Chronicles Of Zefaria: The Plight Of The Free Peoples (6)
"I was just curious to know how Lord Osmadaan would respond to it. What do you think will happen now?" "I personally think that Lord Osmadaan will take the messenger hostage and torture him to his death," said Seth. "And we foolishly allowed him to ride alone. He should've been accompanied by at least a hundred men." "But Chancellor Carter wanted to spare nary a soldier, didn't he?" said Farimar. "I mean, he wanted us to be well protected, right? Isn't that why there was no men sent with the messenger?" "No, that's not the reason," said Seth. "There was men to spare. It was just a lack of foresight on our part as it should've been one of the chief issues. Now I fear that the poor messenger will be the first casualty of this war." "If Osmadaan does that then he deserves the ire of all of Zefaria," said Prailee who was listening to the conversation of the two. "No one knows for sure how Osmadaania will react to this unified Zefaria," said Master Fenfarah. "He may well go along with our request." "I told you before about your foolishness," said Jebzian. "Show some respect, you warmonger," retorted Master Fenfarah. "Enough, all of you!" said Le'on. "If we're going to do this, then we're going to do it together and as a team." Master Fenfarah and Jebzian took offense to being corrected by a youth, so they didn't really take to his statement. And so the alliance continued on with their journey. By now they had made it to within two hours of Bravada territory. They had passed several transports carrying goods from some foreign country to Chisolom, and all of the transports looked carefully and curiously at the alliance. By now also, the message had been sent to some of the countries relatively near to Chisolom that the alliance had come into fruition. Countries like Bravada, Desendale, the Yorkian Kingdom, and Shondaleigh all had, by now, found out about the alliance. Tonomoli had suddenly thought about the plight of Archmide and Master Archameadees. "How long will it take for the battalion of troops to get to Archmide," he asked of Prailee. "Well, it took us four days to make it to Chisolom, so I guess we could reuse the math and apply it here." "It would probably take around four or five days for them to get to Archmide," said Nefandus. "If they travel all through the day and rest when the sun comes down, four or five days is a good estimation." "But we also said it would take about a week for those Orcs to report back to Var Heflekar. And if my math is correct that means that it would be a total of nine days since I set out and until the battalion arrives at Archmide. That's two days too many." "Don't worry yourself over it," said Prailee. "I'm almost certain that the battalion will make it to Archmide on time." Tonomoli resigned himself not to worry about it. He had done all that he could do. The rest lay in the hands of fate. The alliance continued making their way through the joint held border between Chisolom and the Bravada Empire until they finally made it to Bravada itself. Instead of trekking through the more populous sections Seth decided that it would be best to go through some of the less densely populated areas. "The people of Bravada need not see this great company," he said. "We shall make for less densely populated areas." They continued on through country. Very few people could be seen using the road. All, it seemed, were too inclined to believe that Orcs would attack them, and so that is why they stayed away from the road. In terms of how everyone was feeling they were all a little bit on edge. They didn't know what Lord Osmadaan's response would be, and that left room for fright. Tonomoli himself was experiencing mixed emotions. He was a great deal uncertain how things would play out, as all of them were, but he also was somewhat anxious to get to Fort Evner in Galtigor, so that they could finally hear Lord Osmadaan's response to the free peoples demands. He also was a little anxious to showcase his skill as a Coasha monk, which can hardly be blamed on him, considering he was so young. Suddenly the thought came that he could talk with Edith about her training in the arts. So he sifted through the myriad of peoples until he finally came to where Edith was. She was carrying with her a backpack, as all of the alliance was. She seemed to be in deep thought, and Tonomoli wondered whether or not he should disturb her. Suddenly she noticed him and she put on a small smile. "Is there something you needed, Tonomoli?" she said. "Actually, there was something. I shared with you some of the secrets of Coasha. But I don't even know the name of the art you're trained in. Would you mind telling me a little bit about it?" "No, I wouldn't mind," said Edith. "Like my brother said earlier, he and I are trained in the arts, the name of which you may or may not have heard. The art that we are trained in is called Toran. We received our training at the tender age of five from an old and experienced master. Even still we receive instruction at our ripe age of 25. He is a very old master, and so sometimes we go easy on him, though he doesn't know it. But there is still a good deal left for him to teach us. Have you ever heard of Toran?" "I must confess that I haven't," said Tonomoli. "In what regions is it most prevalent?" "Mostly in the Yorkian Kingdom. I forget who conceptualized it, Kahn something or another was his name. I do know that he was very well trained in other arts. Perhaps even your Coasha." "I doubt it," said Tonomoli. "Coasha was conceptualized back in the year 443 AMD, and not a lot of people embraced it, at first of course. But then in the year 450 AMD, Tal'On Kepp--the one who conceptualized it--defeated a band of Orcs in Foster Village, and his exploits spread throughout the land. Then and only then did people start warming toward Coasha. When was your art conceptualized?" "Now that you say what you say I see that you are right," said Edith. "The one who conceptualized the Toran martial art brought it to being sometime in the 200s. The two lived at different time periods, so he couldn't have known about Coasha." "But Tal'On Kepp could have known about Toran," said Tonomoli. "I wonder if he received any training in it. My Coasha instructor, Master Archameadees, might know this." "It is possible that he could have been trained in the Toran," said Edith. "Both our masters probably know the answer to that question. Perhaps if we journey to the Yorkian Kingdom you could meet my master. He would be very interested in such a meeting I gather." "Or if we somehow make it to Archmide you could meet Master Archameadees. He would like that very much." The two continued to talk for a good deal about the arts and their training. It had now reached seven o'clock. The sun was heading towards setting and the alliance had yet to make it to the Pass of Bravada. "We're moving quite slowly," said Nefandus to Seth. "Well, that is to be expected with such a large company. But now I think it's time that we seek rest and food." Seth then announced to everyone that they were finished traveling for the day. There was a sigh of relief heard from some, whose backs had become weary from carrying the goods in their backpacks. The alliance moved off the road and into grassland, which is where they would be spending the night, just off the road. "Let's gather wood for starting fires," said Nefandus. Nefandus then lead a group of knights to wooded sections where they could find firewood. Tonomoli sat with Prailee, Jebzian, and Master Fenfarah. All of them were searching throughout their packs, looking for something to eat. They had replenished their packs at Chisolom, and they would be replenishing them again when they made it to Galtigor. Prailee began complaining. "All they gave us was a few variations of cheese and some breads," he said. "How do they expect us to live off of that?" "You shouldn't complain too much," said Tonomoli. "We are a large company and they had to give everybody something. Be grateful." "It's hard to be grateful when you're given so little," he said. "Aye, but I do have some leftovers from when we left Archmide. I can just as easily eat those." "I have some leftovers myself," said Tonomoli. "But I think I'll just have the bread and cheese." "I have sliced meat in my pack," said Master Fenfarah. Tonomoli, Prailee, and Jebzian were visibly stunned. "Where did you get that from?" asked Tonomoli. "Oh, I just asked one of the chefs. He said I could take whatever I wanted, so I took a lot of sliced meat to go along with the bread. Would you like some?" Tonomoli and Prailee both heartily agreed. Master Fenfarah then shared with them. He then looked at Jebzian. "Would you like some of my sliced meat?" he said. There was a pause. Jebzian at first thought that he was leading him into a trap. He thought that if he said yes then Master Fenfarah would then say something like too bad. But he decided it was worth the risk. "I would like some," he said. "If you would be kind enough to give it to me, despite our history." "I will be kind enough," said Master Fenfarah, and he allowed him to choose from a variety of sliced meats. Jebzian chose ham. "Thank you," he said. "You're most welcome," said Master Fenfarah. Nefandus came back with the knights and a plethora of fire wood. Everyone then began to gather in groups and sit around camp fires. The alliance all sat together, meaning Tonomoli, Seth, Edith, Nefandus, Prailee, Master Fenfarah, Jebzian, Le'on, and Farimar. "Tomorrow we'll make it to the Pass of Bravada," said Seth. "And then after that we'll be in Galtigor." "I trust the people of Galtigor anxiously await our arrival," said Nefandus. "What, after all they've been through, to finally see something being done about their situation might seem like a godsend." "We still don't know if we're going to war or not," said Le'on. "But you're probably right in that regard, in that we'll be seen as a godsend." "The people of Galtigor have seen hard times," said Farimar. "And now they no doubt expect us to be their liberators. I don't know if I want all that pressure to be bestowed upon me." � "We Galtigorians are much tougher than we look," said Prailee. "Though I won't deny that we've seen some hard times. In my opinion, Lord Osmadaan sees Galtigor as his next acquisition. And while I know that there's still a chance that we won't see war, I wouldn't be willing to bet on it." "Nor I," said Tonomoli. "I think Lord Osmadaan has eyes all over Zefaria and that he is acutely aware that this alliance is on its way to Galtigor." "You are right in that regard," said Edith, "in that the enemy has eyes all over Zefaria. We've come across several high-ranking officials in the Yorkian Kingdom who were secretly working for Lord Osmadaan." "But you don't tell the whole story, Edith," said Master Fenfarah. "For we also have eyes in Osmadaania. Not too many, mind you, as spying on Osmadaania is a grave danger. But that is how I know of the winged and four-legged creatures." "Dragons," said Jebzian almost to himself. "'Dragons?' said Tonomoli. "Dragons are real?" "Apparently in Osmadaania they are very real," said Jebzian. "You can't scare us with those tall tales," said Prailee. "We know that dragons aren't real. They're myths." "We shall see," said Master Fenfarah. "We shall see." The alliance talked a little bit more before everyone finally decided on rest. Tonomoli's curiosity was heightened. "Dragons", he thought. Excitement mingled with fear overcame him. Perhaps they were only days away from beholding the truth of the matter. "We shall see indeed," said Tonomoli, and he rested. The Council in Osmadaania Osmadaania Castle stood alone on a steep cliff. It was black and constructed with such intimidation that none dare tread upon its ground. Lord Osmadaan sat alone in his dark throne. He wore regalia befitting one who ruled over so much. Suddenly, the entrance to his throne room opened and their appeared five figures. Two resembled Men, but they were men who had now become so contorted as to be unrecognizable. Two resembled Elves, but the same could be said about them, they were wholly unrecognizable. One was an Orc. He was Var Heflekar, the leader of the Valderghof. The others were as follows: Ranmah, the leader of Aundar, Dakaroth, the leader of Thangoon, Saunssussen the leader of Makerva, and Wan Taan Boo the leader of Wragafnifur. These were Osmadaania's generals and leaders of the different provinces. Lord Osmadaan, having eyes and ears in many places, had discovered the outcome of the Council of the Free Peoples before the messenger had even arrived. And now he was holding his own council, a council where they were to respond to the allegations of the free peoples. Ranmah of Aundar spoke to his Lord. "You summoned us, Lord Osmadaan?" "I did," he said hoarsely. "The time has come for us to set our plans in motion. Now that the free peoples of Zefaria have united against me, there is no further reason to hold back the onslaught of Osmadaania. I want nothing spared in our conquest." "What you command us to do," said Dakaroth of Thangoon, "we shall obey." "Good," said Lord Osmadaan. "I want Orcs massed in Foster Forest, for a surprise attack against the Yorkian Kingdom. That shall be accomplished by you, Ranmah. Dakaroth, you and Saunssussen shall converge on Galtigor to take Fort Evner." "What about Archmide?" said Var Heflekar hoarsely. "Do you still want me to capture Archmide, my lord?" "No," said Lord Osmadaan. "I do not. That would be too easy. You, Var Heflekar, you and Wan Taan Boo will attack the Dwarven country of Fignufen." "Yes, my lord," said Var Heflekar. "As you wish, Lord Osmadaan," said Wan Taan Boo. "We will give the free peoples the impression that we are going to go along with their demands," said Lord Osmadaan. "That will give Dakaroth and Saunssussen ample time enough to mass their forces near Fort Evner for a surprise attack. That is all. You are excused to your duties," said Lord Osmadaan and the quintet left. War in Galtigor It was early morning. Nefandus and Prailee had been given the job of waking everybody up, orders given to them by Seth Von York. Tonomoli was disturbed from his rest by Prailee. "It's time that we be on our way," he said to him. "What time is it?" said Tonomoli, rubbing his eyes. "It's seven o'clock," said Nefandus. "I know you didn't really get a chance to sleep as long you'd like, but these are our orders. Everyone must wake now, so that we can get to the Pass of Bravada by noon." Tonomoli nodded and said that he understood, but when they left he went right back to sleep. Seth came over to him. "Wake up, young Tonomoli!" he said, tapping him on his arm. "The morning is fresh and clear and it awaits you." Tonomoli now stood up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. � "All right, I'm up," he said. By now a good deal of the company had arisen. "We shall pass on breakfast for today," said Seth. "Save your appetites for lunch." Tonomoli was a little downtrodden to hear that as his stomach was growling. The wizards, Master Fenfarah and Jebzian approached him. "Gather your things," said Master Fenfarah. "It's high time we be off." Tonomoli gathered his pack and made his way to the road. There was no one to be seen in either direction. A couple of knights now made their way to the road as well. Young Le'on Bravada made his way toward Tonomoli. "So," said Le'on, "today we'll be arriving in Galtigor." "I've never been to Galtigor," said Tonomoli. "How do you suppose we'll be greeted?" "I've also never been to Galtigor," said Le'on. "But I do have some idea of the reception we'll be receiving: I gather it will be mostly cheering and applause. The Galtigorian people have suffered much and they'll likely be seeing us as their benefactors. At least, that's how I see it." "Wow," said Tonomoli. "'Cheering and applause?' I've never been greeted like that before." "Well then, you'd better brace yourself for it now," said Jebzian. The great company now set out on the road once more, heading for the Pass of Bravada. Like Nefandus said it would take them to about noon until they made it to the Pass. After that they'd be in Galtigor, but even then they'd still have a ways to go before they made it to Fort Evner, as it lies to the extreme west of Galtigor as a whole. It would be well after five o'clock until they'd make it Fort Evner. Tonomoli asked Seth how long it would take to make it to Fort Evner and he told him this. "But I don't think I can hold out that long," said Tonomoli. "Not eating, I mean. Couldn't we stop and have a snack from our packs a little earlier?" "We may stop and have a bite to eat after we've made it to Galtigor," said Seth. "And don't worry, you're not alone. I must confess that I'm also a little hungry. We'll eat soon enough." The alliance continued on the road. In the distance they could see mountains. Farimar Oakensly then decided to speak openly about them. "Those mountains there toward the horizon, they are the Rimmerdale Mountains. The Pass of Galtigor lies between them." "I thought it was the Pass of Bravada," said Tonomoli. "It is both of those," said Farimar. "To the people of Bravada it is the Pass of Bravada, and to the people of Galtigor it is the Pass of Galtigor." "I prefer the Pass of Galtigor over Bravada," said Prailee. "It just sounds better to me." Le'on looked at him sidelong. "I also prefer the Pass of Galtigor, even though I'm a member of the Bravada family." "That's a revelation," said Farimar. "One would think that you'd be more pro-family if you're born a Bravada. Any reason why you like the Pass of Galtigor over the Pass of Bravada?" Le'on heard what Farimar said, he just didn't answer. Farimar didn't take it too personally. "I gather young Le'on doesn't want to talk about it," he said. "I guess not," said Tonomoli. Tonomoli looked at Le'on. Le'on caught him looking at him, but then he turned away. Tonomoli wondered what it was that he was hiding in that head of his. "It must be something close to his heart," he thought. Whatever it was there was no reason to think overly about it, and so he didn't. A thought now came to Tonomoli and he had to express it verbally.
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