by James Day
The Mystic Dayven and remaining company rode up the cobblestone streets as they passed fairs and markets where people sold their wares. Cooked meats burned and watered their lips as they ate the rations they were given. The city of Mayens Hall was alive with stone structure homes and large glass windows. Patrols made their way around without harassing anyone as they nodded to the Mystic. The people were happy to have them in their city. The Mystics provided protection and security against any outside force that would come to lay waste to the city. The Fire Imps had not come to the city nor burned any of the outlying farms. Silks and weapons were sold at cheap prices as coin and gold exchanged hands. Dwarven Women assisted in the selling of weapons. They were short and stocky and wore dresses down to their ankles. They had thick hair rolled into buns as stocky shoulders made them a little larger than the average human. The chubby faces were lined perfectly with little button noses and bushy eyebrows. Each dwarven lady held a belt with a short sword. They remained in competition with the Gnome Woman who had long hair and were a little shorter that the dwarves. They were not a as bulky and had beautiful colored eyes. They often haggled with their counterparts over price, turf, and race relations. For the most part they got along because the trade at Mayens Hall was so great that everyone turned a profit. All Dwarven and Gnome Woman were expected to enroll and join the patrols for a sixth month stent. They were catalogued and trained by the small army which controlled Mayens Hall. Shydrie saw some She-Elves selling wares and potions that were made. She found it to be in distaste. They had abandoned their homeland to come and live alongside the races. Llyendrie sensing her mood changed put his arm around her and she let the anger go.
“Do not be angry,” Llyendrie said as he watched them, and they looked at her with some resentment. “They want to live here and be free of the Elven Homeland. They have that right. Everyone should be free to do what they feel is right.”
“But they have been exiled and shame our Elven heritage, selling potions like common thieves.” Then she was quiet for a moment and thought about it. “Maybe I am wrong. They deserve to be happy and love what they do. They deserve to free.”
“Like we are?” he asked, and she smiled.
“There will be a time where we will have to return to the Queen and King. We have betrayed them, and I think they know it.”
“Queen Ellandree has a soft heart and will give us pardon. I think she knew we were in love.”
Then Shydrie told Llyendrie the night she had come to her during his training and swore her words to secrecy. Llyendrie gave a funny look then shrugged his shoulders. They left the secret alone and told no one else about what had been sent.
Women and men came out with baskets of meats and breads and handed them to the company who grabbed them and ate. For the first time they were not eating cold rations. They were hailed as heroes as a line along the street developed on both sides as the Mystics were cheered on.
Dwarf Assassin Razor shunned the people away and gave them looks. Then a female dwarf came up to him with a smile and winked.
“Have some venison,” she ordered him, and he listened and took it from her. “Smile, you are well liked. I can tell you mourn a comrade in arms. Remember him and fight for him when you go back out. It is the honor and creed of an Assassin Dwarf.”
“Thank you,” he managed letting down his guard for a moment. His hardened eyes softened as she gave him a mug of ale. He gulped it down in one shot and handed her the mug.
“You can find me selling silks in the bazaar,” she winked and walked away. Then she turned, “My name is Lilyth.”
“Preposterous,” he said under his breath. “I would never settle down.” It would be too dangerous for him to start a family because of his trade. His enemies would hunt them down and kill him. He could not imagine having a normal life. He lived for the thrills and kills, but still something about her intrigued him and he thought about it for a while as they walked up the hills as the sun continued moving west. The heat of the day became unbearable as they continued marching toward the fortress. Gnomes and Dwarves passed them by going about their business as the woman counted the monies from the day’s trades. Hostels were full of people who stayed for one day and would go onto Blue Shimmer to gather up fish to bring back and sell to the markets. That was a few days trip, and fish was cut up and salted to keep it fresh and from going bad. Also, trout went upstream on the outskirts of the city to be caught by nets and fisherman who stayed by the small lakes that pooled throughout the valley.
Vegetables were thrown into carts and donkeys pulled them alongside the Whip, a raging river that led to Blue Shimmer. Onions, potatoes, carrots, squash, beans, peas, fruits from apples to pears and nectarine were gathered for the journey. The trade went on and kept the city alive. It was also known that the dwarves had built and underground sewer system to eliminate the waste of the city. It was kept under control to make sure the surrounding waters were not poisoned. Human waste was used as fertilizer along with other animal excretion. The city kept the fresh water flowing for all. They recycled everything even down to the discarded pewter beer mugs.
The Mystic Dayven had sent word to the Patrols of Mayens Hall to watch out for the Fire Imps. He explained that they were creatures of faerie and would attempt to infiltrate the city. If their numbers were low, then the killing would be kept to a minimum. It the attack was huge then army would have to hunt them down and deploy the city dwellers to take up arms. The Mystics thought about it and decided they would react when they got into Mayens Hall. A protective dome could be placed over the city to keep it from any assault. The Mystics Hall had employed magic to keep the creatures from overrunning the city. Right now, it was a safe haven for all.
They reached the fortress and crossed the bridge. The magic that had employed to defend the city lie sleeping like a giant to be awoken.
They traveled through the halls to a main chamber. Inside there was a large circular table with dozens of chairs. It was where the Mystics made all of their decisions. Rockdwellers guarded the main halls, their large rock like frames stood guard dressed in armor. They were docile creatures, but great fighters. The followed orders and obeyed. The Rockdwellers were intelligent and used hand signals to send orders to the others. Only the leaders utter words if needed. Most were thought to be mute, but they were not They just waited and kept watch. Some had left their homes from Southlands to come to Mayens Hall to serve. The Mystic Dayven had previously encountered them and brought a dozen with him. He had befriended them. Some decided to stay and defend the fortress to their deaths.
The company was sent to their rooms to freshen up and eat a warm meal. They changed their clothes and boots. Baths were drawn for them as they relaxed, but they knew it would be short lived. They would meet again at dusk to discuss the next portion of their trip.
Shydrie and Llyendrie had been given the same room to stay in and they did not know what to make of it. Nothing was said by the company, but she enjoyed Llyendrie’s company and they were able to talk and discuss matters of the heart.
They sat at a table and ate a full course dinner and was served by a Rockdweller. He understood their orders and left them to themselves when they asked for some privacy.
“Maybe we made an error,” Shydrie the She-Elf Warrior said to her lover. “We need to decide whether or not we are going to continue this relationship.”
Llyendrie was in shock for a moment as his heart raced. “Shydrie why do you say those things?”
“Because we have lost so many Spellmakers, the guardsman, the Elven Knights and Gnome Assassin Dirk. If only we had been more attentive. Perhaps their deaths would not have happened. I was sent to keep the Spellmakers from dying and I have failed. I have failed you as well.”
“No, you have not failed. You have shown me that I can be a Spellmaker in love. I used all of my strength to bring you back from the edge of death.”
“I am grateful for that, but I think we should reconsider our relationship. Tonigh
t, I will stay in my own room. I will check on you to make sure you are alright. The Rockdwellers have been stationed at our rooms.”
“Shydrie,” he called after her as she rose and left the room. He sat there in silence looking at the empty chair.
Prince Grandur unsheathed the Sword of Shannon as the Bounty Huntress put on a new set of clothes. She appeared warn and tired from her battle with Dark Fae Warlocks’ minion. They sat and ate lamb which was served on a platter. They drank wine and clinked their wineglasses over five lit candles in a holder.
“I couldn’t believe that the sword stopped the giants hand from crushing you. It just broke the fingers off. Then it penetrated the other hand. The sword must be imbued with faerie magic. I wonder what else it can do?”
“Let’s hope that we don’t need to find that out Payne Axel. It is a gift and maybe it will slay dragons. We shall soon see,” she trailed off quietly.
“I know you, what is wrong?” He asked looking her in the eyes.
“Don’t you miss our daughter?”
“Of course, I do, but she is in good hands. The Elven Knight Gradrei stands watch over her as does my brother. She will be fine. This quest is coming to an end.”
“Yes, it is, but I sense a danger. The Dark Fae Warlock is powerful and it he is planning his next move. We have lost too many of our company. The Spellmakers are dwindling down and we have to travel to Fire Rock Crater and retrieve the Hearthstone Sword. I am unsure if my cousin is up to the task,” she said with some concern.
“Why would you say that?”
“Because of our losses. He has needed our help every step of the way. This new Warlock is powerful, and I fear he is planning on some new monster to destroy us.”
“We are safe in Mayens Hall,” the Prince said as he pointed to the Sword of Shannon. “It is not glowing, so we are not in any danger. Do not worry Noleann, have some faith in the company. We will be fine. Do not let doubt eat away at your determination. That is what the Warlock wants. He wants us to doubt ourselves and our abilities. Do not doubt your cousin, Dayven. He is a Mystic and an immensely powerful one. He will plan our next move against the Warlock.”
She kissed her husband on the lips and held him for a moment. They embraced and drank some wine. It was the first time in a long time that they had alone time. She trusted the Prince with her very life, but the doubts still overshadowed her.
Could Dayven beat the Warlock?
After everyone had eaten, they had been summoned to the chamber room where all of the decisions would be made. Each sat around the table. The guardsman had been lost and only four Spellmakers remained alive. O’Dea attempted to cheer up the Dwarf Assassin Razor, but he was distraught. The Mystic Assassin had been given the order to protect the remaining Spellmakers and avoided most of the battles.
“We have lost many,” the Mystic Dayven uttered the words breaking the silence. “But we are not defeated in this quest. We shall obtain our goal. O’Dea and Gnome Assassin Razor will keep track of the Spellmakers. She-Elf Warrior, your talents are needed with us. If we are to defeat the Warlock, then you must assist us. Will you take on this new charge?”
“I have my doubts,” Shydrie admitted. “We need to go now to Fire Rock Crater and obtain the Hearthstone Sword and find the Red Faeriestone. That is our only matter. The Spellmakers will be the only ones to figure out how to dispel the magical trap that the red stone is tainted with. But I will take on this new charge, but you Mystic Assassin must promise that you will keep them safe. You and the Dwarf.”
“It will be done,” O’Dea said banging his fist on the table. Dwarf Assassin Razor jabbed his knife into the table.
“I will destroy that Dark Fae Warlock if it’s the last thing I do,” he said angrily. “But I will keep the Spellmakers safe.”
“Payne Axel and Noleann you must be ready to attack the Warlock when he comes. There must be no hesitation. He will come to do battle and bring some new monster to the Dark Fae to defeat us. Each one becomes more powerful. He is getting desperate. He has vowed that I will be the last to live. I will do battle with him.”
“You are not strong enough,” Dunnganon sounded shocking the others. “We must act as one to defeat the faerie magic. It is the only way. We must have each other’s backs and not falter. We cannot afford to lose anyone else. We must retain the Hearthstone Sword and use the might of our power to triumph over this Dark Fae Warlock. His magic lies in the iron rod staff. It is in the orb. Destroy that and you will destroy his power.”
“Can that be done?” O’Dea inquired. “After all, it is faerie magic.”
“I do not know,” Dayven simply admitted to the company. “His magic is all powerful and he keeps his dark followers busy. We are fighting on three different fronts, the faerie magic, the Dark Fae Elven Wolves, and the Fire Imps. We need to keep smart and outwit him. We can take the underground passageways out of here and be on our way at first morning’s light.
“We are always on the run,” Prince Grandur said indignantly. “We need to take a stand here. This is your home. I am sure it can be done. We have to weaken him, injure him.”
“That will not be easy,” Dayven said as his father shook his head and kept quiet. “But we will try.”
“I’ve ordered double guards at every door tonight. If something gets through, we will act. I will stand the first guard for the evening.”
“I will take second watch,” the Boy-Mystic agreed.
“Then it is settled. We leave tomorrow morning bright and early.”
The stable boys were five in total as they slept in the hay on the barn. The majority of horses were held and fed for individuals that would travel a day into the city and leave their steed for care. The boys lit the night lamps and kept watch as they heard howling’s in the distance. The oldest boy had a broadsword as he watched the last of the sellers take in the wares for the night. The tables and tents were taken down as everyone settled in for a long night’s rest. The four other stable boys were taking up their positions and turned the lamps low for the night’s sleep. The great barn doors were closed as a knock on the door. It was the Dwarf Woman Lilyth. She brought them some milk, cakes, and cookies for the night. The leader of the stable boys invited her for a little while. She had her special horse at the end of the barn which she tended to every night. She wanted to brush him down and spend some time with him on this dark night. She moved quickly to the last stall in the barn and there were gigantic empty crates that were in holding pen. The boy’s did not have time remove it and they promised her the wooden boxes would be gone by tomorrow morning. She tended to her horse as she heard them make conversation of the comings and goings of the Mystics. One of the stable boys told the others he would one day become a Mystic when he was old enough. She hummed a sweet song and fed the horse a carrot. Then she heard a gurgling noise. At first, she did not think anything of it, but then she peered to the side. The stable boys were nowhere to be found. Then a horse screamed and was silent. Then another let out a yelp and was heard falling to the ground. Lilyth climbed into the crate and covered it as she held her breath for a long moment. A groaning was heard as something was scampering through the barn. One of the boys screamed out and was silenced. Then the noise came closer as the she could hear the quick killing of the horses in the barn. Then she heard her own animal scream out and drop to the ground. She waited for what seemed to be an eternity. Her hands shook as she stood in the dark of stable. Then she retained some of the courage an lifted the cover of the crate. Her horse lay dead with a ripped open neck. She climbed out and opened the gate. As she passed each gate, they were all dead. Then she came upon a stable boy, his throat slashed with his head nearly taken off. She went down all of them were dead, cut down by some kind of creature. Then she found the four other stable boys with their throats slit. She heard a scratching at the barn door. She inched up against the wall as the doors swung open and she drew her sword.
It was Dwarf Assassin Razor.
He guided
her through the streets watching for the Fire Imps, but none had been discovered. She explained that she heard only one noise in the barn, and it could not have been more than one creature. He guided her down the streets toward the Mystic Hall. The Dwarf Assassin explained that he wanted to feed his horse and see it at the stables. He told her he needed to get out of the closed quarters of the Mystic Hall. Then he surmised it must have been one Fire Imp which destroyed the fifty horses in the barn. Now the company had nothing to ride out on. This would prove to become dangerous. Then he saw red flashes leaping over rooftops around alleyways as he drew his weapon. He waited for them to attack. They had managed to gain access to the city, unnoticed. A dark figure in a cloak came upon them and stood there in wrapped in a dark cowl and hood to conceal their face.
Dwarf Assassin Razor let out a war cry as he went to attack. Suddenly a unicorn jumped in front of him with its deadly horn glowing blue. He stopped in his tracks.
The stranger let down her cowl.
“Who are you?” He demanded.
“My name is Brea, and I am friend of the Mystic Dayven. We must go now. Something dangerous has penetrated the city. Then Fire Imps surrounded them as she let out a call. A stamped of unicorns exploded through every alleyway and street. As they charged killing the Fire Imps, electricity exploded from their horns killing the beasts by the droves. The two dwarves got on one unicorn and followed her back to the Mystic Hall. The Fire Imps scattered throughout the city as the ran for their lives. The unicorns kept up chase like pack of wild horses. The mystical creatures knew what to do, destroy the enemy.