Bladeborn

by Clayton Schonberger

  “Spe,” Bladeborn said, “My time in Elfland has been productive. I will return there once more, today, and then go back to King Rosen’s side in Vimtan’s Halls But this is where we part ways. The only choice my people have left is travelling through Draconia to the human lands on the yellow sun side. Still I had to see you once more to bid you farewell. If man and beast have ever been friends, it is the two of us…”

  Spe said, “It’s just too bad the Elves didn’t try to take the treasure. It would have been a glorious battle! …Say Bladeborn… Is anything wrong? You look…changed somehow…”

  “It’s nothing I can’t handle,” Bladeborn said. Could the dragon could actually see how the spiritual experience in the Grove of Eternity affected him?

  “You seem…different” Spe said. “You look older than I remembered, human friend.”

  “The Elves are a very wise people, and I have gained much from being with them,” Bladeborn said. He had chosen to tell no one about what he learned of his past lives.

  There was a brief pause. The dragon, currently the size of a Rockcat, walked around Bladeborn and said, “Yes, you look older.”

  Bladeborn said, “Now Spe, I must go. I must quickly return to the human kingdoms to renew the war on the Rhinolon, and try to win back the affections of Queen Deocarla.”

  “You have been a good friend, human,” Spe said. “You are undoubtedly one of the greatest warriors I have ever met. Farewell.”

  Bladeborn asked the Elvin Wizard to return him to the Mother Tree. The Elvin Wizard began to read the carefully drafted teleportation scroll which would transport them to the shores of the Pristine Lake.

  However, Spe interrupted, “Wait! …Bladeborn, you are going on a journey through the under lands with the people of the Realms, correct?”

  “You know that is the plan, Spe, but there will be others who make the final decision,” Bladeborn said.

  “I wish to go also, Bladeborn,” Spe declared. “Not to protect those ‘other’ humans, particularly... But because I know there will be battle. Will you have me along with you? Or is this something that an old dragon is not meant to do?”

  Bladeborn smiled. A weight had been lifted off his heart. “Spe, you would be very welcome. I’ll prevent any fear of you that my people have and vouch for you. You would be a powerful ally in a place where one will surely be needed. Let us gather your treasure, and go back to the Elves to prepare for our journey.”

  After organizing Spe’s treasures, Bladeborn, Spe, and the Elf Wizard returned to Elfland.

  Spe was looked upon as a curiosity in the Elf camp and he seemed to enjoy it. It was as though Spe had gone from being a ferocious beast to dangerous show-off.

  Confiding in Bladeborn, Spe said, “I never realized how lonely I have been during the last few hundred years! While thinking about it for a week in the crater I have decided to allow the company of mortals to grow positively on me.”

  Bladeborn was amused by Spe’s turn of phrase, “You mean… you are ‘allowing’ yourself to ‘like’ us?”

  “Tell that Elf cook to make me another roast, and I’ll explain what I mean.” Spe began to tell Bladeborn what uses mortals were. As the Dragon ate his mood eased, so with the help of an Elvin translator who knew a little of the Language of Dragons, he answered question posed by Elvin scholars. The dragon could dodge most of the questions involving his eating Elves and he didn’t let on that he had amassed a significant hoard of Elvin treasures. It seemed Spe had no intention of returning what he had taken from the Pyramid City.

  Bladeborn and Spe stayed only a few more days. The Elf Wizard drew up yet another scroll of teleportation for those who were going to the Dwarven Hall.

  A small force of Elvin followers was going with Bladeborn, “…to ensure his continued safety…” as Mahjulah put it.

  Bladeborn wondered why the Elves would be so concerned with his well-being. “Is there a reason the Elvin warriors and scouts want to come with me?”

  Mahjulah responded, “I will let them tell you, Bladeborn, before you leave. They are all volunteers.”

  Since his arrival in Elfland, Bladeborn’s knowledge had increased immensely. He had been able to study a bit of Elvin history, the geography of Draconia, metallurgy, and even Elvin magic.

  But the most interesting thing he had found when in Elfland came from his vision in the Grove of Eternity. Understanding his past lives would take a long time.

  ~~Do not tell these Elves what you found in the Grove of Eternity, Swordsman. They may hold an ancient grudge against the Elves of Sand World~~

  Bladeborn responded to Nightslayer, “I don’t understand why my people never helped others to survive droughts, plagues, and wars… The Sand World Elves seemed civilized, from the dream… Just, uncaring!”

  ~~It is apparent to me. They wished to cheat death, and live on forever—as themselves. It was a greedy existence, unlike that of all other mortals. Little wonder that eventually, you were cast out of that cycle~~

  “Do you think that I am blessed with my superior Essence due to my many past lives? Is that a possibility, Nightslayer?”

  The Sword remained silent.

  During the week spent with the Elves, Bladeborn’s Dwarven Armor was adjusted and given magical additions. The spells the Elvin Wizard-smiths cast into it made it lighter and even more resilient. Bladeborn, in gratitude, presented Mahjulah with the best Swords from the Elvin treasures he had… Albino weapons made for Royal Guardsmen of Foresti.

  “I would refuse these gifts from you, Bladeborn, but these swords are each belong to families with thousand-year histories. I accept them on behalf of my Nation.”

  Vingral, finally done with the exchange and sorting of items, paid him well in bars of platinum, adamantium, and precious gems. In exchange for one of the magic food-making plates, they gave him a special rope which could entwine around hooked rocks and tree limbs it encountered, and untie on command.

  They also gave him one-hundred fifty of their longbows and two-thousand arrows, which they spent a morning putting into the sack of endless space.

  King Mahjulah met with Bladeborn in his room on the last day before he left, “Our war council has decided that a shift in the balance of powers on this side of Draconia is inevitable, and so, we help your people to escape the Rhinolon. Unfortunately, with the distance involved, the uncertain footing, and numbers of people we have discussed, it would be impossible to teleport your people to the yellow sun side of Draconia or here. You and your people will have to get where you are going on your own.”

  “I’m not certain that we will travel,” Bladeborn replied. “If we can, we will stay in our homes.”

  “I fear that won’t be an option open to you, Bladeborn,” Mahjulah stated darkly. “Our spies, recently returned from the Land of the Ogres, reported that the last few Ogre Tyrants are quickly being hunted down by three Rhinolon legions.”

  “I’m not sure I understand,” Bladeborn said cautiously. “What is an Ogre Tyrant?”

  “At one time, hundreds of Demonic Ogre Tyrants led the many tribes of ogres on the Ogre Continent, and the red sun side of Draconia trembled at their feet. But they have been hunted nearly to extinction by the Rhinolon. The Rhinolon war with the ogres on their continent far to the Southeast will soon be over. Following that, the Rhinolon will likely turn their attention toward you and your chosen people.”

  Bladeborn considered what Mahjulah said, “Eventually they will come here, Mahjulah. You and your people will—”

  “That is very far in the future, Bladeborn,” Mahjulah interrupted. “We cannot be overly concerned with it now. All that we can do is to prepare for the day.”

  That afternoon, hundreds assembled under the boughs of the Great Tree to see Bladeborn and the dragon off. A group of strong-looking Elves made their way out of the assembled crowd.

  Mahjulah said, “These twenty-four Elf Knights and twenty-four Elf scouts have volunteered to go with you. You have met and sparred with some of th
em during your stay here. A few of these Knights and scouts are familiar with the underworld, and have experienced its dangers before. They will aid you, but do not fear for their destiny; for they hope to eventually arrive at the castle of the Ice Elves in Glacierland on the yellow sun side.”

  One of the Elf Knights said, “My name is Taylon, Bladeborn, and I will lead my brethren whether you decide to renew your attacks on the Rhinolon in the area around Onager or go through the underworld. You may think of us as guards, to assure your success and survival until a future yet to be revealed.

  Bladeborn wondered what Taylon meant by this, but he didn’t ask.

  Taylon continued, “My unit, along with the scouts, are here to help you in any way possible. Our mission is to serve you and your people, if you so desire.”

  Bladeborn knew he could not deny the volunteer force, even if he wished to. He bowed to Taylon and said, “Welcome, then, Taylon, to you and your comrades. I am honored.”

  Finally turning to the Elf King, Bladeborn said, “King Mahjulah, I thank you for the support and the assembled volunteers—the way will be less dire with their aid. To those whom I have met since I arrived—part of me wishes to live here with you always. The good nature of your people enthralls me. But now, my responsibilities take me elsewhere.”

  King Mahjulah spoke more personally to Bladeborn, so only he could hear, “I know since your vision in the Grove of Eternity you have been melancholy. I wish you could have seen a more pleasing result during your meditations. However, I know that you will carry many good memories away from our land. I hope you realize that the fate of a soul can be difficult and complicated.”

  Bladeborn said, “I am only beginning to understand my past, Good King Mahjulah. It is difficult to be more specific.”

  “May Arlen guide your path, until your return,” Mahjulah said so all could hear.

  “Now, we go to meet once more with King Rosen in the Dwarven Halls. It would be a pleasure to return here, though I doubt I shall live so long. It is my desire that my people will eventually be as free and civil as yours.”

  Bladeborn, Spe, and the forty-eight Elves gathered their traveling gear. Then the Wizard read the powerful teleportation scroll, transporting them instantly to a spot near the gates of the Dwarf Kingdom.

  After Bladeborn had gone, Vingral candidly asked Mahjulah, “So, he is to be the ‘father,’ Mahjulah…?”

  Mahjulah closed his eyes in prayer, and then whispered back, “If he lives that long…”

  Chapter 23: Into the Underworld

  At the entrance to the Hall of the Dwarves they met with difficulty. The Dwarves were distrustful of the Elves, and demanded that they disarm before entering. It took some negotiation and a bribe for the Guard captain, but they were all allowed inside without a further problem.

  Still the Dwarven Guard captain kept the Elves in the outer city. Taylon and the rest sat down on the dirty flooring to meditate. “We await your return,” Taylon said.

  Word was sent to King Rosen that Bladeborn was once again in Vimtan’s halls. Bladeborn was taken directly to the Dwarf King’s audience chamber, and word spread quickly that the human General was back. Many Dwarves asked Bladeborn if he had the maps.

  “For now, that is between King Vimtan and I…” Bladeborn answered them.

  A half hour later, Bladeborn once again faced the Dwarf King soot-covered underground hall, but this time only Spe was with him. The doors to the chamber were closed by the guards, despite a crush of people trying to get in to see if the human General had recovered Aden’s gifts.

  Vimtan wobbled in. Apparently, he had been in his cups. He plopped down on his throne and said, “Speak!”

  “I have the maps you wanted,” Bladeborn declared. “In return for them, I want you to equip my army with solid weapons and armor made by your smiths. I do not ask this lightly or with empty pockets. I can pay for the items I need.”

  King Vimtan looked at Bladeborn with a wry smile, and he stroked his whiskers. “I will take the maps—”

  “All but one page, as per our bargain, King Vimtan,” Bladeborn said.

  “I don’t know about that… They are Dwarven property…”

  Bladeborn raised his voice, “As per our bargain!”

  “Whatever you wish…” the King yawned theatrically. Bladeborn could sense that he was feigning disinterest. After dealing with Vimtan for so long, there was little he could do to hide his true intentions from Bladeborn. “Hand them over to my chief cleric there, and go.”

  “The armor and the weapons,” Bladeborn said, “I will buy them—”

  From the back of the Dwarf King’s audience chamber, Bladeborn heard a commotion. A voice rang clear above the struggle through the closed doors of Vimtan’s halls. It was human, though muffled, and Bladeborn realized it could only be King Rosen, summoned from the home of the Rollbards. “Let me through! Let me through, curse you all! By the Horns of the Dragon God!”

  Suddenly, the rotten wood barring the door gave way and the doors burst open, knocking back the Dwarven Guards who had been holding it against the crowd. An unruly horde of Dwarven citizens rushed into the hall, along with a furious King Rosen.

  King Vimtan, with sudden energy, sprang to his feet and said, “Blast you fools! I said keep him away from here!”

  King Rosen said, “Bladeborn! Thank the gods you are back!”

  Bladeborn rushed to King Rosen’s side and saw his shirt was torn in several places. King Rosen looked as though he had struggled fiercely to get to the hall.

  “These interloping Dwarves!” King Rosen gasped. “They didn’t want me to see you before their King had a chance to work you over! Disaster has struck the Six Valleys again, Bladeborn!”

  Helping King Rosen get clear of the Dwarven citizens and the Guards, Bladeborn grabbed Nightslayer from its sheath, turned toward the Dwarven King, yelling angrily, “Think again before crossing me, Vimtan!”

  As he had before, King Vimtan magically disappeared to avoid confronting Bladeborn when he was angry. Vimtan’s subjects, including the Guards, were left looking confused, yet they were aware enough to know that the human General was dangerous.

  King Rosen was exasperated. He addressed Bladeborn and tried to bring him up to date, “The Rhinolon—they attacked the Fifth Valley, tunneling into it from the surface! I met with a handful of survivors of the attack who were held in prison by King Vimtan! It took them three weeks to get a message to me that the Fifth Realm had been destroyed! The rest of that time Vimtan had them locked up!”

  Certain that Vimtan was still nearby, Bladeborn shouted, “I will show that Dwarven King that we are finished being trifled with! You hear me Vimtan?”

  “We still need him,” King Rosen said. “Otherwise I would agree with you wholeheartedly, General.”

  Bladeborn asked. “What about the Army of the Sun, Moon, and Dawn?”

  Spe could tell that Bladeborn was angry with the Dwarves, and so the dragon interrupted, “How about if I broil some of these cheating Dwarves right now, Bladeborn?”

  “Just wait, Spe,” Bladeborn responded. “It hasn’t quite come to that yet.”

  King Rosen’s tone changed to one of desperation. “Bladeborn, the Army was reported to be in the Second Realm. It was said that they feared to engage such a large force. A legion of Rhinolon, said to be from the land of the ogres, re-enforced what was left of the weakened Northern Legion. They landed near the Zelgron and went directly into the Fifth Valley as soon as spring arrived.”

  Bladeborn’s heart sank. He had missed so much. His adopted people, his Army, and Deocarla were at risk. The Heartring still glowed, so he assumed the Queen was safe, but he would not feel sure until they were together again.

  King Rosen went on, “The Dwarves held this information from me for nearly a month, General. If I had known that the Fifth Realm was in danger, I would never have agreed to let you go to Elfland.”

  “You are right, King Rosen,” Bladeborn said. “We could have tr
ied to get Spe to take us to the Fifth Realm. With the dragon’s help the entire disaster may have been avoided!”

  “We must leave for the Fourth Realm quickly, Bladeborn!” King Rosen said. “If we can manage to travel in the under land, we could get there without the Rhinolon finding us. Do you have the maps?”

  “Yes, my King,” Bladeborn agreed. “But it will take someone who can read the Dwarven language to decipher them. Let me settle this trouble with the conniving Dwarf King as quickly as I can. It might not have occurred to him how much he has hurt us. He is a dull and ignorant ruler, and deserves to pay for what he has done. There must be a Dwarf in Vimtan’s halls who will help us, even if we have to pay. We will use these Dwarven maps to pass through the center of Draconia to the other side with or without his help.”

  King Rosen agreed, “That may be the only way.”

  Finally, the invisible King Vimtan asked, “Are you three through with your discussion? If so, I would like my maps, as we have agreed."

  In Dwarven, Bladeborn addressed Vimtan, “My people will NEED these maps, Vimtan. Our bargain was VOID when you withheld the information our people had, imprisoning them! Our bargain was made under false pretenses!”

  King Vimtan was still invisible, but he spoke from somewhere beside his throne, “Oh very good! Hahaha! You still propose that it will be possible for a nation of humans—men, women, and children—wagons, livestock—to parade through the deepest reaches of the world? Bladeborn, your powers are great and you might survive, but no one else will!”

  King Rosen understood enough of the spoken Dwarven language to say, “The people of the Realms have been dealing with the threat of the Rhinolon for centuries. We are strong enough. As for you, King Vimtan—count yourself lucky that I am a civilized man!”

  “And what will you do once you have reached the human continent?” the Dwarf King questioned. “Where will you go?”

  Bladeborn said defiantly, “If we have to, we will buy land to live on, for we have gathered enough precious things to impress any King. None of which, I may add, you are getting! Especially the maps!”