Surface World 2

by Ed Montalvo

  Tuke argued with the clerics in tow, he was fine. They needed their help. He felt Tatiana’s heartache and stumbled. A priest argued his misstep. He saw the princess, shrugged them off, and rushed to her.

  The princess saw him and cried, “Please Tuke, help him.”

  “We must get him inside,” he replied as the knights cover them.

  “They shot him…,” she stuttered.

  “Get them inside!” shouted a knight as the creatures advanced. “Protect the Ayrian at all costs!” He saw a goblin take aim and used his shield to protect the princess and Dregous. Other Gnolls shot hitting Tatiana’s thigh and the mages calve.

  Again, they fell back. Laurence walked backwards when he felt something underfoot. A quick glance revealed Dregous’s staff. He thought of leaving and thought, He risked his life for these people. He foot-flicked the staff and caught it.

  “What is that?” asked another knight.

  “The Dark one’s staff,” they stepped in and barred the gate as an explosion shattered a third of the summoned stonewall.

  ***

  For two days the drums sounded. The buildings were crowded with people. They were frightened with uncertainty. Trapped behind the walls weakened their spirits as many murmured their doom.

  Tatiana was informed most of the families he rescued survived. Lord knight Gunthar wanted her to remain at the temple to ensure her safety. She insisted on remaining by Dregous’s side. Rumors spread he died, giving his life for those saved. The knights spread of his sacrifice; a deed worthy of praise. Some mages paid their final respects for the dark creature that stood against the horde to save a hand full of people at a high cost.

  The boy awoke and wanted to see his rescuer as did the others. He wept when they denied him.

  The priests divine healing cured his wounds, but he was still dying. The venerable high priest believed he lost his will to live.

  ***

  The goblin war machines were set in place and ready. They gathered the bodies of the fallen and gutted them. The humans were dismembered and placed elsewhere, taking care to keep them warm. Other merchants and farmers were captured from their homes during their march and housed in bins.

  The casting took its toll on the Mages. They couldn’t rest enough to replenish their magical drain. The mages posted themselves in the towers to oversee the battle. The weakening wizards forced the towns hand on a desperate all or nothing assault.

  Greater effort was applied to defend and diminish their forces as much as possible. Their plan, a strong tactical offensive.

  The people cleared the dead from the streets and torched the bodies. As the afternoon sun gave way to the eastern darkness, red streaks highlighted the clouds when they heard catapults again. Terrifying screech followed the launches. Screams filled the air when they saw human body parts and raining blood. The frozen droplets bounced about. More screams echoed as living people were launched. Upon impact on buildings and streets, some ruptured, children burst like over ripened fruits. Many bodies littered the eastern main boulevard.

  The horde changed their tactics, they charged with ladders and ropes. A large number hung back hurdling spears and launching arrows, while others scaled the walls. The catapults commander gave the order to realigned for new targets.

  The dark knight watched his troops load hollow stone spheres with finely thin oil. A Gnoll stumbled, almost spilling the thin oil and stilled the flagon, “Easy…, that will kill all here,” The fallen Knight warned calmly. The Gnoll nodded as his ears pulled back. He cautiously filled the hollow spheres. Gnolls and Goblins took the filled stones to the catapults with instructions to launch as soon as possible.

  ***

  The arrows and javelins assault made it challenging to fend against the scaling invaders. Many goblins came over the wall and were met with sturdy knights. Clashing swords and shield resonated followed by grunts and screams. Gnolls howled sensing victory was at hand. Citizens huddle in fright hearing the enemy so close.

  ***

  Tatiana pressed Dregous’s hand to her chest whispering, “Please wake…,” she choked back her tears kissing his heart. “They do not know you…” she swallowed a painful lump. “…as I.” She squealed softly and cried. “Do not leave me,” she trembled, her hair covered her face.

  Tuke stopped at the threshold. Her unwavering faith, believing he’ll awaken broke his heart. It was in his last moments, anyone cared to understand, Tuke thought. He announced his presence by clearing his throat. She wiped her tears and sniffed. “Any change?” he knew the answer.

  Tatiana put his hand down, shaking her head unsteadily, “No.” she choked as Tuke came closer. “He is not going to die… and I….” she rested her head on his shoulder. “I… I need him,” she sobbed.

  “I know child, I know,” he padded her head gently, her sobbing increased. She sank deeper into her sadness. Her knees slightly buckled. Tuke steadied her, “There there… we must have faith,” he whispered.

  A knock drew his attention. A tall slender human male stood at the threshold. His salt and pepper beard reached his chest. “May I enter?”

  “And you are?” she asked firmly.

  “I am with the wizard’s guild. I only wish to…”

  She interrupted, “Is this not good enough…! Does gloating gladden you carrions?” she said hoarsely, with a glare.

  “Tatiana, please…, give him a chance…,” Tuke pleaded, as he held her shoulders. “…hear him.”

  “Why?” she asked softly. “They did not give my Dregous a chance, by what right they ask the same of me?” she demanded.

  Her Dregous? he thought. “Please, I come not gloating, but to honor him. He has done what none dared. Had he not made the sacrifice…,” he trailed, “No, I came to express gratitude for him risking so much for the people before fate turns her page.”

  “Stop it, stop saying that!” her voice cracked, “He will not die damn you!” she went beside Dregous, took his hand, kissed it, then his heart.

  “Tatiana please.”

  “No dear Tuke,” she said sternly. “They speak as though he has already crossed the great sky!” she palmed her tears away and hair. “He will not die…,” she sobbed trying to regain her composure. “You hear me he will not die… he will not…,” she crumbled under the weight of her sorrow and sobbed.

  The Curator was extremely grateful. His daughter and grandchildren were among those he saved. “Forgive me, I meant no injury,” he stepped to Dregous, “I offer you the gratitude of the people and my prayer for the noble good you have done and the peace you so richly deserve.”

  “What good is it to him now?” she growled through her tears.

  “I apologize,” Tuke addressed the mage.

  “None required. He must of have been very special to her,” The curator said. Tatiana’s heart ached too much to respond. She prayed for Ukko to open his eyes.

  Her immense pain almost overwhelmed Tuke, “Perhaps we should step out,” he suggested.

  “As you say,” he looked at her. Even in grieving, her beauty is unearthly. He must have been quite a person to earn the loyalty of an Ayrian. I envy you Drouwen, thought the Curator.

  As the mage exited, another priest approached Tuke. “The boy’s mother came again. The children wish to see him.”

  Tuke shook his head, “I do not think that is wise.”

  “Since they have awoken they asked for him. The children hear talk he is dying. Please Tuke, before he does leave us, allow them to see him…, I beg you.”

  “It is not up to me…,” Tuke looked at her.

  The priest made to speak, “Bring them, at least the children appreciates my Dregous,” Tatiana approached as she glanced the mage, making eye contact as he exited.

  The priest felt ashamed, “Apologies, I wish to accommodate them….”

  She gently waved him in, “Please…,” she struggled with her tears.

  Tuke came to her, “Are you certain my dear?” She nodded, and looked up with re
ddened eyes for his support. “Only the children,” Tuke stated.

  The priest quickly fetched them. Tuke looked at her, “You said this happened before…?” She nodded and returned to Dregous’s side. “Do you recall what caused it?”

  She thought a moment, “Spells. He was casting spells when it first happened. When we first met, and again at the mountain…, remember…, in the labyrinth when he collapsed.”

  “Of course, I am such a fool. It completely slipped my mind. Now we know the cause, how to remedy it?”

  Tatiana wondered how Dregous would process this, “The mage, he may know.” Tatiana stated.

  “Agreed, I will tend him.”

  She followed, “He will or…”

  “Now now… let us not say anything unbecoming a lady,” Tuke said gently.

  “I will be a lady…” she stretched.

  “Tatiana…?”

  “I will not say anything bad….”

  “I pray not,” he cleared his throat. “Hopefully he may know something,” he commented. “You know the sword is not always the answer. We have other choices.”

  He saw his comment hurt her, “Dregous had mentioned brute force solves little,” she said sadly.

  The mage was happy to assist. They headed back to Dregous and found a boy whispering him. They watched in silence as the child continued his one-sided conversation, then turned to leave. The adults parted as he exited without a word.

  “Curious, was that all he did?” asked the mage.

  “I am curious myself…,” Tatiana walked to Dregous’s side and touched her forehead to his.

  “I meant your friend my dear,” he clarified.

  “Apologies… um, as Tuke said.”

  “Spells…?”

  “Yes, why?” she grew concerned.

  “No… it is just that students of the arts or even season mages never experienced what happened to him.”

  “Wait, back in the mountain, he did say the staff draws power from him, if that means anything,” Tuke added.

  “What staff is this?” asked the mage.

  “There,” Tatiana pointed.

  The mage knew of several magical staff’s, but none that draws power from its wielder. “Hmm, curious,” he wondered, then noticed small symbols on the staff’s crown and committed to memory to research later.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “Oh, just wondering aloud… you were…”

  She cut in, “I saw him. And the Lord Knight as well, you can ask him,” Tatiana replied.

  “You misunderstand…, I have not heard anyone going through something like this before…,” lost himself in thought. “Unless…,” he said absentmindedly.

  She stretched, “Unless.”

  “Oh, forgiveness, unless he did what no mage has done…, at least to my knowledge.”

  “And that is?” Tuke pressed.

  “Your friend continued casting even though exhausted.”

  “He did, and mentioned it, but stated it was momentary and required no concern,” Tatiana replied.

  He stroked his long beard knowingly. “That is true. However, if they go beyond….”

  “Beyond… meaning continue even if they are exhausted?” Tatiana ventured.

  “Correct.”

  “If they do?” she pressed.

  He looked down, “…They, could die,” he sighed his confession.

  “No, if that were true he would have told me…, that is a lie,” she accused.

  “Perhaps he did not wish to concern you,” he offered.

  Tatiana knew he was being truthful, she didn’t want to believe it as she rolled her near white eyes and muttered, “Lord hardhead,” as she looked at Dregous.

  “My lady?” The mage asked.

  “I was talking to myself,” she said softly.

  “I see. I do apologize,” the mage said. Tatiana faced him as her hand rested on Dregous’s thigh, “However the clergy may better suit his needs.”

  Tuke stepped closer, “How so?”

  “The priesthood has the power to recall the essence, spirit, resurrection if you will.”

  “That cannot help someone still alive…,” he stepped beside Tatiana.

  “Not in the usual way, no. Though his soul remains, it is weak. His body is vastly weaker. You see, he could no longer resist channeling energy through his body. So, his will bridged the gap between mind, body, soul, and the cosmos for his casting while sustaining him. A most remarkable feat to say the least…. If the clergy performed this rite, it may reenergize him, so to speak,” the mage explained.

  “I see…,” Tuke turned to exit with the mage.

  “Tuke?” Tatiana called softly. He addressed her. “Where do you head?”

  “To the clergy my dear, to aid our friend, I require their assistance.”

  “Dear Tuke,” Tatiana hugged him then kissed his cheek. “You are dearly sweet.”

  An acolyte priest entered with the little boy, “Excuse me, I bring the boy. The girl was napping.”

  “Oh, back again young man?” Tuke said cheerfully, as Tatiana repositioned by Dregous and smiled.

  The priest returned the smile. “Back again? I do not understand?”

  Tatiana’s grin vanished. The old mage arced a brow. Tuke stood in front of the priest. “The boy was here earlier.”

  The acolyte’s excitement faded, “You must be mistaken.”

  Tatiana stood, touching her sword as Tuke stepped back. “I am afraid not; the boy was here but a moment ago.” He sensed the priest’s confusion as he grabbed his holy symbol.

  “That cannot be, he was with us,” he released the boy’s shoulders.

  Tuke gestured, “He was standing by the bed.”

  “There must be some mistake…,” he repeated.

  “Someone or something is playing with us,” Tatiana gripped her sword. Tuke didn’t know what to make of it. He sensed no malignant entity.

  “My lady,” The Curator began. “Whatever was here beguiled us. Do you think it would still be here, if so, would your blade stop it?”

  She glanced at the mage while taking a defensive posture by Dregous, “I feel better holding it.”

  “Then what do you suggest?” the adults began bickering, towering over the boy, frightening him. He wanted to run when he saw Dregous and made his way undetected and took his hand.

  The priest realized the boy’s absence as did Tatiana, “Where did he go?” they found him holding Dregous’s hand. The priest ceased him. “Why did you leave my side?” he asked gently.

  He looked up, “You scared me,” he tightened his grip. “He spoke softly; like that day.”

  Tuke stepped closer, “What do you mean son?”

  “He said he will protect us….” The boy looked to the floor. They felt ashamed. A child’s fears defeated them and his unquestionable faith to cling to the one thing he knows; the security of his rescuer. Tatiana allowed the boy to stay as long as he wished. It wasn’t long before the girl and other children with their parents joined them.

  The room was silent for hours. Tatiana had two children on her lap. Tuke and the other priest held other youngsters as they held Dregous’s cloak. The mage held his grandchildren near the Drouwen along with other adults he saved. Shortly after, they fell asleep. The boy still held Dregous's hand with the girl leaning against him. Acolytes gently carried the children away. As the parents exited, the mothers whispered thanking Dregous. Some kissed his hand before leaving. A father confessed his fear and hate of Drouwen’s but was grateful to him and wished he would live so he may thank him. One mother dared kiss his cheek and wiped her tears, pleading her forgiveness.

  The princess’s chest swelled with pride for her Dark Elf. She only wished he was conscience to witness this beautiful unity.

  When they were alone they discussed the look alike. Tatiana pulled away to lay beside Dregous and used her wing to blanket him. She was grateful the people wished him well while she stroked his hair to the side and was soon fast asleep w
ith her sword drawn. The princess had little rest looking after Dregous. She awoke with a start snatching her weapon and glanced at her Dark Elf. “Wake up wake up,” she mumbled, shaking him and realized where they were. “Oh Ukko,” she moaned and slid off the bed, sheathing her sword to nurse her wounded heart. “Please wake,” then walked to the door to call for an acolyte.

  “Um, where are we…?” Dregous sighed.

  “We are…,” she realized then her face lit up as her heart leaped. “You are up!” and rushed to hug him.

  Chapter 16

  Humans believe love is the most powerful force. Others see it as fragile as a snow flake. My understanding of love is two folds. When in love, everything changes. Everything grows foggy, yet clear. I learned to love with my wife, then I met the love of my life, yet, I dare not touch it….

  Translated journals

  “Of course Angel…,” her reaction elated him.

  “You have been… I prayed you would not leave me,” she whispered in his ear, unwilling to let go.

  “Leave…?” he wanted to confess he would never leave. “I had the most wonderful and peculiar sleep vision,” he changed the subject, as she pulled away.

  Tuke walked up to the door to greet Tatiana and was surprised to see Dregous propped on his elbows. “By all that is holy!” he hurried in.

  Tatiana smiled brightly, “You must tell me over our evening meal,” she wiped her tears and allowed Tuke to examine him. The priest hugged him instead.

  “Planning an evening already, and without us, I see?” as he pulled away and began examining Dregous with a broad grin.

  “Still working on our first, only adding topics for discussion,” Dregous looked at her.

  “As you say…,” she looked between them. “…more topics, unless you wish otherwise?” she wanted to shout, he returned to her from the darkness.

  “What suits you is fine. Talk, be silent, dance…, as you desire will be my task to fulfill,” Dregous replied.

  “I must say, you had me quite worried,” Tuke confessed as they assisted him to sit. “How do you feel?”

  “That is an understatement,” Tatiana added. Dregous looked at them through his hair, with a doubtful expression. “What? It is true,” as though she read his mind.