The Gnome's Children-Book #1 Bright Star Journals

by Byron Calhoun

Falseface.

  With a chorus of shrieks and devilish chortles, the foul fiends dashed forth into the battle. The ghouls, loathsome black creatures that looked like flying sheets, rocketed on the enchanted wind of Falseface. They were equipped with large swords and sickles. Goblins scrambled across the land with large spears and nasty teeth. Ogres lumbered behind with large cudgels and balls and chains.

  Quickly, they drew up ranks to meet the new onslaught. Even the eagles plummeted from their heights to harass and attack the ghouls. The brave eagles with talons were no match for the evil ghouls; however, and the mass of screaming specters swept on to the awaiting army. The ghouls reached the animals first. Everywhere they swept, there reigned panic and confusion. Edward did his best to rally his troops but he had too few archers to support him and his troops were inexperienced in battle. His line nearly broken, he sounded the trumpet for aid and the unicorns and stags sped to his side. Thanks to the valiant efforts of Tetelestai the unicorn and White Horn the stag the ghouls were repulsed and moved on toward Logosian’s main body, who at that moment had their hands full of the goblins in ogres. The goblins attacked in grey flowing hordes with jibbering and shrieks that drove the horses mad with fright. So, to be mounted was useless. Yet, the goblins were over seven feet tall and difficult to fight on foot.

  The second wave of attack almost drove the main army from the field. The ogres crashed into the main army and began creating chaos wherever they went. Even the centaurs were forced to yield under vigorous blows. The cougars proved themselves the most valiant fighters at this stage and perhaps bought enough time for Logosian to signal Groundfirm into the fight. The cougars attacked singly and in pairs, throwing themselves physically on the backs of the ogres. Now, these ogres stood about eight feet tall, had leathery, tough, maroon skin, with bowed legs, a thick head, a wart covered face, and thatch like, bluish hair. They were not native to Logoland but came from the far country of Ramaland. As such, they were difficult to wound, and gave the cougars a rough time of it.

  It was the gnomes who saved the day during this attack. Grounfirm sounded the shrill gnome pipe that was only used for battle. It sounded like a soprano recorder only louder. At this sound, dozens of gnomes jumped to their feet and charged the right flank of the attackers and sent volleys of arrows aloft at the ghouls. Following the gnomes came a mass of fauns, satyrs, and wood nymphs. The attackers emitted yells of rage and astonishment while the beleaguered defenders redoubled their efforts to the battle. Scores of goblins and ghouls fell before the shouting gnomes and wiry nymphs and many an ogre ended up barely escaping with his life. The gnomes had special metal arrows that they molded that were especially deadly for ogres. They were sent freely into the ogress. The wood nymphs threw branches at the goblins and ogres like throwing clubs, doing a lot of damage. The fauns and satyrs used their horns and hooves to harry the enemy and keep off balance. Then, as suddenly as the attackers had come, they fled in wails of defeat. The defenders were left tired, battered, yet standing. But, they now had no more reserves for the battle. This last engagement would decide who would rule Logoland.

  “I need a report from Edward and Groundfirm,” announced the Prince to Sir Goodheart.

  “As you wish, sire,” the noble knight replied

  Edward reported he had lost most of his bears, one troll, many smaller animals, including Squeakmaster the leader of the mice, and a number of stags lay dead. All told he had only about half of his previous force able to fight. Groundfirm reported that he had suffered heavy losses to the ogres, even with the surprise attack. Logosian’s troop had suffered the most of all. He had lost most of the cougars in the past attack, several knights were severely wounded and all had at least some minor wounds. The centaurs all had numerous wounds and several were dead. The dryads lay like fallen trees around the plain and suffered severe loss. Even the eagles and owls had suffered terribly to the ghouls.

  Logosian shook his head grimly, “Good Groundfirm, I need at least a score of your gnomes to bolster my sagging middle. I know that hard presses you, but if we do not survive this last attack we are all done.”

  ‘Aye, yer Majesty, just trust in the Bright Star and we’ll be alright,” answered the gnome.

  “I wish Heather were here with the harp,” sighed Edward.

  “But she is not, so we must do what we can,” countered Logosian.

  Little did the Prince know that at that very moment Heather crouched over the left flank in the woods awaiting the next attack.

  Presently, Lord Existention’s tongue lashed Falseface. “No, good son of a toad! Why did not your spirits destroy the vermin?”

  Falseface sneered, “I did not see your brave knights do better!”

  “Enough of this talk. Make me a storm Vizier and loose it on them! I will attack on its heels and we shall route the usurpers once and for all!”

  Falseface formed a chilling smile and began,

  “Rain and wind, destroying light;

  Come from the sky, burn and smite!

  To our enemies on yon plain,

  Send a storm to give them pain!

  Destroy! Destroy!”

  Though the sky had been clear, a cloud appeared behind the army of Lipophrenia. It grew and grew to billowing, black heights and began to obscure the sun. It cast a shadow on the Plain that ran toward the Prince’s doughty army. As it ran, a violent, cold wind grew and lashed ahead. Lightening came forth from the clouds and rumbled and crashed. Now, I must not go into total detail about this final battle scene, otherwise your mothers and fathers will not let you read this.

  Logosian’s army looked in bewilderment until the full force of the gale hit. The wind tore at them with icy, hurricane blasts and knocked down many of the smaller animals. The lightening danced in their midst and began to strike gnomes and animals alike. They screamed in terror and fled toward the River Ripplesway and the cliffs hoping to escape the storm.

  In the meantime, Lord Existention had mounted his army and they ran on the tail of the wind with trumpets blairing, sweeping in for the final kill. With him came ghouls, goblins, and ogres, all shrieking at the top of their lungs. The confusion in Logosian’s camp defied description. Edward said it was like being in a building where someone yelled fire and everyone tried to get out one exit. The Lord Existention’s army pushed them toward the river in total confusion. A few gnomes and centaurs were all that held back the opposition. Many animals were trying to swim the river and climb the cliffs. All discipline had broken down. The noise was deafening as Edward foughthis way to Logosian, Sir Goodheart, and Dukes Swalesfellow. Edward only knew he had to save the Prince, never mind his own life.

  SALVATION ON THE BREATH OF THE WIND

  XX

  Then, a very strange thing happened that no one could figure out until later. Heather had seen the storm, felt its fury, and seen the total rout of Logosian’s army. As she watched, as still, small voice echoed in her mind.

  “Now is the time I have brought you forth for, Heather. You must act now.”

  Heather knew that voice! It was the Bright Morning Star’s. So, she did the only thing she could think to do at the time, she unslung the lyre and began to strum it backwards. The tune she played sounded familiar but she could not recognize it. It sounded like an old hymn and rolled in an organ fugue. As soon as she played it, she knew things were alright. When she touched the strings, a steady, spring breeze came sweeping off the mountains. It picked up strength as it blew and smelled like the Starlight flowers in the mountain meadows. The breeze grew and grew until it blew the storm away along with the ghouls and goblins. The attacking troops of Existention were bowled over and over by the wind, while the Prince’s forces lay untouched. The horses the attackers rode went into ecstatic bucking, threw their riders, and trotted over to the Logolanders, and nuzzled them. Even Lord Existention was thrown from his mount.

  This did not stop Lord Existention from his final
attempt on the Prince’s life. Even as he was thrown, he threw himself free of the saddle and rolled. He regained his feet and faced Logosian’s back. The Prince, at that moment was distracted with capturing some ogres. Existention unsheathed his blade and lunged at Prince Logosian’s exposed side, but too late! The good gnome Groundfirm, flung himself in front of the blade and buried his own left shoulder. The gnome winced and brought about his own gnome blade to Existention. The Lord Existention fell, never to rise again, and Groundfirm sagged to the ground. He had performed his last feat of bravery predicted by the Bright Star at the beginning of their quest.

  The rest of the army of King Lipophrenia lay in ruins. All that remained for the victorious Prince’s army was to gather up stragglers. The horses that the King and Falseface tried to escape on only threw up their heads and brought the conspirators cursing and yelling to Prince Logosian.

  “Well, well, good Uncle, it seems these ignorant beasts you so despise have done you in!” laughed Logosian.

  “But what happened? Inquired Edward, scratching his head.

  “We do not exactly know, Lord Edward,” answered Sir Goodheart.

  Just then, Heather raced up without her helmet, blonde hair streaming behind her and her armour still on.

  “Oh Edward, I’m so glad