Taylon (11 page)

Taylon

The horrid tone whispered from out of nowhere. He
visibly shivered. Turning slowly, he headed toward Euphoria’s tent
by habit. Ten steps later, he paused and stopped. He looked
around.

What am I doing? She’s controlling me.
A
sudden strong resolve came forth from him. He stood a bit
straighter, as the self-pity shook off.
Was she making me feel
that way?
Anger grew, bringing forth the old Taylon.

Taylon.

The voice came again, and a wave of doubt came with
it. He shook it off as he turned around. His steps became quicker
and more assured as he walked to his horse.

I’ve been manipulated too long.
The idea came
through strong, determined. It felt like coming out of a sickness
that had disabled him too long.

Taylon!

Euphoria somehow knew what was happening now. Her
tone had a harsh cry to it. Before he could rethink his decision,
Taylon kicked his horse into gear. He would find Kara on his own.
No more being Euphoria’s puppet.

Taylon! Don’t you dare…
But the words were
lost to him, ignored as he entered the charred forest.

***

In her tent, Euphoria screamed, letting a wave of
anger out. If she could have breathed fire, the whole camp would be
ablaze. Taylon had broken out of his stupor. She knew it was a
possibility, but she was weak and couldn’t reassert control.

A servant boy came to her tent. “Your Majesty…?” He
was nervous to even check on the queen. She summoned him forward
with a finger. Timidly he came, eyes glancing back at the tigers
who took no notice of him.

As he came within arms’ reach, Euphoria grabbed him
by the throat, crushing his windpipe, her nails sinking into the
flesh. The boy’s mouth opened, surprise on his face, but he said
nothing. She fed quickly, and loudly, not caring who heard.

A guard came in ready to assist, but stopped short at
the horror he saw before him. Euphoria only gave him a nod, before
Figaro attacked him. The huge cat grounded the guard with one leap.
Its teeth went for the man’s throat to stop any further
screaming.

When her feeding was complete, Euphoria kicked aside
the boy’s clothing and stood. Figaro was playing with his food now,
tearing chunks away from an arm. Daisy circled the kill, also
wanting to enjoy, but Figaro growled any time she got near.

Share kitty.
She was not in any mood to deal
with childish tigers. The nourishment from the boy was not much.
She would need to feed more. These humans had hardly any magic to
them, making her meals like bland oatmeal. Her army needed to find
more magical creatures.

Eyes were upon her as the queen exited her tent. She
walked through the camp with a purpose. Their assault on Aladedas
would need to happen today. But with Taylon on the run, she needed
to pick a new captain.

Soldiers stopped and bowed as she passed, but she
paid them no heed. The officers’ tent was ahead, and she entered
without alerting anyone.

“Queen Euphoria!” was the common cry as most of the
soldiers hurried to their feet. She eyed the men, looking them
over, reading their inner souls.

“Captain Taylon has deserted us. I must replace him
and prepare for the assault.”

One brave man stepped forward. “I was second in
command.” It was a statement he held like a shield of honor.

The queen took one look at him. “No, not you.” Shock
and a look of pure disgust erupted on his face, but he did his best
to hide it. Euphoria stepped down the line. “You, what is your
name?”

But before the officer could answer, the second in
command spoke up. “Aww, you can’t choose Nonk.” Euphoria snapped a
glare at the speaker, and then—on a whim—she came up with an
idea.

“Nonk, kill that man.” She pointed at the officer,
whose face showed surprise. Nonk said nothing, nodded at the queen,
and turned to do her bidding. A sword lay on the bench, which Nonk
snatched up. The other officers moved back, trying to stay out of
the way.

Cedric, the second in command, lost precious moments
comprehending the matter. It wasn’t until he saw Nonk advancing did
he realize what was happening. He had time to block Nonk’s sword
thrust with his own. Cedric retreated outside, knowing he would
have better luck in an open area.

Nonk did not run after Cedric, but slowly stalked out
of the tent. He moved with determination, muscles bulging under his
uniform. Cedric took a swipe at him as he approached. It was more
of a taunting jab to get the opponent to block the fist away. Nonk
did not. He walked forward as if to receive a gift. Cedric, on the
other hand, fell into form—ready to fight.

Clang!

The swords crashed, but Cedric was the one who had to
retreat a few steps. Nonk was not going to dance. He proceeded with
his mission to kill, and he was coming full force. Metal clashed
again, and Cedric bounded around Nonk. Even though he was a big
guy, Nonk was fast on his feet. He deflected a blow to his back as
Cedric came around him.

A circle of soldiers grew around the two men.
Euphoria stood behind her officers watching the scene. Most of the
cheers were for Cedric to win, but there were a few that shouted
for Nonk.

Swordplay went on for another five minutes, as Cedric
struck and retreated. Finally, Nonk was able to defend against his
opponent’s retreat. Swords met and Nonk’s fell to the ground.
Cedric looked up, a smile across his face. He had Nonk now.

“Any last…” But the man didn’t get to finish his
sentence as a huge fist came in. A sickening crack of bone echoed
loudly. Cedric stumbled back with the blow. Blood flowed from his
broken nose. Nonk approached with another punch to the face, and an
uppercut. The circle expanded back as Cedric fell to earth.

Nonk grabbed a sword as he straddled the second in
command’s body.

“Not fair…” Cedric moaned.

“Death doesn’t play fair.” It was a low grunt and a
final send off. Nonk jabbed the sword, penetrating his heart
straight through. The sword pinned his enemy there.

There was no clapping as Nonk stood. Soldiers eyed
him. The officers looked on, some with amusement, others with
hate—ready to step in for their fallen comrade. Euphoria strode
forward.

“Well done.” She nodded to the big man. “Soldiers! I
give you your new captain!” Again, there was no clapping. Whispers
and murmurs ran through those assembled. “Captain Taylon has
deserted us. He is dead to us. If any have problems with Captain
Nonk, feel free to discuss it with that man.” She pointed to
Cedric, dead, blood soaking the earth.

When the muttering stopped, Euphoria spoke to the men
again of their purpose here. She incited the soldiers to riotous
proportions for the planned attack on the marketplace. “And we
shall strike at dawn when these creatures will be unprepared and
vulnerable.”

Cheers rose up as her speech concluded. She bid the
men a restful night. Evening meal would be starting in a few hours,
and the men needed their nourishment before the attack.

“Come with me, my captain,” Euphoria said as she
passed Nonk. Without another word, he followed in her wake.

***

The rain had stopped almost two hours ago, but that
hadn’t changed Fret’s mood. Snow and Ra’na were eager to search for
Kara. Gantha and Ynob had already spread out their notes and books.
An argument was in the works. Hambone had gone out to check his
house, to see if Kara had doubled back due to the storm and
fire.

“I think he used the ring for something. He wouldn’t
have just made it and then locked it away,” the elf proclaimed
again.

“Rubbish.” That was all the wizard had to say on his
side of the argument.

“What kind of response is that?”

“A wizard response.”

Fret sat and watched the whole ordeal. There were
several books spread out, and a golden ring. The elf and wizard
passed it back and forth. He found it fascinating while everyone
else found it annoying.

“We should really go search for Kara. It will be dark
soon,” Snow said to everyone, but directed it toward the wizard.
Ynob did not acknowledge her at all, as he bent low over a
tome.

“Come here Gantha. What is this?”

Snow threw her hands in the air, turning back to
Ra’na. Jesset had fallen asleep to the sound of the rain.

Gantha leaned down and peered at the object of the
wizard’s focus. “Just a bug.” He swept his hand across the
parchment and the spot disappeared.

Ra’na finally stood up. “Okay, guys. We are going to
look for Kara. If you want to come, that’s great, but we are done
waiting.” Snow nodded in agreement.

Ynob looked up finally, but he instantly froze. Fret
noticed it first, and then the females did too.

“What’s…?”

“There are several elves outside, patrolling the
perimeter.” His voice was monotone as he stated this. All looked
alarmed.

“Who?”

Ynob came to. “What?”

“Who?” Snow asked.

“Who?” Ynob asked back, unsure of what she was
asking.

“Who is outside?”

“Um…I don’t know.” He gave a shrug of his
shoulders.

“You just told us that there were several elves
outside,” Snow yelled, exasperated.

The wizard thought a moment. “Oh…I set up a perimeter
spell once we got here. Usually when that is tripped, it comes in
as a message that I can’t recall.”

Snow looked at him flabbergasted. Ra’na spoke up.
“What good is that if you are alone?” She ran to the windows to
peer out.

Ynob thought about it, but simply dismissed the
question. Snow ran to a back door to peep out.

“Oh no.” The words sounded like a death sentence from
Ra’na. She turned back toward the group. “This is Kerlick’s
bunch.”

“Kerlick?” Gantha gasped as he ran for cover. Fret
and Ynob watched him cower behind an armchair. Jesset awoke from
the commotion.

“What’s going on?”

“Um, we are under attack,” Ra’na said, and glanced
out the window again.

“Oh, and I thought I was going to miss something.”
Jesset pulled himself up groaning. He slowly moved his way over to
the fireplace. Fret watched him.

Snow came back in from the kitchen. “There’s at least
two I can see around the back. They look like they are ready to
attack.”

Fret crept near Jesset, who appeared to be talking to
the fireplace.

Ynob started muttering things as well. After he
finished, they heard a yelp from outside. Eyes turned to look at
the wizard. “Fire shield. Guess one of them got too close.”

“Well now they know we know. Thanks a lot,” Snow said
as she crept to Ra’na’s window. One of the intruders had flames
coming from his arm. The fire sizzled out as he plunged his arm in
the rain barrel.

Fret stared at Jesset, who realized the boy was
there. “What are you doing?”

“There are a few bats in the chimney that are
sleeping. I am seeing if they will scout for us,” Jesset said a bit
annoyed. “They are proving to be sound sleepers.”

“We could light a fire and get them a little more
motivated.” Fret tried to offer help. Jesset looked at him, his
expression unreadable.

“You know what? That may just work.” Jesset quickly
grabbed some wood from the pile. Fret was glad to help.

Ra’na addressed the room. “What should we do? Attack?
Retreat?” Her eyes focused on the wizard. Ynob just stared back and
gave a hands-up gesture. Gantha still lurked behind the chair.

“What do you think they want?” Snow asked.

“Me of course!” Gantha poked his head up from the
chair.

“Huh?” It came from Ra’na and Snow. Even the wizard
seemed perplexed at this.

“Um, I saw Da’Lynn kill the council. She probably has
it out for me,” Gantha exclaimed and then ducked his head back
down.

“My mother killed the council?”

“Later. Ynob saw that too, so they are probably here
for him as well.” Snow nodded at the wizard.

This statement took a moment to register. The wizard
quickly ran for cover as well, screaming, “I’m too young to
die!”

Ra’na and Snow looked at each other. Both mouthed the
same phrase to each other.
Stupid men
. They turned and
looked out the window.

A small fire began to burn in the fireplace. As the
first hints of smoke drifted upward, the bats awoke. Jesset
smothered out the flames quickly and did his best to get the bats’
attention.

Fret watched the old man, amazed at his ability to
talk to animals.

“Damn…all that work and they are being stubborn,”
Jesset said, sitting back rubbing his neck.

“Can’t you just command them to do so?”

Jesset shook his head. “Not my talent. I knew a
Mordock who could
suggest
something, and creatures and
animals would obey. But I can only talk to them.”

“Koelic…” Fret said, as the memory of the bear cub
came flashing back. He wondered if the man was still alive or
not.

A loud bang sounded from the room. All looked up as
it came again. “Are they coming in from the roof?” Snow asked as
another thud came from above. After the next hard knock, bits of
wood trickled down from the ceiling.

“Wizard, I thought you protected us with a fire
shield or something?” Ra’na said angrily. Ynob looked up from his
hiding spot.

“Yes I did, but I only enchanted the walls.”

“You idiot!”

“Hey, how was I supposed to know that they would come
in through the roof?” Ynob stood.

A small hole appeared above. “What kind of weapons do
you have?” Ra’na looked to Snow, who simply answered with a shake
of her head.

“You’re a wizard; can’t you just blast them or
something?” Fret asked.

Ynob looked at him, annoyed and irritated. “I don’t
go just blasting people. One wrong spell and we could all be in
trouble.”