A Dwarf's Tale: Will of a Silver Coin

What the hell does this mean? How in the hell is Steve Randoss the ‘Leader?’ I looked to Kosser. He was confused, but had an extreme look of concern. “This is no good my boy no good. Too many implications and none of them good. Not that any of the Randoss’s have anything to do with this, but there is obviously a connection.”

“Is Talma the one you promised not to say anything what happened twelve years ago?”

“No, it was Woodard.”

Talma’s mentor. Something stinks to the heavens. And now, it is time for no more secrets.

“Kosser, we need to get her, and get to Stalvinport. This has gone way beyond keeping secrets. So many lives are at stake.”

“I agree Tor, I agree. But first, preparations.” He took one of the arrows, which was made of wood, and tried to press it down into the chest of the boy. “Och, I can’t do it. Tor, would you mind pressing here?” I did so, and the boy gave a shriek and a sigh. It was now a boy I could tell. “Thanks Tor. The vampire was not dead, only incapacitated. Even now, if that arrow is taken out, it would recover. Consider the vamp boy in a coma. Now, for another preparation.” He performed an incantation, and that same blackness appeared around the boy. It was adjusted down so that the darkness only covered the boy’s features. “There, now, we can move it. Tor, I need you to carry the body. I do agree we need to get to Talma, but not to Stalvinport. To my house. Should something happen, my home is much more prepared to deal with this type of situation.” I nodded. This was beginning to be out of my element again. I trust Kosser’s logic and thinking. I picked up the vamp boy. The coldness that radiated from the body was almost painful. But, no matter. I walked down the long passage. When we met the archers, I asked him to keep watch here and at the portal room. They agreed and we went onward. Kosser opened the door to his home, and led me upstairs.

I could see why Kosser wanted this vampire boy here. There was no light from the outside, only indoor lighting. It was a full mage laboratory here, with a large heavy table. I assumed that he wanted this body on that table, so I put it in a clear spot. “Tor, I’ll get Talma. I best get Calvin too. Either he is involved, or is not and has to know.” I nodded. I was still very weak and burnt from the fighting. I could do with a short rest. Sitting in one of the chairs, I pulled out the goblet that Kosser offered to me. I willed hot coffee sugared, and there it was. I drank it with relish. My body was screaming at me, but there was much to be done and much to be talked about. I thought about the facts we knew so far.

The ‘Leader’ was a mage, that much is certain. The ‘Leader’ could also be a vampire. The vampire that Kosser fought fifty years ago could of very well survived. How it survived, I haven’t got a clue at all. I estimated that there were five hundred troops in that corridor, with more arriving. Kosser shut the portal down. So, however many troops had travelled to that death castle that Kosser discussed with me, probably over five thousand, means, that this way has been thwarted too. So, mountain passage, thwarted, portal thwarted. That only leaves land and boat. At least, I hope. I hope we do not have any air incursion. We are wholly unprepared for that, and I do not know the first thing about repelling such an attack. The boat attack we were preparing, and the land attack we have in place.

Assumption one: this ‘Leader’ knew this area well. That much is obvious. He was a vampire when Kosser fought him fifty years ago. So many years since to gather and plan. And who knows how long before that. But Kosser destroyed those plans. Or did he? Not that I doubted Kosser, but what if those plans are in place. Thousands of skeletons. Conquest obviously. But instead of an undeath conquest of the lands, the ‘Leader’ now has opted for a horde conquest. But why send this vampire boy? Unless, the ‘Leader’ is actually a cripple? Perhaps the vampire back then cannot function normally? Perhaps it needed this boy to fulfill the desires of the vampire. But how the hell does it look like Steve Randoss? I agreed with Kosser, too many questions and implications, but nothing good. I finished my coffee and willed another. Calvin and Talma were good folks, simple folks. How the hell did they get mixed up into this mess? Assumption two: this vampire is now going to be enraged now. But now that we have his puppet, how is the ‘Leader’ going to be able to command the horde army?

My musings were interrupted with footsteps coming up the stairs. Kosser was there, and so was Calvin and Talma. “Ok you two, what is going on?”

Kosser removed the darkness spell, and pointed to the body. “We were hoping you would tell us?”

Talma immediately ran to ‘Steve.’ “He’s dead!” Calvin held back his wife. “No Talma, Steve is sleeping still. I checked on all of the kids this morning. They are all fine. Whatever this is, isn’t our Steve.”

Talma relaxed, but the shock of seeing the visage of her son, I imagine can be quite unnerving. “Ok, seriously, what is going on?”

“You hold the answer to that Talma.”

“Tor, are you ok?” She started to walk to me when I held up my hand.

“I’m fine Talma, or at least I will be. I and Kosser are not the subjects for this morning. We want to know what the connection between you two and this vampire boy.”

“Vampire boy?” Calvin had a huge quizzical look on his face. Talma slumped to the ground.

“Yes, that body, is a vampire. We thought it was the ‘Leader.’ But it seems the ‘Leader’ was controlling this vampire.”

“But how could it look like Steve? Magic?”

Kosser stepped in. “Magic is involved. Yes, that is true. But, that is not a morphed creature. That, is Steve, or a version of him.”

“But, this is not possible. None of it is possible!”

“Talma would disagree.” I knelt down before her. “We know that Woodard is involved Talma. Twelve years ago in fact, which would be the age of this vampire version of Steve. What happened twelve years ago?”

Talma was sobbing. She was sobbing hard. Calvin realized this, and picked up his wife and put her gently in another chair. “Talma, what has happened? What is going on?”

She tried to respond, but she was sobbing too hard. Calvin hugged his wife. “It is ok. Whatever it is or was, we will get through it. Calm down, tell us what happened.”

It took her a while to calm down. It was morning, that much I’ve guessed. I finished the second round of coffee. I was trying to remain completely alert. I thought back to Talma’s previous outburst to when we first met, and how she was over protective of Steve, and how the forlorn look she had. And now, we get this. What was the connection?

“I do not know if all of you can forgive me, most of all my husband. I thought all of this business was done, but now, it all comes crashing down.” She looked at Calvin. “The only reason why I never told you, is what happened was so horrific, I could not bear to relive it. I will tell you what happened, all of you. I only hope I can be forgiven.”

“Twelve years ago, my husband, you were working with the start of the small navy of the city. They were unseasoned, as a favor, you offered to show and teach them. We had left the farm in the care of good hired hands, and I was in the city with the kids. Each day proceeded as any other. I had heard you were arriving back in the city in a week’s time. This was good, because I was missing our farm. David and Stella were playing in the small square in the front of where we were staying. I called them in for breakfast. I waited, but they never came. I looked out the window, and didn’t see them or hear them. I was worried, so I picked up Steve and went outside. They were not in the square. I called to them. They did not respond. I went looking in the surrounding streets, and still did not find them. I started looking in the back alleys. I called to them over and over again. Stella responded. I ran over to hear voice, and noticed that the kids were trapped in some wood that had fallen around them. I had to set down Steve, and worked on getting them loose. It took me a few minutes, but I was able to get them out. When I turned to pick up Steve, he wasn’t there. I looked to see if he had crawled into some space, but he was nowhere. I was beginning to panic. David and Stella were crying. I hushed them and called to Steve. But I heard nothing, no cries, no laughter, not anything.”

I was crying. I brought the kids back to the room we were staying. A kind older woman asked me what is wrong. I told her, and she told me she would look after David and Stella while I go look for Steve. I gave her a quick hug, and I rushed back out to the same place. I was frantic. I didn’t know where Steve went off to. I wanted to get the guard, but they were all out with the navy. So, I turned to the one person I knew. Woodard. I entered the church, and while crying, told him what has happened. He quickly dropped everything that he was doing and went with me. We both searched. Woodard found something: footprints. It was of a small creature. Woodard prayed, and the tracks lit up before us. We followed the tracks, and it took us out of the city.”

“Our son was taken. And we were following the thief. My sobbing turned to pure anger. I was going to tear this creature apart with my very hands. The tracks suddenly disappeared. We both looked confused. Ahead of us was a dark thick wooded area. We went in the direction where the tracks went. This wood, was a dark and twisted forest. No sunlight shown in this area. There was also no woodland life. Not even insects. Suddenly, we heard a child’s scream, our child’s scream. We ran like there was no tomorrow; we were guided by the screams over and over again. We went through a plant made wall, crashing through. There, was a scene, I hope never to see anything like it again. Steve was on a stone altar, and there were four things. I don’t know what the things were, but there was blood. Steve’s hands and feet were cut from his tiny body, and the fiends were drinking the blood. Steve was just crying over and over again. I was about to rush when Woodard said a prayer, and the brightest of lights shown from his hands. When the light cleared, the fiends were gone. But Steve, while still crying and screaming, was getting weaker and weaker. I grabbed Steve, hugging him so close, frantic, not knowing what to do. Woodard slapped me across the face. The shock startled me, as he took Steve, and did another prayer. Steve no longer cried, but he was breathing. The bleeding had stopped. I looked at him, still crying. Woodard told me that he could restore Steve, but we had to get back to the temple before nightfall. I grabbed Steve, and ran for all I was worth. I guess Woodard was following me too. I was blinded by tears, by anguish, by rage. I ran and ran and ran. I rushed through the gates, and went to the church. Woodard had kept up, as I stood there, holding our son, still so frantic, to the point I was going to lose myself. Woodard made preparations, but he was lacking something. He said he would return shortly. I held onto Steve, praying to Cuthbert that he would take my life for our son’s.

Woodard returned some time later. The sun was nearly set. He took Steve from me, and performed the longest and most beautiful prayer I have ever seen. For what seemed like hours, later to learn it was ten minutes, he prayed. He brought forward a diamond. A diamond of such I have never seen. It shown with such a light that I still cannot describe. He brought the stone, and placed it on each point where Steve’s hands and feet should have been. He rested the diamond on Steve’s tiny chest. Then, Steve’s hands and feet started to reform. I couldn’t stand anymore, it was too much for me. I could only kneel and look further. I do not know how long I was there staring, but our boy was restored. I cried out, a miracle happened before me. But then, he wasn’t waking up. I took him in my arms, and he was breathing, but he wasn’t awake. I look to Woodard. He examined our son, and said that the vampire disease is on him. I despaired again. Was our son brought back to me only to be killed or turned into a vampire? He tried more prayers, but there was nothing that would turn the disease. Woodard said the disease is not a vampire disease, but it was magical. He did not know what else to do. He told me to wait here and that he would get someone. He came back, and came back with you Kosser. You then examined him, performed a spell, and he awoke. I do not know what the disease was, I was only happy that our son was brought back. You told me that he would be sick for over a week, that he needed extreme care. I cared for him, kept him and the other kids so close to me, I never ever wanted to let go.”

“After a week husband, you came back. I told you that Steve had gotten sick, and that he needed rest before we headed back home. You agreed, and of course the city agreed. Another week, and Steve was well enough to travel. And we went back home. And it was good for me, because, I never wanted to be in Stalvinport again. You nearly died my husband, our son nearly died or worse. I thought the city was cursed. But it is worse. I am cursed. I must of displeased the gods somehow. I just do not want my family to be punished anymore because of me.” She went back to a fit of uncontrollable sobbing.

Kosser coughed. “Yes, that is true. I remember that night Woodard came to me and begged me for the focus stone. Then, he came again, and begged for my help. I didn’t want to help anyone anymore. I was tired. But I went. And when I saw your son unmoving, he moved me. I couldn’t let an innocent life slip by into the night. He was held by some dark magic. I was able to get rid of that magic. But there was a recovery period. I gave to Talma the herbs that I had to counteract what the young child would go through, herbs to stop the spasms in his tiny body, to allow him to eat and drink, and slowly he would recover. I had no idea all of this was connected. ”

Calvin sat there stunned. After a minute, he took his wife into his arms and lifted her face. “You are not the one cursed sweet wife. I am. I am going to tell Stalvinport they will have to find a new general, and I am taking you and the kids far away from here.”

“That is the biggest crock of bullshit I have heard yet.” I have had enough. I stood up. “Talma, I am not your husband, but as a friend, you did nothing wrong, except beat yourself up one side and down the other. Don’t all of you get it? Well, Kosser does I think. We are dealing with a demon of a vampire. He had plans of conquest more than fifty years in the making. Why, at that time, you both were just barely out of baby clothes. Way I see it, he arranged what happened twelve years ago, and then fifty years ago, and who the hell knows how many years ago before. This is a creature that has planned for decades if not more, acted in stealth, and now finally, has put plans into action. Let’s say Calvin you do leave. And you take your family with you. Where the hell will you go? No offense, but you both are getting older. The vampire can take his time to deal with you both and your kids. He has time on his side. Hell, he could wreak havoc on grandkids not born yet. And where will that get you? Here, you have friends, you have the command of the army, and you have Kosser’s magic and my steel. Far as I can see, this is your best chance to get rid of this ‘curse’ called a vampire, and go back to living the lives you want. Hell, I have a stake in this too-um, no pun intended. He took out my clan, and took away my memories. I may never get them back. I have come to terms with this. Just like you both have to come to terms with yours. You can either flee and live the rest of your lives in fear. Or, you make a stand here and now, and regain what has been lost, restore what has been threatened, and cherish the future you both still may get.” That’s when the loss of blood affected me again. I had to sit back down. “I didn’t take all those arrow shots and nearly getting burned alive to turn tail and run. And, I think, neither will you. Any of you. It is far past time to put this misery at an end.”

I continued for a bit more. “I have shared with you everything I have, because, secrets, never arrived anywhere except for a bad destination. Talma, I fully understand why you kept this secret. I truly do understand. But, had it been known twelve years ago, something could have been done then. What, I don’t know. I do not fault you, but I want to teach you. Among dwarves, we value honesty. But the person you have to be honest first and foremost, is to yourself. And to do that, when something horrible happens, you must learn to forgive-first and foremost, you need to forgive yourself. Twelve years later, and you haven’t forgiven yourself. With me, there is nothing to forgive. And I’m betting diamonds to breads that Calvin will agree. You only did yourself wrong.”

While I was talking, Calvin picked up his wife, and set her in his lap, embracing her. The tears of flowing, tears of a twelve year self made prison. It is going to take a lot of work on her part, but I could already see the healing process has started. “Tor is right my sweet wife. There is nothing to forgive. You saved our family. You always take such great zeal to heal others. Healer, heal thyself, with all of us with you.”

Talma completely lost it. But in a good way. Twelve years a self made prison. Just like Kosser with his of fifty years. Samos and Falish with theirs. And my own people still needing retribution. This plague of pure blight and sorry that this ‘Leader’ has placed upon all of us has got to end. And, if it takes my dying breath, I will see it ended. Ok, enough with the coffee. I took back the goblet and willed dwarven spirits. I drank half of it. I needed to ‘take over’ things for a little while I see. Calvin had more important work to do, much needed work. And like the women I saved from the orcs, the work that needed to be done now, was on Calvin. I was ill equipped. But I do know what I am equipped with: Battle.

I headed downstairs, and left Kosser’s house. I went back to the farm and saw about the progression of our plans. One length of chain was already completed. That’s a great thing. I went to the captain of the archers and asked for news. He reported that all is quiet now in the ruins. I nodded and beckoned several dwarves over. I instructed the captain to show these dwarves where the entrance to that corridor is. I told them, it is to be sealed with stone, mortar, and brick three feet thick and not an inch less. They all nodded and went off. Tyna would be some time before she had news from her feathered friends. Thompson came up to me. Just the man I have been needing to talk to.

“Thompson, I need a favor.”

“Anything Tor.”

“Today, you are in charge. Calvin is, indisposed at the moment. And I need to travel to the southeast, back towards Sigur.”

“May I inquire why?”

“Certainly. Nearly two weeks ago, I left my pony there. I’m going to recover my pony.”

“Sir, that doesn’t seem very probable that the pony would still be alive.”

“It is a special pony Thompson.”

“Yes sir. May you have good fortune then.”

We clasped hands, gathered my things, some food, armor, and weapons, and went off running. No one is to be left behind. And things have been such a whirlwind, that if my steppe pony was still alive, she deserves to be back here. Hopefully, by the time I get back, a lot of this will have been sorted out. I wasn’t uncaring about emotional problems. Problem was, I didn’t know how to handle emotional problems. My heart is sensitive, but my brain cannot communicate with my heart properly with these types of situations. I can only fix what I know is broken and that I have the skill to deal with. I do not have any skill to deal with the affairs of the heart. Mind, yes, body, hell yes, spirit, yes indeed. But the heart? Foreign lands to me. Best to stick with what I know.

My running to Sigur went uneventful, much like before. I should of not been so reckless and perhaps taken a day for rest. I just cannot sit idly by. It would take a giant to knock me around to get me off of my feet. I chuckled to myself. That in fact, is what had to happen. I looked down to the silver ring on my finger. This ring was taking care of my wounds. This ring to me was a fortunate gift of the gods. I did not want to be rude and downplay this gift. The gift had a purpose. It was to help me accomplish things that needed to be done. Therefore, I will push forward and get things done. There were many loose ends to tie up. And I was walking towards one of the loose ends.

The sun had set and now the stars started coming out of the sky. I kept pushing onward, eating the food and drinking as I walked. The snow, was almost a foot high, but it didn’t bother or hamper me. In fact, it would be a pretty walk here in the night sky with the snow on the ground. I liked how the starlight and moonlight glistened off of the snow. There was always something so very peaceful about it. I should stop my musings. Peace, is something that doesn’t exist at the moment. I was in enemy territory to be sure. I chided myself to keep my wits about me.

After a few more hours, I made it to the point where I left the steppe pony. Approaching the coral of stone, I found the pony there. She got up and flared her nostrils. “Easy girl, it is me.” I removed a carrot from the bag and offered it to her. She nibbled at the carrot, and got my scent. She came a bit closer, and gently pulled the carrot from my hand, eating it. I went up to her and started to pat her down. She was no worse for wear at all. This made me very happy. She wasn’t bothered or accosted at all. The saddlebags were still in the corner of the coral. I pulled out a blanket, and loosely tied a rope around her, securing the blanket. She softly neighed and nickered at me. I rubbed her head. “No girl, I didn’t forget about you. I was injured. When I got better, I came back for you.” She went back to where she was laying down, and laid back down. “I guess you have the right idea. Time to rest. Well, now I can since you are ok.” Pulling out two blankets, laying one down on the ground, I covered myself up with the other blanket and laid against the wall. We will rest here for the night, and then, go back to the farm. I drifted off to sleep.

Hours later, the first rays of the morning hit me in the face. I stirred and opened my eyes. The snowy morning does lend itself to a peaceful awakening. I looked over to my pony, and it was out grazing the grass under the snow. I got up, stiff from sleeping against rock and a hard ground, but none too worse for wear. I made a simple meal, pulled out that wonderful goblet, had a couple of coffees, and now, I was quite refreshed. I took off the rope and blankets that was on my pony, saddled her up, and then, thought for a moment. Something was nagging me. What, I had no earthly idea. But my gut instinct was telling me it wasn’t time to go back yet. I looked to the southeast. It was almost beckoning to me. Why, I had no idea. My gut has served me well so far. I found it is best not to ignore one’s instincts. So, at a slow canter, I took off for the southeast. Sigur Fortress was only a few miles in this direction. Something was compelling me.

What could my instincts be telling me? Did my inner self want to see the remains of the carnage that was wrought forth nearly two weeks ago? Was there something in the dwarven town that was drawing me there? Was there some item, perhaps magical, that was drawing me there? A thought went to GloriAnn. Was it because her slain undead body was still there? And that perhaps she was wanting a proper burial? I nodded to myself. That has to be it. Why should I think otherwise? It is something I would want to have happen if it was possible. Since I was here in the area, I could make that possible. I came upon that familiar small thicket of wood and slowed to a walk. Going to the edge of the thicket, I looked down.

“What the hell?” I didn’t know exactly what I was expecting, but what I saw before me, I definitely did not expect this. Looking into the flat land before Sigur Fortress, it was completely bare. There was no rubble, no weapons, no armor, and most of all, no bodies. The bodies were all gone. The snow, lain upon the ground completely undisturbed. There were no tracks that headed east either. How the hell is this possible? A thought came to me, as I brought my pony to a gallop and went east. I headed to the area where I remembered encountering the ogres that were bringing in the siege weapons. After some time, I got to that area. I recognized the small bit of wood where I was sleeping and attacking the ogres. Problem was, as like at Sigur Fortress: there were no headless ogre bodies. None of the debris from the wagons were there either. Nothing that gave an indication that I fought here.

“Ok, I know I am not in the right mind, but I am not losing my mind. Where the hell did all of the bodies go?” Suddenly, another thought leapt to my forefront. The underground passage in the ruins! I turned my pony around, and as fast as the little beast could muster safely, I headed back towards the farm.

I know I am not losing my mind. There were too many witnesses of the events for months to have it be any mania in my mind. So, I scratched that out quickly. The overrun port towns were another example of that as well as when Tyna went to inspect the humanoid camp. These creatures exist. That much is certain. But, when they are killed, sometime later, the bodies are gone. That happened in the cavern when I woke up with my memory lost, the orc raiding party, the attack on Sigur Fortress, and the underground passage. Four separate battles, In all four cases, all of the bodies gone. What the hell? Wait a minute. All bodies gone, but so far, who is to say that all of these forces, and my brethren were not conjured constructs? I know we are dealing with a vampire, and a vampire mage to boot. But who is to say these bodies were not conjuring of a master mage? There is one way to settle it. I turned my pony around, and headed to Sigur Fortress. There is absolutely one way to tell whether these are conjuring or not: the dead dwarves in the tombs of Sigur Fortress. If they are conjuring, then, those dwarves should be there. If those dwarven bodies are not there..

Sometime later, I arrived at the gate to Sigur Fortress. I tethered my pony against a large rock, and went to the secret passage shown to me by the dwarves that resided here. I found the switch, the rock passage opened, and I went inside. Navigating my way through the hall, I came upon the stone coffins of the dwarves. I opened one. It was empty. I opened another. That one was empty too. I kept opening all of them, each one of these coffins were empty. Ok, that assured me that all that I had encountered were not conjuring. But what the hell was going on?

A cold chill was in the air. There was a growing pit of fear in my stomach. I raced out of Sigur Fortress, back through the stone portal, released the tether on the pony, hopped on, and raced back to the farm. The words that flind told me: “Even in death, I shall be rewarded.” The horde army wasn’t the main army. Those troops are pure fodder. The ‘Leader’ does not give a righteous damn about how many troops he will lose. Why? He will animate them! Five thousand or fifty thousand, it does not matter! Who cares about the losses? Because there are no real losses to this ‘Leader’. This vampire master mage will command even a greater army. An army of animated humanoids, and of all of the soldiers that will fall in the coming battle. Battles I should say; there is the naval battle too! Add to that the populace of Stalvinport, and of all of the existing towns that have already been overrun, and you have a pure recipe of a pure plague of undeath! Fifty thousand? More like double that once all is said and done! I urged my pony to go faster. I knew it was still the better part of the day from the farm.

Are there other portals we do not know about? Cloverdale was a mage haven of old. There were those vaults that survived. What else survived? Could Stalvinport be under attack now? There was the confession from Talma. In the woods to the west, was an area of the forest where the sun did not shine. How did those that kidnapped Steve gain entrance into Stalvinport, and more importantly, how did they leave with a screaming baby twelve years ago? Now, there were even more questions and more uncertainty than before. And we’re about to split forces. What if all of this was a diversion? Keep us busy at the front lines, while Stalvinport was weakened? If there are another set of vaults, or even just one, with a possible portal that could be activated at any time, Stalvinport could of already have been attacked and then fallen. Of course! Fifty years ago, the vampires took Kosser’s Kristine. So that cements it. Stalvinport is not secured at all!

So, what is the damn alternative? This plan, unraveling in bits and pieces, was extreme, so well thought out, and diabolical. Perform the two point attack on water and on land, and the forces of Stalvinport are weakened. While the horde army and navy has us engaged, the undeath forces can enter the city and battle with the occupants, with weakened resistance. The ‘Leader’ would not care, because the people who would be slaughtered, would be fresh troops to replace the destroyed undead from battle. Then you have a walled city full of undeath, that can withstand a siege with the fortifications there. Plus, with it having a harbor, there can be an undead navy set up quite easily. Even should we be victorious on the water, when they come back, our forces from the navy would have no idea until they disembarked from their ships and entered the harbor. They would be sitting ducks, each dead solder then refueling for each one destroyed. Those combined forces, can then come down from Stalvinport to the farm, where the army was, and attack from behind as well. After that, mop up our forces, and animate all of the viable corpses. The army would still be at full strength, if not more, and continue onward.

Yet, if I suggest we withdraw to Stalvinport, as was the original plan, we would be at full strength. But then, so would the horde army. And with a simple siege, can starve out the city, and still have overwhelming numbers against the troops there. The horde navy would be there to prevent anyone from escaping by boat. They would arrowstorm the city from the backside. The horde army already has demonstrated they have siege engines. I pray they do not have any more hill giants, walking siege machines they are. What is the third alternative? How in the names of the hells are you supposed to outwit a vampire master mage that has had fifty years of planning?

‘Go on the offensive.’ That voice, inside of my head. Just what the hell? How do you go on the offensive when you have tens of thousands of humanoids and who the hell knows how many undead forces are present. And go on the offensive where? ‘Alifax.’ Alifax? The monstrous city fortress of death where Kosser travelled fifty years ago? It would take days, not to forget all of the possible forces between here and there. It would be a pure suicidal folly. ‘You could take the portal that you know.’ And walk into gods knows what? That is your great plan oh little voice in my head of mine? ‘You caught them unguarded twice now: the fortress and the vaults. You have been fighting a defensive war. They would not expect an offensive attack.’

Ok, when I thought earlier I wasn’t going out of my mind, I retract that now. I actually feel like I have two people inside of me. What the hell is going on with me? My head suddenly started to hurt real bad. Was this the ‘real me’ trying to come out? In many ways, I could not believe I am arguing with myself, and getting angry with myself. What that voice was suggesting was also suicidal, but it had merit. It will be at least three days after the failed incursion from the vaults. That means, the ‘Leader’ will be sending the troops back by land and river. We will just have unknown numbers of undead to deal with. So, that means, a small force, a very small force, powerfully equipped, may be able to get in. And do what? ‘Destroy the portal system. Force them to come in with land and river only.’ Ok, that can work yes. A lot of unknowns and variables, but that could work. But who and how many would go in?

Kosser is first on my list. Why? Another master mage, he’s been studying this crap for decades, has fought against it. And he has a score to settle. He would go without saying. Woodard would be another. Undead place, master cleric, and itching for payback for GloriAnn. Ideal choice. Who else? A scout would also help. I thought about Durak and Yimnak. But no, they should be with their kin. Wait a minute. Tyna would be a great choice. Flight to boot? Smart, knowledgeable, yeah, she would be great. I am including myself, as pure muscle. But we may need additional muscle. I thought about Thompson, but no. He is a military man. He would be needed here. Wait, muscle? Torid! A half ogre in the midst of undeath? Give that guy a huge weapon, and watch him bat away the skeletons there. Yes, he would be a great choice. Ok, I do not think anyone else should be risked. In addition I do not want the kids orphaned, Calvin and Talma are out of the question. Commander and front line medic, no. Garrison commander Thompson, also would be needed for the main attacks. Bram and others would be either at the navy or at Stalvinport. The five of us would be enough risk. If we failed, the forces still have a chance. If we succeed but all die, that would still give them a better chance. If we succeed and live, Kosser can guide us back through those tunnels and get back here before the main attacks are supposed to start. Yeah, it would give all of us a chance. Now, the only thing I have to do, is inform everyone of all of this, and convince them. That also means taking a trip to Stalvinport. While there, we can search those western woods for a portal there. If it is there, have it destroyed. That will give Stalvinport additional fighting chances.

‘See, not so crazy after all is it?’ I asked myself this before. Can you argue with yourself winning and losing at the same time? I tell you what. I would love to know just who am I. While my wonderful pony was still going at the same pace as before, I was hammering out the smaller details. Actually, it will be better if Durak and Yimnak gets Woodard and Torid. I will want to say all of this only once. Right now, guile and surprise is once again on our side. I also need time to prepare some things too. But this is more of a mental preparation. It could be that we will encounter my dwarven kin and brethren animated. I need to prepare myself to deal the necessary blows I would need to do to have them at rest. Regardless of the outcome of this folly, there needs to be an accounting.

Hours later, I made it to the farm. Archers and dwarves were greeting me. I put on a smile and greeted them back. No need to alert the general populace of the impending doom. Not yet at least. Going up to the house, I leapt off of my pony. I beckoned one of the dwarves. He came to me.

“I would need a small favor friend. I would need to have King Samos, his wife and son, and the scouts Durak and Yimnak come here immediately.”

“Of course commander!” He was off. I forgot. Samos had put on me the mark of the man at arms. So be it; I am going to use it to my full advantage right now. I entered the house. “Calvin, Talma, no time for greetings. I need to speak with you both, Thompson, and Kosser immediately. Has Tyna returned? I will need to speak to her too. Yes, it is a grave matter.” No pun intended. I only thought about this later.

“I’ll get Kosser, Thompson and yes Tyna has returned. Be back in a jif Tor.” Calvin headed out the door. Talma, came up to me, and peered in my blue eyes. “Tor, please, whatever it is, can we have a moment?”

“Sure Talma, what is it?”

She embraced me. She didn’t just hug me. She embraced me. “Thank you Tor. Since you arrived here, you have been marvelous. Your actions have been strong yet kind. Your words, have been healing. Your heart, has been a light to dispel the roots of darkness where you walk, where you breathe, wherever you are. I have been so poisoned and I did not realize it. You have recovered our son, you have restored Calvin’s honor, you have healed the soul of an old man, you saved so many lives, and with me, you have made me realize what a foolish woman I have been. I just wanted to say, thank you.”

I hugged Talma back. “Talma, you were not foolish. You were in pain.”

“Yes, but I was foolish of not seeing and realizing the pain.”

“Eh, even if it was a dwarf who got his ass kicked by a woman?”

She laughed softly. “Especially that Tor, especially that.”

She kissed my cheek tenderly. “May you never change Tor. Should you regain your identity, never change. Whoever you become, you will always be Tor to me. To all of us.”

I blushed. Damn it all to the hells. I actually blushed. ‘Careful now, she is a married woman’ Damn it again! I have never looked at Talma like that! She is like a sister to me dammit. Shut up!

“I..don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything Tor.”

I let go of her gently and smiled. Indeed, Talma now has her second chance. There was a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

The dwarves were there. Samos, Falish, Yirrik, Durak and Yimnak, were there. “Tor! Great to see you. Ok, what is going on that you need to speak with us?”

“Thank you all. First, Durak, Yimnak, I will need you both to go to Stalvinport. I need Woodard to be here as well as the half ogre Torid. They need to arrive tonight.”

Durak piped up. “No need to go to Stalvinport sir. They are already here.”

“What?”

“Yes, they arrived late this morning. Woodard had to speak with the Randoss’s and Kosser about matter. Torid came as part of additional forces. We have an additional two thousand soldiers here.”

“Ok, good. Please, could you find them and ask them to come here. Yes, the matters are very important.”

“Yes sir!” They both said together, bowed to their royalty, and left.

“Ok Tor, I know you are not given to panic, but there is a grim look to you. What is going on?” Samos sat down in a chair.

“I beg to you all, allow everyone to arrive. I want to only have this discussion once. Ok?”

“The matters must be dire indeed. At least we can get drinks for everyone. Son, would you mind? I have a feeling in my old bones we are going to need spirits.”

“Yes father, right away.” Yirrik left to fetch drinks.

I went into my room, and took off my armor and weapons. I grabbed a set of clothes and went into the washroom. No, I couldn’t indulge, but at least I could get the stink off of the past couple of days off of me. Dust, flames galore, melted snow, pony smell-although not bad, and most of all, blood. Blood of my own, of the humanoids fought yesterday morning, was coating me. I quickly washed all of this off. My wounds from yesterday, were healed and nearly gone. I looked to the silver ring, thankful for it. Drying off, and putting on the change of clothes, I left the washroom. During my brief time, everyone that I had requested was there: Calvin, Talma, Thompson, Kosser, Woodard, Samos, Falish, Yirrik, Durak, Yimnak, Tyna, and Torid. Torid, since our fight, has become a changed man. He no longer had the ugly gleam in his eye. His countenance will always be fierce, but it wasn’t full of pride and anger. Now, it was with purpose. I shook his hand as he shook mine. We both nodded to each other. “Thank you everyone. Please, sit down. Kosser, a favor. When we spoke that night in the past, you brought out a device. We need that device again. Yes, the matters are that important.”

Kosser gave a furled look, but did as I ask. He told everyone the same thing as he told me, to not move from our seats and we would be unseen and unheard. Everyone sat down.

“Thank you. Now, a couple of questions first. Woodard, do you know what happened here yesterday morning?”

“Yes Tor. That is why I am here. At Kosser’s request.”

“Ok good. Torid, do you know what is happening?”

“Yeah, bunch of orcs and other trash tryin to make trouble for all of us. They don’t mind a killin, and with them, I don’t mind a killin them too.”

I nodded. “Tyna, have your bird friends told you anything?”

“So far Tor, the only change is that there were a lot of walking things going from the southeast mountains and headed northwest.”

“Far in the southeast?”

“Yes. From the Blackened Mountains.”

I nodded. Yes, it is going like I have figured it would be.

“Ok, thank you all for that. What I am about to say, please allow me to finish. Also, if any of you need me to repeat anything, because you didn’t hear right or do not understand, ask me then. There is a lot of information. I have figured out this ‘Leaders’ plan. And it is a grim plan.”

I had all of their attentions. “This is a plan fifty years in the making. And I am sorry everyone, but what all of you have told me at different points and time has to come to light. Because, if I omit anything, parts will not make sense. Forgive me right now. I beg of all of you.”

Everyone in the room nodded. “Thank you. It starts with fifty years ago. Kristine was abducted by the vampires. Kosser went after them, fought the main vampire, found out that the vampire is a master mage, escapes with Kristine, and isn’t heard from again. At least, not until twelve years ago, when the vampires made their incursion back, abducts Steve Randoss as a baby, performed atrocities, and that Woodard had to save and restore. Then, nothing is heard from until a year ago. That is when the rumblings of the horde army was discovered. Samos called for reinforcements, and as you all know, I was part of those reinforcements. Everyone except me was killed. I came here. Most of the rest you all know what has transpired.”

“’Cuse me Tor. Transipireded?”

“Happened. Most of the rest you all know what happened. I’m sorry Torid. I’ll slow down a bit. You all know about the orc raiding party earlier, the attack on Sigur Fortress, and yesterday morning, in the vault in the ruins. Most of this is common knowledge by now among all of us.”

“What isn’t common knowledge, and something that I didn’t put together, until early this morning. First, with my kin, when I went back weeks later, all of the bodies, dwarven and humanoid, were gone. Then, the orc raiding party. All of those bodies, were gone. Out in Sigur Fortress, all of the bodies of those humanoids, the ogres that I beheaded, and the dwarves that had died and were entombed, were gone. Please, Samos, don’t stand. Be angry yes, but do not break Kosser’s device. Wait. And I am willing to bet, that the bodies in the vault from yesterday morning, are also gone.”

“At first, I thought these were conjured beings by this vampire master mage. He obviously survived. But, the taking of the dwarven bodies, revealed to me a more sinister plan. When I interrogated the flind in the fishery weeks ago, he told me ‘Even in death, I will be rewarded.’ I thought he was saying that his gods will reward him. But it is much more evil than that. There is a greater threat than the horde army. There is an army equally if not bigger in potential of undeath being assembled. Yes, you heard me right, of undead.”

“I thought this was fantastical, because how is such an army going to be assembled and then moved without knowing. But here is what we do know. There is a working portal in the ruins of Cloverdale. The western forest of Stalvinport, I suspect there is another portal. And there may be another, in Stalvinport itself. Hence, how is it that vampires were able to breach the city not once but twice? By these portals. Now, think about the strategy. We guess that the horde army was about fifty thousand. There were hundreds of people in the port towns to the east. So, add probably another five thousand. Here in Stalvinport, we have four thousand people. Thousands of more troops arrive to aid all of us. But, all we are doing, is feeding an army of undeath. This vampire master mage, cares not for how many of the horde forces or of us die. Why? We all, horde and us, will merely be additional undead forces to him. He cares not how much money he pays for supplies for the food from Stalvinport and who knows where else. Why? After we all are undead, he will have the money recovered and then more. He cares not how many of the enemy navy we destroy, he will raise more. We stopped him from the passage from Sigur. And yes, it remains untouched-I checked. We stopped him at the passage from the vaults, which was good because we would have been slaughtered. But there are at least two more portals, that his army of undead can pour through.”

“And why not? While we have thousands at the river on boats, and thousands here, fighting the horde, he can move his undead army towards a weakened city. Take over the city, and then, kill everyone to bolster his undead troops. We are twenty miles away. The navy may hear of it, but if the goblins on that enemy navy isn’t destroyed, they will be pinched between thousands of goblins and undead in the city. Those troops will get added. At his leisure, he can come down with his army of undead, and even if we are successful here, we will have had heavy losses. We would be overrun. And what does it matter? More bodies to animate and add to his forces. By my rough counts, with the forces that are being added to Stalvinport, the city populace, the surrounded townsfolk, the dwarves of Sigur, the port towns, and whoever else, this ‘Leader’ could have nearly one hundred thousand troops of undeath. With the river and the lands here under his control, he could launch his attacks in whatever direction he so chooses. A large navy of ships for troop transport, wealth gathered, troops loyal because of the undead control. It is an overwhelming fearful reality about to come to pass.”

“So, what would be the alternative? Withdraw to Stalvinport. Yes, we could last out, but not for long. The food supplies are lowered, additional troops in, and there would be a horde navy in the harbor with the rest of the horde army surrounding the city. We already know they have siege weapons, and possibly more hill giants. So, the city will eventually fall, either through combat or through starvation. In either scenario, we fall and fail. And, no damage to his undead army. In fact, we would be ripe pickings for death and undeath like cattle and lambs for the slaughter. We thought that the horde army was unstoppable. Yet, an undead army that has goblins, hobgoblins, gnolls, bugbears, ogres, and now even possibly hill giants, is unthinkable.”

I paused for a few moments. I let my words sink into everyone. There wasn’t an ashen face present. Even Torid understood the situation. “We are lost, we have to flee.” Tyna said fearfully.

“No.”

Everyone looked at me like I was insane. Well, maybe I was. I do have a voice inside my head after all.

“No, we cannot flee. If we flee from here, the ‘Leader’ will have his fortress at Alifax, and will have gained Sigur Fortress and Stalvinport. Tyna, I was despairing too. How in the name of all that is good can we get through this. Well, I have been thinking about it. So far, we have been performing defensive fronts. It is time we go on the offensive.”

“Tor, you have lost it. There is absolutely no way we can go on the offensive against this. A military force will only expand and hasten the situation you describe.” That was Thompson.

“I disagree Thompson. Again, everyone please hear me out first ok?” Thompson nodded.

“Ok. First, Thompson, I agree. A military incursion into the lands would be out of the question. We would get slaughtered, add to their military might, and weaken the defenses here. However, a small force, of five individuals, may have a chance. Not of eliminating a horde and or an undead army, but of transport. This ‘Leader’ has had time to make plans. He obviously knows of the secrets of this area. So far, Sigur Fortress was a setback because we stumbled onto the horde army. The vaults of Cloverdale was another stumble.” Because of the numbers game he has been playing, I want to turn that strength of his into a weakness we can exploit.”

“The first point of the offensive, is we have to knock out the portaling. We suspect there is one in the western woods of Stalvinport. Woodard should remember the way. We find that portal and destroy it. The second portal, I have had time to think about it and map it out. The clue, is how did that flind arrive? I am willing to bet there is another portal in that fishery or somewhere close inside of the harbor. It is the only explanation. Also, it would make sense of an eastern and western set of attack points. Cut off the access to the boats and river for escape, cut off the western gate for escape, and then, that only leaves the southern gate. That gate, would spill into this area, where we are. So, it would be a pinned effect. Again, first point, is to destroy these two portals first. There may be others that exist. I do not know, nor do I wish to guess. Time is of the essence.”

“The second point of the offensive, is for five individuals to band as a group. After our business in Stalvinport, we need to race here to the vaults and take the portal here to Alifax. Once we arrive, we need to destroy the portal there. I do not know much about magic. But I do know that there has to be a central point to all of this. My guess, is that it is Alifax. When there, the group will take out the portal, and hopefully the ‘Leader’ will be there. We can attempt to take him out. If the ‘Leader’ is not there, that means, the undead will be there, and we can methodically take them out. Tyna already said that her bird friends said there are many walking things leaving the Black Mountains and heading back northwest. That means, the horde contingent meant to invade here, is probably the same one that was meant to go through the mountain passage at Sigur. The ‘Leader’ cannot be everywhere at once. If there at Alifax, we will try to bring him down. If he is traveling, at least his portaling will be destroyed and his undead forces too. Should we survive, we will follow the horde contingent to a point, and then make our way back here before the main battles. If I have my timetables right, would put us back here, assuming we leave tomorrow, three days before the month has passed.”

I paused, and took a swig of the spirits. “Ok, I’m done with the summaries of my plans. Any questions from anyone?”

No one said anything yet. I can understand this completely. Everyone was sitting there thinking, taking everything in. Some were sipping on spirits. “Tor, I can understand why you wanted my device. This is a grim set of developments and revelations. Yet, once again, in the face of such bleak news, you do provide a glimmer of hope.”

“Yes he does Kosser. He did the same thing for my people at Sigur. And if it wasn’t for Sigur, I would say he is mad beyond reason. But, Sigur proved to me that his strategies are sounds even for the foolhardy.”

Calvin coughed. “I have a question. Who are the other four? I know you are too stubborn to allow someone else to go in your stead.”

“Thank you Calvin. Yes, I thought this out, and therefore, I am going. The other four, each one of you I am going to ask. But understand something. There are specific tasks that I wish for each of you to carry out. That is why I have called each of you in here.”

“The first person is obvious. Kosser, I know you want to put an end to all of this. Would you lend me your knowledge and your spells?”

“Gladly my boy, gladly. I would be disappointed if you didn’t ask me.”

“Woodard, your prayers and power of your faith would be of immense help. Plus, I feel that you want some satisfaction for GloriAnn.”

“Yes Tor, you couldn’t beat me away. I do want this. I will go with you.”

“Torid, I will need your strength. I need help to do away with these undead armies, to give Kosser and Woodard time to destroy the portal. Will you help me?”

Torid burped. “Um, ’cuse me. Tor, you spared my life. You show me different life. My life, is yours.”

I nodded. That is when I walked up to Tyna. No one came into the house, so I wasn’t worried about the sight part of the device, more was of the silence. “Tyna, I am asking you to be the fifth person. Your knowledge of the lands, your scouting skills, and your ability to fly, are very valuable. Plus, a curse has been on this land and about to grow. I wish to help nature restore harmony. Will you help?”

“You know I hate places like this silly! But, you are also right. If it isn’t stopped here, nature will cry out in pain, and more innocents will be hurt. Ok, I will go with you.”

I nodded. “Samos, Falish, Yirrik, you know about the plans on the river. Also, the blast powder bombs. Now more than ever, that needs to go without a hitch. There must be no interruption.”

They nodded. “Durak, Yimnak, your tasks, will be the most dangerous. I need you both to spy on the horde army. If they move before the time is up, you will need to race back here and get everyone mobilized. If you have to go to Stalvinport and get more reinforcements, then, that is what you will have to do. You will have my steppe pony to help you both.

The brothers nodded and saluted “Calvin, Thompson, Talma. What can I say? If we fail, you will need to hold things together, or put the earlier plans into motion.”

They nodded as well. The enormity of the situation is almost too much for anyone to take in. I don’t blame them. I do not know what is holding me together right now. Perhaps it is the fact that if we all fail, we are all doomed.

“Thank you everyone. Now, if you don’t mind, I have to get food, drink, and rest. We move to the western wood of Stalvinport tomorrow. And, if anyone finds any fault with any of this, do not hesitate. Also, if anyone has any further ideas, I am willing to hear them. It is a huge gamble. I just hope that the gold piece lands on the right side. May the gods favor the foolish”