Chapter Thirty Seven
“Well?” Said Malakai.
“It is gone,” said the soldier. “The magic door is gone.”
“Search the castle and grounds to see if it just moved,” he ordered and the soldiers ran off to do his bidding.
General Skully joined him. “My Lord, we need to prepare for an invasion on two sides by the wizard.”
“Very true, General. I still have two ambassadors working, though.” said Malakai
“How much faith do you have in the outcome?” asked his general.
“Well if the Wizard throws two armies at me, then the Troll king can attack the keep I had and we can retreat into his realm if need be though this is a strong keep and I think we can hold them back and decimate them. We are not weak, and we still have strong fighters in the centaurs, ogres and elves. I think we are okay,” said Malakai.
“If he sends an army through the pass they can only go two abreast and we can pick them off as they emerge,” said General Skully. We will place half the archers there.”
“Good idea. The ogres and centaurs can hold the gate. It will take a huge force to overwhelm them.” offered Malakai
“We will not meet them on the field of battle. We will reserve our fighters until they break through the gates or come over the wall.” said Skully
A lieutenant came into the chamber.
“Yes?” asked the General.
“I am sorry to interrupt but we have searched everywhere and have not found the magic door.” the lieutenant told them.
“Pity,” said Malakai, “those guns would have been nice.”
Chapter Thirty Eight
The movie night had been really fun and they loved the popcorn and wanted seeds.They stayed up a little later and got up early. They met in the kitchen for coffee and Tom arrived then. He was super excited to go and had a packful of personal items.
Rodney had picked up the 25 tents and there would be 25 more tomorrow when they got back. The buses would arrive tomorrow and since they were school buses they could go get them in the morning.
The Council members were a little sad to leave. They enjoyed the magic of the 21st century. But, they could always come back.
Matthew took lieutenant Harris aside and told him what was going on. Their job was to receive 10 immigrants through the map, then send them back unless there are less than ten that arrived, which meant that the Far-go map works both ways.
After coffee, Matthew, the Council members, Tom and Rodney went while Pollen stayed. They were worried about someone evil escaping and if it was Humaan then Pollen can put them asleep.They each grabbed a tent and went to the study. There, they were transported to the little glade seven miles from the castle. They started walking to the northwest and soon saw the castle in the distance. Two hours later they were at the gate and walking under the portcullis.
They were cheered when they came in and they set the rolled tents down and Earlloren addressed the crowd. “Today we do the first step in moving you all by checking the color of your hearts. Black hearts will go back to the dark realm.Then you will decide which of the four options are best for you.
“Question” said someone close.
“Yes?” She said
“What are all the options again?” He asked.
“Well, to be one of the 200 to go to the Outland , to the monastery, staying here and building a town or receiving 30 gold and going your own way here. So think about what you would like to do.”
“Let's start. Follow us single file with your possessions.” said Matthew. They were led to the treasury where Near-here was and Matthew explained what to do.
The first 10 went forward and there was a gasp when they disappeared.
They appeared in the Study and there were only 9, so one was sent to the dark realm which means the map works both ways.The nine went right back to the glade and then 10 more went through. This time all made it. They repeated this process all day until the 800 were handled. Altogether they lost 62 that went to the dark realm.
That left approximately 750. They were told to think about their decision and they would decide tomorrow. Matthew, Tom and Rodney left to bring buses and tents the next morning
Steve showed them how to set up a tent and the 25 tents were all set up to sleep in that night for some. They had a lot of fun setting the tents up. Most really appreciated the fact they owned a good, red heart.
Chapter Thirty Nine
The ambassador to the Admiral found him and offered more land for involvement in taking 100 soldiers to the rear of the Wizard’s castle. He agreed and the ambassador told him they would leave on the new moon. He started walking back to Malakai's new keep.
The other ambassador arrived two days later at the Troll Kings. It took a day to get an audience and he went the next day.
“Your majesty," he said, approaching the dais. The Troll King was Humaan and the ambassador warned him about the infringement of the Wizard onto Malakai’s land which meant he now controlled two realms, and was trying to take the Queen’s which would give him three.
The King decided to move on the keep that full moon. The ambassador's mission was a success. He thanked the king and headed back to tell Malakai
Chapter Forty
They were celebrating at the castle. Everyone was excited and happy to be there and that the rift was gone. There was a lot of discussion about the new places and what they would be like. The castle would make for an easier transition to the town when built. There was a lot of talk about the 200 for the boy scout camp. First of all they really weren't sure what Matthew was talking about. The dark dwarves had already decided to go as a unit instead of separately they would go to the monastery in the mountains.The rest were not all dark elves, there were Humaan as well plus they were all good hearted.
Earlloren raised her hands and said,“first, who is going to the monastery? Please stand over by Brohm at the front gate.” All the dwarves and three Humaan went over to him
“Okay, nice! Who is going to the camp? Please stand by Matthew the Outlander.” She said and 157 moved over. They were taken inside where they were given 500 gold for their expenses and touched the rune to go to the Outlands.
“Next, who wants to explore our island with 30 gold? Please stand by Steve and Merrie?” Almost 100 moved over.
“So the 500 or so left wil help us build a town.” she said excitedly
A cheer went up by the 500, joined in by the others.
Brohm talked to his group. “Congratulations, the monastery is a wonderful choice. You will go and take 350 gold with you. Let's be off. He led them inside to the treasury where Stanley had the gold ready for them. They went and touched the map one at a time, disappearing.
They went to the outlands where one at a time they touched the spiritual rune to go to the mountain monastery.
“So now those staying will be decreed 2000 gold to start building and to eat. Stay here please for a few minutes.” Earlloren said.
The 100 were given 30 gold each and were taken to the front gate and released.
“We will start building our new town tomorrow.” she said loudly. “Start thinking about a name.”
Chapter Forty One
“Where do you bed down over 150 guests?” Claire asked herself. “So four in each bedroom, one on each empty bed and two on the floor. Then into the five car garage where 50 could sleep. The rest will lounge about the house and sleep outside on the lawn.” She will sleep on the cot in her father’s room while Rodney and Pollen always take the couch, Tom will take the floor that night. But, right now they were marveling about the house and all the Outlander magic. Of course the elves had their own magic. They were all feeling it and practicing going invisible.
The television was on all night and being intently watched. The music was very strange to them and they really didn’t like it. Too raucous. They preferred a nice relaxing bard. Nobody slept much and the coffee pot was on all night.
As the morning broke Matthew and Claire got up. They woke up Rodney and Tom.
“Pst, Pollen, are you going to Boise with us?” Asked Rod.
He jumped up, “may I?”
“You may” smiled Rod and they all had coffee before leaving.
Claire woke up and went with them. They took the RV and she would drive it home.
They went to the busyard first and met the official from school who let them take three buses for a donation of 5 gold. Matthew gave him 10. They drove two buses home while Claire took the RV. Matthew took his bus to the canvas factory and picked up 25 more tents. He then stopped at the gold exchange and took in 50 gold. The owner was curious as to its origin and Matthew told him that he found a hoard with a metal detector. The exchange bought them all. He headed home afterwards.
Everybody was awake and milling about when they drove the first bus in. They marveled at it and facing certain death went up the steps to the seats inside. They were all climbing all over the inside of it.
“Do not touch the back door," said Tom. “Those leaving with me grab your personal stuff and come aboard. Three in each seat for now.” Rodney was behind him and getting the same treatment. They were all having a good time.
Matthew arrived last and only had to carry three dozen. They unloaded the tents. Claire went with them and they would stop and shop for supplies while the rest went to the camp.They also carried their gold,
By mid morning they were ready and eager to go.
The buses took off with 157 screaming passengers leaving just the guards. They headed to northern Idaho and took a main road up to there. People passing them were ogling the passengers who smiled big for them. Two hours later they got to the road that took off to the camp. Paved for five miles then gravel for twenty then dirt for twenty more and finally they drove into the camp. Everyone was quiet when they saw their new home then cheering broke out.. Here they already had 24 cabins and could put six in each. There was also the pavilion which would sleep 50 and the main house with the kitchen and dining hall. They exited the bus then began running around exploring the camp. Two hours later Matthew came with his busful and they unloaded the passengers and the food.
It was a full service electric kitchen. Matthew had the power on. Lights were all over the kitchen and pavilion while each cabin had one. The first thing they did was to assign houses, then Claire took a group into the kitchen and taught them how to use everything and what the breaker box does.They stayed until late afternoon then Matthew showed them how to use the phone in the kitchen to call them. When they left, everyone had eaten and were getting the houses ready to sleep
Many came up and thanked them. The camp was beyond their expectations and they said so. As it got dark the three buses left amid clapping and cheering.
Chapter Forty Two
The dwarves surprised the monastery when they rang the bell to come in. One of them told the monks that Council member Brohm had sent them to help, stay and dig their own delving. They gave the monastery the gold which surprised them even more.The father superior was very gracious and they had a meal then set them up in the dormitory. The three Humaan wanted to be monks. The first night passed and everyone met for breakfast in the dining hall. After that they looked around. They would dig away from the monastery so they began exploring the outskirts. They all were hard workers and pitched in around the monastery.
Father superior sent their three wagons to town with gold to buy more supplies. Monks drove the wagons down the mountain to the nearest village where they bought almost everything and then headed back. They would have to camp which they did with a roaring fire. The next morning they drove back to the monastery grounds.
They unloaded the wagons. The dwarves were excited because unknown to the monks they had found a tiny entrance into a huge cavern with tunnels branching off and going several hundred feet. It was perfect for a place to start; they were humming and whistling all day. All 47 of the immigrants were happy with their choice.
Chapter Forty Three
Those that were just given 30 gold walked to the township where they overloaded the inns. They slept all over the inn. The keeper let them use the floor when they closed. The next day some started walking toward Riverside, some went to Thatch and Toad Hollow while a dozen stayed in Nevermoor township. Three bought horses and learned to ride them. People were very surprised to see dark elves and they had to explain their origins all the time. People found them friendly, conscientious and eccentric.
The next morning the 500 left at the castle were trying to figure out what to do and where to start. They wanted it conjoined with the castle. Steve and Merrie were helping by going to town with all the wagons at the castle. Soldiers were helping them both by driving and riding. Steve took 300 gold with them. They left mid morning and got to the township mid afternoon Merrie went into both inns to tell the keepers she would play an hour in each one with the news. Meantime Steve and the soldiers went to the mill to order wood. The Humaan there was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Steve talked to him about supplying all the material to build a town at the castle, Right away one inn, and up to 100 houses plus streets and booths for the market.
He was very surprised by what Steve told him. I don't have it in stock but we can start milling for you. You may have everything we have if that will help. Steve had the soldiers fill the wagons with all sorts of wood, from framing wood to beams for joists. He paid the sawyer 50 gold in earnest money and would be back tomorrow for another load.
I will put a crew on tonight to work to be ready to fill your wagons,” the sawyer said and he sent his apprentice out to get paid help.
The wood filled the wagons then they went to an inn where Merrie was getting ready to perform her hour.The keeper had been telling everybody about it and the place started to fill. Merrie got onto the little corner stage and got people's attention with her flute. She played one song then went to the news.
“The castle has been in flux for a few weeks and I am here to tell you that we found a magic doorway or rift into the dark realm. We allied with Queen Helene of that realm to help protect her people because of an invasion. We wound up destroying the doorway with Outlander magic but not before offering our lands to any with a good heart. And believe me we checked everyone. Those here are kind hearted like all of us. They are also very excited. We took almost 200 to the Outlands and 100 went their own way. They were here yesterday and last night. 50 went to a monastery high in the mountains while around 500 stayed at the castle. We are going to rebuild the town outside the castle and we need skilled craftsmen to help us. I would like to invite all of the township to participate from bringing supplies from the woodmill in wagons to designing and erecting protection for these folks. They are predominantly Dark Elf and their Queen resides with us though she is no longer in power and conforms to the rules of society and the Council of Seven. I want everyone to know that this whole town is invited to help and please spread the information such as to the elves in Thatch or even the folks in Riverside or Toad Hollow. We just need professional help and supplies. Please have a full wagon when you come. Either helpers, wood from the mill or food from the markets. We will reimburse anyone doing this for us. You are welcome to eat and sleep at the castle while there. We are so excited to have these new folks and they are quite lovely people.Please lend us a hand." She played one more song then quit to a standing ovation. They left then to go to the other inn where she repeated the last hour. They also had dinner before leaving. They left to drive back to the castle. It was mid afternoon so it would be dark when they arrived.
When they got back they unloaded the wood outside the castle and left the wagon then walked the horse around the tents to the stables. Then they went in and to their beds.
The next morning they got up and began to trace out the streets and where the inn would be. At noon, a line of wagons appeared with artisans and supplies. They were eager to help. By dark they had the frame for the inn up and streets better defined and they were starting to mark out places for the houses. Everyone ate and slept on the ground or in their wagons.
The next day elvish artisans from Thatch arrived and pitched in.
Chapter Forty Four
On the full moon Ezekial’s forces marched on the keep usurped by Malakai. It would take them five days to meet their enemy. 800 soldiers, 100 bowmen and they were led by six ogres with axes. Each soldier carried their own food while the ogres wore huge packs full of food.
Simultaneously Blood left 600 behind and marched with 300 to the pass behind the enemy’s keep. It would take him five days as well. He had 250 soldiers and 50 bowmen. Both of the armies were mostly Humaan and Danaan. The other fey are reluctant to get involved in the affairs of a Humaan. Most ogres were too stupid to care. Malkor the ogre king was an exceptional and extraordinary ogre.
Meanwhile Malakai sent 100 soldiers and bowmen to ship out with the admiral. They want to go behind their old keep and attack while the troll king does.
The Troll king sent 1200 towards the keep now Blood’s while keeping 1600 home.
The land was humming with the sound of all the marching feet.
Chapter Forty Five
Things were running smoothly and a foreman was appointed to make decisions about the town. Stanley took over paying for things while Steve and Merrie plus fifty soldiers were getting ready to leave. With them would go Merrie’s wagon and one for supplies.Some of the Dark elves had become soldiers for the promoted General Crow,
Crow took Steve aside and told him. “If Captain Snarky approves. I want him to go to Moorside and open a headquarters there with another fifty guards and have him promote a lieutenant as well. Then promote Gnewley to captain and give him the Delta King. Have him take Snarky and any guards he may have added to Moorside. Then moor the delta King at Moorside. I want you to groom somebody to take over and I want you to send them and a lieutenant to Portsmouth and open a headquarters there. You'll have 700 gold to do so.” said the general
“Aren’t we using a lot of gold?” wondered Steve.
“More keeps arriving almost everyday from donations to the town or castle or from taxes.” the general told him. “I’ll send Major Tom and Lieutenant Dale to Riverside to open one there.”
“This will really take care of the east side,” said Steven “what about expanding headquarters and the Navy west.”
“It’s a work in progress. This is where we are going next. We are keeping to the runed cities except for Moorside and Port Evermoor. They are too vital to neglect.” explained Crow.
“I see. Do you want me to promote Captain Snarky? He’s been a vital asset to me.” Said Steven.
“Yes he should be over the navy’s captain,” agreed the general. I want four dark elves to go in your regiment then send two with Snarky. We’ll use Far-go for the others.” ordered the general.
“That’s exciting! It will be nice to know them, Steve then said, “I really like Casper.”
“He’s staying at the castle and is now a major as well. Queen Helene has been made a general. We want them involved in the town springing up here.” explained the general.
“Great ideas, Well it has been a challenge since we came here, huh, Merrie?” Asked Steve.
“You know it, but we have been successful.” Agreed Merrie slipping her hand into his arm
“That we have. General, we are leaving in half an hour if you want to, send me those four elves.” said Steven.
They are already on their way. They are getting supplies. They also all have their own weapons and I assume they are proficient with them.” Said General Crow.
Thank you General for your wisdom in all of this and you need to set up a leadership TV night in the Outlands” He laughed but he was serious.
“Alright good luck, major. That gold is already in the supply wagon.” He said.
“I suppose we need to go get our wagon," said Steve and they walked through the burgeoning tent city to the stable where they hitched up the horse and walked the horse and wagon back to the gate. His troops were milling about.
“Okay! Line up four abreast,” yelled Steve.
Merrie ran inside and got their two bags of personals and bedrolls while Steve worked with the soldiers.
“Major Mortensen?” Said a dark elf, one of four walking up. “We have been assigned to you.”
“I think that is awesome. Take up first position,” he smiled. It’s really good to have you.”
“Merrie fall-in with your wagon when the supply wagon comes. Go in front of it though.” said her husband.
She smiled and nodded.
“Okay Let’s go home!” He said and the line began to march forward.Steve leading and 54 soldiers behind him. Then came Merrie and the supply wagon. He sent eight soldiers back there as a rear guard. He smiled. They were going to their own home.
Chapter Forty Six
The first night a nearby owl kept most awake and they wondered what it was. They all shared the 24 cabins; each cabin had eight bunks so there was plenty of room. The mattresses were still on them. A little dusty but still good to use.
The next morning a couple went into the kitchen early. Looked for and found the oats and were stuck on the stove. They knew that it cooked things but they didn’t know how to activate it. A she-elf came in to help and had been shown the stove, phone and breaker box.
She turned a knob on the eight top stove and they waited to see and it got red hot. So they used several pans and made oatmeal for everybody. Of course they had to figure out the temperature settings. But finally and without burning they had made three large, deep hotel panfuls. They started coming in and she served the oatmeal in bowls with spoons. Evidently it was made correctly because they ate all of it. Somebody came running into the kitchen, Look over there, there is a deer I think though it is much larger than any we had. Everybody crowded the widows to see the magnificent buck he had pointed out. It gave a bound and disappeared into the forest.
They were astounded to see one that close. That day they explored, did the breakfast dishes once the faucets were figured out, made dinner as well. There was a fire pit so they went harvesting wood to burn for the evening. After dinner and as it got dark they built a fire, a large one that filled the pit, then they all stood around talking about the astounding moments they had had that day. The fire was dancing and somebody pulled out a flute while another sang songs in the dark elf tongue. As they got tired they left the fire to go to their cabin and sleep though a nearby owl kept many awake.
Chapter Forty Seven.
They were really busy at the house. They had to clean up after 157 people. Rodney and Pollen went to get more tents. Pollen usually rides on Rod’s shoulder but today he wanted to try the seat. Rodney reached over and put a seat belt on him. He had sat with his wings to the doorside. He and Rodney were best friends. Rod liked his advice when he was on his shoulder. It was like having an angel on your shoulder. Pollen rode all the way to the canvas shop then as was custom, he went invisible while Rod loaded the 25 tents.
“Rodney there will be 25 more the day after tomorrow.” the owner told him and Rod thanked him, got into the driver’s seat and took off. Pollen materialized right next to him
“Rodney can we get one of those hamburgers?” He asked
“Sure buddy,” and he pulled into a drive through. What do you want on it?
“Cheese and that red stuff. Okay?” said Pollen
“May I take your order?” Said the speaker.
“Are they invisible?” said Pollen.
“Two cheeseburgers with ketchup,” said Rod into the speaker, smiling
“Who are you talking to?” asked a confused passenger.
“That's $12, pull forward to the window.” Said the speaker.
They got the cheeseburgers much to the amazement of Pollen. Rodney unwrapped Pollen’s and handed it to him. Pollen smiled a big smile and took a bite. They pulled out and drove home, Rod eating his on the way.
When they got to their road Rod stopped and pulled the barricades and signs to the side. They then went up to the house and unloaded the tents into the garage. They then went on into the house. Pollen was back on Rod’s shoulder. Claire was in the kitchen making lunch.
“Hungry?” she asked.
“We just had cheeseburgers but I can eat again.” smiled Rod.
“Me, too,” said Pollen, transforming to his 3’ height.
“We need to get those tents to the castle. Why don’t you and some of the guards carry two each,” said Claire.
“I can carry one,” said Pollen.
“Okay, we would love to,” smiled Rod.
After a filling lunch Rodney and Pollen took five guards and went out to get tents. “We’ll pretty much have to carry three each except for Pollen’s one. Grab them let's go”
“Rod, tie them together with rope and we can sling them over our shoulder. It would be a whole lot easier,” said Dwayne.
“Great idea,” and they did just that, slinging them over their shoulder. Pollen picked up one. “There are six left for the next trip.” Said Rod.
They went up and used the Nevermoor rune, disappearing and materializing in the little glade. They set off for the castle, tents on their backs. They couldn’t believe how much was done on the town. The inn was up sans roof and four houses were framed; the streets were marked with stakes. They cleared the front gate and took the 19 tents in to pass them out. They didn’t have to, people were coming and getting them. They then went on in, paid their respects to the council and went to Near-here then home.
Chapter Forty Eight
They had an early supper and when they were done a passenger van drove into the camp’s driveway. Everybody that could went invisible leaving the Humaan to deal with it. The van door opened and 8 boy scouts came tumbling out. Their scoutmaster who had been driving laughed. Then they looked around and saw the camp was taken. One of the Humaan approached the car.
“Hello I’m Ray, scoutmaster of this bunch. We came to go camping but you look full.” said Ray.
“Yes there are 157 of us. We have taken all the cabins, and are using the kitchen and Pavillion.” he said.
“Where are all of them?” asked Ray
“Walking in the forest” he lied.
“Well that’s too bad we were looking forward to using the camp.” Said Ray.
“We have bought it,” said the Humaan, “I’m sorry.”
“Oh well, we’ll go to another site.” Smiled Ray, “Jump in boys.”
“Thank you,” the Humaan said.
The van turned around and with a wave they went back down the dirt road.
Everybody turned visible.
Unknown to them the van only went a couple of miles parked and set up camp complete with a fire. They ate and sang songs then as it got dark, told ghost stories then, nervous, they went to their sleeping bags.
The camp shut down as well with everybody in their cabins.The next morning everybody got up and had breakfast then started working on the cabins to make them homey.
The scouts slept in a little then got up and built a fire to cook breakfast. After it they started crafts and one slipped away by himself in the forest. He started walking and marking his trail so he wouldn’t get lost. He wound up at the boy scout camp and there were people everywhere, but they looked different with sharp noses and chins and long ears with droopy points.
An elf picking a flower stood up right in front of him and they saw each other then the elf turned invisible making the boy scream. He ran all the way back to camp and got in trouble for leaving. He tried to tell his scoutmaster, but Ray didn’t believe him.He kept quiet then and didn’t talk about it for years but he knew that he saw an elf, many of them.
The flower picker turned visible, “whoops!” She said She carried the bouquet back to her cabin to brighten it up.
The other’s heard the scream but didn’t see the boy. They asked her what it was and she said it must be a wild animal. She laughed about it for years and it was her favorite story to tell. Which she did sitting at the campfire.
The scouts left. He had to tell the story to his friends but of course they didn’t believe him.
Chapter Forty Nine
Ezekiel’s two armies were on the move, the main one marching south While Blood’s marched east. It was day four and they would arrive the next day.
Malakai was not aware of either of them; his 100 bowmen would’ve reached the port where the Admiral said he would be and they found him. He was drunk and loud. An officer approached him.
“What d’ya want?” He said, cranky.
“Sir I am here with 100 bowmen of Lord Malakai and we were to get a ride around the horn.” the officer said.
“Oh, yeah! Captain Mackenzie take these bowmen where they want to go. We have already been paid.” yelled the Admiral
“Aye Admiral, C’mon let’s get you loaded.” They headed to the piers and they went to a Merchantman class ship. They marched up the gangplank and waited. The regiment was half Humaan and half Danaan, the dark elves. Dead shots with bows They had to wait for the sailors to have a day off. They were late coming to the ship and the captain had enough sober crew to take her out into the bay then down the channel between the shore and the islands.
The ship took a day to sail to where Captain Mackenzie wanted to go. The troll king was almost upon their enemy and would attack at first light.
They arrived that night, off-loaded and got ready to march. The lieutenants marched them all night because they had slept on the ship. They were still a day away when the dawn broke.
To blaring trumpets the Troll King’s 1200 spread out in front of the Queen’s captured keep, archers behind. They had brought 3 ladders and several soldiers ran forward with each and placed them against the arrow slits at the top. Suddenly the Troll King’s archers let fly and several of Ezekiel's men were hit up on the catwalk of the wall, in the meantime soldiers were scurrying up the ladders.
The ladders were pushed from the wall and they fell with a resounding whop killing those highest on them. The soldiers regrouped and arrows continually cascaded the enemy, the Wizards men in the keep. Casualties were high on each side and the attacking force waited again for dawn.
In the meantime Malakai's bowmen approached the backside of the keep. The sound of battle ensued from the front of the keep.
Suddenly Malakai’s forces started cascading arrows into the keep. Many found their mark. Taking advantage the soldiers in the front ran the ladders up to the wall again and began climbing while the bowmen shot several volleys. The soldiers on the three ladders fought their way onto the catwalk inside the wall and met the enemy there. Fighting was intense and the Troll King’s men cleared the catwalk. Arrows were being held while the soldiers climbed the three ladders overwhelming those inside
Trumpets sounded retreat and the Wizard’s men retreated into the castle.
With a shout the Troll King's soldiers fought their way to the doors. Malakai’s bowmen tried to pick off individuals instead of cascading arrows into where the Troll King’s men were. In the meantime theTroll King’s men fought and gained the front door. They poured in and the Wizard’s soldiers were squeezed up into the throne room. There 100 made a stand and were essentially slaughtered with no quarter given. Finally the white flag appeared and the Troll King had won. He summarily executed the Wizard’s warriors while Malakai’s 100 started marching to the pass.
The Troll King claimed the keep and dispelled any peasants until only the army was inside.
It was the same dawn that pitted the Wizard against Malakai’s troops The wizard sent the ogres in to smash anyone or anything at the front gate. Again three ladders were raised and the Wizard's men scurried up and over. From the rear came the force of 300 and the 50 archers they began to volley arrows into the rear of the keep, away from the other fighters. Malakai had a force of 300 in the castle. Suddenly amid trumpets they marched out and fought their way to the front gate and regained the gate. They then went double time toward the Troll King's land. The Wizard claimed the keep and the force of 300 withdrew to march back to their keep now in the Troll King’s hands.
So at this time, The Troll King had Malakai’s original keep while the Wizard claimed the Queen’s. Malakai now with a force of nearly 300 marched toward theTroll King’s main keep in his realm to ask for asylum. .
The 300 of the Wizard’s marched toward Malakai’s old keep now held by the Troll King. Finding this, they withdrew back to Helene’s castle.
All the map tables changed pieces.
Chapter Fifty
Steve marched his soldiers south to the township along with Merrie’s wagon and a supply wagon.The day was extraordinary for September, warm and spring-like. It was a lovely day for marching and their left foot stomped out a rhythm on the dirt road. Farmer’s fields were almost ready to harvest and the fruits and vegetables hung from them. They resisted the impulse to go and harvest some for themselves.
The road was sort of busy with wagons going to the castle and town site. Some were full of lumber, manpower or thatch.They always stopped to share the news, besides they were not in a hurry. They marched into Nevermoor township mid afternoon and paraded through town and out on the road to Toad hollow. The road was still busy with farmers bringing things to market or supplies for the unnamed new town. It was late afternoon when they got to the fork in the road going to the elvish town of Thatch or to Toad Hollow. Here they got off the road and bivouacked for the night . They unhitched the horses and hobbling them let them free to graze. They built a fire then ate dinner from their pouches. Even in the evening the fork in the road was busy with travelers going all three directions. Steve set watches for the night then most bedded down. He and Merrie slept on blankets in the back of her wagon.
They were up and marching toward Toad Hollow by first light having had a light breakfast, dousing the fire and hitching up the horses. They marched Through Toad Hollow that early afternoon so they kept going until the shadows grew long then got off the road and bivouacked. They slept and of course they got up early and got ready to march. Within a half an hour they were on the road again.
They marched for two days and came into Middle Shire at sundown so they stayed in an empty lot and stabled the horses. Steve let his men go to the two inns 25 at a time for dinner and a pint. He and Merrie with the four dark elves went last and as they strolled into the inn all eyes were on the dark elves. Merrie of course was recognized and they called for the news. She obliged and told them of the magic door and the dark realm and their good hearts. She talked in length about the new town of 500 going up and the help they still needed. She talked of the dark elves and introduced the four. Several got up to come and shake their hands.Afterwards she sat and with the others, had a nice meal and ciders.
The next day was just filled with marching and they were walking at ease and Steve was letting them talk. Several jogged up to converse with the four new dark elves.
They marched into Evermoor Shire in the early afternoon the following day and they bivouacked in an empty lot. Again, Steve let them go on their honor to the inns leaving at least one guard, while he and Merrie went to her folks, surprising them. They were certainly glad to see them and they ate dinner with Isaac, Anna and little brother Brill. Since Lieutenants Fasolas and Newlis were with the troops Steve and Merrie stayed late talking then slept on the warm, carpeted floor. They were up a couple of hours before light had breakfast and said their goodbyes.
They were back and hitching their horse up when the other awakened. They had a quick breakfast then got on the road. Port Evermoor was only that day ahead. They marched in that mid-afternoon and paraded to their headquarters.
Surprised Captain Snarky came running out with Lieutenant Gnewley. They were indeed happy to see them and they and the 54 troops were happy to be there too. Snatky noticed the dark elves and looked questioningly at Steve. Steve introduced them and said, “We have a whole bunch to tell you. Let's go to an inn.”
“At ease and dismissed” Steve ordered the troops then the four of them walked to the nearby inn where they got a table in a quiet corner.
“First of all Major Snarky you are being given a command in Moorside and Captain Gnewley and the navy will be stationed there.” Steve told them.
“Major!” “Snarky said surprised as did Gnewley. Then they told them of the last month and the destruction of the rift and the repatronization of over 1000 individuals, their four dark elves notwithstanding To say they were amazed was an understatement. They finished up and went back to the barracks where Steve and Merrie said good night and they finally went home.
Chapter Fifty One
The Wizard was upset not only did he lose a lot of fighters, he aso lost Malakai’s old keep, now the Troll King’s. The balance of power had shifted and now the Troll King was a real threat. With two provinces he was set to take the Queen’s giving him three with one protected by the other two. Then it is just a matter of time and the Wizard will fall as well.
Malakai retreated to the Troll Kings, home city where he presented himself in front of the Troll King. Realmless he was now a white elephant and really wasn’t necessary. However he was a good leader and the Troll King could use him.
“Malakai, you will rule my capital city starting tomorrow. We will see how you do.” he said.
“Where will you be, my Lord?” asked Malakai.
“That is classified until tomorrow. I want you and your warriors to take a day off. You will not get another chance for a while.” said the King.
“Thank you Lord, I do like inns,” Malakai smiled. He was surprised by the reaction of the Troll King. This was unexpected so he and his troops took the day off.
The next day there were 1500 soldiers standing ready with six door busting ogres. The Troll King was standing with him. “We change history today. The Wizard will fall within the year I prophesy You will work for me If you get ambitious I will kill you.” Smiled the ruler in complete seriousness He stepped forward raised his arm and the trumpets started blaring then 1500 soldiers marched on the forces of the Wizard now at the Queen’s keep.
The Queen’s keep would fall to the Troll King and the Wizard’s forces were decimated; only the general and 100 select troops escaped. Within six months the Troll King marched on the Wizard's realm with 2500 soldiers altogether. The Wizard will fall but will escape with help from the Admiral. He will have to bide his time and rise to power again. But the Troll King now protector of the four realms will not let him.
Chapter Fifty Two
Things got back to a more comfortable normal at the house in the Outlands. They had moved all the tents to the populace at the castle and helped the town with Outlander supplies. Like a keg of nails instead of having to make them by a blacksmith.
Rodney and Pollen spent a lot of time together. Pollen liked to dust stray dogs and put them asleep so Rod could take them home.
They got ready for another trip to find the fey. This time they went up towards the boy scout camp so they could check on them. Hama, Beordh and Earll would go with Rod and Pollen. They were going north and taking some supplies to the camp, but they would also look for the fey on the way. They would be successful and find a lone elf. They convinced him to come and they would get him to the Isle Of View.
The camp is surviving it though winter is coming. They had all grown accustomed to using the equipment and had to go invisible many times.
The dwarves will stay with the monastery this winter but they are working hard. They find jewels and donate them to the monastery. They think there is a vein of gold and they are digging toward it.
Major Tom will go to Riverside and open another headquarters. Lieutenant Dale wll join him.
Major Snarky goes to Moorside, opens the headquarters and starts hiring soldiers.
Captain Gnewley moves the ship and takes Snarky to Moorside.
The castle does not return to normal. The Council is busy again giving audiences and making decisions. The tent city stayed for most of the winter while houses were being built and thatched. The Queen adapts and puts on a military uniform and is now a valued leader.
The town is growing and mid winter people start moving in. A market opened, small but essential and of course the inn was in full swing.
The Dark dwarves are liked and appreciated by the monks and the three Humaan become monks.
They gave a name to the town,”Forevermoor” voted on and passed with flying colors and the people that live there now though mostly dark elves, others want to move there and are having houses built.
Steve and Merrie are in love and now expecting.
Matthew still collects maps.
finis