Written by Julian Cloete, Johannesburg, South Africa, 1997. Contact me at [email protected]
"Only the calm voice of the philosopher droned through the hushed room, but the black-headed warrior thought he could hear, as in a dream, the faint echo of thundering chariots, the clash of steel, the cry of tormented kings drowned in the clangour of empires..." - From "The Hand of Nergal" - "Conan" by Robert E. Howard.
FOREWORD
My first recollection of fantasy stories were the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. Homer and Virgil were the first authors I loved to read as a child. Later, I read Edgar Rice Burroughs, particularly the Mars/Barsoom stories. Capt W.E. Johns (better known for "Biggles") led me to the science fiction field, which I enjoyed avidly for many years. It was Tolkein who brought me back to fantasy and I re-assessed the pure escapism of Marion Zimmer Bradley's "Darkover" , Robert E. Howard's "Conan", Fritz Leiber's "Lankmar"" and many others. I enjoyed fantasy tales the best. I had also become involved as a player in "Dungeons and Dragons" games. The "sword and sorcery" saga was therefore the foundation of the stories which I began to tell to my twin sons when they became old enough to listen. From some time in early 1996, during many an evening, before they slept, I wove the following yarn for Anthony and Timothy. - Julian CloeteCONTENTS
PART ONE A very strange place Sleepy Hollow Journeys, Monsters and Magic The White City Flight Sylvannordi The Siege of Tirac Dell The Battle for Tirac Dell The break-up of the party The Temple of Krishana On the road to Laratena The Towers of the Temple of Krishana The last part of the journey to Laratena Anthony's Adventures Laratena The beginning of the War The Battle in the Shadow-Fens Tirac Dell Return to Sylvannordi Attempted return to Tirac Dell The Second Battle for Tirac Dell Awake Alone Back in Anthalorien Return to the Temple of Krishana Planning a New Journey The Defence of Sylvannordi The Beginning of Timothy's Journey The Siege of the White City Underground ReunionGo to Part Two
A VERY STRANGE PLACE
At the very beginning, two boys - twins - went to bed one night. The boys' names were Anthony and Timothy. At the time, they were six years old and they shared a single room in their home. They lay in a double-bunk bed. It had been a warm summer's evening and they had gone to bed late. For some inexplicable reason, they were not particularly tired. Their father had told them a story and they happily closed their eyes. He tucked them in their beds and closed the door as he left the room. As if in a different sort of dream, the boys dreamed that they were floating, side-by-side. They thought they could see a ring of faces around them. Then, the boys awakened. They discovered that they were no longer in their beds but that they were lying alone on the hard ground. Their home, their beds, everything familiar had vanished. They found themselves upon the cold crest of a hill in the middle of the night. The boys found themselves in the centre of a circle of stones. It was cold and there was some snow on the ground, but it was not dark because the night was filled with stars, but stars in patterns of constellations unknown to them. Then, a red moon rose in the sky and, shortly after, a blue moon also rose. These moons were smaller and faster moving than the moon to which they were accustomed. "Where are we?" Timothy asked. "A very strange place," said Anthony. "And I am cold and scared." They were dressed only in the pyjamas in which they had been sleeping back home before the strangeness had begun. "Me too," said Timothy. In the distance, they heard the howl of a large group of wild animals. So, the boys decided to leave the circle of stones. They headed down the hillside away from the sound of the wild animals. As they left the circle of white stones, they noticed that a third, green moon had risen in the sky. The sound of animals came closer - they glimpsed the grey forms of wolves chasing them. Very soon, they were surrounded by the grey forms and they became very afraid. As fear began to mount, the boys heard a voice call out, in a language, unknown to them: "Foriru!" There was a sudden explosive sound and a high-pitched howl. One of the wolves howls in pain. The others slunk away into the night. "Yes, come this way," said the voice. The speaker was an elderly woman. She looked like a friend and they had no choice but to go in the direction she indicated. They followed the woman down the hillside. She walked through the hills and soon came to a cottage not far away. "Come inside," she smiled. The boys entered the cosy log cabin where the old woman lived. A fire was buring in the hearth and it was warm and friendly. "I'll give you food," she said. "Sit by the fire. You must be ravenous after travelling so far. Yes, here are some blankets to wrap around you for warmth." Timothy ventured to ask, a little later: "Where are we?" "Anthalorien," the woman said. "Do not be afraid." The two boys were not afraid. Yet, the woman refused to answer any more questions. All she said was: "You will soon to get to know this land. And as you find out more about this land, you will begin to love it here." When they had finished eating, the woman helped the boys to undress. She prepared rough pallets on the floor near the fire-place and they lay down. She spoke to them: "You can not stay here. I do not have food to keep you here. I'll take you to town tomorrow. Yes, Barron will care for you there. He needs people to care for, since the death of his wife, with only Cook and that wild daughter of his to keep him company. Yes, that would be best. You can get to know the people here better." The boys' eyelids were becoming very heavy. Before they drowsed off, they watched her place their pyjamas, which they had brought with them, into a trunk. "Who knows," she rambled on. "As you get to know the land better, you will meet others. Yes, there will be others who come to the inn - and your experience of the land will grow." Soon, Anthony and Timothy drifted off to sleep - their first night in the strange land of Anthalorien.SLEEPY HOLLOW
The next day, the old woman fed Anthony and Timothy, after they awakened. After breakfast, she dressed them in strange clothes, ill-fitting robes, which were of a sack-like material, rougher than those to which they were accustomed. Their old clothes she said they would no longer need. "What do you mean?" asked Anthony. "Are we not going back home?" "Not yet," the woman replied. "You will go home, and it will be only a small gap in time. Do not be afraid." For some inexplicable reason, the boys did not question her further. Nor did they fear, although they were far from home and far from their families. She gave them clothes to wear, Their new apparel consisted of long under-tunics of a pale, white material. Over this they wore further tunics, and short skirts, tied at the waist with rope-like belts. She gave them boots, which fit their feet well. They each carried a thick cloak, draped over their shoulders during the day, but intended to be wrapped around their bodies on cold nights. They left the cottage once the sun was high in the sky. Eventhough it was winter, it was not cold. The air was crisp as the boys followed the woman down a path away from the cottage. They were impressed with the scenery as they walked with the old woman.
JOURNEYS, MONSTERS AND MAGIC
So, it was decided that the boys would travel south with the party of travellers who had arrived at the inn in Sleepy Hollow. The boys joined the journeyers on their southward heading the next day. The magician travelled in a box surrounded by curtains, carried between two horses. The rest of the party rode on horses, and Anthony and Timothy rode on the backs of horses, behind other riders. It was only during the second day of their travels when Bronwen was discovered. The stowaway girl had been hiding in the magician's travelling -box. Clymestra begged for her to remain with the party, as she said it was too dangerous to send Bronwen back alone and the party did not wish to turn back at this point of the journey. Towards the end of the second day, six monsters launched an attack on the travellers. These were creatures covered in thick hair, man-sized but with rough features. They used spears and short-swords. The attackers were no match, however, for a sudden burst of fire which appeared inexplicably from the hands of the blue-robed man who was known as a magician. The ball of fire exploded and killed four of the creatures before they were a threat. Captain Ricardo and the soldiers soon disposed of the rest. "What were they?" asked Timothy, after the brief fight was over. "They were kobolds," said the magician. "Thank you for the spell," said Captain Ricardo coming up. "The monsters in this area are becoming more numerous. "How did you do that?" asked Anthony. "It was magic," said Bronwen. "Have you never seen a magician throw a fireball spell before?" "I think I have," said Anthony. "Once, the first time we came here. The old woman who was our friend, she did the same thing." A day later, the party was confronted by another group of similar creatures. This group was also no match for the magician, Spellthane, who used the same spell Anthony and Timothy had seen the previous day. The prowess of Ricardo and his men ensured that these attackers were also defeated. "There is no doubt in my mind that the children must be given weapons and be taught how to defend themselves," said Ricardo. "No," said Spellthane. "I see that the boy, Anthony, shows an interest in what I do. I shall teach him." "We will help the girl with our gifts," said Clymestra and Demestrata. "Fine," said Ricardo. "And I shall instruct you, Timothy, in the uses of a quarter-staff and the light bow. The first lessons, which would follow every day afterwards, ensued. Timothy learnt rudimentary attacks and defences with a quarter-staff. He was also taught how to fire arrows with a wooden bow given to him by Ricardo. Meanwhile, Spellthane taught Anthony a few tricks, which he called cantrips. "You can use these to hinder an attacker, while one of the warriors has time to defeat it," said Spellthane. He taught Anthony to say a few words in a strange language and then to perform certain hand gestures. in this way, Anthony was taught cantrips called "Slip" and "Entangle". During the night of the fifth day of travelling, an attack came during the night. This time the attackers were equally ferocious, but they had a green skin and no hair. The boys were told that these monsters were called goblins. Anthony used a slip cantrip. He uttered the magic words he had been taught by Spellthane and gestured with his hands as he had been taught. One of the goblins slipped, over its own feet. This gave Timothy enough time to brain it with the long quarter-staff he had been learning to wield. It did not take long for the attackers to disappear into the night from which they had come. It was only after this that it appeared that Clymestra and Bronwen had been kidnapped by the goblins. Almost an entire day followed, during which the travellers pursued the tracks of the goblins fleeing with their two victims. It was in the early evening, when the travellers, led by Ricardo, entered a valley. The trail of goblins with their captives disappeared between rocks at the entrance to a cave. "This is one of the many entrances to the caves which are spread out underground all around this area," explained Spellthane to Anthony. The party prepared their weapons and crept around the rocks towards the entrance of the cave. The, Ricardo whispered: "There are three guards, just on the inside of the cave." Spellthane crawled to the front of the party. He stopped near the entrance. Softly, he uttered a magical phrase: "Dormu, dormu, Trankvile restu!" He beckoned to the others. Anthony and Timothy followed the others into the cave. The three goblins lay on the floor, snoring loudly. "Your sleep spell is always handy," said Ricardo as he removed the goblin weapons and tied them up securely. The guards slept on, blissfully unaware. Further into the caves, the party discovered the two female prisoners. The remainder of the goblins had disappeared into tunnels farther back, leaving the prisoners with three guards. "They were stupid to think we would not follow them," said Ricardo. "Goblins always were a stupid race," said Spellthane. Quickly, Bronwen and Clymestra were released. Bronwen sobbed uncontrollably as they left the cave. Once outside, Spellthane cast a fireball spell back into the cave. The sudden explosion caused a rock-fall and the mouth of the cave was obliterated. "Let them find another way out," he said smugly. "By the time they do, we'll be long gone." The travellers put a large distance between themselves and the collapsed cave before they rested. In the camp that night, Anthony and Timothy talked with Bronwen. "I'm glad you came for us," said Bronwen. "I don't know what would have happened to us. I was terrified." "Captain Ricardo insisted that we come after you," said Anthony. "He said that the goblins would not kill you, but try to ransom you at some stage." "I'm just glad that you rescued me," said the girl, simply.THE WHITE CITY
Eventually, the party of travellers led by Captain Ricardo arrived at last in Alburbo, the White City. The brothers discovered the reason for the name. All of the buildings were built of a pure white stone. The buildings were all no more than one- or two-storied dwellings, shops and other abodes. At the heart of the city lay a market area, and beyond and perched upon an area of raised ground, was a castle where dwelt the ruler of the city. His name was Duke Carmichael. Anthony and Timothy had changed much during the weeks of travelling. They wore robes including cloaks and tunics. They both carried weapons, although Anthony had not learnt their use. From the time they entered the city, it was clear that the city was ruled by fear. Many moved through the streets, but spoke in hushed tones, for they feared the soldiers who all wore the blue robes which signified that they were the soldiers of Duke Carmichael. Captain Ricardo led the way to an inn, where their horses could be stabled. "We can rest here for a while," he said. "What has been happening here, since last we came this way?" He asked of the inn-keeper who greeted them. "The Duke's men have turned vicious recently," came the reply. " It is being said that the Duke himself is mad. It is no longer safe here in the White City." They all needed rest after the gruelling road. That evening, the boys found themselves in a bed which had soft sheets - the first time they had spent a night in a bed with proper sheets since they first came to the strange land. On the morning of the first day after their arrival, Ricardo and Spellthane took the two boys to the centre of town. They passed through the town market. There the boys saw jugglers performing tricks, and even a man apparently swallowing a sword to entertain the on-lookers. The captain bought the boys a sweet-tasting fruit to eat, which he called mikril-fruit. Beyond the market, they approached the raised ground in the centre, where a tall castle keep watched, broodingly. Beside it stood a tall structure, with high towers. Ricardo and Spellthane led the boys in that direction. A number of men in white cloaks looked at the boys as they entered the tall building. The boys looked up at the walls, filled with paintings. These pictures showed many wonders. "Welcome to Temple Tropinna," said a man, dressed in white. "How may we help you?" "Ricardo said: "We have come from the north country. We know that this is a place of learning and we brought the boys here to see your Bishop and to ask for his wisdom." "The Bishop is not here at present, he is with the Duke," came the reply and the white-clad man looked in the direction of the castle. "He spends much time there these days. I suggest that you come again tomorrow morning." Ricardo thanked the man and the four turned and left the temple. They did not notice how a number of white-dressed men watched them, with narrowed eyes, and these same men rushed off towards the castle. Back, on their way through the market, Ricardo stopped suddenly. "Would you like to see a gypsy?" he asked. They were standing near a make-shift tent. The boys followed them inside, but Spellthane refused to follow. It was semi-dark inside the tent, but the boys could see a beautiful woman, adorned with expensive- looking jewelry seated there. on each side of her burned bright candles. The woman sat upon thick furs and in her hands, she held a golden orb, richly faceted. "King's Soldier," she said, in a guttural accent. Ricardo showed some surprise at the fact that she seemed to know him although he had never met her before. He smiled. "Put three coins beside me. Then, I shall read your fortunes." While Ricardo complied, the woman's eyes closed. Pictures began to flash briefly in the air around the magical woman. "I see much sadness," the woman said. "Your past has much unhappiness. Mother Love has not been good to you." Then, a picture appeared in the globe - an image of Ricardo lying upon the ground, and a sword was pushed through his body. His body lay very still. "Behold," the gypsy announced. "This will be your death." The globe cleared again, and the hands of the rough captain, which held the hands of Anthony and Timothy, gripped tighter. "What else do you see?" Ricardo asked. "It will not be too long from now," came the reply. "Beware when you leave the White City." Ricardo shook his head. He pushed the boys forward. "I came here for them. What can you tell me about them?" The woman sat quietly, staring now into her golden jewel. Vague pictures swirled sluggishly in the air around her. "I see...I see.. much strangeness here," she said, slowly. "You two are twins, and I see you come from very far. There is much power surrounding you. Much power and much danger, too. It is as if many gods have an interest in you. No...no...no!"
FLIGHT
The group of travellers, with Earnest who had helped them, escaped from the White City at dead of night, before the white clerics or blue-clad soldiers could discover them. They rode very hard in a southerly direction and that night they stopped at last to rest their horses. The boys wanted to know why they had been kidnapped. The magician, Spellthane, said: "It seems that agents of the Black Prince are after you. His agents are everywhere." The boys wanted to know who the Black Prince was and Spellthane told the following story: "Long ago, the Kingdom of Anthalorien in which we live was safe and there were no monsters here. In that time, the King of Anthalorien was visited by a Sorceress. Her name was Morgaina, and although she was ancient in years, in those days she still looked to be a young and beautiful girl. She bore a child by the king and the name of the babe was Merediv. After his birth, the Sorceress Morgaina went away and has not been seen to this day. He grew up, happy and strong, but when he reached his thirteenth year, the full force of his mother's inheritance fell upon the soul of Merediv. For six weeks, he lay in a swooning coma. Although he was taken to the far monastery of Slepnir, he was slow in recovering, and when he finally recovered consciousness, he had changed. He had been changed and twisted and he fled from the land which had been his childhood home. In far lands, beyond the seas and in other dimensions, he wandered, and he became known as the Black Prince for his constantly melancholic expression. And, though he was born five hundred years ago, still he lives, and brings ever more strange and dreadful monsters into the land of Anthalorien - monsters and other twisted agents - whom he employs to seek a throne which other children and descendants of his long dead father now occupy. For some reason, Prince Merediv or his agents have some inexplicable interest in Anthony and Timothy." Once the tale was complete, Captain Ricardo said: "It is late and we must have sleep. But, tomorrow we must head on eastwards to the town of Tirac Dell and eventually to Laratena. King Falsham needs to know all of this: the monsters and the origin of these boys."SYLVANNORDI
The party travelled eastwards, rapidly. But, it was attacked by the armed men of Duke Carmichael who ambushed them after chasing them for a long time. Spellthane said, "they probably found us magically." The attackers were forced to retreat by the magic of Spellthane, and by the swordsmanship of the soldiers. Only when the battle was over did the boys see that Ricardo lay on the ground. A sword was pushed through his body. Clymestra and Dymestrata rushed forwards to place healing hands on him. Anthony whispered to his brother: "It is just like the gypsy showed us in tent in the White City." Bronwen watched her mentors, the two healers, for a while, and there were tears in her eyes: "Their magic is not working, he is dying." The healers tried all they knew to cure Ricardo but eventually, they came to the conclusion that he was dying and they could do no more than to block his pain, until he died. So, they decided to load him onto the back of a horse and to travel on as fast as they could towards the town of Tirac Dell, the original destination of the party after they left the White City. They followed the rough road around a hill, and up ahead they saw the edge of a forest. In the meantime, there was a shriek from the sky above. They looked up to see a creature out of nightmare. It had the body and head of a lion, but it had a sharp beak instead of a mouth and large wings sprouted from its shoulders. "A wild gryphon," shouted Spellthane. Immediately, he raised his arms to cast a spell. At the same moment, there was a whistling sound, and silver arrows sprouted in the sides of the gryphon. "The arrows are coming from the forest up ahead," cried Clymestra. A veritable rain of arrows struck the gryphon, so that it turned and climbed into the air. With an injured cry, it flew away, disappearing from sight. The rescuers emerged from the edge of the forest. Dressed in gay tunics and carrying longbows and quivers filled with silver arrows, they appeared to be a small group of beautiful girls. Timothy and Anthony looked more closely, and they could not be sure whether those ahead of them were male or female. Each had blonde hair, and they were all tall and slim, but their most marked characteristics were their long, pointed ears and their sharp chins. "What are you doing near the forest of Sylvannordi?" asked the leader of the group. Spellthane explained to Anthony and Timothy that these strange and beautiful people were called elves. He explained to the leader who they were and where they had come from. "My name is Lillanas," said the leader of the troop. "But, I see there is one amongst you who is sorely injured. Come, let me take you to our home. Perhaps there help can be given you." The party was led into the forest of Sylvannordi - the northern home of the forest elves. Shortly, the party was taken to the centre of the forest, where they were shown the tree-house homes of the elves. They were taken up into the largest wooden house, built between a group of enormous oak trees. Here, the party was introduced to the most beautiful of the elves - Queen Lilithadanas. She was the only member of the elfin clan who was clearly female to their eyes, although the other elves seemed to be androgynous. The dying Ricardo was brought before Queen Lilithadanas in the early evening. She stared long at the motionless body, still bleeding from many wounds. She went very quiet. Then, she closed her eyes and chanted at length. A green fire surrounded her body, and this aura grew until it covered Ricardo also. Then, the Queen called out in the direction of the fast-moving yellow-green moon which was crossing the sky overhead. Then, she rose and said: "He will awaken tomorrow, and he will slowly recover. But, the magic was difficult and I must retire now to sleep and regain my strength." Over the next few days, Ricardo recuperated quickly. With the friendly help of the elves and the care of the healers, he was soon back on his feet. The party decided that they need to find magical weapons or protection for the boys. Queen Lilithadanas suggested the mythical Gilden Armour. The Magician asked where it was and it turned out to be hidden in a grove one day's travel away from Sylvannordi. Lillanas accepted the command from his Queen to take the party there. They remained in the elven forest for a few days and only when Ricardo was well enough to travel, they left. Lillanas took them to the Grove of Gildenas, which was not far from Sylvannordi. There he advanced into the grove with the two boys, following behind. He held his right hand out above his head and a green flame shone there with enough light to show their way through the trees. The three came to a clearing, surrounded by trees, with an overhanging canopy of tree-limbs. On one side of the clearing was a gigantic tree with a face in its bark. It was the living Guardian of the Gilden Grove. "What do you here?" It spoke in slow, measured tones. "We seek a boon," rejoined Lillanas. "For long has my repose been undisturbed. Yet, you elves of the forest have always cared for my kin. What do you ask?" "We seek armour for these boys. A defence against evil - as strong as the bark of an ancient tree, resilient but also pliable, like living tree-bark." For long the tree did not respond, then it spoke again: "I have looked into their hearts. They are good and true. They shall have what you ask." Out of the empty air, two suits of armour appeared. The armour looked large, but when one of the boys tried it on, the armour immediately shrank to fit him exactly from chin to knee. Lillanas motioned the other boy to stand behind him, and the armour duplicated itself exactly to fit him too. The Guardian of the Grove warned: "Those wearing the Armour of Gildenas, who are brave and pure of spirit, shall flourish; but those who wear it with evil intentions shall surely perish!" They left the Gilden Grove, wearing their new magical protection. Though as light as a feather in weight, the armour felt tough but it was flexible as they moved. The party then mounted up on their horses. Ricardo, their leader, said that he was well enough to lead them on in an easterly direction. Lillanas asked to accompany them - for the adventure. They headed towards Tirac Dell.THE SIEGE OF TIRAC DELL
It was in the late morning, and not far out of the town of Tirac Dell, when the party was attacked by a group of goblins. "Ride," shouted Ricardo. He and those with bows loosed arrows, while the magician hurled a flaming fireball, while the party rode through their goblin attackers. The goblins melted away into the fields on each side of the road, and the party soon found itself in the town. The streets were barricaded, with over-turned carts and other hurdles, but the party on horseback was allowed through and directed towards the local inn. At the inn, they dismounted. The horses were stabled and then the party entered the large main chamber of the inn. There, they met an old friend of Ricardo, who greeted him with a cry: "Captain Ricardo, how are you?" "Sir Eldwin," responded Ricardo. "How fare you, Sir Knight?" The large, burly man was dressed in full plate armour. At his side was the longest sword the boys had ever seen. In his helmet, which lay beside the wooden bench on which he had been seated, was a steel helmet, with a crest of golden-coloured feathers. "You look well, Captain," said the knight. "As do you, my old friend," replied Ricardo. "What brings you here?" "I came but yesterday from Laratena, at the request of Our Liege, King Falsham, to see how for myself how bad the monster-threat is in the west and the north. My party was attacked and even my squire was killed by these goblins whom I'm sure you must have seen for yourself." "Oh, yes, I have not seen so many before," Ricardo said. "Let me introduce you to my friend," Sir Eldwin said. "Mayor Pirot here is the keeper of this inn as well as mayor of this town." The members of the party were introduced to Mayor Pirot. "There are hundreds of goblins out there, and others," the mayor said. "Yet, before yesterday, there was not a single one around." "It is as if they knew we were coming this way," mused Spellthane, the mage. "It is as if Merediv seeks to stop us at every turn. But, can you imagine the power of the Black Prince, to have forces of such magnitude?" "What is happening back in the capital?" enquired Ricardo of his friend. Meanwhile, the party was being fed food and strong mead which the boys had never tasted before. It tasted good, because it was sweet, but it quickly went to their heads and they could not drink it in the substantial amounts which Sir Eldwin and their friend, Ricardo, were managing to consume. "King Falsham is getting older and more frail. With the princesses being so young, there is little hope of a strong successor," replied the knight. "That is why I am here to explore the extent of the machinations of the Black Prince, if that is truly who is behind this talk of monsters." After eating, Ricardo, Lillanas and Sir Eldwin took Timothy outside for a lesson with the use of a sword. They showed him how to defend himself with the flat of the steel blade and how to wield the cutting edges on each side. Timothy quickly became tired by the physical exertion. When he was too tired to raise the blade of the sword given to him, Lillanas stepped forward and strapped a bracelet onto Timothy's right arm. "Try this," said the elf. "It should help you." Suddenly, new-found power and strength rushed to Timothy's arm and Timothy carried on practising with renewed vitality. At the same time, Anthony was taught his first proper magic spell by Spellthane. "It is time to increase the pace of your education," he said. The magician taught him the correct words to pronounce and the appropriate gestures, so that Anthony could throw a missile of magical power in any direction. "Your magic missile spell will not cause as much damage nor be as accurate as my own," explained Spellthane, "But with practice, you will improve in skill and ability." In the early evening, the party met again for dinner within the inn. Here they were introduced to a very fat man who was no taller than the boys, although he was easily the oldest person in the room. The man wore thick glass lenses over his eyes, which were hooked onto his ears and over his bulbous nose. They were the first glasses the boys had ever seen on this world, eventhough the glasses were home-made and did not fit very well. The gnome was a comical sight. "They call me Bumble Dwink," said the man. "He is a gnome from the Far Western Reaches," explained Sir Eldwin. The boys listened to the gnome who explained about a new invention. "I have been looking for a new weapon," he said. "And this idea struck me during the past few days." He pulled out a contraption, built of a mixture of wood and various metals. Into one end he plunged a dart. "Watch," he announced, and pulled a button which looked suspiciously like a trigger. The dart shot out of the device, but not with much momentum. It fell downwards - directly into the foot of the unfortunate gnome. "Ouch, ouch," shouted the gnome, jumping around on one foot. "Shush," said one of the healers, Clymmestra, stepping forward. She cupped her hands over his foot. A green glow grew around her fingers. "That's better," sighed the gnome. He was cured. "Thank you, Healer," said Bumble Dwink, sighing with relief. "What would we do in this world without you healers." "You are welcome," Clymmestra smiled softly." At that moment, there was a cry from outside: "We are attacked!" Everyone rushed outside. Flames filled the air. Someone shouted: "They are using flame-arrows and setting the roofs of the houses alight!" The boys were suddenly excited - they would get a chance to test the efficiency of their magical armour and newly-learnt skills.THE BATTLE FOR TIRAC DELL
During most of the battle, Timothy kept well to the rear, firing arrows over the heads of the towns-folk and soldiers. The attacking goblins did not get over any of the barricades across the streets. Although a number of houses were set alight, the damage caused was minimal. When one band of goblins succeeded in getting close to where Timothy and others were firing volleys of arrows at them, Anthony stepped forward. He threw his hands over his head and then forwards - as if he was throwing a ball - and a beam of energy shone forth and a goblin fell down, motionless. The rest of the attackers saw this and fell back in retreat. As quickly as the attack had come, it ended. Anthony and Timothy were glad to find their beds after all of the excitement. The following morning, Earnest was the one to wake the boys. "It's time for another practice round, Captain Ricardo says," announced Earnest. "And he's in a bad mood today." "Oh, no," groaned Timothy. "I am so stiff." "The only way to become a good fighter is constant training," said Earnest. "I know, I know," replied Timothy. "You don't have to tell me what Ricardo says all of the time." They went down into the main chamber of the inn for breakfast. Then, the Earnest and Timothy went out with the fighters for training, while Anthony went to a quiet corner to sit with Spellthane. During the training, Timothy had no doubt of Ricardo's bad mood. The young captain kept on glancing to where Lillanas and Sir Eldwin were standing together, watching and providing instructions. Something was clearly troubling Ricardo. In the meantime, Anthony was being taught a second magic spell, to put an opponent instantly to sleep. "The spell will increase with your spell-casting ability," said Spellthane. "But on strong opponents it will not work easily. These are the word you must use as you channel your magical energies into the spell: Dormu, dormu, Trankvile restu!" "What language is that?" Anthony wanted to know. "It is the langiage of magic, the language of power," came the response from the magician. "With the acquisition of more knowledge and experience, you will learn more of this language." Later, the three boys went down into the cellar with the gnome, Bumble Dwink. The gnome said he had a magic trick to show them. The old, little man climbed into a seemingly empty man- sized box standing in one corner of the cellar, a box which had a door in the front. He had told Anthony to count to twenty and then open the door of the box. When Anthony opened the door, the box was empty. "Wow," said Timothy. "That looks like the magic you've been learning, Anthony." "No," said Anthony after a moment. "I don't think so." Anthony leaned over and pushed at a corner at the back of the box. He had discovered a second door at the back of the box. As he opened it, he found the gnome hiding behind the box. "Oh no, I have been found out," said Bumble Dwink. "I really thought I could fool you." The others came through to see the cavity behind the box where Bumble Dwink had been hiding. "It's just an empty space in the rock wall of the cellar," said Bumble Dwink. "I think it's more than that," said Timothy. "Bring a torch. I think this is the beginning of a tunnel cut back into the rock." The boys had discovered a tunnel. When Mayor Pirot, Captain Ricardo and others were told shortly afterwards, Mayor Pirot said: "There is an old story of a tunnel under the inn which was used many years ago during the years of alcohol smuggling." Another townsman said: "Yes, there used to be talk of a connection to the old mines in the hills some distance from the town. Smugglers would use the tunnel through the ancient, unused mines to get in and out of Tirac Dell without being seen." "There could be strategic advantages to this discovery of the boys," said Sir Eldwin. "There certainly could be," interjected Captain Ricardo. The idea was born for a small party to go through the tunnel, out via the mine behind the goblins in order to mount a surprise counter-attack. Anthony and Timothy accompanied the party through the tunnel. Earnest was of assistance in finding the join between the tunnel from the cellar and one of the mine-shafts. Soon, the party reached the entrance of the mine and an attack was launched into the back of the goblin encampments. The time was almost dusk, but the sky turned very bright with a large fireball spell cast by Spellthane. Sir Eldwin and Captain Ricardo led the victorious charge. The counter-attack was completely successful. So much so, that within an hour of simultaneous attacks from behind, via the mine, and from the town itself, the goblins were in full retreat. By the death of some and the injury of others, the goblin besiegers of Tirac Dell were defeated. All as a result of the initial discovery by the boys. As Anthony and Timothy returned wearily to the town, Ricardo was praising them for their help, when Lillanas approached from the town. The elf had not been part of the party which he followed the underground tunnel. Elves were claustrophobic and did not like the idea of going beneath the earth. "Where is Sir Eldwin," asked Lillanas. "He has chased after the last of the goblins to ensure that do not stop running away," said Ricardo. Under his breath, Ricardo was heard to add: "Why ask about him and not whether I am injured after the battle?" Only Anthony and Timothy heard this. Later, when they were telling Bronwen about what had happened, Bronwen said: "You know, I believe that Ricardo is jealous." "I can understand that," Earnest said. "Lillanas is very beautiful."THE BREAK-UP OF THE PARTY
The festivities and jollity continued for a few days more after the siege of Tirac Dell ended. Mayor Pirot especially thanked the party for their involvement in saving the town, and in particular the two boys - Anthony and Timothy. There came a time, however, when plans had to be made for the future. Spellthane said: "Ricardo, I felt during the last battle that my magical energies are greatly depleted. I need to go home, back to my Home Temple, to replenish myself. I also believe that the young lad, Anthony, needs to go with me. He will only progress if he is introduced to the higher levels of the magical Craft." "No," interrupted Sir Eldwin. "My first responsibility is to my king. I must return to Laratena to make my report about developments here in the west. The massing of monsters such as this goblin army, and the disturbing reports about Duke Carmichael, must be conveyed to my Leige, King Falsham. further, I have promised to make Timothy my squire - the first step on the path towards becoming a knight. He can only learn if he goes with me to learn what nobility means." "As Anthony must learn what the arcane arts signify with me," said Spellthane. "I understand the sentiment," said Lillanas. "My queen has ordered me to investigate developments outside the Forest of Sylvanordi, as those developments will surely affect my home. I need to provide as full a report as possible. I have long heard of this great city, Laratena. I should like to go there with you, Sir Eldwin." "I shall be most pleased to have someone as beautiful as you by my side," Sir Eldwin said, gallantly. "As for you, Timothy. I formally request you to be my squire." Timothy smiled at this. Ricardo frowned: "But the outworlder boys will be split up. This is not a good idea. We have been pursued by all manner of monsters, even the goblin attack on this town, because of the boys. To split up now would be disastrous." "Not so," said Spellthane. "It will be easier to evade attention if the boys are split up. If they are split up, our enemies will be less able to pursue them." The debate continued. Captain Ricardo attempted to persuade them all to remain together, but he was unsuccessful. Eventually, the party split into two. It was agreed that Sir Eldwin would take Timothy east to Laratena. Earnest said he would go with them, as did Bumble Dwink and Lillanas. The healers and Bronwen agreed to go with Anthony and Spellthane as the Monastery of Slepnir lay not far from Spellthane's home. Only Ricardo himself was left undecided. He looked at Lillanas, and then turned his face away, with sadness and said: "Clearly the party with the magician needs a fighter. I have been away from the capital city for so long that another few weeks will make no difference. I shall go with you, Spellthane." So it was decided, after the end of the siege of Tirac Dell that the party of travellers would divide in two: one group to travel eastwards and the other to head south-east.THE TEMPLE OF KRISHANA
The party with Anthony travelled south-east. After a half-day's drive, they reached the foothills of the blue mountains. It was here that they confronted an obstruction in the road - a silver, glistening thing as thick as the length of a man's lower arm. One end disappeared into some stones beyond the road. The other side continued into a copse of trees on the right. "I don't like this," said Ricardo. "Be ready," Spellthane said to Anthony Suddenly, a head emerged from the trees. It was the hooded head of a giant cobra and the silver obstruction across the road was its enormous body. The first missile spell which Anthony cast was ineffectual. The snake was too large for the spell to have any effect. It struck with lightning speed, but Ricardo ducked even faster and the striking head missed. It coiled, rose and prepared to strike again. Anthony tried to cast a sleep spell at it. "It's not working," shouted Bronwen from behind. Spellthane's spell which he had been casting suddenly became effective. The colour of the snake turned from silver to brown. The head hung in the air, poised to strike, and yet it remained immobile. "It's not moving," said Anthony in surprise. "It looks like stone." "It is stone," said Ricardo, moving forward to touch the skin of the giant snake. "Look at Spellthane!" cried Bronwen. The magic-user had collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The healers came and examined him. "He has over-taxed his magical powers. We must get him home as soon as possible." So, they mounted their horses and rode with the comatose magician. It took another day until they arrived at the before an enormous structure. The buildings consisted of twelve towers, joined by covered walk-ways and high walls. The valley surrounding the area contained fields where crops grew and animals were kept. The self-sufficient community was small and only men were visible. All the men wore robes of blue. "Behold, the Temple of Krishana!" announced Spellthane. As they rode through the four entrance-doors of the temple, a hidden voice boomed out: "Welcome." Anthony watched Spellthane's head move. His eyes opened and he smiled to see that he was home again. The companions were taken by blue-robed men to rooms where they stretched out and slept the sleep of the exhausted. When Anthony awoke, he found the others were also awake. They emerged into a hall where food and drink was laid out for their pleasure. At the head of the table sat a tall figure, dressed in robes striped with blue and black. Spellthane, who by this time had sufficiently recovered to walk unaided, said: "Master!" He knelt down on bent knees. Ricardo and the others did likewise. "Welcome home, my son," said the man. From what could be seen of his face beneath his wide cowl, he was very old. "Ancient One, may I introduce you to those who have helped me to come home," said Spellthane as he made introductions. When it came Anthony's turn, the old man lifted up his left hand. A bright blue light shone forth and covered Anthony from head to foot in a halo of fiery light, yet Anthony felt no heat at all. "I see much," said the Ancient One. "Indeed, you are an outworlder, and I detect much power here. Spellthane, my son, you have done well to begin the process of training this young man in the powers of the Cerulean Realm of Krishana. Welcome all, to our Temple Home."ON THE ROAD TO LARATENA
Timothy asked about their journey to the east. "Three day's easy travelling will bring us to the sea," said Sir Eldwin. "And then we'll be at the jewel of Anthalorien - Laratena." During the morning of the second day, the road they were travelling across flat plains. From a hole in the ground, stepped a creature as large as a house. With green skin, this creature bore a giant club. "What is it?" Timothy wanted to know. "A Troll, a troll. Run away as fast as you can." Bumble Dwink followed his own advice - heading off on short legs the way he had come. He tripped and fell over his own feet once, but then picked himself up and ran further. The others held their ground bracing themselves against the advancing troll. The silver arrows of Lillanas at the chest of the troll and diverse blows from the sword of Sir Eldwin eventually brought the troll to its knees. Then, one blow of the troll's club struck and killed Sir Eldwin's horse and Sir Eldwin fell heavily to on the ground . However, Lillanas did not give up shooting arrows into the chest of the troll as fast as possible. Timothy and Earnest also fired away, but more slowly. Eventually, the troll fell over sideways and died. Lillanas rushed to the prone knight and bent over him. Timothy thought Lillanas was about to kiss the knight, when the armoured man rose stiffly, saying: "That was a close one. Thank you for the help." It took a long time to find Bumble Dwink hiding amidst a clump of stones. By this time it was late afternoon. "Time to pitch a tent for the night," said Sir Eldwin. "But what will we do during the night?" asked Earnest. "There is no spell-caster to prepare magical alarms." "Who will dare attack a knight of the Realm," roared Sir Eldwin. "We can cope with any attacker. Look what we did with the troll." "Maybe Ricardo was right," mused Lillanas. "Perhaps we should have stayed together. It was in the early hours of the morning when Timothy awoke suddenly. There was a swishing noise in the air, like hundreds of birds. Then he felt hands pulling him upwards, even as the tent was pulled off the sleeping men. There was much cursing and clanking of armour from the direction of Sir Eldwin but this was soon muffled. Timothy felt insecure as the hands which held him tightly pulled him upwards. He moved from side to side but he could not break free. The first rays of sunlight found the companions high in the air, being carried by flying men. There were dozens of men, each of which held himself aloft with huge and powerful wings. Sir Eldwin and Lillanas were bound tightly with thick rope, while Earnest, Timothy and Bumble Dwink dared not move as they were being carried, for fear of being dropped to the ground far below. Their weapons were all removed. Their captors were men and women, each of which sported large wings which spread out from behind their shoulders. Across the plains they flew, until they came to a mountain which rose out of the flat plains below. It was a flat-topped mountain and the fliers took them to the top. The place was called Mount Vulcanejo. Here were the walls of an ancient city. The walls were in an advanced stage of disrepair, and most of the buildings had no roof and many of the walls were broken. Their captors permitted them to alight there. Sir Eldwin and Lillanas were untied, although their weapons were not returned to them. From the ruined city, a man appeared. He climbed out of a hole in the ground, where the fliers presumably lived, in the lower levels and in the basements of the ruined buildings. Taller and older than the other fliers he was, and clearly the leader of the fliers. He addressed them in a strangely sing-song manner, and his words were often interspersed with fluted whistlings: "My name is Mylthion. I am leader of the Vulcans. We are not an unfair nor an unjust race. Some days ago two magicians arrived here. They told us that we might meet a party, constituting a knight, a magician, an elf and others, but especially with two boys. We were promised a reward if we captured such a party. The description does not match you exactly, but I have no doubt you are the ones the magician sought. Where are you going? What do they want you for?" As Sir Eldwin began to explain about his mission for the king and the adventures of the boys, Mylthion said: "Ever since we came to Anthalorien, we have paid homage to its ruler. We did not intend to kidnap a Knight of the Realm, travelling rightfully. Nor do we intend interfering with the boys. Those magicians had a sense of evil about them." Suddenly, there was a shout from the air above. Timothy looked up to see at least six gryphons approaching, and on their backs were yellow-skinned men, armed with spears. Two of the gryphons had bristling brown manes and were clearly males. In response, a number of vulcans rose into the air above their home village in a cloud of forty men and women, armed with lethal spears. A battle commenced, during which eight of the flying vulcans were killed. One of the male gryphons were killed and two of the females, with their riders. Sir Eldwin, armed with a stick for a club, attacked low- flying gryphons from the ground, while Lillanas threw stones and boulders with uncanny accuracy. The others were badly injured and they soon fled southwards away from the mountain-home of the vulcans. Later, the weapons of the companions were returned. During the late evening meal, Mylthion said: "You fought bravely with us, and we should never have kidnapped you. I am sorry." "You are forgiven," said Sir Eldwin. "Who was this magician?" asked Lillanas. "We do not know his name," said Mylthion. "He said that he represented the King and we did not ask more. He said that he would return and that we should hold any prisoners until his return. He was dressed in striped blue and black robes." "One of the Ancient Ones of the order of Krishana," said Sir Eldwin in surprise.THE TOWERS OF THE TEMPLE OF KRISHANA
After their first meal in the Temple of Krishana, the new arrivals sat back, relaxing. The Ancient One said to Spellthane: "May I take the boy with me to a room in the First Tower?" "Of course," said Spellthane, and he smiled broadly. So, Anthony followed the Master Magician. he was taken to a room, filled with books. "Here you will learn to reach the ancient volumes." "Where does the magic come from?" asked Anthony. "Long ago," said the Ancient One. "There was a world with one large, white moon. Troubled times came to the world and giant machines of war were used by the greedy and jealous men who fought each other to the death during those times. Eventually machines of such power were used, that energy split the moon asunder. Thereafter, three moons filled the sky: one red, one blue and one yellow-green. The magic of the Krishana derives from the release of power from the time of the creation of the blue moon, in the same way as the power of the healers derives from the yellow-green moon." "But, my son, now is the time of testing. The first test is the test of silence. You must spend a few days here, in quiet reading of the volumes in this room. Contemplate their meaning, and learn the meaning of the first level of power." For the following three days, Anthony spent alone in the First Tower. He began to learn the secrets of the Blue Magic. At all times, there was no sound to be heard as he concentrated on his studies. He read from magic books left in the tower for his use. And he made notes with a purple quill-pen for his own edification. By the end of three days, the Ancient One came back to his room. By this time, Anthony had learnt that his name was Eucalyptus. "How have you progressed?" he asked. "I have learnt two new spells, the spells of Light and Fire Shield," the proud new recruit said. "I am very pleased with your quick success," smiled the Ancient One. Anthony was allowed to leave the tower. He went back to look for his friends. Only Ricardo was there: Clymestra, Demestrata and Bronwen were gone. "Where are they?" asked Anthony. "They have gone to the Monastery of Slepnir and I do not expect them back for some time," Captain Ricardo replied. "What have you been doing?" Anthony said. "Not much," was the reply. "Exercising and recovering from my old wounds." Anthony spent time with the captain until he was called again by the same Ancient One. The second test was spent in the Second Tower, where Anthony had to sit in a room filled ith loud music, playing day and night. It was called the Test of Concentration. At the end of it, Anthony had acquired more experience and learnt the spell of Hold Monster. Anthony spent another day of rest with Captain Ricardo, but then he was taken to another room in another tower, where he underwent the Test of Strength or Power. Here he learnt the magic-spell Enlarge and learnt to reinforce his Magic Missile spell. When another three days had passed, Captain Ricardo told Anthony during the rest-period that he was growing tired of waiting in the temple for him. The Ancient One, Eucalyptus, promised Anthony the Fourth Test, in the Tower of Fire. Anthony remained in a room in the Fourth Tower of the Temple for a day, alone studying magic books and spells. After two days, the Ancient One came back. Suddenly, he cast a spell setting flames leaping up across the centre of the room, so that the exit was blocked. "You must cross the path of fire," said Eucalyptus in order to leave the room. "How?" asked Anthony. He walked towards the fire, but he found it to be very hot and he dared come no closer. Anthony stepped back. he took a deep breath and ran forwards. As he approached the flames, the searing heat stopped him in his tracks and he had to back away again. "What have you learnt here?" said the Ancient One in a deep tone. Anthony stood, thinking for a while. Then he smiled. he stepped as close as he could to the flames and he cast the Fire-Shield spell. Instantly, his body was covered in a burning aura. Without flinching, Anthony stepped forward. He passed through the fire without being singed at all. The next spell he was taught was the spell entitled Hold Person. When Anthony emerged, he found that Captain Ricardo was talking to the healers, Clymestra, Demestrata and Bronwen who had returned. Bronwen told Anthony how she had been learning a number of healing spells and Anthony explained to her likewise. "We came to advise that new armies of monstrous goblins, kobolds, trolls and ogres are massing to the west. Duke Carmichael apparently also has amassed an army." "We must leave," said Ricardo. "And go at once to Laratena." The Ancient One, Eucalyptus gave a scroll to Ricardo, saying that of the twelve leaders of the Krishana Temple, only five remained, and if Ricardo saw any of the others, he should show the scroll to them. Spellthane said that he would not be travelling with them, as he intended remaining with his Home Temple.THE LAST PART OF THE JOURNEY TO LARATENA
"My horse was slain by the troll days ago," said Sir Eldwin. "We cannot carry you all the way to Laratena," apologised Mylthion. "I have a solution," said Lillanas. So, the beautiful elf led a small group down to the base of the mountain Mont Vulcanejo. Once in a valley, Lillanas approached a small stream and knelt beside it. Then, a haunting song came to the lips of the maiden, in an unknown language. After an endless time, there came a distant sound of hoofbeats. The sound grew like approaching thunder. Soon, out of the clouds of dust appeared an enormous steed - large enough to carry three full-grown men. It was coloured the purest white and from its head emerged a sharp, pointed horn. "A unicorn," breathed Earnest beside Timothy. Gently, but firmly, Lillanas stood and walked towards the mount which had answered the summons. Then, Lillanas beckoned and Sir Eldwin and the others came forward to clamber upon its back. Mylthion had to help the boys get on its back, for the unicorn stood very high off the ground. They left Bumble Dwink there with the vulcans, and Sir Eldwin, Lillanas, Timothy and Earnest set off at high speed across the plain upon the back of the unicorn. Tireless it was and it rode like the wind. Its riders clung to its back, sometimes waking and sometimes sleeping as it travelled for a day and a half in an easterly direction, until it reached the first of the fields of men. Eventually it slowed and halted. "She will go no further," said Lillanas. "That is fine," said Sir Eldwin. The riders clambered off and watched as the unicorn galloped off into the distance, back the way it had come. The travellers who had come so far, turned to walk through the fields, towards the high walls of the city of Laratena.ANTHONY'S ADVENTURES
A party travelled eastwards upon horseback. The leader of the party was Captain Ricardo and with him rode Anthony, Clymestra, Demestrata, Bronwen and three soldiers. After leaving the Temple of Krishana, Anthony's small party headed towards Laratena. The first few days passed uneventfully as they headed towards Laratena. It was some days later that they were attacked by a band of six goblins and three hobgoblins, the latter being slightly larger and more heavily-built than their goblin cousins. Anthony's spells of Magic Missile had an immediate effect upon two of the hobgoblins. Ricardo's battle prowess also did its work with the third hobgoblin. Anthony's spell of Sleep put three goblins to sleep and the soldiers dealt with them easily. The remaining monsters fled. Ricardo said: "Young magician, you have improved since our sojourn in the Temple." "Thank you," said Anthony. "We must go on as quickly as possible for our group is only small," Ricardo went on. "But I need to replenish my spells," said Anthony. "There is no time," said Ricardo. "So, they turned their horses, eastwards. It was some hours later when a group of eight monstrous beings attacked from out of the sky. They were gryphons and yellow-skinned men rode upon their backs. Quickly, Anthony cast his Hold Person spell against one of the riders, followed by a Hold Monster spell against another gryphon. Both were frozen in place and the soldiers could put arrows into them, killing them. Ricardo bravely rode forward to face the six remaining. "Flee," he shouted. "There are too many." As the horses turned to gallop away, there was a further sound from the air. Men, with wings upon their backs attacked the gryphons and their riders. It was a group of twenty, armed flying men. This was Anthony's introduction to the vulcans.LARATENA
The travellers, Timothy, Earnest, Sir Eldwin and Lillanas entered the capital city of the Kingdom of Anthalorien. At the main gates, they were met by a troop of guards in red robes, bearing the golden crest of a lion. "Sir Eldwin," called the leader of the soldiers. "Captain," greeted sir Eldwin. "Timothy, I would like to introduce you to one of the other Royal Captains like Ricardo. Captain Erico, meet my friends." After introductions were complete, the knight told the soldiers of his important mission - to tell the king of the state of the land. So, the travellers were escorted through the city as quickly as possible. The streets were filled with people of many kinds: soldiers, fellow travellers, merchants, citizens of many types. They passed through the Poor Quarter, through the City Market, and eventually they came to the gates of the Inner City. As they passed through the gates into the Inner City, Timothy espied in the distance the blue waters of the sea. They walked onwards, through the Merchants' Quarter, through the Noble Quarter and towards the raised walls of the Royal Palace, not far from the edge of the sea and the Harbour Quarter. They mounted the steep stairs of the Royal Palace and entered the cool palace. Here were many more people: servants bearing royal livery (red with lion crests) and others in various uniforms. They passed through passage ways and into the main Throne Room. A vast group of men and women watched their entrance: servants, merchants, noblemen and women, men dressed in the robes of the Temple of Krishana, ladies of gentle birth, healers, a few gnomes and even some men dressed in the blue and white uniforms which Timothy last saw in the White City. At the far end stood the throne - an enormous chair, richly embroidered with gold and at the back of which stood the huge statue of a horse. Upon the throne sat an elderly man - the only man dressed in rich purple. King Falsham! "Sir Eldwin!" the king spoke in an old, but still strong voice. "Well met, what news have you after being away these last few weeks." Explanations followed at length as to the monsters of various kinds which had beset the travellers. He discussed also the arrival of the twin boys and he introduced Timothy to the king. After many questions, the voyagers were permitted to leave the court. They were taken to a wing of the palace where they were permitted to rest. After a time, a magician came to visit them. Sir Eldwin introduced him as Firecaster, personal magician of the king. The magician was also of the Order of Krishana and he had many questions to ask. One, about the woman who had been the first person Timothy and Anthony had met in the kingdom of Anthalorien, surprised Timothy: "What was her name?" Timothy thought for a long time, and then he said: "I have no idea. I'm not sure that she told us her name." Some time later, Timothy and Earnest were awakened by the sound of girlish laugher. Outside, they went into a little, secluded garden. Here they met two girls, playing with a ball. The girls invited them to join in the game with them. Timothy spent a happy hour with his new friend, Earnest, and the two girls whose names were Caitlin and Leanne, and who were of the same age as the boys. The next day, Timothy and Earnest spent time with Sir Eldwin, practising and learning more of sword-fighting. When they were exhausted, they were permitted to rest. Again the boys awakened to the sound of girls at play. They went out into the same garden and played for a while with the girls Caitlin and Leanne. When Sir Eldwin called them, the boys were told that a tournament of jousting was being held outside the Royal Palace. The boys found a place upon benches amongst a large crowd of people, who watched various knights jousting. They saw how one knight invariably lost in the lists against another knight, but Sir Eldwin always won. The crowd cheered on their favourite knight and Sir Eldwin was one of the favourites. The Royal Pavilion paid much attention to all those who were winners in the various stages of the contest. Timothy and Earnest watched the King and his nobles in their finery, with interest. Their curiosity was piqued when they saw the girls, Caitlin and Leanne, in the royal pavilion also. Eventually, Sir Eldwin rode against a fellow knight in the final joust. Three times they rode against each other, but neither won. The King eventually called the tournament to an end. The two knights went and knelt before him and he touched each of the heads with a drawn sword, saying: "Sir Eldwin and Sir Morris, you are the Joint Champions this day!" There was much festivities and frivolity late into the night as the crowds of people enjoyed the feast which was prepared for them by the royal retainers.THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR
The next morning, King Falsham announced that an army would leave Laratena to rid the Kingdom of the monsters plaguing it and Sir Eldwin and Sir Morris were appointed to be the joint leaders of an army of fifty knights. Sir Eldwin spent the day in preparation for the upcoming war with Sir Morris and the Royal Magician, Firecaster, who would be accompanying the army. Timothy and Earnest spent the day in the pleasant company of the two girls, Caitlin and Leanne. Then, in the afternoon, they were confronted by royal guards. "What are you doing with these girls?" the two boys were asked. "You have no business playing with them." The guards unceremoniously chased the boys away from the garden. With the preparations for departure, the boys forgot the incident. Early the next morning, fifty knights, fifty squires, a battalion of foot-soldiers, and other retainers left the capital of Laratena. Their first battle was after a few days of hard-travelling. The army met a band of twenty five kobolds, accompanied by large brutes, whom the men of Anthalorien called Ogres. The knights of Laratena were of superior numbers and the army was soon routed. Shortly after this battle, a party of vulcans arrived, flying from the west and carrying travellers. Timothy's eyes lit up when he saw his brother was one of the travellers. The two halves of the party were united. Lillanas rushed forwards to greet Captain Ricardo with a hug and a kiss. That night over campfires, Bronwen, Earnest and the two brothers had a great deal to discuss about their adventures. Anthony was pleased to hand the scroll given to him by Eucalyptus to the Ancient One, Firecaster. A smile crossed the face of Firecaster when he read the message from his Home Temple.THE BATTLE IN THE SHADOW-FENS
The next few days consisted of forced marching, for there were reports of a vast army collecting near Tirac Dell. They came to a valley, filled with shadows, where figures and shapes scurried about, always at the edge of any observers' vision. "Welcome to the Shadow-Fens," said Captain Ricardo grimly to Anthony and Timothy. The scouts of the army reported hundreds of kobolds and goblins, scores of ogres. There was talk also of men dressed in blue, and two dressed in dark robes. A few scouts reported that there was a sense of invisible, brooding evil surrounding this vast army. Determinedly, the army of Sir Eldwin and Sir Morris rode towards Tirac Dell. A day later, two armies lined up, face to face. The reports about the size of the enemy army was not exaggerated. The only consolation was that there was a score of flying vulcans above the heads of the Laratena troops. Their hopes were diminished, however, when they saw a group of gryphons approaching from the west and taking position above the heads of the monstrous army. Sir Eldwin rode forward, raising his sword he announced loudly, his voice amplified by the magic of Firecaster: "Brave men of Laratena. We are assembled here to oppose this evil which has come to the Kingdom of Anthalorien. Death to all those who oppose King Falsham." At once, from the back of the opposing army, a figure in dark blue grew larger and larger, until it towered to the height of more than two men standing shoulder to shoulder. His robes were of midnight blue. A voice boomed: "Despair all ye who dare stand against the might and power of the Black Prince!" The two lines of opposing warriors crashed together and the battle commenced. As the forces crashed against each other, the charges of the mounted knights thrust many kobolds and goblins backwards. Then, overhead, the sky - which had been darkening - filled with storm-clouds. Sudden thunder rang out and the earth shook with the noise. Ten bolts of lightning struck down, and scores of goblins fell at the onslaught. "Look," said Anthony to his brother. They were standing on a raised area in the road behind the main army. Where he pointed to Timothy, the magician, Firecaster, had his arms raised. it was he who had cast the storm spell. The knights charged forwards a second time, and the ogres stepped through the crumbling lines of kobolds and goblins to meet them. Overhead, the vulcans flew, throwing rocks and boulders down upon their enemies. Then, from the south a swarm appeared from the horizon. It was a group of gryphons, ridden by men with yellow skins. The two groups of airborne troops soon met in a fierce overhead battle, while the men on the ground fought back and forth. Then, Bronwen called out: "Look, Anthony!" Behind the monsters, the two men in midnight blue robes were casting a spell. Two tornados began, on each side of the conflicting armies. They grew in magnitude and then rushed towards the men of Laratena. Soon, knights, squires and soldiers were tossed into the air like straw in the wind. The monster army began to creep forwards, while the winds drove the men of the kingdom back. Anthony began a spell. Timothy grew larger and larger, until he was double the size of a man. Then, the giant boy knelt down and lifted a rock as large as a large wagon. He hurled it directly into the path of the deadly tornado. After the first boulder, he threw a second one. With each boulder, the momentum of the tornado slowed. Eventually, it ceased whirling and was still. Timothy turned to the second tornado. However, the spell which had enlarged him dissipated. It was left for Firecaster to cast a spell which diminished the second tornado. Meanwhile, the battle in the air was being won by the vulcans, who could then renew their bombardment of the monsters on the ground. The monsters began to move backwards. Firecaster drew up all of his strength for another spell. Behind the monsters, a wall of whirling silver awaited the partially-retreating monsters. On looking more closely, Timothy could see that it was a vast curtain of whirling knives, which did serious damage to all those monsters trying to pass through it. At that moment, the magic-users of the monsters chanted a further spell. One of the ogres began to change shape. It grew larger, with wings sprouting upon its back, and with its skin changing to a golden colour and being covered in scales. The creature grew a long tail, and then its head stretched to become a reptilian monstrosity. As it began to flex its wings, the two dark magic-users clambered upon its back. "A golden dragon!" breathed Bronwen. Just then, the dragon turned its head directly towards where Anthony and Timothy stood. Firecaster was beside them, but his magic was exhausted and he was unable to move. The dragon reared its head and black smoke and searing heat emanated from its mouth. The fire shot out directly towards the boys. Anthony hastily cast a magic shield spell. It was up and covering himself, his brother, Bronwen and Firecaster before the arc of fire struck. For minutes, the heat burnt against the magic protection. As the shield slowly dwindled, the fire burnt around it more and more fiercely. However, it stayed up long enough for the flames to wane. At last, the spell ended, and Anthony fell to the ground unconscious. The dragon was by this time in the air, but it was clear that the army of monsters was in full retreat. The dragon turned and flew off southwards, away from the scene of the battle, and as it left, one of the magicians spoke in an amplified voice: "We shall return anew, with a greater army. For none dare oppose the might of the Black Prince!" The last of the goblins, kobolds and ogres were either injured, killed or driven off. The battle was over. The green clad healers walked through the battle-fields, healing and tending the injured. The evening fell slowly, and with it came the shapeless creatures of the Shadow-fens. Bodies of slain monsters disappeared quickly into the falling twilight. "I am so glad it is over," said Timothy. Beside him, Bronwen was bringing Anthony back to health. "We have won," said Earnest, filled with excitement.TIRAC DELL
The army headed by Sir Morris and Sir Eldwin came to the town of Tirac Dell. They were met by a relieved group of towns-folk, headed by their leader, Mayor Pirot. "We are glad you are here," said the mayor. Festivities proceeded in the town. While this was happening, the boys went exploring and Bronwen with them. They went through the tunnel they had discovered before and through the mine-shafts which they had found. Anthony led with his magic light spell, and Earnest took them to a side-shaft which he said he had seen before. There, they discovered a small cache of glittering gems. While they were busy pocketing these, they were attacked by a shambling creature, which consisted of a mass of slime. Anthony's light spell faded and Bronwen shrieked in terror, but Earnest had a torch ready, which he quickly lit. As the shambling slime attacked , Timothy swung his sword from side to side. Quickly, he cut large pieces of slime off the mass. Then, Anthony thrust at it with magic missile spells, and the slime exploded into fragments, covering the rough floor of the shaft. Slowly, the mass began to shift and congeal, as the shambling mass began to re-form, but not before the four young people beat a hasty retreat. When they returned to the inn, they found the towns-folk and newcomers debating the next steps. Sir Eldwin and Sir Morris agreed that the original plan to go on to the White City was not advisable because of the losses suffered in the battle. So, it was agreed that some of the surviving vulcans would fly back to Laratena for reinforcements. In the meantime, Lillanas agreed to lead a small party to Sylvannordi to seek out the help of the elves who dwelt there.RETURN TO SYLVANNORDI
It was upon horses bought in Tirac Dell that Anthony and Timothy rode behind Lillanas and Captain Ricardo into the forest of Sylvannordi. They had travelled swiftly from the town, in a party small enough that any possibility of attracting attention or pursuit were small. The boys saw again a group of elves meet them at the edge of the forest, a group of eye-catchingly beautiful creatures of the wild woods. Soon, they alighted beside the lowered step-ladders in the centre of the forest. It was a brief climb into the leafy boughs above, until they reached the platform where the Queen of the Elves greeted them. "Welcome home, Lillanas," said Lilithadanas, in her dulcet tones. The next few hours were spent discussing what was happening in the land of Anthalorien and the request by Lillanas for more elves to join the army in Tirac Dell. Anthony and Timothy were shown to beds on another platform in the tree-city. There they lay, watching Ricardo who sat at the end of the platform, where he should have been sleeping. Eventually, Timothy said: "Why do you look so sad?" Ricardo said: "I was just thinking. Timothy, tell me about Laratena." Timothy told him of the sights he had seen in the capital. He told also of the tournament which had been won jointly by Sir Eldwin and Sir Morris. "It has been so long since I was there," sighed Ricardo. "Years of wandering around." "Why have you been away so long?" asked Anthony. "There was a girl," said Ricardo, quietly. "She married a knight and I left Laratena, vowing never to return." He said no more, and eventually the boys went to sleep.ATTEMPTED RETURN TO TIRAC DELL
Two days later, a group of thirty elves accompanied Lillanas, Ricardo, Anthony and Timothy back along the road to Tirac Dell. About two hours out of the town, they were confronted by a camped group of goblins, ogres and even two trolls. Immediately, the troop of elves turned back. An hour of hard travelling later, they turned off the road and headed northwards. They followed a wide detour, and then turned to approach the town from directly north. It was dusk, when suddenly, there was noise all around. Some of the elves, who normally moved noise-lessly, were clamouring. They were in an ambush, surrounded by goblins, kobolds and other monsters. "It is some form of magic," said Lillanas. "Retreat." The elves moved swiftly and soon escaped, but two were left behind. "They are presumed dead," explained Lillanas to the Queen of the Elves when explanations had to be provided upon the troop's unsuccessful return to Sylvannordi. "I am sorry," said Lillanas, and there were tears in many eyes. "Wait," commanded Lilithadanas. The elfin queen sat very quietly, eyes closed, and all around watched in silence. Slowly, a spinning ball of pure energy came into existence before the seated queen. It changed colour from a pale green to white. Then, the on-lookers could see a head within. Timothy recognised the face of Firecaster. "Who calls the King's Magician?" the head spoke. "It is I, Queen of the Elves of Sylvannordi," responded Lilithadanas. "Your Majesty, it has been many years since last I spoke to you. How fares Your Majesty's people in the Forest of Sylvannordi?" "Well, magician. But we have bad news of your friends." "Are they well?" "Indeed they are," replied the queen and proceeded to relate the recent events. "There is a new army which now encircles Tirac Dell," said Firecaster. "There are many hundreds here. I believe that Captain Ricardo and your elves should keep their distance until reinforcements reach us from Laratena." "We shall wait and speak again soon," replied Lilithadanas. Slowly, the image of the head of Firecaster faded, and the magical sphere was gone. "Let us go and rest," said Lillanas. "And discuss what we are to do tomorrow." The next morning, Anthony and Timothy were called to the platform where the Queen of the Elves saw guests. She was communing magically with someone Anthony immediately recognised - Eucalyptus, Ancient One of the Temple of Krishana. Lilithadanas told Eucalyptus what was happening and that help was required to enable the twins and others to return to Tirac Dell. "Queen, please wait a while and we shall arrange for assistance," said Eucalyptus and his face dwindled and faded. "What is going to happen," said Timothy. "Wait, let's see," said Captain Ricardo. About three quarters of an hour later, a globe of energy appeared in front of the queen. At first it was dark grey. Gradually it grew in size, until it was the height of a man. The oval shone a pale blue, then a darker blue. Blue and black colours swirled together and there was a rushing noise. It sounded like a storm wind, but not a leaf stirred in the trees all around. Then, the noise reduced and the swirling oval faded from sight. Inside, a man stood, dressed in robes of blue. The on-lookers recognised him immediately. Anthony noticed how the man looked stronger although older when last he had seen him, and Anthony detected a magical aura surrounding him, so that he seemed not much less powerful than one of the Ancient Ones themselves. "Spellthane," said Captain Ricardo, stepping forward to meet his old friend. "It is good to see you again. The friends of the magician spent the rest of the day discussing what had been transpiring since last they had been together. Spellthane explained that he had been learning more during his stay in the Temple of Krishana. Eventually, he announced that he had a plan to return to Tirac Dell. The following day, Ricardo, Lillanas, the two boys and thirty elves accompanied Spellthane along the road from Sylvannordi to Tirac Dell. They had to travel on foot, which upset the boys who had to leave their new horses in the elven forest. Just out of sight of the army assembled near Tirac Dell, Spellthane made the travellers halt. He told them to stand in a large circle. "Stand very still," he explained. "And allow the magic to work. Hold the hand of the person to your right and your left. Each man will follow the person to his right, and I will lead. Do not let go those hands - they will be the only contact between us." Then, he drew a gnarled stick from beneath his cloak. He touched the forehead of each person. Then he cast the stick high into the air. Slowly it spun in the air, and then it dwindled into a fine dust. The dust descended over the heads of the circle. Slowly the dust settled, and as it sank down over each person, that person's head disappeared, then the neck, the upper torso, the arms, the lower body, the legs and the feet. Everyone, including Spellthane had turned invisible. Quietly, clutching hands to form a chain, the group headed towards the army of monsters. Unseen and unheard, they passed gingerly between the goblins, kobolds, hobgoblins, gryphons, ogres, trolls and previously unseen monsters. The undetected force moved on, until the town of Tirac Dell came into sight. The town had been transformed. The houses on the outskirts were gutted and ruined by fire. Towards the centre, however, large sand ramps had been built. On the tops were soldiers, armed towns-folk and knights - fighting off any attacking sorties by the monstrous army which besieged the town. Every now and then a missile of flying rock or burning oil flew overhead, to crash into monsters - hurled from wooden artillery weapons from the ramp-walls. Anthony and Timothy followed the invisible snake as it crossed over a less-occupied ramp. They descended beyond, into Tirac Dell. Great was the astonishment of the inhabitants of the town as the elves and others gradually became visible while the spell waned. Then, the arrivals were welcomed. The most welcome moment was when Anthony and Timothy met up again with Earnest and Bronwen.THE SECOND BATTLE FOR TIRAC DELL
On the morning of the day after his arrival, Timothy stood on the ramps which had been constructed all around the town of Tirac Dell. Below were the encampments of the enemy. Already, countless scores of goblins, kobolds, hobgoblins, ogres and trolls were assembled for an all out attack on the town. Between them were other creatures, even lions and other wild beasts, all together and advancing in a concerted force against the town occupied by men loyal to the king. Timothy made sure that his Gilden armour was buckled on correctly. He checked the bracelet given him by Lillanas in the same town long before. Then he lifted up his sword and shield and braced himself. Far below, the war-chanting began: "For the Black Prince! Black Prince!" The hordes of monsters rolled forwards, to be met by boulders and burning oil hurled by artillery weapons from the tamps. Silver arrows were thick in the air, from the elves, as well as the arrows of knights and squires. Anthony was upon a different ramp, with Spellthane and Firecaster. He watched as Firecaster cast a powerful spell. As during the Battle of the Shadow-Fens, a storm arose in the skies. Shortly, bolts of lightning crashed into the army around the town. The advance of monsters slowed, as bodies piled up higher and higher - the dead victims of boulders, burning oil and lightning. Then, a second wave came through the air - it was many gryphons, with yellow-skinned men bearing spears upon their backs. In answer, the vulcans loyal to the men of Anthalorien rose up to meet them, although there were many less vulcans than there were gryphons and their fierce riders. Anthony cast a Sleep spell and two gryphons fell earthwards, providing sufficient time for arrows to kill them. Firecaster did the same. Then, Spellthane hurled a Magic Missile spell and Anthony copied him. Firecaster cast an enormous fireball into the sky. A score of gryphons were explosively erased from the sky. The vulcans and gryphons looked to be more evenly matched. Then, someone shouted and all eyes looked southwards. through the air flew three enormous creatures. Their scales were cyan-blue and they were dragons. Immediately, Firecaster responded by casting a spell which put a curtain of whirling blades into the sky. Two of the three dragons passed through the magical curtain, hardly injured, while the third dragon limped down to the ground and took no further part in the combat. The cyan dragons raised their heads and breathed heavily. Tongues of flame and smoke licked through the sky, and knights and soldiers on the ramparts died, screaming. A spell sped from the hands of Spellthane. A blast of icy wind circled one of the dragons in a searing grip of tight coldness. It screeched and fell. Moments later, it hit the ground with a tremendous impact, so that shards of ice and dragon flesh spewed around. The third cyan dragon became involved in a deadly battle against the vulcans above the town of Tirac Dell. Timothy, from where he stood on one of the ramps, looked to the north. He saw a shape rapidly growing larger as it sped towards him through the sky. It was the golden dragon, last seen at the battle of the Shadow-Fens. "No!" shouted Anthony, from where he stood from his vantage-point beside the magicians, Spellthane and Firecaster. The golden dragon was heading straight towards where Timothy stood. A large ball of flame erupted from its mouth, directly towards Timothy. Firecaster had just enough time to shout one word: "Begone!" Indeed, Timothy and the soldiers around him were gone - in a cloud of smoke and fire, which left a large hole of cinders in the ramp where they had previously stood. The golden dragon, with two midnight blue figures on its back sped on into the town and began to set alight the buildings within. The arrows of men and elves had no effect upon its magically protected scales. Someone shouted: "Look!" From the southeast, a new monster approached. It was far larger than the dragon. It was like an enormous sausage flying through the air. Behind it flew four large tail-fins. Upon the front was a large smiling grimace. The mouth, however, did not move at all. "It looks like a giant flying fish," someone said. Then, there was a puff of smoke, and a ball came flying from a smaller area hanging beneath the main part of the flying fish. The ball hit a house in the town, which burst into flame. "Run and hide!" came the cry as the flying monster and the golden dragon began to decimate the town: the dragon with its flaming breath and the other monster with redhot balls. The dragon and behemoth approached each other. Then, a ball hit the side of the golden dragon, quickly followed by a second. The golden dragon reared up and screamed. it was apparent that the flying monster had been trying to get the range to hit the dragon all along, and the early balls had fallen short and into the town by accident. A third ball hit the dragon full in the belly. With one last scream, the dragon turned away and fled. Soon, the monster army itself began to fade into the distance. Great was the frivolity as the behemoth settled closer to the ground over Tirac Dell. The knights and others came off the ramps, with joyful shouts. The enemy was gone. From the great flying machine ladders snaked out to the ground. Little men clambered down, and moored their machine in place. "Bumble Dwink!" roared Sir Eldwin, rushing forwards. The gnome beamed from ear to ear as he introduced his gnome colleagues to the men of Tirac Dell. Bumble Dwink explained how he had returned to Greystone, the home of his race, and how they had built and perfected the flying machine and the cannon which it carried. "You are the saviour of our town!" said mayor Pirot, happily. Celebrations began. Only Anthony was not smiling, as he ran to the area where Timothy had last been seen. Bronwen was not far behind. They looked at the area of ramp which was now only soot and cinders. A number of charred bodies lay there - the corpses of dead soldiers. But, the body of the slight boy, Timothy, was nowhere in sight. "Perhaps he is still alive," said Bronwen, trying to console Anthony. "Perhaps the dragon carried him away. I am sure the Gilden armour would have protected him." "No," Anthony wept openly. "My brother is gone! Gone forever!"AWAKE
Timothy awoke suddenly. He found himself lying on his bed back home. He discovered also that he wore no clothes - no Gilden armour, no sword, nor even the bracelet given him by the elf, Lillanas. He looked around the bedroom. It was night. He climbed down from the upper bunk-bed where he slept with his brother. He leaned over his brother on the lower bed. "Anthony, wake up." He called to his brother and even shook him, Anthony seemed in a very deep sleep. Timothy could not waken him. Timothy walked through to his parents' bedroom. His mother and father were asleep there. Timothy came over to his father's side. "Daddy?" he said. "What is it? Why are you not sleeping?" whispered his father. Timothy said: "I've been away for a long time. I've been travelling in a strange world. But, Anthony doesn't want to wake up. I think he's still there." "Sh," said his father. "You must have been dreaming - probably because you went to bed late tonight. You have not been anywhere. It was only a dream. Now, go back to sleep." Timothy went back to his bedroom. He tried, unsuccessfully to waken his brother. Then, he climbed back into his bed. Maybe, if he went to sleep...ALONE
The morning after the second battle of Tirac Dell, an army of about four hundred knights, soldiers and their retinue arrived at the town. It arrived too late for the battle, but the reinforcements made those in Tirac Dell breathe a sigh of relief. The leader of this new army was a man clad in light blue garments. He was introduced to those who did not know him as Duke Guardarm. He came from a province far to the south of Laratena, and he had been sent by King Falsham to lead the army against the forces of the Black Prince. There was much joy in the town of Tirac Dell, but Anthony missed his brother. No body had been recovered, but it was Firecaster who said to him: "Don't be too concerned. Before the dragon blasted the top of the ramp, I think I succeeded in casting a spell of banishment. It is not as difficult as the spell which brought you two here to this world, but I think it may have sent him back." "Do you mean, back home?" asked Anthony. "Yes," replied Firecaster. "Can you send me back too?" "If you give me time to recuperate - perhaps tomorrow we could try." "No," said Anthony. "I want to try to bring him back here." "That will take much power," said Firecaster. "But, I don't understand," said Anthony. "You are an Ancient One. You are the most powerful magicians there are, you must be able to bring him back." "No, my boy. That I cannot do. There are in this world those with powers greater than even those of the Order of Krishana. Powers such as those of the Black Prince." "Then," Anthony said. "I want to go back to the libraries and towers of Krishana. Maybe there I will find out more."BACK IN ANTHALORIEN
Timothy tried for a while to sleep. Eventually, when he thought he would not sleep, his eyes closed. Almost immediately, he felt as though he was moving although his body was stationery. he looked down and his unclothed body lay on the bed, while he moved away. He moved ever faster, and he felt himself moving so fast that he could not take cognisance of his surroundings. He felt as though he could not breathe because he was underwater. Then, there was such a wind that he struggled for breath. Extreme heat and cold followed in dizzying succession. He swooned. When he awoke, his first sight was that of clouds lit up by a brilliant sunset of reds, maroons and golds above very high mountains. Upon looking around, he found himself on top of a hill. Around the crest of the hill was a circle of white stones. He knew where he was. Although there was snow on the ground and he had no clothes on, Timothy hurried down the path he had once taken before with his brother. Soon, he came to the log cottage he had seen before. When he knocked at the door, an elderly voice said: "Come in, Timothy, and close the door." He did so, happily, knowing he was back in Anthalorien. The old woman moved forwards: "Where are your clothes?" Timothy explained. The woman said: "There has been a mistake." She went over to a chest against the wall. from within, she pulled out two sets of striped pyjamas: red and blue. She lifted them up, and they suddenly vanished. Then, she pulled out other clothes, saying: "Once long ago, these belonged to other children of mine." Timothy dressed in these clothes. The old woman gave him food to eat and Timothy told her all that had happened. Later, he slept peacefully in her cottage. The next morning, they travelled the short distance to the town called Sleepy Hollow. At the inn, the old woman led Timothy into the inn. Cook was the first person to greet them: "It is so good to see you again, my boy? Which one of the two are you?" "I am Timothy." Cook hugged him to her ample bosom. "I'm sorry that you see the inn in such a sad state. Ever since the tragedy my master has shown no interest." The innkeeper entered the main room of the inn while they were standing there. Timothy was shocked to see how sad he looked, gaunt and grey-haired. The old woman came up to Barron and kissed him, saying: "I must leave now, take care of him." The man nodded to the woman, saying: "Yes, Morgaina." When she was gone, Timothy said: "I am so glad to be here." "Where is your brother?" asked Cook. "I last saw him fighting at Tirac Dell. Sir, your daughter is also with us and she is well." "What?" A sudden smile crossed the face of the innkeeper. "She is still alive?" "Yes, and well. She is studying to be a healer." "She always wanted that," said Cook "I'm not surprised." "Let's celebrate," said Barron. "Cook, bring us your best cakes - and some sweet Gordian wine." Timothy was happy to be back. The cakes were sweet and the red wine was not strongly alcoholic.RETURN TO THE TEMPLE OF KRISHANA
Anthony and Spellthane said goodbye to those now resting in Tirac Dell. They boarded the craft of the friendly gnome, Bumble Dwink. Fires were stoked by the gnomes manning the immense machine and soon the great airbag lifted into the air, the metal gondola swinging beneath it. At the back, four large windmill-like arms turned and the flying machine headed off towards Krishana. Spellthane and Anthony alighted at the end of their journey a few hours later - instead of two days of travelling. Here they met Eucalyptus. It took some time for their story to be told. Then, Anthony asked about his brother. "What do you think happened?" asked Eucalyptus. Anthony was quiet for a long time, thinking. "Tell me from your heart. What do you feel has happened?" Eucalyptus coaxed. "I think he is not dead," said Anthony at last. "I have this very strong feeling. I think he is alive - somewhere here in this world." "Let us see if we can find him," said Eucalyptus. He led them to a large chamber in the centre of which a crystal sphere hung in the air. "Welcome to our communicator," said the ancient One. "You have seen it at work before. Now, watch!" The magician put his hands on each side of the sphere. Slowly, images began to swirl around inside the globe, like slowly moving clouds. "Step forward, Master Anthony," said the Ancient One. As he did so, Anthony saw the images grow more solid. Then, he saw his brother's smiling face. His brother was eating, seated at a table between two people Anthony knew. "I know where he is," said Anthony. "He is back at the town of Sleepy Hollow. And that is Bronwen's father and Cook with him. Tell me, can I speak with him." "No," said Eucalyptus. "The image in the globe is clear today, but there is no sound. Normally it is not even as good as this. This method of communication is not reliable nor effective, and that is why we do not often use it. Now, my son, would you like to enter the next temple - the Fifth Temple?" Anthony's eyes lit up. "Yes, please." So, he was taken to a room in the Fifth Tower of the temple. Here he spent the next few days learning spells from magic tomes: a second Magic Missile spell and the spell of Levitation. It was then Anthony's turn to enter the Sixth Tower, the Tower of Aggression. Here he learnt about anger and the cost of wasting unnecessary anger. At the end of his sojourn in this tower, he learnt the Fireball spell. After his stay in the sixth tower, Anthony emerged to see a large but familiar sight filling the sky outside the temple of Krishana. The flying machine of Bumble Dwink the gnome had returned. Captain Ricardo was there, with Sir Eldwin, Lillanas and some of his other friends. "Duke Guardarm has decided to move the army in the direction of the White City," said Ricardo. "Would you like to go with us?" "Yes," replied Anthony. "If we are going in that direction, I may be able to look for my brother. I have a good idea where he is." The flying machine headed towards Tirac Dell, and within hours they were within view of the town, only to see that the army was on the march. "What is happening?" asked Sir Eldwin as they all alighted, to greet Duke Guardarm and his advisers. The Duke replied that a call of help had come from the elves in the Forest of Sylvannordi. The army was heading there to assist the embattled elves.PLANNING A NEW JOURNEY
Timothy was thinking how he would arrange to get back to his brother. It was early afternoon, and he had been released from his few chores at the inn. he had walked down to the river in the town, where he and Bronwen had been many months before. As he sat, looking into the water sparklingly clear as it ran swiftly down from the mountains behind the town. "Hello," a voice said. Timothy turned. He stood up as an old man walked down to stand beside him at the riverside. "Hello." "Hello, boy, don't be afraid. I'll not bite you." The man was old, with a leathery, thick skin, lined by years of living rough and exposed to the elements. He had a wild beard and a fierce face. His eyes were dark beneath heavy brows. Some of his front teeth were missing. His clothes were threadbare. "My name is Benjamin. Have I not seen you here before?" Timothy nodded, slightly. He had indeed seen the old man once before, with Bronwen, near the beginning of the adventures. "Yes, I'm sure. Many months ago," said Timothy. "Who are you?" "Sometimes, I am known as the wanderer," replied the man. He sat down. He pulled out a sharp blade, which he washed in the river-water. He began to work on cutting his beard shorter. "I never stay in one place for more than a few days. What are you doing here?" Timothy said: "I came back - by magic." "Yes," said the man. "And I can see in your eyes that you need to go somewhere. Where exactly?" "To Tirac Dell," replied Timothy. "My brother is there." "Well," said the man, pulling out a comb and removing his hat. He began tugging at his grey hair. "I could head that way. Perhaps you could come with me. I have no money, but there are always other ways to get to a desired destination." "Perhaps," said Timothy. "I need to think about it." "Why not? I am staying here at least until tomorrow. Tell me in the morning if you want to go with me." Timothy said: "In the meantime, come back to the inn. I'll see if Cook can spare some food." "Thank you, young man. I'll see you there shortly. Timothy walked back to the inn, a spring in his step. On the way, he passed the blacksmith's home. "Hello, boy," said the blacksmith. "Were you not here some months ago with your brother?" "Yes," said Timothy. "Welcome back to Sleepy Hollow. "Remember, if there is anything you need, you need but ask." "Thank you," replied Timothy. "Sir, I lost my sword and armour before coming back here. Perhaps..." "Yes, perhaps. I'll see what I can do," the man beamed jovially. "I cannot promise armour, but perhaps a sword. Come and talk to me tomorrow." Timothy went back to the inn. He told Cook what had happened during the day and then he also told Barron. "My only fear is that the road is very dangerous," said Timothy. "There is an army down there of many monsters: goblins, trolls, and so on. I know that Duke Carmichael in the White City also wants to kidnap me. I think it may not be safe." Just then the old man, Benjamin arrived. Cook gave him scraps of food to eat and Barron said that he could sleep out in the barn at the back of the inn. "I'll think about it tonight," said Timothy. He went up to the attic to his bed early, and considered the offer made by Benjamin. The next morning, Timothy arose very early and went for a walk through the town. When he returned to the inn, Cook said he should have breakfast with Barron. When the two were seated together, the innkeeper said: "Timothy, I know that you were thinking of travelling with the Wanderer. I have known him by his reputation for years. He always manages to stay alive. Many years ago, when my wife died, I was left with a baby to care for. The Wanderer brought me here and I settled down to bring up my little girl. I thought my little girl was gone - dead - dead until you came. Now, I've decided to take my first holiday in all of those years. I'll travel with you. Perhaps then I'll see my daughter, Bornwen, and you'll be safe." Barron stood up and went over to the fireplace. Upon the wall hung a great war-axe, which Timothy had always thought was only an ornament. "Long ago," said Barron. "I made my fortune with this axe, before I settled down here and built this inn. I'll lock up the inn - there are few travellers nowadays with the wars around us, anyway. Cook can look after things for us." Benjamin came into the large room, saying: "Ah, I see that I have some companions. Very good." Preparations were soon under way. Meanwhile, Timothy went back to the blacksmith, asking for a sword. Ger, the blacksmith began to work, firing his over: "I have just the weapon for you." He inserted an almost ready sword into the oven. Then, once he was satisfied, he removed the red hot steel with large pincers. He placed the burning metal upon the stirrup and anvil in the centre of his shop. With large hammers, he beat the metal into final readiness. He threw water over it to cool the metal, and lastly curled a leather cover around the handle. "Here, my lad, it is light but strong - with a point at the tip and two edges which you must keep sharp." Timothy tried the weight of the weapon and was well-pleased. The blacksmith gave him also a second-hand shield.THE DEFENCE OF SYLVANNORDI
It took two days of travelling to bring the vast army within sight of the green forest. There they found that the trees of the ancient forest were being uprooted by giant beings, higher than a three-storey building. "Hill giants!" someone explained to Anthony. There were ten of these beings, and the silver arrows of the elves seemed to have little effect upon these giants. Anthony noticed how they moved, sluggishly, from tree to tree; ripping it up by the roots and throwing it to the ground. They made a noise like rumbling thunder. Knights rode at the giants, with lances readied; vulcans hurled spears from the air, while the thick clouds of silver arrows continued to fill the air. Then the cannon from Bumble Dwink's flying ship also joined the attack. Slowly, the giants turned and raised up trees which they had uprooted. They batted knights like fleas with these huge battering-rams, or swatted vulcans from the air like flies. Yet, the constant barrage from the air took its toll. The ten beings were brought to their knees at last and slowly sank to the ground in defeat. There was something abject in their slowly succumbing to their fate. Anthony was near one of the last of the giants to fall. This being fell, clutching its wounds. After lying upon the ground, it lifted itself up again. Heavily, it climbed to a sitting position. A roaring sound filled the air: "WHAT IS HAPPENING?" Firecaster, the Royal Magician, rushed forwards: "Do not harm him. There seems to have been a magical trance cast over him." The robed man stepped forward and spoke with an amplified voice: "NOBLE BEING, YOU HAVE BEEN UNDER A SPELL." "YES," replied the giant. "SOME EVIL CAME UPON US, MYSELF, MY BROTHERS AND MY COUSINS. WE WERE COMPELLED TO TRAVEL FAR FROM OUR NORTHERN HOME TO THESE WARM CLIMES, AGAINST OUR WILLS." The giant gazed around. Water began to flow down his cheeks, to form massive puddles upon the ground: "MY BROTHERS, MY COUSINS? NO, THEY'RE ALL DEAD!" Duke Guardarm came forward and patted the lower leg of the seated giant, which was the highest point he could reach. Firecaster amplified his voice: "NOBLE FRIEND, I SEE YOU ARE A FOE NO MORE. WE SHALL FIGHT YOU NO MORE. PLEASE LEAVE THIS PLACE AND GO HOME." The giant nodded, sadly. Then he rose on weak legs. "THERE IS NO LONGER A RINGING IN MY EARS, NO LONGER A DREAD COMPULSION. IT IS TRUE THAT THERE MUST BE AN END TO THE FIGHTING AND HANDRUSHKAR WILL GO HOME." With a heavy tread, the lone giant set off on the long trek back to his home far to the north. Anthony looked across the battle-ground, where the giant army had been defeated. It had been such a waste. He watched with sadness as an elf bent over a fallen warrior who had been slain in the battle.
THE BEGINNING OF TIMOTHY'S JOURNEY
It was sunset when the party of three left the town of Sleepy Hollow, in a southerly direction. Benjamin rode upon a horse in front, with Timothy leading three pack-horses in the middle and Barron at the rear, holding his war-axe at the ready. The decision had been to travel at night when the monsters or soldiers of Duke Carmichael would be less likely to be moving. For three nights, they travelled in the full light of the three moons overhead. It was spring and the skies were clear. The old man, Benjamin led the way. Though he was old, he was tireless and Barron and Timothy struggled to keep up with his pace. On the third evening, they came to a line of hills, which they followed in a south- easterly direction. They came to a river which passed through the hills, cutting a gorge which became deeper as they travelled further. "The only way across is a rope bridge," said Benjamin. They all dismounted and led their horses through a stony area, upwards until they reached one side of the gorge. Timothy did not believe that he would be brave enough to cross the bridge, swinging as it did high above the water and rocks beneath. Suddenly, there was a cry from the path behind, and Timothy looked back to see goblins approaching. Barron took up position in the rear, swinging his large war-axe from side to side. In the meantime, Benjamin led the way across the rope bridge. Timothy knew that he had no choice and he followed quickly, obeying Benjamin's warnings not to look down. It seemed like an age, but eventually Timothy stepped onto firm rock again. He looked back. Barron swung at a goblin who was stupid enough to step too close. Then, the burly man stepped onto the first rungs of the rope bridge. He rushed forwards, but he could not prevent the leading goblins from reaching his horse. He had to abandon it, as he ran across the bridge. Suddenly, a blazing light filled the air with brilliance. Timothy looked at Benjamin and he saw that the old man's eyes were the source of the fire. Twin fires lit up the air as they sped in the direction of the advancing goblins. The fire crashed into them. The incendiaries reduced the monsters to cinders, and the rope bridge snapped and fell towards the rocks below. Barron was fortunate to just make it. Timothy knelt to help him up and then the lad looked back at Benjamin. he realized that it must have been the old man who had cast the spell. "You are a magician?" he said. Benjamin turned his back and said: "We must be on our way." Their journey took them on through the hills. They travelled now day and night, for they feared that their enemies had some magical means to tell where they were. "Why are we going this way?" asked Timothy. "i do not know this route." "We must follow these hills," said Benjamin. "In order to make a proper detour of the White City, so that we can get you to Tirac Dell." After two days of travelling, there was at midday a sound of wings in the air. Timothy looked up and Barron shouted: "Gryphons!" The gryphons swooped down to attack, and Benjamin shouted: "Follow me, I know a way." They clambered up a hill-side as the gryphons attacked. A fireball seared through the air from the fingers of the old man and struck three gryphons head-on. They fell screaming in their death throes. A second fireball erupted and caused further casualties. Under the noise and smoke, Benjamin led the other two to the mouth of a cave. "Quick!," he cried. "Inside!" They rushed within, while the gryphons prepared for another swooping attack. Then, another fireball rushed upwards and struck the roof of the cave above the entrance. Timothy and Barron were blinded by dust and the darkness which fell suddenly. Then, a flame appeared out of the darkness. It was a bright light, burning in the right palm of the ugly old man. Timothy looked around. The entire mouth of the cave was blocked by fallen rocks and debris. Barron coughed: "How will we get out?" Benjamin replied: "Do you prefer to be in here, or outside with them? There was no choice." Timothy looked at him, with questioning eyes: "My brother can do that light spell. But, I thought something like a fireball spell could only be cast once a day. You have cast it three times in the last few minutes." Benjamin did not reply to this. Instead, he said: "I will light a fire. There is an entire labyrinth of caves under these hills, all interjoined. I shall take us another way out." They settled down to eat over the fire, safe from the monsters outside.THE SIEGE OF THE WHITE CITY
It took two days for the fallen giants to be buried, with their victims. The elves, though jubilant, were made sober by the sombre task. Then, the army of Duke Guardarm left the cool confines of the Forest of Sylvannordi. It marched northwestwards in the direction of the White City. Along the way, many signs were apparent of the assembling of monsters to defend the city. At last, the army arrived near the high white walls of the city, the gates of which were determinedly closed against them. The Royal Duke gave instructions for encampments to be built around the city, and the siege began. Wooden siege towers were built and oaken battering rams. many times the besiegers approached the walls and gates of the city, only to be repulsed by the determined defenders. Anthony went up in the gnomes' flying machine to see the city from above. Far below they could see that the army of defenders also counted goblins, kobolds and hobgoblins in their numbers. The larger monsters such as trolls and ogres were not present. They obviously did not like the close confines of the city. A flock of gryphons flew up towards the flying machine and the gnomes were forced to land, despite their escort of vulcans. They did not wish to lose the flying machine which was of critical strategical advantage for the army of Duke Guardarm. Days passed and the fight to enter the city intensified. One day, one of the sets of city gates opened and goblins, hobgoblins and kobolds charged out. They were met by armed knights and fireball spells cast by Firecaster and by Anthony. Then, there was a call and the royal army turned its heads to see an incredible sight: the golden dragon last seen during the battle for Tirac Dell was flying, with two figures clad in midnight blue upon its back. A fireball emerged from the maw of the attacking dragon and Anthony instinctively cast a fire shield spell around himself and those who stood close to him: Sir Eldwin, Sir Morris, Duke Guardarm and Firecaster. One of the men in dark blue cast a spell and the ground beneath the feet of the five began to shake. Firecaster cast a spell in reply and a curtain of swirling blades rushed towards the airborne dragon. Cannon-balls followed from the deck of the gnomish flying machine. The golden scaled creature turned aside, and then lightning-swift, it swooped in a semi-circle around the obstacles and charged again towards the five in a group together. Anthony looked down to see that a fissure was growing in the ground beneath him.UNDERGROUND
The next morning, Timothy awoke in the dark. He could not tell if it was day or night. Although he was used to waking up on the hard ground after his months of travelling out in the open, it was the first time that he could not remember where he was. At last, he recalled that he was in a cave. The old man, who clearly was not a member of the magicians of Krishana, but who wielded powerful magic, lit a flame again in his hand. And Timothy could see that they were still safe inside the cave. "We must be on our way now," said Benjamin. "We have much ground to cover here beneath the ground." It took a number of hours of walking through dusty and dank caves and tunnels, until Timothy realised that it was becoming warmer. "Why is it getting so hot?" Barron asked. "We are coming close to lava which is close to the surface," replied Benjamin. "Be quiet now, for there are Saltini here." Barron and Timothy were quiet, as they followed Benjamin closer to the heat. They found themselves behind a screen of rocks at the edge of a vast cavern. The floor of the place was filled with eggs, yellow and completely spherical, each egg having a diameter in excess of a man's arm. The three men watched quietly as the guardians of the eggs tended to one egg, which was beginning to shatter. Gingerly, they helped the newborn to escape the liquid mess within the large egg. It was a tiny gryphon. "We must destroy them," whispered Timothy. "Imagine what so many gryphons could do to an army." "No," replied Benjamin. "They are not evil, it is their masters, the Saltini, and more particularly those who rule the Saltini - they are evil. Come, let us get away from here. We still have far to go." They walked on, down a tunnel lit by Benjamin's magical light. Every step they took seemed to go quicker. By some unknown means, Barron, Timothy and Benjamin were walking though time around them seemed to stand still. By the tingling between his shoulder-blades, and the greyness which covered everything around him, Timothy realised that some very powerful magic was being cast. They walked on and on, for a long time through this grey world. Very rapidly, they passed through tunnels and caves, always underground. Eventually, Benjamin stopped and said: "Wait!" Timothy noticed that he could hear small sounds around him, like insects and rats in the ground just out of sight. Time was moving normally again. There occurred a sudden rumbling in the ground ahead. A sliver of light appeared from above, growing larger.REUNION
Anthony fell to the ground, so that his head fell over the edge of the hole in the ground. Behind him, he could feel the fire-breath of the golden dragon. He sensed the fire shield spell cast by Firecaster, and Anthony feared that it would not be enough. Then, down below where he lay, Anthony saw three figures emerge from the dust at the lip of a tunnel. He knew the one, though he was some distance below, without a doubt. It was his brother. The dragon saw, too, those who appeared below. With a cry of anguish it turned and fled, despite the protests of the two who rode on its back. Benjamin threw a rope up to the surface. A number held onto it, so that the three could get up to the surface. Timothy was then reunited with his brother. Not far away, Barron was reunited with his daughter, Bronwen, whom he thought to be long lost. They embraced, joyfully. Timothy watched how Firecaster knelt down when Benjamin came close, but the latter shook his head, almost in silent condemnation. The two boys had much to tell each other during the evening. Anthony told about his further visit to the Temple of Krishana and how he had been certain that Timothy was not dead. Timothy in his turn told of his adventures. The two boys fell asleep very late. They slept the sleep of deep satisfaction - the sleep of those who have been victorious.Go to Part Two