Surface World 2

by Ed Montalvo

  Seeker pulled three over the edge for the militia. Back kicked another, catching his neck in the back of her knee, drawing him in. Then crouched, pulling him down and felt his neck pop. The goblin spasmed then stopped. Rem lifted his overhead and onto the latter sending all those crashing to the frozen ground. Tatiana watched for her signal, when she spotted missiles striking one goblin. She leapt on the edge and took flight.

  “Are you mad?” Ferden shouted.

  Tatiana saw the horde coming from three sides. The situation was frightening when she spotted Dregous gliding through the air. She saw the other mages spells strike the from the northeast side. Their effectiveness was little compared to a few days ago. They couldn’t cast powerful spells due to the magical drain.

  Gunthar walked the ranks studying his men and the people’s faces. He stopped and addressed them, “We have seen the return of the Ayrians… which can only mean one thing, a good omen. And, she fights with us!” The people responded, “They Ayrians know the goodness in people when they see it. Her trusted companions also join us, including a Drouwen!” his face stern and confident, “We cannot lose with their aid! The omens are too great to ignore…, we will fight greater than a thousand strong!” they cheered and signaled the battlement as he took his position with the infantry. The archers released their arrows, wave after wave, clearing the way. The signal was given to open the gates. Moments later Lawrence led the pseudo cavalry, charging and trampling all in their path. Gunthar led the footmen, readied to follow.

  He recalled what Dregous said when he leapt from the wall after the Curator translated, ‘The children must live.’ “We will be victorious, because we have something to fight for… for those who cannot!” they murmured. “We fight for our families,” they agreed loudly as they moved, “Our homes,” they cheered, “Our people…!” louder, “VICKTORY!” he cried, the men shouted. Gunthar fanatically chanted as he charged. Their numbers looked and sounded greater than a thousand. They maimed and killed the enemy as they came. Their infectious chant and frenzied state made them seem unstoppable.

  A hand full of men fell out of formation due to injury. Some goblins and Gnolls made their way to finish them. A Gnoll confronted a wounded knight. The knight shouted, “Victory,” as he thrusted weakly. The Gnoll grinned and lanced him. The knight continued to shout victory as he was impaled repeatedly to the frozen ground still trying to fight.

  The Knights following the foot soldiers with the towns people cheering them on, weakened the remaining goblins confidence. They held an unsteady ground. The people’s unbroken morale weakened them further.

  The citizens took arms and charged with the infantry, led by Meredith, a young barmaid shouting victory. She was infected by the frenzy. They finished the wounded the cavalry and infantry left behind.

  The Gnoll grew frightened as his houndlike ears fell back. He abandoned his spear and tried to retreat but the fallen Knight held his leg weakly shouting victory. The citizens caught the Gnoll and mauled him as he screeched in horror.

  Lawrence charge the main body with the footmen in tow. The goblin and Gnoll ranks broke and retreated. Those holding formation were trampled and hacked down. The one’s on the wall fled to the tree line. Gunthar’s voice cracked as he continued shouting victory with his men following suit.

  The horde was astound their spears had no effect on the cavalry. They lanced their chest and arms, yet they continued. Lawrence had a spear in his side and two arrows and continued as he shouted victory vigorously. His words echoed within the empty armors as though they shouted. The victory chant was infectious, and startled the enemy. The horde commanders tried to hold the line, but the chaos was beyond their control and started to fall back.

  Chapter 17

  Hindsight is more accurate than foresight. Hindsight is a road traveled, foresight is yet unseen.

  Excerpts from Blue–jays’ journals

  Tatiana slowed and took firm hold of Dregous. “Where to.”

  He pointed, “There,” she glided over the infantry. Dregous looked up and saw her lovely pale neck. He gazed at the slight tugging of her flexing muscles. He recalled his nightmare with the witch when she took flight, showing him the destruction he will cause and the lives he will take.

  She glanced and found him looking at her, “What is the matter?”

  “Nothing,” he lied, trying to still his fear.

  “The height?” she asked.

  “It is nothing?” he focused on the ground.

  “Are you certain?” she wasn’t convinced.

  The citizens ran behind the infantry. Patches of fire and smoke covered the battlefield. More flashbacks of his nightmare returned. He closed his eyes momentarily. The sky turned dark, the sun, a blooded moon. Fear made him shiver. The witch replaced Tatiana. She felt him tremble and tried to see his face but couldn’t. “Dregous?” nothing, “Dregous!” still nothing, “Gods… Dregous!” she shook him, “Please, not now… I am returning!”

  “No,” he growled through clenched teeth, “Continue.”

  “Dregous….”

  “Continue.” She reluctantly resumed gliding through the smoke and burnt flesh that filled the air. Tatiana sounded like the witch. They cleared the trees as he struggled to control himself and reached the ambush area, “Release me.”

  “But….”

  “Please!” she did and stood nearby.

  He cast the mist spell. When the area was covered, he summoned lightning bolts from his staff. It branched over the area, one after another. Trees exploded on contact as the mist became electrified. The enemy screamed and wailed. The archers rained arrows into the mist as Dregous continued his lightning summoning. Moments later their hidden numbers were revealed. It was a sizable force that could decimate the humans. Within the horde three mages cast spells striking Dregous with magical missiles.

  Tatiana tried to shield him, but the missiles were too fast. Dregous laughter startled her. “Fa romo fayhan nocmeh!” Dregous mused. Three more lightning bolts streamed from his staff. One tried to cast a spell as two fled. The lightning consumed the area, killing the mages. Hundreds of Goblins and Gnolls were electrified. The wounded fled toward the mountain.

  The infantry and town militia continue charging. Dregous caused chaos within the horde ranks, weakening their morale further. Gunthar cut one down and wondered where the lightning came from. This was farther than the mages planned on casting, when he spotted Dregous floating in the air with Tatiana beside him. He was grateful for his aid but knew the Drouwen’s light was slowly dimming. No one will ever know your sacrifice my friend…, Gunthar thought.

  Dregous stared at the slaughter in stunned silence. Tatiana fluttered to him and gently guided him back to the city. She wanted to scold him, instead, “What happen?”

  “I killed, so others may live,” he whispered.

  “But they are Goblins and Gnolls.”

  “Does that make their lives any less?” his reply left her without rebuttal.

  She hugged him ensuring support. The Ayrian beauty made him feel as though he’s found a home, “What was that for?”

  “It sounded like you needed a hug sweetie,” her eyes opened brightly. “Apologies,” her heart pounded so hard she feared he could hear it against her armor. “I did not mean to be familiar.”

  Dregous sighed, “You make me feel as though… I have found my way….”

  “How is it you tell me…, whatever suits you,” she held him tighter. The princess had no idea she was weakening his will. He wanted to tell the princess how much he loves her. The sky rumbled from the distant storm making its way in.

  The mages questioned his deviation. Dregous explained small numbers fleeing to the trees. They were slowly building and preparing to double back to overrun the knights from the rear.

  They accused him of endangering their lives. He remained silent and shut them out. One merely watched. His accusers argued, this is what they get for trusting a Drouwen.

  Tatiana fumed, and wanted
to smash their heads together. The princess knew they didn’t know what this is doing to him, “Sweetie,” she crouched to study his down cast eyes and hoped to get a smile. He gave her a weak grin, “Know this… we succeeded.”

  Again, she warmed him with her comment as he looked up, “Why are you so good to me?” he asked.

  Surprised, “You do not know?”

  He glanced as the last mage before exiting and gave Dregous a solemn look, “Truly.”

  She followed his gaze, “Truly?” He nodded. Tatiana thought of all her dreams of him since she could remember. She has been in love with him since childhood, “It is because you have saved…,” she glanced away. “I…, then…,” she blushed, “I am…,” she was afraid to confess. “I guess it is the way you look at me… talk to me, you make me feel special, as though I am the only person in front of you. I guess that is when, I, took a…, well, felt attached to you,” her cheeks turned deep red as she shrugged her shoulders.

  “You are the first person outside the empire I have grown… close to,” Dregous confessed as he tried to recall any such moment with his wife.

  “Truly?” the giddiness in Tatiana’s voice rang out like a little girl.

  He looked away, his blood flushed his cheeks, “Um, very close,” he whispered.

  “Very close is a little vague?” her voice was husky and soft. She wished his confession.

  Dregous couldn’t look at her; his beating chest was deafening. He took her hand and placed it over his heart. Tatiana froze, realizing it conveyed a powerful message with its long hard thumps. A need and longing only she could fill.

  The princess was shocked and frightened as she looked at his chest, then melted. His heart felt like it wanted to burst from his ribs, “Dear Ukko,” she breathed. They gazed into each other’s eyes. Tatiana’s lips trembled, the world faded to silence. She wanted to do the same as they stood with her hand on his chest feeling his message. She gave in, and caressed his face.

  “My lady,” he startled her. The young knight noted her reaction. “Is all well,” he glimpsed the Drouwen.

  “I am fine,” she cleared her throat, “What may I do for you sir Knight?” she faced him glancing Dregous.

  The Knight followed her eyes then back to her, “Ferden is wounded, and wishes to see you.”

  “Wounded…? take me to him,” she glimpsed the mage, “Dregous….”

  “This way my lady.”

  “Are you sure you wish my company?”

  “Of course, did you not tell me you will always be by my side,” she beamed, “Besides he wants to meet you.” The Knight escorted them and wondered why Ferden would want to meet the Dark Elf. He guided them through the makeshift hospice. There were many injured and suffering on cots and the floor. The priests and acolyte were overwhelmed tending them.

  Tuke gently greeted the princess and Dregous. Seeker handed him bandages as she greeted the couple. A beautiful Elven child stood beside her. They were changing Jarred’s bandages. Millie sat opposite them, weeping. Tatiana recognized him, he was the farmer struck with four arrows carrying the children.

  Many reached out and pleaded the Ayrian’s blessing as she passed. It wasn’t in her to deceive, but couldn’t leave without aiding their discomfort. She went from cot to cot praying, Ukko would ease their suffering and kissing their foreheads. It wounded her to see so much sorrow and masked the worry from her lovely face.

  Her presence calmed the injured. Their reaction warmed and broke her heart. She left her prejudice of the past in the past. These people were innocent to those crimes….

  The prince was amazed the effect she had on them. He didn’t want to undo the good she was doing and discretely hastened ahead to Ferden. The short distance felt like an eternity. Many cried mercy and coward as he passed. The prince entered another section, he looked back and sighed, grateful he didn’t have to endure anymore. He bumped a small table. A man lying on a cot breathed, “Tatiana…?”

  The Knight’s lustful thoughts for Tatiana leapt to him. The prince’s heart raced with an unfathomable rage. He stepped closer and saw in his eyes, a deceiver. “It is Dregous,”

  “Where is she?” he wheezed, a female acolyte finished dressing his wounds.

  “She will be here shortly,” he leaned closer as the acolyte exited and whispered, “If you were not dying I would kill you for your thoughts.”

  Ferden leered, “We kissed, before the battle,” he shook from the pain, but kept his eyes on the mage.

  “Like her, it was innocent,” his stony face revealed no deception.

  “How is he?” Tatiana’s musical voice filled the room. Dregous straightened stepping back. Ferden grinned. She sat by his side, “How are you?” she brushed his hair from his forehead and innocently kissed his cheek.

  “That made it all feel better…. I wish to see the angel before death claims me.”

  “Do not say that, the clerics will mend you shortly,” she caressed his face. Dregous’s heart fell when Tatiana spoke tenderly. Her mind and heart should be his, though he had no claim to them. “I wish to express my gratitude. You made me feel so welcomed.” The mage’s spirit soared hearing her comment. “I left you at the battlement, what happened?” she slid her hand to his chest.

  He trembled from the pain, “When you leapt, I used the latter your friend cleared to join the fray,” he groaned.

  “Rem…, our dear sweet friend….”

  The males made eye contact. Dregous wanted to smile, to further break Ferden spirit. He looked between the odd couple and realized it wasn’t Rem. The one she spoke of was the Drouwen. For the first time in years the noble Knight within surfaced. He wanted to inform Dregous of Tatiana’s love for him. It was stunning, an angelic looking figure and demonic one fell in love, yet apart. He tried to speak, when his strength failed, closing his eyes. His hand went limp on hers.

  The princess felt him slip away, “Ferden?” She studied his face a moment, then gently kissed his cheek. “May Ukko bless you for being so sweet to me.” His death guilted her.

  The Knight relieved her of Ferden’s hand, “Forgive me my lady…,” and motioned the acolytes.

  Tatiana stared blankly at Ferden’s face and interrupted him, “I am Princess Tatiana Brouka of the Ayrian Kingdom,” she announced softly.

  Dregous senses came to life, alarmed they may fight in a hospice as he stepped behind her gently touching her shoulder ensuring support. He saw her reason for revealing her Nobility. The humans awaited the Ayrian’s for over a century and welcomed their return. Dregous trusted no one when it came to the princess. He would destroy all for her.

  They remained silent awaiting further explanation. She reached into her breastplate revealing a chained pendant signifying her birthright, then freed the ring, slid it on and extended her hand. Her eyes low, traditional of all royal Ayrians, expecting homage.

  The Knight was overwhelmed, kneeled and kissed her ring, then hand. He was unsure if his reactions were motivated by her unearthly beauty, or the confidence of her birthright.

  “Please inform the magistrate,” Tatiana reached over and rested her pale hand on Dregous’s, and thought how much she loved him.

  “As you will,” he left.

  Dregous ensure they were alone. “If things do not go as you hope.”

  “I know…,” she nodded. “You need not stay,” she closed her eyes trying to keep her tears from spilling and prayed Ukko for strength.

  “Is this a choice?”

  She felt her heart break. He was going to leave her, “As I said,” she hoarsely whispered. “I am not your princess. I am your… friend… for as long as you want me,” she felt alone, facing a horde of humans, ready to display her as a trophy. She looked away and caught the image in a glass with him standing behind her. An image she had frequently seen as a child. It was comforting.

  The heavy sorrow caved his chest, her sadness broke him, “If the choice be mine Princess…, come what may, I would stand with you…,” and helped her up.
He leaned closer, “I will always stand with you, in life…, or in death,” his voice softened, gazing into her eyes.

  She tried to hold back her tears, but they streamed through. “You are dearly sweet…,” the princess whispered, not daring to say more. He would always be there for me. He escaped death twice to be at my side, she thought.

  ***

  Word spread of the horde’s attack, the return of the Ayrian’s and the assistance of the Drouwen. Two days has passed since. The cleaning and repairs were underway. The damaged trees were trimmed to promote growth. The carpenter’s guild used the timber from the trees for repairs. The city was guarded day and night with the aid of the neighboring town. Volunteers labored digging a trench from the river to the damaged woods.

  The council hall was assembled with Gunthar and his two escorts. The magistrate and his new aid sat in the center against the wall with two representatives of each guild. The carpentry, the smiths, the craftsman, the tanners, the lives stock and farmers lined the wall of this circular hall as they murmured.

  Ceron’s replacement aid, Waylon, shouted, “This meeting will come to order!” and banged the mallet base. It took a few moments for them to settle down. The aid continued, “The honorable magistrate Ceron of Kal, the city of Riverdale calls upon the learned, the skilled and the people to discuss the new comers. The long-awaited return of the Ayrians and the Drouwen,” then passed the mallet over to the magistrate, and took his seat as the assembly muttered.

  “Well done Waylon. That was eloquently said,” Ceron complimented. “Now…, we have an unusual situation.” Some members commented their agreement in a low tone. “We have in our presence an Ayrian, but not just an Ayrian, a member of their king’s court. In fact, it is the king’s daughter that sits in our beloved city,” he paused, allowing them to absorb the information. “The princess is accompanied by a half Aquatic Elf, a lovely human female, also a well-known and beloved man, Tuke Flaring of the east. A good and selfless…,”