Chapter 7

They arrived at the valley they were seeking late in the afternoon of the third day.  The group moved in cautiously.  Aldren had been feeling a sense of dread since they had rode into the mouth of the canyon.  He could not place a name on the fear, just a nagging feeling that something was not right.  
The camp was quiet that night.  The hares that Ameni had killed that day were roasted, and the wineskins were passed around.  They set a watch with Aldren and Ameni taking the last watch.  As expected, there was nothing moving and there were no night sounds except the sound of night creatures following the ancient dance of survival, the hunter seeking his prey.  Aldren watched his bondmate as she moved silently on the opposite side of the camp.  The grace and fluidity with which she almost floated from place to place still astounded him.   

As he continued to scan the area, he took stock of the direction his life was moving.  As much as he fought against becoming some kind of hero, he was gaining the reputation of one.  Add in that the Dwarf Seer, the old healer Belwin and even the voices in the tower were proclaiming him to be some sort of savior.  It was against his will to become what they proclaimed him to be.  All he wanted to do was survive and live his life with his bondmate.  Yet in the back of his mind, a small voice that sounded vaguely like his mother’s was telling him that he will have little choice in the path he was following.  The person he was would come through when it was needed the most and he would do the right thing.  These were the things that would push him along his path.

Aldren looked into the camp to see someone stirring.  From the height of the figure, he knew it had to be Vabryn.  He would soon be rousing the rest of the camp so they could continue the mission that had been assigned to them. Sunrise was less than an hour off and they could soon be on their way.  This mission seemed to be of little matter.  From conversations with Kendrich, he was assured that any assault was an impossibility.

He was still trying to make up his mind about Kendrich.  The man was likeable enough, but he seemed to be hiding his plans.  Maybe the man did not trust him as a newcomer.  Not that it really mattered since he had no plans for rising in the ranks.  All Aldren wanted was a place where he would not have to be constantly on guard.  Someplace where he and Ameni could establish themselves and live in relative peace. 

Aldren’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard a stirring in the grass.  He turned to see what it was when he heard Ameni’s voice shout in Elvish, “We are under attack!  We are trapped!  To arms!”  Aldren turned to see a huge garrison of the king’s men rising up from the grass blocking the only escape route.  They must have moved into the mouth of the canyon following their trail.  Or, and Aldren shuddered at the thought, they had been waiting for them.  Someone in Kendrich’s court was a spy and gave them the information.

Aldren could not waste any more time on speculation, for the scene was about to erupt into the chaos of battle.  Vabryn had heard Ameni’s shout and had seen the troops.  He grabbed his shield and sword kicking and shouting at the others to move or die. To their credit, they all were up and looking for the enemy within seconds.

Ameni was already taking down the closest troops with her bow.  The advancing troops slowed as those in front went down.  This gave Vabryn and the others enough time to get their boots and armor on.  Soon though, she was out of arrows and dropped her bow, drawing her knives.  What power that still resided in her race showed in her as she stood at the ready.  Standing on a large rock, there was almost a shimmering aura surrounding her.  Aldren thought she looked like an ancient warrior princess.  He shook his head to remove any stray thoughts. This was not the time for idle musings; he had to focus on the enemies that were approaching.

As he readied himself for battle, Aldren felt the rising of the power of the elements within him.  The numbers of the enemy were so great he knew they could not win. Regardless, he was going to go down taking as many as possible with him.  As soon as the enemy came close enough, he attacked.

As leader of the King’s garrison, Vorlkim thought this should be an easy capture.  The word had come that the traitor who had killed the priests and fled from the court would be in this canyon.  All they had to do was let them in then follow.  Capture should be fairly easy.  He had argued that they did not need the full garrison, that a troop should be sufficient to capture or kill a few men.  Now as he saw the first troops fall he was glad that his superior had insisted on emptying the keep where they were stationed.

Aldren and the rest of the men of the tower were more than holding their own.  Kaldon was to Aldren’s right using the large broadsword that he preferred to full advantage.  He was trying to protect Ameni but there were enough for them both.  Vabryn and the recruits were to his left using the tactics that had been practiced over and over to the best advantage.  

Aldren was holding the middle.  They were all backing slowly to the back of the canyon leaving a bloody trail of corpses in front of them.  But the battle was taking its toll on the small group.  They were tiring and most had cuts that were slowing them further.  In desperation, Aldren released the restraints he had been holding upon himself.  The tingling within him increased and he felt the power rush through him once again.  Time seemed to slow as he felt the fire spreading through his body and into his limbs.  At the same time, he began to chant in his mind some of the ancient words.  He was vaguely aware that the words had to do with the dragons of Melagon, but had no time to contemplate it further.

As stalwart as the King’s troops were, they recoiled from the sight of the fiery warrior before them. It was no longer a man that they were battling, but some kind of demon.  He was coming into their ranks swinging wildly, killing all who were within his reach..  Defense seemed to be useless.  Any weapon that got close would be sent flying or simply dropped because of the heat that surrounded him.

Even with his power unchecked, he could not protect the rest of his companions.  The King’s troops that were not completely terrified made their way around Aldren and attacked the rest of the small band.  Vabryn had brought them into a loose group with their backs close to the wall of the canyon.  One of the recruits had become separated and was down, and another was faltering from fatigue.  They all were coming close to their limits of endurance.  Aldren was making his way back toward the band when Vorlkim called his troops back to form ranks for a final assault to finish off the rebels.

Friend and foe alike heard a deep roar that reverberated throughout the canyon.  The very rocks seemed to tremble with the sound.  The King’s men fell to the ground in panic when a shadow passed over them in the pale sunlight.  Looking up, they saw a huge beast diving toward the main part of the garrison; it’s huge claws showing talons as big as a man’s arm.  The ones that were mounted found their horses in a total panic and were soon scattered.  The talons of the beast picked up two of the troop members and with its huge wings beating the air, moved toward the clouds dropping the helpless men upon the rocks below. Some of the bravest troops took aim at the beast and unleashed their arrows.  One arrow tore through the membrane of its wing causing the dragon to bellow in pain and anger. The dragon then turned and made a pass through those remaining, blasting them with both fire and magic.  What few were left fled back up to the mouth of the canyon, scrambling to avoid certain death.

Aldren slumped to his knees as the power drained from his body, returning to the elements from which it came.  He sat down on an outcropping exhausted, but without the severe cramping that had always come after his use of that much power.  The others in his party kept their distance forming a loose group a little distance away.  Ameni came to check on him, but the others hung back, still not quite believing what they had seen.  They were fearful of Aldren’s powerful magic.  It was not the minor tricks that they had seen him do before.  The very thought that a man who they thought they knew had sprung into flame and then returning unharmed was simply impossible. This was something that came from times long ago forgotten. 

Vabryn moved to dress the  companions’ wounds.  Most were minor cuts with the exception of a deep wound in the thigh of Peryn, one of the recruits.  Peryn had survived his first real battle and had done well.  The praise that Vabryn gave as he dressed the wound was more healing to the young man than was the binding of his wound.  As he worked, Vabryn was thanking the ancients that they had only lost one of their troop.  The man who was killed was little more than out of childhood.  In his zeal and blood lust, he had pushed too far into the enemy line and they had surrounded him.  Vabryn knew that in battle men died, but he still mourned the loss.

All movement stopped as the group felt the inrush of air and a shadow that foretold of the dragon coming toward them.   They watched, terrified, as the creature came to rest on the ground very close to the rocks that Aldren was sitting on with Ameni.

Aldren was frightened but he was just too exhausted to move.  The monstrous bulk of the dragon had settled close enough for Aldren to look directly into the great eye.  He suddenly felt like his very life force was being drawn into this creature from the ancient legends.  He felt the touch of the dragon’s mind on his.  He found his head filled with pictures and he understood what the creature was telling him.  Foremost in its mind was that it (he) had been injured more than the tear in his wing.  Ignoring the fearful glances of his companions and the low warnings from Ameni, he stood and approached the dragon.

Moving slowly with Ameni’s support, he walked to the left side of the beast.  Looking under the huge wing, he saw the broken shaft of an arrow. The head was buried deep between the scales and obviously into the muscle.  Speaking out loud but mostly to himself Aldren muttered, “I can remove the arrow, but I don’t know how to repair the damage.”

Into his head came a deep voice.  A voice that was filled with pain.  “You will know what to do.  Trust what you have learned and what is in your heart.”

Aldren stood in a state of shock for a moment.  He looked down into Ameni’s face.  She glanced at the shaft and then nodded.  Taking a deep breath, he gripped the remainder of the shaft and pulled.  There was a hand’s width of the shaft buried under where the scales had separated.  It was coming out but slowly.  He gave one final tug and with a loud bellow of pain from the dragon, it slid free.

With the arrow removed, the wound started to bleed freely.  Both of the humans were covered in the thick liquid.  Aldren put his hand under the scale and pushed his palm against the wound trying to stop the blood.  He was afraid that he would not be able to stop the flow of the blood and the beautiful creature would die.  He dug deep into his memory but could not find a healing spell that would help.  In a final attempt, he relaxed his mind.

Aldren felt the powers from the elements coming into him again.  This time, the powers felt different than anything he had experienced before.  The power was becoming concentrated in his hand.  Aldren could almost feel the muscles and veins healing within the dragon’s body.  Suddenly he felt very tired.  His last thought before he blacked out was “He will live.”

Ameni caught her bondmate’s body and gently let him down on the ground under the dragon’s wing.  She felt him breathing, but he was completely limp.  She looked up as the dragon craned his neck around and sniffed the unconscious form.  She heard a deep voice in her head.  “Do not fear Elf woman.  The Clan-Brother will be well in a short while.  He has healed me and I will protect him until he awakes.”

Ameni gave her head a shake.  “How is it that I can hear you?”
“It is my wish to speak to you, Elf-woman.  You are concerned about the one who lies sleeping.  It is proper for me to reassure you that he will recover.  The fact that you have been anointed with my blood makes it easier.  For being touched by the blood of a dragon, you will find that the magical abilities that you possess from your race will be heightened.  Also there will be a bond between us that can only be broken in death.  You will hear me, as I will be able to hear your call, no matter the distance between us.

“Is that what brought you to our aid?  Did Aldren somehow summon you?”

“Yes.  He is Dragon Clan.  He is already bound to my entire race.  He gave a call for aid that had not been heard in many ages of men.  I heeded that call.  Know this, Elf-woman.  Your life as well as his is now entwined with the survival of my race.  How you two follow the path that has been laid before you will decide the fate of the world.  Heed my words Elf-woman.  The clan brother now awakes.  I will leave you and move up the canyon to heal” Aldren was indeed starting to stir.  The dragon backed away, moving further toward the mouth of the canyon. Ameni understood that even though the wound had been closed, he would need to rest in order to regain his strength.

Aldren sat up and allowed Ameni to help him move to the rock wall.  He still felt the strain of what he had done, but was recovering.  Taking a huge swallow of the wine that Ameni had offered, Aldren sat back with a sigh.  Of all the things that had happened to him, this had to be the most difficult to understand.  The blood of the dragon had dried leaving a thick, black crust that covered most of his torso.  Under the crust, he could feel a tingling that was not exactly unpleasant, It was less than the feeling he had when he called the elements but along the same lines.

Aldren lifted himself up and after checking for wounds, moved toward the pool that was at the back of the canyon.  He shucked his mail and tossed his tunic and leggings into the pool.  Then, he lowered himself into the cool water.  The difference in temperature served to clear his thinking and restore his strength.  He did not know how, but he was sure of what had happened.  And he somewhat resented what the fates had done to him.  He was being pushed into a role that he had not sought out or wanted.  He could not change what was happening, but he didn’t have to like it.

Ameni soon joined him in the pool.  For the elves, nudity was not something that bore much thought.  As soon as she started to strip off her tunic, the three men that were still dressed stared at the beauty before them.  All had seen women unclothed but none with the almost flawless beauty of the elf.  Her light skin glistened as the water cascaded off of it.  Elves retained their fairly pale complexion even after living out in the elements.  Only the scar on her side disrupted the perfection of her skin, giving credence to the fact that she was not a goddess but a living breathing creature.

Eventually, Vabryn came to his senses and berated the others for staring.  He left the couple in the pool and gave orders to Peryn to start a fire while he and Kaldon went to retrieve their supplies.  They all hurried to their tasks while trying to hide the growing bulges in the front of their leggings.  

His bondmate’s figure was not lost on Aldren either.  As soon as she had washed the blood from her skin and hair, he pulled her into an embrace at the deeper part of the pool.  He had always had feelings of lust after recovering from a battle and the sight of her naked body had set him on fire.  She was in need of him as well and willingly allowed him to grab her by the waist and lift her body up until the head of his manhood was poised to enter her.  She let out a deep groan as he slid into her.  Aldren started to thrust into her slowly allowing the water to buffer their movements.  Ameni arched her back trying to force him deeper into her.  He took advantage of her position to bend his head down and suck on her hard nipples.

Between the abstinence of the trail and the pent up emotions of the recent battle, they both were close to climax.  Aldren went first shoving hard into her and then grinding his pelvis against hers as he shot his load deep inside of her.  The pulse in his member triggered her own climax and she let out a muffled whine as she held him against her breast.

As they came down from their orgasms, they slowly slid apart.  Remembering that they were not alone the finished up rinsing out their blood soaked clothing and moving out to allow their skin to dry.  The warming rays of the sun reflecting off the walls of the canyon soon had them and their clothing dry enough to dress again.  They then joined the rest of the troop.

Vabryn and Kaldon returned shortly before the lovers’ arrival with what they could salvage from the previous night’s campsite.  There were enough supplies to last them a week or so if needed.  The pool where Aldren and Ameni had bathed was fed by a spring that came out of the canyon wall so water would not be a problem.  This was as safe a campsite as one could want.

Peryn had a good fire going and Ameni took her turn at the cooking bringing a pot of stewed meat to a boil.  No one dared to declare, “The woman should do all the cooking.”  She was a full member of the troop and better than some in a battle.  It was customary for all to take a turn at making the meals unless one was much better and relished the chore.  The food was good, but Ameni had to admit that in this group, the young Peryn was the best cook.

As they all relaxed by the fire, Vabryn stated that he would take first watch.  Kaldon pointed to the huge bulk of the dragon that was a darker shadow in the gathering night.  “You think anything would get by him?”

They all turned to look at the dragon.  All that distinguished him from the rest of the night was his eyes.  Those sparkled with some kind of inner fire and they were the only sign of life.  Vabryn had been very cautious of going past the beast when he and Kaldon had retrieved their belongings from the previous night’s campsite.  The dragon did not move other than to watch them closely.  They could feel his breath as they passed and could see the dagger like teeth that were exposed.  He was laying much like a feline does his head resting between his front paws.  Though the group felt that they were safe from him, the ancient fears as well as his recent decimation of the king’s troops made them keep a respectful distance.

While the others got their bedding in order, Aldren rose and headed toward the creature.  Ameni watched for a moment and followed him.  They approached the beast slowly careful not to make any movements that could be taken as aggressive.  When they were close the dragon raised its great head.

“Is there a reason that you have come to me?”   The question flowed through Aldren’s mind as if he were speaking to him.

“I wanted to be sure that you would survive.”

“I will recover soon.  My loss of blood has weakened me, but my strength will return within a day.  It is then that I will depart back to my lands.”

Aldren looked into the eyes of the beast.  “Ameni has told me of what you said to her.  That part of my heritage was not known to me.  Now that I do know about it, I will be careful not to call upon you again.”

“Brother of the clan.  I can read your doubts of what has happened and the fear of what will come to pass.  This I will tell you.  Your road has been set.  You can follow it and bring peace once again to the lands, or you can move from your path to the doom of all in the lands.  The decision will be yours to make.”

“This is a path that is not of my choosing.  I have no wish for power or glory, only to live out my life without having it filled with matters that are beyond my sight.”

“Yet it has been placed before you.  For now you are the only one who can control the power that has a chance to halt the evil forces that are moving the land into shadow and despair.  Your wisdom and heart can bring balance back.  Even now, the forces that you oppose are massing.  If they succeed, even the dragons will fall.  For generations unknown to man, we have paid little attention to the doings of the other races.  Now it is known to us that all the races must band together to destroy the threat.  The legends of the Elves have spoken of one who will bring peace when all seems lost.  You, Aldren of the Dragon Clan, are that one.”

Aldren was silent as the dragon watched him carefully.  In a reluctant tone he spoke.  “I will undertake this task, though it is against my judgment.”

“Dragon, do you have a name by which I can address you?”

“My name would be impossible for you to speak, even within your mind.  Your inner self already knows it, and because of that you share my power.  However for use in these talks, you may address me as Balroth.”

Ameni finally spoke up.  “You have our gratitude Balroth.  We all owe you our lives.”  Ameni bowed low, her arms crossed over her chest.

“As I do to your bondmate Elf-woman.  You and those with you can rest this night for nothing will enter here that could cause you harm.”    With that the two took their leave and went back to the fire.

The others were waiting to know what had transpired while they had been with the dragon.  Aldren remained silent, but Ameni did tell them that Balroth would remain where he was for another day, and that they would be safe.  About the rest of the conversation, she remained silent.  Finally they all found the slumber that they had earned this day.

They rested the next day, letting Peryn’s leg wound heal a bit more and maintaining their armor and weapons.  It was near dusk when Balroth moved from his crouched position, stretching his wings.  He gave his farewells to Aldren and Ameni.. Leaping into the air, he brought his wings downward launching himself toward the top of the canyon spraying dust and small stones on the party.  As the dust cleared, they spotted him as a small speck glistening in the late afternoon sunlight.

Kaldon was the first to speak.  “I am one of the fortunate now.  I have looked upon a dragon and lived to tell the tale.  It will be a tale to tell my grandchildren if I survive to have them.”

Aldren gave the big man a slap on the back.  “Right you are my friend.  We were fortunate that he arrived and he goes with our gratitude.”

Peryn was getting around much better.  He had fixed the evening meal and they all ate with gusto.  Then Aldren called them around the fire to decide what to do.  They knew that they could not walk back to the tower.  It would take a sevenday to do so and they would be vulnerable to attack if any of the king’s men had survived.  It was decided to send someone to search for horses, and if none were found they would start out on foot in the hopes of catching some on the way.

The discussion came around to why the King’s troops had found them.  They agreed that it had been a trap, but just who had laid the trap was in contention.  It came down to three trains of thought. There  was a spy in the tower, Kendrich himself sent them to a certain death, or perhaps one of the priests of the new cult that could divine their movements by magic.

In the deep of the night, Ameni heard the cries of Reavers as they feasted on the bodies of the fallen troops.  They were feasting on the cold blood of dead screeching as they fought over the bodies.  A few ventured close to the fire but turned away from the elf.    There was enough food without taking the chance of a fight.  By dawn, the troop could see the cleaned bones of the king’s garrison littering the ground leading toward the mouth of the canyon.

Ameni left soon after the sun had illuminated the top of the canyon in search of some horses for them.  Kaldon went with her, in his mind as her protector.  Ameni had come to tolerate Kaldon’s worship of her even if it still made her uncomfortable at times.  She knew she was not the goddess that he claimed she was, but could not convince him otherwise.  So she accepted it and continued to be kind to him.

Aldren and Vabryn scouted around the walls of the canyon, investigating the caves and outcroppings for possible use in case of another attack.  Looking at the lay of the land, Aldren decided that this would indeed be a good place for a secondary keep that would be impregnable if a wall was constructed across the floor where the canyon was most narrow.  Vabryn agreed, and together they made some crude drawings of the lay of the rocks, naming it the Dragon’s hold.

They also checked what was left of the dead.  They retrieved the arrows that were still sound and placed the bodies not consumed by the Reavers into a pile.  Adding wood, they set the pyre ablaze in the hopes of keeping the night creatures away.  They found what remained of their  fallen comrade and placed him on a separate pyre and burned with all the honor that they could give him.

It was mid afternoon before Ameni and Kaldon returned with most of their horses.  They had also rescued their saddles and all the tack from the bodies of the horses that had been killed.  Since they were once again mounted, they could leave. It was decided to break camp and head back to the tower at first light.

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In the hall of the tower, Kendrich stared in disbelief at the little, cloaked figure that stood before him.  “You say they still live?  That is impossible.  There were more than a hundred of the King’s troops waiting on them.  They couldn’t kill 5 men and a woman?  You had better be quick with as to why this is so!”
The little spy was quivering where he stood.  “My Lord.  The warrior, Aldren, seemed to become engulfed in flame and was unstoppable.  The troops were making progress with the others with the exception of the elf, when a dragon suddenly appeared.  It destroyed most of the remaining troops.  The rest fled in terror from the creature.”

Kendrich stroked his chin thoughtfully.  He had heard of the strange things surrounding Aldren.  Rumors had started the day after he appeared, of him working some kind of magic on the practice field.  The troops all loved this man and took his words as truth.  Kendrich had to admit that there was something about Aldren that made all he met wanted to follow him.  But what the spy was telling had only been done in legend.

From the shadows behind the throne a tall, black-robed figure moved toward Kendrich.  “I heard the report.  It is as I feared.  This man...this half-breed, has become powerful.  The high priest must be told of this.”

Kendrich scowled at the priest before him.  He cared not for this man, but he had his uses.  It was not long since Kendrich had made his pact with the king and the high priests.  They would leave him alone and after the cleansing of the land, he would be Lord of the North Kingdom.  He was constantly worried about losing his place of power and this pact took one worry away.  He was not overjoyed about the destruction of the other races, but he was too comfortable in his position as ruler to worry about it any further.

“So priest, do you think that they will return to the Tower?”

“Most certainly.  For I doubt that he has seen your part in our plan to destroy him.  He is loyal and too trusting.  If he makes it back, I will just destroy him here.”

“Just be sure you do.  If you confront him here it will tip my hand that I am back in league with the king.  I cannot afford to have one so powerful able to rouse my troops.”

Neither of these men noticed a small, very old figure move from the shadows and into a hidden stairwell that led to the top of the tower.

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Ameni raised her hand to signal the rest of the troop to halt.  They had been taking it easy on the way back, partly to allow time for Peryn’s leg wound to heal but also to be on the lookout for any more troops.  They were within sight of the Tower after riding for four days.

Aldren moved up to join Ameni.  “What do you see?”
Ameni motioned toward the rocks next to the trail.  “Someone awaits us in the rocks ahead.  I saw the movement.”

Aldren loosened his sword in the scabbard.  They rode on wary of another attack.  As they approached, a voice called out.  “Lord Aldren, I must speak to you before you go into the gates.  Stop and adjust your saddle, but do not look in my direction.”  He recognized the wintry voice of Kal-angurr.  Aldren did as he was asked and bade the ancient man to continue.

“I have come to warn you.  Kendrich has given over to the king and the priests.  In exchange, the king will not attack him or the tower.  But your life and the lives of any who would follow you will be forfeit if you return to the tower of the guard.  There is a priest/mage lying in wait for your return since they know of your victory over the king’s troops.  Kendrich fears you.  He clings to the power he has and thinks you will usurp him and take over.  With several thousand standing soldiers that would be at your command, the king fears you as well.”

Aldren digested this information.  He knew what was waiting for him and his companions in the tower.  His first thought was just to continue past the gates and strike out into the wilderness once again.  He and Ameni had led a very good life traveling here and there.  It would be more difficult now that they would be wanted from both sides of the struggle.  To go in would mean possible, if not probable, death.  Even if he came out alive, this would be just the beginning of the battles.  Why couldn’t the fates have chosen another for this quest?

In the end, he knew he could only prolong the time of confrontation, but he couldn’t avoid it entirely.  Better to face it now, rather than later.  He would just have to work with what came to him.  He gave Ameni a cryptic look then turned to his other companions.

“You have heard what is awaiting us within the gates of the tower.  You can stand with me or go past the gates and make your way, as you will.  I will not hold it against you if you wish to avoid this fight.  The odds are we will end up dead.”

Vabryn spoke up.  “It is my decision to follow you into the very gates of the underworld that the priests talk about.  I have not understood all that has happened, but I know you as a man that is just.”  The rest voiced their agreement.

“Get yourself back into the tower, old one.  If the fight goes ill, you will be able to save your skin.”  With those words Aldren remounted his horse and motioned them forward.

They rode into the opened gates and made their way to the front of the tower.  As they rode through the streets, a crowd was gathering behind them.  The rumors of what had happened to the group had spread.  They were cheering the returning group for their exploits, crowding around the mounted companions shouting encouragement and wonder at their return.

At the edge of the tower grounds, the troop dismounted.  With Aldren in the lead, they strode forward with more confidence than the half-elf actually felt.  They were halfway across the courtyard when Kendrich came out of the entrance followed closely by a figure in a black robe.

“So you have returned.  But I am told that you provoked a battle with the king’s troops and caused his wrath to be turned toward the tower.  Now we are all in danger.  You will now be seized and given to the king in the hopes that he will show mercy on us and leave us alone.”

The crowd gasped in disbelief at these words and then started to turn angry.  A troop of the guards started forward but was halted by the weapons aimed at them.  Aldren spoke in a voice loud enough for the crowd to hear.  “Kendrich, you have become soft and easily swayed.  In your quest for power, you have forgotten just why these men came to you in the first place.  They are in opposition to what the king and the priests of the new god are doing.  Your lust for safety and power has betrayed them all.”

The crowd around them started to falter.  The looked between the leaders and could see Aldren grow in stature for the words he had said.  They waited for Kendrich to deny the accusations, but the denial was not coming.

Instead, Kendrich gambled that a show of force would settle the matter.  “When you are destroyed, the men behind you will follow my orders.  You are the usurper and must die!”  Kendrich then stepped aside as the priest pushed himself to the forefront of the confrontation.  Fokoth was confident in his power to destroy this fool.  After all, wasn’t he a twelfth level priest and well versed in the ways of magic as well?  He moved ahead of Kendrich’s position and tossed his hood back to reveal his bald head covered in tattoos, symbols of his rank and position.

Aldren also moved away from the rest of his troop.  He did not know what would happen but he did not want the fallout to affect them.  As he started to draw upon the elements, he began feeling the now familiar tingle move throughout his body.  This time, he also felt something new..  It was like he was looking at the coming battle much like a dragon would.  Aldren was dispassionate about his fate almost emotionless in his thoughts of defeating this puny priest.  

These thoughts warred with his human fears.  Aldren knew that he could very well lose this battle and with it, his life as well as the lives of those around him.  A small voice was extolling him to control the feeling of dispassion.  That path leads to devastation with him unleashing such power as to destroy everyone around him.

The priest raised his arms and made a gesture with his right hand.  A ball of energy formed and was sent toward its intended victim.  Aldren muttered a few words and the energy globe exploded in midair.  He silently thanked Belwin, the Elvin healer, for teaching him how to defend himself.  The priest, Fokoth, looked up in surprise.  He had figured this half-breed would fall under the first attack.  He had been led to believe that his enemy only had the magic that was inherent in the elves which was weak at best.  Fokoth started to attack in earnest now pulling up energy globes and hurling them in rapid succession.  Each one pushed Aldren back but they were not hurting him.

The priest changed tactics.  He drew himself to his full height and seemed to convulse.  A wall of energy shot toward Aldren so quickly that he couldn’t shield from it.  He flew through the air hitting the ground dazed.  Fokoth was starting to revel in his apparent victory when the grin was wiped from his face.  Aldren had rolled to his knees and was starting to stand.  Then, Fokoth was startled when an arrow whistled past his head.  The magic shield he was generating was the only thing that saved him.  He turned to see the elf woman still holding her bow.  How dare someone of the lesser races, and a female besides, think they could harm him?  He stared at her summoning an energy ball.  He sent it at her with as much malice as he could, trying to kill her with one hit.

Kaldon saw what was happening and shouldered Ameni to the ground.  The globe hit him in the side, and spread throughout his body.  He screamed in agony as the energy tore his muscles and internal organs.  Every nerve in his body was overloaded and he dropped to the ground beside his goddess.

Until now, Aldren had been on the defensive.  Now it was his turn.  The memory of his mother came to him the night she had destroyed the mage.  He stood and pointed directly at the priest.  The words came into his head and he spoke them aloud.  “HIZAMICH ADROMAL ENDROMICH!” rang clear in the air.  The priest looked with fear at his opponent, watching as Aldren’s form seemed to grow and expand.  The words were foreign to him but he felt the power behind them.  He was also in fear of his own life for the first time in his memory.  Then, lightening and fire burst from Aldren’s hand and shot through the priest.  Fokoth’s screams of agony were heard as his body was consumed in a flash of heat and light.  All that was left was a pile of smoldering ash to show where the priest had stood.

Aldren returned to normal and staggered to where Kaldon was lying on the ground.  Ameni was cradling his head, stroking his brow and singing the songs of passing softly to him.  Aldren knelt down and put his hand on the man’s chest.  “This I cannot heal”, he said in a quiet voice.  “The damage to his body is too great.  I have yet to regain the strength.”  Aldren looked to the faces surrounding him, his features showing his great remorse.  “I put you all in danger by not demanding that I come in alone.  I alone caused the death of this good man”

Vabryn put his hand on Aldren’s shoulder.  “We came of our own free will.  Kaldon followed you not only because of his love for Ameni, but also for his belief in you.  You cannot heal the wounds of all.  And Kaldon was doing what he felt was his duty”
 Kaldon stirred and opened his eyes.  He had protected his goddess as he said he would.  He would die fulfilling his vow.  Ameni leaned down and kissed his forehead.  “Fare thee well, my champion.  You will have a place of honor in the Hero’s Halls.”  The big man smiled at her and then his body slipped into its final sleep.  His companions were silent in respect of his bravery.

Kendrich was furious.  The priest who had said he would destroy the usurper was now dead.  His world was falling apart.  The men who were gathered now knew he had turned against them.  His anger focused on the one who had caused his downfall.  He knew that he would either be banished or killed, but he would send the one who had caused his downfall to the gates of the underworld.
 
Vabryn seen the movement as Kendrich raised his sword over his head, aiming to cleave Aldren’s skull in two.  He brought his own sword to block the blow then brought the blade down slashing Kendrich’s torso open.  Kendrich dropped his weapon and brought his hands down to catch his own entrails as they tumbled out of the wound.  A look of disbelief showed on his face as he collapsed on the ground.

The crowd, which had grown to most of the inhabitants, was brought out of their state of shock when Kendrich’s body hit the ground.  Aldren looked up from his kneeling position to look upon the faces surrounding them.  He was not sure if he would be torn limb from limb along with his companions, or whether they would choose to follow him.  The tension was building, and would boil over soon, one way or the other.

Everyone turned when they heard a loud, high voice shout.   Kal-angurr stood on the top steps of the entrance, hands outstretched in appeal.  “HEAR ME PEOPLE OF THE TOWER!!”  When all eyes were on him he continued.  “Aldren Half-elven has come to us in the time of our need.  He is the legend of old reborn.  He has been bathed in the blood of the dragons, and his power is evident to all who would see.  If you truly wish to free this land from the plague that throttles it, you will fight with him.”

The silence was tense as those who could hear digested the old man’s words.  There was a rumble of voices then a shout.  Others took up this lone shout as they started chanting Aldren’s name.  They continued until he moved beside Kal-angurr.  He raised his hands and the crowd quieted.  “Hear me all men of the tower.  I will ask no oath except for the one your heart tells you is true.  For without the truth in your heart and mind, other oaths are worthless.  Your heart will tell you that to fight for the freedom of all races is just.  If you cannot swear that oath, you are given leave to go where you will.”

The crowd was cheering and clashing their weapons together.  The rest of the companions came forward to stand by Aldren, affirming their loyalty.  Eventually, the crowd dispersed leaving the companions in the courtyard.  The body of Kaldon was set upon a pyre to send him on his way.  The body of Kendrich was taken to the gates and tossed over the cliff for the Reavers.  This was the just punishment for traitors.

That night Aldren and Ameni lay next to each other sated from a long bout of lovemaking.  Ameni sang the songs of passing for Kaldon, the slow-witted man who had saved her life.  Inwardly, she was troubled that he had done so, but Vabryn had explained that Kaldon felt it a huge honor to protect her and he had made a vow to do so.  So in his mind, he felt he had fulfilled that vow with honor.  So she had honored him with the songs of her people that were sung for heroes.

She turned to Aldren laying her head on his chest.  “You have started your destiny today.  It will be a path that will be difficult at times but those that are loyal will aid you.  And I will always be with you.”

Aldren enveloped her in his arms.  “I don’t know where we go from here.  But we have started down the path that has been set before us.  All we can do is to follow it to the end.”  Then he gave her a loving kiss and settled down for a well-deserved rest.

Over the next week, some of the men who could not accept to the oath placed on them left the tower.  But their numbers were small, totaling less than 100.  The rest of the populace went about their duties.  Aldren made it a point to be on the practice field every morning to keep his skills sharp as well as to improve those of his men.

And they were his men.  They felt a kinship with him as a warrior and as a fair and honest leader.  He chose his leaders, Vabryn being his second in command.  The captains were chosen for their leadership qualities and trust of the troops.  Any of the populace that had a grievance knew they could get a fair hearing.  And to everyone’s benefit, morale improved everywhere.
Ameni, by being Aldren’s bondmate, was considered the Lady of the Tower.  Her authority included the household of the Tower and most domestic issues for the settlement.  In addition, she was included at Vabryn’s request in all the training and planning of the troops.  
Ameni was surprised when a mother brought her newborn for her blessings on the infant.  She tried to explain to the woman that she was not versed in the magic of her people, but the mother cared not.  

“M’Lady, you are mate to the legend.  And you are of the Blessed Race.  Please Lady, you would be granting great favor on my child if you could bless him.”

So Ameni placed her hands on the infant and gave blessings for long and healthy life.  The rumor soon spread of her blessing and she was soon being asked to perform the same for any child that was born.

Aldren was out among the support buildings talking to the blacksmith when a runner for the guards came up to him.  “Lord Aldren.  There is a young man at the gates that asks to see you.  He said you know him and his mother and he has important news.”

“Did he give a name?”

“Yes my Lord.  He said his name was Mirgan.  He looks to have about 15 or so winters in age but he spoke like he knew what he was about.”

“By all means, bring him in and have him meet me in the tower.”

The runner saluted and then left on his errand.  Aldren headed back to the tower wondering what would bring the young man who had once guarded his horse this far.

Mirgan came walking down the hall with two of the guards.  He had grown since he had last seen him.  He had grown muscle and height but walked as one who was exhausted from a long journey.  He still carried the short sword that Aldren had given him coupled with one that was more suited to his new height.  The boyish features had given away to the lean, thin face of an adult.

He stopped just short of the chair that Aldren sat in.  “Hail, fellow warrior and friend” he stated in slightly accented Elvish.
“Hail to thee, warrior.”  Aldren answered with a smile.  The guards, seeing they knew each other, moved back down to their places at the doorway.  Aldren grasped the young man’s forearm in the human greeting, and brought him to a table.

“You look as though you have ridden hard and long, Mirgan.  Eat and drink a bit, then we will talk.”

The young man tore into the food that was brought to him.  As he was eating, Ameni came in.  Mirgan bowed low and repeated the elvish greeting.  She returned it and then sat near him at the table while he finished his meal.

As Mirgan pushed his plate away, he got to the reason for his arrival.  “My lord, I have come to tell you that our village was overrun by the King’s forces.  He has persuaded the wild men from the Southern plains to fight for him.  They attacked at dawn.  Mother... was taken and my uncle was killed.  He bade me to find you and bring you the news.  I wanted to stay and fight, but he told me that it was more important to find you.  I knew you were coming here, so I took the route that was most direct, looking for signs of you along the way.”

“Don’t worry, Mirgan.  When the time is right, your mother and uncle will be avenged.  You are to rest and get your strength back.  I will see what we can do to right this.”  With that, Aldren left to call his captains to conference.   Ameni called to one of the women who worked in the tower and asked that she find lodgings for Mirgan.  As soon as they were gone, she followed Aldren.  As she walked down the corridor, she could not help thinking that this was just the beginning.  To what end, she could not tell.