Surface World 2

by Ed Montalvo

  “Well, as far as I can tell,” he answered Tuke sadly. then glanced at Tatiana, “With all due respect…”

  Rem peeked, “Holy mother of heaven,” then entered, “I have to admit, you scared the feathers off me,” he jested, “It is good to see you up again,” and hugged him.

  Rem surprised Tatiana, “There, even Rem was concerned… besides, try telling that to those you saved, especially the children.”

  “I must inform Angelique,” Rem left.

  “Curious you mentioned that, I sleep vision a boy.”

  “What about,” she sat on the bed trying to hide her worry. Tuke was on the other side examining Dregous’s rear shoulder with a mystic spell and glanced at her. He was unsure who it was, but a small hand took his. Though he couldn’t see they spoke for a while. He couldn’t remember their discussion. He did recall, he had to leave and that all will be as it should, then looked at Tatiana.

  “Tuke?” Tatiana asked with a concerned tone.

  “I cannot say…. However, we did find a boy with you. Though we did not hear, he whispered you, then left.”

  “I was not visioning?”

  “Not exactly, you see, the boy we saw, we thought he was the one you saved…”

  Dregous interrupted, “I saved?”

  “As I said,” Tuke straightened. “After he left, an acolyte entered with the lad.” Tatiana studied Dregous as Tuke explained.

  She gently rubbed Dregous’s back, “…Wait, shortly after the witch, you told me you dreamt of an angel?”

  “I have forgotten….”

  “An angel? This is positively tingling,” Tuke chimed.

  They smiled, “You know of the witch,” Dregous started.

  “As you said,” Tuke intrigued.

  He smirked, “An angel came to me. Or at least I thought it was. She spoke, though I cannot recall her words either, other than, ‘rest’.”

  “Fascinating,” Tuke mused. “Has this happened any other occasion…, back home?” he paced rubbing his chin.

  Dregous shook his head, “No…, wait. I had many sleep visions of a black male as a child….” He described the birdman.

  Tuke knew by his description, it was the God of knowledge and wisdom, called Thoth, from his homeland. “Curious, most curious indeed,” lost in thought. “I must bring this to the mages and clergy. They may add insight to mine.” He was mystified why an ancient Egyptian god would reach out to a foreigner.

  Tatiana took Tuke’s arm and walked him to the door, “What does this mean?” she searched his eyes as Dregous was deep in thought.

  Tuke stole a glance at him, “I am unsure my dear, but as near as I can tell, divine forces are leading or pulling our dear friend for their means. To what end, eludes me. I must consult the priests and magi to learn further. Fear not, we will find a solution,” he assured her.

  “My gratitude…,” she leaned closer. “…am I going to lose him?” she whispered.

  His eyes down cast, “I do not know,” his voice gentle. Her unbridled love for the Dark Elf displayed through her lovely near white eyes.

  “What of the battle?” Dregous asked.

  “Do not concern yourself with that my friend,” he said gently.

  He sighed, “I may lend aid…, …Angel?”

  She looked between them, restricting a frown, “It continues… though we do not bode well.”

  “Lord Gunthar will explain,” Tuke padded Tatiana’s hand and exited with a cheery smile hoping to discover what forces are manipulating his friend. She hugged him and planted an innocent kiss on Tuke’s cheek. He looked at her, “Oh, what was that for?”

  “For being so sweet to us.”

  “I must confess I am enjoying these rewards… I feel elated!” he smiled. “That is by far better than the first,” he exited with a grin.

  Dregous felt heavy hearted and couldn’t smile. He noticed he was in a gown. Sliding off the bed he grabbed the sides, spread it wide seeing his slender toes, then regarded Tatiana with a curious expression.

  “Ah, um, you see…, um… I…,” she stretched blushing brightly, turned away recalling his nudity, “Changed your clothes…,” she didn’t know what to do with her hands, “…and never mind,” she spat. “Apologies, I….”

  “…tended me,” he finished sadly.

  Tatiana saw his eyes dim and redefine his conclusion, “No, I…, well, I think you are reading too much into it,” she came closer and remembered his details and blushed. The room felt warm.

  “My clothes Angel,” he dismissed the subject.

  “There,” she pointed to a small table by the bed. The princess didn’t want to leave him alone and turned to give him privacy. She faced a mirror and thought exasperatedly, Truly!

  “Oblige,” he replied, “Tell me, what did the boy do when he entered?” She gently cleared her throat and decided to enjoy the view. The room got even warmer as she thought what it would be like to lie with him. “Tatiana, are you still there?” he half turned exposing a bit more than she expected.

  She saw his lower front, her eyes flashed wide then snapped away, cleared her throat again, as her heart drummed in her ears, “What, here… I am, what?” her eyes wide and innocent.

  The sound of her voice eased him, “The boy?” he wondered why she sounded nervous.

  “The boy… um; what about him?” she flustered.

  “Are you well Angel?” She was silent. “The boy, when he came in?”

  “Oh him, what he said. Well, really, he said nothing. He just took your hand and looked at you until he fell asleep,” she shifted her weight.

  He threw his robe on as he turned, “Was that all?” It was comforting knowing someone needed him. Seeing Dregous nude while unconscious was one thing, see him conscious was another and it frightened her. “Are you well?” he repeated.

  “I am,” she stifled a squeal and prayed her voice didn’t betray her though her reaction did.

  “Are you sure?” he glanced and caught her turning away from the mirror as his garment covered, then felt the room get warm.

  She cleared her throat again, “As I said, I am fine. Why?”

  “You… sounded different,” Dregous didn’t want anyone knowing of their tender moments, though innocent. Those moments belong to him and Tatiana.

  A knock came on the door frame, “Am I intruding?” Lord Gunthar asked.

  “Not at all, please come in,” relieved someone unknowingly rescued her.

  Gunthar entered, “Your friend Remmon spread the word you awoke, so I came as soon as I could,” he took the princess’s hand, “My lady… always a pleasure,” kissed it gently. “Lord Dregous…” he started.

  The prince raised two fingers, “Dregous would do just fine my Lord. I am a foreigner and hope a friend.”

  “Foreigner or no you are still a Lord… …get used to it,” he stepped closer with a smile. “She never gave up. …I must admit, I thought you would not awaken. Though I am glad you did, and as you say. I like the sound of that…, friend. Oh, before I forget. I wish to invite you both to a feast at our hall when this crisis is over.” Gunthar looked between them.

  “We would be honored,” Tatiana responded.

  After the pleasantries, Gunthar explained their situation and their plan. Dregous warned it was a trap. As they talked, Tatiana searched Dregous’s pack and recalled he had already given the information. The knight confessed it was lost during their retreat. Dregous recalled dreamingly putting crumpled scrolls into his cloak, “Wait,” he reached in and extended it.

  “How in the name did you get this?” Lord Gunthar was astonished.

  “That is unimportant, what is, you now have the information.”

  He briefed it then addressed Dregous, “Why did you not say you recovered it?”

  “I thought you might have taken my word. Though it seems the river flows in one direction,” he straightened his cloak and robe as if it meant nothing. There was nothing he could hide from the princess. Dregous looked like an orphan se
eking acceptance and finding none. Her heart bled for that lost boy. She resisted the urge to shelter him.

  The mages words stung him. Gunthar stepped to Tatiana, nodded and headed out, stopped, “I look forward in seeing you both at the hall.” A knight came and whispered him. Gunthar’s expression changed as the knight left.

  “Lord Knight,” Dregous said. He looked back, his expression different, “There will be no feast if you discount me,” he repeated, the Knight retreated silently.

  “Dregous…” Tatiana started.

  “No… do not…, please do not say it,” he faced the mirror to make himself presentable by preparing his mask.

  She suppressed a shudder from his coldness, wondering why he shut her out. Like him, she was innocent. He unintentionally made her feel alone as he finished.

  Tatiana examined his eyes, something was missing. It seemed the more he tried to gain the humans favor the more he loses a part of himself. She feared their continued stay, would destroy him.

  ***

  As dawn came the southern sky was growing dark, promising a cold storm from the sea by evening. A chilled breeze swept snow dust along the ground. Leaves tumbled through the empty streets along with flurries whipping around corners forming tiny dust devils.

  The towers destruction disheartened the town. Most of the mages were killed or injured. The defenders hoped the horde didn’t have anymore of what destroyed the towers. On the battlement, the knights dressed in padding, others in leather armor. The Calvary was positioned by the main gate. Empty suits of armor were strapped to the mounts and lances secured to the chest plates and arms, supported by the saddle horn. The wind whipped snow dust about the horses’ legs. Trainers tied the steeds together to insure they moved in formation. Lawrence prepared to ride the lead mare.

  Soldiers lined the battlement. Three ballistae were prepared during the night. Two small lance launchers mounted on tracks along the wall. The third on the ground, loaded with a small oil keg. Other kegs were piled nearby. Chiseled squared sandstones soaked in oil were stored next to their war machine.

  Three mages waited in the ruined watchtowers. Dregous had a tower to himself. From his view, the tree line was close to the Northeast wall. The wall he summoned had a breach.

  Seeker handed Gunthar a scroll from Dregous with instructions to cast onto Lawrence’s armor. The enchantment would amplify the sound the knight makes as though they were triple their number. Lord Knight Gunthar suited in chain mail, confirmed with his sub commanders their readiness. Hidden archers at the battlement awaited their signal.

  Tatiana tried to still her excitement at the wall fidgeting with a javelin. Her meeting with Dregous was concerning. She wondered why he was certain their scheme was flawed. He convinced her the mage’s plan required alteration, since they disregarded his guidance. The council was confident their strategy was sound. The element of unpredictability from a single thread would throw the horde ranks into chaos. So long as the humans held formation, their losses will be few and may win the day.

  The wind wrapped her long black hair around her pale graceful neck and face. She glanced at Rem on the far end, holding his friends’ sword. Opposite him, Seeker held a longbow and set arrows aside. Tatiana’s near white eyes contrast against her black hair. The knights were astonished by her bright eyes and unearthly beauty. Many wondered how she befriended a Dark Elf. A couple of the Knights chatted with her. She politely responded. A junior Knight was annoyed his approaches went ignored and made a comment. “Excuse me?”

  “Oh Nothing…,” he mumbled another comment.

  “Excuse me, sir knight?” she set the javelin against the ramparts. Her instinct for fighting got the best of her.

  “Easy now, no need to get ruffled, we must remain perched,” A hand full chuckled, others less amused and suggested his silence.

  Tatiana suddenly felt alone and ashamed. With a stern defiance, she was determined to put him in his place. Her heart pulse with the urge to lop his head, but kept her cool and walked over stopping by a bucket of water. Making a mental note of her defenders, she recalled what Dregous said at the mountain regarding her smile, then softened her voice, “Forgive me, my mind is elsewhere…”

  “Your attention is all I required. When this is over, we can share a meal…?” he gave her a bright smile.

  “Oh, that sounds lovely, providing we live the day.”

  “I will ensure we will.”

  “Will that be all we will share?” she batted her eyes.

  “Not if you wish otherwise,” he confidently leaned closer.

  Tatiana’s eyes falsely lit up, “I have never been with anyone… I look forward to our meal and…,” she smiled looking at him, “You will be my first.”

  Her eyes momentarily stole his senses, “Um, we can skip the meal if you choose…, perhaps a private discussion now?” he breathed.

  His closeness was uncomfortable and sweet voice made her skin crawl. “I agree…, this may be my last day…,” she replied. A constable padded the Knights’ shoulder. He passed Tatiana, as she reached for the pale of icy water and dumped it on his head. He squealed and stiffened. A smile curled her full lips. She guided him to the edge and pushed him off the battlement. He fell onto a pile of hay, “For your ill manners boy,” she added. Those at the battlement chuckled. One called out, if he felt like a stud. More giggled. Another commented, he looks like one now. Tatiana walked back with a smirk, feeling satisfied. She didn’t have to beat him senseless. Perhaps there is something to no violence, she thought.

  “Hello, I am called Ferden,” one of her defenders’ introduced.

  She regarded him pleasantly but cautious, “Pleasure…, I am….”

  “Who does not know who you are my lady,” he looked over the edge, “I am pleased your wrath has not extended.”

  “Would you like it so?” she raised a brow.

  “Not exactly,” he looked back, “The view is grander here.”

  Tatiana giggled softly, “Fair enough.”

  “Forgive me for saying so my lady but you have a most musical laughter.”

  She blushed, “That was sweet…. You are?”

  They had a polite conversation regarding the past relationship between their people’s. Ferden apologized, ensuring they needn’t fear the stupidity of the past.

  “My people are peaceful. Many humans lost their way in the mountains. Our scouts relocate them in the cover of night.”

  “You are forgiving,” Ferden noted.

  “Forgiving but not as trusting.”

  He held his silence, then, “Forgive my boldness, but is there someone special?”

  Surprised, “Um… me? There is, very special,” her eyes lit up and looked to the fields thinking of Dregous. She whispered solemnly, “Very special.”

  “Is it the Dark One?”

  “What made you ask that?” she studied him.

  “A guess my lady.”

  “The one that stole my heart is sweet, kind and gentle,” she chuckled, “The things he has done is quite amazing. At the mountain, we heard something coming and confronted them. I hissed him to return, he ignored me. It wasn’t long before he slayed them,” Tatiana answered.

  “How many were there?”

  She looked to the heavens and remembered the look on Dregous’s face when he killed them, “There were many…, though it did not matter to him.”

  “My lady, you speak of a hero or legend.”

  “I did not think you would believe me. I have trouble believing it myself…, even my friends witnessed it.” Ferden opened his mouth to speak when someone shouted, they’re coming!

  Less than a third of the soldiers were seasoned combatants. The anxiety rushed through their veins with anticipation. The ground seemed to move as they mobilized into formation. Their rhythmic marching gnawed at their nerve, an unintentional psychological effect. It was terrifying. Tatiana reclaimed her javelin, “So much for pleasant conversations,” she readied her shield, looked at Rem, smiled bright
ly winking at him. He returned the smile and gave an informal salute with a wink making her blush.

  “I disagree. It was delightful, till they ruined it.” He noticed her smiling and winking at Rem. He is fortunate to have won her love, Ferden thought.

  She looked at Seeker. She winked at the princess. Tatiana returned the smile and winked. “You are sweet,” she kissed Ferden’s cheek innocently.

  The Knight’s face couldn’t accommodate his grin, “I am grateful.”

  “Would you like to meet my friends? I know they would be happy to meet you.”

  “I have seen them but not the pleasure of meeting. I would be honored. Oh, they quickened their pace. Ready my lady.”

  The Gnolls howled and the goblins screeched as they charged hurdling spears. Archers released their arrow over the wall striking the support of the charging horde. The defenders suffered little casualties as the mass pressed on. Some scurried dragging the dead next to the war machines. More body parts were launched over the wall.

  Tatiana raised her shield deflecting some spears. Others guarded behind the battlement. Two were hit and fell back. Another caught a spear in his face. The mages joined using fire and lightning spells, still they came.

  The princess looked over the wall hurtling her spear impaling one through the neck. She wondered how long have they’ve gathered their forces before stumbling on them. She crouched, “Their numbers seem endless.”

  “Aye, that it does,” he replied. Some goblins and Gnolls went unnoticed fleeing to the trees throughout the battle.

  The rear goblin ballista launched fiery missiles into the city. The towns people responded to control the flames. The ballista returned fired targeting the enemy’s artillery. Two of the three missed killing a handful of Goblins and Gnolls. One grazed the catapults’ launching arm, forcing the stone onto the operators killing them. The goblins and Gnolls attacked from all side. The humans desperately fended them off while the mages focused on the two main bodies attacking from the northeast and southeast near the tree line.

  Gnolls scaled the battlement. Tatiana wing flicked one as she evaded, thrusting another about to strike Ferden while he fought one. She then kicked the third over the wall. The princess looked for Rem and Angelique.