Chapter 13

Lynor guided Ludger through the forest. By nightfall they were halfway to Elvanor. Ludger was in awe of the majestic trees of the forest. They stood widely separated at the base, but their crowns were touching high overhead. This left the travellers in a constant penumbrae, with the occasional shaft of sunlight coming through. Ludger felt that he was driving inside a giant cathedral, with living columns supporting the ceiling. The further they went in, the less snow was present. By nightfall the last vestiges of winter had been left hours behind. They set camp on the spongy soil. Dregnar lit a fire to chase the coolness of the evening. Lynor explained.

“The closer we will get to Elvanor the warmer the temperature will be. The spell protecting the capital also maintains its temperature to a constant 75oF all year long. The city is always green and comfortable without any extremes of temperature.”

Ludger silently called Bacchus to him, as they revelled in stories from Lynor and Balnor. He looked down at his dog and silently asked.

“Do you like it here?”

“I feel even better here then when we were at home.”

“I noticed the same thing myself. This is truly a magnificent place. I almost wish we could stay here and forget about Magdar and all the fighting. I never expected that we would have to constantly fight for our lives.”

“Why don’t we? We have done enough for them. All I want is a warm place by the fire and a good hunt occasionally. As long as there is food and someone to pet me, I would be in heaven.”

“You dogs are all the same. As long as you are fed and cuddled, you don’t care about anything else. But it is my duty to help these people because I fear that even here Magdar will eventually extend his influence.”

“You humans are all the same, you cannot forget about duties and such. You can’t revel in the simple pleasures of life with a clear conscience. You are truly an inferior species.”

With this, Bacchus closed her eyes and promptly fell asleep on his lap. Ludger grinned broadly and admired the narrow-minded philosophy of his dog for its utter simplicity.

The next morning they made an early start. By midday they had reached Elvanor. Ludger stopped the Samurai at the edge of the clearing where the colossal tree-city stood. The squat tree of titanic breath stood with sunlight streaming through its enormous branches. Portals were opened amongst it gnarled roots. A colourful array of elves was milling through them. The canopy of the tree was full of multi-coloured family dwellings.

Lynor pointed to one of the portals. Ludger slowly advanced in its direction. He had never seen anything so utterly amazing in his entire life. He was driving with his face glued to the windscreen. As they approached the foot of the colossus, a crowd of cheerful onlookers gathered around the truck. Ludger was forced to slow down to a crawl, to prevent any injuries. Tall elves in green and crimson guard uniforms parted the crowd in front of them, to permit their entrance into the tree-city. They were escorted to a high ceiling room, that was quickly cordoned off by more guards. A youngish looking elf in tracker’s greens joined the guards. With a smile Lynor pointed to his younger brother, Prince Symor.

They exited the confines of the truck and were warmly greeted by Symor. Introductions were made and concern was showed for Lynor’s ankle. He declined any help for the long walk into the city. They followed Symor up a long staircase carved into the bulk of the tree. As they went the young Prince explained the layout of the city.

“Underground and at forest level are mostly storage, heavy industry and stables. Further up there is two levels of commercial bazaars and tradesmen shops. They are followed by a few levels of communal accommodations.”

They reached a large esplanade at the level of the first branches. Symor continued.

“These lower branches are also used for communal living. Further, in the periphery of the canopy are the family dwellings of the upper classes and the rich merchants. Also the nobles of the court reside there. The royal palace is in the centre.”

At the core of the canopy stood, in the delicate interweaving of smaller branches, the royal palace. To Ludger it looked like a delicate bejewelled piece of lace all festooned by greeneries. It was surrounded in the thicker branches by the elven institutes of higher learning. What made the scenery more beautiful was that it was all composed of the living tissues of the tree-city. A glorious architecture had evolved, it was part art, part science and part life itself. The smoothly flowing organic curves of the city could never be duplicated out of man-made materials.

They passed through a serene reflective garden. They reached a delicate archway leading to an ornamental pool, in the centre of which stood a graceful gazebo. A narrow bridge connected the gazebo to the garden in which they stood. One by one they crossed the bridge. They were ushered into the gazebo-cum-audience room. In the airy structure, made out of weaved branches, stood or more accurately grew, out of a dais, twin thrones on which were seated a tall handsome couple of regal bearing. To their right was seated Princess Nathalia, their guest of honour.

Nathalia was staring at Ludger with a cold, calm look with a touch of resentment thrown in. Ludger returned the stare and slowly examined her. Her face had the exotic beauty of a high fashion model. Wide set green eyes, high cheekbones, a delicately chiselled nose and a wide, lushly lipped, sensual mouth. Her dark red hair had a metallic sheen to it. It was brushed straight past her shoulders.

She was dressed in a shiny black, sleeveless sheath, that was moulded to her athletic body. She had strong shoulders and long powerful hands. Her breasts stood proud and upthrust against the shiny fabric. A long slit down one side of her dress revealed a tantalizing glimpse of a long, muscular thigh and a shapely calf.

Ludger turned his attention to the royal couple. They were dressed in identical long gowns of white silk. A thin band of gold circled their high forehead. Ludger was somewhat self-conscious dressed in dirty battle stained clothes, his chainmail covered body bristling with weapons. He felt like a barbarian invited by mistake to high tea at the Queen’s.

He was brought back to reality by Lynor whispering to him, to state his case to the King. Ludger stepped forward, cleared his throat and declared in a clear voice.

“Your Royal Highnesses, I am Ludger of the Mist of Dream, special envoy of His Royal Highness King Arexis of Talenthar.” As she heard this, Nathalia’s face was lit by a broad smile. All the coldness evaporated from her eyes. Ludger continued. “The reasons for my presence here are twofold. First, I was to make sure that Her Highness, Princess Nathalia, was safe and sound.”

He turned toward Nathalia and continued.

“I am pleased that she managed to reach Elvanor unscathed. Her brother and I are deeply relieved.” He turned back to the King. “Second, I am to request, in the name of King Arexis, your help against our common foe, Magdar.

Two week from tomorrow morning at exactly 06:00, the combined forces of King Arexis, from the east, and of Kurden McNish from the northeast, will launch an attack against Magdar’s army in front of the Gates of Dooms.

King Arexis would appreciate it if you could form the third prong in the assault, by sending some soldiers from the south. Also I will need a guide to the Mist of Dreams. I will fetch some special equipment that I need to cross the Plains of Ice, on my way to the Great Dam. I am intent in destroying its lock and releasing the flow of the river.”

Ludger bowed his head and stepped back into the awaiting group. The King looked at him with gentle eyes and said.

“My dear Sir Ludger, I see that you have travelled a long way to reach us. You should rest until tomorrow morning. We will meet at 10:00 and I will give you my answer. In the meantime enjoy our city. My son Symor will show you to your quarters.” He saluted with a nod and continued. “Now I will talk with my son, Lynor.”

Symor took Ludger by the elbow. He led him out of the audience room. Balnor, Dregnar and Bacchus followed. When they reached the other end of the reflective garden, footmen took charge of Balnor and the troll. They were escorted toward the university. Bacchus looked at Ludger, then at the troll. She then ran to catch up with Dregnar.

Ludger shrugged his shoulders and followed Symor into the middle of another garden. A large branch emerged from the middle of a circular meadow. Steps were carved on its upper face. They gently rose to a tree-house that grew out of the branch amongst a canopy of leaves. Ludger followed the Prince up the stairs. They entered the small house. Ludger’s possessions were neatly arranged against one of the walls.

All of the main furnishings grew out of the smooth rounded surfaces of the room. They glowed from the polished, light coloured wood. Ludger pointed to the large bed. He asked Symor.

“How do you make furniture grow out of the floor, or for that matter a house grow out of a branch?”

“It is all done by selective pruning and training, aided by our special brand of magic. Our priests and gardeners can make our tree-city grow into any useful shape. All that you see is not carved or machined out of the wood, it is grown that way. A chair is grown then harvested for use.”

“This is amazing.”

“Our city is the repository of the countless souls of our past Kings. It is alive. Even the plumbing are done via the trees own circulatory system.” He pointed to a doorway at the far side of the room. “Behind that door is the washroom. Food will be brought to you around 19:00. Feel free to visit the royal gardens in the meantime.”

Symor left him alone in the room. Ludger slowly removed his weapons and his chainmail. He undressed and walked into the washroom. He stepped into the shower and luxuriated under the powerful stream for a long time. He looked at himself in the mirror, as he dried himself with a thick towel. He was in better physical shape than he had ever been, but his body was covered by an amazing patchwork of bruises. He brushed his hair and beard. They were getting longer than he had ever let them grow. They gave him a certain primeval look, shades of the barbarian, again.

He rummaged through his bags and found a light cotton pullover and a pair of thick sweat pants. He pulled them on and slipped into a pair of leather soled moccasins. He left the house for a stroll through the wonderful gardens. He was soon joined by a rather short elf, dressed in a red felt outfit.

He introduced himself as Professor Meldor. He walked silently with Ludger for a while. He then hesitantly said.

“I was meditating yesterday and was contacted by my friend Andrack. He told me to expect you and to help you with your meditation exercises.”

“It is very nice of you to offer your help. I was wondering why I felt so much at ease in this city? Could it be that I am more in sync here, or that this place’s make-up is close to my own world?”

“The aura of this city is probably close to that of the part of your world that you have brought with you. You should try to visualize the auras. I will help you with the procedure.”

They sat down on a park bench and Meldor continued.

“You first have to achieve transcendence. Then you concentrate on the essence of an object or a person. Then you visualize it. It will be expressed by different colours.” He reached into his pocket. “Here are a few objects of different manufacture. This piece of silver was forged and engraved by the dwarves. This small obsidian amulet was given to me by Andrack. This iron star was forged by black magic. The amulet around your neck was made by me.”

Ludger removed the small piece of carved jade from around his neck. He gave it to the elf. Meldor placed the four small objects on the wooden bench between them. He then said.

“Now please vacate your mind.”Ludger sat cross-legged on the bench, facing the elf. He concentrated. “When you reach the third stage, concentrate on the essence of the objects. Visualize the objects and their essence around them…. Now open your eyes and look at them.”

Ludger slowly opened his eyes. He looked at the collection of small objects laid out in front of him. The small piece of silver was shining bright red, the jade had an emerald glow, the obsidian was in a milk-white cloud and the iron star was lost in blackness. His own arm was glowing a brilliant blue. He let his concentration wane and the auras soon faded. He discussed the process with Meldor for an hour. They then parted company.

Ludger resumed his aimless walk through the gardens. He heard the sound of a scuffle coming from behind a high growing hedge. He rushed to an opening in the shrubs. He was greeted by the sight of Nathalia and a short, round faced, blond haired girl practising a form of martial arts.

They were both dresses in identical outfits consisting of white tights and matching loose fitting tank tops. The short haired girl, which he assumed was Maria, was fighting a studied and concentrated bout that she was easily leading. Nathalia had great spirit but was fighting with her heart, not her mind. She was more often than none putting herself in trouble with her wild attacks. Ludger observed with great interest until a break in the action.

He said with a grin, startling the girls in the process.

“Your Highness, you should not attack wildly like you do. You leave yourself open for a counterattack. Use your mind, analyze your opponents then use their powers against them.”

Nathalia replied with a shriek.

“You, like all of my teachers, want me to fight like a woman, delicately. I want to fight like a man, and prove myself.”

“You can fight properly and survive in combat, or, as you say, like a man and end up a dead woman. Let me show you.” He bowed to them. “Would you please attack me, you and your friend.”

Ludger prepared himself. As they launched themselves at him, he used fluid movements to counter their attack and redirect their power. They tumbled away from him time after time. During all this he kept instructing them. After a time they took a break and sat on the lawn. While the women were catching their breath, Ludger, fresh as a daisy, said.

“As you both have just experienced, fighting with discipline can be very effective. It might be less exciting and the romance of fierce combat may be lost, but you will survive to fight another day.”

As he continued his lecture, his concentration was put to a supreme test by the closeness of the two young women’s glistening bodies. Just as the sight of their bouncing breasts under their thin camisole had distracted him during combat. He realized, as they were talking, that the only thing that he really missed from his world was his tri-weekly sessions with his sensei, Master Yakumi. Strangely enough he had not thought about the most important person in his life, his old Master, since he had entered this world.
Ludger had been orphaned when he was eight. His uncle and aunt raised him. They were always travelling and did not have all the time they should have given him. They soon realized that the boy needed direction in his life. They enroled him in Master Yakumi’s school. Ludger had been studying under the care of his sensei since then. His mind drifted back to the philosophical and technical discussion at hand.

He stood up and sparred with Nathalia. She had learned quite a bit, but was too often tempted by heroic manoeuvres. During such an attempt he flipped her over his side with a simple hip movement. He followed her fall and ended up straddling her midriff holding her wrists in his hands. He looked at her straight in the eyes. He lowered his head until their foreheads almost touched. He said to her in a stern tone.

“Your Highness, if you remember only one thing from today, please do not fight so often with your heart, use your head. I have a feeling that one day it might mean the difference between your life and death. It might buy you enough time to use a mistake of your opponent to your advantage. Please listen to me.”

A deep voice coming from the edge of the clearing startled them.

“Your Highness, please listen to this man, he knows what he is preaching, for your own sake.”

They quickly scrambled back to their feet. They came face to face with a tall, strongly built elf. He introduced himself as Keldor, King Valnor’s Chief-of-Arms. Nathalia stormed, furiously, out of the enclosed meadow. Maria followed chuckling softly. The Princess obviously did not like to be disgraced in front of an audience.

The tall elf looked inquisitively at Ludger and said.

“What is the trouble with the young lady?”

“She does not like loosing a fight.”

“You have learned much from your sensei, Master Yakumi. He would be proud to see you teach. You have done well.”

Ludger replied with disbelief.

“How do you know about Master Yakumi? I have not told anyone in this world about him.”

“It is a long story. Over twenty years ago, when Magdar started to play with black magic. King Valnor was afraid that the balance of powers in the universe could be ultimately affected. Some of our best teachers searched the universe with their mind, using meditation, looking for other entities that could respond to our alarm. A few minds were reached. They were advised to prepare for an eventual disturbance in the fabric of the universe. Nothing specific was envisioned but our plea was heard.

Your sensei was one of those few minds that were reached, He told me that he was training a special student for such an eventual fight. I am glad that faith has brought this student to us.”

“Are you telling me that I have been trained for this fight all of my life?”

“Not for this specific battle. But in general terms you were moulded to respond well to the challenge at hand. When Andrack unwittingly brought you to our world, you could not have been better trained to respond effectively.”

This news shocked Ludger. The elf continued.

“Would you like to meet your sensei? I could try to bring his essence into me. You could train with him while I meditate.”

Ludger mumbled.

“Of course I would.”

The elf sat crossed-legged on the ground. He extended his arms to the sky, then clasped his hands high above his head. He brought his hands to the level of his chest. He started to chant in a strange lilting tongue.

Ludger followed suit and sat in front of the elf. He achieved transcendence. He concentrated on Keldor’s aura. At first it was bright green, then it slowly changed to a shade of blue that was growing deeper by the minute. Keldor’s shape started to waiver. It reduced to the shape of an elderly japanese man.

Master Yakumi opened his eyes. And exceptional smile brightened his face when he saw Ludger. He looked around and took in the strange surroundings. He said.

“It is good to see you, Morton san. I have been told that you have been doing well in this world. You have been erased from our own. Not a trace of your presence in our world remains, except in my heart.”

“It is good to see you too. Your lessons are the only things that I really miss from our world.”

“Then we should proceed.”

Master Yakumi touched his forehead to the ground. Ludger did the same. They stood facing each other and bowed their heads. They started an elegant ballet with a deadly purpose. The two men fought like they never had. Ludger was holding his own better than usual. At the end of the fight he managed to pin his sensei for the first time in the more than two decades they had been together.
Ludger helped him up. They bowed. As was common practice after their sessions, they sat cross-legged in front of each other and discussed the fight. After a while the talk wound down. Master Yakumi continued.

“You realize that now that you have defeated your sensei, student must become teacher, himself. I wish you good luck. Keldor assures me that we can meet again, when you come back to visit him. I am proud of you, Morton san.”

Yakumi bowed until his forehead touched the ground. Ludger did likewise. After his sensei’s shape filled up to Keldor’s he realized, for the first time since he had entered this world, that he was here to stay. When he straightened back up, tears were rolling down his cheeks.

He thanked the elf master, stood up and bowed. He silently walked back in the general direction of his quarters. When he left the hedged meadow, he saw from the corner of his eyes two furtive shapes disappear. He did not pay any attention to them. His mind was a nest of conflicting emotions and ideas. He ran into Dregnar who was out walking Bacchus. The troll inquired.

“Master Ludger, what is wrong? You look ill.”

Ludger forced a smile.

“Nothing, Dregnar, I have just finished a long workout and I feel very tired. It should pass after I take a long shower.”

The troll did not insist, but Bacchus did not let this pass. She gave him a long look. She communicated sarcastically to him.

“From the look on your face I figure that you have finally realized that we are here to stay. Come on, its not that bad. The food is great, there is always a nice fire to relax in front, the females of your species seems to find you attractive. So what if we have to fight once in a while to earn our keep. It is better than working in that smelly city, in that noisy office of yours and… I saw that Princess, the fringe benefits are much better here.”

Ludger patted his dog on the head. With the attention span typical of her species, she ran after Dregnar, who had continued his walk. Ludger shook his head and muttered to himself.

“She might be right… she might be right. But why have I inherited a dog with aspirations of becoming a philosopher?”

When he reached his tree-house, he rapidly climbed the stairs and went in. The first thing that he noticed was that his clothes had been cleaned and were laid out on his bed. He found his boots, well polished in an alcove behind a curtain. His chainmail and sword seemed to glow in the shadow of the closet. He put away his clothes, took a fresh tracksuit from his luggage and went to take a shower.

When he emerged, refreshed, from the washroom, a young maid was serving dinner on a table, by a window overlooking the gardens. Some crisp vegetables, an exotically spiced cut of meat, bread and cakes were laid out on a pewter platter. A bottle of deeply coloured red wine and a fine crystal glass accompanied the food. The maid ceremoniously bowed and left the room silently.

Amongst the objects laid out on the table was a slim volume entitled: THE WORLD ITS AURA AND YOU. An essay by Professor Meldor of Elvanor University (E.U.). Ludger smiled and put the book on the table for later reading. He sat down and proceeded to do justice to the meal.

His dinner was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. He uttered in a loud voice.

“Come in.”

Maria entered the room. She was a sight to behold, dressed in a short toga of thin white cotton. Ludger could clearly see the dark buds of her nipples through the gossamer thin fabric. Maria looked down at what he was staring at. When she realized what it was, she blushed sheepishly. Ludger turned away and said in a shaky voice.

“Ergh…, to what may I warrant the pleasure of this visit.”

“Master Ludger, my Mistress -Princess Nathalia- formally request your instruction in the martial arts. She would be glad to start her first lesson tomorrow morning at 07:00, in the meadow where we met today, if you would so agree.”

“I would be delighted. Will you be joining us for the lessons?”

“No, Sir. Princess Nathalia wishes to be instructed alone….” She hesitated and continued in a lower tone. “Please Sir, be nice to her. Behind that braggadocious façade there is a vulnerable young woman that is ill at ease with herself. She does not know if people respond to her because she is a Princess or because of her true self…. I am sorry, I have said too much…. Please do not tell her what I have told you. Forget I said anything.”

With that she turned and bolted out of his room. Ludger caught a glimpse of her shapely rear end as she ran down the stairs. He did not know what to make of the visit, or what had prompted Nathalia to request formal lessons. She had not seemed too thrilled with the idea, during their bout this afternoon, especially after Keldor had interrupted them. Since he could not answer these questions, he instead finished his meal.

He brought the bottle of wine to the table were he had left the book. He got himself a cigar from his case. He installed himself comfortably and lost himself in the philosophical essay. After the sun had long been set he decided to retire for the night.

*

He awoke at 05:30. For the first time since he had been in this world, he performed his morning meditation and exercise routine, that Master Yakumi had designed for him ages ago. He vowed never to forget the combination of stretches and katas ever again.

Ludger entered the hedged meadow promptly at 07:00. Nathalia was there waiting for him. She greeted him with a warm smile. They sat cross-legged in front of each others and Ludger explained the philosophy of the Arts. After the preliminaries they started with basic exercises. They proceeded to actual short bouts. The lesson ended at 09:00 on a formal note. They each went their own way.
Ludger returned quickly to his room to wash up and get properly dressed for his audience with the King. Shortly before 10:00, as he was hanging his sword over his shoulder, Prince Symor came in to escort him to his father.

The joined the King in the gazebo. Valnor received him in a more informal setting. He was seated at a side table and invited Ludger to join him. Servant brought them some tea. After they departed the King started.

“Dear Mister Morton, I hope that you have enjoyed our hospitality. I had a long talk with Professor Meldor and Master Keldor, this morning. From their accounting I warrant that you are a brave young man lost in a strange world. But it also seems that you have been unwittingly trained for most of your life, for such a situation.”

Ludger was about to interrupt, but Valnor silenced him with a gesture. He continued.

“Due to the grave situation at hand, and the possible ramifications of Magdar’s attempts at controlling this world, I have decided to grant you my help. A battalion of Royal Long-Bowmen will participate in the attack on the Gates of Doom at the appointed time. Last night I talked with your friend Balnor. He confided in me your plan to destroy the lock of the Great Dam.

I find that campaign of yours very foolhardy and with very little chance of success. But only you can know if your technology can produce the results that you have claimed. Like surviving and crossing the Plains of Ice, climbing the tall cliffs in the Valley of Perils, or destroying the actual lock. The only major flaw in your thinking is that you will not be able to orient yourself properly in the featureless icy desert.”

Valnor let the thought sink in. Ludger felt somewhat foolish at not having thought of that. Before he could say so, Valnor continued.

“To help you in this endeavour, we will bestow upon you an honour that has never been given to anybody not of elf blood. We will give you the power to communicate with the elders of the forest. This will give you our gift of orientation. We feel compelled to do so because your presence in this world is partly our fault.”

“I do not know what to say.”

“Shush…, nothing has to be said. We are honoured to help you. Please come with me.”

Valnor stood up and took Ludger’s hand. He brought him to a small clearing on the far side of the gardens. In the middle of the clearing was a semicircle of shrubs surrounding a low wooden platform growing out of the soil. Ludger was told to sit on the platform. Valnor stood at his right with his left hand on his shoulder. Queen Juniper joined them and stood on his left with her right hand on his shoulder.

A procession of officials, led by Professor Meldor, entered the clearing. Meldor instructed Ludger to concentrate on his own aura. Ludger concentrated and rapidly basked in the earthy blue of his aura. Chants rose slowly around him, remembrance of wind passing through foliage. A tall emaciated grey haired priest stood before him. The King and his Queen turned to face each others, still keeping him in their embrace. Their glowing emerald aura was touching his own cerulean one. Touches of white and ruby were streaking from his chainmail.

The priest took the Monarchs’ free hands and pressed them together. As contact was made, a large flow of energy coursed through Ludger’s body. It was as if a large door was opened and he was witness to an ongoing conversation held by millions of voices. The disorienting chatter soon faded to the background. A deep serenity emerged. It was a feeling of communion with the soul of the planet and of oneness with nature. Ludger’s aura had settled into a medley of all the colours present around him, white, green, blue and red.

Valnor and Juniper released him and he slowly emerged from his trance. Lynor brought him a map of the realm. He told him.

“With this map and the amulet given to you by Andrack, you will always be under the guidance of the elders. Use this gift to better our cause.”

One by one the elves silently left the clearing. They left Ludger alone with the royal couple. He said.

“I wish to leave in the early afternoon. I will proceed to the Mist of Dreams to fetch my equipment. I will meet with Balnor, Dregnar and Bacchus in three days time, at the fringe of the rolling hills. He pointed to the agreed meeting place on the map. With the help of some of your trackers they will reconnoitre the area. I bid you farewell.”

“We bless you, young man, may the Gods be with you.”

Ludger parted company with the monarchs and returned to his quarters. When he arrived Symor was already supervising the removal of his equipment to return it to his vehicle. He told Ludger that fresh provisions would also be included. He would be back in half an hour to escort him to his truck.

Symor had not been gone for a minute, when an urgent knock shook his door. Without waiting for an answer, an angry Nathalia burst into the room. She scowled at Ludger while pacing back and forth in the middle of the room. She looked radiant in her tight fitting dark green, velvet pants and jerkin. She finally stopped her shuttle between the ends of the room and stood rigidly in front of Ludger. She uttered through clenched teeth with barely controlled anger.

“How dare you not including me in your plans for the final battle. If Arexis was here he….”

Ludger interrupted and said.

“If Arexis was here he would have done exactly the same thing as I did. We cannot put you in a position where Magdar can easily capture you. Both for your sake and the sake of the Kingdom. With you as a hostage, Magdar would be able to bargain away the powers of the King with little fear of reprisal.”

With the wind taken out of her argument, Nathalia slumped in a chair. She said in a low childish voice.

“I know you are right, but I wanted so much to be part of the final assault. Also I do not want to loose my teacher so soon after starting my lessons.”

She looked so cuddly and vulnerable that Ludger relented. She would accompany him to the Mist of Dreams, then to the rolling hills where she would be left under Balnor’s supervision. They would stay in Elvanor during the attack. Ludger sent her to gather her belongings.

He met Symor in the meadow and Nathalia joined them carrying only a bulky, soft, shoulder bag. They walked down the tree-city to the chamber where the Samurai had been left the previous day. Nathalia threw her bag in the back. Balnor, Dregnar and Bacchus wished them good luck. They were soon on their way out of the city.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

From 1990: One Way Ticket To Talenthar

The Sass

Chapter 12

Early in the morning, the word from the scouts was that traces of Nathalia’s passage were found in the vicinity of the small fishing village of Dugra, near the enchanted forest. She was travelling quickly with one guard and Lady Maria. After a short rest in Dugra she headed into the forest. This news was good. Ludger decided to travel to Dugra then into the forest, retracing Nathalia’s steps. He would leave by midday accompanied by Balnor, Dregnar and Bacchus. They would take the truck to speed up their travel.

He loaded his equipment in the back of the truck and checked all the fluids’ levels. He refilled the gas tanks with his spare containers, while Dregnar helped Bacchus into the back of the truck. They settle themselves amongst the equipment. Balnor eyed the passenger seat with suspicion. Under Ludger’s prodding he finally climbed into it.

When Ludger started the engine the sound frightened the scribe. His reaction was similar to Dregnar’s when he had first been a passenger, he jumped out of the truck. It took a great deal of persuasion on Ludger’s part to convince him to retake his seat. After a long argument, that Dregnar was not helping by laughing hysterically, Balnor finally relented. They eventually got under way.

They wound their way slowly through the streets of the city, under the glazed stares of the crowds, working to reconstruct the broken buildings. They exited the city through the southwest gate. The air was heady with the fish aroma of the docks. The sea was gently rolling and the activity was abnormally subdued at the fish market. As they followed the coast they met many groups of fishermen or peasants with their families and possessions, who were moving grimly toward the city.

They stopped one of these families, whose patriarch nervously acquiesced their request for information. The sturdy old man sitting in front of the rickety cart, holding in his hands the reins of the two large placid oxen, told them.

“We are running away from the pillaging of the evil armies. They are rumoured to haunt the region.” He slapped without looking, one of the dirty youngsters, who was climbing on his back, and continued. “I think we have a better chance of survival in the city. We can help rebuilding the fortifications and my eldest sons can join the dwindling ranks of the army.”

Ludger sent them off with his blessing. He was proud of those people who had decided not to resign themselves to their faith. It furthered his resolve to help them as best as he could.

After a restless night in an abandoned beach hut, where their sleep was interrupted regularly by strange noises from the sea, they resumed their progress early in the cold misty morning. By mid-morning, as they crested a rolling hill, they saw -on the horizon- the telltale dark band of the elven forest. They hoped to be there by the next day. Their progress was growing increasingly difficult, due to the frequent thaws -due to the closeness of the warmer sea- breaking the already damaged surface of the road.

At the end of the day they stopped to stretch their legs by a deep fissure in the side of a low hill. Ludger was leaning against the grill guard, watching Bacchus lick one of her forepaws. Suddenly her ears turned toward the fissure. She excitedly bolted into the dark crack. Sounds of a vicious fight soon reached Ludger’s ears. He instructed his friends to return to the relative protection of the truck. He grabbed his sword and dashed in the direction of the noise.

When he was about to reach the fissure a large cat-like animal ran out, tail between its legs. With one mighty surge it jumped at him. Ludger dropped to one knee. He thrust his ready sword in the centre of the creatures body. The dark feline lifelessly collapsed on him, knocking his body off balance in the muddy snow. He pushed the twitching remains of the cat off him and stood up slightly dazed. Loud barks brought him back to reality. He dived into the crack to investigate.

After only a few yards, the narrow fissure widened into an elongated semi-circular area where a drama was unfolding. A tall elegant man of slender built, wearing tracker’s greens, was laying down, wounded. He was fighting for his life, with the help of Bacchus, against a large hairy, deformed beast in tattered clothing. The creature was wielding a large spiked club and bashing at the fallen man. If it was not for Bacchus’s distracting attacks the combat would have been over a long time ago.

Ludger quickly assessed the situation. He lunged at the creature sword held high. The husky creature, with lighting reflexes that its bulk did not promise, flicked its club at Ludger’s sword and knocked it out of his hands. A second blow landed square in the middle of Ludger’s chest, lifting him right off the ground. He landed hard amongst the rocks. If it had not been for his chainmail, Ludger was sure that he would have perished from massive internal injuries.

The creature, sure of having disposed of Ludger, returned its attention to the fallen man. Ludger pulled out his long kukri and stealthily approached the creature’s back. He jumped at it. While he wrapped his legs around the creature’s thick middle, he slipped his left arm around its neck. The muscles of the creature felt like rippling steel under its leathery hide. Fingers as powerful as a vice dug into Ludger’s arm. He groaned loudly at the painful, crushing grip. With his free hand he brought his curved blade to the creature’s neck. With a jerk he pulled it toward him. The creature lurched wildly. Slowly, the hulking beast fell backward. After a bone crushing crash, Ludger was pinned under the bulk of the creature. He struggled and finally managed to roll it of his chest.
Panting, Ludger slowly stood up. He wiped his bloody blade on the creatures tattered clothing and sheathed it. He retrieved his sword and turned toward the fallen man. The tall man was fighting Bacchus’s affectionate attacks.

After Ludger regained his breath, he called Bacchus to attention. He bowed deeply and said to the man.

“Let me introduce myself. I am Ludger of the Mist of Dreams at your service. My friends and I were passing nearby, when my dog heard a scuffle. She led me to your help. Whom might I have the privilege to address.”

Ludger felt very proud of his statement. The fallen man replied.

“Thank you, Sir Ludger. My name is Lynor, son of Valnor of Elvanor.”

“I am pleases to make your acquaintance, Your Highness.”

“Please call me Lynor, There cannot be any formality between us, I owe you my life.”

“If you prefer, Lynor. Let me have a look at your ankle.”

Ludger crouched and examined the swollen ankle of the young Prince. He continued.

“It seems to be only a sprain. I will help you back to my vehicle and tend to your injuries.”

Ludger helped the Prince back to his foot and supported him as he hobbled back to the truck. Luckily the tall man was slender and his weight was negligible on Ludger’s shoulders. When they exited the fissure, Balnor and Dregnar ran to their help. The scribe was surprised when he recognized the Prince, but not as much as Lynor when he saw the truck. He looked at it mouth agape, then back to Ludger. He said.

“Then, it is true. Our elders had sensed a disturbance in the universal fabric and there has been rumours of a hero from another world helping us against the evil hordes.”

“Hero is a big word, I am just doing my best to help you since I now have to share your world.”

Ludger opened the tailgate of the Suzuki and installed the Prince as comfortably as was possible on his bedroll, amongst the equipment. He taped his ankle with a wide elastic bandage. He then filled a large plastic bag full of snow, sealed it and placed the Prince’s swollen ankle on it. He gave Lynor some strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory tablets.

Ludger moved the vehicle to a secluded area that Lynor assessed to be safe. With the help of Dregnar he raised the soft top over it. He lit a small catalytic heater and a camp stove. He then prepared a hasty meal. They would rest for a few hours and listen to the Prince’s tale, then slowly proceed toward Dugra.

Over a steaming cup of herbal tea, Lynor told his story.

“For the last few months, rumours of a massive army of dark elves assembling in front of the Gates of Doom, have circulated around our Kingdom. These blood relative of ours have eschewed the elders and turned to the dark forces. They would make a vicious enemy to any army. Then, last week, we heard rumours from Dugra about fighting mermen that were attacking the coast with the help of ogres and their fighting sand-cats. My father, King Valnor, sent me to investigate these rumours.

I had confirmed my father’s suspicions and was following a group of ogres, when I slipped and sprained my ankle. I slipped in the fissure to recuperate. I was awaiting the departure of the ogres, who had set up camp in a nearby clearing. A scouting ogre cornered me with his sand-cat. These creatures are trained to viciously attack humans. Only the judicious arrival of your dog saved me from the sand-cat and yours from the ogre.”

“I am glad to have been of any help. We are, ourselves, following in the path of Princess Nathalia, who was last seen near Dugra. Have you found any traces of her?”

“She is sound and safe in Elvanor with her friend, Lady Maria. She was rescued by a party of our trackers from an attack by trolls and goblins. She was brought back to my father’s palace.”

“We would be honoured to drive you to Elvanor ourselves. We were looking for the Princess, but are also on a diplomatic mission from King Arexis to request aid from your father, King Valnor.”

“I will gladly guide you into Elvanor and arrange an audience with the King.”

The conversation soon died down. The men arranged themselves as comfortably as possible to take a short rest. Ludger reclined his seat back and showed Balnor how to do so with his own. He set the alarm on his watch for a few hours hence. Soon the only sounds heard in the truck were the regular breathing of its passengers and the soft whistling of the catalytic heater.

Ludger awoke to the cheerful musical chimes of his watch’s alarm. He angrily turned it off. He had always hated alarms of any sort. He normally woke up on time without their help, but now he was too tired to do so. He turned on the overhead bezel light. He woke up his crew, who protested loudly. As he brewed some herbal tea, he made a mental note to bring back some coffee from the Mist on his next visit home. He could not stand the bitter tea of these parts.

They partook in a cold lunch. After everything was stowed safely, Ludger announced his intention to proceed to Dugra. Balnor protested.

“How can we travel at night. It is so dark on this cloudy night, that we cannot even see a yard in front of us.”

Ludger started the engine and said.

“Let there be light.” As he switched on the headlights.

A gasp of amazement came from his passengers, but the biblical allusion was lost on them. In turn, Ludger turned on the powerful auxiliary driving lamps and wide beam fog lights. The wooded rolling hills in front of them were better illuminated than by daylight. Taking a handheld spotlight from its bracket under the dashboard, Ludger said.

“And if we want to see on the side or back, we use this.”

He rolled down his window and flicked on the light with his thumb. The powerful beam of the searchlight petrified a group of goblins that were standing less than 10 feet from the truck. They were as startled as Ludger was. He switched the light to his left hand and grabbed the silenced MAC 10 from the floor. As soon as it was pointed in the general direction of the ungainly creatures, the small submachine gun hiccupped in his hand and laid devastation in its path. The leading goblin literally exploded in a spray of bloody gore. Ludger dropped the empty magazine to the floor. He put, grip up, the empty gun on his lap. As he reached for a loaded magazine in a pocket in his door, he yelled to Balnor.

“Roll down your window”

He slammed the magazine in place and handed the searchlight to the scribe. Leaning to the passenger side he emptied the gun in the direction of his attackers. He dropped the empty gun on Balnor’s lap, switched off the searchlight, put the truck in gear and raced out of the clearing. They bounced heavily through deep ruts. As they passed under some low laying branches, the screaming shape of a troll jumped at them. He landed hard on the bonnet. He hung at the side mirror trying to get in. Ludger tried to push the creature off but it was hanging on for dear life. Finding his action futile, Ludger finally grabbed his 45 from his hip and thumbed the safety off. As the troll tried to get in, he punched it in the chest with the muzzle of the gun. He jerked the trigger twice in succession. Twin tongues of fire jetted from the handgun’s compensator. They were accompanied by a deafening report. The creature’s chest exploded as it fell backward, arms flailing, into the darkness.

Ludger put the safety back on and holstered his gun. He concentrated on his driving before their escape ended down a hill or around a tree. They reached the muddy road. Ludger, using all of his skills as a rally driver, took the way to Dugra. He was pushing at the limit of control on this unfamiliar path. The Suzuki was more often than not flying through the cold winter air and landing heavily with a resounding crash. He was going through the curves, skidding sideways with his front wheels in opposite lock. His passengers and equipment were getting battered. They were relentlessly thrown back and forth. Ludger felt like he had all the daemons of hell pursuing him. In a way he was not far off. After many long minutes of this infernal rate of progress, sanity slowly came back to him. The adrenalin rush faded and he decided that their was no reasons to kill them all. He slowed down imperceptively bellow the ragged edge. A few minutes later he slowed down, to the great relief of his companions, to a more comfortable pace.

He drove silently for close to two hours. In the middle of a long stretch of road, where they could see to the limit of his driving lights’ illumination, he rolled to a stop. He turned on a rear facing halogen light. With a sigh Ludger slumped forward on the steering wheel. Balnor inquired about his health. After a few long, silent, minutes Ludger raised his head and said with disgust.

“I could have killed us all. I should never have gone to sleep without posting a guard first. This was shamefully stupid of me. I jeopardized our mission. I am not cut off for this kind of work.”

Lynor who was disentangling himself from the equipment, said.

“Do not blame yourself, everybody was tired and needed rest. I am the one who chose that area as safe to set camp. If it had not been for your quick reflexes, we would all be troll sustenance by now.” Looking at Dregnar he continued. “Nothing personal of course.”
Balnor, always his calm self, said.

“I totally agree, no one is to be blamed. We are lucky to have escaped and that is the most important. I suggest that we rearrange ourselves more comfortably, then proceed calmly to Dugra.”

Everybody agreed gruffly. Ludger reloaded his firearms and stepped out of the truck. He went to the back to help restack the equipment. He emptied Lynor’s snow pack, that was now mostly water by now, and refilled it with fresh snow. When everything was secured, he pulled out a wineskin and some chocolate confections. He squirted some wine in his mouth and broke off a few pieces of the chocolate. He passed the rest around. After closing up the back, he returned to the driver’s seat.

Balnor handed him back the wine. He took a few more gulps and passed it back. He turned off the back light and the small bezel on the rollbar. With a sigh he put the truck in gear and accelerated on the slippery road. Large lazy snowflakes soon made their appearance, cheering up the bleak landscape. They thudded wetly on the windscreen. Ludger was forced to turn on the wipers. He went on slowly with only the regular squeaks of the wipers and a quartet of light snores breaking the monotony of the trip.

They reached Dugra at dawn. The little village was deserted. Many houses showed signs of combat. Broken windows, doors hanging crookedly from their hinges and collapsed, burnt outbuildings added to the oppressive gloominess of this place. The only sign of life was present on the quays. Only one fishing boat remained in the protected inlet around which was built the village. A few silhouettes were moving around it.

They decided to investigate. Ludger drove down the main street to the edge of the water. He parked the truck near the end of the dock where the fishing boat was moored. Ludger helped Lynor out of the truck. With the Prince leaning on his shoulder they walked toward the boat. They had decided to leave Dregnar and Bacchus hidden in the truck, not to arouse any suspicions.

A crusty grey haired man with powerful, callused hands hailed them. He was accompanied by a couple of burly young men. They were looking at them with misgivings. Lynor returned the greeting.

“I am Lynor of Elvanor, could you tell me what happened to mayor Myrtle and the rest of the villagers?”

The grey haired man replied.

“The ones that survived the combined attacks of the mermen and the ogres, fled by boat to the capital a few days ago. We are the only ones remaining.”

“Why have you stayed here?”

“Me and my sons were born here and we plan to die here. Our boat is strong. We do not fear the mermen and the ogres cannot reach us at sea. We plan to remain here and make their life miserable for as long as we can.”

“May the Gods help you in your endeavour. I wish you many victories against our enemies.”

Lynor and Ludger turned away. They left these determined idealists to their faith. Ludger wished them well but could see the futility of their efforts. The he realized that his own efforts were not based on much firmer grounds. He murmured to himself.

“I guess that each of us need his own windmills to attack.”

Lynor looked strangely at him. Ludger shook his head to discourage any comments on the Prince’s part. They climbed back in the truck. Lynor told the sad news to his companions. Ludger slowly drove out of town. An hour later they were in the enchanted forest.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

From 1990: One Way Ticket To Talenthar

The Sass

Chapter 11

They eventually reached the highest point of the pass. It conveniently widened to a flat, well protected area. They quickly set up camp. The cold, exhausted men soon huddled in front of a few large fires to dry their clothing and personal effects.

As they ate a soggy meal, they reassessed the situation. They had been lucky, no army was now following them. Kurden assured them that the pass would easily, and safely, lead them in the general direction of Arnor, where they could rejoin the bulk of the army.

It was nearing the appointed time of the day when they could contact Chargoff. Shielded by the canyon they had not been able to do so in a few days. Ludger set up the radio. After many tries he finally established a weak noisy link. It brought in bad news. A small detachment of Magdar’s army had raided Talenthar. They were repelled with difficulty, but Nathalia had to flee the castle. She left for the elven forest. No contact had been established with her, since her disappearance.

Since it had been so difficult to repel the attackers in a fortified city, it was agreed they would not succeed in their assault on the Gates of Doom, unless they first unlocked the Magic Dam on the river of Power. Only with the flow of water reestablished would they be able to use magic against magic.

They would discuss the details tonight and would call back Chargoff in the morning. The men soberly took in the bad news. Arexis led a council meeting. He called the meeting to order.

“We now agree that we can only attack Magdar’s stronghold, after we open the dam and release the water. Without magic we are doomed in our assault, as recent events in Talenthar showed us. But even without any magic we will have to launch our attack, we do not have any choice. We cannot let Magdar win. Does someone has any advice on how to reach the dam.”

Kurden cleared his throat and said.

“A direct approach would make us pass directly in front of the Gates of Doom. This would surely get us detected. The best way to the Great Dam is through the Valley of Perils.”

Arny joined in.

“The problem is that to reach the valley the obstacles are unsurmountable. The way through the northern mountains is too well patrolled for a team to get in. Even if one was to reach the foot of the dam, the lock is at the level of the lake. It is only accessible after a vertical climb of over fifteen-hundred feet.”

Ludger asked.

“Is there any way of reaching this valley undetected?”

Arny replied.

“One cannot cross the Desert of Death undetected. Thus the only way is very involved. First you have to pass through the elven forest. Then, through the rolling hills into the Plains of Ice, behind the Howling Mountains. From the plains you can enter the far end of the Valley of Peril.”

“What is so complicated about this?”

“First one cannot go into the elven forest unguided, for fear of getting hopelessly lost. The forest is protected by elven magic and no outsider is admitted without an elf guide. The way through the hills should be uneventful, but it might be patrolled by Magdar’s minions.

The worst part would be the Plains of Ice. This area is permanently frozen. No animal can survive the extreme cold for any length. Even if someone could dress warmly enough, he would have to travel, on foot, over three-hundred miles to skirt the Howling Mountains and reach the valley.”

Ludger said soberly.

“I see…. Then, if somebody could reach the top of the cliff by this long route, what is the nature of the lock? Is it magical or mechanical?”

Andrack answered.

“The lock itself is mechanical, but it is gigantic. An enormous force would be needed to break it. To open it , you would need the magical key that, of course, is in the hands of Magdar.”

“If the lock was broken how would the gates be opened?”

“The pressure of the water would be enough to force the gates open and the water would flow again. With this, enough power would be available for me to vanquish Magdar.”

Turning toward Arexis, Ludger said.

“My good friend, I will go back to Talenthar and follow the traces of Nathalia into the elven capital if need be. After I find her, I will go back to the Mist of Dreams. I will gather the equipment that will permit me to attempt the route that Arny proposed. I think that it is our only chance. If I reach the dam, I should be able to defeat the lock.”

“I cannot ask that of you, my friend, you have already done enough by helping us with the river of Gods.”

“You are not asking me. I am going on my own, for my own selfish reasons. I have decided to hang around this world for a while and Magdar doesn’t look like the ideal landlord. Also I would not mind having a talk with your sister. I did not like being talked to like a servant.

My mind is set don’t even try to change it.”

“The only thing that I can say is…, thank you.”

Andrack offered Ludger a small amulet of delicately carved jade, threaded on a leather thong. He said.

“Take this, it will help you in getting a guide around the elven forest, to reach Elvanor. This should also open the doors to Valnor, the elven King.”

“Thank you, old friend, this will be of great help. I will leave, alone, in the morning.”

Dregnar, who was coming back from walking the dog, said in a loud voice.

“No, Master Ludger, Bacchus and I will accompany you. You will need our aid to guide you.”

“All right, but only until we reach Elvanor, after this I go on alone. And please, don’t call me Master.”

“It is agreed, Master….”

The men, around the fire, broke into laughter. It eased the tension that had built up. Discussions went late into the night. They agreed on the details and schedule of their plan. Ludger would be given one week to reach Talenthar and get ready. Another week to search for Nathalia and get his supplies from the Mist of Dreams. Then two more weeks to reach the dam. Thus in four weeks from that day, at exactly 06:00, the attack would be launched. Kurden would attack from the northeast, Arexis and Chargoff from the east. Ludger would try to convince Valnor to attack from the south. The attack would go on, whether Ludger would break the lock at this time or not.

After all the details were ironed out, Ludger retired to the comfort of his, now dry, mummy bag. Bacchus curled up at his feet. He fell asleep petting his dog.

At dawn Ludger, Dregnar and Bacchus headed south with Arexis’ and Andrack’s blessings. They rode all day, pausing only to rest the horses. Since the moon was bright, they rode late into the night.

At the end of the next afternoon, they arrived at the camp near Arnor. They were led to Chargoff upon their arrival. Troops were massing in the plains around the little town, preparing for the upcoming battle. The general had no new information about Nathalia. She had left Talenthar less than a week ago. Nobody had seen or heard from her since. She supposedly fled to the elven forest, when the attempt to capture her at the palace, failed. Chargoff feared for her safety, but he thought that she should have reached Elvanor without too much difficulties. She should be safe there.

Around the campfire, that night, Ludger was relaxing while leaning back against a few bales of hay. He was absentmindedly scratching Bacchus behind her ears, wondering if Dregnar had fed her that night. A silent reply came to his mind. She had been fed. Startled, Ludger looked around and found no one within sight except for Bacchus. He sighed thinking he had dreamed. A silent reply followed.

“No you have not”

He looked down at his dog. He could see in her eyes that she was the one who had communicated with him. He passed his hand over her head. He could feel a rush of primitive thought patterns. This new development astounded him. He could not help but wonder at what this new world held in store for him. Looking down at Bacchus he thought.

“Good night.”

She replied in kind.

At dawn, when Ludger woke up, he considered that he had dreamed the events of the previous night, as he watched his dog go about her morning business. Grooms had prepared theirs horses. He set about to find Dregnar. He was eating breakfast with Chargoff. Ludger joined them . After they finished, they set off for Talenthar.

The next day, as they approached the capital, they found signs of the recent battles. Burnt farmhouses were seen in abandoned fields. Piles of human, troll, and goblin carcasses dotted the muddy road at regular interval, left for the carrion birds to clean. They gave a rotten stench to the bloody, melting snow.

They arrived at the northern gates of the city at sundown. They were quickly admitted before the gates were locked for the night. There was a subdued activity in the portions of the city bordering the river. People were cleaning up after the battle. Weary souls carried on their desperate work without any guarantees about their future. A large section, toward the northwest, had been partially burned down. It forced its inhabitants to seek refuge with friends and relatives.

Ludger could not support the desperate stares of the men and women lining the streets. He silently pledged to do whatever was in his power to help them. After following a convoluted path, to bypass most of the damaged roads, they reached the citadel. The Captain-at-arms allowed them in, as they were expected. Armed guards escorted them across the bridge to the palace. Balnor was anxiously waiting for them in the courtyard. Footmen took care of their horses, while their equipment was unloaded. Ludger was relieved that the scribe was fully recovered.

They followed Balnor to his office, in the royal library. They sat in comfortable chairs in front of his desk, while servants poured them refreshments. The small grey haired man was dressed in a heavy brocade robe. He crossed his long fingers and looked at Ludger, deep in the eyes. He said in a professorial tone.

“Six days ago an attack was launched against the city by a somewhat disorganized force composed of trolls and goblins. I am sure that their attack had a single purpose. To capture Princess Nathalia and bring her to Magdar.

As the action came close to the palace, She left the city by a hidden exit, with four guards and her friend, Lady Maria. As they were fleeing, east of the city, they came under attack. The small group disbanded. The Princess was last seen heading toward the enchanted forest, with Maria, under the protection of one guard. She has not been seen since then.”

After a long pause he continued.

“King Arexis contacted me last night. They are safe and sound with General Chargoff. Troops are starting to arrive from Baldour, Leventhar and Baldycree. At the same time in the blackened plains, in front of the Gates of Doom, a massive army composed of all the evil races of the Kingdom is assembling. With this army and his black magic, Magdar’s forces seem invincible.”

“The attack will be launched in exactly twenty-four days, tomorrow morning. We will be leaving in two days time for the elven forest. In the meantime you should organize search parties in that direction to look for traces of Nathalia’s passage. Also I would like access to the library and your help in finding all the information possible on the elven forest, the Great Dam and the Gates of Doom.”

“I will see to that, right now. Do you need anything else?”

“No, I will retire to catch up on my sleep, so that I can get an early start in the morning.”

They shook hands and Dregnar escorted Ludger to his room. They parted company a the room’s door. Ludger threw his gun belt and sword on the bed. He split his chainmail between his legs and removed it. He threw his clothes in a corner and slipped in a thick dressing gown. He called in a maid. When the dour faced older women came in, he instructed her to launder his clothes before morning. He relaxed in a hot bath until the water turned cold. He then went to bed. He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

*

Early the next morning Ludger was awaken by a loud knock at his door. He let in Balnor, who was carrying a tall stack of dusty old books. They laid them down on a long table and started their search. Breakfast was brought in by a servant. Dregnar came in to fetch Bacchus for her morning walk. Ludger was amazed to see them so close. At first Dregnar had been so afraid of the dog. As they walked out the door, Bacchus let him know silently.

“This guy is great, he walks like one of you, but he smells like one of me. He must be a distant cousin of mine.”

Ludger grinned widely and went back to his lecture. They spent all morning reviewing historical books. Balnor had previously visited Elvanor. He told Ludger what he new about the elves.

“The elven forest is protected by a conjuration of the elder elven spirits that are reincarnated into the trees of the forest. Elves, whose lifespan is at least five times that of a human, do not really die at the end of their long earthly journey. Their body shell dissolves and their essence, or spirit, is metamorphosed into one of the tree that forms the magic forest.

The magic spirits, in the trees, protect Elvanor from any unwanted intruder. It makes them hopelessly lost. The deeper one tries to go into the forest, the more disoriented one will be. People have been known to travel in circles in the outskirts of the forest without getting any deeper, but also without being able to escape. They travel until they collapse from exhaustion and eventually die.

People of elven blood are the best trackers in the known world. Their natural gift is augmented by the conjuration of elders. In this way they can travel through the forest without any problems. The worst punishment for an elf, is to become an outcast and be banished from the city. They are then kept out by the conjuration and stripped of their tracking powers. With this, two thing are accomplished. First they loose their identity and affinity with mother earth. Second they will never see Elvanor again for as long as they live.

This is harsh punishment because this city is the jewel of this world. It is carved out of one gigantic tree whose trunk is close to a mile thick. Over many levels in the trunk and the crown of the tree, living and working quarters are arranged. They are topped by the royal palace. The city is always green and protected from the elements. It is a marvel to visit.”

The search through the old tomes was frustrating, since they were not indexed. They had to read everything to know the contents of the books. By mid-afternoon, Balnor decided that they should move to the old archives, where their search might be more fruitful.

Ludger followed the scribe, first to the kitchen, where they ate a quick lunch under the scornful eye of the head chef who did not appreciate his kitchen being invaded by outsiders. Balnor then fetched two large oil lamps and lit their wicks with a spell. He winked at Ludger.

“It is not only our friend Andrack who can use magic.”

Ludger smiled. He was led through a series of dark corridors and staircases that plunged deeply in the bowels of the palace. The journey finally ended in front of an old oaken door that was undistinguishable from any of its siblings that they had passed on their way.

Balnor produced a long skeleton key from his pocket. He unlocked the door. He showed Ludger in. The large low-ceiling room was lined by rows upon rows of bookcases. The air was full of the aroma of dusty old tomes.

Ludger helped Balnor search through the shelves for any books that could be useful. He found a small bound essay by a famed wizard, that Balnor identified as Andrack’s mentor, on the source of power of the Gates of doom. Simply stated it said that the strength of the Gates is unimpeded as long as the flow of the river of Powers is at its yearly average or above. Below that, the Gates gradually weaken with the lessening flow of water.

Balnor remembered that during the summer that Magdar had escaped, the Kingdom had suffered from one of the worst droughts in its history. The flow of the river had been at its lowest ever. It could explain why Magdar had been able to get free with the help of his minions.

Later, Balnor came up with a handwritten diary from an itinerant magician who travelled the north. It confirmed that during the year of the drought the power of the Gates had been weaker. Magdar had sent some emissaries from beyond the gates. They had no power of their own but they managed to rally to Magdar’s cause the goblins and troll that lived in the mountains. Later, even one of the King’s advisers was enroled in their ranks. All had the same goal, a lust for power and riches.

The flow of the river was slowed further by the trolls piling up rocks creating makeshift dams. Magicians who were travelling the outskirts of the realm were kidnapped. Nobody knows what happened to them. The river flow was slowed enough to permit Magdar to escape from the Gates. After this was the great Magic War where all the magicians, but Andrack, disappeared without trace. Both sides suffered tremendous losses but Magdar managed to lock the Magic Dam with the key he took from Bluthor’s death grip.

The Dam was under magical protection but constructed of normal building materials. In the middle of its curved wall was a massive lock that could be used to control the flow of water. It had been closed to dry up the land. But since it was built of stones, wood and metal, Ludger believed that it could be destroyed.

They searched for more information until the next evening, taking only short periods of rest. Nothing further, of any consequence, was found. Ludger decided to retire early. They were leaving in the morning after debriefing the scouts that were expected back overnight.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

From 1990: One Way Ticket To Talenthar

The Sass

Chapter 10

By the middle of the cold moonlit night Kellor, one of the trackers that was still ahead, came back to report. He had news of a gigantic rock troll, waiting by the source of the river. He was by a large mound of rocks, on an escarpment overlooking the Source. From this position he could hurl the rocks down on unsuspecting riders. He effectively blocked the access to the Source.

Ludger asked.

“How close could I get to the troll, without being discovered?”

Kellor answered.

“By climbing up on a ridge, in the deep snow, you should be able to get within four to five hundred yards. But the going would be difficult and I do not know what you could do from such a distance.”

“You only have to get me there. Let me worry about what I will do.”

Ludger went to his pack horse. He took out a pair of white coveralls. He put them on over his winter clothing. He unhitched a long, padded, leather bag from his pack saddle. He removed from it the parts of his fifty calibre semi-automatic sniping rifle. The large gun was based on the .50 calibre round of the M2 HMG. It was effective to ranges of up to about one mile. He assembled the long, heavy rifle and wrapped it in a band of white elasticized cloth. He loaded two magazines with five of the large shells, apiece. He pulled a white balaclava over his head and put some white covers over his boots. He stepped on a pair of snow shoes and fastened the bindings. He hefted the heavy rifle, by its shoulder harness, to his back.

He looked at the tracker, who was gawking at him, with astonishment showing on his face. He said to the tall lanky man.

“Lead me to the beast so that I can slay it.”

Ludger felt like a medieval knight going after the fabled Dragon. Only the Damsel-in-Distress was missing. Deep down he hoped that the large rifle was enough gun to dispose of the rock troll. Never having seen such a creature before, he somewhat doubted it.

He followed his guide for over an hour. Ludger was amazed at the man’s endurance through the deep snow. They finally reached the bottom of a long sloping ridge. They started the arduous climb up its side. When they approached the crest of the ridge, Kellor went prone. He slowly crept to the edge. Ludger quickly followed suit. He was rewarded by a magnificent sight.

The two sheer faces of the canyon, bordering the bed of the river, widened around a circular pool. They ended abruptly at a large vertical wall of colossal dimensions. The pool, at the base of the wall, was over the underground source of the river. In the bright moonlight he could see, to the right of the pool, a small plateau. It was below their level, but still a few hundred feet over the level of the pool. On the plateau was a large pile of boulders. Coming from down river, anybody would be at the mercy of an avalanche of rocks, created by somebody standing guard on that ridge.

Ludger asked Kellor the location of the troll. The scout pointed to a large ponderous black shape that stood near the boulders. Ludger thought it was a large rock. Then the rock slowly moved away.

He pulled out a small pair of rubber clad binoculars from under his chainmail. He studied closely the ungainly creature. He estimated its mass to be similar to that of a bull elephant. He had not expected it to be so large. It looked like a rough hewed snowman with massive limbs made of stone. It stood at a distance that he estimated at about four hundred and fifty yards.

Ludger slid back under the crest of the ridge. Kellor whispered to him.

“This rock troll is over twice the size of the norm. They are solitary creatures that live high in the mountains. You normally do not see them at these elevations. They are placid creatures that do not have the aggressiveness of the other troll species. This one seems very restless, as if forced by some outside force to stand guard on the Source.”

Ludger acquiesced silently. He looked back down the ridge to see if the group was closing up. They were about half a mile back and riding slowly. He unslung his rifle and inserted a loaded magazine. He cycled the action, chambering a round in the process. He handed to the tracker a pair of soft foam earplugs and instructed him in their use. He put on his own pair of sound deadening earmuffs. He unfolded the rifle’s bipod and laid prone on a flat area of ground hastily cleared of soft snow. He spread his legs widely to stabilize himself, in the process bracing his body for the heavy recoil.

After adjusting the ballistic compensator of the high power scope, he carefully took aim at the colossus. He set the trigger and released the safety. When he was sure of his aim, he took a few deep breaths and slowly released them. On the last one he stopped exhaling. After his last muscle tremor died down, he slowly squeezed the last bit of travel from the trigger.

The sound of the shot was deafening, even heard through the hearing protectors. The recoil numbed his shoulder and cheek. As he recovered he followed his first shot by a second, then a third, as the troll sluggishly fell forward and slowly started to roll down the hill. The violent release of gases was dispersed by the muzzle brake of the gun, raising an imposing cloud of snow. Their view was obscured for a few long minutes.

When it cleared up, Ludger shouldered his heavy gun, after making it safe. He jumped over the crest of the hill and ran down, then slid in the snow until he reached the giant rock troll, to make sure of the kill. Kellor followed at a safe distance. Ludger’s fears were unfounded because the first bullet had severed the massive creature’s spine, leaving its still form lifeless. They heard the sound of the troops coming toward them at a gallop. They circled around the two men, standing by their quarry, then dismounted.

They stared in silence at the leathery bulk of the giant troll. Its hide resembled a cracked rock face. Arexis broke the silence.

“I am glad that you were with us. I do not know how my men could have disposed of such a creature. Especially in the strategic position it was. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, but I’m only doing the job you brought me here for.”

“We will set a day camp and start exploring the area to find a way past this stone wall. We have to get behind in it some way.”

Ludger looked at the rippling surface of the pool. He quickly ruled out an underwater foray. The current was too swift and they were not properly equipped.

At the first light of the suns, one of Arny’s men found an opening in the vertical wall, about two hundred feet above the circular pool. They soon realized that it was the only way in. Ludger decided that with modern climbing equipment and techniques, he could easily reach the opening. There, he could secure himself so that Arexis could follow with ascendeurs on a rope.

He filled two packs with the equipment that they might need. He carried them to the base of the wall. He studied the vertical rock face. There were enough cracks and finger holds to make the climb fairly basic. He would climb to a belay point about half way up to the opening. From there he would haul up the bags and belay Arexis as he followed.

Ludger stripped to his chainmail. The bulky sweater and vest, underneath would keep him warm enough. He removed his boots and stowed them in one of the bags. He put on a pair of light friction boots, their sticky soles of special rubber would help him climb. He stowed his heavy gun belt with the equipment. He fastened a sitting harness around his waist and slung over his shoulder a bandolier laden with karabiners, assorted runners, Friends, tape slings and pegs. He tied onto the end of one of the ropes with a bowline. Arexis would belay him from the ground.

Ludger instructed the Prince on the use of the ascendeurs, those mechanical devices that enables a climber to pull himself up a fixed rope. Due to his natural athletic abilities, Arexis had no problems with the technique.

Ludger put some chalk on his fingers, from a small pouch hanging from his belt. He started climbing. The going was fairly straightforward. As he progressed, Ludger placed runners at regular intervals and clipped his rope on the karabiners as he went by. When he reached the belay point he had chosen, he anchored himself solidly on a Friend that he had wedged into a wide crack in the rock. He doubled up on a peg that he had hammered in a narrower crack. He secured the second rope that he had carried up with him. He uncoiled it to a waiting Arexis. With it he hauled up the two packs of equipment. He secured them beside him.

The men bellow were amazed at how easy the climb was going. Arexis began his climb on the anchored rope while Ludger was belaying him with the other one. He alternately slid the ascendeurs on the rope, while stepping in the tape etriers attached to them. Every time he reached a runner, the Prince would retrieve it. He soon reached Ludger. Arexis smiled while panting slightly. Ludger said.

“I will now climb the rest of the way. You will belay me from here. Once on top I will make the area secure and make sure no bad surprises awaits us. Then you will follow.”

Arexis acknowledged. Ludger took his sword, that was hanging on one of the packs, and slung it over his shoulders. He quickly climbed to an area just bellow the opening. He anchored himself there. He got a good handhold at the edge of the opening and hoisted himself up. As his head cleared the edge, he was face to face with the most hideous creature he had ever seen.

It had a puggy nose, long pointed ears, small dark eyes and a large mouth, full of an incredible assortment of mismatched teeth. The drooling, stinking creature opened a pair of long leather wings. It was a giant bat the size of a large dog. Ludger instinctively drew his sword, while hanging precariously by one hand. He lashed at the bat. The creature rushed him, but its wing being in the way, it tripped and impaled itself on Ludger’s upthrust sword. Ludger scrambled up and rolled on the floor of the cave. He retrieved his sword from the bat’s carcass and cleaned it. He made sure no other creatures were present. The dark cave was empty. He sheathed his sword, went to the mouth of the cave and waved to a worried Arexis that all was right. He hoisted the packs to the cave. Soon the Prince joined him.

Arexis shuddered when he saw the giant bat. The hand of Magdar was in this. They dragged the dead creature to the mouth of the cave and threw it over the edge. It plummeted into the circular pool and landed with a great splash of water. Worried men standing by the water were relieved when they discovered that it was not either men that had fallen.

After a short rest they stowed the climbing equipment in the bags. Ludger put back on his boots and buckled his gun belt around his hips. They shouldered their packs and went to the far end of the cave. An irregular opening was present. Ludger turned on a powerful seven cells torch and peered into the tunnel. Nothing out of the ordinary was revealed.

After they had passed through the opening, they were startled by a loud crashing noise, behind them. A large rock was now blocking their retreat. After a short moment of despair, they walked down the tunnel, resigned that it was the only way to go.

Ludger looked back and saw a faint golden glow coming from the centre of the rock. He shook his head and proceeded forward.
After half an hour of progress down the convoluted narrow corridor, Ludger -who was leading- saw the light of his electric torch reflected back to him from the far end of a long, abnormally straight part of the tunnel. They slowly approached the area. They emerged in a large chamber filled with mirrors forming a complicated maze, reflecting their image ad infinitum.

After exploring the hall of mirrors for over ten minutes, Ludger turned off his torch to rest his overloaded vision. In the darkness Ludger noticed a faded golden glow like he had seen earlier. He pointed it out to Arexis. The Prince could not see it. In the dark, Ludger fumbled for Arexis’ wrist. He led him toward the light. They slowly made their way through the maze of mirrors to arrive at a section that was glowing brightly, but only to Ludger’s senses. Even with his eyes closed he could feel the glow. He wondered why Arexis could not see it.

He lit his torch. They were in a section of the maze that was undistinguishable from any other. He turned off the light and the glow was still present. He approached the mirror panel and passed his hand over it. He felt a faint throbbing and an aura of power filled him. With his hand still on the panel, he touched the handle of his sword. It was not throbbing. This ruled out black magic as the source of the manifestation.

Arexis touched the panel. the only thing he could feel was the cold hard mirror. Ludger lit the torch. He tried to find a way to open or remove the panel, to no avail. He took his climbing hammer and hit the mirror dead centre with a powerful blow. It rang, clear as a bell, for a long time. Not even a scratch was made on its smooth surface.

“It must be magic.” Arexis said.

Following this train of thoughts, Ludger drew his sword. He put its point on the mirror. The sword never made contact with it. It penetrated the surface as if it was not there. He slowly advanced, his hand then his arm went through the solid surface. A strange tingling sensation filled him. He grabbed Arexis by the wrist and pulled him after him.

On the other side of the mirror, they found themselves in a long, well lit corridor of marble. Pedestals with sculpted busts of men lined both walls. Arranged in chronological order, Arexis recognized in them all of his ancestors, the former Kings of the nation. They walked slowly through the corridor, as Arexis pointed salient facts about one or the other of his long dead relatives. They came to a stop in front of the last bust, that of King Bluthor, Arexis’ father. There was a long line of vacant pedestals past that point.

Arexis spent a solemn moment in front of his father’s effigies. He then silently walked away to the far end of the corridor. When they reached it he told Ludger.

“This was the Hall of the Kings. This is where the river of Gods takes its power and wisdom. It is supposed to be a mythical place, but we now stand in it. The more powerful the river flowed, the more prosperous the kingdom was.”

They emerged from the hall into a large room magnificently decorated with tapestries depicting historic scenes. Arexis pointed to the first battle, after which Magdar was imprisoned and to the final confrontation where Bluthor lost his life. This room lacked the aura of power that they had felt in the hall of the Kings. It seemed somewhat drab and dusty amidst all its splendour, as if the source of its powers was missing. In the back of the room an intricately carved throne stood on a dais. On its seat was an embroidered cushion on which laid an elaborately carved sceptre inlaid with precious gems. On its tip, in the middle of a large volute of gold, stood the biggest emerald that Ludger had ever seen.

As they approached the throne, a creature that was the epitome of ugliness, with long fangs, drooly toothless mouth, open pustules, deformed bloated features, long claws and slimy limbs stepped out from behind. To Ludger it seemed to be a composite of everything that could be ugly and disgusting on a human frame. The revolting creature approached them without any signs of hostility. As it came near them it shrivelled and deflated to the shape of a white haired, ascetic looking old man. He slightly bowed his head to Arexis and said in a frail voice.

“Welcome, Your Highness, my name is Trallen. I have been waiting for you. This cave and its content are only an illusion. Would you please follow me?”

As the ornate walls dissolved to bare rock, Trallen turned and left the room by a hidden passage, without looking back. Ludger and Arexis scrambled to follow him. They were in a narrow corridor, with a lot of ninety degrees bends. After one last turn, it suddenly opened into a natural grotto. In its centre, illuminated by a shaft of light coming from a chimney carved in the ceiling, stood a large rock crystal with rainbows dancing through it. On it, laid a small gold wand. It was soberly carved and a small fragment of the crystal was embedded at one end.

Trallen stopped in front of it. He cleared his throat, startling Ludger and Arexis who were engrossed in the contemplation of the changing patterns of colours in the crystal. He said in a soft clear voice.

“This is the a seat of the King’s power over the land. You are in a living mountain. This is the real Hall of the Kings.”

As he said that, they saw on the rock wall, the faces of the old Kings carved in it. Past the likeness of Bluthor was an oval, in the rock, that was throbbing and glowing with an inner light.

Ludger asked about the ornate sceptre in the other room. Trallen answered.

“It was just an illusion. It would have dissolved into a deadly gas if it was picked up.” Looking at Arexis, he added. “I am glad that you have found a man with strong magic to guide you here.”

Ludger looked puzzled as he wondered about what Trallen was saying. He did not know any magic. Trallen continued.

“Only white magic can find its way to the cave. You, Mister Morton, have found the path. Whether you know it or not, you possess strong magic.”

He turned back toward Arexis.

“Your Highness. It is now time to assume the powers of your office.”

He turned to the crystal and traced some cabalistic symbols in the air while singing a strange litany reminding Ludger of Gregorian chants. The frail voice was amplified by the grotto’s acoustics. He was soon joined by the voices of the dead Kings, coming from their effigies on the wall.

After a few minutes, the crystal started to throb, in sync with the chant. Its light patterns flickered frantically. The sound rose to a mind numbing crescendo then suddenly stopped. The ensuing silence was painful to hear. Trallen slowly turned to Arexis. He took him by the arm and led him to the crystal. He said.

“Your Highness, place your right hand on the Crystal of the Ancient Souls. It is now time to take the pledge of devotion to the land, like your father did and his father before him, back to the first ruler of this land. You must realize that your first duty is to safeguard this land for the welfare of its inhabitants. Do you understand this.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Now repeat after me. I, Arexis of Talenthar,”

In a solemn voice Arexis declared.

“I, Arexis of Talenthar,”

“will to my last breath of life,”

“will to my last breath of life,”

“cherish and protect this exalted land of mine,”

“cherish and protect this exalted land of mine,”

“and its many dependants, sentient or not.”

“and its many dependants, sentient or not.”

“I will do so with upmost benevolence and dignity.”

“I will do so with upmost benevolence and dignity.”

After this last phrase, a golden glow enveloped Arexis and slowly infused him. When the aura finally subsided Arexis picked up the sceptre and turned toward the wall. The shapeless throbbing oval of light had solidified into his likeness.

Trallen simply said.

“It is done.”

As Trallen was leading them out of the grotto, the lips of Bluthor’s effigies softly whispered.

“Good luck, my son, may the Gods be with you.”

They were led down a series of endless stairways and corridors, Trallen never looking back to see if they were following. They could barely keep up with the old man. They emerged into a gigantic cave with a slow river running through its centre. Trallen pointed to the far end of the cave and said.

“Behind that boulder lays an exit that will take you back to your friends. Your Highness, now that you have taken control of the power, the flow of the river will begin to increase. Do not stay in its path too long. I wish you, and the land, the best Fortune.”

With this he dissolved into thin air without a trace. With a sigh, Ludger patted Arexis on the shoulder. He said.

“Come on, Your Exalted Kingness, it is time to go and present you to your devoted subjects.”

He made an exaggerated bow and led Arexis. The new King broke into laughter. A narrow crag started behind the large boulder. It slowly widened to a tunnel. At the far end of it they could see daylight. They emerged from the solid rock near the source of the river, amidst the consternation of the awaiting men.

Ludger declared in a booming voice.

“Behold, men, of your new monarch. I present you His Royal Highness King Arexis of Talenthar.”

A loud cheer erupted simultaneously from all the men. Among backslapping and congratulations, wineskins were broken out to toast the new King. As the suns were already getting high, the day camp was lifted. They hastily started their retreat. They had to reach the pass before the enemy troops.

As they made their way down river, Ludger manoeuvred his horse beside Andrack’s. He hailed the wizard.

“I have to ask you a question. In the mountain, Trallen told me that I was a magician. That only white magic could have led Arexis successfully. How can this be possible?”

“Well, for what I have heard of your world, men lost their innate talent for magic due to the rationalization of their environment through science. They became observers instead of participants. Thus loosing touch with the currents of power emanating from Mother Earth. It led to the point that these currents are only faintly present, in some specific areas, due to lack of use. Some people from your world, like yourself, are highly attuned to these current.

Why have you built your retreat where you have?”

Ludger was lost in thoughts for a moment. He then replied.

“The only truthful answer I can give you is that it felt right. That I felt in harmony with nature in that particular place.”

“The reason you felt so comfortable in that area, is that you can sense the faint powers of your world. You built your house at a node of this power. This is why you can sense the impoverished powers of this world, while the rest of us cannot. We are used to a much stronger field.

You should continue your relaxation exercises. But now turn your mind to the powers of this world. You can focus on these powers so that you can eventually use them. I will teach you some new exercises to help you in focusing them.”

While Andrack was instructing his pupil, Arny returned and consulted with the King. Arexis interrupted the wizard and said in a loud voice.

“We have to pick up our pace, the advancing army is closer to the pass than we expected. We only have a few hours lead. The flow of the river is slowly growing. It will soon slow us down, as it start reclaiming its bed.”

They were rushing over the slippery rocks and at times through the frigid waters as the river was slowly swelling. News of their enemies gaining on them soon reached the fleeing men. They now might have to fight before the pass.

As they pushed their mounts harder, Andrack asked if Ludger could concentrate on the river’s powers and to visualize a quicker flow of the water.

Ludger emptied his mind and tried to focus on the river. He was surprised to see a pattern of lights in the river’s water. It reminded him of a similar pattern in the large crystal in the mountain. He tried to visualized a quicker flow of the water or of the patterns. His concentration broke and he lost track of the lights. He said so to Andrack. The wizard told him to concentrate again. When he locked on to the light patterns, Andrack leaned precariously from his mount. He grabbed Ludger’s wrist tightly. With his free hand he fingered a spell while silently wording the incantation. Ludger felt a rush of power flowing through him, then suddenly nothing. Andrack released him gently.

They rode in silence for a while, Fifteen minutes later, as they approached the pass, Ludger turned toward the magician and asked.

“Why has nothing happened?”

Andrack smiled.

“The water has to flow all the way up from the Source. It should reach us soon.”

As to counterpoint this comment, a loud rumbling from upriver echoed in the canyon. The raging torrent of the river was once again at full flow. A towering wall of water was coming at them like a racing express train. They spurred their horses to a gallop. They were soon trudging through the frigid water, trying to reach the gulley before being swept down river by the unstoppable force of the water. When the first wave of cold water hit Ludger, he lost sight of Bacchus who had been moving beside him. She had lost her footing and was now swimming frantically. Ludger finally caught back up to her, he reached down from his saddle and grabbed the dog’s thick collar and hoisted her across his lap.

Slightly downstream of the pass was the bulk of Magdar’s expedition. They were rushing upstream for safety just like Arexis’ men were rushing downstream. These last arrived first and were rapidly scampering up the gulley. A few of their enemies followed them. Dishearten combat followed. Magdar’s men were more interested in saving their lives than in fighting. They were quickly pushed back in the river.

The last members of Arexis’ group were now in the relative safety of the narrow gulley. They watched in horror as Magdar’s men were swept away by the now turbulent flow of the river. The river was now again flowing majestically between the sheer vertical walls of the canyon.

Ludger looked in awe at what had happened. He turned toward Andrack and said.

“Did I do that?”

“In a way, yes. You are not trained in the art of magic and you never learned the gestures and incantations needed to control your powers. But you have a natural affinity for our magic. You may be more powerful than any magician that ever lived because you are not bound by the ritualistic nature of our art.

What I did was to channel the weak powers of this world through you, where they were amplified. As I linked up with you I cast a spell that execute through you with great success.”

“You mean in technological terms, that I was the hardware amplifying and channelling the power. You were the software operating the spell.”

“I am not quite familiar with the terms, but essentially it is correct.”

Ludger felled back in a long silence, as they rode up the narrow gulley.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

From 1990: One Way Ticket To Talenthar

The Sass