Logan Marsh: A Thrilling Fantasy Novel (Action Adventure,Mystery, Y/A Book 1) (21 page)

"I have news for you, your majesty," the redheaded biston panted on the threshold of the operations room.

"Enter," the king said, "everyone knows Frecklie of house Stoltz of Nivron Junction?"

"You," De-Stik rose from his place, "a sneaky and beguiling biston you are. You should know that my vengeance is not that far."

Logan smiled when she saw Frecklie, and all eyes turned in confusion to De-Stik.

"Ah… I am sorry…" muttered De-Stik, when he realized that he spoke out of place. "Just a trivial matter of the past," he sat back and muttered angrily to himself. "Talisman of the Legendary Minstrels, ha, who has heard of this jest."

"The Stoltzs couple served us for many years in covert operations," the king said. "Secondly, biston, it seems that you did not rest on your way here. Drink first, and then tell us your news."

Frecklie took the offered glass of water and drank from it until it was utterly empty.

"More," Frecklie reached her arm and replaced the empty glass with a full one.

After she had finished seven glasses of water and the three pitchers in the room, Frecklie breathed deeply and started her story.

"Two days ago we completed the evacuation of the squibs from Nessit. All the families are lodged in the mines area and were received warmly by the bistons, and some of them were relocated to the lutins’ barrows in the Hob plains. All of them left except for some patriotic dissidents who decided to stay and help the three divisions to fight against the enemy."

"Very good," Domarwink said.

"And now to another matter, my king," Frecklie said. "I believe that it will interest you, Logan," she added. "We have found out that Kiril is alive. He was transferred from Evildon camp to Kolchis castle. We don't know why. The rest of his team, as we understand – are no longer among the living."

"Kiril," Logan said, "I knew he was alive."

"The rumours say," Frecklie continued, "that Sernin Crouzar had given that order."

"Sernin Crouzar?" asked Silas, Belsis and Domarwink at once.

"Sernin Crouzar?!" asked Achtisanor, Krunch, and De-Stik.

"Sernin Crouzar?" asked the four squibs. "Who is it?"

"We don't know how he lives," Frecklie said, "we thought that he was burned to death at the battle of Bjorn."

"This is a trick," called Genghis, "I have seen him burn to cinder with my own eyes."

"And why do you think, Genghis, that the fire did not play a trick on you?" Domarwink asked softly.

Genghis, lord of the bistons, looked around with embarrassment.

"And now for the most horrible news," Frecklie said. "The armies of Klaxes include over three thousand creatures."

"Three thousand creatures?" Domarwink asked. "How did he manage to recruit so many?"

"We have been told that Hubris raised an undead army, which covers the entire land."

"Arrr…" Genghis said, "I hate undeads."

"I thought this could be a problem," Domarwink said, his mind reeling, "and this is why I summoned you here, Mind over Matter."

The four squibs looked to the ling.

"Us?" Fitz asked.

"Us?" Sai asked.

"Against three thousand creatures?" Chase asked.

"I mean," Dupree said, "we have magicks…"

"And exceptional traps…" Chase said.

"We have already shrunk giants and enchanted a jellyfish princess," Sai said.

"But we can never beat…" Fitz said.

"Three thousand creatures?" the four of them asked as one.

"Relax, dear fellows," Domarwink said after the flood of words, "I do not intend to put you against an army at all. You will be my heralds."

"Heralds?" Fitz expression turned from worried to intrigued.

"Heralds?" Sai repeated.

"This sounds interesting," Chase said.

"This sounds respectful," Dupree said.

"What is the purpose of these heralds?" Fitz asked.

"Two of the royal tigers are equipped with everything you need," Domarwink said. "You will leave at nightfall in pairs. Fitz and Sai – you will head to the north and west through the magical northern forests to the mountains of Uruklip. Chase and Dupree, you will go south and east, visit the suburbs of this city, along the Hoshesh shore and Hob plains. The royal ribbons on the tigers' tails will be your seal.

"Our army network is running thin. It does not cover all of the kingdom or its farthest reaches. Pass from barrow to barrow, from house to house and pass every tree in the way. Spread the word that the kingdom needs defenders – defenders of all kinds, of all ranks, of all races. A terrible war is coming, and the Nature continent is in danger. Those who are willing to come and bear arms, thank them in mine and Nature's name. Pass quickly. Lead them south to our fortifications."

The squibs sat transfixed when they received their duty, except Fitz, who looked a little worried.

"Tho… those t…t…tigers?" asked the squib with fear.

"Don't worry, Fitz," Domarwink said with a smile, "they are friendly, protect you valiantly, and keep you warm at night with their fur."

"I… I… think I will bring a blanket," Fitz said with a serious expression.

"Forgive me, my king," said Silas, the elven sage. "What about the forces of magic?"

Krunch stood up in curiosity.

"When I returned I have sent a letter to Highmage Scroo, the principal of the Sorcerer's Academy," Domarwink said.

"Very good," Krunch said.

"I have told him on the four renegade students and asked him for help," Domarwink said.

"And…" Krunch asked without patience.

"Firstly, he apologized deeply about the tragic event, and then Highmage Scroo promised that he will send his finest three hundred wizards to the defence line."

"Three hundred wizards?" Krunch said gladly.

"I will certainly help us," Silas said.

"Well," King Domarwink said, "after everything else in concluded, we remain with one other issue, you, Tigertief."

The four companions looked expectantly at the king.

"For many years Tigertief was the most courageous team of our kingdom," Domarwink said. "For many times, the team was the sole hope of this kingdom, doing important and secret missions. And because of you, Logan, our hope is restored.

"You have earned your place among them by showing courage, determination, and boldness since you have fulfilled your wish – reuniting the group. Kneel," the king ordered.

The four kneeled and lowered their heads. Domarwink lifted his arms and a warm halo engulfed them all.

"You are Nature guardians and respected throughout it. After you leave this place, every rock will cheer you, every tree will lift his branches in salute, and every river shall foam at your glory."

Cheers were heard in the council room.

Domarwink clapped once. A red hawk flew into the room from the window and landed on his shoulder.

"Catch?" Logan rose in excitement.

"Since you sent him on his way, he did not find rest," Domarwink said. "He knocked on my window in the royal abode. He spent many days here when your father served me." The hawk flew to Logan's elbow and gleefully pecked her cheeks.

"He was very worried about you, Logan," the king said, "and in his old age, he asked to serve Nature once again."

Logan caressed the old hawk.

"And he shall help us," Domarwink continued "but first – to your mission."

The door opened. The king's personal assistant, Glatz the lutin, entered while holding a green pillow. On the pillow was a shining and gleaming sword, her hilt forged of silver and flame – golden steel.

"I believe that this is the perfect time to return it to you, Sir Claude Achtisanor," the king said.

"Achtis," Achtisanor said with excitement after recognizing his old sword.

"Return it to its rightful place, Claudiomaris Achtisanor Gornshield, because you are also returned to your former order, a knight and protector of the realm."

Achtisanor kneeled in front of the king. The king laid Achtis in Achtisanor's hands to the sound of applause.

"You will need it there," Domarwink said. Achtisanor rose and inserted Achtis to his scabbard instead of his previous sword.

"There?" Achtisanor asked, "What is our mission, my king?"

"Well, Tigertief, you are sent to the most important and dangerous mission of all," Domarwink said.

"I did not think otherwise," murmured Krunch. De-Stik’s hand rested on his shoulder.

"You are bound to Kolchis castle," the king said.

"Kolchis?" Logan's eyes flared.

De-Stik and Krunch looked at one another and sighed.

"The person who uses the horn does not need to be on the battlefield," Domarwink said. "I believe that the caller of the horn will be in the castle itself. You leave at dawn on the backs of eagles to the dark castle – you mission is to get the horn, and as soon as possible."

"Again," whispered Krunch.

"Catch will accompany you and soar above as necessary. The two eagles will continue from there to the far mountains above the Zooloo chasm to provide air support."

"You majesty…" Logan said, "in Kolchis…"

"Yes, Logan," Domarwink guessed her intent. "Since we discovered that Kiriliosmaris is alive – we will try to rescue him."

Logan brightened with joy.

"If we get the horn, my king," De-Stik scratched his brow, "I will not be happy to carry around that thing."

"That is the reason you must destroy it at once," the king said.

"Destroy?" asked Krunch.

Domarwink turned to one of the maps hanging behind him.

"At the tip of the chasm, between the bistons mines and the Hob plains, there is a lava pit."

"Meltadarf," said Genghis.

"The boiling lava within is channelled to ditches that were dug by the bistons to the Zooloo chasm," Domarwink continued. "You must throw the horn into the lava pit to ensure its destruction – and more, you must ensure that no one ever touch this insidious horn.

"Tigertief, your success will allow us to win the war, and yet, you must do it only after the second calling of the horn because it may allow us to kill the dragon, and before the third call, which will cause chaos in the entire universe."

"So shall be done," Achtisanor said with determination.

Footsteps, the sound of many creatures scattering away were heard from outside the dark castle walls. A thick mist crawled to Kolchis like a cunning snake. It twirled and flew between its towers and climbed to its top. The dark waves hit the island shore again and again, and poisonous silence hung in the air.

"Kiriliosmaris was transferred to the castle's dungeons," Hubris said and lifted a little crossbow to aim at three skulls mounted on a shelf.

Sernin stood in front of the desk and looked at the big map.

"The rumour is already circulating in Nivron Junction," Hubris continued.

"Perfect," muttered Sernin between thin lips. "Make sure that he is taken care of and healed properly. We want him to stay alive at least until Tigertief arrives here. The family reunion is a thing to die for, isn't it?"

"Krunch," Hubris shot a bolt and smashed one of the skulls, "De-Stik," the second skull was destroyed, "and Achtisanor," Hubris drew his sword and cleaved the skull into two equal parts. "At last…" he whispered.

"I will take good care of them," Sernin smiled. "Your mission is to destroy the army of those vermin."

"Our armies are ready to strike, his horribleness," Hubris said when they all gathered in the dark lair.

Sernin and Narook stood by his side, and Smord was right behind them, trying to make him as small as a target, and next to him stood the four members of Magic's Might.

"They are thirsty for blood and hungry for murder, your honour," Hubris continued. "We are waiting for your order."

The horrifying face of Klaxes drifted above them and observed each and every one. His scaly throat creaked and his tail tapped slowly on the scorched floor.

"Thirsty for blood and hungry for murder," repeated Klaxes in an angry snarl, "is this the only thing they are waiting for?"

Dark silence covered the lair. Hubris looked around, and the flaring green eyes of Klaxes were fixed on him.

"Yes… your hono…" muttered Hubris.

"No, your honour," Sernin interrupted. "They are willing, O dark lord, to glorify your honour and sacrifice all of Nature denizens in your name."

"Good," Klaxes said in a low voice, "so, we are ready. Who are the wizards?"

The four Magic's Might wizards kneeled.

"These are four of your most loyal subjects," Sernin said, "They will command the three hundred wizards who will join our forces."

"Ten thousand soldjas, five thousand gnolls and five hundred goblins mounted on wargs are waiting on four hundred slayer-type ships," Hubris said. "The bear-man Smord shall lead them."