The Viking's Apprentice

by Kevin McLeod

  Chapter 7

  Graff looked on with great satisfaction. Finally, the work was complete. Goblins, trolls and other creatures stood admiring their work. Their bodies were hot and slimy with sweat and blood from the hard toil that had gone before. They had finished their task within the deadline set by the Master; which gave Graff an equal measure of pride and relief. Tolldruck would not be having a troll for dinner after all.

  A cold shiver ran up his spine, causing the thick black hairs on his neck and back to stand up.

  ‘A pleasant surprise Graff, a pleasant surprise indeed,’ the Master said, appearing from nowhere.

  ‘Our plans have been moved forward. We must be ready within one Earth day. We may have been discovered, and it would be best to act quickly and be gone.’

  ‘We are ready Master, and we are eager to begin,’ said Graff, his thick tongue flicking out as he spoke to lick pus from his cracked lips.

  ‘Tomorrow, when night falls we will begin. The shadow walkers have done their jobs, and we know where our targets are. There should be no problems,’ said the Master, and without another word turned and floated upwards before disappearing. No smoke, no big bang and no theatrics; just there then gone.

  ‘You heard the Master, tomorrow our mission begins,’ Graff said triumphantly raising his arms. His workers cheered and began preparing for the work ahead.

  Something was odd, something about this place did not seem right. It could not say exactly what it was, but something made it feel uneasy when it went near the old man's mansion. It watched him in his study where he had been working for over an hour now. The children were in another room playing some kind of game. Mindless activities for mindless children, and there with them was that awful dog. It floated back to the study window and watched. Something it saw took it by surprise; it can't be, can it? It must be mistaken, how is that possible? It went in for a closer look, right up to the window, and now there was no doubt. The Master would want to know this. It looked at the old man and was surprised to find him looking straight back at it. Of course, he could not see it, simply coincidence. The old man smiled, then rose and closed the curtains. Like a shot, it was off. The Master would want to know, and the Master would know exactly what to do about it.

  He felt he was being watched but by what he could not tell. Granddad was in his study finalising his work when the realisation hit him. He looked to the window and thought he caught the briefest of movements. He was sure he was right about being watched, and about what he felt was happening. It would soon be time to tell the children, but how to tell them and what to say to them exactly. A glimmer of movement outside the window and now he was certain. He smiled, crossed the room and closed the curtains.

  Granddad left the study but didn't go to the boys in the games room. Instead, he headed for the Longship. As the lights came on, he looked at the beautiful ship, running his hand along the glossy wood. It wasn't quite ready for the sea yet, but maybe it would have to do. He climbed on board and counted out his paces until he came to the correct place. He moved his hand along the smooth wood releasing the hidden hatch. He removed the package, heavier than he remembered. Moving quickly back up to the main house he could not deny that he felt excited as well as nervous.

  He found the boys still playing pool in the games room and asked them to come and join him in the kitchen for some dinner and another story. The boys gladly put down their cues and followed through to the kitchen. They sat in the same seats as before and were pleased to smell a pizza cooking in the oven.

  ‘What story are you going to tell us, Granddad?' asked Peter.

  ‘I am going to tell you another tale about the Viking warrior. Do you remember I mentioned that he had fought witches and goblins?’ The boys nodded and looked on expectantly.

  ‘Good, well then there is more to that story, and this is where we shall begin.’

  ‘Several centuries after fighting and defeating Tanis and her sons, the immortal Viking was again summoned to the church after a group of children disappeared. They had been on a midnight summer walk with two church Elders who were also missing. There had been reports of loud roars through the night near the caves, and some villagers claimed to have seen fire light up the sky. It appeared the dragons were back in Campbell’s Cove.’ Granddad paused and took a long slow drink from the glass of water by his plate.

  The boys had forgotten all about their drinks, and even the smell of pizza no longer seemed so interesting.

  ‘He left the church and went straight to the caves taking the bravest and strongest men of the Cove with him. There were signs of a struggle outside the cave and lots of footprints, some human some not, which led inside. The Viking drew his sword leading the men deep into the caves. Torches were lit to see the way, and soon the group could hear noises ahead. They could hear the unmistakable roar of a dragon. Some of the men were scared, and a couple turned and ran back the way they had come. No sooner had they run off than their screams could be heard echoing through the caves. Something was now behind the group, and there was no going back.' Granddad paused once again, this time, to remove the pizza from the oven.

  The boys were amazed he could remain so calm during such an enthralling story. Their amazement did not stop either of them taking huge bites of the pizza. Jake patrolled the floor looking for any crumbs that came his way.

  Granddad continued. ‘The group doused their torches in the pools of water and continued on. Their fear of being seen outweighed their fear of what might lurk in the dark. Soon they were standing at the top of a basin within the cave. They crept to the edge and surveyed the scene below them. All kinds of unthinkable creatures scurried around carrying things here and there and guarding cages. There was a dragon, but it was in ropes, and its roars were the anguished roars of imprisonment. It had been caught by these creatures.'

  ‘This is the best story you have ever told,’ Peter said.

  ‘Totally agree,’ George added with his mouth full of pizza.

  ‘Quietly the group made their way down towards the activity. Staying in the shadows, the Viking led them towards the cages and the dragon. There was so much going on down at the basin floor that their progress was never noticed. They got close enough to see into the cages, and saw the children inside scared and huddled together. He asked his men to stay where they were and sneaked off without another word. He went round the edge of the activity keeping low to the ground. His speed of movement amazed the others. Within seconds he was across the floor and close to the cages, but he didn’t stop. Instead, he headed for the dragon. The dragon noticed the Viking approaching, watching him wearily. The Viking drew his hunting dagger as the helpless dragon looked on. It was so tightly tied up all it could do was watch. He began to cut through the ropes one by one. The dragon did not move a muscle or roar or do anything to draw attention to what was happening. You see dragons are very intelligent animals, and this one recognised it was being freed. It would soon have the chance to get revenge on its captors.'

  Granddad paused for effect and took a bite of pizza. Crumbs showered the floor much to the delight of Jake.

  ‘All the ropes were cut, and the dragon was free. It looked at the man who had set it free, and an understanding passed between them. The Viking snuck off behind the cages and spoke to the children. The dragon waited until two of his tormentors were close by before bursting free and blasting fire, turning them to ash in the blink of an eye. With a deafening roar, it rose up to its full height and began to attack the goblins and trolls. The confusion gave the Viking the opportunity to free the children as the other men joined the fight. More and more goblins rushed into the basin, and the dragon blasted fire in every direction killing scores of them before they could draw their weapons. The men fought bravely, and soon the children were making their way up the basin back towards the entrance of the cave.’

  ‘Keep going Granddad; you can't pause all the time.'

  Granddad smiled and reached down to stroke Jake before g
oing on.

  ‘As the children began their escape the Viking joined the dragon in the fight against the goblins and trolls. Together they seemed unstoppable, and it looked like the fight would be won. Suddenly from above the children there was a deep booming roar. The goblins and trolls stopped attacking the Viking and stopped following the children and men. Instead, they ran into the shadows and hid. Another roar and this time even the dragon hesitated, unsure as to what was approaching. Whatever it was terrified their enemies. The children and men ran back down and hid behind the dragon. A hooded figure appeared at the top of the basin and looked down upon the group. It stared directly at the Viking and began to speak.

  ‘You thought you could win this fight?’ The figure asked. ‘You thought you could come here and rescue these children? You thought wrong,’ it said as it turned to look back towards the cave opening. ‘It is time for you all to meet Tolldruck.’

  ‘What’s a Tolldruck Granddad?’ asked Peter.

  ‘There's only one Tolldruck, just as well as one is bad enough. He is a vile, evil beast, huge, powerful and utterly fearless with a cunning intelligence that takes his enemies by surprise.'

  ‘What happened next? Did the Viking and children escape?' George spoke with his mouth full, and pizza fell towards the floor. Jake leapt into action catching the pizza and swallowing it in one movement.

  ‘The roars grew louder as Tolldruck drew closer. Finally, they could see him. Twelve foot tall, solid muscle and skin as black as the night. Red eyes with yellow slits for pupils stood out against the dark skin. Tolldruck growled at the group revealing razor-sharp teeth, and a thick black forked tongue. It stood upright like a man but had a strong tail that swirled and curled behind it, occasionally crashing off the cave floor. Its feet were huge and webbed. It had four arms covered in muscles, and each hand had thick talons at the end of every finger. Tolldruck roared and leapt from the ledge landing on the cavern floor perfectly balanced and ready to strike. Two of its arms planted on the ground, the other two raised. A wicked smile spread across Tolldruck's mouth as his huge teeth became visible. With incredible speed and strength, Tolldruck struck sending the dragon crashing back against the empty cages. The Viking and men got ready to fight as Tolldruck turned its attention to them. Arrows and daggers were thrown, all bouncing off with no effect. Tolldruck laughed and swept forward grabbing a man in each of its four hands throwing them against the cavern walls. The Viking was fast enough to evade the attacks dodging out the way, and striking with the sword when the chance arose. The sword seemed to be the only weapon that could cut the skin of this beast. He continued evading and countering as Tolldruck showed no signs of pain and kept the relentless attack going. The Viking was tiring but fought on knowing that while Tolldruck was fighting him, it was not focusing on the children. The dragon regained its senses rising from the wreckage of the cages flying upwards before swooping towards Tolldruck, smashing into him and sending them both to the ground. A ferocious fight began between the two giants. The dragon blasted fire while Tolldruck clawed and swirled its strong tail, battering the dragon again and again. Eventually, Tolldruck began to win the fight, picking up the dragon and throwing it against the wall where it fell still and silent. Tolldruck roared and ran across the cavern looking for the children. The Viking intercepted, but this time, Tolldruck was ready. He dodged out the way before smashing one strong arm into him sending the Viking to the floor. Tolldruck circled the children, laughing, licking his lips and taunting them. The remaining men charged, but were defeated in seconds. The children were now defenceless against this beast.’

  Granddad stopped and stared off out the window.

  ‘What, wait you can’t stop there, you just can’t, what happened next?’

  ‘Tolldruck was enjoying himself, feeding off the fear of the children. Just as he was about to move in the Viking appeared from nowhere, and with one mighty swipe took half of Tolldruck's tail off. Tolldruck roared in pain and surprise spinning to face the Viking just in time to see the dragon flying at him as fast as it could go. The dragon grabbed Tolldruck before he could react, lifting him up, flying higher until they both smashed through the cave ceiling. On and on the dragon flew holding on to Tolldruck ignoring his attempts to free himself. While the dragon was carrying off Tolldruck, the Viking gathered the children and began the climb out of the cavern.'

  He paused for a drink before continuing.

  ‘The hooded figure and all the trolls and goblins had vanished. The only sounds were now the sobbing of the children, and the voice of their rescuer reassuring them and guiding them on. They reached the entrance to the cave and ran out onto the beach. They saw a large ship crash out on the waves and speed away. A deadly storm brewed almost immediately, and the Viking had to rush the children back up to the village. The villagers were happy to see their children return though saddened by the loss of so many men in such a short battle. Neither Tolldruck nor the dragon was ever seen again after that night. The large ship vanished and with it all trace of the monsters that were in the cavern. Nobody understood why they had come or where they came from, but the Viking always remained wary of their return.'

  ‘Wow, what a brilliant story, but Granddad how do you know so much about all of this?’ asked Peter taking another slice of pizza and a gulp of his juice.

  ‘You could say it has become my life’s work, it is what I do in my study all day, and I’m a keen historian of the Cove as you know.’ Granddad said reaching down to pick up the package at his feet.

  ‘It is why I want to show you this, and how I think you will believe that these stories are true, and not just the imagination of a crazy old man,’ he said with a smile as the boys came closer to see what was inside the package.

  The boys gasped as Granddad opened up the package very carefully and there in front of them, on the kitchen table, was a beautiful sword. The handle was a design of blended silver and gold, and the blade shone in the lights. There were scorch marks on the blade and a small piece missing near the tip.

  ‘Is that what I think it is Granddad?’

  ‘It is indeed. This is the sword of the Viking warrior, the sword that killed Tanis and injured Tolldruck. The sword that helped rid the Cove of the monsters and nightmares that kept families in fear.’

  ‘How did you get it? How would you know where to begin looking for something like that?’ George asked staring at the sword, reaching out to touch the handle.

  ‘I have had many years to uncover the secrets of the Cove and to read through all the histories in the Church vault. The maps in my study helped me find the locations of many things and piece together several mysteries. It is because of my knowledge and the work I have done that I feel I now must tell you both something else.’

  ‘Is it another story about the Viking Granddad?’

  ‘Not this time Peter. This is about history, but it also affects right now. I think there may be something happening in the cove, something that has occurred in this area before.'

  ‘What is it, what do you mean?' George asked.

  ‘I told you that the Viking warrior originally arrived to help rid the Cove of the dragons that were causing so much destruction. This history of the dragons turning up and children, livestock and eggs going missing would repeat itself every one hundred years. It was when they found the dragon taken prisoner in the cavern the night they fought Tolldruck that they realised the dragons were not to blame. It was these other monsters that were responsible and made it look like the dragons were causing all the problems. The dragons would, of course, defend themselves when men tried to hunt them so it made them enemies of each other. The men looked no further for anything else to blame; the dragons were the obvious culprits.’

  Granddad paused to make sure the boys understood everything so far.

  ‘After they had fought the battle in the cavern the men of the Cove went back to the caves, and spent many days and nights exploring every inch of them. They found passages that had previously bee
n unknown and whole caves that were unexplored. In these caves, they found evidence that the visitors had been here before. One of the discoveries was a full dragon skeleton still imprisoned in the chains. They read over the history of the Cove and found that every one hundred years these things would happen and the dragons would be blamed. They noticed that at the end of the activity there were always reports of a massive storm. After they had put all this together, the Viking vowed to be ready the next time. He trained the men of the Cove to fight when the time came. One hundred years later the Viking waited and waited, but the visitors did not return. It was decided by the church elders that what had happened the previous century had scared the monsters away. Without being able to blame the dragons they could not return unnoticed.’

  ‘Is that why the church decided to grant his wish to be allowed to grow old?’ Peter asked, remembering the story from the caves trip.

  ‘Yes, it is Peter. They saw no need to have him remain immortal when the threat had been removed. It had been over one hundred and seventy years since anything had happened, so the Viking was released from the spell.’

  ‘Why are you telling us this now Mr Thornton?’ George asked.

  ‘I am telling you because that fight in the caves took place two hundred years ago this week.’ Granddad said looking at both boys in turn to gauge their reaction.

  ‘Several things have happened recently that have made me think that something is wrong once again in the Cove. A group of men who told their loved ones they were coming to the Cove to explore the caves have vanished. Thousands of eggs have been stolen from all over the surrounding area. George, you said you saw something in the caves when we were exploring. I saw it too; I caught a glimpse as it shied away from the light.'

  ‘You saw it? Why didn’t you say so at the time?’ George said visibly relieved that someone else had seen something.

  ‘Would it have benefited you at the time? It was just one more piece of evidence for me that things are not as they should be,’ Granddad replied.

  ‘Do you think we are in danger Granddad?’ Peter questioned.

  ‘While you are in this house you are safe Peter, please trust me on that.’

  ‘How can you be so sure?’

  ‘Trust me, Peter, this old mansion is more secure than you could possibly imagine.'

  ‘But why have eggs gone missing?’ George asked.

  ‘Let’s all go to my study where I can answer that question and any others you have,’ Granddad replied already moving towards the door.

  When they got to the study, Granddad asked the boys to take a seat, as he took his behind the large desk. He shuffled through papers and maps and seemed to be sorting them out into an order.

  ‘Let us start with the question you asked about eggs,’ Granddad said, looking at George, as he took several pages of notes from a folder.

  ‘There is an old Scottish tale that says witches used egg shells to make boats, as this was the only way they could travel over water. Although partly right I discovered, through years of research, that they used the egg shells to coat the bottom of their ships. They did this because there was something in the shells, once boiled, that they can use their magic on to create a storm so fierce very few vessels can follow them. This makes it easier for the witches to escape from places like the Cove.'

  ‘Is that why a storm happened when the Viking freed the children?’ Peter asked.

  ‘Indeed it is, and that was also the last time so many eggs went missing from the areas around the Cove, until now.’

  The boys looked at each other as they began to realise what Granddad meant.

  ‘Have the witches returned granddad?’ Peter asked.

  ‘It is my belief that they have Peter, it is also my belief that they may have been here for some time working in the deepest caves.’

  ‘Are you not scared?’ ‘I mean if they are here will they not try and attack the Cove and steal children; children like us?’ George's voice shook as he asked the question.

  ‘I am not scared for many reasons. Firstly this mansion is not a place witches will find easy to get into. Secondly, if they do manage to get in they might not get back out. Thirdly there is one boat that can follow any ship in a stormy sea with the greatest of ease. Do you know what that ship might be?’

  The boys looked at each other, and then at Granddad who began to smile.

  ‘A Viking Longship,’ Peter said.

  ‘Exactly. I have always thought that one day the witches would return, and I wanted to be ready when they did. Someone has to defend the Cove, and I have had one hundred and seventy years to prepare,' Granddad said then seemed to catch himself and stopped talking.

  ‘What do you mean you have had one hundred and seventy years to prepare?’ George asked.

  ‘Just how old are you Granddad?’ Peter added.

  ‘Oh what, em no, I meant I had had one hundred and seventy years of history to read through, and plenty of time to collect the correct items to assist me should anything happen in the future.'

  ‘What should we do if you are right? Shouldn’t we call mum and let her know what you think?’

  Granddad laughed. ‘What do you think your mother would say if you told her that I thought the Cove was overrun with witches and monsters? She would have me in a care home before the week was out.’

  ‘This must stay between us, and if I am right, we must prepare to defend the Cove as the Viking did all those years ago.'

  ‘There is more to this mansion than meets the eye and you will learn that very soon, but for now you should both try and get some rest. The next few days could prove to be very tiring.’

  ‘How can we sleep after hearing so many stories, and knowing we could be in danger?’ George asked.

  ‘George you must trust me, you are in no danger while you are in my house.’ Granddad said ushering the boys out of his study and up the stairs to their rooms.

  George said good night to Peter and went into his room to get ready for bed. As he did, he stared at the painting of the knight and thought something was odd. He had not paid attention to it before, but he was sure the sword had changed position. George laughed at himself for being so silly and turned towards his bed. Just as he did this, the painting behind him moved ever so slightly.