Chapter 53 -- Training of an Army

Walking into the newly renovated barracks, Gilgamesh was met with sounds of battle. Smiling, he looked around for Qar'Sela. Spotting him near the foot of the stairs, he walked over. "How is the training coming?" "Very well, sire. Many of the elves here are fully trained in staff-fighting, mounted or on foot. The warriors-in-training are well-advanced, but they are nowhere near their maximum potential. Their skills are well-honed, but the lizards are proving to be more of a change from a horse than they can handle now."

"It sounds like everything is turning out nicely. How many elves are battles ready?" "I would estimate nearly two thousand." Gilgamesh nearly lost his staff. "Two thousand?!? How in Urak did you train that many in two weeks?"

Qar'Sela merely grinned. "Vragen and Theli are proving to be invaluable. With their help we can train more than one hundred of your followers a day." Nodding, Gilgamesh looked around at the interior of the barracks. "What have you done with the second story?" Calling Vragen over, Qar'Sela asked him to show Gilgamesh around the new building. Nodding his agreement, he led Gilgamesh to the stairs. Qar'Sela returned to watching the elves in training. To his right, a pair of staffmen were practicing new techniques. Sighing, he began walking in their direction. "No, no, no...you're missing a step..."

****************

Resam was happy to be in charge for once. With Shea still with the Lord of Air, she was the most skilled archer in Bur-Jin. On one wall in the thieves' guild, fifty-some targets were mounted. A few steps in front of her, a line of as many new archers were practicing their aim. Nearly every arrow was within a fingers-breadth of the center. Shaking her head with amazement, she thought back to the ragged group of elves who had entered the doors of the guild less than two weeks ago. Now, they nearly equaled her own skill. Already, there were more than one thousand fully-trained archers, having mastery of both the longbow and a tiny knife always strapped to their thighs. By the end of the week, she expected to train another five hundred elves.

****************

Gilgamesh quietly entered the mage's tower. After the racous noise in the barracks, the peaceful silence was welcome. After squinting through the feeble sunlight poking through the five tiny windows, he found who he was looking for. Ginko-Flower was sitting near the door to the library, silently reading from a large volume on the desk in front of him. Walking over to him, he tapped lightly on the desk. Startled, Ginko-Flower looked up through his large spectacles. Smiling, Gilgamesh leaned down and whispered to him. "What are you researching now, my friend?" Confused for a moment, the mage looked down at what he was reading. "No, my Lord, this is but a tale of fantasy. I can only research spells for a few hours a day. My eyes aren't very good anymore." Chuckling softly, he asked the question another way. "How many spells have you researched?" Nodding in comprehension now, he replied "Nearly every combat spell has been researched. I have a few mages researching defensive spells." That brought up another question. "Do you have an estimate on how many apprentices you have trained?" Thinking for a moment, Ginko-Flower came up with a number. "Approximately three hundred enchantresses, and nearly four score of the elite." Nodding, Gilgamesh thanked him for his time. "You can get back to your reading now." But Ginko-Flower was already immersed in the book. Shaking his head, Gilgamesh left the tower.

The "elite"...Those few male elves who had discovered the power of the mystics. Ginko-Flower was one of the first, and the oldest. On the same token, he was the most powerful. War preparations were coming along swiftly without the usual bumps along the way. After hearing from Resam about the progress of the archers, he was in his usual vibrant mood. If only Balathustri and Shea would get back. They would be able to finish up the training much quicker. All in good time, he supposed. Gilgamesh paused for a moment, and gazed at the wonders around him. Towering over every building in sight were tremendous elm trees. Within these great trees lived the magical dryads. So far no attempt at recruiting these creatures had succeeded. It wasn't expected, but it would be helpful.

****************

"We have returned, my Lord." Startled, Gilgamesh glanced up from his book. When he saw Shea and Balathustri standing before him, he rose quickly, a big smile on his face. Embracing each in turn, he escorted them to chairs across from him at the table. "It's good to see you, my friends. How did everything go with the Lord of Air?" Shea spoke up first. "Well, we have received three units of fae slingers, courtesy of Old Windy." Balathustri came next. "The Lord of Air has also granted us the use of a very experienced mage. Both are very gracious gifts." "I agree wholeheartedly. You left the rest of our troops at the Air capitol?" "Yes, sire...and they stayed more experienced than when they left here." Peering questioningly at the mage, the two newcomers told the tale of their journey to the lands of Air...

****************

"I have called this Council of War to discuss the demands of the Great Daeme Azzhirr, and also to determine a course of action in the times to come." Seated around the table once again, were Qar'Sela, to the left of Gilgamesh, and Balathustri to his right. Spread out opposite him were Vragen, Shea, Theli, and Resam. "Many of the terms set forth by Azzhirr are appropriate for the situation, and very little of a problem for us. The only demand not easily reconciled is the trade of two hundred archers for two hundred barbarian cavalry. However, since this is a "trade" instead of a one-sided demand, I'm tempted to accept. Resam, what is the status on archer-training?"

Standing, Resam moved a few steps from the table. "During Shea's absence, we have trained over two thousand archers. We can now train almost two hundred a day. By the time we send our archers on their way, we have trained nearly as many as we have traded. I would have to second your approval."

"Very well...Shea, Balathustri, Qar'Sela? Is everyone in agreement?" Everyone nodded, and Gilgamesh stood. It has been quite a full day. I believe we should all get a good rest. We will reconvene this meeting tomorrow morning just shy of noon-time. Then we will begin discussing the future of Urak." On that grim note, the other members of the council stood and exited the large meeting hall. Still seated, Gilgamesh readied the papers to notify the necessary authority figures. For now, Fire would be kept at bay.


Chapter 54 -- The Quest(s) of a Few Lifetimes

Hearing a knock at the door, Gilgamesh glanced out the window. The sun was just about at its zenith. "Enter," he bellowed. A brownie poked its head in, and said "My Lord, the commanders have arrived." After seeing the nod from Gilgamesh, the brownie exited. Almost immediately, Shea and Balathustri entered. On their heels were Vragen, Qar'Sela, and Theli. At the rear was Resam. Standing, Gilgamesh directed the elves to the appropriate chairs. Motioning them to sit, he began speaking.

"As you know, Balkoth has begun to move upon the faiths of Urak. Already, he has disposed of Earth...with little trouble, so it seems. His next targets could be Chaos or Order. He has requested permission to pass through the territories of both Lords. We know that our allies will defend their ground to the death, but we do not yet know what Lord Wyrdaxe of Chaos will do. Though he has no love for Balkoth, as of yet, the Lord of Death has not given him any reason for hatred."

Pacing around the room, the attention of the council members was riveted to him. "For now, we will consider the first scenario. If Balkoth can penetrate the lands of Chaos, he will have Air nearly surrounded. All the will stand between him and completely overwhelming Lord Wind Walker will be our own lands, and those of Order. If he can take out Reisz as well, through whatever methods, he will have nearly total access to Air and ourselves. This cannot be allowed to happen. If possible, we will keep Balkoth from getting near Reisz and Wind Walker...I will send a message to Reisz with instructions for Wyrdaxe to stop Balkoth at all costs."

"Gilgamesh, I will send one of the elite. They have now learned teleporting." Balathustri waited for the nod from her Lord before muttering a few words and snapping her fingers. "It is done."

"Thank you, my friend. Now, this leaves Fire and Water. We have no clue as to Azzhirr's plans concerning Balkoth's movements, either. I will personally write to the Daeme about this. We cannot risk any misunderstandings with them now."

Stopping for a moment, Gilgamesh sighed. "Now, Water...They are an enigma. They call for a unified front against Death, yet they do nothing to facilitate it. They stay behind their borders, sending out gifts. I'm sure Balkoth will set them in his sights, but I don't know when he plans it. But for now, I believe they're safe."

Finally taking a seat, Gilgamesh pulled some parchment in front of him. "Now that you have been briefed on the situation as our intelligence has it, we need to discuss a course of action. I believe that the first thing we must do is send a relatively large army to Reisz's lands. Qar'Sela and Vragen; you will meet with the Lord at his capitol, and send a message back here with news. Agreed?" When everyone nodded, he jotted it down on the scroll. "Next...an emissary to Chaos. Balathustri, as our diplomat here, you will lead this party. I want you to take along a few enchantresses, and Ginko Flower with a score of the elite." When again everyone nodded, he added another line to the parchment. "Theli, you and Resam will take a large group of riders and staffmen to accompany the "gift" of archers who will be on their way to Azzhirr. Shea...you will arrange a meeting with Coventina. I don't care how you do it, but do not come back without news."

Standing once again, he looked around the table. "Is everyone clear as to their assignments?" When no one spoke up, he started to turn, but paused and looked back at Qar'Sela. "I almost forgot one thing. After you speak with Reisz, you will take whatever size force necessary and travel to Air. Vragen will stay with the Lord of Air."

Turning again, Gilgamesh began to walk out of the room. "When I receive some kind of message from all of you, I will return word of what our next move will be. I'm not very patient, so don't keep me waiting. MOVE!" Scrambling out of their chairs, the head elves raced by their leader, out the door. Chuckling to himself, he returned to his room. "I never have figured out why they take me as being seriously angry...it's good to keep them on their toes." Shaking his head, he closed the door quietly.


Chapter 55 -- One Night in Kallizshah

Through the eyes of Wildezword

I stood on a balcony connected to a lush, cushioned recreation room. I was surrounded by a score of gorgeous women in diaphonous gowns. They offered me lavish food and drink. They offered to fan me in the heat. They even offered their own bodies for my pleasure. I declined everything. Harem politics was a particularly brutal form of the Game of Noble Houses. I remember, when I was younger, still in school, hearing the stories of Fire Giant rulers of old who had hundreds of beautiful women to service his pleasures. My Archon compatriots and I were taught to loath the excesses and immoralities of such a lifestyle. Yet, the concept had always held a certain exotic appeal to me. As a pupil, my favorite time was always story time. How I longed to see different lands and peoples! Now, much older, the stories have faded, only leaving harsh realities behind.

In times of old, Kallizshah had always been ruled by a male Fire Giant warrior called the Great Zh'Khan. His Chief Wife was known as the Great Daeme who was Custodian of the Temple of Penultimate Flame. Behind her stood a veritable legion of wives. They were selected from among the choicest daughters of the greatest noble houses of the land. When I was young, I had always wondered,"What is the purpose of a harem? Is it just a symbol of status? The bigger the harem, the greater the noble? Is it just something to waste excess wealth on?" Perhaps, in the lower noble houses the harem took on such benign characteristics. You see, no one knows this game better than I do. If you were the ruler of a powerful nation and had a great enemy among the nobles how would you handle him? Assassination? Bribery? No, you would marry his daughter. The harem of the Great Zh'Khan would consist of foreign princesses and daughters of the greatest nobles. All...all...without exception would be hostages for the loyalty of their fathers. And when these daughters bore children, the ugliness would be magnified tenfold. Their families would arrange assassinations of the other wives and other children in a vain hope to claim the rulership title. Oaths of vengeance would be sworn. Family feuds would last for centuries. And so, the energies of your potential usurpers is spent fighting each other. The Zh'Khan rules undisturbed. Had she not been a second-born daughter with average looks, Azzhirr would have found her way into a harem long ago.

I stood amidst one such harem today. Azzhirr had begun the complete remolding of Kallizshah. Few suspected the wide extent of her planned reforms. Many noblemen believed that Azzhirr had to choose a husband to retain her political solvency. But Azzhirr had no intentions of being a Chief Wife among many. Nor would she share her hard won authority. Nor was it possible for a woman to take a male harem, such were the jokes passing around the bars and taverns of late. The options remaining were: bribery and, of course,...assassination. As I waited for an audience with His Lordship, I pictured in my mind the vast network of assassins and troops already spreading across the city.

This night, all the Greater Nobles of Kallizshah would die. All their families would be put to the sword. All their wealth confiscated. Their vast, luxurious estates would be placed into useful production. No oaths of vengeance would be sworn for no would be left alive to swear them. The Game of Noble Houses would finally end. All the lords would die, except for this one. I was in the House of Zh'Khan Merocka awaiting his audience. Azzhirr had always spoke well of him. He was educated and was a good administrator. Unlike his contemporaries, he somehow had managed to develop an almost-Archon sense of honor and obligation. He would live. He would be our example of obedience. He would be our political lightning rod. Our pawn. Our fetch dog. He thinks I am here to tell him that Azzhirr had accepted his marriage proposal. He is quite mistaken.


Chapter 56 -- Tears of Water

Smiling to himself as he stepped into the cool night air outside the JETSAM bar, the dark figure slipped into the shadowy alley. His movements so quiet and efficient that even the alley-cats of Halcyon were startled by his passing.

Moving like spilled ink across cloth, he made his way across town from shadow to shadow, never once noticed by passersby. As true-night settled across the city, the figure reached the training grounds where Silverfish had assured him his next "mark" would likely be. Slipping into a well-hidden alcove, the figure settled in for the night, awaiting her arrival.

*****

His internal clock telling him it was within an hour of dawn, the figure roused himself from his near-sleeping state as rhythmic footsteps pounding on the street neared. Watching intently to ensure his location was kept secret, he waited for the morning jogger to round the corner.

Just seconds later his vigil was rewarded as Manta came around the corner, her long hair flying out behind her. In just a few strides of her long, sleekly muscular legs, she was past his position and halfway down the block.

Remaining momentarily hidden, the man inhaled her sweaty scent and reviewed the city layout in his mind. Determining that she was most likely on the last part of her jog and heading home, he slipped form the shadow and set out after her. While experienced in tracking his victims, he found himself having trouble keeping up with her.

*****

Jogging in the pre-dawn darkness had been a morning ritual for Manta as long as she could recall. The empty streets, quiet shops, darkness and rhythmic pounding of the jog gave Manta the time to meditate and plan the day ahead. "Today I’ll take the troops on an extended field march. The time away from the city will renew their enthusiasm." She thought. "If only I could get Coventina away..." Her thoughts trailed off as she noticed an unusual echo to her footsteps.

Her military training took as she realized she was being shadowed. In an attempt to more clearly define the location of her shadow, without turning her head, she stuttered her steps and altered her stride. Listening carefully, she noticed a single step before her pursuer matched her new pace. "This person is GOOD." She thought. "Time to flow like the mighty Gull River".

With that she steadily picked up her pace until she reached an all-out run. The cooling wind in her face refreshing her as she ran on, past her home. After a few more blocks, she slowed once again and listened carefully. "Lost ‘em" Manta said between heaving breaths as she wondered if it had possibly only been her imagination. Shaking her head to fling off the droplets of sweat beading on her face, she began the walk back to her home, her eyes and ears open for more signs of her pursuit.

*****

Realizing his rushed steps to keep up with Manta were giving him away, the shadowy man let Manta run ahead. Berating himself for almost exposing himself during her stumble, he decided to head back toher home and settle in there, assuming she would eventually return after her run.

Having watched the city for days prior to his meeting with Silverfish, he had narrowed down the location of Manta’s home to a small block just a few hundred cubits passed. Heading back that way he began a systematic search of the homes he passed, looking for signs that would give him a clue to which house was hers.

After a few miscues, he came across her home, obvious for the manta ray frieze above the door. Snorting in derision at her lack of effort to disguise her home, he let himself in and searched around. The home was exceedingly spartan. Furniture was functional and sparse. The firepit was cold, with no ashes or other signs of use. The bedroom consisted of a military-style bunk, bureau, sitting chair and desk. On the desk were neatly stacked sheaves of parchment, which upon cursory review, contained statistics about the army and provisioning thereof. "300 Slingers. Issue 2 each: slings, stone pouch, bedroll, dagger, weeks provisions. 300 horsemen. Issue one each: lance, sword, breastplate, shield, grieves, helm, saddle..."

The only section of the house where Manta seemed to indulge was the wash room. Amazed by the contraption within, the figure spent minutes studying it, in respect of the ingenuity required in its creation and to discern its purpose. "Absolutely fantastic!" He said softly as he admired her handiwork. "I never would have suspected that an over-muscled Amazon would have a brain as well. Pity she must die at the orders of that idiotic barbarian, Wyrdaxe. I must console myself with the knowledge that her death will also aid my master, Balkoth, in his conquest of Urak."

After a moment, he tentatively pulled on the chain and was rewarded with a rain of water on his arm. "Absolutely marvelous!" He said in wonder as he released the chain hurriedly, he wiping up the spilled water, for he now knew the purpose of the suspended water and he also knew how it could be used for his purpose. Pulling yet another vial from his loose clothing, he unstoppered the glass tube and poured the entire contents into the water pooled in the clamshell.

Slipping the empty vial back into his clothing, he stepped out of the wash room and found hismelf a place to hide, awaiting her arrival.

****

Stretching as she reached her home in the morning darkness, Manta thought to herself "Always darkest just before dawn." Looking around once more for any sign of her follower, she entered her home. Lighting a few whale-oil candles, she slipped out of her sweaty jogging clothes and slipped into her refresher stall. Pulling on the seashell chain, she released a shower of water from the giant clamshell tilted above. Pausing for a moment, she smiled at her success at eluding the pursuit. Looking up at the clamshell above, her thoughts drifted away from her pursuit, to that of her own ingenuity. For years, denizens of Halcyon had relied on the ocean for cleaning, but Manta preferred the fresh waters of inland lakes or rivers as the salty residue from the sea water chafed her under her armor. Unfortunately, the nearest freshwater was in lake Dolphin, over 5 leagues away.

In her spare time, Manta had devised a system that collected rainwater from her roof into the giant clamshell, which was connected to a chain that when pulled, tipped the clamshell and let the water run out through its rippled edges. The effect was not unlike that of a small rain shower, Manta thought while rinsing herself off.

*****

Listening intently to the sound of splashing water, the man waited for the noise to cease as the paralytic poison took effect. To himself, he smiled as he congratulated himself on the decision to invest his monies in the rare poison. Unlike normal poisons that must be ingested or injected, the poison he had used was a variety that required absorption through the skin. Seeping through the pores in the victim’s skin, the paralytic would soak into the muscles and slowly sap their strength. Within a few minutes, the victim would be helpless as a newborn. As the paralytic continued through the body, it would shut down system after system, until the heart itself had no energy to beat.

****

"I must be getting old!" manta joked to herself as she continued to rinse off. "My muscles never felt this tired after a morning jog. Must be that sprint I used to elude whomever was shadowing me." She mused as she felt steadily more lethargic. "Maybe I have been working myself too hard, without enough sleep." She rationalized. "I’ll take a quick nap before I head to the practice field." So saying, she stepped form the refresher and made her way slowly into the bedroom. Panting form the effort, she struggled to reach the bed, where she practically feel onto the rough wool covers, still bare form the shower.

Struggling to turn over, she noticed a dark figure sitting at her study desk, watching her. In a panic, she tried to lift herself from the bed, but was too weak to do more then twitch her facial muscles into a scowl and grunt.

"Rest easy, fair one. The poison I used only works its way to your heart faster if you struggle. I would prefer a moment or two with you first." The dark figure spoke.

Realizing his words rang true, Manta ceased her struggles and calmed herself with a brief meditative mantra. Opening her eyes, she notices that the figure had moved and he was now at the bedside, covering her naked body with the rough wool military blanket.

Her eyes must have reflected her confusion at his actions, for he answered her unspoken question. "While we may be at odds, I pay my respect where it is due, amazon. Before today I would have sneered at anyone who suggested you and your sisters-in-arms were more than barbaric soldier-wannabe’s." Seeing the anger in her eyes, he waved off his last remark and continued, "but after watching you these past days and studying your creative bath-works, I have a new respect for you. I am indeed sorry that we could not have met under... better circumstance."

While Manta could feel her body shutting down, she was alive yet enough to detect the sincerity in his voice, which repulsed her. "Under better circumstances, I would have bested you, my not-so-friendly, assassin." She thought to herself, unable to speak aloud.

"You will soon be joining your friend Silverfish, in the great fishbowl of the afterlife, my ingenious friend." He stated. "Do you have any last requests?" He asked rhetorically, knowing she could not answer. "My word is good. I will honor you as I would any great foe."

Angered by the knowledge that this monster had killed Silverfish, and was now attempting to appease her, Manta squeezed her eyes against the tears welling. "A warrior never shows weakness," she thought to herself. "I will NOT let him see that he was further wounded me." Opening her eyes she was relieved not to feel tears streaming down her face as she looked longingly upon her armor stacked neatly in the corner.

She had lost a battle for the first and last time this day. As her body shut down, the tears continued to roll, unfelt, down her numbed and paralyzed cheeks, absorbed by the wool of her blanket.

On to Part 14