Chapter 45 -- Order Answers Back

Reisz stared at his advisors as his eyes began to glow, an amazing feat for the thief. Not to his surprise, they were all soon gone and he chuckled to himself. "Sean always taught me a few tricks." He unrolled the scroll from the faith of Water and stared in almost disbelief as he gazed through it.

We are disappointed that a single united front has not been formed to counter Balkoth’s threat...

Reisz shook his head at the misinformed writer. He, himself, had been trying to make a unified force all along! He sighed as he continued reading.

We cannot stop your childish inter-faith rivalries, but we will stop you from wasting excessive resources on one-another...

As a token of our goodwill, accept the case of healing potions that will arrive within a few days...

With calm serenity,

Coventina. High Priestess of Our Lady. Defender of the Peace. Voice of Morality.

Reisz almost dropped his jaw but regained his composture. He picked up a quill stubbornly and wrote:

Lady Corventina of Water:

Although it may not have come to your attention that I HAVE been trying to create a unified force with those that will join me, I understand your need.

Perhaps you know that in the last days Death has just destroyed the lands of Earth. I hear reports that he is coming to ask permission from the Chaos Lord and myself to pass through our landns to attack another target. I would assume the Air Lord, as he has humiliated Balkoth before. With your help, I wish to stop the approaching armies and assist Air if it is possible. A similar request is being sent to Chaos, though I do not know the answer. Life I am sure will help.

You yourself have stated you will come to the aid of any faith in troubles with Death. Help us defend Air! Even if you do not, I thank you for the healing potions. They will be a great aid in the coming days.

Lord Reisz Roudabush of Order.

Reisz put down the quill and sighed. Slipping the letter into a metal container, he walked to the door and handed it to a messanger boy who would have it taken to the mage tower to be sent to the Priestess of Water. He walked back into his chambers and sat back down at the desk, rubbing his eyes. 'It has been a long day and it's about to get longer...I can feel it.' he thought to himself. He picked up the quill once more and wrote a simple letter to Chaos.

Lord of Chaos:

Although our peoples are the last to consider an alliance, please consider the following. If we do not join in defending Air, I have a great feeling that they shall fall on their own. I suggest you deny passage of your lands to the forthcoming armies of Balkoth and I can almost promise that troops from Life, Air, and Order will assist. If you do not wish, we request that you at least allow us be. Thank you for your time.

The Lord of Order, Defender of Others, Reisz Roudabush

He repeated his earlier process of having the scroll delivered and went to his audience chamber to see if there was any business.

Sean was riding at his fastest pace to return to the capitol with the knowledge that Balkoth's army was more than enough to take them out alone. He watched as the scenery flew by him and he spotted the Order temple. 'Almost home!' Sean thought to himself as he continued riding.

Reisz was writing a letter to the Lord of Air to send along with the scout party he was already preparing to send. He continued scratching lines.

Lord of Air:

Although I have not met your personally, all of us in the lands of Order have heard of you. As you should know, Balkoth is currently headed in our direction. I am going to refuse him passage through my lands. I sincerely hope Chaos does as well. I will hopefully have Lord Gilgamesh of Life's troops to back me up. If you wish to help, please send reinforcements. They shall not touch you as long as it is in my power. I wish a political alliance with you as long as it is possible, as I understand the need for unified attack on Death. Please reply as quickly as you may.

The Lord of Order, Defender of Others, Reisz Roudabush

Reisz put the letter in an offical envelope to be delivered to the Lord of Air by Burke, his aid for political speaking. All of his followers showed nervousness at the threat of approaching Balkoth, and he seemed to have an inhuman unconcern. He was though, but as the leader he needed to display confidence. He sighed as he stepped back into his audience chamber.

Krystin watched her images seeing the armies of Balkoth marching, the lord of Air resting, and Gilgamesh of the elves in conference. She sighed then looked at another image. It showed troops being sent from Life! She waved a hand and listened to Gilgamesh's conversation.

"But sire, what of Air?"..."Yes, that is also a concern. If we can agree on it, I favor sending a diplomatic party to their capitol. Can we get a consensus?"..."Well then, it is agreed. I believe we should include Order in this, if they are willing and able...gather a good-sized force of about thirty riders, and a score of staffmen. Resam, get another score of archers...

Krystin almost dropped. Life was also preparing to request treat with Air! Reisz must know immediately. She ran from her private chambers to the audience chamber.

Reisz was speaking with one of his advisors when Krystin burst in the room. "Krystin, what is it?" he said with remarkable calmness. "Reisz, Gilgamesh is sending troops to treat with Air." Krystin told him. "What? Excellent! I shall have my troops join them. Draw out directions to his party and they shall meet." Reisz said. They sat at a table and deliberated about many details.

Krystin and Reisz watched the troop of 18 Order archers, 36 macemen, and 15 riders accompanied Burke to meet the Life party midway. Just then, Sean burst into the chamber. "Krystin, Reisz, have you sent out diplomats to the other faiths yet?" he said with a strange tone of voice. "Yes Sean. We are currently treating with Air if we have a chance." Reisz replied. Sean nodded and fell backwards collapsing on the floor. "SEAAN!" Krystin screamed and ran over to him.

Sean was not well. He was bedridden as Reisz earlier was. The doctors did not know how long it would take for him to recover, or even if he would. Reisz paced back and forth, cursing to himself. "We need stronger healing." Reisz said to himself. Just then, there was a clammer in his audience chamber.

"So you bring word from the Lord of Air?" Reisz asked the small *invader*. She merely nodded and left him, leaving behind bushels of excellent plums and an amulet. "This is a new turn of events. Hopefully my party will arrive soon at the lands of Air." Reisz said to no one in particular.

Reisz brought the plums to Sean's chamber and let Krystin examine them. "These plums have healing properties..." she said quietly. "Then get them to Sean!" Reisz said. Krystin nodded and handed him several which he ate weakly. Reisz watched as the color returned to his old friend. Sean slowly stood and walked to the door smiling grimly. "Well? We have business to accomplish!" he said. Krystin and Reisz only grinned and followed.


Chapter 46 -- Encounters

"Lord Gilgamesh, there is a messenger here for you. And a message has arrived." The small brownie looked to Gilgamesh for his approval. "Very well, send them in." When the door opened again, a blue fairy fluttered in. "From Air?" The fairy only nodded. Removing her small backpack, she opened it and pulled out a large staff. Staring in disbelief, Gilgamesh accepted the staff, and asked quietly. "Is..Is this the Staff of Resurrection?" Smiling, the fairy nodded again. Once more reaching into her backpack, she withdrew a large basket full of plums and berries. This time confused, Gilgamesh peered questioningly at the fairy. Finally the blue-winged lady spoke. "Lord Gilgamesh, these fruits have great healing properties." Nodding in understanding, Gilgamesh thanked the fairy. With that, she flew off. "My Lord?" It was the brownie again. "Yes, what is it?" The brownie merely held out a message for Gilgamesh. Taking it from him, he thanked the brownie, and sat down at his table. Unfolding it, he began to read. After a few moments, he refolded it, and chuckled. It was a sorry time when the entire population of Urak had to be scolded by a Water mage. But, she was right. Ah well, not much more he could do to make peace with the other faiths. Hearing a scraping sound, he turned towards the door. The brownie was trying to push a very heavy case of healing potions. Laughing, he stood and picked up the case. "Thank you for your help, my friend." Blushing slightly, the brownie quickly hopped out of the room. Still smiling, he sat back down in his chair. Instead of writing replies and thank-yous now, he'd wait for his mage to come back. It would be much quicker. He wondered how they were doing out there... Over the hill appeared a menacing group of elves. Above them floated a blazing ball of light, piercing through the dark night, and warming the cool air around it. To the small band of renegades, led by Elrond Kinslayer, it seemed like an army bringing with it the light of the sun. Before his troops could run in fear, he yelled out "They are ours, my friends. They bring with them nothing more than a feeble mage, followed by some archers and other weak elves! We attack!" Uncertainty still clouded the eyes of the renegade elves, but they began advancing up the hill. Balathustri called for a halt. "What is that down the slope, Shea?" Shea took a few steps forward, and squinted in the moonlight at the shadow moving across the base of the hill. "It is a group of elves!" Exchanging a glance, they turned back to the elves behind them. "Assume battle positions! We have no news of any elven parties in these territories, so we have to anticipate renegades. We have an advantage on the summit, and we have a much larger group. Prepare yourselves!" Balathustri returned her gaze to the shadow slowly making its way towards them. She began reciting the spell necessary to commune with nature. Suddenly she could see from horizon to horizon. Extending the range of her voice, she spoke to the small band of elves. "State your name. What is your mission?" A faint shout returned to her ears. "I am Elrond of Pasifan! My mission is vengeance upon Lord Gilgamesh and all who serve his foul order!" Nodding to herself, Balathustri spoke once more, this time to her own followers. "Very well. We shall defend our position, and fight if necessary. Archers, to the rear! Staffmen, disperse yourselves among the riders. Shea, direct your archers, and I shall fall behind to rain spells upon them." Smiling to herself for some unknown reason, she retreated to just behind the five rows of archers. Shea chuckled to herself. Always one to state the obvious, that Balathustri. Shaking her head, she faced her archers. "Alright, good formation...spread out so you have all have a clean shot between the staffmen and riders. I want those arrows flying until the last renegade falls!" As all this went on, the renegades were nearly to the top of the hill. Nearing the summit, they slowed, spreading out, and crouching down. "Make yourself as difficult a target as you can for those archers." Elrond was not about to lose his cool against this first challenge to his followers. He needed to keep their spirits up if they were going to continue fighting. When they were about fifty yards from the enemy, he stood, and yelled "CHARGE!!" His fellow elves rose from their low positions, and began racing up the hill. Suddenly, Elrond heard the phrase spelling their doom..."Let them fly!" As if all was in slow motion, he saw the archers pull back their bow-strings, and release. He screamed at the top of his lungs to his army. "STOP! SCATTER AND FALL BACK!" But only those nearest him heard. As he turned and dove down the hill, the last thing he saw was half of the thirty elves who had followed him for months fall backwards with arrows protruding from their chests. He was nearly sick. Somehow, Elrond had found his way behind a large rock. Ripping the sleeve from his white shirt, he tied it to a fallen branch near him. Waving it above his head, he slowly stood. He saw the mage seemingly towering over him slowly descend to his level... "...Why did you wish to attack us?" Balathustri gazed unblinking into Elrond's eyes. He simply replied "Lord Gilgamesh let my brothers die at the hands of the Great Daeme Azzhirr. He did nothing to help us!" Slowly shaking her head, Balathustri calmly spoke to the renegade leader. "My Lord knew nothing of the attack until it was days past! He can only watch so many of the villages in his region at one time. You must understand." Elrond merely sneered at the mage. "I wish to understand nothing! I know what happened, and I cannot forgive such carelessness in a leader!" Suddenly the renegade drew a knife from his one intact sleeve, and made to sling it at Balathustri. Without a moments hesitation, the mage pointed towards Elrond, and a large bolt of light flew from her finger. Eyes wide in shock, and knife falling from his hand, he fell back, and tumbled down the hill a few feet. Sighing over the loss of a potential ally. Balathustri walked back up to the summit. After the mishap with the renegade elves, it had been an uneventful journey. The slight problem had turned out to be for the good, however. They had been able to keep five of the renegade riders, and a couple of staffmen. Now they had to continue to Air. As the sun rose over the horizon to their backs, they sighted another group, this time about equal in size to their own army. Balathustri quickly called for a halt. "From here we proceed with caution. That small party is too far away to make out from here, but we must go on." After a few hours had passed, the two parties were much closer. "Shea, can you see who it is yet?" Using her keen eyesight, she could just barely make out some cavalry units..."It is either Water or Order. However, we are far from the lands of Water, it has to be a party sent by Lord Reisz." "Very good, Shea. Just who we were hoping to see." Smiling, she signaled a march, and they headed towards the Order followers. "...asking to pass through your lands? How could Balkoth even think such a thing?" Balathustri shook her head in disbelief. "I've been thinking the same thing, m'Lady, but there is no answer to be found. He wishes to defeat Air, pure and simple." Burke nodded to his large group of humans. "We've been sent by Reisz to offer assistance to the old Lord of Air. "We are here to do the same," Shea interrupted, "as well as to your own Lord." "I thank you, kind thief, but Air is our primary concern now. My Lord has the help of Sean to build up our forces at home." "Well, if all is ready, I will send a message back to my apprentices at Bur-Jin, and we shall be on our way." Balathustri stepped aside, and began whispering to herself. After a few moments, she snapped her fingers, and there was a flash of light. Returning to her colleagues, she made clear that they should leave now. Everyone was in agreement, and they prepared to continue their travels. Meanwhile, in Bur-Jin... "Gilgamesh, we must march to the aid of Order and Air! Balathustri cannot possibly provide enough support to stop Balkoth. The latest reports tell of ten full armies marching towards Order and Chaos. There could be more!" Qar'Sela was pacing in front of the door. "We must do SOMETHING!" After a moment, Gilgamesh nodded. "You are right, Qar'Sela. A show of force has been necessary for a long time. I suppose now would be a good time. If we can even briefly split the massive Death-machine Balkoth has sent to our ally, we may be able to defeat them one by one. However, to build an army large enough to defeat even the smallest batallion of Golgoth's worshippers, we will need weeks, possibly months." "In that case, let us begin now!" Qar'Sela's eyes were beginning to gleam. Gilgamesh sighed...it seemed that Qar'Sela was becoming more war-like everyday. Well, I guess that's what experience does to a young elf, he thought. "Very well...Qar'Sela, you will be in charge of training the riders and staffmen. Do not leave Vragen and Theli out of the process. They know more about the nature of their men than anyone else. Resam, we will need as many archers as you can get. They will most likely be the key to any victory. I will personally find the select few to train as our powerful enchantresses. Leave me now!" Quickly, the room emptied. Sinking deeper into his chair, Gilgamesh pondered the times ahead...


Chapter 47 -- Help From Peaches

The light was blinding. I could hardy focus my eyes. I heard human voices. Was I dead? Who were these humans? Ah he is coming around the voice said. Yes sire Burke. Burke??? ive heard that name before... It was one of Lord Reisz Routabush Men. I am the a Lord of Air I bellowed. What does thou Want?? Carefull old one replied Burke. Let the plums do there work. I had two left that lord Reisz gave me. It is a very powerfull healing potion. My sight had returned but my head still had a big knot on it... What is it you want my friend I asked as a very well organized and armored troup stood in formation in the great hall. This is the response from lord Reisz my lord. these men are here to swear an oath of kinship to you. They will die at your side if it is neccessay. Ah my lady of Magic has done well. Lady of Magic sire asked burke? is that the nice looking fairy with the real big big blue Chaffon Wings he said with a twinkle in his eyes.? That be her I replied with a smlie, but be carefull as she is in love with The great Air Lord and rightfull heir to this Land Wind Walker. He does not take kindly to unwanted advances toward his Lady. Burke turned red with embarrasment and stuttered I ment no disrespect my lord.... and gave a warning glance to all the warriors in formation... I knew then that this was a well disaplined army and would not get out of line...Sire.. spoke Burke, What are your orders? Well first we must clean up this mess in the garden as if Lady of Magic returns we all will have hell to pay. What happen here my lord? it looks like there has been a dozen battles fought in here. Ah. ah.... Yes your right i said a little emberrased. I found ah hundreds and ahh uh hundreds of Warriors from death in here destroying the garden... I managed to kill them all but one which I have locked away... Then I passed out... Where are the bodies my lord asked burke.... Ah uh well to business Clean up this mess............I watched as the 36 mace men cleaned up the crushed plums. The were slipping and sliding all over the place. They were grumbling something about being foot soldiers and haveing to do all the grunt work as the 18 cross bowmen and 15 knights looked on. Ah some things never change I thought, makeing my heart glad and bringing a knowing smile on my face. One of the Mace men asked burke, Sire who is Coventina? Before Burke could reply i interrupted, What do you know of Coventina? My lord there is a plack here a the base of the Flowereing red plum tree. It says to my friend Lady of Magic from The Amazons. Ah so that is where Lady of Magic gets her healing magic. The Amazons must have known that there healing potions mixed with Lady of Magic magical skills in the garden whould make a very powerfull potion.... I wonder If there is a plack near the peach tree? I asked. Yes Sire it says Warning! for battle only. Bring me two I asked. We all looked at the garden and it seemed ok, all in order but some plants had been moved. OH no I thought.. Sire there are some Life units on there way to help in the forthcoming battles shouted Burke. I hear you Burke there is no need to shout. Burke and I went to the tavern for an ale after getting a very fine meal of Roast Rinasours at the capitol complments of a chaos warrior visiting there. Over the ale we drew up our plans. I would take the order fighters into the mysterious keep and free Wind Walker and bear. It would make a nice gift to Lady of Magic to see Wind Walker when she returns. Also It would be nice to have out rightfull Lord at the helm when the life warriors arrive. It would be nice to hire a thief my lord gruffed Burke. Ah I have the solution to that. Lets take a barrel of ale to the Men, and lets do some work. At the great temple the order warriors were very happy to see the Barrel of ale. Tonight we party as tomorrow we fight. Lets Raise a toast to Lord Reisz Routabush. Hear Hear!!! Burke and I sliped away to the dungon. When Burke saw the Death assassin He pulled his sword to slay him.. No No I said he is now very weak and needs water so bad he cant talk. The time is right. Right for what asked Burke? Well I have learned you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink. So I just salted his oats.... Whaaaaaaat? replied Burke. Burke was supprised to see the lost city. He wanted to know what all the sayings meant. Its the story of Urak and is part of Urak itself. Its the closest thing to the giants of the inner Urak execpt maybe the tree of lifes roots. Ah here is what I am looking for. Now lets begone... Back in the dungon I used the artifact i took from the inner city and cast a possesion spell on the assassin. Then a spell of sands of sleep. He will make a fine soldier for the duration of the battle tommorow. Now lets party and bond with our men.... A few plums for breakfast is all everyone needed to get charged up in the morning and take care of all ills and hangovers. The men were not to happy to see this assassin of death amoung our ranks, Nobody stood close to him. I made sure each man had a extra plum for the battle. and we marched.... In no time we were at the Keep that held our Lord Wind Walker captive.... Wind Walker kicked bear into wakefullness as he watched the death assassin slowly appear before the mages of the keep. What is it you wa.... atempted to ask the mage as a blade slit his throat and the assassin disapeared. In the door came marching 36 macemen, followed by 18 order cross bow men behind that came 15 knights rideing prowdly on there great steeds. 6 split to the left flank and 6 split to the right flank and three knights right up the middle. The Other mage raised his staff to cast a spell and wounded the first 12 mace men. Hundreds of Death riders took to the left and hundreds more to the right. Wind Walker was shaking his head as he could see this was going to be a quick death for these valliant men. Onto the batleField came Old Windy his steps pounding boom boom boom. Right past the men and up the middle. All the death riders changed direction and headed for ole windy. The Javinleers were winding up ready for an aimed attack at old Windy. Behind the Javlineers a form started to appear. It was the death assassin. Old Windy took someting out of his pocket and threw it to the assassin and said eat....As the assassin bit into the peach Lightnig struck and the earth trembled so much it brougt the battle to a PAUSE for an instant. No one could believe their eyes. Only Legend tells of such a beast. We never thought one really exsisted.... The Death assassin was transformed into a giant ORK. It Stood 4 times the hight of old Windy its eyes were green. It had muscles the size of boulders, And fangs as large as the spiral mountain peaks. It had fire comeing out of its nose, and held a gigantic Bow. It let lose a arrow which went right thru 12 Death riders before sticking into the wall of stone at least 4 feet. It let out a yell WAAAAAAAAAAAAA and fire came from its nostrils killing all javlineers. Out of its eyes came a bolt of lightnig that wiped out over a hundred Death riders and the mages. From its mouth it fired a green fog that melted the remaining death troops onto a pile of muck, and then It let out another yelll WAAAAAAAAAAAAA and melded with the ground. Wind Walker and Bear were free. Burke returned to his rightfull lord a 10 level warrior from the experience which no one wanted to believe. The tavern Would be open for all urak tonight. Let the celebration begain.


Chapter 48 -- Help Arrives For Air

Wind Walker stood on the garden terrace looking at the beautifull flowers. Wow My lady of Magic sure has done well. I hope she dont plant any grass. In the distance he could see flying Higher than any bird could think of a pair of the bigest Blue Chiffon Wings he ever saw. His heart started pounding. He could hardly wait as he and his Lady had been seperated to long. In a swoop faster than an eagle could dive she dove down and circled the air capitol. He could now see her hair and it was beautifull and he then rememberd the scared vows they said one time in the woods together. Come on. Come on said Wind Walker to himself as he was about ready to jump over the side with anticipation. She circled the city a half dozend times checking it out....... In the distance Wind Walker could see Burke Returning with a Life party and thousands of followers behind them. Old Windy was right. The fame from the mysterios keep and word of the kinship alliance with order and Life and then the party, his fame had shot thru the roof. Lady of Magic flew with the winds at her back to greet them. they talked like what seemed an eternity. Come on come on he muttered again The Party headed for the capitol tavern. Wind Walker wondered if he would ever get to see his Lady of Magic. Come on come on he said again. All of a sudden there was a streak of blue coming up and out of the capitol and in a flash was at his side.His Lady of Magic was back. He Put his arm around her and they looked out over the air region. This is ours he said if we can free it all. Then hold on to it... By the way i should put a knot on Old Windy head for sending you out on a mission like that by yourself. You will understand in time my lord said Lady of Magic with a smile. I left Old Windy down there to tell the tales of the battle said wind walker. Most wont believe it and think its just another one of the Old Lords Yarns. He does love talking................ In the Capitol Burke was slaping Old Windy on the back and they were happy to see one another. I have someone hear for you to meet said Burke... where did she go.... Ah Balathusti come here I want to intoduce you to Old Windy. Ah a Life enchantress. Old Windy greeted her with a large hug a little longer than necessay and it supprised the enchantress. Elven archers, Staffmen, and staff women, and Riders. There is Shea also my lord. where is shea the life thief. Windy laughs as he saw the bear heading out the door for a nice walk with the life theif. Probably to discuss taticts my lord said Burke. Right! Old Windy replies with a smile. ah to be young again. The bar keep rang a bell to get everyones attention... Hear ye Hear ye. I wish to announce in honer of Wind Walker our lord being freed there will be open bar untill 0300 Or a new moon arises which ever comes first. Over the laughter he continues.... Wind Walker our lord is very busy with plans of his own so he asked me to inform you that training will start at O400. I welcome the life mage and hope she has something for hangovers. Wind Walker also asked me to make a toast to our Kinship friends the Lord of Life Gilgamesh. three cheers. hip hip horray... and now to the Great lord Reisz Roudabush Hip Hip horray. You may toast untill O300. Also Lord Wind Walker will be wanting to talk to all of you at O400. Old Windy has fell off the barstool again will some of you help him up.

On to Part 12