Chapter Twenty Two
She was in her tower watching the rise of the magnificent full moon. This was always her favorite time and she always watched it from there. As it rose there remained a glow on the ground. She got up off her divan and looked. “What could that be?” she muttered then it dawned on her. “It is an invasion force!” She shouted to an aide, “Ring the bell! Go! She went to a catwalk above the grounds to her palace, where she yelled at the gathering civilians and army.
“An invasion force comes. I want everyone through the rift right now. Show them the way,” she said to Trystor coming out on the catwalk,
“Everybody, follow me; we are going down under the castle,” he said.
To a soldier she said “run ahead and warn the Council’s army that we are coming through.” The soldier ran off and Trystor went down below to lead everybody and they formed a line into the bowels of the castle. The Queen grabbed some gold and important papers and followed them down.
The people were amazed when they saw the rift. They were even more amazed when they were told it was the Isle of light on the other side. One by one the populace entered and were helped on the other side. They had closed the portcullis and the new arrivals were urged outside. There was a steady line and when that ended she sent her troops through. Bowmen were sent last. Many fighters went outside because there was no room except for the bowmen and a few fighters. The Council’s army was waiting as well. Finally they were all through the rift and the last had shut the outside door.
Now it was a waiting game. Major Crow went outside. “Listen up. I want non-fighters down there by the stables while you fighters line up in front of me.”
Nobody moved.
“That’s an order folks, MOVE!” he yelled.
They jumped and started moving.
Last to come through was Queen Helene who suffered clapping for her idea.
She went outside with Major Crow.
“Alright,” said Captain Longbow down below, “I want six bowmen on each side of the rift. Fire on my order.”
The Queen was given an ovation when she went outside. “Major, we are ready.” she told him then raised her voice. “Listen up. We are guests here and I expect you all to act like one. The next time you hear that bell we form up a single file line and we will be taken somewhere.”
A murmur went through those gathered.
“I have been to the Outlands. It is lovely and we have friends there. Plus we get our magic back!”
A cheer went up.
“Now we wait,” said Crow,
Chapter Twenty Three
The war drums were beating a heartbeat to the coming monster. The centaurs were first. Massive eight foot high at the shoulders These eight were armed with handaxes and pranced at the beginning of the column. Followed then by four ogres with massive clubs Behind them was the main infantry. Mostly Humaan with other fey among them. In back we're the archers It was an army of 1200 with Malakai in a chariot pulled by warbears. The army advanced noisily and were howling and screaming. They expected the Queen’s forces at any time though there were none to be seen. When they got to the open front gates without any opposition the trumpets sounded halt. Malakai’s senior officers approached the gate and went inside. They were out in a few minutes and ran over to the chariot.
“They’re gone! Lord baron they are not there.” Said one.
“There’s nobody there Lord Baron! It’s empty.” said the other.
What? Let me see,” and he dismounted and walked back inside with them. They went inside and up to the tower but found no one and could see no one from the tower.
“What’s going on here!” Said Malakai “They didn’t get past us. Search the premises.”
While the Baron went back out to his chariot there were several officers searching the homes and castle.
Finally one opened the door with the floating rift. He could see no one on the other side. They were hidden. He walked over and walked around it then ran out of the room leaving the door open. He ran upstairs and to his superior officer he said, “come see what I found.” He led the major down below to the room with the iridescent rift.
The major was amazed and walked up to it. He could see the room beyond within it.
“What in the world?” He said.
“Yeah, I have never seen anything like it.” Said the junior officer.
“Can you go in there?” asked the major.
“I don’t know because it looks dangerous to me,” said the lieutenant.
Suddenly two forms stood up with composite bows and aluminum arrows while two officers came forward in the rift. The four looked at each other.
“I am Major Crow and this is our land and home. We will protect it. Do not step into the rift.” he warned.
“I am Major Grizlag of Baron Malakai’s. This is Lieutenant Samortis.”
“I am Captain Longbow and you will not take our lands.” he said vehemently.
“We already have, captain.” Said the Major.
Chapter Twenty Four
That same evening Tom came by. He had a shoebox with him. “Matthew, I have the dynamite. Only one thing, I should be the one to set it up because I am familiar with it.”
“I agree,” smiled Matthew. “You know Tom, we may have to move hundreds of dark elves. Renting buses is not a problem. Where to go, is.”
“Why don’t you buy a town?” Tom asked seriously.
“Buy a town?” said Matthew.
“Yeah, small ones that are for sale. They are all over the midwest.” Tom told him taking a sip of coffee.
“Hmm, you’re serious.” observed Matthew.
“Yeah, I know a couple that my family is from.” Tom told him.
“Where is that?” asked Matt.
“Bostwick, Nebraska and Hardy, Nebraska. There are dozens more.” Tom explained.
“The dark elves and especially the dark dwarves would probably prefer the mountains.” brought up Matthew.
“Well we can check for the same opportunities; how about buying a frumpy old resort that someone is trying to walk away from.” suggested Tom.
“Now that’s a good idea,” smiled Matt. “We'll start searching. I'll get Claire and Rodney on it as well.”
“When are they coming, Matt?” asked Tom
“Actually, they could be here at any time,” said Mattew. “They are to let us know what is going on.”
“Well if we have to, I can block off the road to your place. Use construction and detour signs.” suggested Tom
“That’s a good idea, Tom,” said Matt.
“I’ll go get them and fill my trunk,” Tom said standing
“Hopefully we will know by this afternoon. Last night was the full moon so they could have fought all night. Matthew worriedly told him.
“Remember Matt, these folks were raised in conflict. I am sure they are good fighters.” Tom told him.
“We only have a hundred guards there.” Matthew told him.
“They will take care of it once the dynamite shuts the gate.” Tom told him.
“I suppose that you are right,” smiled Matthew, pouring himself another cup of coffee.
Chapter Twenty Five
True to his word the Admiral set up a blockade to stop any leaving ship. But to his surprise none left after the invasion started except really small vessels of local traffic. The principal city, Longshore, was quiet. Only little fishing villages were active Several ocean-going ships were seen but none through the channel the islands afford. People just weren't leaving.
“Easy money," thought the Admiral, smiling. He went back to his cabin and pulled out a map of Wolfhead’s Island. He laid it out on his desk and using his tools measured twenty five miles inland He drew an inked line at that parallel.. He sat back, smiling.
Chapter Twenty Six
After double-timing for an hour they slowed to a quick march.Steve didn’t want them to be exhausted when they arrived. By noon they passed the battleground with the troll and arrived at the front gate an hour later.
Surprised, the soldiers snapped to attention and one said "Major, welcome sir, we sure need you.”
Steve could see that the palace grounds were full of dark elves and dark dwarves plus a few other fey, well over a thousand.
“Okay, troops at ease, stay right here and I’ll find out what is going on.It may take me a while,” Steven waited for them to open the portcullis and then he went inside to the castle. They lowered the portcullis once more.
Merrie stayed outside with the troops. She had convinced Steve to let her come help.
Steven went through the crowd and on into the crowded Portrait Hall. He asked a guard blocking the upstairs where Crow was and he told him in the dungeon. Steven went to the guarded dungeon and went down. Major Crow was surprised to see him.
“I brought fifty guards with me Major to reinforce yours. Captain Snarky has the responsibility of Port Evermoor.”
“Well done Major It was close but no battle has been forthcoming. The enemy has the Queen’s realm, though. We are preparing a place in the Outlands.” Crow told him.
“Really, good! How are we going to feed them?” Wondered Steve.
“Most brought a little; enough for today.” said Longbow
“Hello, I’m Major Steve Mortensen, an Outlander,” said Steve, smiling.
“ I am Captain Casper Longbow of the Queen's guard.” said the dark elf.
“Get 500 gold pieces together. They will need it at Matthew’s to get them started.” said Steve. “Lieutenant, will you see to that?”
“Yes, sir,” said Lieutenant Tailor. He took off for the treasury.
“What is happening out there,” he said, gesturing at the rift.
“We are at a stand-off. They have that outside door guarded and have taken over the castle.” Said Captain Brassfield.
“We are okay with that, right?” asked Steve.
Yes, it follows the plan perfectly.” smiled Crow.
“The Queen is here?”
“Yes she is laying down,” said Longbow.
“Any Outlanders here? Asked Steve.
“Only you and Lieutenant Dale,” said the Major.
“Longbow come with me. Let's go see what is going on. We’ll be back in 3 hours.” Said Steve. “Brassfield, go tell my wife and troops, please. They are outside the front gate.”
“Aye sir,” said the captain, leaving to go upstairs.
Steve and Casper went to the treasury where Tailor was counting gold. They opened the door to where the map was, grabbed the gold, touched a rune and materialized in Matthew’s study.
He asked one of the surprised guards where Matthew was.
“Downstairs, Steve.. .er, Major,” said Dwayne.
“Okay thanks,” he said and the two of them went downstairs
“Grandpa” yelled Steve.
“In the kitchen, is that you Steve?” hollered Matthew.
“Yes, with Captain Longbow,” said Steve leading Casper downstairs.
“What’s up?” said grandpa.
“We have brought you 500 gold and want to know what’s up?” laughed Steve.
Well I have found an old boy scout camp for sale in northern Idaho. It is remote. I am negotiating now. I think that they like my offer of 100 gold. We are going to need food. I know I’ll have trucks deliver it. Matthew said excitedly.
“When will you know?” Steve wanted to know.
“I’ll call them,” said Matthew. He pulled out his cell phone and called, “Hello Beth any news”
“Yes, they will take your offer. Bring it to Boise to my real estate office and it is yours.” the phone said.
“Thank you!” said Matt. “Rodney, take 100 gold to this address and give it to Beth.” He wrote it down and gave it to Rod.
“Grandpa,” said Steve, “we can't fit 1000-1200 elves there.”
“Just a minute Rod,” said Matthew.
“Oh look, Tom’s here,” said Pollen sitting now on Rod’s shoulder
“Well, what do we do, son?” asked Matt.
“Well we find out the hearts of each one. Some can stay on the island and be absorbed. The Black hearts will go back to the dark realm.” said Steve.
“Matthew,” said Tom, opening the back door “I have that with me and all of the signs.”
“Hi Tom, we are trying to figure out what to do with so many.” said Matthew.
“Grandpa, they will go through the map twice, then. That will give us a final count.” suggested Steve.
“Hmm. Perhaps the dark dwarves can go to the monastery and begin a new delving, we send 200 to the scout camp and build a new town on the isle for all the rest.” said Rod.
“Right where the Nevermoor rune takes us on the map, then we blow the door,” suggested Steve.
“What about the Queen” asked Rod
“Well she will have to adhere to laws either here or on the island.” said Steve
“Tom, grab a cup of coffee,” said Matthew smiling.
“Casper, what do you think?” asked Steve.
I think starting over will be very hard. Perhaps we can offer a return to their own homes in the dark realm. Some will go. The rest we use the maps to find out their hearts. The Queen is still the queen of her people at this moment so she will decide who goes where,” Casper said.
“True,” smiled Matthew. “Tom, let’s go ahead and set up those signs. We will go through tomorrow if you are off shift.”
“I’ll arrange it," smiled Tom.
“Well we have to go, we still have a 2 hour hike.” smiled Steve. Oh, grandpa we will need tents for 1000.
“Yeah, let's start checking hearts tomorrow. Then when we are done with the rift we will close it.” said Matthew.
“Let’s go Casper.” Smiled Steve. They turned to go back upstairs.
“Rod, go ahead and take the gold to Beth,” said Matthew. “It's a good deal there are 24 cabins, a main kitchen and a pavilion on 40 acres. If we don’t use it now, we will in the future. Also stop by the canvas shop and see how soon we can get 100 tents. We need them asap.
When they got to the map Casper said “nice knowing you, I may be black hearted.”
“Oh, I think that we would know," smiled Steve. “They went to the map and Casper was first then Steve.
Steve was not surprised to find Longbow there as well.
Chapter Twenty Seven
The runner was cowering before him.
The Immortal Wizard Ezekiel stood before him, He, Humaan, and now ruthlessly evil.
“My L-Lord. Baron Malakai is moving a force of 1200 up towards the Queen’s palace.” Said the runner then he waited for retribution.
Ignoring the runner, he went to a huge table that was a map of the island. “What is he…,” mused Ezekiel “The route north to our lands is not really too passable, No he is after something! But what? Gold? Land? Peasants? Men? Women?…fighters! That's what he wants.” Which means he does not have sufficient resources to attack me. Get my General!” He yelled and an aide ran out of the room.
Ezekiel busied himself moving figures around the map table
The runner did not move.
Yes my Lord said General Aries. Named after the god of war, he had served Ezekiel for over a decade.
“I think he’s after their fighters, maybe her land and gold. I think he has his entire force with him and only left a skeleton guard at home.” smiled the wizard.
“We should move now,” said the general.
“Get the troops ready. What do our forces look like?” asked Ezekiel
“We have around 2000.” Aries told him.
“Send half and keep half. If he attacks me, he must face my wizardry,” the wizard said.
The general nodded. “We’ll be ready at first light. Soldier, come with me”
The runner fell into step behind him. Ezekiel was left pondering the map.
The next morning 1000 troops stood looking into the sun Each were wearing packs with six days of food. They were all armed and not all were Humaan. Interspersed were other fey dark elves, dark dwarves, kobolds and the like. Led by Major Blood The army, battle worn but ready to go. Ezekiel watched from his balcony with General Aries. Within a half of an hour the trumpets were sounding and the column began to march the west road to Malakai’s realm. The road was not busy because of all the rumors of war. They set a good pace and the miles fell behind, and five days later they were on a hill overlooking the bailey and mott of Malakai’s keep. Marching through the village on the bailey, people were running and hiding. They got to the mott where the keep was and he spread out his troops, fighters in front, archers in back. He cut out two dozen men to build ladders to scale the wall. So far there has been no opposition.
“Archers, fire!” Yelled the Major and 200 arrows were loosed over the wall. Three ladders had been built and a dozen men ran each to the wall and lifted them high.
“Archers Fire,” yelled the major again and they loosed another round
“Attack!” He yelled and the troops ran toward the ladders. Archers began firing from above,
Archers fire!” yelled the major and 200 more arrows were loosed and many found their mark. Blood’s troops began climbing the ladders one at a time. There was opposition at the top but Blood’s troops overwhelmed them and they surrendered the keep. The peasants were spared but the soldiers were put to the sword. Malakai had only left 300 to guard the place.
As night fell, the castle staff fixed a meal for Blood and his officers. The troops were on guard or resting.He had over 900 that survived.
Chapter Twenty Eight
The Queen awakened and sat on the side of the bed. She did not like depending on others but she knew that she had to. They had lost the palace, but it still was the best decision for her people. She too was excited by the newness. An aide was close by.
“Get Trystor my advisor,” she ordered and the aide ran off.
Twenty minutes later the old dark elf came into her chamber
“Well old elf here we are. I don’t think we will all be able to stay together but we'll see what is offered. If we have to split up then I want you with me and Captain Casper Longbow to lead the other group” she ordered.
“Yes your highness it will be so,” Trystor assured her.
“What do you think about all of this?” she asked.
“I think that you made the right decision, Majesty. I think these people are really trying to help us when really they don’t have to.” Said her Advisor.
“I suppose that you are right. I wonder what our options will be?” she asked.
“One thing is for sure, we can’t go back,” Trystor said. “So we have nowhere to go but forward.”
This made the Queen laugh. “Well I suppose we should go see what is happening. Walk with me,” she smiled. They left her room in the castle and went down stairs they made their way to the dungeon. She talked to one of the bowmen, “how has it been?”
“Quiet. I think we are at an impasse.” Said the soldier.
“I think you are right. Now is the most important time to be on your toes. Anything can happen.” the Queen warned. “Any word from those who went to the Outlands? Where is Major Crow?”
“No highness, they are due any time and he is in the Dining Hall.” said the bowman.
“Keep up the brave stance my fighters.” She said, then with Trystor went upstairs. They went straight to the dining hall.
Major Crow was just finishing up his meal. He stood up when she came in. “Queen Helene please have a seat.” he said, indicating the one next to him.
She sat down as did Trystor.
“How was your sleep?" Crow asked.
“Soundly for a couple of hours, thank you.” She smiled.
“You are welcome. Well we are waiting to hear from Steve and Casper who went over. They should be back any time.” offered Crow.
“When they get here, I would like to go talk to the council at that time. We can get more accomplished. Trystor you are with me.” she said.
“Yes Majesty," he said.
“I will go as well,” said the Major.
“Maybe we can see that TV again. I would like that. It made me smile.” said the Queen.
Just then Steve and Casper walked in. They had checked downstairs but were told the dining hall to find leadership.
“Gentlemen sit down and tell us the news.” Said Crow, indicating two chairs.
They sat and Steve started. “Well, we have a place for 200. Perhaps the dwarves would prefer the mountains in which case we send them to the monastery.The rest we will rebuild the town either around the castle or where the Nevermoor Rune takes us. We will need many things. We will get tents in the Outlands for 1200 folks. We will begin building immediately. We have the gold to accomplish this and the manpower and craftsmen will be local experts. Now before this we will give everyone a chance to return to their world if they would rather. Now everyone staying will go through the maps. We are nor sure if the maps weed out the evil when we go to the Outlands or when we return. We are going to try to close the rift with what is called dynamite. Any questions?”
“Only a million,” laughed Major Crow. “We were just going to see the council. We'll ask them. It will be dark when we are done. We will stay at the house tonight, You both can handle it.”
The three of them got up, went to the treasure room and used the map. Within a couple of seconds they were in the study. They acknowledged the guards then went downstairs. They were just ready to have dinner and the three of them were given spots and plates to fill. Everybody came down to eat except for the two guards. They all sat around the two tables that they used now.The ones from the isle had never had fried chicken while mashed potatoes they were familiar with, and they all loved it.
“What is a chicken?” Asked Trystor.
“A bird,” said Matthew.
“Isn’t that something?” said Major Crow.
They had a small meeting afterwards. The Council was there so was Claire, Rodney and Pollen plus the three that just came. The other soldiers took meals up to the guards.
“Steve already filled us in on the plan.” Said the Queen.
“Good, I bought the camp today and ordered 120 tents. They are scrambling to fill the order. Laughed Matt.
“So, 200 can fit in this camp?” Asked Trystor
Probably more. There are 24 cabins so it depends on how cozy they want to be. There is a full service kitchen and we would have to teach them how to use the equipment. There is also a large enclosed pavilion that can be used for housing or community affairs. Hopefully it will be all elves because they may have to use invisibility at times. Now we can send 40 dwarves to the monastery and they can begin digging to house themselves and others. But first they will stay in the dormitory in the monastery. We need to see if any want to go back. We should give them that option before we close the rift. Then we erect a tent city around the palace and begin to build a town for those that are left, say, maybe 600 or so.” Matthew explained.
“We should build the town next to the castle, that way they can use the castle as well. For example bedrooms for you and Trystor,” said Matthew.
“As for those going back, I see the wisdom in just asking Malakai if it is okay. More peasants and soldiers for him.” Brought up Earlloren.
“This all depends on if we can close the door. We may have to guard it forever,"said Hatcher.
“They would welcome the dwarves at the monastery,” said Brohm.
“We have enough gold,” said Stanley.
“Why not just give each one that stays 30 gold and let them make their own way on the island.”suggested Paul
“That’s clearly an option for some,” said Sancho.
“I think Paul is right,“ said Gnewt.
“Your Majesty, you have been silent. How do you want us to do this?” Asked Matt.
“Well we need to see who is left after announcing that they can go home. This is very dangerous but many will want to risk it. We may all fit in the camp thing. I would like to stay, I would like to go back. Both are alluring.” She said smiling.
“Do we fight our way through?” asked Major Crow
“No, they have too many.” said Earlloren. “So we must talk to them. Maybe even form an alliance.”
“Who, with me?” Said the Queen.
“No with us.” Said Earlloren, “then we destroy the doorway after those returning have left.”
“Decisions are final then?” asked Trystor.
“Only for the ones returning, otherwise we will have options, I also like the idea of 30 gold and letting them go, that way we have dark folk everywhere.” Said Earlloren. “We all must accept the good dark elves.”
“I like the idea of staying at the castle and building a town,” said Helene.
“We can do both. There used to be a town here before Malkor the ogre usurped the throne. We also have lots of manpower to help,” said Major Crow.
So it seems we have reached agreement however loosely smiled Earlloren. “Now it is almost time for that Star Wars TV. You have got to see this Helene. They are up among the stars!”