Ruler of the Skies

Sweetsprings

Prince Anastas and his entourage had set up a tent city on the edge of the town. Mayor Stedman of Sweetsprings had been insistent, he wanted the Prince to set up his base in the town. Prince Anastas declined, but Prince Melville and Princess Isabella accepted the Mayor’s hospitality and took lodgings in the town. Prince Pelliman was happy to stay in a tent with Anastas’s contingent.

A report of the attack on the Gap came in shortly after dark. The three Princes were assembled in Anastas’s main tent.

“Great news. The Gap holds.” Anastas was buoyed by the news.

“It’s early days. No report of the Dark Terror yet.” Melville commented.

“Are we sure they will attack?” Pelliman asked.

“Well, reports had come in that they have been raiding in the East. If this is the beginning of a coordinated rebellion, I would have thought they will support the attack on the Gap.” Melville was looking at a map of the Gap.

“I wonder, how could Tolgarn have made contact with the Dark Terror and why would they support him?” Pelliman asked the obvious question that was on all their minds.

“There is something more to this rebellion than any of us can pinpoint right now.” Anastas concluded.

Between the Well and the Gap

The sun was down and Calzar gave the signal to fly. His Dark Ones took off for the Gap. Calzar was not happy as he watched the full moon starting to rise. They only had a short journey to Bundamook and soon his scouts were reporting they had found a suitable cave. Calzar watched the last of his followers enter the cave, then he noticed a movement below the cave entrance. Day Walkers. Centurion Santos and his fellow Elementals were climbing towards the entrance.

Calzar landed and waited at the entrance. Centurion Santos stopped a few metres away. “You missed the first attack. Prince Tolgarn wants you to report to his tent down there in the Animoid camp.” The Centurion signalled over his shoulder.

Calzar snarled in response but didn’t wait around. He sprang into the air and headed for the Animoid camp. Centurion Santos didn’t stay either. He knew where to position his Elementals and set off. He wanted to be in position by dawn.

Darwah and his small group were not far away. They had tried to catch Calzar’s Dark Ones but had been slowed by Jaymar. Finally, they landed at the cave entrance. Calzar’s lookouts were surprised at their appearance but welcomed them. They ushered them into the cave. Jaymar was dragged along between two Dark Ones. He was very scared at seeing the numbers of Dark Ones crowded in the cave. Darwah decided to rest and wait for his leader to return.

The Gap

Calzar caused a commotion when he landed in the Animoid camp. Several guards surrounded him, weapons on the ready.

Calzar roared. “Take me to your general.”

After some consultation, two guards agreed to lead Calzar to Prince Tolgarn and they indicated for him to follow them.

Running from Aerie

Tussah and his Animoids had increased the gap between them and their pursuers. Their pace had been punishing but with nightfall came a drop-in temperature and the going was a bit easier. The problem was they had little to no water or supplies and they could not rest. Tussah kept looking for opportunities to throw them off their tail. Each time they passed over a crest or turned a bend, he thought; ’Could we hide? Should we change direction? No, the pursuers are still to close.’

As night fell, the eagles flying overhead decided to return to the mountains. They would report to their chieftain and might be asked to return tomorrow.

Roxy could see her troops around her were tiring. They had been losing ground on the Animoids ahead. Then she heard horses coming from behind. Finally, the riders had caught up.

She called a halt. Many of her followers threw themselves on the ground, exhausted. The riders reined their horses in and came to a stop next to Roxy. There were three riders and they each had two spare horses in tow.

“Sorry, commander. We were delayed because we picked up extra water and supplies.” One of the riders reported.

Roxy managed half a smile. “Good job. Pass the water around.” She paused to catch her breath. Then spoke to the lead rider. “I need five others to come with us. Those with a bow and arrows, pass them over to the riders. The rest will continue on foot. We will try to pick them off and slow them down. Ready yourselves for a long chase.” She grabbed a swig of water and then mounted one of the horses. Most of the water and supplies were stripped off the extra horses and now they had riders on all nine. One of her troop passed her their bow and arrows. She signalled the riders and they galloped off into the night.

Tussah noticed the pursuers had gone. He couldn’t see them anymore. ’Have they given up?’

He didn’t know. He did notice some thick forest ahead on their left. He signalled to his followers and they swung towards the forest. He hoped it would give them cover and he could slow their pace.

High above Aerie

Ella and her companion arrived back at the eagle roost. All was quiet, but they were met by Evelyn. They peeped and cooed to each other.

“What can you report?” Evelyn asked Ella.

“The Animoids are being pursued but are a good distance ahead. They will not be caught tonight.” Ella ruffled her feathers.

“Go and rest for the night. The Chieftain will decide what to do next in the morning.” Evelyn flew off for Solana’s cave.

Solana was napping on her bed. Evelyn peeped her arrival. Solana sat up as the eagle approached.

“Chieftain, the Animoids have fled. They are being pursued by the Aerie Eagles.”

“I think we should maintain a watch over them. Send Ella out again tomorrow.”

“Yes, Chieftain.” Evelyn peeped and then left Solana, returning to her own roost.

The Gap

Calzar had some difficulty getting his wings through the flap into Tolgarn’s tent, but now he stood in front of the Prince, General Loktah and Centurion Santina. His eyes took time to adjust to the lights.

“So, you finally got here.” Prince Tolgarn commented.

Calzar ignored him and fixed his red eyes on Santina. “What are your orders?”

“Attack the city of course. The sooner the better.” She confirmed.

“I want my troops in there tomorrow morning.” Tolgarn added bluntly.

“If the city doesn’t fall?” Calzar questioned.

“What? Are you that weak you cannot destroy a city the size of Bundamook? I want no excuses. The city must fall.” Tolgarn was irritated.

Calzar just snarled and left the tent. Outside he marched a few strides before opening his large wings and took off.

South of Bundamook

Cargan had seen Calzar’s return. It was into a different cave from the one Fineen had shown him. He signalled Fineen and she joined him. She too had seen the Dark Leader. They waited and watched for a short while after Calzar’s return before heading back to Ambrose and the others.

Demarco and Ishant had landed on a ridge not far from the Gap. They had also seen Calzar return. “Where are the Day Walkers?” Whispered Ishant.

“I don’t know. We cannot risk flying anymore. We will need to search on foot.” He set off in the direction of Calzar’s cave.

Calzar was surprised to meet Darwah on his return.

“Have you captured the traitor?” Calzar barked.

Darwah cowered and dropped to his knees. “My Lord, I know where he is hiding, but…”

“But! You return without him.” Calzar roared and was about to strike him. Darwah raised his arms to protect himself and pleaded. “My Lord, I have a gift for you instead. Please, let me show you.”

Calzar calmed down and indicated for Darwah to show him this gift. Darwah slowly stood and led Calzar further into the cave. Dark Ones separated as they approached a sidewall. As they got closer Calzar realised what he was seeing. A boy Day Walker was bound sitting against the wall. Jaymar showed fear in his eyes as the Dark Terror leader studied him.

“He is an Elemental, my Lord. I have gagged him to stop him using his powers. He killed two of us with fire.”

Calzar was deep in thought. ’How can I benefit from this boy?’ Then he remembered his orders. “I will deal with him later.” He turned to his lieutenants. “We are to attack the city.” There were cheers all round. He left Jaymar and marched back to the cave entrance. Darwah followed, leaving one guard to watch over Jaymar.

Cargan and Fineen arrived back with the news about Calzar’s location. Ambrose thanked him and turned to the others. “We’ve got to assume that Jaymar was brought to Calzar and is being held in that cave. Let’s hope that the Dark Ones fly out to attack the Gap tonight. Once they are gone, we must try and find Jaymar. It maybe our only chance. Jalen this will be too dangerous for you. Please stay here and guard the tunnel entrance with Cargan. It will need all the rest of us to pull this off. I plan to enter the cave with Fineen. Udolf and Raum I would prefer it if you stayed outside to guard the entrance. Any questions?”

“Once we have Jaymar, what then?” Asked Fineen.

“We will return to this tunnel. We must get back to Pukavan quickly and convince Princess Sienna to send troops to Tamplina. War seems certain now and Prince Anastas will need all the support he can muster. Now we must go.”

No one spoke as Ambrose led the way out.

Running from Aerie

Commander Roxy was full of doubt. The Animoids had disappeared and even though there was a full moon, tracking them was very difficult. She reined in her horse and called for a halt.

“Tether the horses and set guards. We will wait here for the others to catch up.” She issued orders to her small group. “Let’s hope we can pick up their trail in the morning.” She was talking to no one in particular. Her troops were busy setting up camp.

Tussah had allowed his group to slacken their pace as they worked their way through thick forest. He had sent a scout to the edge of the forest to keep an eye on their pursuers and report their location. He didn’t expect the scout back until morning. He looked at the moon and estimated that to be several hours away yet.

South of Bundamook

As Ambrose and his friends climbed towards the cave, they saw the Dark Terror spew out of their hiding place. They took cover as the swarm flew out towards the Gap.

Ambrose whispered to Fineen. “I wonder how many they have left in the cave.” He didn’t wait for an answer, signalling the group to move forward.

Bundamook

The full moon was a blessing for the defenders. The alarm was sounded early as the approaching Dark Terror were easily spotted. The net slings were primed, and all archers were in place. Mayor Alexia and Elemental Gloria had positioned themselves at the east gate.

“There is no sign of movement from the army.” Gloria observed.

“Good, our archers can concentrate on the Dark Terror.” Mayor Alexia was anxious. Waiting was always the worst part.

Calzar organised his Dark Ones into their normal attack formation. He gave the orders to his other generals and they fanned out. Two things troubled Calzar as he prepared to dive down on the city. The full moon would make it easier for the defenders. Plus, why was there no ground troops advancing on the city?

The Gap

“What are you doing?” Centurion Santina was striding towards Prince Tolgarn who was out watching the Dark Terror attack.

“Watching the attack.” He half-smiled.

“Where is the ground support. Why aren’t your militiamen advancing on the city?”

“No need. The Dark Terror can handle this. I need my men for later. There is a long road to Conaldra.” Tolgarn was dismissive of the Centurions concerns.

“You’re a fool.” Santina stormed off.

Bundamook

The first wave of Dark Terror swept over the city. Dropping lava jars and releasing their arrows. Small fires sprang up throughout the city. The archers had strict instructions to hold their fire until the Dark Ones came in close. The rest of the defenders were carrying buckets of water ready to douse any fire that caught hold.

Calzar led another wave down over the city. This time they would pick spots to land and engage the enemy. A barrage of arrows met them as they descended. Calzar baulked, blew a signal on his horn indicating for his followers to pull up. Many arrows hit their mark either killing or wounding half of Calzar’s group. He circled around. The other groups had fared just as badly. He saw a small group had landed on a section of the wall. But they were outnumbered and quickly swept away. Calzar looked out over towards the army camp. Still no support. His rage was growing.

The defence was holding strong. The spot fires were being contained. As yet, the enemy had not got a foothold in the city. Elemental Gloria used her Air powers to knock a few Dark Ones out of the sky. A group of defenders quickly dispatched them.

Calzar ordered another attack. This time he and a few followers landed on the wall near the South gate. The defenders rallied and Calzar’s group were quickly outnumbered and under extreme pressure. He sounded a retreat and was lucky to escape without harm. Some of his followers were not so lucky.

As he rose into the sky he sounded a full retreat. It was time to call an end to the attack.

Cheers erupted from the defenders once they realised the Dark Ones were retreating.

An angry Tolgarn marched back to his tent. He would get some rest before an all-out assault tomorrow.

South of Bundamook

Fineen signalled that there was no guard at the entrance. Ambrose called the others to follow as he raced up to Fineen’s position. They were just outside the cave entrance. Ambrose didn’t hesitate. He cloaked his appearance and entered the cave. Fineen was right beside him. Raum and Udolf waited at the entrance as instructed.

Once inside, Ambrose took a moment to let his eyes adjust. Fineen didn’t need to. She whispered to him. “A guard is standing on the right, five metres ahead.” Ambrose just nodded. He moved ahead slowly keeping close to the right wall. Fineen scanned the cave further ahead. There were no other guards visible to her.

Ambrose, with a dagger at the ready, crept up next to the guard. His cloaking was working well. The Dark One was almost looking right at him. Death was swift and silent.

“Go ahead.” Ambrose whispered to Fineen. She moved with such stealth, even Ambrose found it hard to see her.

The cave started to widen out as they moved forward. Noises could be heard coming from further back. Fineen signalled to stop. Ambrose stepped up next to her.

“Jaymar is over on the left wall. Twenty metres. There is only one guard watching him.” She whispered. “Three Dark Ones are between us and Jaymar.”

“I’ll go for the guard. You take out the other two.” Ambrose responded. Fineen just nodded her understanding.

Jaymar had his eyes closed trying to get some sleep. He had restored his energy using his Earth powers but couldn’t fall asleep. He was too anxious. Where were all the Dark Ones?

’How long until their leader returns?’ He thought. He heard something. A guttural sound and a heavy thump, like something falling to the ground. He snapped his eyes open.

“Jaymar. I’m here to get you out.” Ambrose was bending over him removing his gag. “Don’t say anything. Fineen is also here. Can you stand?” Ambrose was now untying Jaymar’s bindings.

“Yes.” Jaymar was in disbelieve. Ambrose was only just visible. He looked transparent.

“Good. Come. Stay close to me.” Ambrose signalled to Fineen. The three moved quickly back toward the entrance.

Calzar had circled above Bundamook for a short while. Watching as his retreating force flew up to join him. Many had not returned. His rage was not subsiding. Finally, he gave the signal to return to the cave.

As Ambrose and Jaymar left the cave, Fineen covered their backs. Soon they were with the others. Raum threw his arms around his son in a warm embrace.

“Are you hurt?” He was almost in tears.

“No.” Jaymar replied still in shock.

“We must move. The Dark Ones are returning.” Udolf was a few steps away and he had seen many dark shapes streaming back towards them.

The group heeded Udolf’s call and hurried away from the entrance. Ambrose was looking for somewhere to hide. Fineen spotted a group of rocks and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Over there.” That was all she needed to say. They all followed and jumped behind the rocks just as the first Dark Ones started gliding into the cave.

Calzar circled above the cave waiting for the last to enter. He was counting his losses. He landed at the entrance and marched into the cave. Darwah had been one of the first to return. He now cowered just inside the entrance.

“My Lord. The boy Day Walker is gone.” He fell to the floor anticipating a heavy blow.

Calzar roared and kept going. Darwah followed at a safe distance.

Ambrose and the others heard the roar.

“Do we go?” Asked Raum.

“No. There is still a couple of hours before dawn. I don’t want to be caught in the open. We will have to sit tight for the moment.” Ambrose was worried they didn’t have enough cover.

Calzar inspected the bodies. He ordered one of his lieutenants. “Take a search party. Find them. They could not have gone far.” He glared at Darwah. “Who knew he was here? You must have been followed.”

“My Lord, it could only have been Demarco.” Darwah was still cowering from his leader.

“Go find him. Don’t come back if you don’t.” Calzar marched off to see to his wounded.

Darwah reluctantly headed for the cave entrance. He ordered three other Dark Ones to join him.

Demarco and Ishant had found a hiding spot close to Calzar’s cave. They had seen the Day Walkers enter and return with Jaymar. They had not moved as Demarco didn’t want to confront the two Day Walkers stationed at the entrance. How would they know he was a friend?

With dawn approaching it was too dangerous for Demarco and Ishant to remain where they were. They had to move. They would go in the direction the Day Walkers had come from. The search party flew out of the cave surprising Demarco and Ishant. Luckily, they hadn’t moved. They waited a bit longer, then Demarco signalled for them to go. He and Ishant sprang into the air and glided as closely as possible to the surface as they dared, heading away from the cave.

Darwah saw the two shapes skimming the surface and ordered his followers to chase them. Fineen saw Demarco and Ishant fly past. Darwah’s group was close behind.

“Ambrose. Demarco is here. He is being pursued.” She whispered.

Ambrose searched the sky, but his eyesight was not as good as hers.

“Which way?” He asked.

Fineen pointed down the slope. The other search party had flown up to get a better view of the area. They had moved away to the South, so the sky above was clear. Ambrose made the decision to move.

“Come. Let’s go. Demarco may need our help.” He leapt out from the rocks and sprang down the slope. Fineen and Udolf were quickest to react and they were right by his side. Raum helped Jaymar and they followed closely behind.

Demarco realised they could not escape their pursuers and decided to turn and fight them. He signalled to Ishant his intentions and Ishant nodded his understanding. The two then swung up sharply and turned back over the top of Darwah’s group. They both fired a shot from their bows at the same target. Their shots were true and now it was three against two.

Darwah immediately engaged Demarco in close combat. Locking arms trying to stab the other with their short swords. Ishant kept clear and fired another shot. Wounding one of the pursuers. In doing so he had taken his eye off the other one, who slammed into Ishant from the side. They crashed to the ground. The pursuer landed on top of Ishant. The two struggled to get the better of the other. Ishant was pinned to the ground and he watched seemingly defeated as his attacker raised his sword to deal the killer blow. To his surprise, his attacker was hit in the throat by an arrow and fell dead. Fineen had managed to get within range and fired the fatal shot.

The other wounded Dark One had decided to help Darwah and was about to join the attack on Demarco. Ambrose had joined Fineen and was also within range. He threw a fireball which hit the target, killing the Dark One. Demarco and Darwah could not maintain their fight in the sky and eventually fell to the ground. They quickly separated and stood face to face. Fineen readied her bow. She just needed one chance, but Demarco was in her line of fire. The two Dark Ones then clashed. Ambrose signalled the others to follow him. He wanted to get closer.

The two Dark Ones traded blows, matching each other in combat. Ambrose closed in on the pair and decided to intervene. He blasted them with air. As they stumbled apart, Fineen took the opportunity and put an arrow through Darwah’s throat. It was over.

Ishant joined Demarco and they both stared up at Ambrose and his group.

“Thank you.” Demarco was nearly out of breath. “You must move. The search party is circling back.” Demarco pointed back behind them.

Ambrose responded. “There is a cave over there to your right.” He pointed, and Demarco nodded. He and Ishant raced across the ground in the direction Ambrose had pointed. Fineen and Udolf had been scanning the area. The group was too far away from the tunnel entrance. They needed to find some cover. Also, the cave wasn’t big enough to hold them all.

“There.” Fineen sprang forward and the rest followed. She had spotted an outcrop. If they could get underneath it, then they would not be seen from above. Raum and Jaymar were the slowest and the search party spotted their movement. Luckily dawn was approaching fast. Their leader noted their position and signalled for his search party to return to the cave.

Jaymar and Raum stumbled in under the outcrop and fell to the ground. Fineen and Udolf were watching the search party above. Ambrose helped Raum and Jaymar to their feet.

“Are you okay?” He was asking Jaymar. Jaymar was still catching his breath and just nodded.

“Ambrose. I think the Dark Ones spotted us.” Fineen cautioned.

“The dawn approaches. They are leaving.” Udolf added.

“Great. It will give us a chance to get to the tunnel.” Ambrose was relieved.

The search party just managed to return to the cave as the sun came up. Calzar was waiting for them. The leader informed Calzar that they knew were the Day Walkers were, but they had to return. Calzar was furious and stormed off into the cave. He didn’t even give Darwah’s whereabouts a second thought.

Ambrose let the group rest for a few minutes. The sun was up, and the threat of Dark Ones was over.

“What are your plans now?” Asked Raum after catching his breath.

“The same, we will go back to Pukavan through the tunnels. I need to convince Princess Sienna to send troops to Tamplina. I think this is going to be a protracted war. Raum, the Golden Swan will be invaluable in transporting troops.” Suddenly Ambrose felt something.

“Jaymar. Quickly, mask your powers.” Ambrose had felt an Elemental. Most likely a Centurion. Jaymar struggled for a moment to control his powers. His breathing was all over the place and his mind full of questions. Finally, he had it under control.

“I’m right now.” He told Ambrose.

‘Was it too late?’ Ambrose was thinking. The Elemental force was getting closer. He pointed out to the left side of their position and asked. “Fineen, can you see anyone out there?”

Fineen moved over to get a better look. She scanned the slopes. Then she signalled for everyone to be quiet. “Four Elementals, about two hundred metres.” She whispered to Ambrose and pointed at the figures. It took Ambrose a few seconds to find them. He was right, a Centurion was leading the group.

Centurion Santos was climbing up to Calzar’s cave with three Elementals in tow. He stopped for a moment. Had he just felt an Elemental? It was gone. He didn’t think too much about it and continued up the slope. His mind was more preoccupied with his next meeting. His orders were to create a thunderstorm and have Calzar attack Bundamook again. He knew the Dark Terror leader would not be happy after not having any land support for his last attack. He knew he had some convincing to do.

Running from Aerie

The sun had just risen over the eastern ranges. Commander Roxy and her Aerie Eagles had broken camp. Those on foot had caught up to Roxy and her riders during the night. She gathered her troops around and issued them their orders.

“Once again we will split into two groups. Those on foot and the riders. I believe the Animoids have gone into the thick forest for cover.” She pointed in the direction of the forest. “They would still be travelling, West to join up with the main army, which I understand was headed for the Gap. I want those on foot to follow them into the forest. Watch out for any ambush. I will take the riders and skirt around the forest, hoping to get in front of them. We should meet up later today. Any questions?” She surveyed her troops. No one offered a response.

“Let’s move out.” Roxy commanded.

Two specks barely visible from the ground soared high in the sky. Ella and her companion had been up before dawn and were now in position to watch both the Animoids and their pursuers.

Tussah was also addressing his troops. They had finally stopped for a rest just before dawn. His scouts had returned with a good report. Their pursuers had not followed them into the forest. Tussah had also sent a scout ahead. He wanted to know how much forest there was ahead before they broke clear again. He didn’t expect the scout to return for some time yet. He ordered his troops to break camp and prepare to move in ten minutes.

South of Bundamook

Calzar was standing just inside the cave entrance. The wounded were being tended and he now was contemplating his situation. Centurion Santos appeared at the entrance and marched in to meet Calzar.

“What are you playing at?” Calzar roared at the Centurion. Santos stopped in his tracks and Calzar advanced grabbing Santos by the throat and pinning him to the wall. Through clenched teeth, he asked. “Why was there no ground attack?”

“Let me go! I cannot answer that.” Santos was starting to call up the wind when Calzar released him. “I don’t know what Prince Tolgarn is doing. My orders were to come here, I was not there.” The Centurion was rubbing his throat.

Calzar stepped back before commenting. “I have many wounded. There will be no attack today. Go and tell your Prince.” He snarled. Santos was about to protest but then changed his mind. He started to leave. Suddenly, Calzar stopped him.

“Wait.” One of Calzar’s lieutenants whispered to him before he added. “There are Day Walkers on the slopes outside this cave. They are your enemy. One of them is an Elemental.”

“Who are they? Where did they come from?” Calzar had sparked Santos’s interest.

Calzar was considering how much he should tell Santos. He didn’t want to give away too much.

“They are assisting a rebel, Demarco the deserter. He is also here, hiding in another cave.”

“What do you want me to do?” Santos asked, sensing Calzar wanted his assistance.

“Create a thunderstorm. Darken the sky, so we can capture them and bring them to your Lord.”

Santos considered his options. Return to Prince Tolgarn and Centurion Santina with bad news or create a thunderstorm to help Calzar. If Calzar chose not to attack Bundamook, but go after these Day Walkers, he could not be blamed.

“I will darken the sky, but not for long. You had better find your quarry quickly.” Santos walked out of the cave.

Ambrose and his friends had waited until the Centurion and his followers had disappeared out of sight. “Time to go. We must get to the tunnel.” They all scrambled out from under the outcrop.

“What about Demarco?” Asked Fineen.

“We can’t help them. My first priority is Jaymar’s safety.” Ambrose urged the others on.

Centurion Santos called his fellow Elementals together and issued them with orders. They were to spread out a short distance from the cave. It didn’t take them long to get into position. Santos then signalled them to create a thunderstorm.

Fineen stopped and called to Ambrose. “Look, a thunderstorm is building.”

Everyone in the group stopped. Ambrose could feel the Elemental power.

“Quickly, the Dark Ones will be able to come after us once the clouds thicken.” Ambrose urged his friends to hurry.

Calzar had assembled twenty Dark Ones to follow him and pursue the Day Walkers. They watched as the storm clouds grew darker. Calzar gave the signal to fly. “Bring the Elemental boy to me. Kill the rest.”

The search party leapt into the air. A Dark One by Calzar’s side was the leader from the previous search. He knew the previous location of the Day Walkers. He led the group toward the outcrop. A couple of Dark Ones landed and searched the area. Nothing. Soon they were back in the sky with their leader.

“There.” One of the Dark Ones spotted the group scrambling down the mountainside. The pursuit was on.

Fineen kept glancing over her shoulder. She had the best eyes and would spot any pursuers first.

“Ambrose, they are coming.”

Ambrose had to think quickly. They were so close but he knew the Dark Ones would be on them before they made the tunnel.

“Fineen and I will try to hold them. Raum, get Jaymar to the tunnel. Udolf, you must protect them.” He yelled out as they kept scrambling. He signalled to Fineen and they both turned to face the pursuers.

Fineen fired off a couple of quick shots managing to bring one down. Ambrose commanded the wind and thrust a blast of air at the Dark Ones. Several were knocked out of the air. Fineen kept up a rapid-fire with amazing accuracy. Many Dark Ones broke off their attack as the arrows kept coming. Many fell wounded or dead. Calzar was rushing on, determined to kill them and held his line. Ambrose was now throwing balls of fire as quickly as he could.

Raum was struggling with Jaymar to make their way across the slope. Jaymar was still feeling the effects of being tied up. Udolf was right behind them ready for any attack. One of Calzar’s lieutenants noticed the breakaway group, as he dodged an arrow from Fineen. He called to some other Dark Ones and four broke away from the main group and headed after them.

Fineen and Ambrose, under increasing pressure, turned and dashed a short way down the slope. They then turned and continued to stave off the Dark One’s attacks. A couple had landed, and Ambrose engaged them in hand to hand combat. Using his cudgel and sword with devastating effect. Calzar recognised Ambrose from their previous encounter as he circled above the pair. He dived down and landed near Ambrose.

Raum and Jaymar were so close to the tunnel entrance that they saw Cargan sitting with Jalen just inside the entrance. Raum yelled to him. “Cargan, help us.”

The Ancient One seemed to react in slow motion but he stepped out of the entrance just as the breakaway group of four Dark Ones landed, surrounding Raum, Jaymar and Udolf.

Udolf sprang into action and killed a Dark One before attacking a second. Raum drew his sword and blocked an attack from one of the others. Jaymar called for fire and threw a fireball at the Dark One, but it missed. Jaymar all of a sudden felt his strength drain from him and he fell to the ground exhausted. Udolf had just finished off his second Dark One and was heading to assist Raum, who now had the two remaining Dark Ones pressing him. Suddenly, another two Dark Ones landed near Jaymar. They had also broken away from the main group. Raum was now separated from his son and being pushed closer and closer to the tunnel entrance. Cargan had finally arrived. He smashed one of the Dark Ones with his giant hands, killing it instantly. This gave Raum relief to concentrate on the other. The fighting was fierce, Raum felt the creature was getting the better of him. Just as the Dark One was about to land a fatal blow, Cargan grabbed Raum by his arm and flung him into the tunnel entrance. With his other arm, Cargan smashed it down on the Dark One. Cargan then turned to see where the others were. Udolf had his hands full, battling two Dark Ones as Jaymar lay on the ground. Cargan then noticed another four Dark Ones flying towards them. In a rage, he roared, and the mountainside shook.

Santos and his Elementals had done their best but were tiring. A change of wind was causing the clouds to start to lift and separate. The occasional shaft of sunlight broke through. When the mountainside shook, one of the Elementals lost his footing and the thunderstorm started to break up.

Calzar and Ambrose were locked in battle with Fineen keeping the other Dark Ones at bay. Suddenly a ray of sunlight burst through the clouds hitting two Dark Ones. They died instantly. Calzar was focused on Ambrose and didn’t notice but the remaining Dark Ones did. One blew on his horn signalling danger and to retreat.

Udolf had finally managed to dispatch the two Dark Ones but looked up to see the other four nearly on them. Another shaft of light broke through the clouds, killing one of the four. The other three hesitated.

Cargan headed back to the tunnel entrance. At the entrance, he turned and roared again. This time it shook the mountain so hard it caused a landslide. He ducked into the entrance as a pile of rocks and soil came down the mountain covering the entrance. Udolf grabbed Jaymar and ran down the mountain trying to outrun the landslide. Rocks fell all around them as Udolf scrambled his way half sliding as he went. Somehow, they managed to stay on top and avoid disaster.

The Dark Ones had heard the alarm and decided they had to retreat. Calzar also hesitated when he heard the horn. Ambrose grabbed the opportunity to run. He and Fineen could also see the landslide and they took off down the mountain. Calzar roared in frustration and sprang into the air, but he didn’t follow. The sunlight was now marching its way up the mountainside. It would mean certain death if he went after them.

Santos couldn’t maintain the storm any longer and ceased his action. The clouds started to break up quickly. Calzar and the remaining Dark Ones were racing for the cave. Only Calzar and two others made it.

The Gap

The defenders on the walls of Bundamook, saw the thunderstorm building and they prepared themselves for an attack. Prince Tolgarn’s ground forces had lined up ready for the assault but they hesitated when the Dark Ones didn’t appear.

Prince Tolgarn was pacing back and forth.

“Where are they? Those Dark devils are meant to attack again.” He yelled at General Loktah.

Loktah didn’t have anything to offer in response and kept quiet. They all watched on as eventually, the thunderstorm started to break up and the clouds disperse.

General Loktah decided to speak. “Your Highness, will you order an attack today?

“No. We wait. I want to hear from Centurion Santos first, as to what went wrong. Plus, I want Bundamook under our control before committing to full attack on the Gap.” He stormed off towards his command tent.

Captain Diego had watched with interest. It seemed that his enemy was uncoordinated and without a cohesive plan of attack. This played into his hands and would give him more time.

South of Bundamook

Ambrose, Fineen, Udolf and Jaymar were reunited at the bottom of the mountainside. They had all managed to avoid being swamped by the landslide. Jaymar was still very weak.

“Sit and draw strength from the Earth.” Ambrose advised.

“Where is my Dad?” Jaymar was still confused as to what had happened during their escape.

“Cargan threw him into the tunnel just before the landslide.” Udolf responded.

“We can only hope that he is alright.” Ambrose was pre-occupied with what they were to do next.

“Shouldn’t we go back and find the tunnel. They could be trapped.” Jaymar was anxious for his father.

“The tunnel is blocked. We may not find it again under all that rock and earth. Sorry, Jaymar, but we have to look for an alternative way to get you away from here.” Ambrose was starting to get his bearings.

Jaymar was starting to feel better. “What about the tunnel entrance behind the waterfall near Daarook?”

“Yes, that would be a good option, but not with the Animoid army blocking our way through the Gap.”

Fineen interrupted. “Ambrose, we cannot stand around here. There is still a Centurion and Elementals up there. They know we are here.”

“Yes, we must move. Let’s see if we can find the maze entrance near Pinemarsh. At least we know there is one there.” Ambrose looked at Jaymar. “Can you travel?”

“Yes, I’m better.” Jaymar stood up nearly fully recovered.

The group set off, following Ambrose lead, heading South East for Pinemarsh.