Chapter 33 -- The Lost City

THROUGH THE EYES OF WILDEZWORD

Eight Archons charged me with swords. I wheeled my horse around the corner of a dilapidated tavern. They followed. The last of their number strayed too far from the group. Uflun appeared from behind and finished him. His muffled cry caused his companions to stop. The Archon war party looked uncertainly about itself. Originally numbering fory-three, it now had seven. In the night, Uflun had slain their war horses and laid contact poison on all the crossbows. For three hours, Ryn-Tageth and I had been circling around the remainder of the body with our mounts. Retreating when they charged, charging when they retreated, picking then off one at a time with our bows. They were helpless. True, to the Assassin's ways, Uflun picked off stragglers as the group rounded corners or were focusing on us. Now, it was time to finish this. I signaled Ryn-Tageth. He nodded. We dismounted for melee and charged. Their discipline broken, the Archons charged recklessly. Before he closed, Ryn-Tageth hurled a barbed javelin at a swordsman. The javelin caught on the man's shield, its butt end dragging on the ground it front of him. Approaching rapidly, Ryn-Tageth stomped down hard on it, causing the man to lower his shield and lean his body forward. In one motion, the man was decapitated. Uflun slit another's one throat from behind. Lacking such clever manuevers myself, I simply kept the attention of the three men on me until the dark elves could come to my aid. They were dead. I eyed the decapitated Archon. "Where did you learn THAT?" I asked in awe. Ryn-Tageth replied,"I learned it fighting the Barbarians." I looked over the bodies of all the men, nothing of value. "I did not know that Balkoth invaded the mountain regions." I commented. "He didn't,"came the response," I was part of a scouting party. The barbarians used that tactic against us." Ryn-Tageth was a man of few words. He accepted his forced companionship with me like a true soldier.

Even from what I gathered from the bodies, it was still unclear whether this party was sent by Lord Reisz or was acting on its own. The one thing that was clear, was that their objective was the same as ours. In the scroll that Azzhirr gave me, I was told that powerful magics were hidden in a lost city called Dagonar. Azzhirr had been researching this for weeks, but only could give a general location. A month after the sack of Alador, we had finally located a large ruined city just southeast of the Land of the Faeries. Originally, built on a mountain cliff, Azzhirr told me that after the last war with Balkoth, it had slid down the mountainside into a crevice and was lost...or so people supposed. Here, I was to locate Solinaris, the legendary Sun Staff, and the Incantions for Summoning the Supreme Dragon. Once found, they would make Azzhirr invincible. She said to begin the search at the mage academy library ...if it survived.

At first, it seemd as good fortune had smiled upon us. Underground, the library was easy to find and relatively intact. But when we entered, we say rows and rows of enormous archaic volumes still on the shelves in a protective aura of magic. Piles of books were on the floor. I opened one volume on the floor. I sighed in exasperation and flung it from myself. It was written in a old tongue, I could barely understand. The lack of light and the ubiquitous rubble, dust, and cobwebs were going to make this impossible. "Master, you should look at this." It was Uflun. He was standing by a large wall with heiroglyphs and pictures. I walked over. "Ryn-Tageth, try to look for a library reference." The warrior nodded. I lifted my torch to the wall. Bah! This was nothing! It was simply a pictoral and heiroglyphic histoy of the last war with Balkoth. Wait! What is that! A picture of a Storm Giant was facing Balkoth. The ancient Lord of Air was holding a great powerful sword. I could make out the name...barely. Wind-Demiatrix, Labrynth of Storms. The heiroglyphs were coded. I recognized the pattern. My heart raced. The generic history was read horizontally, but the SECRETS were read diagonally to the left and wrapped around. "Do you understand this, Master.?" "Yes!" I answered in my excitement. "Uflun! Return to one of the Archon horses and bring me its tail. Quickly!" The Assassin strode out. My hand covered my mouth in excited thought. Were other Artifacts located here?

I cropped the plume of horse hair and bound it together with a thong of leather. As Uflun held the torch, I carefully brushed away the dust and grime of the wall. "What does it say?" asked Uflun. I looked at Uflun. Could I trust him? Unfortunately, there was only one way to find out.

"I don't know...yet." I continued working. "It says,...'And the great Lord of Air...' I can't make out the name, P..Pa..something. 'slew the Great Arch-Demon sending him howling into the Abyss. The width and breadth of Urak he traveled, returning to all the peoples the Artifacts and spells of the noble Lords who had fallen in the fight against the Great Dark. O' Great Lord of Air who held the world together, we sing your praises as birds do sing in the air. Gracious one, to whom all owe their lives and freedom. To the elves, he returned the great...'" I skipped downward. The Archons. The Amazons. Yes. Yes. There! "'To the peoples of the Land of Neverending Sun, he entrusted Solinaris and the Incantations of the Supreme Dragon to the Archon High Priestess Alheana, who swore a sacred oath to deliver the Greater Artifacts...'" I paused. So, this is the source of enmity between the people of flame and the Archons. When the city fell, what could the Archons do? I continued reading. "That was the generic history, Uflun. The encrypted version reads that the Staff and Incantations were located securely in the Archon Temple in a secret room. The entrance was located on the floor of the Hall of Audience fifty paces in front of the Priestess Throne. The secret chamber could only be opened at high noon with a shaped key and secret incantation given here. It says that the room is guarded by a Demon named Zosma..."

Our plan was naive. I am ashamed I came up with it, but I couldn't think of anything else. Ryn-Tageth and I would distract the Demon, while Uflun would recover the Artifacts. Then, if the dark elf warrrior and I survived, we would flee...somehow. I spent long hours shaping a key. I taught Ryn-Tageth and Uflun the secret phrase and set out for the Archon Temple. In the past, it must have been a magnificent structure. The three of us walked in a forest of tall, vertical, marble columns each perfectly aligned with each other. The walls and ceilings had fallen away to reveal the open sky. We were walking down the walkway towards the throne. Suddenly, I heard a sound like the chiming of many bells. The hair on my head and body began to rise with static. Uflun tackled me to the ground behind a column. Ryn-Tageth dived the other way. A bolt of lightning smashed into the ground where we had been. Booming thunder shook the ground. A scarred crater lay where we had been standing. Uflun stood and dissolved into nothing. I heard him pitter patter away. "Thieves! You won't get my treasure!" I heard a maniacal laughter. Hiding behind columns, Ryn-Tageth and I glanced at each other. We nodded in understanding. I gave a signal. Both of us took off running in opposite directions. The chiming sound again. Whoosh! BOOM! The column I dove to exploded over my head. Chips and stones cut me and I narrowly avoided losing my eyes. I stayed crouched on my knees. I could here Ryn-Tageth's footsteps and his cape fluttering as he ran for another column. There he is. He took advantage of the attack on me to get closer to the voice. "I knew you Amazons would come eventually! You won't get me! Stay back I tell you!" the screechy voice yelled. Amazons? Ryn-Tageth looked back at me from his column. I nodded. Ryn-Tageth took off running. I took off. Chime! Whoosh! BOOM! Chips exploded in the distance. Where did he GET this power!? I used the attack to advance again. Chime! Whoosh. BOOM! "Uugh!" I screamed as large piece of stone and debris flew into my ribs. But I made it barely. The pain! "Agh!" I couldn't see Ryn-Tageth anymore, but the sounds of footsteps and fluttering cape told me that he had advanced again. I can run, I think. Uflun appeared at my side, startling me. He smiled,"It is a shaman. He has been driven mad by his Art. Ryn-Tageth has been injured, also." I answered softly, "I don't think we can get to him. Can you?" The Assassin shook his head. "He can see me sporadically. His Art gives him perception beyond physical. He is trying to lure me in." I sighed,"Where is he, then?" Uflun dissolved. "He is twenty feet away from the throne on Ryn-Tageth's side." What if I called upon my sword's power? No. I must not do that too often and I might need it for the Demon. I had an idea. I spoke to the air,"Stay near me, Uflun. You'll know what to do when the time comes." No response. I hope he heard me. I looked up at the sky. It was high noon. I have no choice. With all my strength, I took off running...for the secret door. Chime! Whoosh! BOOM! Chime! Whoosh! BOOM! The ground shooked violently. The columms were falling. Stones were raining down on me. I fell onto the secret door. I yelled out the incant and I slammed the key into the hole visible only in the light of the high noon sun. "KALLEE!...KALLAHN!...AHKLAN!" I ran for all my life's worth. Flames and Incendiary smoke plumed upward from the floor as it gave away. Then, an echoy, booming voice thundered the foundation of the room. "I WAAANT TOOO BURN IT AAALL!" The shaman screamed, "Aaack!" Chime! Whoosh! BOOM! Zosma's body absorbed the shock. The Demon gave a booming, throaty chuckle. "Huh! huh! huh! COOME CLOOOSER, LIIITTTLEE MAAGE! I'LLL STEAL YOOOUUR SOOOUUL! The Demon flew upon the shaman with the speed of a vampire. As I turned to look back, my last sight was to see the Demon devour the shamon whole. Chewing sounds fading as we ran.

We met back at the Library. Uflun had recovered the powerful staff and the scrolls for the incant. He hadn't run away. Now, I knew I could trust him. Uflun pulled out of his knapsack a glowing sword and tossed it to Ryn-Tageth. In my hands, I held Solinaris.


Chapter 34 -- Polymorphing

Oh my. It feels like a heard of windriders are dancing on my head. Slowly I try to open my eyes. At first the light is blinding. Then I feel a familuar hand on my chest and hear lady D say Clumbsy Oaf, Another scare like that and ill give you a knot on the other side of your head to match. Ah yes I replied I remember now somebody triped me. Right? I could hear laughfter from Lady of Magic and Lady D. I tried to open my eyes to find where the very strong wind was coming from as it brought in the cool crisp air ladded with essents of Honey suckle and other floweres. When my eyes adjust i could see Lady of Magic in the Door Way to the Garden Terrace. He Chaffon Wings were very large now. and she was flapping them to bring in the breeze to cool me. Ah with out my ladies I would be lost. How did the battle go I asked? Well Lady of magic is now a 5 level Champion for killing so many javlin throwers and one mage. I am now a 4 level fae slinger chimed Lady D. We dont know what is wrong with Chuck they both sang in unison. He rode into the battle and reared up on his pink Horsey hind legs and let go with some strange bolt of power. Ah the lighting bolt I told him about I replied. No said lady of magic it was something else. I never seen it before. It seemed to drain the life out of the front row of riders and make Chuck more strong. He was laughing in a strange laugh as he rode off the battle field. Where is Chuck now my ladies i asked. He is on the highes peak in the region looking skyward. Its like he is talking to someone thats not there and were worried my lord chimed my lady fairies. Ladies this is not good, I hope my fears are not correct. I need to go to the dungon far under the Great Air Temple. What Dungon asked Lady D. Ah its is a well kept secret AND it has some secrets of its own. I had it built just after the last great battle with Balkoth. I stumbled to my feet and staggerd into the garden knocking poor Lady of Magic into the Fire bush. As she cleaned her Beautifull Blue Chiffon wings she chimed shall we carry you to the dungon My Lord. Maybe we could find something to give you three knots on that hard head. Let the Wind Clear my head and yes you and lady D will join me. I wish we could get into the capitol I could use a few mugs of Ale right now. With that I watched Lady of Magic fade into the air and she was very good at cloaking. I have the ability to see any thief Cloaked from eons of practice. I could hardly see Lady of Magic fly over the garden wall and off the top of the Temple. She is deffinatly under rated i thought. Wind Walker will be so prowd of her. She will serve him well. Lady D brings me a dinner fit for a king and says rations are running low my Lord we must do something soon. Ah Lady D look at the sunshine and you wont see the clowds. Huh... Replies Lady D. Poof Lady of magic is back with 4 tankards of ale. Two she gives to me and her and lady D sips on the others. I never ask as to how she got them as a champion theif does not like to tell their secrets. The Ale seems to give me strength and i staggar to my feet. Lady d on my right arm and Lady of Magic on my left to ballance me. The Ale was mighty potent as we all start to skip and sing were off to see the wizard the woderfull wizard of... and then we break into laughfter. In the dungon is a door in the dark, dank musty conner. It has a strange blue haze aroung it. Well Lady of Magic Let me see if you can make it to Level 6. If you can Pick that lock without getting fried you will magicaly be enhanced one level of ability of all skills. I see the twinkle in her eyes and she whispers To Life. Stange as i watch her sprinkle pixie dust on the blue haze. I wonder where she got that. I also notice on her finger is a ring of anything. My Lady of Magic has been busy. Pop went the door and a gush of stale air hits us and takes our breath for a second. Where does this lead my lord chimed the ladies. To a Lost City. dont ask more. Lady of magic I want you to cloak and go inside but only 20 wing flaps. On your right you will find a staff bring it to me. Lady of Magic cloaks and its almost impossible for me to see her against the dark. After what seems an eternity The lady of magic returns with the wind at her back going like a tornado. My lord there are others in there she says out of breath. This could change alot as there is much magic in there i tell her. Lets be gone. at the top of the temple i ask Lady D to go and ask Chuck to join us. Lady of magic I want you to go into the garden and stay cloaked. This staff when i use it will hurt fairies. It weilds great power and sometimes is unprdictable. It was given to me by a Life Lord long ago. He had combined a detect death with a polymorf artifact. I want to detect death. Shurly you dont think Chuck is in cahoots with The death faith do You. Why would he fight at our side. Chimed Lady of Magic. I immagine when he was reserrected by the god of death he was weak. So what better way to gain strengh and knowledge and to get even with me than impersonate a Fighter. Every thing seemed to fit. As Chuck came in he look into my eys and knew it was time. He raised his staff and i mine as sparks flew and the tower shook like thunder. His Blue cloak turned red the coller of a air Lord then it turned Black and horns grew from his head. His laff rocked the temple as he thru a bolt of primal fear and lady d fled to the corner shaking. With the speed of light he hit me right on the knot on my head with his staff, knocking me off ballance... crap that hurts. He grabed my staff and started to hit me againg when an arrow took off his right ear lobe. Lady D finaly started slinging rocks and another arrow came close to his head. I was shocked and stuned as before me stood no other than Balkoth himself/ In two stride he was over the garden wall. As he fell we could hear his laff. It was deathing. Well hes going to be dino fodder when he hits the ground chimed lady of Magic. He fell and fell as we watched in suprise. He then raised the staff he took from me and cast a spell on his pink Horsey at the bottom of the tower. I polymorfhed into a giganitic Bat. The bats wings was as wide as the tower itself. the bat rose to fly under Balkoth and he fell into the saddle. Oh that had to hurt i said as the ladies just shook there heads. Off over the mountain to the north rides Balkoth his laughfter thundering like a call. We Just stood there in disbelief.


Chapter 35 -- Now He's Done It

Balkoth entered the City of Decay holding his bleeding ear. His Chief Mage rushed to his side. Wwwwhat Hhhhapened to your.....SHUT UP you Idiot! Shouted Balkoth. Get me Bats NOW. Intelligence I must have intelligence. The faith or Earth shall be erradicated within the next three days or YOU die Now move!


Chapter 36 -- Lost Love

As we watched Balkoth rided over the mountain we could see the gigantic bat start to change. we Could hear Balkoth curse. Darn those chaos spells they never were dependable on anamils. I laughed as the spell was turning and the Bat was fading. Balkoth needed something with a bigger brain to make the spell stick. As the bat swooped down the valley at the base of the Great Air Temple he jumped and landed in a big fluffy pile of snow. Yellow Snow. His eyes were red with fire and was he mad. In his right had he raised a scyth, in the left the staff he had taken from me. The Bat changed into a pink horsey again and fell on the rocks with a sicking thud. Balkoth thru a spell at the pink horsey and a sparking, sound could be heard and from the body of the horsey rose a skeleton. Its time for a tatical retreat I yelled. Lady of Magic and Lady d and i headed down the spiral stair case hoping to get out of the tower back door and into the hills. As we tried to exit the back door Balkoth had anticipated our move and blocked the exit. So up the staircase we ran. We locked the great Door to block entrance. Lady of magic you cloak and go to the far right Lady D you go to the left corner. I will stand Defend here at the garden entrance. A blinding light hit us as Balkoth blasted the door with a spell. I raised my great Thunder Blade and destroyed the skeletons. It gave Balkoth just enough time to use the staff of Polymorph. The bolt hit me and knoced me against the wall. Its power stuned Lady d on the other side of the great Hall. Lady of Magic was decloaking and aiming her bow of Quall. I think Balkoth was supprised as the polymorh spell did not work on me it only stuned me. I have a very good resistance to Chaos Magic. In a flash he turns and cast the staffs power on Lady D. and she starts to turn. Growing larger and larger untill the walls start to crack. Three walls colapse as she has Polymorphed in a huge Bat. In a flash Balkoth was on her back and riding off over the mountain. I could see a small flower sticking from behind the bats right ear. Thats all that now remains of my love Lady D. Lady of Magic and I watch with tears in our eyes. This time Balkoth is not laughing as his ear is drippings with blood and he has yellow snow all over his right leg. He soars out of sight on the Old Bat. I swear I will find someone to Despel the Magic casted on My love Lady D. But for now she will have to be Balkoths Steed. My Heart is Broken.


Chapter 37 -- Young Love

Old Windy tossed and turned in the bed. Sleep seemed to escape him. My Lady D. My Lady D. Its all his thoughts were on. His toughts went to the past and he realized that all his family and friends of old were long gone. He had outlived all of them. when Lady D took a shining to hime it made him feel so young. The sweet young fae slinger had saved him more than once. Now she is Balkoths Steed. The winds of the Giants tell me that I am not the one to return her to Life. It scares me as I wonder to my own demise.

My Lord My Lord I hear Lady of Magic cherping. I raise with such a start i bump my head on the canopy and my head goes right thru the top tearing it to peices. The canopy drapes me like a robe. Darn right on the same knot as before. As Lady of magic enters I am rubbing my head standing in the middle of the bed. Great News my lord our capitol has been freed. A smile forms on her lips and she asks. Do you always sleep that way? Uhhhhh my head. I respond. What did you say about the capitol. yes My Lord it seems that the Young man Archiever has freed the capitol all by himself. Hope refills my heart. I start toward the door with the canopy draping me like a robe. Lady of magic we must go to the city and check on his well being. My Lord chimes lady of Magic thats a nice outfit but would not thou Warriors suit be more appropiate. Yes I replied a little crimson creeping in my cheeks as I realized how this must look. My Lord lets pick up some provisions as you have ate most of the flowers out of the terrace gardern. I work hard on my garden and it needs a certain giant to stay out of it. Yes Yes I am here. Huh?? replies Lady of Magic.

Properly dressed we enter the capitols gates and notice all is in shambles as the Death units have either Pillaged and Plundered everything or destroyed it. Lady of Magic go and try to find this Young boy archiever. I know of a few hidden staches of food. I must open them to the city. Hopeing it will rebuild quickly. If only Wind Walker were here. More followers would come to help. This Young Champion thief is building a lot of experience for himself and a Lot of Fame for our Lord Wind Walker. I open the Catches of provisions lots of candied lizzard tounge, pickled knomes feet, Jerrked wild boar, and tons of magicaly preseved vegetables. Ah a feast fit for a king. I take only a small portion for the Great Air Temple. I head there with the booty.

Its been a long day and no sign of Lady of Magic and the young boy archiever. He is a loner as he has had to be. I can tell he is confused and very lonely. Them days will come to an end although. I busy my self fixing the walls and preparing a great feast for there return.

Lady of Magic returns with the boy in her arms. He has been severly wounded again. With the scars this young Champion has we have to be carefull that Chaos does not try to recruit him. I brought him here my lord as the magic is strongest at this temple. He should heal quickly. Lady of Magic tends to his wounds with a special touch. I can see on her face her thoughts. Wind Walker. He is a very lucky Lord to have such a Lady.

Archiever heals and we are setting down for a meal. He likes the candied lizzard toungs as his favorite. Keeps asking for something called a Whopper although. Lady of Magic is eating from her own garden. Seems she prefers organicly grown food. Well her gardern grows well since a certaing giant stays out of it. After a fine meal and a tankard of ale, I talk to archiever about freeing our Lord Wind Walker. I offer him the services of Lady of Magic as she is a 6 level theif. I also give him a new bow with his name on it. I had taken it from a Earth theif in my younger days. It is the Bow of Balladrine. This will improve your sight, range, and dexterity. May the wind be at your back. With that I retire for the night.


Chapter 38 -- Earth: The Final Day

Balkoth Paced waiting for word from his spys. As word gradually filtered back to Dekay that things were going as planned he summoned his persomal army, a unique force made up of three Unist of Order Crossbowmen under his direct command, A Chaos Beast rider commanding three units of Bezerkers, and A windrider commanding three units of Fae Slingers. He had been considering slaughtering the Fae slingers in retribution for the injury sufferred to his ear but time for that later. "We Ride Now" he commanded.

During the last two days Units were quietely moved into place around the Earth Capitol. Each unit was placed withing one move of the city without being, at least to now, detected by the earth faith. Five full Armies awaited orders to move against the city. One would Take both barraks and destroy them while being held in reserve. The other four would attack the city proper one after the other giving the defenders no chance to rest or heal their wounds. This must all be done in one swify assault. The signal to commence would be the taking of the earth Great Temple by Balkoth Himself. All was in readiness. As Balkots Army drew within striking distance of the Temple the bats were sent to the remaining five armies to tell them to prepare for battle.

Time ticked by slowly until one by one the bats returned. Each reported all was in readiness. The battle would soon be joined.

Balkoths attack on the Temple was flawlessly executed. The level two Ax thrower unit had no change against the level four crossbowmen and no major casualties were sustained. Meanwhile both barracks were destroyed and the attack against the city proper was going as planned. The defenders were weak and showed little chance of survival after only two assaults victory was assured.

During Mopping up operations, however, a scout bat reported that there were four Huge Armies from Order marching on the Capitol of earth and they appeared to have several Air Armies in reserve.

"Rebuild the Barracks I will train Armies to slow their advance" As the work of rebuilding and training was underway two armies ov level three Dwarf infantry were sent out to slow the advancing hord. "Fools they will all die...they have no chance against such a force but we need time". Balkoth rubbed his ear remembering the Fae Slinger that had caused him so much pain and humiliation days before. Air will pay for this one day soon...but today those Armies must be stopped. I cannot loose this stronghold I MUST get within striking distance of Order and Chaos in order to surround the air faith and crush it.

Balkoth began pacing again....."Where are those bats?! I must have Intelligence. Send for my Chief Mage! I want this Mage tower operational tomorrow at the latest!"

On to Part 10