Ruler of the Skies

Between Kaemoora and Pinemarsh

Commander Roxy and her group of riders had made good progress and she now thought they were ahead of the Animoids. It was just a matter of where would the Animoids exit the forest. Plus, had her remaining foot troops been able to close the gap on them.

Roxy’s small group had dismounted and were resting their horses on a small hillock that gave her a good view of the surrounding countryside. She had posted lookouts on all sides of the hillock. The other question on her mind was how long should she wait? “How far do we go in pursuit of these Animoids?” She knew she should return to Aerie soon. These were troubling times and she was needed at home. Her thoughts were interrupted by a call from one of her lookouts.

“Commander. There is a group passing to the Northeast.”

Roxy hurried around to look for herself.

“Have they seen us? Can you make out their livery?” She asked.

“They haven’t changed course. I estimate about fifty or so foot troops.” The lookout added.

“Everyone, move to the Southside of the hill. Keep it quiet.” Roxy issued her orders.

At that very same moment, the group to the Northeast changed course.

“They’ve seen us.” Roxy issued another order. “Mount up. We ride.”

Tussah and one of his scouts were standing just inside the line of trees. They had only just arrived and were scanning the open space ahead.

“There, Lord.” The scout pointed at the riders heading South towards the foothills near Pinemarsh.

“Where are they going in such a hurry?” Tussah was puzzled. He knew his pursuers were gaining on his group. He wanted to be clear of the forest and get a break between him and them.

The scout interrupted his thoughts. “Lord. Troops.” He now pointed to a group of foot soldiers coming from the Northeast. They had almost reached the hillock.

Tussah recognised them as a mixture of Animoids and militiamen.

“Go out and meet them. I’ll call up the others.” Tussah ordered the scout. He turned back into the forest to collect his men.

Commander Roxy called her riders to a halt. They had put a good gap between them and the foot troops. She was convinced they were a contingent of Animoids. They had started to climb into some low foothills and she had a good view of where they had come from. She was angry when she saw the Animoid group come out of the forest. Her thoughts then turned to her other troops pursuing the Animoids, through the forest.

“I hope they have a scout out in front.” She said aloud to no one in particular.

Tussah led his troops to the hillock and greeted the Animoid in charge.

“I am Tussah, recently from Aerie. Thank you for seeing off those riders.”

“I am Osferd. We have been summoned to join the army at the Gap. Who were those riders?” Osferd was a bit suspicious of Tussah.

“They are a small contingent of Aerie Eagles. A scouting party, I think.” Tussah was being deliberately vague.

“What is happening at Arie? I was told the city was under Animoid control.” Osferd commented.

“Not any longer. The city revolted, killing the majority of the Animoids there. We were outside the city, scouting at the time and made our escape.” Tussah looked at the forest and then added. “Hadn’t we be getting a move on. I want to report on Aerie to our General.”

Osferd was not convinced he was getting the whole story but agreed they should move on. He gave the orders and they resumed their march West to the Gap.

Roxy knew her troops well. A scout had been sent ahead and was watching from the trees. The rest of the troops caught up as Tussah and Osferd were talking. The scout warned them to be quiet and stay hidden. They watched as the Animoid troops marched off.

Roxy was also watching. “What shall I do?” She thought. She turned to one of her troops.

“I want you to head back to the edge of the forest, down there.” She pointed. “Stay hidden and make you way back to where the Animoids exited. Look for the others. The afternoon is drawing to a close. We will make camp here and wait for you.”

“Yes, Commander.” The rider took off as instructed.

“We will make camp here.” Roxy called out to her troops.

The Maze

Raum woke to see two large blue circled eyes peering down at him.

“Aark. You’re awake.” Jalen observed.

Raum’s mouth seemed like it was full of dirt, so he spat on the ground before sitting up.

“What happened? Where is Jaymar and the others?”

“Aark, I don’t know. A landslide has blocked the entrance. Luckily, Cargan protected us.” Jalen stepped back. Raum’s eyes started to adjust to the dim light. He noticed Cargan was sitting with his back to the other side of the tunnel.

“Cargan. Did you see what happened to Jaymar?” Raum was starting to get anxious about his son.

“The Wolf Head grabbed him and then they were gone.” Cargan seemed distant.

Raum stood up. “What do you mean, gone?”

“I did not see. The entrance was blocked. I am sorry for the landslide.”

“Can you dig us out? Reopen the entrance. We must find them.” Raum urged.

“It is too deep. It would cause the roof to collapse.” Cargan observed.

“So, we do nothing! My son is out there, and he could be injured. Won’t you try?” Raum was getting angry.

“No. It is pointless.” Cargan’s shoulders slumped.

“Aark. Raum. Can I suggest an alternative?” Jalen interrupted.

Raum was not in a mood to listen. He walked to the blocked entrance and started to pick up rocks and toss them aside.

Jalen continued anyway. “Cargan can lead us to another entrance and I could fly out to search for them. Aark. But I must urge you to remember Ambrose’s plan.”

Raum realised his efforts were pointless. As he shifted rocks more dirt and rock fell to replace them. He turned to face Jalen. “What plan?”

“Aark. You must believe that Ambrose will keep Jaymar safe. I will search for them. However, Aark, you must return to Pukavan and urge Princess Sienna to send troops to Tamplina. Aark, your ship will be invaluable.”

Raum was surprised at Jalen’s clarity. He hadn’t thought of the birdman as one that could be serious. His own mind was now beginning to clear and he did remember Ambrose had a clear plan.

“Cargan.” He spoke to the Ancient one. “Can you take us to another entrance, close by?”

“Yes.” Cargan slowly stood up and stretched his huge frame. “Come.” He turned and set off into the Maze.

South of Bundamook

The sun was setting. Ambrose and the group had made good progress.

“We must keep going through the night. The Dark Terror will no doubt send out a search party.” Ambrose told the group as they stopped for a short rest.

“Ambrose, it is too open. We need to get in under some cover.” Udolf was surveying the countryside.

Fineen pointed to their North. “There is a line of trees. They look thick enough to provide us with some cover.”

Ambrose agreed. “Lead the way.” The group set off again at the run.

North of Pinemarsh

Commander Roxy and all her troops were now reunited. The scout had found those on foot, in the forest and had led them to the camp. Roxy had gathered everyone around a large campfire.

“We have lost our opportunity to deal with those Animoids that fled Aerie. Aerie needs us, so we must return. However, we are so close to Pinemarsh, I think it is worth a look. These are dangerous times and any intelligence we can gather for Prince Levan may be of some value in the days to come. That said, I still want to get news quickly to Prince Levan of our fate. I will send the riders back at dawn to carry a message to His Highness. The rest of us will travel on foot. After Pinemarsh, we will travel via the foothills. Any questions?”

There were a few murmurs and some side chatter between the troops, but no one spoke up.

“Get some rest. We will break camp at dawn.” She issued her orders.

South of Bundamook

Calzar stood at the entrance to the cave. The Centurion had not returned. The sun had set, and his followers were ready. Calzar had only one thought on his mind. Find the Elemental boy. The Day Walker war could wait. He blew a signal on his horn and then sprang into the night.

He had issued orders for his Dark Ones to spread out across the mountain and then into the valley below. He would reward anyone who found him.

The Gap

Centurion Santos didn’t want to confront Calzar, so he led his group of Elementals back to Prince Tolgarn’s camp. He knew his return would not be welcomed either. He had to discuss what to do next with his superior, Centurion Santina.

It was after midnight when Santos and his Elementals returned to the camp. The guards allowed them to pass. Santos told the others to go and rest. He would go and see Santina.

Centurion Santina had only just returned to her tent after sitting through a long and tedious meeting with Prince Tolgarn and General Loktah. They were in disarray and continually arguing. They were unable to agree on a new plan of attack. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock and then the tent flap opened as Santos entered.

“Your Eminence. Sorry to return so late.” Santos bowed his head.

“This is turning into a debacle. I hope you can provide me with some better news.” Santina waved Santos in.

“Sorry Your Eminence, I cannot. Calzar was furious that no ground attack took place to support his attack on Bundamook.” Santos started with the obvious.

“That is understandable. What I don’t understand is you created a thunderstorm and there was no second attack.”

“Calzar refused. He said there is an Elemental assisting a rebel. He forced me to help him try and find this Elemental. He said, ‘the Elemental would be of great value to the Head Master.’” Santos was stretching the truth.

“What, the renegade Elemental is here?” Santina was confused.

“It could be, Your Eminence.”

“And Calzar says that this Elemental is aiding a rebel Dark One? Why?”

“Calzar wouldn’t confide in me.”

“Was Calzar successful in his search?” Santina was intrigued.

“I’m sorry, Your Eminence.” Santos hesitated. “We couldn’t maintain the thunderstorm and something else happened.”

“Get on with it.” Santina was getting impatient.

“There was a loud rumbling noise and the mountainside shook causing a landslide. My Elementals and I had to run to escape it. I did see Calzar return to his cave, but many of his search party didn’t make it.”

“A landslide you say.” Santina had her doubts. “So, his number is weakened. Will he still be able to mount an attack on Bundamook.” She pressed Santos.

“Your Eminence, I believe so. The search party was only about twenty in number.”

“I will have to provide Tolgarn with an explanation. How soon could you prepare your Elementals and create another thunderstorm?”

“We need to recover our strength. Maybe by tomorrow afternoon. I would also need another Elemental in order to ensure the thunderstorm holds.” Santos estimated.

“Mid-afternoon would be better. The attack could then continue into the night if required.” Santina was deep in thought. Santos just waited for instructions.

“I will go to Tolgarn in the morning and then I will accompany you back to Calzar. He will need convincing. Plus, I would like to hear more of this renegade. The Head Master and High Centurion must be told of this development. Leave me while I draft a message. I will send it straight away.” Santina dismissed Santos.

South of Bundamook

Dawn was near. Calzar had searched in vain. His anger had not subsided. In the end, he had no choice but to call a retreat back to the cave. He blew his horn and other Dark Ones echoed his signal for everyone to retreat.

Jaymar, Ambrose and the others watched from under a thick cover of trees. They had only just managed to make it before nightfall. All night the Dark Terror had been searching up and down the slopes and through the valley. It had been a sleepless night.

During the night, Ambrose had asked Jaymar how he had been captured. Jaymar told the group about his being caught in the wind and how he had flown into the mountains. Ambrose was interested in Jaymar’s recounting of his fight in the clouds.

“You used fire to ward them off?” He interrupted.

“Yes. It was strange. I couldn’t throw a fireball. So, I pointed my hand at the Dark One and flames just shot out at it.” Jaymar tried to explain.

Ambrose considered this for a moment before continuing. “Your Fire Elemental powers are greater than I had previously hoped for. Being a class three Elemental, there are some additional things I need to teach you. Unfortunately, they will have to wait.” He gave Jaymar a half-smile.

Dawn was breaking, and Ambrose gave the command to set off once again towards Pinemarsh. They would get some rest later in the morning.

Pinemarsh

Commander Roxy and her troops had a light breakfast and broke camp at dawn. The riders set off for Aerie, while Roxy marched her troops to Pinemarsh. It wasn’t far before they passed over a ridge and Pinemarsh came into sight, nestled at the bottom of the mountains.

From a distance, Pinemarsh didn’t look any different from any medium-sized town. However, Roxy and her troops knew that something wasn’t right. No smoke was rising from the chimneys and there was no sign of movement, it looked deserted.

Roxy told her troops to be wary as they entered the town. The main gate was torn from its hinges. Her objective was the town centre. She ordered the troops to halt as a fire Elemental approached.

Elemental Beaudeen had stayed in the town to coordinate repairs.

“Lord Commander. You’re a long way from home.” Beaudeen recognised the distinctive uniform of the Aerie Eagles. “What brings you to Pinemarsh?”

“I am Commander Roxy. We were pursuing a group of Animoids, but they eluded us. I would like to rest my troops before the journey home.” Roxy didn’t want to disclose all of her intentions.

“I’m sorry, Commander. There is little that I can offer you. The town is in ruin and what was left of the townsfolk, don’t want to return. I only have a small number of militiamen and some labourers.” Beaudeen revealed.

“So, the Centurion administrator is not here?” Asked Roxy.

“No. He has not returned from the Centurion Duma and I’m not sure if he will.”

“The Animoids. You have not been harassed?” Roxy was curious.

“There was a large company stationed to the North of here for a while, but they have moved on. There are no spoils for them here, so we have been left alone. Come, the town square has been cleared and there is shelter.” Beaudeen signalled for them to follow him.

Once Roxy and her troops were settled in the town square, she sent some scouts to survey the town and report back to her. Beaudeen managed to provide some supplies and they sat around talking about the recent events while eating a light lunch. Roxy noticed the two specks high in the sky. They were still there and had been with them since leaving Aerie.

The Maze

Cargan had brought Raum and Jalen to the opening above Pinemarsh.

“I will search for the others. Aark. I will bring them here.” Jalen was ready to fly.

Raum had made up his mind and decided he would return to Pukavan.

“Cargan will return once he has seen me safely back to the cave-dwelling. Tell Ambrose that I will do everything I can to get Pukavan Lancers to Tamplina. If you get the chance, fly back to Pukavan and give us news of Jaymar.” Raum was torn between wanting to stay and finding his son and returning to Pukavan.

“By the Elements. Fly safely and find them.” Raum added as Jalen whistled up some wind and took off. Raum turned to Cargan. “Lead the way.”

Jalen ascended quickly up and out over Pinemarsh. He was shocked as he surveyed the ruins from above. Suddenly there was a high-pitched squawk and peeping above him. He took evasive action and looked up. To his surprise, there were two eagles circling just above him. They didn’t approach. They kept a close eye on his movements as he continued circling.

Ella and her companion were fascinated to have come across another bird Animoid. They peeped and squawked with each other.

“I will try and communicate with him.” Ella told her companion.

After the initial surprise, Jalen resumed his search. He was used to flying with other birds and assumed that the eagles were just curious. One of them came closer, gliding parallel with him. Jalen felt something in his mind. A word came to him. “Ella”.

He looked at the eagle. “Aark. Are you trying to talk to me?”

A few more words came to him in stutters and then suddenly he could understand what she was saying.

“Do you understand? I am Ella from Aerie. What is your name?” Ella finally had success.

“I am Jalen. You can communicate with me?” He was surprised.

“Yes. Your mind is receptive. What are you searching for?” She asked.

Jalen was not sure what to tell this stranger. “Some friends. I lost them on the side of the mountain.” He swung to his left and pointed towards where Ambrose had been when the land slipped.

“I will help you. My companion will stay here, as we were watching over Pinemarsh.” Ella squawked and peeped to her companion who responded before wheeling away back over Pinemarsh.

“What is of interest in Pinemarsh?” Jalen dared to ask.

“We are watching over some friends.” Ella paused then asked. “You came out of the mountain. Do you have a nest there?”

“Aark.” Jalen had a bit of a laugh. “No. I don’t have a nest. I live and walk amongst the humans.”

“They accept you?” Ella was surprised.

“I admit, being a bird Animoid is pretty unique, but there are many different types of Animoids down there.” He pointed below.

“Our Chieftain is like you. A bird Animoid.”

“Really. I would like to meet your Chieftain.” Jalen was excited to think there were others like him. His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar whistle coming from below.

“Your friends?” Ella asked.

“Yes. Come down and meet them. Ambrose will be happy to meet you.” Jalen then peeled off in the direction of the whistle and sounded a return whistle. Ella hesitated for a moment then thought. “No harm. I guess.”

Fineen was the one that spotted Jalen first. “Ambrose, looks like Jalen has a friend.” She commented as they all watched the pair descend. Jalen landed first with Ella not far behind.

“Aark. By the Elements. Good to see you all safe.” Jalen greeted his friends.

“Jalen. It’s good to see you. Who is this?” Ambrose gestured towards the eagle standing next to him. Ella was eyeing everyone and cocked her head to one side.

“Aark. Ella and another joined me just after I left the tunnel above Pinemarsh.”

Ambrose then felt a voice in his head. “Hello. I am Ella from Aerie. Your friend invited me to meet you.”

“Greetings Ella. I am Ambrose, and these are my friends. Jaymar, Udolf and Fineen.” Ambrose pointed out each one in the group. “What brings you so far from home?” He dared to ask.

“I sense that you, Jalen and one other of your group have Elemental powers.” Ella ignored Ambrose’s question.

“Your senses are working well. Much as I would like to continue this conversation, we are in a hurry and are heading for the mountains behind Pinemarsh.” Ambrose turned to Jalen. “Is the area ahead clear of Animoids?”

“Aark. Yes. Raum has gone with Cargan back to Pukavan. I can lead you to the tunnel entrance.” Jalen pointed back toward Pinemarsh.

“Let’s keep moving. We must be in the tunnel before dark.” Ambrose signalled the others to start moving. Udolf set off first to scout ahead.

Ambrose opened his mind again to Ella. “You are welcome to fly with Jalen, if you wish.”

Jalen whistled up some wind and took off into the sky. Ella hopped a couple of times then opened her large wings and took off after him.

The Gap

The mood in Prince Tolgarn’s camp had not improved. Centurions Santina and Santos had been subjected to a barrage of abuse after they had reported on Calzar’s refusal to attack a second time. Santina had not told Tolgarn everything, she didn’t want Tolgarn to know about the renegade Elemental until she had more information herself.

“So, you created a thunderstorm and Calzar didn’t use it. What, the coward didn’t even venture out of his cave?” Tolgarn was confused.

“Your Highness, the conditions were not right. The wind changed and there was a landslide. Centurion Santos and the other Elementals couldn’t control the storm well enough. Calzar must have decided he didn’t want to risk it.” Santina was trying to provide a plausible explanation.

“Your Highness. I have requested another Elemental. This should give us more control.” Santos added.

“Where is the Elemental coming from?” Tolgarn was not happy.

“There is an Air Elemental in Kaemoora. I have already sent for them.” Replied Santina.

“More delays. Anastas will have time to bring in more reinforcements. I want Bundamook under my control.” He slammed his fist on the table.

“I will go to Calzar and convince him that the extra Elemental will give us more control and his Dark Ones can attack without fear.”

“Well, I suppose we wait. Get out of my sight all of you. Return when this other Elemental gets here.” Tolgarn slumped into his chair sulking.

Santina and Santos left the tent and immediately headed for Calzar’s cave.

Bundamook

With no attack imminent, Captain Diego decided to join Mayor Alexia and Elemental Gloria on the walls of Bundamook for council. The three of them stood looking out at the quiet Animoid army camp.

“What are your thoughts?” Asked Mayor Alexia.

“Well for one thing, it appears their commanders are in total disarray. They haven’t been able to coordinate their attacks, but it is clear, Bundamook is their primary target.” Diego observed.

“I expect the thunderstorm was meant to aid the Dark Terror. Why didn’t they attack?” Elemental Gloria was confused.

“All I know is it gives us more time. I’m expecting another platoon of Conaldra Royals, now that Prince Anastas has set up a command post in Sweetsprings.” Diego added. “I will send them to you when they arrive.”

“Thank you, Captain. As you say, we are the prime target. Any reinforcements will be welcome.” Mayor Alexia commented.

Captain Diego said goodbye and left them to return to the guard post in the middle of the Gap.