Month: July 2016

The group of kobolds to the east started toward their northern comrades. The archer’s fall and transformation startled, spooked, and dissuaded them, and they hesitated. The group of kobolds to the south charged forward and followed Rhiann, Iyaca, and the Gnomes toward the northern Kobold group. All in all, it looked like a fox chasing the hounds. As individuals separated thirty feet from the nearest lance their screams became audible. The kobolds to the west held their ground and concentrated on keeping the road to the west and Jack’s Refuge blocked.

Longbeard, Donovan, Alden, Rudy, and Rhiann reached the northern group of kobolds. The powerful experienced Gnomes made short work of their first opponents. Donovan’s great strength powered his axe through their shields. Most kobolds managed to parry fewer than three rounds before they fell. Emotion and adrenaline fueled Rhiann’s first foray into hand-to-hand combat. Rhiann had read every book on the subject in Thynna’s libraries and carried a Magick sword. Exeter felt nigh weightless in his hand and parried the unfortunate Kobolds’ blows. Rhiann’s every swing destroyed one of the goblin-like enemies. Donovan Ten-names clobbered Kobold after Kobold. By the time the southern cluster reached the battle, the Gnomes and Rhiann had already dispatched their northern foes and turned and met them head on. The number of the southern clutch was reduced by two unfortunates dumb enough to stop at p-Mayard’s corpse and try to lull out the arrow with the Tuscon fletching from the dead Shapechanger. The fletching maintained its lethality. Dibbit five-names fired repeatedly and dropped four kobolds in the eastern lot. All the while the Gnomes’ disciplined halvsies remained in a cluster in the fringes of the field away from the battle. p-Mayard’s stallion broke and ran through the kobolds to the west and gravely injured two enemies. The Gnomes quickly overcame the southern group of Kobolds. A few survivors dropped their weapons, broke away, and ran for the woods to the south of the road. Two Gnomes suffered minor injuries. Thirty-one kobolds’ bodies littered the field. Reinforcements filtered into the group of kobolds to the west. Longbeard Nineteen-names and Donovan Ten-names angrily pulled lances from the ground and hurled them toward the kobolds. Two kobolds fell. The silence spells centered on the lances silenced their screams. Both the east and west groups of kobolds drifted backward toward the road’s exits from the field.

Rhiann reached out to shove p-Mayard but had no time. The arrow struck p-Mayard in the left shoulder. Mayard Klarje’s doppelganger’s mouth gaped open, and he fell silently to the ground. His body shimmered briefly and then returned to its amorphous shiny Shapechanger form. The dark red arrow with black fletching protruded from the amorphous mass. Rhiann reflexively reached for the arrow but Exeter warned, “No, no, no! Danger! Its fletching is a Tuscon feather. Touching it risks death!”

Iyaca Vassi and the Gnomes moved silently away from Rhiann and the fallen Shapechanger. The archer turned and ran toward the woods to the east.

Exeter informed Rhiann, “An area of silence extends thirty feet from the four lances thrown by the kobolds. You must move thirty feet away.”

Rhiann said, “So you can detect Magick?”

Exeter returned, “The area of silence poses a threat to you. I can detect threats to my bearer. Don’t ask me how I know. It’s Magick!”

Rhiann wildly waved his arms, pointed Exeter toward the clustered score of kobolds to the north of the road, and ran toward them. He shouted, “Charge!” but only the sword heard the scream. Iyaca Vassi drew his little hunting knife and bravely charged behind Rhiann. Longbeard Nineteen-names recovered from the death and transformation of p-Mayard’s body and ran with Rhiann toward the group of Kobolds. Donovan Ten-names, Rudy Nine-names, and Alden Eight-names followed Longbeard’s lead, shrieked loudly, and charged toward the kobolds. The screams became audible when they passed thirty feet from the northernmost lance. Dibbit Five-names still carried his bow. He regained his composure, pulled his drawstring taut, and silently released an arrow toward the fleeing kobold archer, who had smitten p-Mayard. Though missing the twang of “string music,’ the arrow followed a true course and ripped into the archer’s back. The archer fell forward with a thud, which Dibbit did not hear. The kobold archer’s body shimmered and changed into another amorphous featureless bipedal form indistinguishable from what had been p-Mayard.

Captain Longbeard Nineteen-names ordered the group to move forward, but a group of kobolds charged from the road leading to Dry Creek. At the same two other groups came out of the woods to the left and right. A fourth group came up behind the thirteen riders. Men on horseback blocked both the road to Dry Creek and the road back to the mine.

Longbeard said, “We can’t outrun them, we can’t ride through them, and I can’t fight on this horse. Dismount! Form a tight circle. Mayard, Rhiann, and Iyaca in the center. We’re going to need your help to get out of this jam, Mayard. I’d suggest you get started.”

p-Mayard nudged Rhiann and said, “Let ‘em have it, Boss!”

The thirteen riders dismounted, the Gnomes drew weapons, and the group moved together. The Kobolds to the east and north held their ground whilst the other groups menacingly edged toward the cluster of Gnomes. The group moved closer together and retreated to an area between the four kobold lances. P-Mayard, Rhiann, and Iyaca stood about five feet from one of the lances.

Longbeard said, “About now would be a good time for a spell, Mayard!”

p-Mayard did not respond to the Gnomish Captain’s plea. p-Mayard opened his mouth to speak but produced no sound. In fact, the entire area between the four spears was silent. Rhiann stood by Mayard. The young sorcerer reached for the sword in his bag of holding and grabbed Exeter’s hilt.

“Imminent threat! Imminent threat! Imminent threat! Lethal danger! Enemy is at fifteen paces east  and twelve paces south of you!” Exeter’s warning ripped silently through Rhiann’s mind.

Rhiann looked, opened his mouth, uttered, “Nobody’s there!” but only the spirit of the sword heard.

“Danger! Danger! Danger!” Exeter warned.

Rhiann stared in the direction indicated by the warning and instinctively pointed the blade toward the spot. Movement! In less than a heartbeat a projectile appeared in midair and streaked toward p-Mayard and Rhiann. A Kobold brandishing a longbow appeared at the arrow’s point of origin. His offensive action cost him his invisibility

A kobold upon a large gray wolf charged out of the woods bearing a lance.

Longbeard shouted, “Mayard, take him out!”

p-Mayard steadied his horse and looked at Rhiann. The kobold drew within a hundred paces. The snarling wolf alarmed the halvsies.

Longbeard reiterated, “Mayard, now. He’s coming straight for you.”

The kobold reached fifty paces.

Rhiann extended his left wrist and muttered a command. The Magick Missile struck the wolf. The beast fell forward and dumped its kobold rider. The rider stood and continued to charge the cluster of Gnomes. The wolf’s chest heaved and then it breathed no more.

Longbeard said, “Now that’s suicide.”

The Gnomish Captain dismounted, drew his hammer, and made ready to face the kobold. The attacker abruptly stopped and hurled his spear.

Longbeard shouted, “Look out!”

The spear chunked harmlessly into the ground about five paces from the gathered riders. The projectile made no noise when it struck the ground. The kobold turned and ran toward the woods. Alden broke ranks and started after him.

Longbeard ordered, “No! Hold your position! It’s got to be a trick!”

p-Mayard whispered to Rhiann, “Thanks for bailing me out, Boss.”

Another Kobold charged from the woods to the right. He also carried a spear and rode on a large wolf. Longbeard’s charges turned to face him. The Gnome guard Dibbit Five-names readied his bow. The wolf-rider stopped about thirty paces from the group of Gnomes and hurled his lance. It also landed noiselessly a few feet from Dibbit. The kobold turned the wolf away from the Gnomes and headed for the woods. Two more kobolds rushed the group and repeated the maneuver.

The Man in Black, Kobold Chieftain Beeyo, and Sorcerer Bailiwick sat upon equines on a hillock overlooking Dry Creek.

The Man in Black said, “The defenders are pressed. The battle goes well.”

Beeyo said, “Yes, at the expense of my people’s lives. When are your brigands going to enter the fray? What about some more spells, wizard?”

Bailiwick said, “Patience! I’ve fought battles with this lot before. We shan’t reveal all our strengths. My surprise on the road between Dry Creek and the mines is set. The trap awaits its quarry. Mayard Klarje should be taking his last few breaths.”

 

*****

 

p-Mayard, Captain Longbeard Nineteen-names, Lieutenant Donovan Ten-names, Corporal Alden eight-names, Sergeant Rudy Nine-names, Rhiann, Iyaca, and six veteran Gnomes rode hard across the open fields near the Copper Mountain mines. The woods were extraordinarily quiet. The trip was much quicker on steeds without the phi gamm-drawn wagons. The twelve halvsies kept up with p-Mayard’s large horse. The topography of the rolling foothills of the Copper Mountains gave them glances into the distance, where they saw wisps of smoke. The riders approached a tobacco field before reaching the highest hill between them and Dry Creek. The field was about four hundred paces across.

Longbeard held up his right hand and said, “This is a risky place. We’ll be riding in full view of the woods and the hill we are approaching.

The column moved forward and advanced halfway across the field. A loud shout emanated from the woods to the left. A kobold upon a large gray wolf charged out of the woods bearing a lance.

Longbeard shouted, “Mayard, take him out!”

The veteran Lieutenant Donovan ten-names said, “I agree with Longbeard. Eventually the enemies will seek the riches of the mines. But vengeance drives the sorcerer and highwaymen! They will first seek the destruction of the settlements and won’t be happy until Gnome-town falls. The Burgomaster has pursued the highwaymen relentlessly and brought down their leaders. For them to show themselves, they must be confident in their strength. Mayard, we will need all our strength to defeat them. To inventory our steeds…we have Cecelia’s halvsie Nuffin, my halvsie Shadowdancer, Donovan’s halvsie, Iyaca’s halvsie, the halvsie that pulled Alden’s cart, two phi gamms, four workhorses that are no good for riding, and four halvsies that pulled the second wagon. That gives us nine steeds that we can ride. The four workhorses can pull the copper-carrying wagon.”

Mayard looked to Rhiann. Rhiann weakly nodded affirmatively.

p-Mayard said, “Then let’s make ready. What can we acquire from Jack’s livery?”

The livery’s blacksmiths quickly brought a large stallion for Mayard and three stout halvsies, including little Lightnin Bug that had borne Nugget to the mine camp. This gave them a total of twelve little steeds. Longbeard Nineteen names chose himself, Mayard, Rhiann, Donovan Ten-names, Rudy Nine-names, Alden Eight-names, and seven other experienced guards. He ordered Roro Seven-names to take command of the wagons and follow the riders toward Dry Creek.

Iyaca said, “What about me?”

Rhiann said, “It’s best you stay with Roro.”

Iyaca said, “No, the Burgomaster told me to be with you. I want to go.”

Roro said, “One place is as safe as another. I really can’t guarantee his safety and certainly can’t watch over him.”

Little Lightnin Bug recovered quickly. Iyaca climbed onto the halvsie and replaced a loudly grumbling Gnome with six names. Thirteen riders left Jack’s Refuge. Eleven Gnomes led by Roro Seven-names commanded the wagons. The two merchants from Dry Creek remained with the wagons.

Roro shouted, “Make safe Dry Creek!”

Longbeard said, “Someone must go the mine camp and warn Foreman Brady, Roswell, and the garrison of the Kobold activity.”

Nugget quickly volunteered.

Longbeard said, “You have done more than your share in riding here alone. Your pony is exhausted.”

Nugget said, “Sergeant Rorke chose me for my riding ability. Give me a fresh halvsie and I’ll carry word to the miners.”

Jack Taylor was away, but his top guard said, “You can’t stay at Jack’s Refuge. We must maintain neutrality. I will loan him a horse… for a price.”

Longbeard said, “Understood. We will be underway. We are needed at Dry Creek. Thanks for the horse.”

The top guard replied, “Nice doing business with you.”

 

Nugget mounted up and rode toward the mine camp. Longbeard Nineteen-names organized the little caravan. The wagons had been loaded in anticipation of a return trip to Dry Creek and then ultimately Thynna. Now confusion ruled. Madam Darktop had reluctantly returned to Gnome-town via her Magick ruby slippers. The Gnomes debated their course. Some suggested they should return to the mines to shore up the defenses.

Longbeard’s twenty guards strongly wanted to make haste to join the fray at Dry Creek. Eight had been assigned to the garrison and most had friends and relatives that served in the community’s defense. Rhiann and young Iyaca Vassi stood in awe of the unfolding events and p-Mayard remained diplomatically silent.

Gnomish Lieutenant Donovan Ten-names, who was Captain Longbeard’s highest ranking subordinate, insisted, “Our brothers in Dry Creek are overmatched. We must make haste to help them!”

Corporal Alden Eight-names said, “I agree. My skills are wasted guarding the mines. I’m a fighter! A mere squad can guard the entrance to the mines.”

Sergeant Rudy Nine-names disagreed, “You heard the messenger. Magick is afoot! What can a few Gnomes and miners do against a sorcerer? When Dry Creek falls, the road to the mines is wide open. You must remain here.”

Captain Longbeard said, “Mayard, what say you? You’ve been unusually quiet. No other sorcerer can match your skills. Come with me to Dry Creek. Should we leave the wagons and travel on fast horses? They might allow the young sorcerer and Iyaca to remain at Jack’s. I could leave half my guards, too.”

p-Mayard replied nervously, “The top guard says we can’t stay at Jack’s place anyway, and Jack is nowhere to be found. I can’t leave Rhiann. He must accompany me. I’m reluctant to leave the wagons. The enemies might not come to Jack’s place and the mines.”

Longbeard whined, “Mayard! I’ve never known you to be tentative! They are Kobolds! Kobolds love shiny things! Of course they are going to attack the mines!”

Cecelia Darktop said, “I don’t want to leave you, particularly young Iyaca and Rhiann. I feel responsible for them.”

Longbeard reassured her, “We have Mayard Klarje and me! If you go to the Burgomaster, Gnome-town can send a legion to help.”

Cecelia asked p-Mayard, “I value your opinion, Mayard. What say you?”

p-Mayard said, “I say the more support we can get to Dry Creek, the merrier.”

Rhiann said, “Merrier? It’s not a party, Uncle Mayard.”

Cecelia Darktop said, “Well, I can go to Gnome-town and still get to the fight as quickly. I suppose you’re all correct.”

The messenger Nugget impatiently said, “Let’s do something!”

Cecelia Darktop said, “Rhiann, watch after Iyaca… and Mayard. I’m going to fetch Norman and the forces of Gnome-town.”

Cecelia gathered her belongings. The Baroness of Flat Rock and life-mate of the Burgomaster lifted her raiment. Her ruby slippers glistened in the early morning suns’ light. Cecelia said, “I’m ready.”

The others stepped away from her and gave her three paces leeway.

Cecelia then clipped her heels together and said, “There’s no place like home.”

She clicked the heels again and said, “There’s no place like home.”

She then clicked the heels a third time and said, “There’s no place like home.”

Madam Darktop disappeared in a flash of blue light. In his bedchamber Storming Norman noted the flash of red light. His beloved Cecelia stood before him and began relaying the predicament of the defenders at Dry Creek.

The others quizzically stared at p-Mayard and then toward young Rhiann. Rhiann said, “Of course you are correct, Uncle Mayard. But I should be by your side to help you with your spells.”

p-Mayard gave an inward sigh of relief, “Yes, your help is invaluable.”

Madam Darktop said, “Fine, he goes with us, but if your debate is over, we should get started.”

Longbeard Nineteen-names said matter-of-factly, “Not we, Madam Darktop. You should not go to Dry Creek.”

Cecelia Darktop argued, “I know you are concerned for my safety, Longbeard, but there’s no way I’m going to miss this fight!”

Longbeard replied, “If you go along, it’s the Kobolds and highwaymen who’d be in jeopardy, my lady. You fight better than any of us. But you can serve us and Dry Creek better.”

Cecelia grimaced and said, “How?”

Longbeard Nineteen-names huffed, “I’m not a bad fighter, Cecelia. You can help more in other ways.”

p-Mayard quickly answered, “You are the best Gnome fighter among us, Longbeard.”

Longbeard smirked.

Cecelia opined, “I’m growing impatient. I’m the best fighter! What could be more valuable?”

Longbeard looked at p-Mayard and said, “I’m surprised our distinguished sorcerer hasn’t already suggested it. Madam Darktop, the answer lies on your feet.”

Cecelia said, “My feet!”

Longbeard said, “Yes, the ruby slippers.”

Cecelia said, “My shoes! They can only carry me back to Gnome-town. Not only that… I can’t take anyone with me. How will that help you?”

Longbeard said, “The slipper will get you back to Gnome-town in an instant. We can give minimal assistance to Dry Creek. In fact, the guards who accompanied us would best serve by returning to protect the mines.”

The messenger Nugget shouted, “Are you saying you are not going to send help?”

Longbeard answered, “No, to the contrary. Madam Darktop can reach Gnome-town through the Return Spell of her slippers. The Burgomaster can send a massive force to relieve the defenders of Dry Creek and it can get there as quickly as we can. We will carry on to Dry Creek, but our movement is slow.”

The rider whose name was Nugget Six-names said, “These weren’t typical kobolds! They used duck and cover tactics effectively and were crack shots! Their attacks were organized and systematic. This morning they appeared out of nowhere near the palisade and lobbed flaming arrows into the quadrangle. We dropped a few before they could get back into the woods. But now we kept busy putting out fires. Then dozens of them charged the gate with a burning log. Our archers felled enough of them to make them drop the log. Flames from the log sent up smoke. Then the blighters charged with ladders and tried to climb the wall. We lost another guard to an archer’s shot. He fell over the wall. They violated his body. Couldn’t stand watching it! When we opened the gate and retrieved his body, six invisible kobolds sneaked inside Dry Creek. Magick was afoot! They came into view when they attacked, but they killed two and injured three of us and also set fire to the livery. We retrieved the fallen guard’s body and saw two highwaymen lurking in the woods. We finally whipped the once-invisible invaders and reestablished the perimeter. Everyone in town was involved in the fight and had to be weary of incoming arrows. Things were looking pretty grim. Sergeant Rorke sent me here to get reinforcements.”

Longbeard asked, “Why didn’t you send someone to Gnome-town?”

Nugget said, “We tried. Sergeant Rorke sent a rider through the gate to the east, but the kobolds smote him before he got out of sight. I went west. The road to the west was guarded too, and highwaymen on large stallions pursued me, but my halvsie Lightnin Bug outran the enemies and I got away. There was a lot of smoke over Dry Creek last time I looked back.”

A miner named Weijia said, “Invisible kobolds! Highwaymen! Magick! A sorcerer is involved. A strange alliance!”

Madam Cecelia Darktop shouted, “What are we waiting for? Let’s get going! They need help! We have Mayard Klarje! No other sorcerer can match him!”

p-Mayard said, “Well, yes, we do… I mean, I am ready to fight. Rhiann can help too.”

Madam Kirkey sternly said, “Mayard, it’s best the youths stay here or return to the mines. There’s greater levels of security here. But we should go! Can you teleport us to Dry Creek?”

p-Mayard remembered real Mayard’s description of the spell and said, “Well, possibly, Madam Darktop, but it wouldn’t help much. We’d arrive naked, I’m afraid. And only as many of us as I can carry. The distance is too great. What do you think, Rhiann?”