The trolls were then let loose, and with great strides drove deep into the advancing dwarf lines. The dwarves brought some of them down using harpoons by shooting into their calves and wrapping around their legs. The troll drive softened up the dwarf lines, making it far easier for the goblins to advance toward the lower gate. They hoped to get a hold inside the mountain where the fighting would be easier for them in the narrow halls. The goblins would not hold an advantage in the halls, but at least they would be more even.
The battle at the gates to the city was ferocious, with both sides taking heavy losses. Despite their best efforts, the enemy did not set foot in Tunder Bin, repelled every wave by the determined dwarf army. The goblins were frustrated at their lack of advance on the front, and it appeared as if they underestimated the number of dwarves inside. Every time the goblins made gains, General Deron countered with more dwarves, more arrows, or more gliders. The goblins did not have nearly enough to push the dwarves back into the mountain.
Deyanira, seeing the dwarf line holding, decided to go back up to the Great Hall. Upon reaching that level, the goblins again launched their bombs against the mountain. Each bomb rattled the halls, bringing light showers of dust and rock down inside. Another dwarf maiden, frightened by the battle, tremblingly approached Deyanira, asking her in a frightened state, “Will the goblins breach the lower halls?”
“Never! Fear not, we are safe here. Now, get back to your home,” Deyanira replied strongly.
As she finished saying the words, the long-plugged holes that separated the goblin and dwarf parts of the mountain blasted into the halls. The wave of energy knocked Deyanira off her feet and sent her sprawling across the polished floor. Only the far wall of the hall stopped her, her body lying flat on the ground. With few guards present, there was little resistance to the goblins pouring into the city.
They were not meandering around, but instead were urgently searching room to room, looking for Milan. Several dwarves, even some women and older dwarf men, stood against the swarming invaders. They were too few against too many, and were quickly killed by the advancing enemy. The goblins swarmed the upper levels of the city, quickly making their way to the living quarters of Milan. Somehow, they knew exactly where to go, and were closing in on their precious prize!
Δ
Tegan stared blankly across the valley of destruction and ruin that stood between him and his home. His beloved city was facing the biggest challenge of his memory, as the army of goblins and trolls threatened to overtake it. The goblins covered all the land around the lower opening, with only the smallest of area on the footsteps to the entrance remained visible, still held by the remaining stout dwarves. Tegan and Telon, no longer able to watch the devastation, charged on the backs of Elard and Bramble to save their home. Erol lumbered close behind, prepared to deliver a hard hand to those threatening his friends. They could not wait for the rest of their army to arrive, for it was probable they would be too late.
Both dwarf princes sounded their horns to signal their arrival, though in the roar of the waging battle none could hear them coming. They broke through the rear of the enemy line, as splinter breaking through skin, racing past many that never saw or suspected their arrival. They made straight for the city gates, with no time to stop to fight the enemy. The brothers needed to make sure their loved ones were safe before returning to decimate the goblins on the plain.
Leaving their cats at the entrance to help fortify the gates, Tegan, Telon, and Erol ascended to the upper levels by the water elevator. They were greatly surprised as the doors opened. The sight of the filthy creatures fouling their homes brought Tegan and Telon to a fit of rage. They immediately attacked the intruders that continued to endlessly spew forth from the ancient passages. The savage fight ended many goblin lives as the axes of the two brothers flashed through the air. Erol was particularly lethal, squashing goblins against the walls several at a time. Their onslaught slowed the swarm of the enemy as the goblins encountered resistance on the attack for the first time, and yet many continued to come!
“Dwarves, form up!” the King commanded, with all within earshot answering the call. Several were female dwarves, led by Jaric’s wife Seran.
“You should not be here, Jaric will not be happy!” Telon chided Seran, as she proudly took the head off the goblin in front of her.
“Not as upset as he would be if I was dead! Someone has to keep our city safe when you men go out to play,” Seran replied. She always wanted to join the army but no one would let her. “And you, Dwarf Warrior, does it make you happy that I am here?”
“Ay, it does my heart good!” Telon answered, seeing her to be a welcome aid in these circumstances.
At last, another large group of soldiers came forth from the elevator. They pushed the goblins back toward the holes, allowing Tegan’s group a reprieve from the battle.
As the fight continued and the dwarves finished pushing the stubborn goblins back, Timo arrived from his post at the lower gate. He commanded to his friends, “Switch to arrows, and back away from the holes!”
Everyone did as they were told, perceiving a forcefulness in his voice they had not heard before. Timo raised his arms and uttered a spell, even as arrows kept the goblins at bay in the dark of the tunnels. Slowly at first and then quickening, the entire ruble from the explosion began to shake. Then it flew as if blasted back into the passages, along with pieces of goblins, sealing them up again tightly as though the breech had never occurred. The bodies of the dead littered the floor, but the battle for Tunder Bin was over for now.
The last of the goblins were being rounded up as Tegan noticed the door to his home. It was not open, but it was obvious from shattered rock along the wall that the goblins were desperately trying to get in there. Tegan began walking, and then running, to the door. A bad feeling arose in his gut. As he drew closer, he uttered the opening spell and the door easily came open.
His home was wrecked, with all their belongings turned upside down and broken. Every room had been ransacked by the invaders searching for their prize. But who was it? The goblins had not been able to get through the door. Where else could anyone have gotten in? Where was Milan and Jedrek?
Tegan then noticed the windows to the room were shattered, glass covering the floor in front of the window. Telon, Erol and a few others entered the living quarters also, and took in the devastation.
“What is that?” Telon asked, looking out of the window and into the distance.
Tegan ran to the broken window and looked out, seeing around twenty winged creatures carrying away a cage.
“NO!!!” Tegan cried at the sight, as he realized his wife and newborn were taken captive. In that moment, his entire life and purpose was torn to pieces and turned upside down. A rage was born deep inside him that would not lessen throughout the rest of his years.
Chapter 12: Who Do I Send?
Gargoyles had not challenged the dwarves in outward battle in several centuries. In an ancient battle between the two sworn enemies, the gargoyles were thought to have been completely eradicated by the dwarves. Rising from the depths of death, they took Milan and Jedrek as the goblins drew everyone’s attention to the front gate. The mountain shielded the dwarves from the more important attack, as the most treasured jewel of the land was stolen.
Having distracted the dwarves long enough for the gargoyles to find their prey, the goblin army was signaled of the victory above and quickly departed. The first brigade arrived in time to see the goblin army fleeing. They marched hard to the entrance, unsure who was victorious in the battle, and whether they should give chase to the enemy.
The gargoyles were goblin-like, only stronger, quicker, and they had wings for flight. They were vile creatures bent on destruction and revenge on the dwarves. The gargoyles of the past were envious of dwarves, always raiding their mountain homes and stealing their precious jewels. They were not interested in mining the jewels on their own, more content to raid the riches of others. These gargoyl
es flew above the clouds undetected while the goblins kept the dwarves busy and preoccupied below. Thanks to Erol, the first attempt to get Milan had failed, but the second one, much to Tegan’s agony, succeeded.
Tegan assumed control back from Deyanira, and ordered the city searched. They looked for any signs of his wife and child, just in case they somehow escaped the kidnapping attempt. No sign was found.
“I will find them and bring them back!” Tegan vowed, barely able to hold himself together. The thought of his wife and son being handled in any fashion by the gargoyles stoked the fires of his anger, which raged like an inferno. “They will not end at the hands of the gargoyles! Jaric, send word quickly to Dorir that his daughter is taken. He will aid us.”
Coric, short of breath from the rapid search, came up to the brothers and reported to Telon, “Sir, Lizzy is gone also, we looked everywhere.”
“Have you gone to her home?” Telon asked as his thoughts began to race, fear rising in his heart.
“Yes,” Coric began, “They know nothing of her leaving. They started searching for Lizzy on their own but asked if you could help.”
Coric was noticeably uncomfortable, “What is it Coric, you have something to say.”
Coric reluctantly offered, “Sir, it is only that Lizzy was not of the mountain, but from the farmland. We know little of her. Is it possible she took Jedrek, or at least was part of the attack? The goblins and gargoyles seemed to know exactly where to go, they must have had help.”
Telon went after Coric, grabbing him by his chain vest, pinning him against the wall. Tegan stepped in, prying Telon off. “Do not speak of her that way,” Telon demanded, “lest someone accuse you in the same manner!”
“Sir, I apologize for miss-speaking, I forget myself,” Coric answered, stammering his words.
“General, you should depart, your presence here is no longer wanted,” Deyanira enjoyed demeaning Coric, whom she believed often overly misjudged his role in the mountain.
Telon sat on the torn-up bed, trying to piece things together. “What is going on? Did Lizzy have something to do with this? Is she taken also?” Tears overflowed his eyes, and were flowing down his cheeks. He never cared so much for anyone outside his immediate family, and did not like the vulnerable feeling he was experiencing. He felt betrayed by his feelings for Lizzy, the pain that was building inside him was an unwelcome intruder. He sensed the pitied looks he was getting, and wanted them no more.
Tegan knelt by Telon and grabbed his arm to comfort, saying, “Brother, we must think only the best. We will go together, and search for them!”
Telon hated the attempt at comfort and brushed it off, saying, “She means little to me. We have more important matters to attend to. The Queen is our only concern!”
Tegan was taken by surprise at Telon’s answer, and could not respond.
They began packing together for the long journey ahead. There was a bustle about the room as soldiers were still reporting back about the battle finishing outside, injured dwarves were being brought in, and those still looking for Milan, Jedrek, and Lizzy were coming and going. There was growing chaos about the city, with even the most stout-hearted dwarves shaken by the events. The goblins, even without entering the mountain, had delivered a severe blow to its stability.
“Tegan,” interrupted Deyanira, in a soft voice that caused him to stop packing for a second, “You must find Milan, and save her. But, you are the King of Tunder Bin, and must also think of the city and its people.” She knelt in front of her step-son, gaining his full attention. “You go on a perilous journey to where we don’t know. Will it be a week or year? How will the city and our people do while you are gone?”
“That is why you shall rule, just as you always have,” answered Tegan, trying to get ready to leave. Deyanira persisted, stopping him again.
“No, not this time. This is not a short rescue mission, it will be very dangerous and long. I cannot hold the people’s intentions that long, they will lose faith. My decision to not guard the old tunnels caused this, it will not be forgotten. They will not trust me,” begged Deyanira.
Tegan scanned the room to see who could possibly take over, then back to Deyanira and said, “Then who, am I to not try to save my family?”
“Of course, you should! Take what and who you need to rescue them, save one.”
“Who?” asked Tegan. “Who do you ask me to make king while I am gone?” Then it dawned on him of whom Deyanira spoke. “Telon?”
“Yes! Your brother needs to stay to guide the people. There is a good a chance Lizzy is here, only missing as are many. I just hope she wasn’t part of this.” Deyanira grimaced at Tegan at the last part, and then continued, “The dwarves will do as he says, just as though it was you. He is blood and he has the wisdom and experience to lead us through these times, Telon needs to stay.”
Tegan searched his mind, understanding Deyanira’s point but also knowing how much he needed his brother. He wanted Telon at his side when he went to fight, as he always had been. Telon would not want to stay either, having little interest in politics and governing. He also knew Telon would want to be out looking for Lizzy, even if he didn’t want to admit it.
Unable to come up with an alternative, Tegan finally rested on the only choice he could.
“Telon,” Tegan said in a loud and a bit shaky voice. Telon stopped what he was doing and came to his brother.
“Yes?” Telon answered.
Tegan stared at him for a moment, and then spoke, “You must stay here, and guide the city while I am gone. The city needs one of us.”
Telon could not believe what he was hearing. “You ask me to stay, when all the fight is out there? Why? What has changed? You just asked me to go with you.”
“Because we must think of more than ourselves. This will not be a short rescue mission and it will be very dangerous. We must think of our city. The people need one of us here should there be another attack. The time is near when the full might of Tunder Bin will be called upon. Should I fail, you will need to lead them. Without one of us the city could fall. You must stay!”
“Then I do so with a heavy heart, for I know I will be needed with you. It is evil indeed that would separate us. Woe to the cause of this evil, and my eagerness for revenge upon it! Severe retribution awaits when we find who is responsible for this.”
Telon understood he needed to stay but was furious at the situation. He stopped what he was doing, and fully assumed his new position. He left the room to order the city as the king, holding back the feelings that threatened to shatter him into a million pieces.
Tegan sat still, fully absorbing what was happening. Though the room was full of dwarves he never felt so completely alone. Within a very short time he had the high of his coronation, and now his family was stolen and his kingdom on the brink of destruction. The separation from his brother whom he loved deeply was almost too much for him to take.
“Son, have hope, you will find them,” Deyanira encouraged, “Milan is strong, have hope until hope is lost. You must search to find them in the Mammut Berg Mountains, which is where they have always resided. Trust in your destiny and that good will triumph. Telon will keep your kingdom in order, just bring Milan and Jedrek back at all costs.”
Tegan, growing stronger from her words, stood up. He looked around the room and asked in a choppy voice, “My brother must stay, are any willing to go with me?”
“I will go,” Erol said as he stepped forward from the far wall, trying to stay out of the way. “I will give my life to get Milan back!”
“I too will go,” said Jaric. “I am too old to do much good here anyway.”
“Then it will just be the four of us,” Tegan said. “Timo, you’re going too!”
“Lord, are you sure?” Timo asked, not particularly looking forward to the hard trip that was sure to come. He very much enjoyed living with the comfort inside the walls of a city.
“Yes,” Tegan said sternly. Then he went about his business of g
etting his pack ready. Jaric was ready and Timo rushed to gather things. Erol, as always, carried nothing.
The four went to the lower gates and there were met by the newly appointed king.
“We ask your permission to leave, King Telon,” Tegan said as he stopped and stood at attention.
“You have permission, on the condition you promise to return,” Telon said, trying to stay strong.
“If it is at all possible, we will do so. It will take an amazing force to stop us,” answered Tegan.
“Brother, I pray for your safe travel,” Telon said, “and I promise you that I will spend every second making our army ready. When we get the chance to fight, we will deal a heavy blow to the enemy. Trust that we will be ready.”
“Be safe,” Tegan said, embracing his brother, hoping it was not for the last time.
Tegan then turned and saw Elard awaiting him. “Friend, you will stay to help with the city. We will be together again soon,” Elard dipped his head and rested on the ground, saddened he would not be able to go with his master. “Before this is done, you will carry me into battle, I am certain of it.”
The four then turned and departed. They marched through the battle field where the soldiers were cleaning up the carnage. The many dead goblins and trolls were being piled and burned, while the dwarves that passed in battle were being carried inside to be buried. In all, a little over three hundred dwarves lost their lives, and over eight hundred enemy died before the gates of Tunder Bin. The largest part of the invading army escaped back from where they came, already preparing for the next battle.
The four walked until late that night before Jaric compelled Tegan to rest. It would be days before they reached the gargoyles haunt and they needed to arrive with energy to fight. They crossed the great river and the valley, entering the forest on the other side. The wood was vast, one could spend weeks walking in a straight line without coming out the other side. As they stopped, Erol gathered wood for a small fire while Timo just sat, exhausted. He was not a fit dwarf, and this walk was the longest he had taken in years. He took off his boots and socks to air out his feet, and they spoke little as Jaric got the fire going. Soon the dwarves fell asleep, all weary of the day’s events.
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