Oldhollow and the Seaworm of Gallus

by M C Holloway

  Coluss nodded and scowled at the name, “Ah, Demanonis. A name I haven’t heard in years. So, he lives yet.”

  “We need as much help as we can get. Originally the duke of Gorobow sent us here to find the dwarves,” Bailey said.

  “Would you be willing to aid us?” Neo asked.

  Coluss nodded, “We’re not dwarves, but the oinks are powerful. I would be happy to lend aid.”

  Neo bowed his head in thanks and said, “We’re honoured by your willingness to aid us.”

  “If Demanonis walks, we are truly in peril as a realm,” Coluss replied. Looking into the group of oinks, Coluss said, “Idok! You will lead the oinks with Neo and Bailey here to help fight in the upcoming battle.”

  One of the oinks, bigger than the rest approached. Nodding his head, the oink let out a grunt to show his agreement. Coluss said to the pair, “This is Idok, head of the oinks. He’s a longtime friend of mine that is quite capable in battle.”

  Getting up from the table, Coluss said to Neo and Bailey, “Well then, if you like, follow me to my workshop. I’ve some items that may help you both out in this fight.” The two got up from the table and followed the man, eager to see what he had to offer.

  At Cackle Crag, Mrs. Lors had the witches all gather in the main hall. She paced in front of them all, cleared her throat, and began to speak.

  “Witches of Cackle Crag, you all are here because you wanted to learn the ways of the arcane here. You all have grown into your own here, each of you now capable of wielding magic like those of the coven that have gone on before you. What lies ahead of us all now is a horribly powerful magic user with an army born of the same wicked magic he used to take the form as the mighty seaworm of legend.”

  “He was the seaworm of Gallus?!”one of the witches cried out in shock.

  “Yes,” Mrs. Lors replied calmly. “All this time, the man, Demanonis hid in plain sight, as a supposed myth, a legend. Now the legend has come to pass as a very real threat, one we cannot back down from. Sav, Keira and Gracie were at Oldhollow when it fell.” Mrs. Lors looked to the three each before continuing, “They put up a magnificent fight in holding their own against Demanonis, but his horde was too much.”

  “But there are plenty of us, and the army! Surely, we can win, yes? It’s not like he could take all of us, especially with Marcendes,” another one of the witches interjected. “He’s the strongest magic user around.”

  “Marcendes was there that night, child,” Mrs. Lors replied grimly, as the smile immediately cleared off the witch’s face. “He too aided in the fight, and even with the guards of the town holding off the initial invasion force, they were simply too much. This is how grave matters are. The togastas are wild people, savage and without remorse that only care about one thing: destruction. They’re armed with explosives and brutal weapons, completely driven by inherent bloodlust. What Oldhollow fell to was just the landing party. They didn’t even bring the full army to land.”

  The witches all gasped, some began to whisper their fear and worries at the situation, now that they were made aware of how bad things were compared to what they thought they were.

  Sav raised a hand and said to the witches, “Calm down and be quiet. Mrs. Lors isn’t done.”

  The clamor died down immediately as Mrs. Lors said, “Thank you, Sav. Listen girls, each one of you is just as vital to helping stop Demanonis as anyone of us going out there to risk our lives. We’re not alone, either. Llewellyn, Gorobow, Emberia and Bondross have all entered an alliance to stand against this new threat. Yes, things may look dark for us, but we are not without the light of hope. And that light is brighter than you know. Marcendes, Jarl Bosvir, Duke Queras and the Emberian head mage will all be leading the charge. So, must I lead our coven to aid them. As head of this group, I will do everything in my power to assure your safety and make sure we give all we got. Most importantly, I will see you all to the end of using your abilities at their best, which will only make me the proudest teacher yet.”

  The witches’ spirits were bolstered by Mrs. Lors’s speech, her motherly care and determination for them all, and the witches let out a cry of resolve, moved to use their magic for the good of all the people of the realm.

  Neo and Bailey were led into a workshop by Coluss, where a slew of multiple machinations was laying around. There were weapons, armour pieces, tools, and some things that seemed completely bizarre to the two. Coluss picked up two small spheres made of metal, glowing with a green light. Inspecting the spheres that were no bigger than marbles, Coluss nodded his head and gave the two items to Bailey and Neo.

  “Here you go,” he explained as the cat and hamster warrior each took one of the spheres. “These are dwarven items I’ve managed to enchant. They will afford you protection by adding wards to your armour, as well as giving you extra stamina. I imagine being on a battlefield, you’re going to need it.”

  “Thank you, Coluss,” Neo said, putting his in a divot in his armour. His body briefly glowed green and he felt a rush of energy come over him, as Bailey followed suit and did the same.

  “Neo, we should probably start heading to the Tylis Plains soon,” Bailey added. “The armies are meeting within two days.”

  “That would be wise,” Coluss said. “The journey will take you a day alone; coupled with leading the oinks there, it would be best to make haste.”

  “Thank you for your help, Coluss. We’ll do every bit of our part to make sure Demanonis is defeated,” Neo replied.

  Coluss smiled, “Thank you for putting your lives on the line for the lands. I only hope my items help you out. Now then, let’s rally up the oinks and send you on your way.” The three got up and headed out of the workshop and made their way back to the main hall.

  Coluss looked to Idok and said, “My old friend, you will battle alongside these two brave souls and lead the good oinks.”

  Idok let out a grunt and looked to the other oinks, he let out a series of grunts and a few squeals, prompting responses from the other oinks. Coluss looked to Neo and Bailey and said, “Idok has the oinks all riled up now. Best you get moving and head to your field of battle. If you need anything, I’ll be here.”

  Neo looked to Idok, then Bailey and said, “Well old friend, shall we reunite with the others?”

  Bailey clenched his paw, “Let’s go stop these togastas!”

  Chapter 11 Preparations

  A day later, out in a wide stretch of plains near the valley where a powerful pair of golems once battled, there gathered a unified front of people. The sky began to grow cloudy and grey, bringing on the possibility of rain overhead.

  Duke Queras, in his exotic mail armour had his group of Gorobowans animal warriors armed and ready to do battle as he eagerly greeted Marcendes and Harchand, the head of the mages from Emberia. Not far behind, Jarl Bosvir had his chainmail armour donned and led the fierce warriors from Bondross as they joined the others. All their respective soldiers from each homeland greeted one another warmly.

  Jarl Bosvir clasped forearms with Duke Queras and with a big smile said, “I was initially hesitant to join, but I heard there was going to be a chance for a generous bit of fighting. The deal became even better knowing you’re here. It’s good to see you again, Duke Queras.”

  “Oh ho! Likewise, mighty Jarl Bosvir! It is truly invigorating to see you again after a stretch of years. Let us battle ferociously side by side again,” Duke Queras replied, just as eager and pleased to see the jarl of the fighting land of Bondross.

  The Emberian mages were speaking with the Llewellyn soldiers, coordinating their tactics as they had a history of working closely together in the past. They brought in the Gorobowan and Bondrossian forces to further coordinate and discuss on how to best synergize their efforts in battle.

  Harchand asked Marcendes, “When do you think the coven will arrive?”

  “If I know Mrs. Lors, she’ll have the girls here within the day,” Marcendes replied. No sooner did he say that when a group of robed witches
appeared from the mouth of the entrance of the path that led to the Springstone’s former resting place.

  The valley itself was a pathway that opened into the plains if one was coming from that area. The witches had taken that path to avoid the togastas in other places. Together, they picked up pace and eventually met with the other forces as an eager Gracie ran up and embraced her father.

  “My daughter, it is good to see you again,” Marcendes said with a big smile.

  “Father, we became full-fledged witches. Now we can aid you all the best we can,” Gracie replied as Sav joined up with the two. “Mrs. Lors says we’ll be supporting from afar, so we won’t be on the front lines with you.”

  “Gracie, I’d rather you be safer away from the front lines anyways. Duke Queras and Jarl Bosvir are leading their people on the front line to handle the in-fighting. Harchand will be aiding us all with magical support, as well as lending a few mages to help keep the witches well-equipped with magical supply,” Marcendes replied.

  Gracie looked to see the jarl and duke both approach, which gave her a bit of surprise. The jarl extended his hand and said, “You must be Gracie; I’m Jarl Bosvir, leader of Bondross. It is an honor to have you here.”

  Gracie took his firm hand and shook it, delighted at how kind such an intimidating looking man like Bosvir was. The large gorilla wearing armour next to him also offered a giant hand to her. Smiling wide, he said, “I’m Duke Queras, head of Gorobow. Neo and Bailey have told me of you and your adventures with them; I’m pleased to see you here with your fellow witches. I sure hope you know how to light those nasty togastas on fire, we would love to see you make roasted turkeys of them all!”

  Gracie giggled and replied, “You’re silly for such a strong leader.”

  Duke Queras laughed and slapped Jarl Bosvir on the back and said, “Bosvir here isn’t so chipper, and life is too short not to laugh. So, I have to be doubly so for both of us.”

  A series of squeals suddenly sounded from the distance to the east, the group of them looked in that direction. On the not too distant horizon, a cat and hamster were leading a group of creatures as Marcendes smiled and said, “Looks like those two got the help of oinks instead of dwarves.”

  Gracie was trying to see what her father saw and beamed joyously as the group came closer. It was Neo and Bailey, leading a group of what she presumed to be allies, and it didn’t take them long to close the distance as Gracie ran to meet them. She excitedly wrapped her arms around the large cat, with Bailey joining in on the group embrace, “You guys are here! I was so worried about you both!” She cried.

  Marcendes approached the two, looked to Neo and asked, “I take it the dwarves weren’t there, then?”

  “Sadly not, Marcendes,” Neo replied. “However, we did find an old warlock there named Coluss that had the oinks with him there. The dwarves left long ago.”

  Duke Queras approached the two as Bailey and Neo bowed. The duke returned the bow and said, “It’s good to have you here. I suppose we’re all gathered up now, we may as well have our battle briefing to lay our plans out before tomorrow.”

  Later that evening, after the camp was set up, the leaders gathered around and began planning their strategies.

  Duke Queras opened the discussion with, “Jarl Bosvir and I will lead our forces on the front lines to smash the togastas. Our forces together will total about a thousand and a half, half their forces alone. The rest are divided amongst the archers of Llewellyn, mages of Emberia and the couple hundred of oinks, as well as the witches.”

  “Because you will be up against such staggering numbers, I will assign mages to smaller groups to help magically support your warriors,” Harchand added. “While the mages support the front lines, I’ll split the rest to bolster the archers and the witches.”

  “I will keep the witches behind the lines and protected, giving the enemy an arcane assault from afar,” Mrs. Lors interjected.

  “Idok will lead the oinks on the front line with the others,” Neo explained. Looking to the duke, he asked, “My duke, where would you have us battle?”

  “I want you two helping guard the witches. Gracie seems rather fond of you both as is, may as well lend your strength to them and help keep them safe from any stragglers that make their way there,” Duke Queras replied. “You will be the official vanguard for the coven.”

  Bailey smiled, looked to the witches, then to Neo and said, “Hear that, buddy? We get to fight alongside Gracie and Sav again!”

  Gracie and Sav grinned, happy that their initial group was all together again.

  “That settles it, then. We guard the witches with our lives, by the duke’s command. We will fight to our last breaths if need be,” Neo added, his tone reflecting his own joy at fighting alongside them.

  “Very good then. If we have all of that settled, then we should rest until the battle begins tomorrow,” Harchand said. The others agreed and went their own ways while Marcendes and Gracie stayed by the fire they had set up.

  “Say father, do you think mother would have been proud of me? I know she wanted me to wield magic like you, but I didn’t take the route of a wizard,” Gracie said.

  Marcendes smiled wistfully, “She would’ve been immensely proud, whether you were a wizard or a witch. She was a fervent believer in using magic to help preserve life, which she held to until the very end, when she saved a small village of people by absorbing a cruel curse cast by an evil mage into a crystal orb, which ended up sealing her away as well. I know that she unfortunately left us when you were only a young child, but she’d be proud, Gracie.”

  “Maybe we can save her once this is over,” Gracie said.

  “I haven't stopped searching for your mother Gracie. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. However, we have to find the crystal ball first.” Marcendes gazed at the fire and pulled Gracie close to him.

  “Father, we’ll win tomorrow, I know it,” Gracie said, sensing her father’s trepidation.

  “I have no doubt that we will,” Marcendes replied pensively. “Now let us get rest, for tomorrow is going to be a very long day.”

  By the dawn of the next day, the alliance army was standing in the middle of the plains, looking on towards the sea, where the army of Demanonis was to arrive. The witch coven was away from the main army, standing on a hill, overlooking the army, ready to support them at their signal with Mrs. Lors leading them. Along with them was Neo and Bailey, ready to defend any rogue togastas that somehow made their way through the army.

  The archers of Llewellyn were posted in the back ranks with some of the mages, awaiting the signal to nock their arrows and let loose upon the togastas army.

  Duke Queras, wearing his karuta armour, held his naginata by his side, next to Jarl Bosvir in his war chainmail and battle pelt. At his side was a battle hammer, made of steel and encrusted with three red gems at the handle.

  Harchand was dressed in his silver and crimson battle robes, with various jewels, a wand and scrolls at the ready on his belt for easier magic access. Marcendes stood next to the other leaders and looked back at the amassed alliance of armies they had. Llewellyn’s best archers were in sleek silver scale mail armour at the very rear. The other ranks of soldiers were animals from Gorobow and the warriors of Bondross, all equally suited up in battle armour and weapons to take on the oncoming threat.

  Marcendes called loud enough for the other leaders to hear, “Well, the day has finally come at last. I know not what the rest of the day holds for us, but we will face it together!”

  “I’ll tell you what awaits us. A great battle and enemies to destroy!” Jarl Bosvir replied, his spirits rising for battle.

  “That it is! And we will leave none left standing when we’re finished!” Duke Queras added.

  The soldiers all turned to face their leaders, hearing some of the exchange going on. Sensing their attention, Jarl Bosvir wheeled around and bellowed out, “This is our day of reckoning! A great foe stands before us and threatens all we love.
What Demanonis didn’t know is Bondross loves a good fight too! So, let us and our mighty allies here all stand as one!”

  The army gave a roar of approval as Duke Queras also followed suit.

  “You heard the jarl, Gorobowans, as well as everyone here! Today, we’ve gathered in unity and hope for our lands, to defeat this malicious mage, and to secure our future as well as our children’s! Let us not waver in our convictions but show these togastas what we got!” Duke Queras roared, further inciting the flame of fighting spirit within the soldiers.

  In the distant horizon, Harchand pulled out his magic spyglass and peered across the vast plains, far beyond to where the land met the sea. There, on the water, a large ship was sailing into view. Moments later, the ship dropped anchor and rolled the sails up.

  “They’ve arrived,” Harchand told the others. “As of right now, they’re dropping anchor and lowering the rowing boats. It won’t be long now.” Turning to face the mages scattered in the ranks, Harchand cried out, “Mages! Prepare your spells and have your enchanted items ready! They’re here!”

  The mages immediately went to prepping their items as the soldiers all prepared their weapons and made final checks for the army that had arrived on the doorstep of the plains.

  While it did take some time for the army to assemble on the beach, the alliance army stood in tense silence, save the mages casting preparatory spells to enchant the soldiers, placing wards around their area, and setting the last of magic glyph traps on the plains ahead.

  The clouds over the sky rolled ominously and blotted out what barely showed of the sun, threatening to bring a storm about. As the plains were covered with a moving blanket of shade, the air began to cool down and grew heavy, only adding tension to the air around the alliance. Harchand sighed, put his spyglass down and said, “They’re coming.”

  A moving mass of shapes that the alliance knew were the togastas started to block out the sight of the distant beach, and began their menacing march to the plains, starting to come into view.