Chronicles Of Zefaria: The Plight Of The Free Peoples (10) Jebzian then went on to making Edith a sandwich. "Oh no," she said. "You really don't have to do that." "But you haven't eaten all day. Surely you must be hungry." "I am hungry a great deal--" "Then eat," said Jebzian. "When you're hungry you eat." Jebzian finished making the sandwich and handed it over to Edith. "Thank you," she said. "You're most welcome." Tonomoli, Nefandus, and Farimar all talked to one another while they ate. They were at first only talking about the Battle for Fort Evner, but their conversation had opened up to new avenues when Tonomoli asked this question: "What do you think our strategy should be when we take on Wragafnifur?" asked Tonomoli of Nefandus. "If Fignufen joins up with our current forces then we should be able to just bully our way through Wragafnifur." "How can we do that when we don't even know what defense mechanisms Wan Taan Boo has?" asked Farimar of Nefandus. "What kind of defense mechanisms do you imagine Wragafnifur has?" asked Nefandus. "I can't rightly say that I know what kind of defense mechanisms they have, but I have heard of wolfpacks and giant trolls being seen in Wragafnifur." "That sounds frightening," said Tonomoli. "How are we going to defend against that?" "I'm interested in something," said Nefandus. "Desendale, as far as I know, doesn't spy on the enemy. What about Finlaiven? Does Finlaiven spy on Osmadaania?" "We have spied in the past," said Farimar, "and as far as I know we continue to spy out the lands held by Osmadaania. Though, as the wizards will tell you, spying against Osmadaania is dangerous business. But yes, we do spy on Osmadaania, as that is how I know of the wolfpacks and giant trolls." "'Giant trolls?'" said Nefandus. "I would think they'd be in the same category as the mythical dragons." "I don't know," said Farimar. "I wouldn't be so quick to label them as mere myths." "Well if they're real how come we don't see them all over Zefaria?" said Tonomoli. "I've never seen a troll or a dragon before." "The answer to that question is I don't know," said Farimar. "But I wouldn't be surprised to see what kind of creatures Lord Osmadaan has been breeding in his castle. He came up with the Orcs didn't he? Why is it so hard to believe that he couldn't come up with some other race of creature?" 'I will believe it when I see it," said Nefandus. "For all I know these 'creatures' are just tales used to incite fear in the hearts and minds of Zefarian peoples everywhere." "Then we shall find out together," said Farimar. Prailee, Seth, and Le'on were talking together. They were at first only talking about the incident in the Yorkian Kingdom. Then Prailee brought up the notion of what Lord Osmadaan's plan must have been. "So," he said, "he sent Saunssussen and Dakaroth with their armies to attack Fort Evner, and then he sent Ranmah of Aundar to attack the Yorkian Kingdom. What do you think he has planned for the south?" "My guess is that he's going to send the combined forces of the Valderghof and Wragafnifur to attack Fignufen." "That would make a lot of sense," said Le'on. "Those two countries haven't been assigned to any of the northern countries." "What about Archmide?" said Prailee. "That Orc we talked to was given a command to scope out Archmide. Surely there must be plans to conquer Archmide." "Lord Osmadaan may have delayed his plans to conquer Archmide to go for bigger fish," said Seth. "It wouldn't surprise me in the least." "Archmide is relatively close to the Valderghof," said Le'on. "So I can see why Lord Osmadaan would have it targeted in his scope." The company finished eating and Seth called for them to head out once more. Everyone immediately packed up their things and moved from the thicket of trees and bushes and headed back toward the road. In both directions no one could be seen using the road. Seth then lead everyone. It was twelve fifteen. By six o'clock they'd make it to Archmide. And so they shuffled on. The road wasn't winding like it was when they were going through the Pass of Galtigor. It just mostly went straight and ever on. But it was proving a very difficult and arduous task for the company. Like before, when they were making their way through the Pass of Galtigor, their backs began to ache. This was a sensation experienced by a great deal many of the company, as the carrying of the backpacks began to wear down on their backs. When it became two o'clock Tonomoli began to become agitated with how long it was taking them to get to Archmide. He then approached Seth and posed to him this question: "How long is it going to take for us to make it to Archmide? I'm getting awfully tired of traveling, and I could do with some rest." "We have about four hours remaining until we make it to Archmide," said Seth. "And what do you mean you're getting tired? Perk up. You're the one who wanted to go to Archmide, remember?" "Yes," said Tonomoli. "I remember. And I'm still greatly anxious that I'm going back to my hometown. But as you say, I will try to perk up." "Good," said Seth. "Then do it and do it quickly." The sun shone bright in the sky. Again, like the day before, there was not a cloud to be seen. It was quite cool for a late September day, cool enough--in fact--that the great company was agitated by it. The wind blew fierce enough so that one would become annoyed by it. Everyone tried to huddle up and avoid the wind as best they could but it was really a losing battle. Prailee decided to speak out against their circumstances. "With the way this wind's blowing you'd think that a storm was on the way," said Prailee. "There aren't any clouds in the sky," said Jebzian, "so it's not that. I'd just say that it's a windy day." "It is that indeed," said Seth. "Quite windy." As he said this wind pushed up against him causing a partial loss of balance. So the company continued on. It had now reached five thirty. It was estimated that they would make it to Archmide at six o'clock. "We should be coming up toward Archmide soon," said Seth. "Thirty more minutes and we'll be there." Everyone was greatly enthused to know that they were so close to making it to Archmide. Some of the soldiers that were close enough gave sighs of relief. They then passed the news down so that every soldier in the alliance could hear it. The news gave the soldiers a boost of energy. In terms of how the core alliance felt, they were also greatly enthused to hear the news. Prailee talked about what he was going to do when he went home. "When I go home the first thing I'm going to do is take a bath," he said. "I just feel so dirty after being out in the wild so long." "Being outside as long as we have will do that to you," said Farimar. "We've been sleeping on blankets, yes, but I sympathize with you because I also feel a little dirty." "You're not the only two," said Le'on. "Just be thankful that we're not out in the height of the summer months," said Jebzian, "because then we'd have mosquitoes to deal with." � "Eww, mosquitoes," said Edith. "I greatly dislike mosquitoes." "Who doesn't?" said Nefandus. "The whole idea of them sucking my blood just irkes me," said Edith. Now the company could see the encased area of Archmide city in the distance. Archmide, as it has been told, is not a country but a city. And while Archmide does encompass a great deal of land it is mostly uninhabited land. The only land that is inhabited is Archmide the city, where Master Archameadees dwells and where Coasha monks are trained. A transport leaving Archmide headed toward the company and they had to move off the road to let it pass. Similarly, another transport, this time heading toward the city, was coming down the road and they had to get off the road to let it pass as well. The encased area of Archmide now was only yards away. People could be seen traversing to and fro throughout the city. The company was greeted with many a curious glance. But they had made it. They were in Archmide. Rest in Archmide The soldiers set up camp just outside the walls of Archmide city. There was a great many soldiers from Chisolom presently in Archmide, as they were the ones sent to protect Archmide from any attack from Osmadaania. Tonomoli went quickly to a soldier and asked him if they'd been attacked yet. "As far as I know Lord Osmadaan hasn't even looked in the direction of Archmide," he said. "Really?" said Tonomoli. "That's queer indeed. Well, anyway, be on the lookout." The soldier nodded and said that he would stay vigilant. The core alliance made its way through the encased city of Archmide. This was, for many of them, the first time they'd set foot in Archmide. Only Tonomoli and Prailee had been to Archmide previously, the two of them living in the city. Seth was thinking about where they'd eat dinner, but he didn't know of any establishments in this--to him--foreign land. So he asked Tonomoli where they might find a bite to eat. "Where might we find food and sustenance?" said Seth. "I'll lead the way," said Tonomoli. Tonomoli then lead the company to a small, out-of-the-way establishment called Thorns. It was--according to Tonomoli--the definitive food establishment in Archmide. The company entered Thorns and the patrons were a great deal curious to see such a large company enter. Tonomoli lead his eight companions to a corner of the establishment that was, for the most part, empty. A waitress came to take their orders. "Are you all together?" "Yes," said Tonomoli. "Yes we are." "May I take your orders?" "Yes you may," said Tonomoli. For the sake of making it easier for the chefs and waitress, Tonomoli suggested that they all try the feelo fish special: a dinner that came with two pieces of feelo fish and french fries. They all agreed to Tonomoli's request and the waitress left with their order. Seth privately conveyed to Tonomoli that Archmide was a good deal bigger than what he anticipated. He then asked Tonomoli how many people lived in Archmide. "Close to eight hundred people, I think," said Tonomoli. "Eight hundred is about right," said Prailee. "The last time we took a census it was around seven hundred and fifty, and we've grown a lot since then." "Has there been any expansion?" said Le'on. "What I mean to say is, since everything is caged in how do they expand the city?" "There's been some expansion," said Tonomoli. "When we expand, we simply tear down the wall and build a new one." "Well, I can see why Lord Osmadaan would want to conquer Archmide," said Seth. "Not only is it so close to the Valderghof, but it also houses quite a many people." The waitress came back with their orders after a time. Everyone was quite eager to dig in and eat. They ate mostly without conversation. After they finished eating everyone each paid for their meals seperately and Master Fenfarah brought up the idea of finding out the latest news from some of the patrons. Everyone was quite receptive to the activity. "Perhaps we can gauge the responses and opinions of these fair people," said Master Fenfarah. "Or in the very least we can engage ourselves in stimulating conversation." The first few individuals didn't really open up too much. If they had opinions they didn't want the company to know about them. But there was one individual who was receptive to discussing the current happenings of the world. His name was Darin Neseto. He had lived in Archmide all his life. Tonomoli and Prailee had seen him in Thorns on occassion but never spoken with him. Everyone in the company introduced themselves to him. Master Fenfarah then asked him if he knew of any news that he wanted to share. He replied that he did, and started to share some of what he had learned. "I know for a fact that Fort Evner in Galtigor has been taken over by Osmadaania," said Darin. "And that's unfortunate. The alliance proved its worth in Galtigor. Now that Fort Evner has fallen I guess it's only a matter of time before Galtigor falls." "That's not entirely true," said a mysterious patron who was listening to the discussion. "My names Charlie, Charlie Burbank," he said. "You say that Fort Evner's fall signals the beginning of dark days for the Galtigorian people, but I have news that might dispel some of that. From what I hear, Galtigor called on the Bravada Empire to send troops that would help stay the hand of Lord Osmadaan and Bravada sent them. So no, Galtigor still stands and I reckon that it'll be standing for a long time to come." "Bravada sent troops to Galtigor?" said Prailee. "That's the second best news I've heard all year, next to the news that the free peoples were allying." "Hmph," said Darin. "That news isn't so special if you ask me. This notion of an allied Zefaria makes me wonder just how 'allied' we really are. Who's running this thing anyway? From what I hear it's a traveling company that represents just about all of the free peoples with their leader the prince of the Yorkian Kingdom. The whole notion of that just sounds like a band of misfits to me." "Now just hold on a minute," said Le'on. "We're not--" Here Le'on was about to reveal that the company whom Darin spoke of sat in his midst, but Jebzian put his arm around him and made him think better of it. "Some things need not be spoken of," he said to Le'on privately. "Huh?" said Darin. "Was there something you wanted to say, young lad?" "Yes," said Le'on. "There was--I was just going to say that the alliance isn't a band of misfits and that they've got the situation well under control." "Then how come they lost the Battle for Fort Evner?" said Darin. "This alliance thing was supposed to be the salvation of Zefarian peoples everywhere, but I reckon it's turned out to be just a bunch of traveling misfits who don't know their right from their left." "You shouldn't be so critical of the alliance," said Charlie. "It's not easy to control and coordinate such a massive offensive. Give credit to whom credit is due, and I say that the alliance deserves a lot of credit for what they've done so far. True, they lost the Battle for Fort Evner, but there is still quite a many other battles that have yet to be decided. Give them time, man." "Charlie is right concerning coordinating an offensive such as an allied Zefaria," said Seth. "It's a great deal more difficult than what you give it credit for." "Give me command of this alliance," said Darin, "and I'll drive a stake right through the heart of Lord Osmadaan himself. With the combined power of all of the free peoples this alliance shouldn't have any problems making a push for Osmadaania Castle. Notice I say that it shouldn't, but it will. Mark my words." "What about when countries don't want to get involved in the war?" said Edith. "Every representative at the Great Council wasn't as enthused to hear that the platform of the free peoples was an allied Zefaria. What happens when some countries aren't willing to give troops? What does the alliance do in that situation?" "But still a majority of the countries did support that platform," said Charlie. "And I reckon that the majority is willing to give troops. That should be enough to storm Osmadaania Castle, shouldn't it?" "You are forgetting quite a few important things," said Farimar Oakensly, "such as the creatures Lord Osmadaan has in his employ. The spies of Finlaiven have confirmed giant trolls and at least one dragon. How do you defend against that?" "One needs not defend against myths," said Darin Neseto. "Giant trolls and dragons don't exist." "I beg to differ with you," said Farimar. "They do exist. And I feel that before this war has ended they will be used for some evil and ultimate purpose." "Even without those things Osmadaania is still a dark land," said Nefandus. "Storming Osmadaania with any amount of Men is still quite improbable, and any proposition of doing so may well prove ill before it has even started." "Yet still something must be done," said Jebzian. "We as the free peoples cannot just sit back and let Lord Osmadaan take away all that we hold dear." "If we allow him, he will surely do just that," said Charlie. "Slowly but surely he would take over land by land by land. That's why I'm thankful that the alliance came into fruition. It gives the Zefarian people hope." "Hoping in the alliance is misplaced hope," said Darin Neseto. "It has already proven its relevance at the Battle for Fort Evner. Zefarian peoples everywhere need look for others sources of salvation." The company was a great deal disturbed to hear the comments of Darin Neseto. He seemed so brutal when relating his opinions of the alliance. The whole company's spirit sunk at his remarks. Finally Tonomoli decided to voice his opinion. "If you've given up on the alliance so quickly then I don't know what else you can put your trust in," said Tonomoli. "But even without your support and many others around Zefaria I feel that the alliance will still do good on its goal of ridding the world of Lord Osmadaan once and for all. I'm not saying that you and your opinions don't matter, because they do. You are a part of the Zefarian people and that cannot be changed. But I just wish that you would be a little more open-minded concerning the alliance and the actions of the alliance. Can't you name one thing that they've done well or another?" Darin Neseto had his head bent in reflection. He was trying to say something postive about the prospect of the alliance. Everyone was quite attentive. Finally he spoke: "One thing that they've done well--I've got one!" he said. "They've lost pretty well, against the combined forces of Thangoon and Makerva. That's something, isn't it?" Everyone was quite appalled. Charlie spoke out against him. "No, that's not one. Try again." "I give up," said Darin. "I can't think of anything. And all you peoples would be wise to follow my lead. Putting your hope and trust in an already proven impotent alliance is just plain foolishness." "Fine," said Master Fenfarah. "You be that way then. But just know when this alliance dethrones Lord Osmadaan that you didn't support them one bit." "Dethrone Lord Osmadaan?" said Darin. "The way this alliance is being led they'd fall flat on their faces before they get to the steps of Osmadaania Castle." Just about everyone had a response to give, but Seth called for an end to the dialogue. "We really must be going," he said. "We have a pretty big day set in front of us." And so the company headed for the exit and left Charlie and Darin to discuss the matter even further. Tonomoli lead the company to an inn. The innkeeper had just enough rooms for everyone. Everyone except Tonomoli and Prailee paid for rooms. Prailee headed for his house while Tonomoli headed for Master Archameadees dwelling place. "I'm going to go take that bath that I said I wanted," said Prailee. "I'll see you in the morning." The morning came swiftly. Prailee came to Master Archameadees dwelling place and he and Tonomoli headed for the inn that the rest of the company was staying in. Most of them were already awake, the others had their rest period disturbed as Seth woke them up. Before they were to set out once more, Tonomoli suggested that they go see Master Archameadees. No one had any objections and so they headed toward Master Archameadees' household. "Now you can meet my master," said Tonomoli to Edith. Master Archameadees had already arisen for the day. Tonomoli then introduced everyone of the company to Master Archameadees. Master Archameadees was quite interested to hear of all of their adventures. The company talked at length about the Battle for Fort Evner and also about the incident in the Yorkian Kingdom. Master Archameadees was surprised to hear that the Yorkian Kingdom was the target of such an attack.
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