Destiny's Call (The Avatar Series) Page 2

  “Must’ve stubbed my toe...” was Trevor’s last excuse.

  “So are you buying you a wee pony then?” Trevor asked as they stopped at the stables.

  “No I need a big horse to pull a wagon.” Regina told the oaf.

  “Ah would you like me to pick one out for ya? I know horse meat well being a plainsman and all.” Trevor asked.

  “I bet you know horse meat.” Regina said in response.

  “What are you implying? That I’ve eaten horse meat? Plainsmen do not eat their horses they create a bond with them they are our partners.” Trevor told her not amused.

  “So you marry your horses?” Regina asked and Trevor got a little angry.

  “We do nota dow thet!” Trevor told her as he got angrier he lost his language skills.

  “Ok you can pick out the horse just don’t look for a bride while you’re in there.” Regina told him with a tiny laugh.

  “Little monster of a girl…what did I do to deserve this?” Trevor mumbled as he entered the stables.

  “Hey I’ll be at the church when you’re through.” Regina told the big man. She threw him some gold and he caught it as he turned to regard her.

  Regina made her way to the church she needed to see Lila before she left and Trevor would be busy picking out the best horse in the stables for a while. The huge white structure stood before Regina and could be seen anywhere in town. She walked the pristine steps into the building into the King of the Gods sanctuary. The beauty of the building was breathtaking and the inlay of gems all over the walls and ceiling always made Regina want to bring in one of her gem tools and spend the night alone in the sanctuary. How many would she pocket by morning?

  “Can I help you?” a priest brother Dorn she believed said waking her from her fantasy count.

  “Hi I’m looking for Lilamina as always brother Dorn.” Regina told the fat priest.

  “That’s Jorn not Dorn and one would hope that someday you'd enter the temple looking for absolution. I’m sure you could use a little of it.” Jorn told her turning to go.

  “Um Dorn are you going to tell Lila I’m here?” Regina asked which got the priest shaking with anger.

  “That’s Jorn little…” Jorn started and was interrupted by Lila.

  “Thank you Jorn you always know how to treat my friends when they visit.” Lila said painting a better picture than the man deserved.

  “Thank you priestess I’ll leave you two alone then.” Jorn told her bowing on the way out of the antechamber.

  After he was gone Lila reached down and hugged Regina tight kissing her with more familiarity than they should. Regina always wondered what would happen if she pushed Lila farther than a more than welcoming kiss but she was afraid Lila would reject her advances and they would part ways forever. Regina couldn’t handle losing Lila forever.

  “I have to leave.” Regina told Lila and she looked hurt by her words.

  “Why? I thought you decided to stay? Where will you go?” Lila asked her worried.

  “I’ve been banished from Grand Springs.” Regina told Lila and her happiness seemed to wilt in front of Regina.

  “Let me guess Constable Miller? He won’t get away with this! I’ll take it to the counsel if I must!” Lila shouted.

  “No they’re with him this time after the flamethrower incident.” Regina stopped her before she ruined her reputation in town defending the troublesome gnome.

  “That settles it then.” Lila told Regina.

  “What are you going to do?” Regina asked.

  “Kindle!” Lila called and her large servant appeared from a corridor. Regina wasn’t sure how or when Kindle pledged himself to her but he always seemed just a shout away from Lila.

  “Yes my Lady?” Kindle answered walking to her from across the room.

  “Pack our things.” Lila ordered the man and he nodded and turned to go.

  “As you say my Lady.” Kindle replied.

  “If you’re leaving then so are we. I don’t want to live anywhere you’re not allowed.” Lila told her friend and Regina sniffed back the tears.

  “But you’re the priestess of the temple here.” Regina reminded her and she smiled.

  “Oh Jorn.” She called out and the priest appeared at one of the entry doors.

  “Yes Priestess Lila?” Jorn called back.

  “Jorn you’re in charge of the temple now. Rurik calls me elsewhere.” Lila told the man and then walking into the temple’s main room leaving him there in shock.

  “But you can’t…” Jorn replied when he came back to his senses.

  “Rurik calls me elsewhere and I hear the call. Take care.” Lila told the man as he pursued her and Regina followed the two watching the amusing development.

  “But But But you can’t…” The man whined at her as they made it to her chambers.

  Kindle was inside packing up the room.

  “Who will activate the eye if you leave? It is your sacred duty. It’s what you’ve been trained for all of your life. You cannot abandon your duty to the temple.” Jorn pointed out to her and she bit her bottom lip in thought.

  “I will not disobey the will of Rurik you will have to find someone else to take on that duty.” Lila told Jorn.

  “I’ll contact the elders and they will stop you from this course. You belong to the church and will obey!” Jorn threatened her.

  “Listen here little man. I obey no one especially you. I’m leaving the temple and you’re leaving my chambers Kindle.” Lila told the priest and called her servant to action.

  “With pleasure.” Kindle said and with surprising speed and marshal skills Kindle was on Jorn beating him within an inch of his life. Kindle’s fist flew from this way and that and blood was covering the pristine white tiles and carpeting as Kindle showed Jorn to the door and then out into the hallway. Regina was in shock at the pure violence of it. Kindle was not a man to trifle with.

  Before night fall Regina’s wagon was readied and Lila’s things were packed on board and Kindle took the reins while Trevor rode a large horse of his own. Trevor had picked out the best horse in the stables and saved Regina some gold bargaining for the horse but best of all Regina wouldn’t be alone in her banishment. Regina would be with friends.

  The group traveled into the night with torches lit and a little small talk until the night was heavy enough that Trevor called a stop and they set up camp. Trevor was becoming quite an asset on this trip. Regina just wondered where they would go.

  “Lila? Where will we go?” Regina asked her friend with worried emotion.

  “Well to the west is Lightbringer and I figure we can get work there and settle in for a while. Winter’s on its way and we don’t want to be wandering in the snow. I can visit the temple and you could try to get back in the Inventorium. I’m sure they’ll take you back. Trevor can join the fighter’s guild and we can help him with his assignments. We are far from destitute and we will be fine.” Lila assured her and Regina felt better already. But rejoining the Inventorium might be harder than Lila thought; Regina was not cordial on leaving.

  “That sounds like a plan.” Trevor told them as he ate another share of the meal Kindle had prepared earlier. Not bothering to finish what he had in his mouth while continuing to talk.

  “Maybe we’ll get lucky and get into the palace working for the king. I hear Edward is an ex-adventurer and makes opportunities for the next generation.” Trevor said through his full mouth.

  “Trevor eat or talk don’t do both.” Lila corrected him and he nodded.

  “Lightbringer it is.” Regina said with a smile.

  ***

  Thul Zun surveyed the empty battle field beyond the great wall. There were two walls dividing the west Man’s wall bordering the kingdom of Zury and the Great Serpent Wall which he was standing on. The Great Serpent Wall came first and was built by the first empire called Meleparthos. The old empire was ruled by the fairer races and the dragons. The fairer races were the Elves, Humans, Dwarves, Gnomes, and Halflings. The dragon riders built a huge empire of which the Midlands were the center of a thousand years ago. Their achievements still stand to this day like the wall. When the Witch-King freed the humanoids he shattered the empire and forced their leaders to serve him. The Emperor Lord Sol was transformed into a death knight by the Witch-King after his bride betrayed him for power. She got it as an undead lich and the Capital of the empire now serves the Witch- King in undeath. That was just the beginning of the sad tale of the fall of Meleparthos. Seven other capital cities fell to the Witch-King in similar tragic tales. Enough reminiscing though back to business sometimes Thul Zun would imagine he was there at the fall of each city at the Witch-King’s side.

  The two walls divided the realms of the fairer races and the Witch-King’s realms for a thousand years. Every year the Cavaliers of Zury and the Humanoids of the wall would ride out and do battle. It was the only time the Cavaliers exposed their side of the walls. It was more like war games than actual war, until today. Thul Zun had a plan and his men were working it out right now. The fools would ride into the war games and never ride back out. Instead Thul Zun’s army would ride across the expanse and through the gates of Zury and then the proud Cavaliers would be no more. At night the kobolds of Clan Black using tunnels dug out by the goblins of the Great Serpent Wall were preparing the field for a surprise for the armies of man. Clan Black were out in the expanse right now avoiding the spotlights used by the Cavaliers on the other wall, working. Soon everything would be ready and this year’s war games would be the last.

  There were three barriers between man and the Witch-King’s servants as with this one they were all finished. The Great walls to the west, the Tangle-thorn Swamp to the north and the Red Plainsmen to the east were the obstacles for a thousand years. No
w they would be swept away. Even now Thul Zun’s engineers were building boats that could cross the swamp and treachery would soon end the Plainsmen threat. The Queen of Wake the eastern city of the Witch-King tempts the weak willed nobles of the plains into betrayal of their sacred duties guarding the pass to the realms of man. They grow weary of serving a world which forgot their sacrifices long ago. The Witch-King offers them power over the race of man and they listen with greed in their hearts. But first a demonstration of Humanoid superiority is required. Celebrations are beginning across the expanse in the city of Zury just beyond the man made wall. Noble Cavaliers from across the cities of Zury are gathering across the expanse right now. They’re preparing for another victory over Thul Zun’s people but this year is their end. The celebrations end and the lamentations begin. Soon the world will belong to the inhuman.

  Soon…

  Thul Zun looked down at the Kobald standing beside him they were small rat-like creatures with a thirst for knowledge and an eye for industry. Boldis ‘Ruler of Clan Black’ stood proud with his arms crossed surveying the landscape.

  “Are your men up to this?” Thul Zun asked knowing the answer.

  “Please? Do you think that Clan Black united the Kobolds to fail now? Our will is superior and our poisons are lethal. No one ambushes the enemy like Clan Black.” Boldis told Thul Zun and he nodded.

  Another kobold ran up to the two as Thul Zun weighed Boldis’ heart by his words.

  “My lords, all is prepared.” The Kobald told them with a certain pride Thul Zun was starting to appreciate.

  “Excellent.” Thul Zun congratulated them.

  “The Battle is as good as finished before it ever started.” Boldis told Thul Zun and they all had a long laugh.

  ***

  Rein followed his Lord Cavalier through the gates and into the city. He was still a squire but this year he would earn his knighthood Lord Barant Westington who he followed promised it. So by the end of these war games Rein would be Sir Rein Vasalori Cavalier of Zury. He would earn his armor shortly after that. He had his shield, sword and horse. His horse he received first. He was called Lucky and the steed earned his name over and over. No engagement so far had unseated Rein from Lucky and nothing had hurt the fast as lightning war steed. The black horse was Rein’s pride walking. They were here for glory Barant was leading the mounted fourth unit. Quite an honor and as Barant’s second Rein was on his way to greatness. Lord Barant stopped in front of an Inn, the Valiant maid and Rein dismounted and grabbed his Lord’s reins. Lord Barant then dismounted and slapped Rein on the back.

  “There's a good lad. Last time you’ll have to do this sort of thing. After tomorrow you’ll be one of us, a full fledged Cavalier. I know you’ll live up to your responsibilities in this regard. You are the finest squire I ever trained.” Barant complimented Rein with a smile.

  “Thank you sir.” Rein replied with a bow.

  “See you are the very soul of a Cavalier. Now let’s go get a drink or three shall we?” Barant suggested putting an arm around Rein and leading him in as servants swarmed their horses.

  “Let’s drink to Sir Rein Vasalori what do you say?” Barant suggested.

  “Aye!” Rein agreed hold wholeheartedly.

  ***

  The Cavaliers of Zury marched through the city to the fan fair of a thousand people. The city was over filled with spectators and well wishers from the five cities. No one who was anyone missed these games. Every year for a thousand years man had beaten the forces of the Witch- King spectacularly. No one expected anything else. Even the generals just made rudimentary plans after all Humanoids weren’t that bright or that tough. Rein had seen them fight year after year and they never stood a chance. They were usually late to arrive and slow to attack. Rein looked forward to the ceremonies after the battle. The gates opened to the cheers of the crowds and the Cavaliers rode out into the expanse all pomp and ceremony, flags waving and armor glittering in the sun. The Cavaliers lined up and were shocked to find the humanoids were already assembled across the field. Their banners waved in the breeze too. The symbol they carried was different than the years past and there was only one type instead of the hundreds Rein was used to seeing. The symbol was the eye of knowledge struck by lightning. Rein had never seen the humanoids so organized. The Cavaliers shouted and taunted the humanoids but the army didn’t move to action. Then the drums started from the other side and the infantry stepped back and large black cylinders and bowmen moved forward.

  General Kargin had seen enough he ordered the first unit to charge. Then similar orders were given and the Cavaliers of Zury were at the charge. Rein didn’t like what he was seeing. Then the army passed a small flag marker and the humanoids let loose. The Cavaliers crashed into a wall of arrows and those that were hit fell immediately. Then the humanoids put fire to the cylinders and fire exploded forth from them and seemed to hit the front lines leaving only devastation. General Kargin’s men were nearly wiped from the battle field! Rein saw kobolds moving at the flanks of the army and they were pulling at something. Rein watched as a wire was pulled out of the loose ground and small rings were pulled from the ground by the wire. There was something metal under the army that Rein couldn’t make out but as the horses stepped this way and that explosions like magic broke forth from the ground killing both horse and rider. Rein jumped off Lucky and made his way to Lord Barant. He was unhorsed and lying in a puddle of his horse’s remains.

  “Retreat boy! Help me!” Lord Barant choked out. He was in bad shape his leg was barely attached. Rein Picked up his lord and carried him to Lucky. He slung him over the horse and mounted. Rein looked out into the field one last time before he retreated to the gates. The army was down and the humanoids were killing those who didn’t die instantly. The Humanoids were moving forward and a mounted unit was already on their way to the wall. Rein urged Lucky to greater speed and somehow beat the invaders to the gate.

  “Close the Gate!” Rein yelled as he and a hand full of others entered the city.

  “I need a cleric!” Rein shouted as the others looked around in shock. A man of the cloth came forward and began praying to Rurik to heal Barant’s grievous wounds. Barant grabbed Rein’s arm.

  “Help me up.” He said grunting in pain as he tried to sit up. Rein helped him.

  Barant placed his sword on Rein’s shoulder.

  “By the gods and the five cities. By the Lord of the purple keep. By my right as Lord of Zury. I knight you Sir Rein Vasalori…” Barant said and then fell back onto the cobble stones.

  “I bequeathed you my sword and armor. Remove it at once!” Lord Barant ordered. Rein started taking the armor off as ordered. The humanoids were at the gates by the time he had the armor on. They were waiting for something. Lord Barant was taken to the church for further healing but the clergy didn’t seem hopeful. Rein climbed the stairs to the wall battlements and looked over. Spread out before them was the largest army Rein had ever seen. What were they waiting for? Then it was apparent. There was a wagon being pulled up front and a large horn of some sort on the wagon. A large Orc stood on the wagon like a king. He spoke into the horn and it was like he was right next to Rein as it amplified his voice.

  “Men of Zury. You will surrender to us unconditionally now or when we take the city every living thing inside Zury will be raped and enslaved. What is your answer?” The Orc asked and a archer pulled and shot at the Orc. The Orc reached out with great speed and skill and caught the arrow with his gauntleted hand. He looked over the arrow turning it in his grasp and then broke it.

  “So be it.” He said turning his back to the wall and addressing his Orcs.