, not one could withstand dragon fire or bite. A few of the heroes attempted to flee, but were felled as a woodsman does strike down a tree.

  “Flames and fangs, tail and claws did strike them each down, and it seemed none was left to protect king and crown. Embattled ‘til all knights were dead save just one, sweet Alerik the Great, a good nobleman’s son. Into the fire with sword and with spear, the young man did charge, with no thought for fear.

  “Through the wood rang the echoing clang and roar, as the dragon was pressed back more and more. The battle rolled on to the southern plane, engulfing all life in the dragon’s flame. Battered and worn, he was yet still alive, Alerik the Bold would not give up the prize.

  “For the glory was great, and the gold was better, if the hero could free our land from this fetter. None quite knows how, there were none left to see, by dawn the next day, he did claim victory.

  “Songs of joy and of praise, with alms and thanks, were offered at sight of the dragon’s bloody shanks. The demon, consumed, it is said, by his fire, proved no match for him who my lute did inspire.”

  Dengar then bowed as Kathair clapped.

  “Yes, jolly good there, Thoron the Bard,” Britner teased. “Now go sit back down.”

  Dengar bowed repeatedly while backing away to his seat. Foman raised his canteen to salute Dengar’s performance and then took a drink.

  Britner turned back to Kathair and continued his tale. “As the bard struck the last chord on his lute and let the note hang in the hall. No one moved, each lost in his own thoughts. Even the bard fell into silence at the song’s conclusion. As the minutes dragged into hours, one by one the men would move off to find a place in the hall to lie down and sleep.

  “Captain Terrelius was the last to leave the table. He waited until all had found places to rest and then
he went to the door at the end of the hall. His hand reached out for the door tentatively, but he paused when he saw someone approaching out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see the bard. ‘The master has instructed we are not to go out at night,’ Thoron the Bard said flatly. He reached up and pulled down a beam into its metal brackets, effectively barricading the door. ‘What’s out there?’ Captain Terrelius asked. Thoron sniggered. ‘You mean besides the dragon?’ the bard said. ‘Is that not enough?’ The bard then nodded to someone else who quickly came to the door and inserted a large iron key, turning it several times to lock the portal closed. The bard and the servant left without another word, but Captain Terrelius stood near the door, wondering what might have the entire house so scared when they all slept under the watch of Alerik the Great.

  “Just then, a horrid shriek, unlike anything he had ever heard before, erupted outside. Captain Terrelius reflexively went for his sword at his belt and watched the door. Another squeal was followed quickly by a deep, rumbling roar. It wasn’t the dragon, he knew that much. It wasn’t powerful enough to be the great beast he was after. Yet, whatever it was, made the hairs at the base of his neck stand on end.

  “The captain stood there, watching the door and waiting for the unseen horror to come and attack, but it never did. The shrieks and cries would rend the silence of the night every few minutes, but it never came closer to the door. Still, it was several hours before Captain Terrelius allowed himself to relax and sleep.

  “Alerik was sitting at the table before Terrelius woke the next morning. The captain threw off his blanket and sauntered over to the table, still shaking the sleep from his steps as he navigated through the floor full of sleeping bodies. Terrelius immediately inquired of Alerik what had made the strange noises outside during the night.

  “Alerik frowned. ‘The Gray Wood has many dark corners and crags,’ he said. ‘Best you not worry yourself about it.’ Alerik clapped three times and in rushed a line of servants, each holding a platter of freshly baked bread. They were followed by a few women holding pitchers, and then finally by several more servants carrying platters of fruits and eggs. ‘Eat your fill, you will need your strength,’ Alerik said.

  “Terrelius insisted that he and his men should leave, for they yet had a long way to travel to reach the dragon. Alerik nodded in agreement, but implored Captain Terrelius to wait but one more day, claiming he had a few more things to prepare before they should depart.

  “Captain Terrelius allowed his men to pass the time that day whittling and swapping stories with the people in the tower, but all the while he stared at the front door and thought of the dragon. The few moments he spent thinking on anything else came upon him as his mind would recall the horrid sounds of the previous night.

  “After supper that evening, the men resumed the same sleeping positions they had taken up the night before. Again, just a short while after the others were asleep, the terrible screams and howls erupted outside. This time Captain Terrelius went for the door. The large portal was locked as it had been the night before, but there was a panel that he could open to peer out. He reached up to the brass knob and pulled the panel open. The cold night air wafted in, bringing with it the scents of the forest. He waited a moment for his eyes to adjust to the black night. He scanned around, but saw nothing. Not even guards moved outside of the hall.

  “Alerik snuck up from behind and said, ‘It would be better to keep the door closed entirely.’ Captain Terrelius jumped away slightly, caught off guard by Alerik’s sudden appearance. He apologized, and then explained that he heard the same sounds again in the night. ‘Curiosity killed the cat,’ Alerik said with a smile as he brought a steaming mug of mulled wine up to his mouth.

  “Captain Terrelius closed the panel securely and stepped away from the door. He asked Alerik once more what was outside. Alerik shook his head. Saying only that it was best that no one venture out after sundown. Alerik shrugged and then said, ‘Simply follow my instructions and this is one danger that will not bother you or your men. You have my word.’ The large man gestured to the hall with his open hand and told Captain Terrelius to get some rest. ‘We leave tomorrow, yes?’ Terrelius asked. The lord of the tower didn’t reply. He just walked through the hall and disappeared into another doorway. Captain Terrelius sighed and forced himself to sleep.

  “The next day proceeded much the same. Terrelius suggested the group depart, but Alerik came up with more excuses, holding them all in his tower again while he went about seeing to his so-called preparations. The third night brought even more shrieks and howls in the forest - wo many that all of the men woke and reached for their weapons. Terrelius tried to calm them, saying he had heard the sounds before, but the men all remained awake. A pair of Alerik’s guards stood on the inside of the door, each holding wicked pole-axes that had hooks on the back.”

  “What was out there, the dragon?” Kathair asked as he stared at Britner through the smoke of the fire.

  Britner shook his head, signifying that he would not reveal the end of the story early. He continued on. “Terrelius couldn’t be sure whether the guards were there to protect them from something breaking in, or to keep them from going out. Alerik was down in the hall the next morning before the first rooster’s crow. He woke Captain Terrelius and then laid out a map on the table. As the rest of the men began to stir, Alerik pointed the way the group should take through the wood. Again, Terrelius asked about the sounds in the night. Alerik nodded. ‘It was a bit louder than usual,’ Alerik replied. ‘But it sleeps now,’ he quickly added. ‘We can travel to the edge of the wood without fear.’ Terrelius placed a hand on Alerik’s shoulder and asked, ‘But what was it?’ Terrelius asked. Alerik replied that it was better Terrelius didn’t know. Alerik then said that he would meet Terrelius and his men in the courtyard. Captain Terrelius asked how many of Alerik’s men would be joining them, but Alerik turned on his heels and shot Terrelius a look that nearly froze the man’s blood in place. ‘None,’ was all that Alerik would say.

  “Captain Terrelius opened his mouth to protest, but the words never found their way to his mouth. The old dragon slayer threw open the bolt, unlocked the door, and stormed out of the hall before Terrelius could find the courage to say anything.

  “Once the men were ready, and had eaten their fill of eggs and bread, they marched out to see Alerik dressed in oiled leather armor, with a simple helmet on his head. A greatsword hung on the left of his horse while a bow was slung over his back and he held a spear in his right hand.

  “Like in the song,” Kathair called out to Dengar. “He fights with sword and spear.”

  Dengar winked at Kathair and raised his canteen to his lips.

  Britner continued the tale, without pausing. “Alerik pulled the reins off to the left, urging his horse into a healthy trot out through the gates and into the wood. Captain Terrelius quickly issued the command and the rest of them did their best to match pace with Alerik as they took the winding trail out of the wood and toward the southeast.

  “The birds sang and deer bounded through the brush at the sight of the troop. Rabbits nibbled clover near the edge of the road and the trees swayed in the warm breeze. It was as if nothing had happened the night before, but Terrelius knew it had. He kept his eyes peeled for the mysterious beast, but he saw nothing more dangerous than a pair of hawks circling high in the sky. His ears, on the other hand, picked up the thunderous roar of the dragon from afar off. ‘Sends a chill down your spine, does it not?’ Alerik asked after a particularly long dragon roar. Terrelius nodded. ‘Does it sound as large as the one you slew?’ he asked.

  “Alerik narrowed his eyes and sighed, looking off in the direction of the sounds and waiting for the next cry. A few moments later, when the horrible cry tore through the air, Alerik nodded his head. A sour grimace crawled onto his face, turning the corners of his lips downward and causing a tense knot to form between his brows. ‘It is the same as I remember before,’ Alerik said somberly. ‘You may wish to let y
our men have one last night of revelry before we move on to face its wrath.’

  “Captain Terrelius turned on him sharply. ‘My men are not cowards,’ he declared. Alerik shrugged and said, ‘The brave die as quickly as anyone else. I am just pointing out that these may very well be the final hours of their lives. Perhaps we could try to make them a little lighter.’ Captain Terrelius shook his head, his impatience turning to anger now. He turned to Alerik and said, ‘You tried to keep us in your tower, and now you would ask me to make camp before we should. We have a long way to travel yet, and our foe does not wait for us. It will devour our people if we linger.’

  “Alerik pulled his horse to a stop and instantly all of the men behind stopped as well. ‘The dragon will devour its prey whether you face it a few hours early or not,’ he said. He then pointed to a large cave. ‘I propose we make camp there, it is where I made camp with my group of heroes some thirty years ago.’

  “But the captain was not having any more of Alerik’s tricks. ‘No,’ Captain Terrelius said. ‘We should press on. We still have daylight left, and we can make better time if we use all of our light.’ Alerik shook his head. He explained that the rivers near the base of the mountains were flanked by thick brush and trees that grew close together. Beavers had felled many trees, not only making dams, but also making the path treacherous. Alerik informed Terrelius that even if they somehow managed to get through that before the sun fell that day, they would find themselves in an open field, with nothing else between them and the dragon they hunted. Alerik said, ‘The cave provides shelter from the weather, and fortification against a dragon’s flame. Remember, even though it takes you a day to cross the valley, the dragon can fly over this area in a matter of only a couple of hours.’

  “Terrelius shook his head, still not willing to listen to the experienced dragon hunter. ‘We should go farther. We can camp in the wood near the rivers,’ he said. Alerik turned his horse off the road and shouted over his shoulder. ‘The dragon hunts at dusk, and doesn’t sate his appetite until well into the night. You do what you want, but I am pitching camp here in the cave.’ Captain Terrelius turned back to his men. He could see the looks on their faces. There would be no way to convince them to press on. Ultimately, he agreed to camp with Alerik, calling out to his men saying, ‘We leave before first light. Set up rotating watches and post a guard at the entrance of the cave.’ The lieutenant nodded dutifully and blew a short blast on the horn. ‘You heard the man, move it, move it!’ the lieutenant shouted.