DWARVES - CULLEN PART 8

CHAPTER SIX
DWARVES

Cullen had decided that he wanted to stop briefly at home before they continued on towards Boulder and the Mountains. The Asrai led them off the enchanted trail near the small waterfall where he was found and they walked from there.
He was surprised to see all the Rom wagon’s of Tik’s tribe there, surrounding the house. He could feel something was wrong before he got closer. Cullen and Tik ran ahead and the Rom saw him coming. Dogs started barking joyfully and Alex came out of the Outsider’s house.
“Cullen! Wait!” Alex shouted as Cullen ran to him.
“What’s wrong, what happened to my father?” Cullen cried, sure something terrible had happened.
“He’s alive Cullen but something happened,” Alex said, putting his hands on Cullen’s shoulders. “Listen to me.”
Cullen, looking past the Rom, heard the words but it took a second to sink in. When he realized what Alex was saying, he stopped trying to shove past and looked him in the eye.
“Tell me,” he said quietly.
“Your father was attacked,” Alex began, “By a man named Vlad. He was looking for you and your father fought him.”
“Is he hurt?” Cullen cried out again.
“He was wounded,” Alex answered gravely. “He’s alright now, physically, but his memory is gone. He doesn’t remember anything past the attack. It’s a head wound.”
Cullen’s eyes began to tear up. “Can I see him?” Cullen asked, starting to shake.
“Yes, of course Cullen,” Alex squeezed his shoulders. “He just doesn’t remember raising you.”
Cullen’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open. His father, the man called the Outsider, no longer remembered raising him. The weight of that crushed Cullen and he dropped to his knees.
Sonia, who had been listening ran to his side and squeezed him tight. She was crying with him, but only a few tears ran down his face. Then he closed his mouth and dried his eyes and something in his face changed.
“I’m ok,” he whispered to Sonia. She moved her head away from his shoulder and looked up at him. She flinched when she saw his eyes, because something had changed in them. Cullen was suddenly very cold and distant. Her tears fell for him and she turned to look at Tik.
“Do you want to see him,” Tik asked. “We don’t have to.”
Cullen looked at his friend and saw the pain there that he supposed he should be feeling too, but suddenly it all came together for him. He had no parents; he had been abandoned by a waterfall. He had been raised by the Outsider, but he wasn’t really his father.
The people around him were meaningful to him, and he had pleasant memories of the Outsider, but they had argued and fought to. And now it was like someone had severed those ties between them and Cullen was adrift, but free.
“You said, Vlad attacked him? A man in all black with a jeweled sword?” Cullen asked Alex in a quiet steely voice.
“That’s right, do you know him?” Alex confirmed.
“Yes, he works for the King. He must be after us because we escaped. He attacked the Outsider?” Cullen’s fist tightened and his arms shook with fury. “He’s after me but when he can’t find me, he hurts an old man?” His voice started to carry.
Cullen turned to the others that were just watching him. He saw Grimm standing apart, with his battle axe up over his shoulder. Cullen took a few steps towards him.
Grimm had heard what was said, and he saw the boy coming closer. He recognized the fury in his eyes, the overwhelming anger the boy was feeling. He knew it wasn’t really at him, but towards Vlad.
Grimm didn’t care for Vlad. He was an effective killer, but he wasn’t a good soldier or a good man. He thought Vlad was a bad companion for his King, and he often thought about trying to remove him from his position. He saw Cullen’s anger and he wondered how it would turn out if they met.
“Is this what your King does?” Cullen shouted. “Send men to attack farmers when he doesn’t like something? Is that how he rules?”
“Boy,” Grimm started, then he paused for a second and took a breath, “Cullen, the King send Vlad to do his bidding, but Vlad often acts on his own. Vlad may have been told to find you, but the way he chose to search is his own way.”
Cullen listened, as angry as he was, he still listened very carefully. He heard Grimm trying to defend the King a little. But he understood that the King let Vlad loose and this was the result.
“So your King wants me!” Cullen barked. “Does that mean you want to take me in?”
“The High King told me to find out more about the Faeries. You seem to know more than I do about the situation. I am choosing to follow you for the time being. I won’t drag you in, no.”
Cullen paused, then nodded. “Good,” he said.
“But,” Grimm continued, “I won’t stand in Vlad’s way if he finds you either.”
Cullen laughed, “excellent. Then you won’t be in my way when I kill him.”
Sonia gasped, but the Asrai smiled. Tik shook his head and Arthur just watched Grimm. Dragos smiled for the first time. Cullen grinned at that. Maybe he and Dragos could get along if he fought more.
“Let me see my father,” he said next, to no one in particular.
Cullen walked past Sonia, looking at her briefly, then he stepped with Alex into the house. Sitting in a chair, looking at the doorway expectantly was the Outsider. He looked the same but tired. Some of his hair was missing and there was a terrible wound that crossed over his head, from his forehead to the back.
“Hello father,” Cullen said in greeting.
“I’m sorry Cullen, I don’t remember,” his father said back.
“I know. But I remember.” Cullen put his hand out and touched the Outsider’s arm. “I will get the man who did this to you.”
“I may not remember raising you young man, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to go after that man!” the Outsider exclaimed. “He’s dangerous and has the King’s blessing. Stay away from him!”
“I can’t do that father,” Cullen replied. “I can’t let it go. I have things to do, things that are important, but if Vlad follows me and finds me, I will fight him.”
The Outsider looked at Alex, almost for help. Alex stood by him and looked at Cullen.
“I do remember Cullen,” he began. “You are like a second son to me. But you are obviously caught up in something bigger than we can understand. Be careful, please. Watch out for each other, keep each other safe.”
“I will Alex. We have made allies, strong allies. We will be ok, I’m sure of it.”
After an awkward silence, Cullen asked if they could restock their supplies at the small farm, and the Outsider agreed. Alex and the Rom helped too, giving everyone what they needed, with food and fuel and sharpening their weapons.
Two hours later they were off into the forest again, cutting across the hills towards Boulder. Sonia tried to talk to Cullen more and make sure he was ok, but when she talked about his father he grew distant and she soon gave up.
The Asrai ran ahead, and Grimm walked behind. Tik walked with Sonia, trying to cheer her up. Arthur and Dragos walked behind them, talking in low voices about Vlad chasing them. Arthur worried that they would be found, Dragos seemed more interested in seeing Cullen fight.
“He’ll come after us all Dragos!” Arthur said in a low hush.
“So what? There’s a group of us against him! Grimm won’t fight with him and I’m sure the Faeries will fight with Cullen. Plus he’s gotten pretty good from practicing with you and now them.”
Dragos spit in the trail and grinned at his only friend.
“I’m just worried, is all! Vlad is supposed to be one of the best swordsmen in Holdfast!” Arthur continued.
“And if he kills Cullen, so what? We say he dragged us along and we were trying to stop him the whole time! We won’t get in too much trouble if we say that,” Dragos chuckled at himself.
“Do you really think Vlad will buy that?” Arthur asked, still concerned. “What if he just wants to kill us all?”
“The King wants us back. He won’t kill us, just Cullen for leading us. Stop worrying so much. I’d be more worried about climbing the mountains, that’s what’s next!”
Arthur grimaced and kicked a stone out of his way. He was done trying to convince his friend they should be careful. And he was right; soon they would be climbing the mountains. The Asrai said the Dwarves lived at the very top!

***

The Asrai led the group around the town of Boulder, because Kingsguard soldiers were already swarming it. Grimm had warned them they would be there, so they cut though the forest around the town and headed up the mountain.
Within just a few hundred feet, the snow covered the ground, not deeply but it was there and somewhat colder as they climbed. The Dreamweaver’s old nag was sturdy enough to carry him at least part of the way up.
The group passed the cave as well, thinking that some soldiers might explore the entrance while they were investigating the attack. They found thin mountain trails that carried them up and around the cave entrance.
They walked through snow and short pine trees for two days, camping in small clearings along the mountain. The snow grew deeper and the trees became smaller, until soon it was just mountain rock faces and very few trees at all.
On the third day it began snowing but through the flurries they could see the top of the mountain. It would take the rest of the day to hike it, but they should make it by nightfall. The Asrai said it would be a good time to arrive to see Dwarves since they preferred the evening hours.
The twins were out of sight, up the mountain. Cullen was holding Sonia’s hand as they crossed a particularly ragged section of trail. Tik was right behind her ready if she slipped. Arthur and Dragos were further behind, helping the Dreamweaver tie up the nag to one of the last trees.
Grimm was still advancing behind the small group of men lengthening the tie for the horse. The boys finished and helped the Dreamweaver up the trail. Grimm had passed them already and was hiking using his battle axe to pull himself up.
Ahead of everyone was a long slope of snow, with a small trail cut through the icy slope where the Asrai had already walked. Tris’tan was at the top of the slope looking down. He saw the dark shapes cutting through the forest before anyone else and he cried out in alarm.
Cullen pulled Sonia to him across the slick section and then looked up at Tris’tan when he heard the call. Tik looked up as well, but everyone looked down when they heard the horse scream in pain and terror. A huge white cat had leaped on its back and started tearing into it.
Three more white cats came slinking out of the tree cover towards the humans scurrying up the slope. Grimm turned and hefted his axe in hand, picking a place to stand that wasn’t too slippery.
Arthur and Dragos pushed the Dreamweaver up the slope and both pulled their swords out but they were clearly terrified. Tik got up close to Sonia, and Cullen pushed her into his arms and leaped down to where Grimm stood, and revealed his own sword.
Tris’tan was shouting for them to run up the hill while he made his way down, torn between shifting into a wolf and running as an elf down the hill. His brothers could hear him he was certain, but they were nowhere he could see.
The three other cats, slowly walked closer, picking their way up the hill, bit by bit. The two orphans got the old man up to Sonia and Tik who both crouched down and pulled out their bows. They both fired arrows at the cats, but they were too crafty and leaped out of the way.
“They’re fast!” Grimm grunted. Cullen nodded but didn’t look away. The cats were getting closer and he knew they could probably leap pretty far. He guessed they were almost close enough.
The he heard more shouting, whoops of joy coming down the mountain. He didn’t tear his eye away from the cats so he didn’t see the huge discs sledding down the hill at breakneck speed.
Tris’tan grinned as he realized help had come and he watched the Dwarves on their round shields they used as sleds come tearing down the mountain trail, spreading snow everywhere after them. The Dwarves raced down to the cliff where Sonia and Tik finally saw them and they skipped off the snow bank landing solidly in from of the big cats.
Four Dwarves landed right next to the cats and started swinging their own battle axe wildly. Two of them connected and the cats howled in pain and leaped away, running back into the forest. The last cat dragged the dead horse away slower, but it disappeared pretty quickly into the shadows.
“Ha ha! We chased them off we did!” one of the Dwarves shouted with joy.
“Did ye see my landing? Perfect, and I hit one too!” another one shouted back.
Cullen started grinning right away at these short but powerful men that had suddenly land in their midst. He sheathed his sword and glanced at Grimm so he would put up his axe.
“Thank you!” he called to the Dwarves as they turned around to look at him.
“Ah, ye’re welcome boy! Tis our pleasure to fight off the big cats, even though we seen ye were ready yerselves!” the biggest Dwarf said. “Let’s get ye the rest of the way up the mountain and then ye can tell us why ye came!”
Cullen nodded, happy that the Dwarves seemed so friendly and he climbed back up to Tik and Sonia. Soon the whole train of them were climbing again, no longer worried about the big cats. The Dwarves carried their large shields up with them, trailing behind the humans to guard the rear.
Cullen found the twin Asrai fighters already at the top, standing on a large patio of flat stone, wiped clear of snow. Giant stone braziers were filled with hot coals and flame, lighting the patio all the way around. Cullen looked right past the assembly of Dwarves when he saw the face of the mountain behind them.
The entire mountain tip was carved like great trees, complete with Dwarves and animals, even a dragon, delicately carved out of the stone of the mountain. There was a vast entrance to what seemed to be a castle carved out of stone.
Standing in front of the castle arches, were dozens of short hairy men, dressed in furs and steel armor, all of them carrying wicked looking axes, with multiple heads on them. Some carried long spears and Cullen guessed they were the gate guards since they stood in various positions around the patio.
Cullen saw Tris’tan give a bow to a single Dwarf, a man who stood maybe four and half feet tall, but was wide as a barrel, with deep red hair and beard that fell down to the ground over his wide chest.
“This is the King of Everwinter Mountain, King Garm,” Tris’tan said as introduction. “And this,” the Asrai said, putting his hand on Cullen shoulder to face the King, “Is Cullen, Cernunnous’s Chosen One.”
Cullen was surprised by the title he had just been given but he knew he should bow to the King of Dwarves, so he bowed deeply with respect and no flourish.
“I am very glad to meet you Your Highness,” he said when he stood back from his bow.
“We have not had a human visitor in a long time!” The King roared in a loud voice that sounded like boulders crashing together. “But we are pleased that you have come!”
“The Mountain trembles with trouble and it is about time the Chosen One comes forth!” the Dwarf King continued. “Tell me who comes with him.”
Tris’tan introduced each of the others, one at a time. “Tik and Sonia, Companions to the Chosen One, Arthur and Dragos, Captains of the Orphans Kingsguard, the Dreamweaver, Advisor to the Chosen One and Grimm, Captain of Captains of the Kingsguard!”
Each of them bowed towards the King, Tik and Sonia deeply, Arthur and Dragos halfway, and Grimm with just his head. But the King seemed pleased by all of them.
“Well come inside and eat! Then we can discuss why you have come!” the King called, sweeping all of them into the castle.
They walked under the stone arches of the gateway into a wide hall of carved stone, with more scenes of beauty along the walls. Every few feet was a massive torch that threw light across the hall so everyone could see.
On the floor was a thick red carpet that led them into a series of chambers that was a maze of small rooms, clearly for defense. Cullen and the others were admittedly lost after just a few turns and they could see how effective the maze was for intruders.
The exited the confined chambers and stepped out into a vast hall, with great beams of wood holding up the ceiling that was also carved to look like the sky, with billowing clouds and the sun and stars.
All of the humans walked in looking straight up and the Dwarven King laughed at them. The hall was filled with tables and chairs, all beautifully craved pieces of furniture, especially the King’s chair that was carved to look like a massive tree that he could sit in the center of.
The King sat down at his chair and gestured for the others to gather around him at the same table. The Asrai sat on one side, with the Dreamweaver and Grimm, and the younger adults sat together on the opposite side. Beyond them sat the Dwarves, all the way down the table and at other table to either side.
Musicians began to play music in the background, loud sounds of drums and string instruments that made music that made the humans smile to hear it. Then food started coming out, platters of geese and boar and mutton, plates of potatoes and corn and bread and fruits and vegetables. Big vessels of ale and wine and juice were passed around.
The King talked about the climb and the weather, and the rescue from the cats. He encouraged talk about the food and the castle, discussing the history of the carving and the tapestries that hung all the way around the hall.
Cullen had never seen so much food and he could tell the other orphans felt the same way. The Dreamweaver was enchanted to be sitting at a Dwarven table eating surrounding by Dwarven warriors and maidens. Grimm never smiled but Cullen thought he looked pleased beyond his scowl and scar.
Eventually, the plates began to disappear, and the drinks stopped being passed and the desert of flavored crushed ice was finished and the King finally stopped entertaining.
“So Cullen,” he began. “You have climbed the mountain, come into my castle and eaten with my people. Tell me, why have you come?”

***

Connon entered Boulder in the mid-afternoon. He and Anton rode into the destroyed town as the sun was sloping down to the horizon. It was summer and the weather was humid, but the cool air from the mountain felt good.
Connon found fifty Kingsguard waiting for him as he rode into town. He and Anton looked around at the collapsed buildings, some of which still smoked slightly. The bodies were gone a mass buried beyond the borders of the town. The Kingsguard were camped out, with a Captain’s tent for a headquarters and soldiers all around.
Connon dismounted his horse before the tent and Anton followed him. The two guards outside the tent let Connon walk right in considering who he was, he was easily recognizable and welcome to command.
“What good Captain have they sent to this wretched place?” Connon asked as he walked in.
“Captain Reynard, High Priest,” the man inside answered. He was of average height, with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes. He wore a short cropped beard and his hair was tied back with a strip of leather. He wore the armor of the Kingsguard, leather and iron plate, with a bright red cloak signifying that he was indeed Captain.
Two other men stood with him and it was clear they were reporting. Both of them nodded and moved around the edges of the tent to walk back out when the Priests walked in.
“You know who I am,” Connon said boldly, “Do you know Anton?”
“Both of you are know to me yes,” Reynard said easily, smiling at the two men. Anton nodded and looked at the papers in front of the Captain.
“You have buried all the bodies then?” Connon asked.
“Yes, but it would be good of you to say a prayer of the grave Your Honor, I’m sure the families would be grateful.”
“Anton, why don’t you take care of that now?” Connon said, glancing back at Anton.
Anton knew he was being dismissed, but there was no reason to argue, so he smiled and stepped back outside. He found another soldier and asked him where the mass grave was, quickly heading in that direction after hearing an answer.
Connon waited a moment before speaking again. “I have to go up the mountain, starting tomorrow, but we would camp near you tonight, if that’s alright?”
“Of course Your Honor, we would be glad of the company. Some of the men are nervous so near the cave where the creatures came from.” Reynard moved a chair behind him and sat, motioning for Connon to do the same.
“No, thank you,” Connon waved it off, “I mean to have a look at the cave tonight before the sun goes down. I’ll tell my men to make camp.”
“As you wish.” Reynard agreed.
Connon stepped back outside and told the men to make camp near the Kingsguard site. He watched his horse get led away with Anton’s and he commanded two men to walk with him.
He led them out of the village, along the short trail into the woods and up the mountain. The sun was sinking fast, but there was enough light to show them the way to the cave. Connon emerged from the forest and took a long look at the cave.
His men on either side of him, maces out and ready, Connon walked into the cave, stepping carefully into the shadows. His men were clearly nervous but Connon boldly walked up to the hanging bell and he tapped it with his finger. It rang ever so slightly, and he grinned, thinking of how to set an ambush there.
Perhaps if he really rang the bell they would come for another parley? He wondered if he could capture any? He led his men out of the cave and he walked around the side of it and towards the mountain. He looked up the side of the hill that would lead him up and he smiled again.
Somewhere at the top is what I want, he thought. Soon I’ll have the first treasure and soon the world will tremble at my passing. I’ll be more powerful than the High King himself! Maybe the Church will rule the Kingdom after this. Connon gathered his thoughts and marched back down the hill towards the new camp.

Anton walked through the woods to the clearing that the soldier had told him about. He found a large section of land that had been dug up and reburied. He walked around the area, praying softly to God to watch over the souls of the lost and buried.
He moved towards the center and kneeled down to pray longer. He kneeled there, in the dirt while the sun was sinking lower and lower. He prayed repeatedly, knowing that every prayer he voiced would be heard.
The he heard sounds, sounds of people moving through the forest. He opened his eyes and started into the surrounding forest. He saw movement pretty far away, but he could make out some things.
He saw two men, looking bright white in the shadows of the trees. They moved in an out of the various levels of tree between him and the people he saw walking. Then he saw another white figure, followed by a boy, a girl, another boy, and then two more. Behind them walked a tall man and finally a horse carrying a figure.
Anton watched this procession as they walked across his field of vision and he wondered who they could be. They were obviously avoiding the town and the soldiers, but Anton didn’t feel the need to chase them of even report what he saw.
Connon was acting more and more brazen and arrogant, even after he killed the Shaman which should have made some different effect on him, but he seemed worse, not better. There was a new look in his eye now, and he was mumbling to himself constantly.
Anton didn’t know what exactly was happening, but he knew they were supposed to climb the mountain in the morning, and these people he just saw were headed up the mountain first.
Anton decided to say nothing about what he saw, and when the forest was silent again, he stood back up and walked back into the broken village. He found Connon’s tent already standing and he ducked inside to ready his own bed.
Connon was grinning and nodding his head to his own thoughts and Anton wondered how long this would last before there was a break. How long before they clashed? That night he barely slept, worried about the future and wondering why they were climbing the mountain.

***

“I am here, Sire, to claim one of the Four Creations,” Cullen said in his most proper voice. “I was sent by Lord Cernunnous.”
“I see,” Garm, the Dwarf King replied. “And do you think I will just hand it over?”
Cullen stared blankly for a moment, then quickly recovered. “No, Sire, I did not.”
“Good. For us to give over the Creation, the mighty Sword Protector, you must pass a test. You must fight for the Sword. Do you understand?”
Cullen didn’t look to his friends or to the Asrai. He kept his gaze steady on the King. He understood that the King was testing his resolve and he was determined to see it through.
“I understand,” he said. “What is the challenge?”
“You must wrestle twelve of my warriors!” the King said loudly, his voice carrying through the Hall. Dwarven warriors all around the room cheered and banged their mugs against the tables. The uproar was loud.
“I’m ready,” Cullen said immediately, prepared to start battle right away.
“Well I am not,” the King laughed. “first you must suffer more of my hospitality. You will spend the night in our guest rooms, and tomorrow, after another meal, you can wrestle.”
Cullen felt himself release a deep breath. He had tensed up thinking he would have to wrestle right away, but now he had some time to think. He would rather fight now, then have time to think about how many warriors he had to fight. Sonia put her hand on his leg under the table. He smiled to himself. She was always there for him.
“So go ahead now my boy, you will be shown to your rooms. Get some rest and tomorrow you can show us how badly you want the Weapon.”
Cullen pushed back his carved wooden chair and stood with the others. A Dwarven woman led the whole group of them out of the Hall and down a few more passages until they reached a hall with rooms off either side.
The Asrai chose the first room they came to, finding beds for all three. Grimm took the Dreamweaver into another room, followed by Arthur and Dragos who claimed a room next to them.
Tik looked at Cullen and Sonia, standing together in the hall and he slipped into another room by himself. Cullen turned to Sonia and embraced her when they were alone.
“Stay with me tonight?” he asked softly, his lips against her soft hair. She pushed back so she could look up into his eyes. She held his gaze while he looked over her face, counting moles and getting lost in the gold flecks of her eyes.
“I will,” she whispered.
Cullen led the way, still holding her hand until they claimed a room with a large bed. Cullen closed the curtain in the doorway, wishing they had a door instead. He sat down on the bed and held Sonia’s hands while she stood before him.
She bent down and kissed his forehead and he stretched up to meet her lips the second time. Their kiss was long and deep, Cullen’s hands exploring her back. Sonia pushed Cullen over and lay next to him so their faces were side by side.
“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” she asked, still talking in a low voice.
“Not with you here Sonia,” he answered. “I could face anything with you by my side.”
“Sweet words,” she chuckled. “But really, twelve Dwarfs are going to wrestle you tomorrow! You must be thinking about that.”
Cullen kissed her lightly again. “When I’m with you, especially alone with you, I’m just thinking about you and how fortunate I am to have met you.”
“Really? That’s the truth?” she asked.
“I swear it. May Lord Cernunnous strike me down!” Cullen laughed with her, then kissed her again.
The two of them held each other for some time, kissing and touching. Eventually Sonia curled up against Cullen and turned her back to him so he could put his arm around her smaller frame.
The whispered to each other one last time, and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Grimm sat in his bed looking at the old man across from him.
“You know this boy better than anyone I would think,” he finally said, breaking the silence. “What can you tell me?”
“Cullen is a passionate boy, or I guess he’s a man now. He’s fierce, as in fiercely loyal and driven. He didn’t hesitate to answer Cernunnous’ call when he asked him to help. He will push forward until the end.”
“So he will fight tomorrow? For this Sword the King mentioned?” Grimm’s normal scowl deepened.
“Yes, he will fight, and I think he’ll do well. He’s been wrestling and fighting all his life with the Rom. They taught him quite a bit. He’s fought men before, and these Dwarves are no different, if a bit shorter,” the Dreamweaver chuckled.
“They look strong though,” Grimm pointed out.
“Cullen is stronger than you know Grimm,” the old man said seriously. “Did you see how he reacted when he learned his father no longer remembered him? He stored away his anger and rage, and believe me he carried quite a bit, and all of that will come out tomorrow, mark my words!”
“Alright old man, I believe you,” Grimm waved his hand to settle him down. “But what makes him so special? Why would the Forest God choose him?”
“That’s not my new to tell. But trust me; Cullen is very special, to both Faeries and humans. Trust him Grimm, follow him, and I’m sure he will lead to worthy goals.”
Grimm shook his head, understanding that the old man wouldn’t tell him more. He would continue to follow the boy and see where he led. So far Grimm had no met the Dwarven King, which would be good information for his own King to know.
Grimm would wait to see what happened next. He lay down to sleep on the hard wooden bed, pulling furs up to his chin to be warm in the cold snowy mountain.

***

The next morning, Grimm found he was alone in his room. He heard voices coming form another room, where it sounded like people were cheering Cullen on at something.
He rose up and pulled on his boots and stepped out of the room to see a small crowd of his companions gathered around another doorway. Being taller than the others, he could see over them as he came up behind them to witness what they were looking at.
Cullen and Tik were wrestling on the floor of the large room, both of them shirtless and sweating. He thought well of the boy for practicing before battle, it was a wise choice.
He watched Cullen flip Tik and grab him skillfully over and over, pulling his arm back, or his legs over, pinning the other boy repeatedly. Cullen was fast, but Grimm couldn’t tell if he was strong or not from this display. He saw Sonia in a corner watching the two young men with a small smile on her face.
After a few more bouts, the boys finally separated and stood. Cullen thanked Tik warmly and embraced him like a brother, hugging him for a moment before letting go. Grimm could see the connection between the two boys and he thought about what it must have been like for Cullen to go after Tik in Holdfast. That was a strong bond between the two of them.
And Cullen seemed to be forming equally strong bonds with the others. Sonia and he were close enough to bed together obviously, and Arthur seemed to follow his lead. Even the Asrai deferred to him when they came to decisions.
Really only Dragos seemed to avoid Cullen, as Grimm had noticed even this morning, while Dragos was still in another room during the wrestling. He seemed to be fuming about Cullen getting attention and praise. Grimm decided to watch him closely, and then laughed silently to himself as he realized that he too, was now looking out for Cullen.
What was it about this boy that made him such a natural leader?
Cullen put his linen shirt back on and then buckled on his leather armor and sword. He led the group back up the hallway towards the Hall for breakfast that everyone could smell from rooms away.
Soon Dwarves intercepted them and led them into the Hall officially. Soon they were seated by the King again and eating a huge meal of bacon and ham, eggs and toasted bread, with jams and other spreads, fruits and juices. Grimm noticed the Dwarves drank ale for breakfast too.
“How did you sleep?” the King asked his guests. All of them remarked on how well they slept. “Even you Cullen?” the King asked.
Cullen looked at Sonia and smiled. “I’ve never slept better,” he said, still grinning. Sonia blushed when the King turned to look at her.
“I see,” he laughed. Grimm instinctively took a glance at Dragos and he saw the boy was almost red in the face with anger. He was jealous of Cullen. That may end badly, he thought.
“Someone told me you were practicing this morning Cullen, is that so?” the King asked pointedly.
“I was, with my friend Tik. Tik’s family are the Rom, and they taught me how to wrestle. I thought it wise to remember the moves again if I am to wrestle your warriors.”
“Very wise indeed. I doubt any of my bold fighters practiced this morning. You may be ahead of them already!” the King laughed aloud, looking around the room.
“Have you eaten your fill Cullen? Are you ready?” the King asked next.
“I’m ready Sire,” Cullen said quickly. Sonia squeezed his leg under the table.
“Well come them, follow me boy!” Garm commanded. He rose up off his throne and stepped around the chair and headed out of the Hall.
The short, burly man, followed by humans and elves and then dozens of Dwarves, led them down another few turns of passages into another large chamber carved out of the mountain.
The room was circular, with seats carved out that ran all the way around the room. In the center of the room was a pit, filled with sand. Torches were burning everywhere, shedding a lot of light on the circular arena.
The King motioned for Cullen to enter the ring, and for the others to take seats around his own carved chair in the center of the seating. Dwarves piled in around them, cheerfully talking amongst themselves about the coming battle.
Cullen walked into the sandy pit and unbuckled his sword, tossing it to the side. He walked to the very center and looked up at the King. He bowed when he caught the King’s attention.
“You will face twelve men today!” the King said loudly, his voice echoing around the chamber. “If you can beat them, then you may have the Sword! If you can beat them, we will follow you in battle! If you can beat them, you will have the respect of the Everwinter Dwarves!”
The cheers rang out at the end of every statement. The Dwarves were excited about the event. Grimm watched Sonia get more and more nervous for her man. Tik patted her back and tried to comfort her, but he was fixated on watching his friend.
Arthur was on the edge of his seat, also rooting for his friend. Dragos sat back against his seat, arms crossed, lip out in a pout, obviously hoping Cullen would lose every round. The Dreamweaver had taken out his small book and was scratching notes down instead of looking at Cullen.
Everyone heard the beating of drums from the edges of the room and the first challenger stepped into the sand. He was five feet tall, which was tall for a Dwarf, and his hair, both beard and braids that hung down from his bushy head, were pitch black, like shadows at night.
His eyes gleamed below his brow and he grinned at Cullen. Cullen moved to the side to let the Dwarf walk in and then he crouched to prepare for the charge. The Dwarf wore leather and fur, but his arms were bare and everyone could see the large muscle tone and his thick hands.
He roared when he charged Cullen and Cullen braced himself for the attack. He hooked one arm over the Dwarf’s and threw his hip into the charge, flipping the Dwarf over his side and letting him crash to the floor.
Cullen twisted the arm he still held, wrapped his legs around the arm and dropped to his back stretching the arm out of its socket just enough to change the Dwarf’s roar into a cry of pain. The Dwarf tapped the sand loudly with his free hand and Cullen won his first match.
Cullen let go of the arm and leaped to his feet, reaching out to help the Dwarf back to his feet. The Dwarf smacked the offered hand away and stood on his own. Tik called out praise and some of the Dwarves called out to both Cullen and the black haired Dwarf.
A second Dwarf entered the ring. This one was red haired, bright red like flame. He had a scar going through one eye and it was milky white. He was shorter than the last Dwarf but wider and looked stronger. He flexed his muscles and grinned. He saluted his King and advanced slowly.
Cullen didn’t back off, just prepared and waited, letting the Dwarf come in and they grabbed hold of each other. They braced against one another, and each of them tried to muscle the other one down, but they just moved back and forth while straining.
Then the Dwarf suddenly changed grips, moving into Cullen with his hip and flipping Cullen the same way he had tossed the first Dwarf. They was fast motion and when the two finally hit the ground, Cullen had wrapped himself around the arm again and was pulling on the wrist with all his power.
The second Dwarf tapped out and Cullen stood again, offering to help the second Dwarf to his feet. The red headed Dwarf accepted the hand, rose and gave a little head nod to Cullen’s win, seeming to accept him.
Cullen looked up to make eye contact with his friends and didn’t see the third Dwarf until it was too late. A Dwarf with honey hair and three braids in his beard came rushing into the arena and grabbed Cullen, taking him to the ground right away.
Cullen hit the sand hard, but was already moving to take advantage of the throw. The Dwarf and the human rolled around, spraying sand all around them. Cullen managed to get behind the Dwarf, hooking his legs around the Dwarf’s chest, and his arms around his neck.
Again was he had his feet hooked heel to heel and his arm hooked one over the other, he pulled back, stretching the Dwarf backwards and pulling on his neck. The Dwarf refused to give up or tap, so Cullen pulled until the Dwarf was unconscious.
He let go, stood again, glancing towards his friends, who were cheering loudly, and two other Dwarves came to collect the unconscious one. Cullen was feeling tired already. The Dwarves were tough and strong. It was taxing to hold them and make them tap, but he had won three bouts in a row, he smiled to himself.
The next Dwarf was wearing some kind of robe and looked even bigger than the first one. His hair was a muddy brown and his eyes reflected the light like a cat’s. It made Cullen flinch for a moment and he looked awkwardly at his opponent.
The Dwarf stood still across from Cullen and then bowed to him. Cullen hesitantly bowed back and when he came up the Dwarf was rushing towards him. The Dwarf slammed into him and Cullen’s feet slid back in the sand.
He found some purchase and pushed back, but the Dwarf was like a part of the mountain around them and he couldn’t push anywhere. The Dwarf changed his hold and brought Cullen in, to what he assumed would be a throw and he moved his hip to block it.
Instead the Dwarf changed again, pushing Cullen with one leg wrapped over Cullen’s and tripping him to the sandy floor. Cullen fell, lightly almost and the Dwarf wrapped himself around Cullen’s arm and twisted.
Cullen felt the agonizing pain and tried to hold out until he could try and readjust but it was too great and he tapped out, groaning in pain, but not crying out.
The Dwarf let go immediately and stood, pulling Cullen to his feet without asking. Cullen swayed for a second; rubbing his shoulder where it had been twisted and he looked at the King.
The King nodded and Cullen realized he would have to continue fighting even though he lost that round. He thought that he must have lost the Weapon, but the King was clearly going to have him keep fighting and he wondered what the point was.
The next Dwarf came on strong and managed to flip Cullen easily. He pinned him to the ground and pulled one leg up, using his shorter muscular body to bind Cullen’s longer limb up to his back and Cullen had to tap again.
Cullen had only a moment between this Dwarf and the next but his anger grew. Was this just entertainment for the Dwarves? Was it amusing to watch him lose fight after fight, knowing he had lost the prize?
Something deep inside him switched on and he decided he would lose no more fights. He felt energy surging through him as the anger built and he crouched ready for the next Dwarf.
The next one was the hairiest one Cullen had seen yet. His arms were bushy with hair and his face was almost missing in the amount of facial hair he had growing. Cullen decided to run at him and he caught the Dwarf off guard.
He slammed into the smaller man and brought him to the ground quickly, wrapping himself around his opponent and pulling him into submission in just seconds. The Dwarf tapped out and Cullen felt another surge of anger, but he felt joyful as well.
It felt good to fight, to battle, to pit himself against these challenges. He met the next Dwarf and the next, beating both of them after prolonged struggles. He lost count of the many Dwarves that came at him, but he did not lose again.
And then, almost suddenly, it was over, and no more Dwarves came into the pit. Cullen was tired and sweaty and breathing heavily and he felt good even though he knew he had lost. He had given a good account of himself and he knew it. He hadn’t beaten them all but he had done well.
The King rose off his chair and started coming down the seat towards the center of the room. He was carrying a long sword in a scabbard, that was slightly curved like Tris’tan’s sword; a katana.
“I told you that if you beat my Dwarves, I would give you this Sword, Protector,” the King said as an announcement.
Cullen hung his head, not wanting to hear the verdict.
“And you fought a dozen of my best warriors! And you beat most of them!”
Cullen looked up and the short, well dressed Dwarven King. He heard something in his voice, his gravely tossed rocks voice.
“I told you if you beat them, and I meant if you could fight them all, and remain in the ring, then you will have beaten my men! You did it boy! You fought and won!”
Cullen wasn’t sure he heard right, but then the King was thrusting the Sword at him and helping him buckle it to his belt. The King raised Cullen arms and turned around to the crowd, as they cheered him on. The room roared with excitement.
“You have earned our trust! You have earned our affection! We commit ourselves to you and your battles!”
Cullen didn’t know what to say. He kept looking down at the Sword, with its ivory carved handle in the shape of a knight. He reached down and pulled the blade loose from its sheath and the blade gleamed with bright, unblemished steel. He knew it was razor sharp. He could feel its power and he feared its wrath.
The King took his hand and led him out of the arena, letting the Dwarves wash over him in congratulations and praise, calling out their favorite moves and throws, asking about certain handholds and technique. Cullen was overwhelmed.
He reached for Sonia, and she slipped in through the crowd, tucking herself under his arm and putting her own arm around his waist. Tik ran up to him and hugged them both. Grimm gave him a solid nod, and Cullen knew that was high praise from the old fighter.
The Asrai were looking at him in a new light, he could see it in their faces. He had passed the first test! Lord Cernunnous sent him here to gain the first Creation and he had done it!
The Dwarves of course led them straight into the Hall for another feast. Cullen took his sat of honor right next to the King and they ate and laughed and talked about the fights.
At the end, the King explained that they would follow him into battle, but he needed to find the other Creations. Once he had all four, then they could follow him against the Host.
Cullen knew the next one was deep inside the Mountain and he would have to fight Goblins to get it, but with the new Sword he felt powerful and ready. He looked forward to finding the Shield. Soon the Wall would be his too and he would be better prepared for this upcoming battle.

***

Reynard was a young Captain and was eager to do his tasks right. He had a large part of his force out keep watch on the village camp, most of the men watching the cave. The calls came at midnight and he leaped out of bed, strapping on his armor and sword as quick as he could.
He wished, just for a moment that Connon and his men were still in the camp, but they had left to climb the mountain for some unknown reason. Reynard wasn’t privy to that information.
But his men were awake and ready as the misty fog rolled into the village. His men ran up and reported noises and lights coming out of the cave. He had commanded them to fall back to more defensible positions in the decimated village.
Fifty soldiers waited in the dark and the fog rolled through, obscuring their vision. Reynard heard the first screams form a few hundred yards away, just before he saw dark shapes coming out of the smoke.
Lights, mostly red were blinking rapidly, as though excited and some forms rippled with color, as though the excitement was rushing through their bodies. His men bunched around him and soon they were assaulted.
Reynard could see dark forms leaping out of the smoke, with weapons that shone in the dark. Gleaming blades whispered through his men and they died screaming.
A figure landed before him and he got his first look at the enemy. The man before him had scales all over his body and colors drifted across his chest. He wore nothing but a loin cloth and his eyes glowed bright red in the dark.
He laughed and said something in another language that the Captain couldn’t understand. He did comprehend the weapon the man was waving at him and he raised his own sword to block.
The figure before him swung lazily, sweeping his weapon in front of him like he was bored. Reynard parried and whipped his sword quickly around the Dark Fae’s weapon. He slid it past the steel sword and under the elf’s arm, slipping his own blade into the elf’s armpit and thrusting as hard as he could.
The bright red eyes conveyed confusion as the Fae died on his sword. The red eyes glowed for a moment, then went dark and Reynard knew he had killed the elf.
“They can die!” he hollered, hoping his men would take heart. He could hear the chaos all around him of weapons clashing together and men screaming.
He glanced at his foot when he felt something brush past and he saw the gleaming black segmented body of a giant centipede rushing past him. He turned to watch it run and then it reared up into the air to grasp a soldier and bring him down, barely giving him time to scream
Reynard shuddered and turned to help when another shadow loomed out of the smoke and fog. He turned back and raised his weapon to see a ten or twelve foot tall creature lurk out of the mist.
It had the face of a beetle and horns, but arms with grasping hands. Reynard swung his sword at the beast and it blocked the cuts with its carapace on its arms and then swatted the sword away and reached for the Captain.
His last thoughts were wondering what it was that killed him, as the beetle face descended on his own clicking and scratching as it tore into him. He died weaponless, screaming and alone.
The village of Boulder was overrun again and all fifty men died terrible deaths. The Dark Fae gathered their creatures back to them and the retreated to the caves to wait for another night. Next time they would go further and find another village of screaming humans.
They were weak, especially at night, when the Host was strongest. The believed they would conquer the surface world quickly, consuming men and woman as fodder. The Host had waited centuries for this; it could take its time, savoring each kill.

***

Cullen and his group were ready to leave the mountain fortress in the early morning of the day after the fights. He stood with his friends and companions looking out over the Kingdom as it stretched out below the mountains.
“The Sword and the Shield were made from the Dragon Mabinogion,” Garm the Dwarven King said to Cullen as he stood beside him. “The Wall was made from his scales and Protector made from a tooth.”
Cullen turned to look at the short but noble Dwarf.
“The Bow, Seeker was made from a white stag. These items were made by ourselves and Mabon, the Daoine Sidhe blacksmith. With our skill and his magic we made the Three Creations. It was him alone that made the Fourth and he hid it in a pocket of time and space.”
Cullen wondered at the kind of magic that would hide and item from the world like that. He wondered what powers the Creations had and how they could be used.
“Go now and find the other Three. Go with our blessing and summon us when you’re ready. And beware your enemies Cullen! They are strong.”
Cullen thanked the King and the King shoved out his arm to shake Cullen’s the way warriors do from wrist to elbow. Cullen turned to the others and saw they were ready. A handful of Dwarves were going to escort them part way.
The scrabbled down the rocky trail, walking slowly and carefully down the mountain. It took the whole day to reach the first camp, where the snow started to thin out a bit. The Dwarves showed them to a small cave where they could build a fire and eat warm food for the evening.
The Dwarves left them the following morning and the Asrai started leading the way again. They stayed close this time, wary of more big cats or possibly soldiers from down below.
The walked for another day, picking their way down the cliffs and slopes, choosing the best way carefully. By midday they had walked into the forests that coated the lower regions of the mountains and the going was easier.
As dusk fell they were looking for another place to camp. The whole group was close together and never saw the attack coming. As they were bunched together, they had trouble reacting to the threat when it came.
Suddenly the forest burst with action. Godsmen leaped out of the trees and started clashing with the Asrai and the boys. Tik and Sonia both pulled their bows off their backs and crouched down to look for a clean shot. Cullen pulled his Sword free and prepared to fight.
He didn’t see the horse until it was too late. Connon cracked him in the head with his mace and he dropped the Sword. Anton rode past keeping the others from reaching Cullen of the weapon. Connon leaped down, grabbed the Sword and jumped back on his horse in a smooth leap.
The group with Cullen was edged onto the hill, while the Godsmen were backing away hoping to escape. Connon feeling the power of the Sword slashed the air in front of him as a warning.
No one saw the effect the same way, but an arc of red and gold fire leaped from the Sword and knocked everyone away onto their backs. Cullen’s entire group slammed into the ground, most of them dazed by the magical attack.
Connon shouted for a retreat and the Godsmen ran down the mountain as quick as they could. Tik, dazed but worried about Cullen, crawled over to him and looked at the bloody mark on his head. He cradled Cullen’s upper body as he watched the Godsmen run off.
After a few minutes, the Asrai recovered and gathered around Cullen, using water to wake him up. He was dizzy and in pain, but he recovered quickly. Then he realized what happened and he cried out in anguish.
“I lost the Sword!” he shouted.
Tris’tan grabbed his face, and made him look him in the eye. “Don’t give up yet Cullen! We will find that man and get the Sword back. But we will need the other Creations to do it! You must keep going, despite the loss.”
Cullen’s eyes teared up and the anger swept through him. He wrenched his head out of the elf’s hands and glared at nothing.
“If he chase him, we’ll catch him!” he growled.
“He has the Sword and you didn’t see what it did Cullen! It knocked all of us down! We need the Wall and Seeker, only then cane we take him down.” Tris’tan snarled right back, daring Cullen to fight him.
Cullen scowled and relented. He slowly stood, pulling Tik up beside him. “Fine! Then we go after the Shield next. We’ll go down inside the mountains and find it!”
“That is what we must do,” the Asrai warrior agreed.
The others looked battered and nervous. But as Cullen looked at them he saw they would follow him still. He was so angry at himself that he couldn’t understand their loyalty but he was grateful for it.
“Thank you,” he said to all of them.
They decided to make camp right away and rest. Cullen took his short sword back from Tik, who had been carrying both his and Cullen’s while they hiked down the mountain. Tris’tan approached him and pulled him aside.
“You should let me carry the short sword and you carry my katana Cullen,” he said once they were away from the others. “You’ll have to get used to carrying a different style of blade for when you win Protector back from that man.”
Cullen agreed and they swapped swords. They walked back to the group and everyone ate a silent meal. They figured out who would take the watch hours and soon people were sleeping of standing guard.
Cullen had trouble falling asleep. He felt like such a failure. To have had the power to stop them all, but loose it to that man! He was so frustrated and angry he could barely think. Sonia cuddled up next to him and he calmed, hoping to let her sleep easily. Soon after, exhausted, he also fell asleep.

***

Connon realized quickly that no one was pursuing them but he kept them at a quick march nonetheless. Anton was racing after him trying to talk but Connon just kept riding and shouting at the men to move ahead.
He led them down towards the village of Boulder, but kept them on the trail that led into the surrounding forest instead of back into the village. He kept his men moving through nightfall and beyond. He finally let Anton ride up close to him.
“Connon! Tell me what we’ve done! Who were those people and what is that sword?” Anton almost shouted in frustration.
“This sword is a gift from Heaven!” Connon answered conceitedly. “I was told where to find it, and told to retrieve it.”
“Told? By who?” Anton asked, totally confused.
“By an angel! An angel came to me in the forest and told me to find this weapon, and so I have!” Connon pulled the sword free from his belt. “I wish I had gotten the sheath too,” he said to himself.
“You saw an angel? When?”
“When we were looking for elves in the forest. He came to me and told me we had to fight the demons, but we could use their tools to fight them, this sword has power – you saw it as well as I!”
“I saw you attack a boy, a young boy, and steal his sword! Is this how Godsmen operate?” Anton was incensed and he kept his voice loud, despite the proximity of the combined soldiers.
“That boy is trafficking with demons! Who knows what evils he was up to with the weapon until we came a rescued it. Now we can fight the demons, but first we have to find them. And find the angel again. We’re going back to the forest.”
Anton realized he wouldn’t get any further with Connon at that time. But we wondered after the man’s sanity. Clearly the weapon had powers, he had seen it knock everyone down without touching them, but to have seen an angel?
Somehow, even with the realization that Faeries were real, he felt seeing an angel was far fetched. He worried for the soldiers with them and wondered where Connon would lead them next. And now that he had the powerful sword, how could Anton stop him if he wanted to?

***

Cullen woke at dawn, and he was already filled with anger. He woke everyone up quickly, demanding that they hurry through eating something and then getting on with storming the cave.
“We’re with you boy, but we need a plan!” Grimm said as he rose.
“What plan do we need?” Cullen growled back. “We need to go into the cave and find the Shield, that’s it. We will have to fight for it, but we must do it!”
“You realize that whatever lives down there, destroyed a village right? You understand that kind of power?” Grimm stood to his full height and looked down at Cullen.
“I’ll go alone if I have to,” Cullen said in a low voice.
Grimm sighed and almost laughed. “I don’t know why boy, but I’m going with you. I’ll guard your back.” Grimm walked away shaking his head, wondering why he would follow this boy.
Cullen ate quickly, realizing that the Goblins and Duergar would probably sleep during the day and it would be a good time to go down into their lands.
Soon everyone was packed up and ready to go. The Asrai went first, since they could see in the dark and they ran ahead so that the humans would be able to carry a light.
The Dreamweaver selected a staff to walk with and murmured words of power and tapped the end of the stick and it glowed with a soft light. Cullen smiled, wondering why the old man never taught him a trick like that.
Cullen followed the Asrai, and Tik went behind him. Arthur and Dragos went behind them, with the Dreamweaver in the middle holding his staff up high. Behind him was Sonia, near the back and Grimm came last.
They entered the cave and Cullen glanced at the bell but ignored it completely. The Asrai were somewhere ahead of him and he boldly walked into the dark tunnel, out of the morning light.
About two hundred feet in the weird underground growth began, and Cullen could see a little better because of the glowing lichen and mushrooms that grew on the walls of the tunnel.
They crept along, mostly silent, hoping to sneak as deep as they could go without getting caught. They soon lost track of time and just kept moving forward. Tris’tan would come back out of the dark, his eyes glowing red, to tell Cullen new of how far they’d gotten.
He warned them when cross passages started to appear, and he made sure they knew to keep going straight instead down one of the side tunnels.
Some section were small and tight fitting and they had to squeeze through. Other sections were much more open, as the trail went through big chambers and caves filled with pointy stalagmites and stalactites. They would pick they’re way through the mini forests of stone that had accumulated over hundreds of years.
Some of the tunnels were worked stone, were they could see carved marks and wooden structures holding up sections of ceiling. They walked for hours, finally taking a break in one of the large chambers.
They passed out food and ate silently near a patch of glowing mushrooms. Cullen watched Sonia and he could see that she was frightened. Even solid Grimm was glancing in the dark shadows constantly.
The boys were edgy too; Cullen could tell he was asking a lot having them down in the depths like this. But where he led they followed, and even he wasn’t sure why. But he knew he had to get the Shield.
If the Sword could knock everyone back, then the Shield must be powerful too. It could probably block the Sword. Then if they could get the Bow they could fight back. He wondered if Sonia could carry the Bow since she was the best shot out of all of them.
Finally, the finished eating and drinking water and they stood to hike some more. It must be afternoon or evening Cullen thought, how deep did the tunnel go before you found Goblins? Nothing to do but keep walking.
They walked for several hours and Cullen had lost all track of time. They had just passed another vast cavern, filled with pillars of stone when Tris’tan and his brothers suddenly appeared in the tunnel.
“Go back! All of you, go back to that last chamber!” Tris’tan whispered. A shudder of fear went through the group but they quickly rushed back into the large cavern.
“Move off to the side! As far as we can go, off to the side, hurry!” The Asrai were clearly agitated and worried.
“What is it?” Cullen asked as they rushed off into the dark, away from the mushrooms and lichen, into a black patch of cavern.
“Many creatures are coming, too many to fight! We have to hide!”
They found an area, behind many pillars of stone and away from any glowing fauna. They all crouched down into the black space, even the Asrai turning away from the trail they had been on, so that their eyes would glow and be seen.
Cullen was the only one who kept his eyes on the trail to witness what was coming. He heard them before he saw them, clicking sounds, like big insects. Then he saw figures he didn’t quite understand.
There were giant figures with shells like beetles and they made the clicking sounds. They also had little lights on them that blinked in succession, different colors and motions.
Then Cullen saw what must be Goblins, hunched figures as tall as man, followed by smaller figure, the height of Dwarves and he knew them to be Duergar. Behind them were elves, but Dark Fae, covered in black scales that rippled with color. They laughed and talked in another language as they walked towards the surface.
Behind the Fae came a woman, also black and scaled, wearing a loin cloth like her warriors, but carrying a black globe. She held it reverently before her as though it were sacred, like a child.
And past her came more Goblins and Duergar, carrying a large Shield that gleamed in the dark, like silver steel. They carried the Shield behind the fighters, keeping in at the rear, but available.
The procession marched past and Cullen whipped around to his friends. “They are marching to war again! But they have the Shield! We can take it from them!”
“They are too many Cullen, we can’t win!” the Asrai said in a hush.
“We have to try! We have to follow them to the surface. Now!” Cullen stood and the Asrai stood with him.
“Well, there’s no point in going further in if they carried the Shield out. So we must follow them.” Tris’tan looked at his brothers and they ran ahead to make sure they didn’t follow too closely.
Everyone lined up behind them and started back the other way, walking through miles of dark passageways, hoping to catch them off guard and win the Shield.
They walked for more hours, and they were tired but knew they had this one chance and they must take it. Cullen pulled loose his sword, feeling it in his grasp made him anticipate the battle coming. The others readied their weapons as well, feeling the tension with him.
After what seemed like an eternity, the Asrai appeared in the passage, whispering that they were near the surface and the cave was blocked by Goblins and Duergar. The group of humans and elves gathered together to strike.
Tik and Sonia ducked into the cave first and fired arrows as quickly as they could at the group standing in the moonlight of the surface night. Immediately cries rang out in foreign tongues and the Goblins turned to face their attackers.
The cave was wide enough to hold many fighters, and the rushed back to kill the humans. They were met by Cullen, filled with anger and slashing with the curved sword given to him. Grimm made it to the front as well, swinging his axe expertly, cutting down Goblins left and right.
Duergar made it past the two humans, but found themselves fighting the Asrai and Arthur and Dragos. Tik pulled his sword and stood before Sonia, just in case any made it through past the boys.
It seemed longer but it only took a few minutes and soon they had killed all of their opponents. Cullen rushed forward, grabbing the silver shield and looking it over. It was crenulated like a castle wall, but round and firm. It had two leather straps bolted to the inside and it fit Cullen’s arm well.
He turned to show it off but the Asrai were still eager to leave. “We don’t know when the Host will return! We must get away before they come back, they will not die so easily!”
Cullen nodded thinking it wise to escape with the Shield now that they had it. The Asrai ran out into the night and led the way into the edges of the forest, running as far as they could go while they still had energy.
They ran deep into the woods, until they couldn’t run anymore. All of them collapsed, and Cullen, still feeling energized, made them all go to sleep while he took first watch. He held the Shield in wonder and excitement, running his hand over its face repeatedly.
It gleamed in the moonlight. It reminded him of the waterfall where he was found. Perhaps he was born for this very purpose. He smiled at his idea and thought himself foolish. He was just a boy who was trying to do the right thing. Just a boy.

***

Connon pulled Anton aside in the morning of the following day. He found him readying his horse for riding. Most of the other soldiers were off clearing up camp and eating something before the march.
“I want you to do something for me Anton. Something important.” Connon corned Anton against his horse.
“What is it Connon?” Anton asked hesitantly, wondering what the High Priest could possibly want.
“I want you to follow that group we fought yesterday,” Connon said conspiratorially, as though he was sharing a secret with Anton.
“Why Connon?” Anton asked, not liking this at all.
“Did you see who was with those children?” Connon asked, his temper flaring already.
“Why don’t you tell me,” Anton answered, not wanting to back down.
“Besides demons, the King’s man Grimm was there! Do you know what that means?” Connon voice reached another level. Passing soldiers turned away quickly rather than see an argument between Priests.
“Grimm was with them? It all happened so fast, I didn’t see,” Anton replied, suddenly caught off guard.
“He was! That means the King is supporting the demons or at least looking into it. And we need to know why the demons are with that boy. Why did he have the Sword? These are all things we need to know. You can find out for us.”
Anton thought that the argument was fairly sound, but he also believed that Connon was trying to rid himself of Anton as well. But what could he really say to argue against it?
“Fine,” he finally said, gritting his teeth. “I’ll leave now and try to catch up with them. I’ll find out if the Kingsguard has seen them as well.”
“Good man!” Connon said, clapping the other Priest on the arm in good cheer. Anton shrugged the gesture away and climbed up onto his horse in a smooth motion.
“Where will I find you after?” Anton asked before he rode off.
“We will be in the Forest, along the river, looking for demons. You’ll find us, I have faith, faith in God watching over us.”
Anton almost scoffed, but he held back and rode away, galloping quickly to get clear of Connon and his craziness. Anton was almost sure that he had changed in some extreme way, but he couldn’t prove it yet. And now he had to chase after the boy and his group.
Anton wondered what he would find when he caught up to them. If Grimm was really with them, that did change things. How much did the High King know about what his man was doing? And who was this boy that had the Captain of Captains following him?

***

Cullen woke, having less sleep than everyone else but he felt refreshed. He practiced his forms with his sword and even got Tik to spar with him for a bit. Everyone woke up feeling better, having succeeded in getting one of the Creations and especially since the Host didn’t hunt them down.
Cullen decided they should go close to Boulder to find out if any soldiers were still alive. It took close to an hour for them to get close and they went in slowly looking for signs of life or movement.
It was clear quickly that no one was alive. And within a few feet of entering the village they found bodies. The bodies had been mutilated, literally torn apart and spread around the broken buildings.
Sonia walked to the edge of town almost immediately and Tik went to keep an eye on her. Grimm seemed unfazed, having been familiar with war before. He walked towards Cullen and watched him react.
“Take a good look boy,” he said in his gruff voice. “This is war. This is what it really looks like. Only we prefer to see it done to our enemies, not our friends.”
“We don’t rip our enemies apart like this,” Cullen spat back. “This is beyond war, this is something else. This is – extermination. They want us scared and gone.”
Grimm didn’t bother to respond but he looked at Cullen in a new light, having more respect for the boy that good see through the horror and still think clearly.
Arthur and Dragos soon went to stand with Sonia and Tik. The Dreamweaver went through the entire village looking for survivors. He found none. He also counted the bodies.
“How many old man?” Grimm asked when he returned.
“I think fifty, if I’m getting the pieces right as well.” The Dreamweaver had a face of distaste and he was frowning.
“That’s all of them then. Reynard and all of his men, killed.”
“We need to check to next town too, Hillside,” Cullen offered. The others gathered around and they started marching towards the second village. The Asrai ran ahead as always.
It only took a couple hours to travel down the dirt road to see the other town. They saw the smoke rising before they got there, and the Asrai returned saying it looked bad.
They walked into town and found the same scene. Buildings knocked over, right off their foundations, and everything flammable still cooking. The tavern was in shambles, both stone and burned wooden parts everywhere.
The beginnings of the church were blackened stumps that were still smoking. Only the blacksmiths shop was torn up but not knocked down. Cullen went digging through looking for Costin’s body but he didn’t find him.
They found the Innkeeper and his wife though. She was torn in two inside the wreckage of the tavern, and he was lying in front of her, obviously trying to protect her. His arms still looked like they were reaching for her.
Sonia was weeping and Tik was holding her as Cullen looked for survivors with the Dreamweaver and Grimm. Arthur and Dragos stood to one side near Tik and acted like guards. The Asrai worked through the wreckage and checked some of the farms that were nearby.
Cullen, Grimm and the Dreamweaver returned to the center of town where the others were, when the Asrai returned saying they saw a lone rider coming up the road.
Everyone formed a line, and Tik and Sonia let down their bows and hooked an arrow ready. The scene of destruction made them wary, even though it was a single human riding towards them.
Soon Cullen could see enough to tell the man wore all black and carried a jeweled sword. He growled and stepped forward two steps and then he stopped. He turned quickly and faced Grimm.
“You know who that is as well as I do Grimm,” Cullen stated flatly. “Will you stand aside?”
Grimm looked at the approaching figure on his black horse. He looked back down at Cullen, who was seething with anger already. He shook his head.
“This is between you and him boy. I won’t get in your way, but I won’t help you either.”
“Good enough,” Cullen snapped. “Leave him to me, all of you!”
Sonia looked at Cullen quickly, but she saw the rage building in him and she knew she couldn’t stop it. Tik felt angry at the man too, having always liked the Outsider when he was a boy. Arthur drew his sword in solidarity with Cullen but Dragos held his arm out and pulled his friend back.
“This is between them,” he said, standing in front of Arthur.
The Asrai stood off to the side, keeping the Dreamweaver guarded and their weapons out, just in case. Cullen took a few more steps forward to meet the man on the horse.
“So I finally found you boy, all together with your friends,” Vlad said in his oily, smooth tones.
“I’m glad to see you Vlad,” Cullen responded. “I’ve been waiting to meet you again.”
“I am here because the High King sent me boy! You and your other escapee friends are coming with me back to Holdfast!” Vlad dismounted and let his horse wander a little ways off.
“You attacked the man who raised me and almost killed him!” Cullen shouted, seething with anger. He unsheathed his katana and hefted his Shield up to the proper height.
Cullen felt that same surge of anger and rage that came when he was fighting the Dwarves. He felt stronger and faster than normal. He made a couple passes with his sword in the air.
“You mean I didn’t kill him?” Vlad asked, laughing. “I meant to.”
Vlad unsheathed his saber, with its jeweled hilt and made his own passes through the sword fighting stances he knew so well.
“I hope they’ve trained you well boy. I won’t go easy on you!”
Cullen stepped forward and started going through his routines with the sword, as if it was any other practice. Vlad watched him for a minute and then advanced. He tried a few simple thrusts to test Cullen’s guard.
Cullen, using his sword to knock away the attacks, could feel the Shield responding to the danger. It seemed to throb with energy every time Vlad thrust at him. He let the Shield take the third attack and it vibrated when Vlad’s sword hit it.
Vlad was just testing the waters and started to use more dangerous techniques. His sword swung high and low, changing direction incredibly fast, but Cullen’s Shield was always there to block.
Cullen started fighting back. He would thrust using an attack called Kingfisher’s Flight, then he would slash diagonally using Tiger’s Leap. He used every sword fighting trick he knew, looping his sword around Vlad’s trying to snap it out of his grip, or cutting at the legs then suddenly changing into a thrust at the belly.
He used Crashing Oak, Crane Dive and Bear’s Claw. He used every attack Tris’tan had taught him, but nothing was getting through. Vlad couldn’t touch Cullen either, with the Shield’s power; it leaped in the way every time Vlad got close.
The two men were sweating and breathing heavily while everyone just stood there watching. It was clear that Cullen had become a very good swordsman but Vlad was known to be one of the best. Eventually one of them was going to get through.
Finally, feeling a slightly different effect when Vlad’s sword hit the Shield, Cullen focused on that feeling. The next swing came in wide and slammed against the Shield as if Vlad was trying to weaken that arm by battering it.
Cullen felt the Shield vibrate and he concentrated on that feeling, willing the energy to do what it was made for. Vlad’s sword got stuck to the Shield, just for a second, but it was long enough. Cullen thrust his sword at Vlad’s stomach and shoved the weapon into his gut.
Vlad reeled back, gasping in surprise. Cullen leaped forward, willing the Shield to continue pushing Vlad’s sword away and he slashed at Vlad’s throat. Because the Shield was pushing at his sword, Vlad couldn’t block the cut. Cullen’s sword went across Vlad’s throat and opened a wide cut.
Blood sprayed out of his neck and mouth and Vlad fell all the way back to land heavily on his back. Dust kicked up around him as he hit the dirt road and Cullen advanced again, just in case.
When he stood over the body, he knew he had won. Vlad’s eyes were wide with confusion and fear, and Cullen felt nothing but glad. Glad he had killed the man who hurt his father; glad he put an evil man in the ground. He stepped away from the body and turned to look at the others.
The Asrai looked proud and Grimm looked, well he looked grim, the way he always looked. But he wasn’t coming forward to argue with Cullen. Sonia looked upset, but she didn’t like fighting. He hoped she understood why he had to do it. Tik looked concerned but alright.
Arthur and Dragos looked happy. “You did it!” Arthur said loudly. “That was some fight! But you did it!” Dragos stopped grinning when he saw how happy Arthur was. He walked up to Vlad’s body and took the sword away from him. Then he bent down and took the sheath too.
“We should bury him,” Dragos said. “He deserves that at least.”
Cullen looked at Dragos and saw that he meant it. He nodded in agreement. He helped Dragos move the body off the road and they used their short swords to dig up a hole in the loose dirt in the sparse forest nearby.
After the dropped the body in and covered it, Dragos turned to Grimm and spoke.
“Someone should tell the King,” he said, looking right at Grimm.
“The King did think highly of him,” Grimm responded.
“I’ll go. I’ll take his sword as proof and I’ll tell the King.”
“Are you sure Dragos?” Cullen asked. “Vlad was looking for all of us.”
“I’m sure. I’ll tell him everything. Maybe he’ll understand then.”
Cullen looked at the others. They all looked shocked except Tris’tan, he looked fairly suspicious. Grimm nodded though, “Tell him I sent you, that should keep you well enough. Tell him I’m with Cullen, following his wishes. You tell him that and you should be ok.”
Dragos nodded and gave a half smile. He shook arms with Arthur, and only him, and walked towards Vlad’s horse. He mounted up, saluted the rest and rode off down the road. Cullen wasn’t sorry to see him go, truth be told.
“So we have to go to the island off the west coast next, is that right?” Cullen asked the Asrai.
“Yes, to see the Queen of the Selkies and Merrows,” Tris’tan answered.
“Then lead the way.” Cullen walked over to Sonia and held out his hand. She took it and looked up at him. She gave a small smile and turned away, ready to go. The Asrai ran on ahead and they started walking, headed across the countryside towards the coast.

***

Anton was slowed by riding through Boulder. He stopped at every body, or pile of parts and said a prayer for the souls of the departed. His heart was filled with sorrow and the idea that war had come to Holdfast wrenched his thoughts away from worry about Connon’s sanity.
He couldn’t believe the young Captain Reynard was dead too, but he found the red cloak and confirmed his death. Anton wanted to stay and bury them all, but he needed to catch up to the boy and Grimm’s party.
He guessed that they would have gone on to the next town and he was distressed to find everyone there dead as well. He saw the fight between Cullen and Vlad from a good distance away, and he stayed hidden until they rode away.
He stayed for another hour, praying over all the victims in Hillside as well, and even over the single grave where Grimm’s party had buried the swordsman. From the distance he wasn’t able to see who was fighting exactly, but he had seen a single man ride off on the acquired horse.
He couldn’t get close enough to tell much about the group, but he was supposed to follow them, so he stayed on their trail, keeping out of sight and riding slowly so he wouldn’t catch up.
He needed to learn more about the people he was following. Why was Grimm with them? He was easy to recognize, since he was so tall and bald and carried that huge axe. But who were the others? Especially the white ones that ran off ahead? Were those the Faeries that Connon was calling demons?
And Grimm didn’t appear to lead. The boy that fought with the dead man appeared to be leading. So who was he? And why would a man like Grimm follow him at all? Who was the old man?
So many questions with no answers.

***

That night, well after dark, a group of dark figures reentered Hillside. The group were all Dark Fae and they walked with purpose, the woman standing surrounded by her warriors, walked into town and then straight to the grave of Vlad.
Silently, the Dark Fae quickly dug up the body and laid it out for their leader to examine. The black scaled woman crouched down and searched the body with her hands, running them over the wounds.
With deft quickness, she sewed the throat wound closed and stuffed the puncture shut with dark fabric. Then he produced her dark globe that went everywhere with her and she held it out at the length of her arms.
She murmured in a strange guttural language that hadn’t been heard on the surface of the land in thousands of years. She whispered dark words into the globe and within, black clouds swirled and blew.
She put her lips against one side of the globe and blew into the glasslike surface. Out of the other side, the black smoke swirled out of the globe and drifted purposely into Vlad’s open mouth and nostrils.
The smoke spun and twisted and filled the corpse. His pale skin became blotchy with black marks that looked like bruises all over his body. His eyes, already dead, filled with black until the looked like shark’s eyes, glistening with evil intent.
Vlad’s body pulled itself to its feet and stood before Sister Shiv. She laughed, a tiny musical sound and her warriors tensed up all around her. This was darker magic than they had ever seen.
“Your enemy if life is your enemy in death. Chase him. Find him. Kill him for me,” she spoke softly but insistently, urging the dead man away to fight again.
Vlad turned and sniffed the air, like an animal. Sister Shiv turned to one of her warriors and reached her hand out. He gave her a sheathed weapon, a sword with a black handle.
She presented it to Vlad and he accepted it willingly. He buckled the sheath to his belt and drew the sword. The blade was pitch black, with red runes drawn up the middle.
“This blade is better than your first blade. We have Creations as well. With this you can defeat his Shield. Go now. Find him and kill him.”
Vlad mouth twitched into a deadly smile. He smelled the air again, and satisfied, he walked away into the night. The little Dark Fae Sister chuckled to herself, then waved her hand. Her warriors surrounded her again and they walked in the opposite direction away from the broken village of Hillside.