Chronicles Of Zefaria: The Plight Of The Free Peoples (11) "Lord Osmadaan's arm has reached far indeed if he has attacked theYorkian Kingdom like you say," said Master Archameadees gravely. "It has done just that," said Farimar. "We saw it with our own eyes." "I don't know what to say to this news," said Master Archameadees. "These are dark times." Master Archameadees then went on to thank the alliance for having sent the military force derived from the Chisolites. "But I must thank you for sending troops to protect the peoples of Archmide. Surely we would have been the victims of any attack from Osmadaania had the alliance not intervened on our behalf." "You're most welcome," said Seth. Edith brought up the idea of whether or not Tal'On Kepp was instructed in the art of Toran. "Me and Tonomoli were wondering," began Edith, "was Tal'On Kepp instructed in the Toran? We already know that the one who conceptualized the Toran wasn't instructed in Coasha as the two were born in different time periods. But we were wondering if you could solve that little puzzle for us, in terms of whether or not Tal'On Kepp was instructed in the Toran." "This is a puzzle that I can solve," said Master Archameadees. "I know for certain that Tal'On Kepp was not instructed in the Toran. There was about four or five other arts that he was disciplined in, but not the Toran." "Finally we have our answer," said Tonomoli. "I had some reservations about it," said Edith, "in terms of whether he was instructed in the Toran or not. But now I know for sure. Thank you, Master Archameadees." Master Archameadees said that Edith was most welcome. He then went on to question the next stop of the company. "We're are you headed next?" he said. "I know that Galtigor is busy fighting off Thangoon and Makerva in the north, but nothing has been reported in the south, at least as of yet." "We're headed toward Fignufen," said Jebzian. "There we will lead a force strong enough to make an assault on Osmadaania Castle, at least that is what we're hoping." "Would you like to come with us, Master Archameadees?" said Seth. "We are a rather large company, but your presence would only serve to compliment our own." Tonomoli was visibly enthused to hear such a thing. He tried ever so hard to get Master Archameadees to accept the offer but the old master wouldn't have any of it. "No, no," he said. "I couldn't. My place is here. Besides, what would Archmide be without its creator?" Everyone said that it was nice meeting the old master, and then they all headed for the great door of Archmide. Some of the soldiers were still sleeping. Seth and Nefandus went through the company waking them up. "Come now," said Seth, "it's time we headed out once more." And so the whole of the rather large company headed out on the road once more. Jebzian felt that addressing the incident in Thorns was needed, and so he did. "I hope that no one was downtrodden to hear the remarks of Darin Neseto. We have a long road ahead of us, and the last thing we need is for some patron at an establishment to bring down our spirits. What say any of you?" "I think I speak for everyone in saying that we were all a little taken aback by his statements," said Seth. "But you are right, we can't let that get us down. We must be looking ever onward. There is hope in our mission, however bleak it might be." "I'm wondering what hope he has if he isn't trusting in the alliance," said Tonomoli. "He is a hopeless individual if there ever was one." "Perhaps he is hoping that Lord Osmadaan doesn't want to take over the surrounding lands," said Master Fenfarah. "I know that I was under the impression that Lord Osmadaan was a reasonable fellow who didn't want to infringe on the rights of other Zefarian peoples. But after being a member of this company I am leaning ever so closely toward the other extreme." Jebzian wanted to say something here but decided against it. "I sure hope we don't meet any other folks like old Darin in the south," said Le'on. "I don't think I can take too much more putting down of our mission." "Just think how it would've been if you would have told him that we were the alliance," said Jebzian. "Now that would have been a grave situation indeed." "Yes," said Le'on. "You are most right." "I gather that the reception we'll get in Fignufen will be somewhat similiar to the one we received in Galtigor," said Nefandus. "What, with the myriad of skirmishes Fignufen has experienced with Wragafnifur what else could it be?" "I hope so," said Edith. "I need to be pulled up after I've been brought down so low." The company was on the road once more. Their next destination, Fignufen, lay just to the south of Archmide. It woud take them a little more than a day to make it to Fignufen. Everyone was bracing themselves for a rather warm reception after the cold one they received in Archmide. Tonomoli was greatly enthused. He felt that something very special lay just ahead. What it was he could not tell, but he couldn't shake the feeling. And then there was the push toward Osmadaania. That also lay ahead. He was a great deal worried how the company was going to handle it. He wondered whether there was any truth to the tales of dragons and giant trolls living in the expanse that was Osmadaania. "What dreadful secrets lie in wait in Osmadaania Castle," he thought. Perhaps they were only days from finding that out. � The Push Toward Fignufen The company went in single file down the road. They had passed a couple of caravans shipping goods headed from Finlaiven. Individual passers-by came rather quite frequently during the journey to Fignufen. Again, there was some staring, as the curiosity of the different individuals had reached its peak. The order of progression was as follows: Seth, Tonomoli, Jebzian, Nefandus, Le'on, Master Fenfarah, Edith, Prailee, and Farimar. Conversations were a little hard to come by during this current trek. Everyone was mostly just a little anxious to know that in a few short hours they could be in battle once more. Their first battle may have been a defeat but there was a growing perception among the company that this next one would be critical. "Whoever wins this next battle could win the war," thought Tonomoli to himself. Suddenly he felt like communicating with Jebzian on the matter. �"How critical will this next battle be for us?" said Tonomoli. "Quite," said Jebzian. "If we don't rally back after the defeat at Fort Evner, I dare say that we may never rally back at all." "I, too, think critically of this next battle," said Seth. "But then again who knows what tactics Wan Taan Boo and Var Heflekar could try to use against us." "I gather it'll be pretty much even in terms of how many Orcs they'll have fighting for them as compared to our troops," said Nefandus. "So then it'll be up to the core of the company to do something to tip the odds into our favor." "I gather that you are right," said Jebzian. "It will be up to us to do something to tip the odds." "But how skilled are Var Heflekar and Wan Taan Boo in battle?" said Tonomoli. "They're not generals of Osmadaania for no reason." "They are rather skilled," said Jebzian. "But there are nine of us, and if there was one place where we'd have the advantage I would think that we'd have it in the leadership area." The great company continued on its course for Fignufen. It was now eleven o'clock in the a.m. By nine o'clock the company would have made it to Fignufen. The day was bright and clear. The sky was filled with clouds. It was quite cool and an easterly breeze made it feel a lot cooler. It was October 1. Seth had mentioned earlier that he wanted the company to make a move toward Osmadaania castle at least by the end of the month. If all things went as planned, they would be making that move. But there was a gray area related to any push on Osmadaania Castle. For one, there was the stories of man eating wolves and giant trolls and then the mother of all myths, the great and terrible black dragon. Rumours persisted around the globe that Lord Osmadaan had these types of defenses in his employ and while people like Darin and Nefandus wondered openly about the legitimacy of such stories Farimar was absolutely convinced that they were a real and potent threat to the company. Suddenly he wanted to air his concerns. "We haven't talked much on how we're going to defend against the secrets of Osmadaania Castle, namely the wolves, trolls, and the dragon." Edith, who was near Farimar, decided to give her spin on the matter. "I'd say that any secrets Lord Osmadaan has hidden away in his castle will be revealed in due time. Why worry about something that may or may not prove true?" "But if it does turn out to be true and we're not prepared to deal with it what then?" "I personally believe there to be more than just trolls, dragons, and wolves," said Master Fenfarah. "There may be some other wholly different species that Lord Osmadaan has been working on." "You all shouldn't worry too much about it," said Prailee. "Whether it turns out to be true or not we'll deal with it when the time comes." Farimar resigned to not worry about it too much. "They will find out for themselves," he thought. It was now twelve thirty. Seth decided that it was time for the company to have lunch. Everyone halted and got off the road and gathered in groups once more. The core of the alliance all ate together in a circle. Mostly everyone was eating the sliced meat that they had purchased in Galtigor, but they were running low on it. They probably had enough for just one more meal of sliced meat. After everyone finished eating they were granted a rest period. Seth didn't feel as anxious as he normally was to head back out on the road. After a rather protracted period, Seth finally called for the company to head out once more. It was now one thirty. So they continued on. Suddenly Tonomoli wondered about the morale of the knights. "That's something that has been overlooked," he thought. He decided to consult Seth on the matter. "What do you think about the morale of the troops?" said Tonomoli. "That doesn't seem to be a pressing matter as of yet," said Seth. "But then--of course--we've only been in one battle. After our third or fourth battle I think then it would become an issue." "Especially if we're losing," said Jebzian. "If we're losing battles then the troops morale will sink to great lows." "I agree wholly with Seth on the matter," said Nefandus. "Though I would like to add that all this walking can also become a damper on anybody's spirits." "The knights I'm looking at don't look too enthusiastic," said Tonomoli who was looking at some of the more relatively close knights. "Perhaps all this walking is proving to be a damper on their spirits." "They'll perk up when we get to Fignufen," said Jebzian. "I wager that the reception they'll receive will give them reason to." The party continued on down the road. Master Fenfarah was musing on something. He and Jebzian's battle with Saunssussen had him intrigued. Would that be the only meeting the wizards would have against the lone wizard in Osmadaania? Master Fenfarah headed toward the front of the line to discuss the matter with Jebzian. "Our battle with Saunssussen proved quite fierce," said Master Fenfarah. "And yet we came out the victors. But surely there will be more tests for us in the not too distant future." "If the rumours prove true then we may be faced with an even greater peril," said Jebzian. "We being the two most potent members of the company, we may have to take the brunt of the fighting when it comes to making a push toward Osmadaania Castle." "Edith, Tonomoli, and I quite skilled in the arts," said Seth. "You two may not be so isolated as you might think." "Skilled you may be," said Master Fenfarah, "but against dark wizards and dragons, those will be our principal responsibililty." Night had fallen. The company was now only minutes away from Fignufen. People who were leaving Fignufen would question members of the company, in terms of what their business was. When told that they were coming to assist the people of Fignufen the enthusiasm of the different peoples could not be contained. It was night. The company had made it to Fignufen. There would be no cheering and applause just yet. That would be saved for the morning. The Splitting of the Alliance The knights situated themselves outside of the borders of Fignufen. The company walked the streets of Fignufen during the dead of night. Seth posed the question of where they could find rest to a passers-by. He said that they should travel just a little bit further and they would see an inn on their left. The company headed toward the direction given them and they found the inn. It was five penetts a night for each person. Everyone coughed up the money and the inn keeper led them to their different rooms. The inn keeper barely had enough rooms for everyone. Tonomoli and Prailee, like before, shared a room. Seth and Edith also shared a room, as did Master Fenfarah and Jebzian. Farimar, Nefandus, and Le'on got their own private rooms. The next morning came swiftly and Seth gathered everyone together for a little meeting. "We need to find out who the generals are here, so we can coordinate an offensive against Osmadaania." "I hope that the generals in Fignufen are as willing to take orders like the general in Galtigor," said Jebzian. "We'll soon find out," said Seth. The company headed for the exit of the inn. A great many Dwarves were approaching the knights who were situated outside of the castle, thanking them and such for assisting the people of Fignufen. Seth asked around where he could find any generals, and at first a few Dwarves weren't as responsive as he'd like them to be. But then one Dwarf told him specifically where he could go to find the generals. He even walked with him to show him the way. It was a rather long walk, as the generals of Fignufen reside in the heart of Fignufen City. Finally the company made it to their destination. "Here is where the generals of Fignufen reside," said the Dwarf. After that he blessed them and went about his way. The generals were busy pouring over maps of the different lands. The Dwarven generals knew the purpose of the company, as they had been expecting them. "So the alliance finally makes its way to Fignufen," said one general. "We've been expecting you." Seth then introduced the company to the two generals. The generals names were Hornblower and Saddlehock. General Hornblower then went on to explain their situation. "We've seen movements from the forces of Wragafnifur and the Valderghof which suggest that Osmadaania is prepping an attack against Fignufen," said General Hornblower. Seth thought of a crucial element to his plan and decided to air it to the company. "Has Finlaiven or Harwrintholien replied to our request for troops?" he said. "As far as I know they're not sending us any troops," said General Saddlehock, "at least not yet. Perhaps they have to see how we handle a joint attack from both the Valderghof and Wragafnifur first." "That's a shame," said Jebzian. "I was greatly hoping that we would get the assistance we needed to storm Osmadaania Castle." "Even without help from Finlaiven and Harwrintholien we still have a rather formidable force," said Nefandus. "With the combined forces of the Chisolites, portions of the Yorkian Kingdom's army, and Fignufen, we shouldn't have too many problems." "I wouldn't dismiss Wan Taan Boo and Var Heflekar so quickly," said General Hornblower. "They've proven to be more than worthy opponents in the skirmishes that we've been experiencing. I shudder to see what they can do on a battlefield." "How soon can your Dwarfs head out for battle?" said Seth. "As soon as you need them they can head out," said General Saddlehock. "Good. We shall see how the Dwarves of Fignufen fair in battle," said Seth. "It may be wise to attack the enemy before the enemy attacks us." "A sneak attack against Wragafnifur may prove wise," said Jebzian, "especially in the dead of night when Orcs are at their easiest to defeat." Seth, with the assistance of both General Hornblower and Saddlehock, drew up plans for a sneak attack against Wragafnifur. The trio worked hastily, tossing out an idea here and mulling over another one there. Suddenly, and rather quite unexpectedly, a Man came bustling inside of the headquarters of the two generals. He was a rather plump Man, with a stout beard and a queer swagger. He carried a backpack on his back. He introduced himself as Maphador and said that he was a scholar of the ancient world. "I am sorry to interrupt but I was told by a mysterious stranger that I would meet a band of people that would journey with me to Zefaria's ancient ruins," he said. Everyone was quite in awe at his proclamation. Finally Seth broke the silence. "Well I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. We here are members of a great company that set out not too long ago with the mission of confronting Lord Osmadaan." "Yes," said Maphador, "that is exactly who I was told that I would meet. 'A company that set out to confront Lord Osmadaan will assist you in unraveling the secrets of the ancient world.' This was told to me by a stranger, just five days ago. He told me the exact time where I could find you and everything. Now please, we must be on our way." Everyone was still much in awe at the proclamations of Maphador the scholar. Finally Jebzian questioned him. "What exactly is your proposition?" said Jebzian. Maphador was quite ecstatic. He fumbled over his words at first but then he started to speak plainly. "Oh dear me," he said. "There lies a ruinous heap in the extreme north east of the map where there dwells the secrets of the ancient world. I was told by a mysterious stranger that I would find those who would assist me in my journey from the company that seeks to confront Lord Osmadaan concerning his myriad of crimes against the Zefarian peoples. And now, I am here! And we must be on our way." "If this is some trick then you'd better halt any further encroachments," said Nefandus. "Oh, I assure you, this is no trick. And I am in dire need of your assistance. These are dangerous times, and you can't be expecting me to do this on my own." Everyone was mulling over his proposition in their heads. There was a great moment of silence. Maphador looked from face to face to face. Tonomoli spoke aloud. "There are a great many things in this world that are unknown to me," he said. "The origin of Lord Osmadaan is one of them. If by some chance we can discover his roots then perhaps we can come up with a way to defeat him. He's been around for hundreds of years so he had to be here during the ancient world. I would be willing to journey with this Maphador, in the hopes that I could find some cure to the plague that is Osmadaania." Maphador was quite enthused to hear this. He looked from face to face, hoping for more recruits. Jebzian spoke aloud. "If you're going then you need not go alone. I will travel with you." More excitement emanated from Maphador's visage. Prailee then voiced his opinion on the matter. "Tonomoli and I have been friends for years, and I can hardly forsake him now. I will travel with you too." "And I too," said Nefandus. "I started my journey with you two, and it would seem wise to continue it." "No more!" said Seth. "We need some to stay behind to ward off Osmadaania." Seth turned toward Tonomoli and spoke. "If you're going to do this then I wish you well. I don't know exactly what you'll find on your journey, but I wish you well all the same." Tonomoli said thank you. Maphador insisted that they must be on their way. And so thus it was that the alliance of the free peoples was split in two. ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������
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