Chapter One

 

"Come on boys, when you don't know how to run you don't know how to fight. Not always is it best to give battle,sometimes the odds are overwhelming even for one of our family. When you've got to flee, you'd better flee well else they will catch you.Many a warrior has lost his life in flight because he was exhausted or just not fast enough. You thought I never had to flee in my life? If I wouldn't have fled a couple of times I would not have been here right now, teaching you how to run. So run out there. Come on Jelomar, you're behind a little,you don't want to be lapped by your brother,do you? Some extra speed now,come on!"

The raw voice thundered over a large field. Four javelins were set in corners and around those corners the three young boys had to run rounds of four hundred yards.

"Come on Dad, this is round twenty-two! I'm getting tired!"

"Tired is no excuse to die when you're fleeing combat! Run!" yelled

Swordslaught Rockscale, veteran warrior, standing in the middle of the field.His three sons were training hard and running in full armour.

Oldest son Jelomar had a beautiful plate mail, an old but well-kept one from his father, he was big enough to fit in it. Middle son Logan, who was running in front, wore a steel chain mail and Bulldozer, the youngest one who was still the first one to adopt his adult-name, something one could do at the 17th or 22nd birthday, wore a leather armour. They ran the required forty rounds and then Swordslaught called it a day.

The Rockscale family was a family of warriors, with a background from the barbarian tribes of the Water Realm,down south in Vascaria.

Now the family lived in Pezar, capital of the Western Realm, a big trade and port city in the northwest of Vascaria.

And the Rockscales were perfectionists in the art of fighting. While the father was always the teacher, all children were taught how to defend themselves from very young age. Swordslaught, who was one of the most experienced fighters one would find in the world, had three sons and a small daughter and it was with these sons that he went out every day to a training field just outside the town were they trained seven hours a day, six days a week.

"I can do half the work," Swordslaught always said, "the other half you must learn yourself, through experience."

That was why a member of the Rockscale family would practically always become an adventurer, rarely a mercenary.

The family had known many heroes, and they were not the ones to back down from glory. Every father considered himself the one to bring his sons to glory, but above all to survive in battle.

He taught them how to handle every kind of weapon, be it eastern or western, taught them how to improvise, taught them the ways of unarmed combat and meditation, gave them strength and speed. Rockscale men were most of the time big, burly fighters, rough and tough. And these three sons were no exceptions.

Logan was the only one under six feet tall, but what he gave in size he took back in speed as he was by far the fastest one. Jelomar was agile and very strong, Bulldozer was a powerhouse who was quick-thinking.

After the training the boys could only endure because they were used to it they dragged themselves home; Swordslaught would first go to the pub to get himself informed about the latest news.

Meanwhile the boys could rest and mother Maid would have fetched little Diane from school and started preparing dinner.

This day the boys were exhausted from all the running and fell down in their own chairs.

"Meat is getting expensive these days." Maid mumbled.

"He should have made you run after some game instead of around a field."

"Come on Mom, we're warriors, not hunters! Hunting is for rangers." Logan objected. Maid shook her head and turned the meat in the large frying pan.

For a lot was needed to feed four men over two hundred pounds, Swordslaught was also still in shape.

This night he stayed in the pub very long. His family knew that he didn't drink much, and that he knew they would be waiting with dinner.

So something must have had happened. Finally he entered.

"Something's brewing in the east." he finally reported after dinner and the daily wrestling matches the boys, raised in competition, held.

"What's going on then?"

"Well, the eastern realms have united. Or Black Akira took over power, the dark wizard who rules the original eastern realm. He has conquered Prep, the Grave Realm and the Dark Realm while Dark Numavost also joined. Now there is one big eastern realm. And we still don't know if the conquest has ended here. He holds almost half the world and he might still want more. There is talk of war."

"One big Eastern Realm? And now?"

"Now the lords of the other realms will be meeting here in Pezar to discuss what to do in this situation."

"They might decide to put one big Western Realm against it."

"Very well Jelomar. The leaders of the realms will gather in just a couple of days. Well, something's going to happen, that's for sure. We don't know if the joining of the eastern realms went with or without violence, but maybe the worst is yet to come. The people in the pub fear war, a big war."

"And that not so long after the First Crusade! They knew all the time that more would come, this is destiny. This will be the Second Crusade, the one they have been waiting for." Jelomar said with a shocked gesture.

"Well if that eastern scum comes back I will go back into the field, take my two-handed sword and send them to the Abyss." Swordslaught growled.

"They have to be stopped." Logan nodded.

"But, my sons, two of you are of mobilisation age. When war comes, you might be drafted to go into the field as well. Bulldozer is too young."

"Too young squat! I passed the test of the two-handed sword half a year ago. I know how to fight."

"You can fight, Bulldozer. But I don't want to have all my sons in the field. No, somebody must stay behind and watch the things here, stay with mother Maid and Diane."

Somebody knocked at the door.

"Yeah?" Swordslaught called.

"It's me."

"Man, can't you wait? I would have come in an hour or so after all."

"It's urgent, Swordslaught." came the nervous answer.

The mayor entered the house. Now this was nothing special, since Swordslaught was a respected man throughout the realm.

"Have you heard what is going on?"

"I have. The new Eastern Realm."

"Yes indeed. Akira means war. Total war. He wants to rule Vascaria. There are reports of armies in the east. Something is going to happen. The Lords gather soon to discuss this. Maybe we have to fight fire with fire."

"You must fight fire with water, Timber. Any threat must be killed at once before it causes more and more trouble and victims."

"I don't think an army this big can be killed at once. But the big problem is they haven't done anything."

"Yet."

"Indeed, yet. Maybe the Lords will join up as well."

"And then we have a split world and one side who wants more."

"War."

"War indeed, Swordslaught. War indeed."

 

One by one they dripped in the huge palace in the court of Pezar, capital of the Western Realm. The king of the dwarves in the dwarf realm Khazam, the elven king of Numavost, accompanied by elven First Crusade hero Klaren Aken, the king of the Wind realm, accompanied by a young man in black in full armour who was introduced as the prince of Catilae, an important citystate in that area, the Count of Gunlet and the Spit Realm, the Lord of the Hills followed by all three Dragonlords, dressed in golden scale mails, the Upper Chieftain of the Water Realm, the Firelord of the Fire Realm or Flame realm and even the Master of the Prison Realm.

When the large band of noble rulers were all present the king of the Western Realm, who would be chairman, opened the meeting.

"I suppose everybody has heard of the situation?"

All nodded and exchanged all the rumours they had heard on their trips to Pezar. Then Klaren Aken spoke. He was about two hundred years old yet still looked as if he were forty or so in human years.

"But the question now is what to do about it. Fact is we must do something." he said while looking around.

Though he was the only one present who was not a nobleman, he enjoyed a lot of respect and when he spoke the entire room was quiet.

"Everybody is saying we should build a front as well against these forces, alone we would not have a chance." the Count spoke.

"And make one big Western Realm?"

"Aye, I see no other solution. Akira means business. He means war of conquest." the dwarf said.

He was sitting in a special chair so that his size would not make him look ridiculous in the present of humans and elves.

"Akira has created a bond with the Grave Realm. His powers go so far that he seems to control the undead."

"Does anybody know if he also has a word with the evil dragons?" a Dragonlord asked. Nobody knew.

"Because then it will get worse. Then there will be huge battles between the good dragons and the Dragonknights against these dragons."

"And those will be battles." the elven king said.

"When the evil dragons are under Akira's control the results will be disastrous. But it is no longer the question if Akira wants Vascaria. Akira wants Vascaria. All we don't know is: how will he try to conquer Vascaria?" the Dragonlord wondered.

"You mean if he plans battles or tries to rule by magic?" the young prince spoke. The Dragonlord nodded in affirmation.

"Indeed, young man, well met. I do not believe that Akira is powerful enough to rule a world this big by magic alone. But if he is, I believe there is little we can do against him."

"I don't believe that it's possible, as you say, to rule the world by magic. There are thousands and thousands of soldiers here. I think there are far less in the east. Most of its surface is deserted or dead." the Upper Chieftain said.

"But there is more." the Firelord spoke, "There are monsters,

whole cultures of monsters living in the dark places there. Like here in the Western Realm, where the fire giants have their small strip of land,the lands of fire. Pray the gods that they will remain as contented with it as they are now. Should they desire land, there is little we can do."

"If I may interrupt, there are some lords not present here." the young prince spoke. The King of the Wind Realm looked up. He had been silent all the time and his companion seemed to be pretty involved.

"I don't see the Lord of the South, nor do I see the Overking of the North. I don't see the Leader of the Teutonic Realm, let alone the Leader of the eastern one. No minotaur lord, nobody from the Mid Realm."

"You are absolutely right. The Northern and Southern Realms have sent us a message that they do not want to be involved in this war and they will choose neither side. In the Mid Realm a neutral party is built in the big Black Cross Legion, in which the minotaurs are as well. Both Teutonic Realms have declared alliance with Black Akira but did not join the realm he created. Nevertheless, they must and will be considered as threat as well as they are mostly the sadistic soldiers we know. Remember that they said to want no part in the First Crusade when it started, and then they were all over the Western Realm and Numavost all of a sudden."

"They are the biggest concentrations of soldiers in Vascaria." Klaren Aken, who remembered a lot from his encounters with the Teutons, said.

The king of the Western Realm already looked tired.

"So, the proposals made all come down on uniting the realms. One big Western Realm against one big Eastern Realm. Tonight the birth of the United Western Realms might take place. I..."

"How will the realm be ruled?"

"Can an area this big be ruled?"

"Area is hardly the word. It's half the world."

"What about strategic commands?"

"Who will be in charge?"

The chairman banged his hammer to get it quiet. Nobody was used to being hushed, but it worked nonetheless.

"Wait a minute, gentlemen. Those are problems indeed. For a week we've been busy with working out various ideas concerning the joining, I would like to hear them from you one at a time. Therefore, we will now listen to your gathered proposals and vote for them."

Several lords raised their hands and the chairman let them speak.

First the dwarven king spoke: "The people in Khazam, my realm, are ruled by me as general leader but there are many other rulers. Not only mayors but also ten councillors per part of our domain. Of each part the lead councillor is my adviser. New ideas and laws must be affirmed by the gathered advisers and then myself. Leaving myself, I think a system like this should work best for the United Western Realms as well."

"You mean that the separate lords form a government and let all lords rule their own lands just like always in the meantime?"

"Exactly. Then in the end it all comes down to a federal government."

"Sounds like a good plan to me." Klaren Aken said.

"And we must have a special war room, where the warlords can meet and discuss all plans. Or even the lords themselves if they want."

"Also a good plan. This place would be best, I think."

Suggestions came and went, some good, others worse.

In the middle of the night the lords voted unanimous for the joining and the land was born by a loud bang from the chairman's hammer.

 

"It's the ultimate concentration, boys. Let the spellweavers say that the magic is an art, but I say archery is, too. If you don't concentrate well enough, you miss, it's as simple as that. Vision must be sharp -which is why elves make such experts in archery- and concentration must be perfect. Go retrieve your arrows."

Swordslaught had placed three targets in front of a hillside and the three boys ran to the hill and retrieved their arrows, shortbows shouldered.

The targets were rather small and so some arrows stuck in the grass.

From fifty yards the target was hard to hit but Swordslaught,

an expert marksman who had even been allowed to compete in the elven archery tournaments, wanted to teach his sons the hard way.

The boys did everything to satisfy their father and trained hard, meanwhile listening to the constant talk of battle wisdom their father told.

"It comes in so handy when you master range weapons, like a bow. Even when you're a swordfighter. Why? Well, when you wield your sword it's a hard fight in which you can kill him but you can get wounded. When you down somebody from a distance with arrows he'll have no chance to even touch you. When outnumbered you can first take some down with arrows before they come too close. Then the odds may be a bit lighter for you. And sometimes you're just not in the mood for swordfighting. Well then grab a bow and down them from a distance. And of course the use of bows in ambushes is not to be forgotten, either. So, you've got all reason to work out as hard as you can.Come on,I want at least twenty-five out of thirty in the targets!"

"Then shoot yourself." Logan remarked under his breath.

Swordslaught chuckled, he could take comments like those.

After forty series of thirty arrows Swordslaught called it a day.

When he came back from the pub -pretty late again- he reported the joining of the realms.

"And the teutons are with Akira as well. The start of the war will be a matter of days."

"Aye Dad, a matter of days."

 

That night, Bulldozer walked outside to meet his elven girlfriend Ignastiasias, Inge for humans. She had been around for a short time, walking away from Numavost after she had accidentally killed her bethrothed.

She was in her nineties but as time counts different for elves, she looked like she was twenty at most for humans.

She looked pretty, had long blond hair, bright blue, slightly slanted eyes and a well-shaped body. Sometimes she complained about her body, about her breasts being a little too big for the rest of her body. Bulldozer just thought she looked great and in the short time that they had known each other he was already in love with her.

"Bulldozer, I don't want this war." she said softly.

"Well, who does in the west? Not me. You know why? It'll be a war where I'll be absent. My father wants me to stay home."

"I don't want to go fighting this war, but I am afraid they will call upon me."

"Upon you? Why, you're not a swordswoman, are you?"

"No, I'm not. But I am a magic user."

Now Bulldozer sat up straight.

"You, a mage?"

"Aye, I have always studied magic and I learnt a little bit of fighting as well, although that is not important. But I'm afraid they will need my magic.”

"Well, I never thought about you being a mage. Though some say that all elves are mages.”

"That is not true. My father, Klaren Aken, is a warrior. He is no mage. Well, elves have a certain radiance of magical energy but not everybody uses it for spellweaving. But I am a true magic user. Of good, of course. I am no dark elf.”

"I don't believe that any child of the legendary Klaren Aken could be a dark elf. He must be one heck of a father.”

"I haven't seen him for a long time. He was a warmate of your father. They fought side to side and back to back for a long time, especially in the First Crusade. Oh Bulldozer, it's the will of the gods. Why did they call it the First Crusade? Because they knew a second one was coming all the time?"

”Probably yeah. What kind of magic user are you? I mean, are you an enchantress, a sorceress, a combat mage, serving mage or anything else?"

"I am no sorceress, I guess you could call me a combat mage as the fighters call us, I have offensive spells for combat. That's why I am afraid they will call upon me. Combat. I will be put in the lines to magic away the soldiers from the east.”

"I don't want to lose you, Inge.”

She lay her head on his broad chest. For a man this young, he was massively built. He was big, tall and muscled. He had long brown hair, his face made him look a bit older than he actually was, with his fast growing facial hair and his deep blue eyes, a face hardened by training of combat.

He was as tall as an elf, barrel-chested and broad-shouldered although he was not as big as his brothers. . . yet. They were raised in competition against each other, in a sportsmanship's manner, and all three of them wanted to be the best.

They saw the silvery moon break through the clouds while sitting under the large oak where they always sat.

"I'm afraid.” Inge said softly. Bulldozer nodded and kept silent for a while.

"You know how it has been. You lived during the First Crusade. My father was just a young man, yours was adulated and had half a century of battle experience already. He was the one who broke the classic rules of fighting and that is how we won the war. This time, the east will be prepared. Black Akira wants to rule the world and his armies are big. The battles will be enormous, so will be the number of casualties. Many brave men will die in battle. Maybe the Dragonknights battle the evil dragons. This will be a huge war. And I will not participate.”

Inge shook her head.

”It's just terrible how bad you want to fight. To us, life is sacred. To put it up in war is so unnecessary.”

"Then why does an elf learn combat magic?"

“For self-defense. I know your father teaches you everything there is to know in the art of fighting with self-defense as the base. And not the attack.”

"The Western Realm will not be the one to attack. We will defend, be sent to the borders to fight off the intruders. The eastern armies are waiting for the order to attack, we are not.”

"But you must fear. Your father picks up the two-handed sword again, your brothers will also be in the field. They might die.”

"I don't believe it.”

”But it might happen. As you said, I have been there. When the teutonic soldiers invaded our realm and tried to conquer cities in Numavost, I was there. I saw friends, ruthlessly slain by the sadistic soldiers. War is terrible and a lot of people die. When I see somebody go off to war, I consider him lost.”

A silence followed.

"And then? Do you meet somebody, maybe even fall in love again, see him go to war and then walk away to find somebody else?"

"Don't be so hard on me, Bulldozer. I do prepare for the worst, then all can only be better. Don't worry, if you go to war, I will wait for you.”

"You go to war now, and I won't consider you lost. And when I go to war, you come with me.”

"That's not up to us, to decide in which units we will be placed.”

"Father has some power here, I think he will be ranked captain at least. The mayor often comes to him for advice, he trains soldiers, he is a very experienced warrior. He can master every weapon, knows all kinds of fighting and may very well be the best in the realms.”

"Very well, but he's got some competition from my father.”

"Right, who's now in the palace, discussing how to fight this war with the lords from all realms.”

"That is true, but he is a leader in Numavost and there are so many big, powerful men in the original Western Realm and your father is in terms nothing more than a taskmaster, not even a mayor.”

"Oh, he could have been mayor. He was asked for mayor but he rejected it. He is a warrior, not a politician. He would have had no time left to train us and that is why he simply rejected.”

"Your father is a big man with a noble heart.” Inge said.

"And you are a growing man with the same noble heart. Bulldozer, I love you.”

"Aye, I love you, too. But it's getting late, time to go.”

"See you tomorrow, if things don't escalate.”

Silently Bulldozer walked away, still tired but with a good feeling in his heart. As always when he'd been with Inge.

 

"It's incredible. Then how come that the spies couldn't report any of this in time?They have used Prep as a preparation realm and now suddenly they've come into action. They've taken Su and they're marching up to

Gunlet.”

The court fell silent.

"I've got to go back. I just can't my people get slaughtered." the Upper Chieftain said. The Count of Gunlet also rose.

"I understand more of you want to go home, to organize and to protect your domains. Then send your representing commanders for the war room, for, milords, the Second Crusade has begun.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

It had all gone so fast: the Eastern Realm invaded from all sides and conquered a lot of land. They got support from the teutons but were stopped by the Black Cross Legion in the Mid Realm and the Mino Realm.

A huge legion of magic users, clerics, paladins and warriors stopped the eastern armies and held them outside. Especially the large amount of minotaurs and a couple of wizards decided the battles.

The legionnaires could be recognized by the ebony cross on their armour and they fought ferociously, using magic whenever possible.

They were led by the Black Cross Lords, a Highsword general, a headpriest of Tyf, a wizard and a minotaur leader. They could withstand the pressure of the east without too many losses.

 

In the rest of the world, things went worse. Entire realms had been conquered, many had fallen and old Swordslaught had been

one of them.

It was quiet in the house. Maid was in tears for weeks, Jelomar and Logan kept quiet, thinking, Bulldozer was near his grave all day and Diane was too young to understand.

Finally the two brothers picked up the arms again but they were back in a month, given a period of rest. In the meantime, Bulldozer had given up hope to become a soldier. He went to school now and though he still trained hard, nobody called upon him. Only a few months of war had passed.

So, instead of armour and sword, Bulldozer was now equipped with books and a canvas bag.

Inge had been called to war indeed but as a magic user she was assigned to some special projects and she could be home at times.

And whenever she was home, she still visited Bulldozer every day, telling about the war. It was obvious his enthusiasm about fighting had dropped down ever since the death of Swordslaught.

"I told you. War means death, to all of us.”

"And I didn't believe you, didn't want to believe you. But you were right.”

"I have been in a lot of platoons in the past months. Many died, some men who became my friends died the next day. They sent us to defend against the teutons who wanted to invade from the north. We succeeded in stopping them but at a great cost.”

She looked up and suddenly both saw a young man in black walking through the dark streets with stealth. He was dressed in full armour and he had all kinds of weapons hanging on his belt. Even with all that steel on his body he moved very quiet. He kept on looking around, as if he was hunted by somebody.

Bulldozer saw him looking around and decided he didn't trust a man in black who wore so many weapons and so he walked up, his right hand at the grip of his tonfa, his eastern club.

But as soon as he came near the young man the man made a sign of peace.

"I mean you no harm, I need cover.”

"Cover? Who are you? Where are you from? What do you want and why do you need cover?" Bulldozer asked.

"Let the lad sit down and then he can tell us everything. If his intentions are as good as he says we may be able to help him.” Inge said.

Both young men nodded and they sat down again under the big oak.

"My name is Cyber and I'm the prince of the kingdom town of Catilae in the Wind Realm. As you might know, the Wind Realm is conquered. And I've never been the kind of man to just be a prince. Well, let me put it this way: I don't want to be spoiled just because of my noble blood. I came here as a warlord as my father's health didn't allow him to come to Pezar himself. And now he's come and I took the chance to run. I left a message and ran off. I'm not a spoiled prince, unlike my younger brother Elriq. I am a paladin and I want to be one as well, fighting in the lines.”

"I see. So now you're hiding from your father?"

"Aye, I'm sure he won't like it. But when I'd go and join the troops now they would make me an officer just because I'm a prince. And I don't want to be an officer, I want to be a soldier. But nobody would want to put me in the front lines as a simple soldier, a man nobody cares about in the war room. So I ran off to be an anonymous soldier.”

"We haven't even introduced ourselves. I am Bulldozer and she is Inge. I am sure we can help you, I'll just get home and tell Mom we have a guest. Wait for us in the Old Maiden pub, we will come for you when we are ready. We'll be back soon.”

Cyber nodded and saw the pub on the corner of the street.

 

Cyber was glad he had found somebody to share his problems with.

He did as he was told and entered the pub with the big iron statue.

He heard that the keep always threatened the people to put somebody in the Maiden when he or she behaved badly. And he had to put down all his weapons. He didn't like the idea of that.

”And what if a fight starts?"

"Here in y' Old Iron Maiden, everybody fights with their bodies, if needed with chairs and mugs, but never with swords, young man.” the innkeeper told him.

”Ah, that means it's only a lot of fun.”

"No better way, fella, to have a good fight while nobody gets seriously injured or worse. Of course, sometimes it accidentally happens that somebody takes one too many hits but I know places where people get split in two just because they got in a bar room brawl. Is that worth it?"

"Not at all. You are a wise man.”

”And so are the people who come here. First one is on the house, what will it be?"

”Beer please.”

He waited for the elfwoman and the young man. They were late.

Would they let him down, maybe even call the guards? Or was something holding them up?

Finally the two arrived. But the boy was in tears and the elf looked troubled.

”What's up?" Cyber asked. Bulldozer just crept in an empty corner.

Inge took Cyber apart.

”His mother and sister were found killed in the house while his brothers, who were home, are said to be taken away. By the inner enemies in Pezar, the people say. There is talk of night assassins who took them out. And his father recently died in combat. They ruthlessly slaughtered a woman and a seven years old child! And Bulldozer. . . I don't know. He's in a heavy shock.”

The keep joined them.

"Not that I would have you away, but a roary place such as this is not a good place to dwell for this young man. I know him, of course, as I have known his father all my life. Better bring him somewhere quiet.”

Inge nodded and helped Bulldozer to his feet.

 

"So, if I had come right out of school I would have been dead by now. Slaughtered with my mother and sister. Maybe taken away, with my brothers. So I may even call myself lucky.”

"Well, that's a little bitter.” Cyber said doubtfully.

"So, the inner enemies, that's where we will have to look.”

"Look?"

”For my brothers. It may not be too late to save them.”

"Are how do you think to do that?"

"Well, I've got my skills, a man with a lot of weapons and a mage. Dudes, let's go out and kick some butt. No longer will they talk about the too young Bulldozer, one who has to stay home. Where evil is, they can expect me to kill them. The time for action has come.”

He raised his two-handed sword-a traditional family weapon which had belonged to his father-and put on his leather armour.

"Don't you have any relatives left?" Cyber asked.

"Aye, my cousin Tormentor. He's a young ranger but right now he's fighting in the Wooden Realm.”

"First thing to do is buying decent armour, these leathers are only good for practice.”

Cyber himself was wearing a beautiful chain mail.

"Right. Let's go to the dwarven quarters and see if they have something fitting for a nice price.”

”You have money?"

”Must be enough.”

"Okay then, let's go.”

They walked outside and walked for half an hour to enter the part of the town, near the harbour, where the dwarven community lived.

There they entered the first armoury they saw.

"Hey hey hey, what have we got here? Two young humans and a good-looking elfmaid! Hey, what can I do for you here?"

"Armour. A good one.” Bulldozer said.

"Hey hey, you don't expect dwarven craftsmanship to be rubbish hey? For you it is? Well, let me show you the way through my little store. Is there anything you had in mind? You want plate mail, chain mail, ring mail, splint mail or anything?"

"What moves best?"

"Moves? Then that leather you're wearing right now is best. But you will also need protection 'cause I think you will not stay in a world of peace when carrying such a beautiful two-handed sword hey? Well, I have a strong banded mail here that should be your size. Here it is, try it on!"

Bulldozer put on the armour, looking at the heavy bands that gave much protection. It was a complete mail which also went down to the knees.

"The legs are a bit unhandy here.”

”Well you'll be fighting with your arms more hey?"

”Not when one can stun a man with fast kicks.”

"Ah, I see. Well, in that case I have this right here. Hey, I am sure this is what you are looking for. Studded leather. Gives all the moves from leather while it also has some essential plate protection here, here and of course here. Thighplates are in it and there is steel on the knees as well. A kneelift from you will be deadly. Now see if it fits. Well, it's a big man who needs it, it must fit.”

Now Bulldozer fit the new armour and saw it was indeed what he had been looking for.

”Its fits perfectly. As if it was custom made.”

"How's the moving?" the dwarf asked, studying the strong youth.

Bulldozer tried some kicks and was satisfied.

"I'll take this one. How much?"

"Forty-seven goldweights. Well, you are young and you do something to me. Make it forty and it's yours.”

Bulldozer looked up: he hadn't expected it to be so expensive and he didn't have that much.

Cyber understood immediately and reached into his pouch to produce a red gem.

”This will do?"he asked.

The dwarf put up his eyeglass and examined the gem.

”Oh, most certainly. I will give the young man some bracers for that as well. Come, here I have a lot of different bracers, pick a pair.”

"Those spiked ones. Family tradition.”

”Ah, same as good old Swordslaught -the gods have his soul- used to wear. And with that two-handed sword I would almost say I saw young

Swordslaught again.”

Suddenly the dwarf saw tears coming to Bulldozer's face.

"He's Swordslaught's only son left.” Inge explained.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Here, paladin, take that ruby. Swordslaught saved my life more than once, I've heard what happened as well. This is the least I can do. May thy deeds be great, young man. Unfortunately, Jelomar and Logan probably died too young to bring glory to the family name, so it's all up to you.”

"You say true words, man.” Bulldozer said, fighting his tears.

"Ah, Swordslaught would have known old Berg would do this.”

"Thank you very much.”

”Pleasure's all mine. Go now, and good luck.”

They left the dwarven quarters and Bulldozer had heard of some places where evil was said to reside. They entered dark and secret meeting places and suddenly they were attacked by a force of eight.

Inge quickly used one of her spells and suddenly one of the men started making mayhem among his own men, stabbing one down.

They looked like a band of assassins -they were not sure if they were eastern night-assassins- and while Bulldozer and Cyber charged, Inge waited in the back, drawing a light broadsword for defense. Then she casted another spell and a second assassin started attacking his own men. With the odds shifting they overwhelmed the band quickly.

"Charm spell won't last.” Inge warned and without any further comment Bulldozer slashed with his sword to kill the surviving charmed man, the other one had already fallen.

"Fancy spell that was! Charm spell you said?"

”Aye, he will fight at my side for a time.”

”Interesting.” Cyber said.

Meanwhile, Bulldozer was looting.

"Well, the usual weapons. Daggers and short swords. And what is this? Some kind of wand?"

Inge took the object, a small stone with a grip on it.

"Aye, this is a wand. A weird one but a wand nonetheless. Here the word of command is written, on the inside of the grip. I don't know what it does but most wands are not to be used in small places like this room.”

"I heard something like that, yes.”

"We can use this wand sometimes, when there is a lot of room.”

"And we can search this place now, which is what we'll do.”

They looked at the place, a deserted warehouse, and found some guards.

"Who or what are you guarding?" Bulldozer asked.

"Who wants to know?" one of the three guards asked.

"Somebody who will do anything to find out, so better tell me.”

Cyber looked up. He was used to charge, but instead Bulldozer was talking to them. Was that because he didn't want to fight? No, the young man was a born fighter. Now the guards advanced.

"Here are the keys, come and get them.” one challenged.

"With pleasure.” Bulldozer now snarled and leapt up for a big double dropkick, sending two down. When he fell the third advanced more to stand over him but there he met Cyber's mace which splintered his skull.

Meanwhile Bulldozer had used his left foot to kill a guard with a stomp and when the last one tried to flee Bulldozer suddenly drew a dagger and threw it with precision in the man's skull. The guard slumped to the ground dead and Bulldozer retrieved his dagger and the key chain.

"That's one hell of a dagger!" Cyber said, looking at the blade.

"Some kind of magic dagger. Beautiful huh? Some mage gave it to me when I saved him from an ambush.”

"You saved a mage? I did, too. They are so powerful when they have time to cast their spells but so weak when it comes to surprise attacks. Well, the one I saved gave me a magic mirror, some kind of familiar and these gauntlets.”

"A magic mirror? What's its use?" Bulldozer inquired.

"Well, in any case, I don't have to shave any more. One look in the mirror and my beard is gone. There must be more powers concealed in it, but I am no magic user, I can't find out.”

"A mirror like this can reflect magic attacks.” Inge knew.

"When somebody sends magic lightning or something like that your way you can catch it in the mirror and then the caster will receive it instead.”

”Good to know that. All magic mirrors do this?"

"As far as I know they do. Hey, we've got the keys, why not open that door? After all, that's what we fought off those guards for.”

They opened the door and saw four men sitting inside.

They were stripped of their weapons and armour and looked starved and miserable.

”Who in the Abyss are you?" Bulldozer asked.

"We're captives, soldiers from the Western Realm army.” one man said.

"Well, you'll still be soldiers but captives no longer. Anybody seen more captives? Like my brothers Jelomar and Logan Rockscale?"

"Hey Bulldozer is that you? Well I didn't know your brothers were captured. Haven't seen them.”

Bulldozer looked up and saw a man who used to live near him

”Aye, it's me. Let's get out of here.”

They walked outside, followed by the freed soldiers.

"We will tell everybody what you did. Hey, where are you going?"

"If Jelomar and Logan are not here, they must be somewhere else huh?"

"Good luck. You'll need it.”

Some men could tell them where to look and they went to all those places, looking for the lost brothers, but didn't find anybody.

"Bulldozer, this is the fifth building.”

”So? You're tired? I ain't.”

Again they found people who attacked and with a spell from Inge and some good teamwork from Bulldozer and Cyber they defeated the rogues they had found. Surprisingly, the resistance was weak, also because they took their opponents by surprise and only got a few scratches while Inge was even unhurt as she stayed in the back to work her magic.

In a next building they found a band of captured dwarves.

"Blargh, about time somebody came. We're starving, you know?" one spat.

"Then go home and get some food.” Bulldozer said, turning around.

The dwarves were confused as they saw Bulldozer walking off, leaving the celldoor open.

”Hey! Means we can go?"

"We have killed your enemies. On our way to find more. Go now.” Cyber said in a corrupted dwarven language.

"Ah, we've been freed. Well then, say that at once. We will help you.”

"No need, we'll be fine.” Bulldozer just said, in a voice that Inge had never heard before.

Again they walked out and entered another deserted building.

But this one really was deserted and they moved on.

"Well, we've freed some prisoners of war. That's a good deed, you know.” Cyber said, ”Even if we don't find your brothers, we will be honoured for those we did find.” he added with a smile.

"Then let's find some more, I'm starting to like it.” Bulldozer grinned.

 

"Finally, there you are!"

A very tall young man with long blond hair and eyeglasses stated as he saw three worn out figures coming through the door of Bulldozer's house.

"Tor?" a vague voice asked.

”Aye, 'tis me.”

Tormentor, Bulldozer's cousin, rose from a chair and looked at the threesome.

"What in the name of the gods have you been doing? I've heard some wild stories about fifty prisoners who were held in town freed by three youngsters. One knew you, one saw an elfwoman whose description could only fit Inge and I don't believe I know you, paladin, if that's what you are.”

"I am indeed, my name is Cyber Castlestone of Uiostac. And you must be Tormentor. I've heard a lot about you.”

With a grin he added: "Most about your size.”

"But I heard what was going on for the past day and night. What were you doing?Trying to find Jelomar and Logan?"

"Aye. Thirty-seven buildings we searched. We fought off about two hundred men, freed some fifty-odd prisoners.” Bulldozer reported.

"Two hundred in one day? Must have been a busy day! Where I was things were some worse. Those eastern soldiers are tough guys, you know that?"

"I don't, but I'm willing to find out.”

”You wounded?"

"Slightly.”

"I'll fetch the three of you a cleric.”

”No need, we can walk to a temple. The nearest one will do.”

"It's already late in the afternoon, let's go before they close down.”

When they arrived at the temple the acolyte immediately recognized Bulldozer, because they sometimes had to see some cleric for some small wounds caused in training.

"You are the three hunters of evil! We have heard of your prowess. You have saved the lives of many brave men. And I see you need healing, although your wounds are nothing compared to your deeds. Follow me, please. The Highpriest will see you at once.”

They were led to the inner sanctum of the temple where the Highpriest himself took time to heal the three, complimenting them once again on their deeds. Shortly afterwards, they went to the Old Iron Maiden.

There they were welcomed in a warm way.

”Tales have gone long ahead of us.” Cyber smiled. They ordered some beer and wine for Inge.

Meanwhile, they were asked a lot of questions but Bulldozer wasn't in a mood to be very proud.

”Come on, what's the big deal? I went out to find my brothers and I didn't find them!"

”So, you're going back?"

”Of course I am.”

"When?" Tormentor asked.

”As soon as I've finished a couple of beers.”

"Are you serious? We could use some rest.” Cyber protested.

"Okay, we'll rest after we leave here, but then at night we go on. Every hour we waste is one in which they can be transported. There is need to hurry.”

"I will come with you.” Tormentor said, ”In my battles I have gained vast battle experience. It seems you fought a lot as well.”

"Oh, bet on it. There were some empty buildings but every time there was somebody they didn't even ask anything but attacked at once. Well, they asked for it and they got it. But don't ask them for they can't answer anymore.” Bulldozer said with a grim smile.

In the middle of the night they stood up after some short sleep and prepared themselves.

Again they went out to find Jelomar and Logan, even if it meant they had to search every building in Pezar.

 

Everybody knew now that Bulldozer was out to find his brothers.

News of this had also reached the staff room of the Vesp, the main evil resistance in the city. They knew he was on the search and leaving a path of bodies behind.

"So one young man, determined to find his brothers, has killed so many men with only two companions? Maybe they will find us as well.”

"The place is already guarded as you saw outside. I have sent message to the east to send some magic users to Pezar. They have one mage, the elfmaid. We have none here. And as big as we are, we are cut to shreds by a force of three.”

"It's a story that is hard to believe. So they just walk in some places where there is the slightest chance that captives are held there and they just kill everybody inside?"

"That's what one might conclude, aye.”

"Then we can only pray the Darkknight that they will move into the wrong place once.”

 

"Hey Bulldozer, why do we kill everybody? We might keep one alive for interrogation. Maybe we can find out about more places to look as well as where their leaders are. I have reason to believe the resistance is organized from somebody right here in Pezar. Maybe one can tell us where that leader is.”

"Maybe we killed him already.”

"One way to find out. We need somebody alive to take us to that leader or those leaders, for all I care.”

"Now our information tells us this was once the base of a small guild of assassins. Let's see if there's anybody in.”

"I do hear some noises. Let's go. And kill now, assassins never talk.”

Bulldozer showed why he was named thus by forcing open the door with a huge shoulderblock, squashing a door guard against the wall.

Tormentor was on the spot to finish him with his longsword.

I just hope bashing doors open!” Bulldozer grinned.

They could see five men.

”Come on, where's the competition? You have some more here? Then get them, I don't want to be bored!" Bulldozer said and charged with a mighty battle-roar.

They overwhelmed the men, who still looked like assassins, and searched the building. They found it empty but Tormentor discovered some money.

Dawn fell and a little bit of the autumn cold vanished as the sun rose.

It still was chilly, however, and the winds were strong. They could see a town waking up but tried to move unseen.

"Morning's not the right time to go out, you know?" Tormentor commented.

"Every time is a good time to find Jelo and Logan.”

"You're sure we're gonna find them?" Inge asked, hesitantly.

"Nope. But even if we don't, we're still doing something great.”

"Every darkman in town must be terrified knowing that we are coming for them.” Inge smiled.

"The Awesome Foursome is coming.” Cyber added.

"And we're going right there, to that old house. Old houses are great hide-outs and it's hide-outs we're after.”

"Right, let's go.”

"I bet they are asleep, when somebody's in there.”

"Good. Then we surprise them in their sleep and give them their last nightmare.” Bulldozer grunted.

"You're getting rough, you know that?" Tormentor asked.

"Aye, and I like it.”

"Wait, somebody's standing guard.” Inge suddenly hissed.

"Oh, no problem. I will tell him to leave.” Bulldozer said and carelessly walked up to the man who was leaning against the fence. Cyber shook his head and got a firm grip on his sword as he saw that Bulldozer walked towards the man without his heavy two-handed sword drawn.

"Hello lad. What are you doing out here? It's a bit cold you know?"

"Who are you?" came the gruff reply.

"Uh-uh, I asked the first question. You standing guard or something?"

Chagrined, the man nodded.

”Now who are you?"

"Ah, I got the first question right so I have the right to ask another one. Who's in there that they need you to stand guard?"

"Now who are you?"

“The famous killer of evil. Now tell me or die without telling.”.

Now the guard wanted to grab his sword but with a very quick manoeuvre with his dagger he ripped the man's belt and with a ringing sound the sword fell to the ground. Now Bulldozer drew his sword.

"Try to pick that one up and your head lies next to it. Now who's in there?"

"I... in there... in there are the leaders of the Vesp, the Very Evil Serpents of Pezar.”

”Ah, that's a nice group we want to meet! Coming, dudes? Here, that's for you.”

He put a silver coin in the man's hand.

As the man looked extremely confused at this gesture, he examined the coin and suddenly he had Bulldozer's sword in his neck. Bulldozer retrieved his coin with a grin.

"And that fool really thought he could get away with it.”

Cyber shook his head.

”Where did you learn to catch a man with words like that?"

"My grandfather was a warrior, my other grandfather a merchant. My father found a way to combine both skills to use it in battle. When you have a man distracted with words he cannot pay full attention to your sword and that's when I strike. Use the opportunity to kill him. Works

many times. Besides, you know what would have happened if I just met him with my sword drawn? A sword fight could alarm those inside and that's not what we want, is it?"

”Very clever of you. Well, you seem to be a master. Shall we go in?"

”Of course. After you, my dear Inge.”

"Aye, ladies first.” Cyber smiled.

 

Chapter Three

 

Most leaders were gathered in the war room in Pezar because it was one of the free realms. So far, the battles had been between humans, no monsters, dragons or undead had been involved. Small bands of ogres were reported to plunder some sacked cities but surprisingly they were stopped by the minotaurs of the Black Cross Legion. Ogres seemed to fear minotaurs as every time they came, the ogres fled.

Only one Dragonlord was present in the war room, for the other two lords had to stay alert at Dragon Peak, the large citadel in the Hill Realm where the Dragonknights and their dragons were gathered, ready for action at any time.

Outside, people spent a lot of time with the golden dragon who attracted many children. The huge good monster rested on a field outside the war room, exchanging great tales and trying to explain his powers to anyone who was willing to listen. It seemed to like the company of the puny mortals as it never complained and could talk all day long.

The first weeks of the war, people had come and gone but now it was quiet around the war room.

"Still, why can't the Dragonknights help us in normal battles? When we have hundreds of dragons at our side, battles will be easier for us. Now they are closing in on us, carefully avoiding the Black Cross Legion. They are afraid of the dragons, then why don't you make a move?" Klaren Aken asked.

"He is right, the fact that the evil dragons aren't involved yet does not mean that the Dragonknights should remain passive. They can attack.” the king of the old Western Realm spoke.

"And when they do and the east knows it then maybe they will send the evil dragons into battle. When the dragons clash and our dragons win the dragon force is broken on the other side and then we can press on with that big threat gone.” the dwarven king spoke.

The Dragonlord considered all this for a moment.

”Good enough. I will tell the other two lords of your propositions and when they also agree I will give the sign to attack the eastern army. Let Akira show us what he's got.”

He went outside and came back only a few moments later.

"Via my dragon I have conferred with the lords and they agree. The sign to attack has been given, they will free the Water Realm with dragonforce. And that is what will happen.”

How many knights die during a battle?"

”A normal battle? None. Well, sometimes there is a clever archer who gets one of the knights with a well-aimed arrow but as you know, the knights have been granted healing powers from the Platinum Dragon, Drachlich the great. And of course the dragons are there and no dragon can be killed by an arrow. They fly high enough to keep away from swords or lances while they know where the magic users are and they will take them out first. Dragons are extremely intelligent creatures, milords. They are far more intelligent than us mere mortals. They use magic no other race can use. We call it dragon magic. And they use it in battle. Nay, not the dragon's fire is the most dangerous weapon a dragon has, it's the magic they possess. And they recognize good or evil as they see it, so I consider the Water Realm free in the morning.”

The rest of the lords were impressed.

"But what if they are busy freeing the Water Realm and then the evil dragons arrive?"

”I've never seen a dragon before in my life except for your dragon outside. How can you tell the alignment of a dragon?" the Prison Master asked.

"The evil dragons vary in colours. Dragons of evil can be red, white, blue, black or green, though you will find the white dragons only in the cold climates, like the Northern Realm. Our dragons are metal-coloured. They are gold, silver, bronze, brass or copper. There are few neutral dragons and most of them are red or blue. When the evil dragons come, they will be defeated as our dragons are bigger and very powerful. Still I fear for that battle. When such a battle would come, it might not go without a scratch. I can see many a brave knight die and I must even fear for the loss of some dragons. As the number one creature to kill a dragon is of course a dragon.”

"Aye, I believe that. So they will free the Water Realm. I only hope they will be careful with their breath else we might find Lake Su dried up.”

Several lords chuckled at the thought of the immense lake dampened by dragonbreath.

"Where has that young man gone?" Klaren Aken asked, ”He was a bright man with many good ideas.”

"Well, that young man is my son and he had one of his less bright ideas and he has run off, to become a real soldier instead of an officer. At least that's what he told in his good-bye letter. He wants to be a soldier and not be spoiled to become an officer with little battle experience.”

Shortly afterwards, the meeting was over.

"You heard about Swordslaught?" Klaren asked the chairman.

"Well somehow he was right to go back into the field. I think I'll be going as well soon. I'm a born warrior, just like Swordslaught, and I can pick up a sword still.”

"It became Swordslaught's death.” the king said.

"And his family's. Only his youngest son survived and he seems to be raging through Pezar, to look for his brothers who were taken away, probably to be killed somewhere else. I give him little chance of finding them but meanwhile with just two or three companions he kills everybody. He has killed the leaders of the Vesp and almost all their members. Some say that this company, who call themselves the Awesome Foursome by right, has killed over five hundred members. While they freed a hundred prisoners of war who were hidden inside the town. That's almost everybody, we guess. They make this town a good one to live in.”

Klaren listened with interest.

"Who are they? Okay, Swordslaught's son. I believe his name was Bulldozer, I saw Swordslaught before he went to battle. But the other three?"

"His cousin, a big paladin and a blond magic user. Some say she's elven or half-elven and that she is very beautiful. Together, they are deadly.”

"Well, that's just fine. We are in Pezar now and if all members of the resistance are killed then we are safe and we have nothing to fear.”

Still, the building was well-guarded by a lot of soldiers and of course the golden dragon.

"A paladin? Could it be that that paladin is my son?" the king of Catilae wondered. Klaren had left his seat. He didn't even consider the possibility that the elf was his own daughter.

”Maybe. He seemed to be formidable and he sure had a lot of weapons. It may very well be the case. Well, you have read his vision in his letter. I think it's best to leave him to do what he wants. He never looked like a prince to me anyway. He wanted to be a paladin and he showed that. How old was he? Eighteen or something? Well he will manage. He's young but looks experienced enough.”

"Kinda yes. Well, let him be a soldier and pray the gods he survives.”

"Aye. Let the stubbornhead learn it the hard way. It's how we all learn.”

 

Fifteen days later, the warlords met again.

Klaren Aken was no longer among them; he had left for the battlefield.

"May the Lady of Luck, Fyona, be with him.”

”And I believe the old veteran still has it in him and that many will fall under his sword and his longbow.”

"I hope so. He's about two hundred years old and he's very experienced in warfare. I, too, believe that he's still in shape. Saw that two hundred years old body? I don't think his age hinders him. There are experienced officers in the army who are human and in their sixties and they still survive. Klaren is now a captain in the northwest.” the Firelord told.

"Meanwhile I have a growing pile of reports from the mayor of Pezar. His seekers have entered all secret places where there might be evil and all they report is a mass of bodies lying everywhere. Most likely, all those men have fallen at the hands of that Awesome Foursome.”

"Well then, why don't we honour them? They deserve it. Many of our soldiers are battling near the borders or trying to free the conquered lands while this foursome fights to keep everything within the borders clean. We have underestimated that task and they accidentally took that burden upon their shoulders. And did a very good job at that. Could anybody tell me where to find them?"

"Well, Bulldozer is Swordslaught's son. So his name should be Bulldozer Rockscale, as Klaren told me a while back. So maybe he can be found in Swordslaught's house.”

"Well then let's send somebody. A guard for instance.”

Two hours later -Bulldozer lived in the other end of town- the guard came back with the foursome.

”What's up? We accidentally killed a good guy or something?" Bulldozer asked, while Cyber nodded greetings to the present lords.

"It is indeed you.” the king of the old western realm said to Cyber.

"No, you haven't done anything wrong. On the contrary. We have heard of your prowess and the town guards have seen the men you slaughtered. It takes one hell of a party to do all that, and you've got what it takes. We therefore want to honour you with the Western Realm Unicorn.”

The unicorn was the highest battle award one could get.

"Well, we didn't even complete our mission, we couldn't find my brothers and that was what it was all about. So I must assume that if they are still alive, they must be out of town because we have practically searched every place where they could possibly be.”

With a grin he added: "Well, we could start searching this place here.”

The four received the medal with the unicorn on it, in a small blue box with the shield of the United Western Realms.

"To support this medal of honour, we also want to give you this.”

They all received a heavy box.

”These boxes contain one thousand platinumweights each. Use them well.”

"Thank you very much, I was just running short of money so I can really use it.” Bulldozer said. Then he looked around.

"So we're now in the war room, the place where everything is decided. When we're here after all, how are things going?" he boldly asked.

"Things are going better. The Dragonknights have aided us in battles and while the Spit Realm could fight off the threats the dragons and their knights have freed the Water Realm and now they're pushing the eastern troops back in the Wind Realm. There has been no clash with the evil dragons yet.”

Bulldozer nodded.

"From what my father always told us evil dragons are totally independent and do not want to be controlled by humans. No matter how much magic he has, they have more.”

"We don't know, Akira, or Black Akira as he calls himself, claims to have dragon magic as well. How far his powers go is unknown.”

"My son, " king Hector of Catilae spoke, "you are free to go wherever you want. But from what I have heard from my fellow lords here, you have given them some bright ideas and your presence was appreciated. If you can come back some time to give us some news or advice, let it hereby be known that you will always be welcome here.”

"We will remember that. Thanks for everything.”

When they walked outside, with the boxes in Tormentor's leather backpack, Cyber shook his head.

"That's what I disgust royals for. Did you hear what my father said? Let it hereby be known that you are welcome. I can say that in plain language: come by if you want.”

"I understand. Well I just talk my own way and understand the way they talk. Let them blabber the way they like.” Bulldozer just said.

Cyber nodded.

”Though you were a bit bold in there, with so many high lords present.”. Bulldozer could only shrug.

"I think I'm going back to that old bud of my father's, that dwarf. What was his name again?"

”Berg was his name. Why?"

"Well I'm looking for a pair of short shields.”

”Short shields?"

"Aye, short shields. We had them until somebody desperately wanted to buy them. They are short shields for you lower arms. Like a plate instead of a bracer. Let's see if Berg has them.”

 

"No, I have never heard of them. But I have a few pounds of scrap metal I can experiment with. What do these short shields look like?"

Bulldozer made a small drawing.

”Just like shields, but then just this big. With a hard metal plate and two fast clips to tie them to your underarms. They can be used to block or to hit with when you make a knob in the middle of them. While they offer better protection than leather bracers. While steel bracers are around the arm, this one protects only the outside.”

”I think I known what you mean. Ah, just like that. Come back in three days and then they will probably be ready.”

"Good. Let's go home dudes, I'm getting hungry.”

Tormentor, walking in the back, looked around and noticed with a snicker that it was quiet in the streets, a lot more quiet than last time.

"Maybe this was a bad place where we made some of our worldfamous visits. As officers of the unicorn you will again have trouble becoming a foot soldier, Cyber.”

"Oh, I will be a soldier or I will be a townsman.” Cyber said with determination in his voice.

"Do you have other skills then?" Inge inquired.

"I'm a fairly good weaponsmith. But I haven't got a place to work here and I certainly stand no chance against the dwarven smiths in Pezar. As short as they are, with metal they are better than any other race in Vascaria.”

"How about going for some nice food? They serve good meals at the Maiden.”

"I know a place in the south where they have excellent food every day.”

Inge said. Bulldozer nodded.

”Okay, then we go there. But let's first bring some money to the bank as I don't want to walk around with this heavy box all day.”

”Good idea. Let's go.”

After they went to the bank they walked to an inn where they saw a deer was being roasted and it smelled good.

"Roasted deer. Well, I'm pretty hungry after all.” Cyber said with a smile.

After a huge meal -everybody was surprised to see how much Cyber could eat- they took a few beers and started talking about the days and nights on the streets.

"Well, we never left town and we seemed to have killed well over five hundred traitors. I never thought there would be so many secret meeting places in a town like this, and maybe there are still some we haven't visited yet, a place where people still live, planning attacks on the fair people of Pezar.”

"Possible, Tor. But I don't believe that my brothers are still being held in town. I bet they have been taken away to some place and killed. Their bodies dropped somewhere or just burnt to ashes. No, I don't think I will ever see them again.”

"You never know. Strange things can happen in life. Maybe they are taken to a place where future adventures will bring us and you will meet them again.” Cyber tried to be optimistic.

Inge looked around. She saw many soldiers who were off-duty for a short while, drinking, telling the tales of agony war could bring but also some well-exaggerated tales of victories against the eastern soldiers and the teutons.

They left early because they were tired and two days later Tormentor was called to battle again.

And a royal guard came to call them to the war room.

When the three of them arrived the king of the Water Realm gave them a map of his realm.

"Something has happened. You know a lot of barbarian tribes are living in the Water Realm. Now one of those tribes, a small one consisting of two hundred, has disappeared without a trace. Their village is empty and under protection of general guards. They left no message of where they were going and some houses have been plundered. So it is possible that they are captured by the enemy and taken away to be imprisoned. We want you to find this lost tribe and bring them back to their village if possible.”

"So they're gone. Great, were to start looking?" Bulldozer wondered.

"We could start by investigating their village.” Inge said. Cyber nodded.

"So, you will try?"

”Of course.” Bulldozer said, ”If a tribe of two hundred has indeed been imprisoned then there is a chance that there is one big place where they hold all their captives, including my brothers. We will go. Could you arrange something to get us there?"

"You will use horses of the royal stables to get to Iris, from there your horses will be taken and when you've passed the portal fresh horses will be waiting for you or you can buy them with money we can provide.”

Cyber smiled at the thought that Bulldozer accepted the job in a manner that it would have offended nobody had he refused because he had other things to do.

”Well enough, we will leave tomorrow at dawn.” Cyber said.

He knew Bulldozer automatically took the lead and it was just a test to

see if Bulldozer would allow his companions to decide as well.

But Bulldozer merely nodded.

”All-right, we'll have somebody bring you three fresh horses at dawn tomorrow.” the king of the Western Realm said, banging his hammer on the table to show it was a decided fact and that the threesome was

dismissed.

The next day they were surprised to be fetched by a royal coach, with a span of four running in front of it.

"Welcome lady and gentlemen. I am Clerk, and I was sent to bring you to Iris.”

”Whooh, we've become celebrities"

Bulldozer said with a grin.

"You've got everything?" Clerk asked.

"Arms, packs with food and water, the map and my dice. All I need.” Bulldozer said.

”Why the dice?"

”In case we get bored.”

After an eventless trip they arrived in Iris where Clerk bade them a good trip and he turned around at once.

The threesome walked to the portal and were surprised when they saw a large band of armed men -obviously no soldiers of any army- block the way to the portal. A small cabin had been built next to it and a man was sitting in it, leaning on a counter.

"What's this?" Cyber asked.

”Don't know. Hey you, get out of our way, we've got to pass the portal you're blocking!" Bulldozer yelled at the group.

The man behind the counter was looking at them in a casual way.

"That's twenty silver a person.” he said with indifference in his voice.

"Twenty silver for what?"

”For letting these well-trained men step aside to let you pass.”

"You can't charge anybody for entering a portal! It's not yours, you have no right to claim money for trespassing.”

"Either you pay or you walk to the Water Realm!"

Bulldozer's hand shot to his sword, Inge could see that look in his eyes again. He would take on the armed men any day. She quickly blocked his wrist.

"Either they go away or I will bring the most horrible spells of death upon them!" she shouted. To show off she started casting and suddenly her hands were surrounded by fire that didn't seem to harm her.

Suddenly a beam of fire shot to the man behind the counter and burnt his head and his hair.

"And I haven't even called upon the heavy artillery yet! Now go or die!" she warned, though she wasn't really powerful enough to cast spells of death upon anybody. But the guards fled and so did the man, yelling frantically and leaving a drawer with some money behind. Cyber took the money and put it in a small pouch.

”This belongs to the city of Iris. I know for sure that these men were not from the city hall, they were people who worked for their own money. We should go to the city hall first.” he spoke.

The others nodded, and Inge memorized the place where they had to return.

They walked to the city hall, which was nearby and Bulldozer introduced them as a threesome on a mission sent by the lords of the realms.

The guards let them pass immediately and they went to the mayor himself.

"Tollers? Where did you find them?"

”We saw more guarded areas, we suspect they are also guarding portals. Now what is this?".

"You know the town is destroyed by the teutons before we got it back. The town is in chaos and people seem to have come to get their money from our sorrow. You go on with your mission, I will personally see to it that the tollers are removed, as this is a disgrace for the town. Thank you for bringing the money back, noble paladin. You really shouldn't have done that but it is true that they made this silver off our backs.”

"It's only my duty to return it to those who have a right to it, and while it is impossible to return it to the people who paid the disgusting price I trust you have good purposes for it.” Cyber replied with a bow of respect.

"But I will reward you for your effort and especially for bringing the news. Here are three small bottles. They are filled with a potion which is able to heal the wounds of the sword. It was a personal gift from the mage Taliesin, use them wisely.”

”We certainly will.”

Shortly afterwards they left and went through the portal while they heard orders shouted to platoons of city guards to inspect the hundreds of portals to see if any tollers were occupying the portals, and if so, to arrest them and kill upon refusal.

For Bulldozer, it was the first time he had ever stepped through a portal.

"What happens?" he wanted to know.

"Well, it's just like you step through a door but now you feel numb when inside, and you're transported. It takes some time but because you don't feel anything it is as if time stands still and so you will feel as if you just stepped through a door and come out somewhere else. You even finish your step on the other side.” Inge explained.

Bulldozer nodded and went through first. With satisfaction he ended his step on firm ground and saw armed men waiting on the other side.

"More tollers?"

”Of course not, they wear the royal insignia of the Water Realm. They are the ones who are waiting for us with the horses. Remember what the Upper Chieftain said.”

Bulldozer nodded and saluted the man in the way they were taught to use.

”You are the people from Pezar. Welcome to the Water Realm. Your horses are here. Good luck on your mission.” a barbarian warrior said. He looked big and powerful and Inge almost immediately saw a bit of Bulldozer in the man, and if she and her ancestors hadn't known

his family she would now be beyond all doubt that the Rockscale family was originally from the Water Realm.

They rode following the map and saw the village after three days.

What they saw was a strange village built in a rectangular way with three blocks of houses. One block had twenty small houses, the second one twenty bigger houses and the third one twenty big and luxurious houses.

"Strange class-separation they have here.” Cyber remarked.

"Aye. If they are really imprisoned I think they insist in being put in three cellblocks.” Bulldozer grinned.

"Okay, we're here. Now what to do?"

”We're going to find whatever clues we can find here to tell us where they went. Hey, I know it's not simple! We are fighters and they want us to play detectives! We must take any chance we've got.” Bulldozer said and pointed at the blocks in the back, the big ones.

"I think we'd better start looking in the big ones, since they seem to make every decision there. Maybe we'll find a letter or something.”

Cyber nodded and they entered one of the big houses.

"Man, I wish somebody could tell me a bit more about them.”

"Right, we know nothing about them.”

Inge looked around and suddenly pointed at a house.

"I can detect the presence of a living being in there.” she said. The other two didn't see anything but knew Inge was right: on their search through the town her elvensight had helped them a great many times when near a building.

”Let's check it out.” Bulldozer said and they followed his lead.

In the house they saw a young girl, fifteen at most. She tried to hide in a corner but they found her easy enough with Inge's help.

"What are you doing here, little one?" Inge asked in a friendly way.

"This is my house, I live here. Who are you?" the girl asked.

One question Bulldozer never liked to answer too soon.

"So you're one of the lost tribe.” he said dryly.

"The Kweni-tribe yes. Who are you?" the girl repeated her question.

"Friends from Pezar. We were send by your Upper Chieftain and the other lords of the realms to find your tribe. Can you tell us some more?"

The girl looked up at Bulldozer and something made the girl trust them.

"Wait. You want to sit down?" she asked. Cyber was the first one to sit down in one of the comfortable chairs and the others followed.

"You want wine?"

"Well, since we're not that far from Gunlet, why not?"

Gunlet, capital of the Spit Realm, was the most famous wine area in the world. The girl brought three goblets and filled them.

"Everybody's gone and the supplies are still here, so I'm the only one to use them. I don't like wine, though.” she told.

"Gone? Where did they go? Did they just leave?"

"No, they were attacked by a big eastern army and they had to surrender, seeing fighting was useless. And my tribesmen are not cowards! We faced over a thousand easterners. They deported us to a camp but I was able to escape before the easterners could do anything to me.”

They noticed that though the girl was young she knew very well what the easterners could possibly do to her.

"So you came back here?"

”Aye, I ran away for two weeks and then I found my village back. I was hungry and thirsty but I made it. Sometimes people came but I was afraid and I hid, fearing more eastern soldiers had come to find me.”

"A camp, two weeks from here. In a straight line? Where was it? Was it easy to run back?"

"Aye, I could easily find it back, the stars being my guide. They held us in a big cage, but I am small and I could slip through the bars.

There were big hills on the north, a very big fortress on the north-east, a river on the south and thick woods on the southwest.”

"So we have mountains, a citadel, woods and a river. And that all east of here on a fourteen-day walk. Did you rest at night?"

"Of course, I couldn't possibly run on. I always slept from dusk to dawn, seven hours. Nights are short here in the south, you know?"

"I know. Well, then we must look somewhere in this area.” Inge said producing a detailed map.

”Citadels are here, here and here. Here are the outskirts of the Golden Mountains while there are rivers flowing here and here. Combining what you told us it looks like this is the place.”

"Close in Prep.” Bulldozer noticed.

”They built a camp just on the other side of the border, probably also the camp they used to invade the first time. And now they stacked a tribe there to challenge the west to come to their lands. Guys, I think we have to be here.”

The girl also looked.

"That is a very detailed map. Hey, you also have a weird stone like that? I have many of them. They looked beautiful and they were stored as very valuable, so I kept them here because I was afraid some thieves might come and take them.”

”Wands? You have a lot of wands?" Bulldozer asked, surprised.

"Are they called wands? Yes I do have a lot of them. Wait, I will get them.”

She ran out of the room and came back with a bag full of wands, Bulldozer counted twelve.

”And here are three more wands. What are wands?"

Inge started casting a short spell and saw they were indeed all wands while their words of command were carved in the holds.

"What did you say?" the girl inquired.

”I just cast a spell to ensure they were all wands, and indeed they are.”

"You cast spells? You are a magic user?"

”Indeed I am. Now wands are very dangerous items. They are magical weapons and can be lethal when you know how to use them, which is

pointing them at your enemy and speaking the word of command you can read here. Everybody can use most wands. They fire magic in the form of lightning, fire, ice or something else harmful when used to harm foes. They have limited energy so they can used only a few times.

Indeed these are powerful, and I wonder why your tribe did not think of using them when facing the eastern armies. Only powerful magic users can restore and create wands, so they are precious indeed.”

"Interesting. You are adventurers?"

”You could call us thus, yes.”

"We haven't even introduced ourselves. I am Cyber, this is Bulldozer and that is Inge.”

”I am Kiki, well met.” the young girl replied.

"Then I come with you. Sometimes I feel a little bit lonely on my own and it can be dangerous as well. And I can also show you where to go, I know where it is and I remember the way.”

The three looked at each other.

"Okay, you can come. You can ride with me.”

”I have my own horse.” she said proudly and led them to her private stables where she showed a beautiful black mare.

”Shall we go right away or do you want to rest first?"

"Actually I do. It's been a long time since we had some good rest.”

"Then pick your room or house, all is empty now anyway.”

"Okay, we'll meet you at dawn.”

 

Inge, who didn't need sleep and used her time to study, looked at Bulldozer who also wasn't asleep yet.

"She doesn't look much like a barbarian girl, does she?" she asked.

"Well, my forefathers were barbarians, do I look like one?"

"I know. My father has known your family for long generations. He battled with your father, your grandfather and your great-grandfather. They all looked like each other, he sometimes told: rough, tough and muscular. But he never guessed that maybe once our bloodlines would be bonded.”

"Whooh, I'm not thinking about marriage yet, I just turned eighteen!" he backed off.

”Me neither, but you never know.”

He put his arm around her and kissed her.

"That Kiki was really cute eh?" Bulldozer whispered.

"You like her, don't you?"

”Well, she's somebody more my age.”

They laughed loudly, a sound that hollered through the empty house they had chosen.

"And now we go to the east, even if it's only for a few miles.” Bulldozer said.

”They are being driven back now. My father is there, the dragons are

there... they will be driven back to their own ground. And then we can press on.”

”Which might be a mistake.”

Inge looked up.

”Why? If we just let them there they can prepare ourselves for even more attacks.”

"Driving them back from our lands is our job, not conquering theirs. And the teutons aren't defeated yet. Though Tor is there now. You know he's a sarge now?"

”Because of what he did?"

"Aye, they promoted him. He now has command over a couple of rangers who are a lot older than he is.”

"They won't mind, and he can learn a lot from them. He always wants to learn, doesn't he?"

"Always. And the funny thing is he always hated school. But he always wanted to learn. And trade favours.”

”Favours?"

"Well, he had days that he was in a mood to lay down all day while certain things had to be done, or when he had other things on his mind, you know. Then he'd come to one of us and we'd do what he wanted and he owed us a favour. And we'd let him do some worthless job instead. But he sometimes liked it because it was something new to him. Like making a straw target for our archery practice, things like that. Too boring for us.”.

"Always in for the fun you are.”Inge said with a smile.

 

Chapter Four

 

"Okay, let's make some rules here.” Cyber said, looking at the young girl.

"When we are on our way to that camp you can follow us, guide us to the place. When we are there, the three of us must go inside and you will stay outside. It is a little too dangerous for a little girl to follow as there will be a lot of killing.”

”Killing?" the girl asked, shock in her voice.

"This is war, Kiki. And where there is war, blood will be spilled.”

Kiki swallowed but regained her composure.

"Okay, then I will build a small shelter for me and the horses and wait for you to return.”

At night Kiki produced a small pair of drums and played a little on them. After a moment Cyber remembered his small lute and joined her.

"Isn't three too few to free my whole tribe?" Kiki asked.

"In Pezar they have seen what this force of three can do. So we're just going to prove it in the south as well.” Bulldozer said reassuringly.

They encamped at dusk near the camp. They could see it was just a small outpost for some soldiers.

"I can look into that outpost.” Inge said after a while of studying.

"I see big cages and a few troops of eastern soldiers.”

"Elvensight is really something. You have that scroll?"

"I do. And in case something goes wrong I have a second one.”

"What scroll?" Kiki inquired.

”Magic spells written on scrolls. When read I can teleport a number or people in a special area I must create while normal spells only work for the caster. It comes with this small device that will make it work. It's something the lords of the realms gave us for this mission.”

When night fell they prepared. Kiki had built a small shelter skilfully and well-hidden from sight in the woods.

"Okay, we're off. Wait for us here.”

”I will.”

They walked up to the wall unseen and just outside Inge used the spell to teleport them inside. It was a spell she had not learned yet and one which was far too difficult for her limited abilities but right now the scroll would do. They found themselves at the other side of the wall and

hid in the dark. They overlooked the outpost, holding sword and wand at the ready. They saw some soldiers, walking on patrol, carrying eastern swords and strange, triangular shields.

”Shields give little protection to the lower areas when held like this, almost no protection to the head when held upside down.” Bulldozer reported in a whisper.

They found a small empty hut where they could hide but one soldier wanted to retire to that hut as well. They surprised him and before he could make a sound Bulldozer had grabbed him, disarmed him and broken his neck so that he slumped to the ground soundlessly.

They dropped the body in the hut and continued their way sneaking through the darkness. Cyber was moving quietly, slipping through the dark like an elven thief. And because he was also dressed in black he could move unseen even better than Inge could.

”The night is my friend.” he just said when Bulldozer looked at him.

Suddenly they saw another soldier walking to them. With small gestures they decided what to do with him and in the end Bulldozer grabbed the man again and finished him with a small soundless blow somewhere in the neck, making almost no sound and spilling no blood.

"Where did you learn that?" Cyber asked, surprised about Bulldozer's speed and abilities.

”It's actually quite easy, you just need to know where to hit, the key nerves. And that's a matter of precision.”

"You learnt a lot from your father.”

”And I missed a lot because he's dead. Now where are those cages you saw, Inge?"

”They must be right over there.”

"Right. How to open them without somebody noticing?" Bulldozer wondered, looking through the dark to see some vague shapes looking like cages.

"Wait. I hear a lot of soldiers.”

They hurried into an empty hut and Inge peered through the window.

”What's going on?"

”A lot of soldiers. Seems they will be leaving this place soon as they are lined up to march off.”

Indeed, one of the soldiers, probably the commanding officer, saluted to a fivesome and then at a sign they all marched out except for the five who walked straight towards the hut where the three were hiding.

They drew in their breath but to their fortune the fivesome chose the hut next to theirs.

”Now we can listen.” Inge said. The others nodded quietly.

"Now, it will last a while and it's just the five of us against two hundred off barbarians.” one man said.

"Aye, but they are all locked behind bars that can't break and there is only one key that fits into that lock.”

"And that key is right here!”

They knew the man was smiling about that.

"Wait till they sleep?" Cyber asked. With a silent gesture Bulldozer showed his wants to charge into them without any magic aid.

"Waste of energy. I can send fire in their midst like we did in Pezar.”

"Or charm one like back there.”

”Let's rumble. We can have those fools.”

Suddenly Bulldozer went to the far wall and Inge nodded while Cyber looked puzzled.

”It's what he's got his name for.” Inge said in a whisper and Cyber

understood, then drew a sword to follow Bulldozer, who went straight through the wooden wall with a roar and a shoulder.

Inge also drew her sword for once and they finished off four in a few seconds. The fifth was a bit more difficult because he was alert and armed.

But while he was battling with Cyber Bulldozer circled around him and the moment the man turned to the attacking Bulldozer Cyber finished him off with a blow to the neck.

"Okay, that leaves the three of us with two hundred prisoners to free, the key to do just that and fresh troops arriving tomorrow probably.” Bulldozer counted up the facts.

"I guess we will have till dawn, then the new soldiers will come. Else the others wouldn't leave in the middle of the night.”

"I wonder where they went. Will they go west, to disturb the peaceful life, maybe to try and capture another tribe?" Cyber wondered.

"Kiki!" Bulldozer said with concern in his eyes.

"Nothing to do about that now. Let's just pray the gods they went east, or that they missed her shelter. Let's free the prisoners.”

"Not now.”

Cyber looked up to Bulldozer, who was toying with the key.

"Why not?"

”The troops left a few minutes ago. When we would free them now they would make a lot of noise, maybe alarming the rear of the troops who might return to see what's going on. Which would leave us all dead.”

"Let's hope they won't hear us and return.” Inge said.

Suddenly some yells erupted from outside and all three of them sat straight up, fearing what Inge just said might have come true.

"Ah never mind, it's just the prisoners.” Bulldozer said with a smile, twirling the key around his index finger.

"You'd be a good one in Slade.” Cyber said with a broad smile.

"Anyway, if we're not going to free them right now, but in, let's say, two hours, what are we going to do in those hours?"

"Play a game of dice?" Cyber suggested.

"We're going to loot this place.” Bulldozer said, banging his fist on the table. They left the house and searched the other cabins, all made of wood.

"This one looks expensive. Must have been well-guarded.”

"Eastern outposts have big vaults.” Cyber said.

”How do you know?"

"I've learned a lot about them, also because my town is not far from the east. Though this is the first time I've ever been in Prep there is little that would really surprise me here.”

"You sure know a lot.”

”My mother told me there would always be one to guide me and my friend with knowledge where our own knowledge would fail. Still I learned a lot in case I face something without that person.”

"Your mother has foresight?"

”Not that I know, but the archmage Taliesin seems to have said that at the time I was born.”

"Prophecies from an old mage.” Bulldozer spat.

”When talking about a man with the power and knowledge of Taliesin that is not something to take lightly, Mighty One.” Inge said, "And in your years you couldn't call me very young, either.”

"I know, but when I must believe the tales Tally is ten times as old as you are, dear Inge. Or at least he claims to be that old.”

"Taliesin is the man of mystery. He is said to have travelled through many different worlds, worlds we have never heard of. Always he is the old man with unchallenged powers who shows them to nobody though he is feared by everybody. The great point of neutrality, he is. Some say the balance of the world is in his hands.” Inge lectured.

"And I'm sure he doesn't like to be called names.” Cyber added.

Bulldozer merely shrugged.

”Let's see what this vault has to offer for us.”.

They entered the cabin and found a lot of chests with numbers on them.

"A vault indeed. Well, those who own what's inside are the unlucky ones today.” Bulldozer said, opening the drawers and chests.

Because of his rough handling the loot fell all over the place and they saw it was mainly gold, but there was also platinum among it and even some rubies and diamonds, as well as other gems they couldn't identify.

They shared it and had some fun with the treasure.

"Time to free the prisoners. Let's go.” Cyber said and the others followed.

They went to the large cage where two hundred men, woman and children were sleeping, only a few of them were awake at this time.

"Hey, we're coming to free you.” Bulldozer yelled.

”Who are you?" somebody asked. Bulldozer just walked towards the door.

"The ones who's going to free you. We have killed the guards and we have the key.”

"The key!" some yelled.

”They have been teasing us to death with that key!" a strong warrior growled.

”That key is my nightmare!" a woman cried.

"However, this very same key will now bring your freedom. Are Kiki's parents here?" Bulldozer asked. A big woman and a short man walked to the bars near the door.

”Is she all-right?" the woman asked.

"We hope so. She insisted on joining us to this outpost and I hope she could hide.”

”She's a born ranger, she'll manage.” her father said.

Bulldozer opened the door and everybody was eager to get out. Cyber managed to calm them down and led them outside the camp as smoothly as possible.

They first went to the shelter Kiki had built and only found the horses.

Suddenly they saw a figure lying in the grass and with a shock they recognized the raven-black haired girl lying in a pool of blood, her clothes torn off and bleeding from a cut in her chest.

”No!" Bulldozer yelled and ran at the body, followed by Cyber.

"She's still alive. Quickly, open that vial you got from the mayor in Iris, it might help her.”

”It must.” Bulldozer just said and Cyber gave him the vial.

He helped her up to a sitting position and held her while he forced her to swallow some of the potion. Immediately the bleeding stopped and he gave her some more until she was fully recovered.

"What happened?"

”They... they found me. They... they grabbed me and...”

She didn't know what to say but Bulldozer knew all too well what the easterners had done to her. Cyber put off his black tunic and cloak and offered it to the girl. She was able to ride again and quietly they went on, followed by the barbarians. Then suddenly a large amount of warriors on horseback could be seen galloping straight towards them.

"Our friends.” Kiki said.

”I warned them with the drums. It's a way to communicate here.”. Bulldozer patted her on the shoulder and waited for the cavalry to arrive. The barbarians helped the other ones and they rode back to their village with armed escort.

Later they were greeted by a commander from the United Western Realms who praised them.

”We would have been nowhere without Kiki.”

The officer nodded at the girl and turned around his horse, yelling orders to his men.

 

"Mission accomplished, we can return to Pezar tomorrow.” Cyber said.

"Where's Bulldozer gone to?" Inge wanted to know.

"He didn't say, but I bet you my gems he's gone to say good-bye to Kiki. In some way she's very attractive. Not that you should fear for your relationship, but Kiki's just a charming little girl.”

"She is. She is very courageous for a girl of her age. I don't see her as a threat, I'm not the jealous type.”

 

"So, you will leave again?"

”Well I can't spend the war here. There are more deeds to be done, this was merely an assignment.” Bulldozer said softly.

"Have you been here before?" she asked. He shook his head.

”Never, why?"

"You. . . you look so familiar. You remind me of someone. I don't know, it's just that you look familiar somewhere in my mind.”

"Kiki, this is the first time in my life that I left the Western Realm. I'm positively sure that I've never even been near this place. Then how could you have seen me? Or have you been in Pezar?"

She shook her head.

”I don't know, Bulldozer.” she whispered, caressing his strong arm.

"Somehow you look like my big brother. That's how I see you. Only... I haven't got a big brother. But you still look like a brother to me.”

"Well, I have a barbaric background, you know. My ancestors lived around here, I never knew what tribe they belonged to and my family died in the war.”

"I noticed that. Something in your face, in your eyes, makes you look like you're from here. I am sorry for the loss of your family. Is the mage your girlfriend?"

"I guess you could call her that. Why?"

”Oh, nothing. I like you. But... not as a lover but like my brother which I don't have.”

"Kiki, I must go now, I must go back north with my friends.”

"Then good-bye, Bulldozer. Gods be with you and speed you back.” she said, carefully letting go of his arm.

When they were riding back he could still fell her hands on his upper arm, even though she was far away.

Chapter Five

 

Almost two months later they were in the field in the north, defending against the teutonic soldiers, the relentless trident-troops.

They marched with a small company led by sergeant Brigess Bridgeblaster, who was called thus because he had led the company who had destroyed all the bridges over the Lath river between the Western Realm and the Teutonic Realm. Brigess had been fighting in the north ever since the war had started, being used to living near the teutons.

Now they were patrolling with a force of seven. It was just a boring day of walking but they knew they had to stay alert because the teutons were experts in laying ambush.

But this time they spotted a teutonic patrol in the distance and saw they were coming straight at them. The Western Realm Guards, as they were called, charged with a shield-charge, knocking the teutons off-balance with a solid block of four shields while two walked around to catch the fallen soldiers and Inge used her magic to attack. The teutons were surprised and never really stood a chance.

"Well Bulldozer, that bulldozer-like attack sure worked.” the sarge said.

"Sure, the minotaurs don't use it because it's so peaceful and harmless. Okay, they have one big plate with spikes but this really works, especially against unhandy weapons such as two-handed tridents.”

"A trident is one of the few weapons that I don't like to fight with. They are heavy and have to be used two-handed. So you can shove away the trident with your shield and then leave him wide open for your sword. Two-handed tridents are stupid.”

"Well, they sure know how to kill with a two-handed trident.”

"Oh, sure you can kill with a two-handed trident when you're facing a foe who doesn't know how to neutralize its powers.”

"A lecture only a son of Swordslaught could give.” the sarge said.

"I guess you can also catch arrows like him.”

"Oh certainly. Well I had to, Dad trained us and it was catch or get hurt. So we learned how to catch. It is basically a matter of precise timing and accuracy, you know?"

"Swordslaught was a terrific archer in his days.” Brigess told the group, ”The only human ever to be invited in the elven archery tournament in Numavost. He mastered every kind of fighting. He should have been a big example for all of you except for one thing: he died too young. But it was not his fault. From what I've heard, magic caused his death. And though he was the best fighter in the realms, there is no way to run from magic. The only way to fight it is to get at the caster and stick a sword in his gut before he has time to cast his deadly spells at you. Or run, as fast as you can and hope you'll be out of range.”

"My father was killed by magic?" Bulldozer asked.

"He was found killed by the sword but witnesses say he was first hit by magic and couldn't move, then he was slain. Didn't you know?" the sarge, an experienced soldier in his middle forties himself, said.

"Then so be it.” Bulldozer said, suddenly feeling something on his foot and diving for safety with a warning yell.

But it was too late for his friends. A huge iron net fell over them and Bulldozer was the only one who was not caught.

Now twelve armed teutons appeared and they attacked.

Bulldozer saw he had accidentally dropped his sword so he had his dagger only.

”Whoah, what a rush!" he growled his usual battle-cry and charged into the teutons who didn't expect the resistance but their faces twisted in an evil grin. Inge covered her eyes in despair, Cyber watched.

Bulldozer charged and shoulderblocked one, pushing him over two of his fellows. Then he started to deliver a series of fast and high kicks, keeping some at bay and sometimes catching a teuton hard with his heavy combat boots with steel in the soles. Sometimes his right hand shot out with the dagger but every time he did that it was because he saw a vital opening, making every thrust a kill.

He was still outnumbered by far but dodged every trident attack, surprising the teutons with kicks to their arms, making them drop their weapons.

Cyber counted three men down as two soldiers were trying to open the net. Brigess tapped Inge on her shoulder.

”Come on, cast some spells! He can use some magic now!" he yelled. But Inge didn't want to look, afraid she would see Bulldozer die in a helpless fight.

But Cyber saw different. Bulldozer had killed four, disarmed four more and kept on avoiding the remaining four armed teutons. He saw Bulldozer chopping with his short shields, bashing soldiers down as well as parrying tridents.

One fell down and immediately Bulldozer stomped on the head to kill him.

In a flash he grabbed a shield from a fallen teuton and did not only use it to block but also to attack, as he could catch one flush on the temple with the knob of the shield.

Cyber shouted encouragement as only three were still standing. One now drew a broadsword, his trident lying on the ground. Bulldozer blocked the sword and delivered a fast kick in the stomach, then turned to another foe.

The man doubled over and was then on the receiving end of a mean knee lift from Bulldozer to the temple. Instead of putting his foot down Bulldozer twirled around and delivered another kick to a teuton and followed up with a deadly stab to the heart. Now only one remained.

That man suddenly dropped his shield and grabbed a short sword in his left hand, still armed with the heavy trident in his right hand.

Bulldozer suddenly threw his never-missing dagger, seeing the guard of the shield had been dropped. The dagger ended in the man's chest and he jerked backward. Bulldozer was on the spot and finished him with a stomp to the throat. Then he checked the twelve bodies and walked up to his fellows, who were now first able to free themselves.

"Hey guys, where were you? This was fun!" he said with a grin.

Inge fell in his arms crying, the rest patted him on the back.

Sarge Brigess was overwhelmed.

”What a mighty display, soldier. You are really mighty, you know?"

”The Mighty Bulldozer it will be, then.” a young soldier said. Bulldozer nodded and lifted the iron net to free his last companion.

Inge was still in his arms, not believing what had happened.

"You just survived and killed twelve armed teutons, you know that?"

"Aye. So?" he grinned.

”Oh, you!" she said and slammed him gently on his chest.

They decided to encamp soon and everybody complimented Bulldozer.

"Well, you have to stay alert, that's the main thing.” Bulldozer told.

"But your nerves! When I'd face so many foes with a dagger only I'd run!"

"Run? And let six of your fellows, among them your friend and beloved, die?"

"Okay, but I said nerves! How could you keep your calm when facing so many teutons?"

"Well, do or die they say. You have to keep calm else you're dead. You always have to keep your head straight, look at everything. When you can't control your mind, you can't control your body. And when you can't control your body, there is nowhere to go but down.”

"Okay, so is the word, but how's it done?"

"That requires long years of training, I won't joke about that. Really, you must have had years of training for concentration only. Concentration, bigger than for a mage who's about to cast a big-time spell, is required

and the ways to meditate and concentrate are not learnt in a day or two. After six or seven hours of hard training, we had to go climb a tree and meditate on a branch. We had to forget that we were growing and already quite heavy, the possibility that the branch might break off had to be banned from our minds. Well, to be short, we had to forget how to fear.”

"Forget how to fear? That's impossible.” a soldier said.

"Impossible, probably. But I got far trying.”

"And that's obvious, Mighty One.” Inge said. It was a name she would always prefer from that point.

"Well, one can never be good enough.” Cyber smiled.

"Without you, we would all be dead. I owe you.” another young soldier said.

"This is war. Lives are saved and wasted every day. A time ago the three of us saved over two hundred lives in the south. If we would have asked them for something back -apart from the fact that that would make us cheap sell-swords- we would have been rich enough to retire and start a life far away.”

"And we don't fight for money, we fight to free the realms.” Cyber added.

"But you know, Bulldozer, that this could have been a lot easier?"

"Still easier? You only had to sit and wait for me to finish them.”

Everybody laughed.

”No, I mean: look at your belt.”

"Aye, you're right. I should have offered them some rum.” he smiled.

"Your wands.”

”Of course, you thought I was blind? Well, I just got my hand on my dagger and later that shield. Couldn't drop one of them, you know? After all, the two of you have wands as well and you had all the time you needed to cast spells to down them. Okay, this was a nice work-out but some magic assistance would have been welcome as well.”

"I... I couldn't concentrate... I was afraid I might see you die...”

"Hey, never mind, we survived it and that's what counts.”

"Hear that. You were the only one who had to struggle to survive.”

"True enough, but with me down you would have been dead by now as well.”

"Aye, teutons don't take prisoners.”

They talked half the night, rested a few hours and decided to return to their base to report.

"Absolutely perfect. Nice job, soldiers. The Mighty Bulldozer Rockscale, Cyber Castlestone and Inge Aken are wanted in Pezar.”

"Ah, they've got some new job for us.”

They fetched their horses and rode to Pezar, where they immediately went to the war room. There the golden dragon suddenly called them.

"Go inside later, first sit down and make yourselves comfortable.” he said.

"Then you called us?"

”Aye, there is one important matter I want you to take care of. Listen.” The dragon spoke in a low voice but still he was clearly audible. They knew that if the golden creature would speak out loud the war room might collapse.

"As you know, dragons grow very old compared to the smaller life forms such as humans and elves. Dragons command what you call dragon magic, extending their lifespan to close to immortality. In your terms the dragons may life up to nine thousand sunyears. When dragons die, they mostly use their last magic to destroy themselves, others are protected from death and become undead dragons or even bone dragons. Bone dragons are very dangerous undead dragons because they still posses all their powers and they are evil. Can you follow me?". The three nodded.

"So when a dragon is about to die and he knows it, you must beware for he might call the dragoncults to be turned into a  bone dragon. But not only puny humans beware, also the biggest and most powerful dragons beware. Now there is a dragon dying. He is a big red dragon who has claimed neutrality all his life. He got a disease a few centuries ago and is about to die. He gets chagrined and when people visit him he breathes them away. Now we, the living dragons as well as the entire world, want to know his intentions. Some dragons, especially the unstable neutral ones, sometimes consider turning to the darkness in order to become a bone dragon. If we would send a dragon to him, he will think it is for the battle he always stayed out of. So we need a smaller life form to go to his lair for parley. Someone with high intelligence and no fear, to go talk to the dying dragon. I have heard all the stories about you from humans and even from other dragons. You, young warrior, are the chosen one to go to that lair. Question is if you will do so.”

At that moment a spiritual gauntlet appeared at Bulldozer's feet.

Bulldozer thought for two seconds and picked up the gauntlet with the required ritual. After that the gauntlet disappeared.

"You are a brave man, warrior. May the gods of good be with you.”

The dragon started casting and a moment later Bulldozer was gone.

"The two of you shall now go inside and tell the lords you will fight on for a while without your friend. He will spend time with the red dragon Admiruytrior. And he will return. Gods see to it you will as well.”

Cyber and Inge nodded and went inside.

"So, where's Bulldozer?" Sevinaeus asked. Cyber looked at the Dragonlord.

"Your dragon sent him on a mission to go to a red neutral dragon for parley.”

”That's strange, normally it doesn't give orders to anybody who is not with the Dragonknights.”

"Well, I wouldn't exactly call it an order; it was more like a request, a challenge. Complete with spiritual gauntlet and all. Bulldozer picked up the gauntlet -ah, too bad for him it disappeared just then- and the dragon used magic to teleport him away and told us to tell you we will continue for a while without him.”

"Highly unusual, but the dragon's got a mind of its own. So he sent Bulldozer to go and talk to another dragon. Why?"

"He said the dragon was dying and the dragons wanted to know if he was still neutral as they feared he might turn into an evil bone dragon.”

"Ah, I heard the story of Admiruytrior. But I expected he would go himself or at least another dragon from the Peak. Why did he send a human hero?"

"Well, he said because of Bulldozer's high intelligence and his lack of fear.”

"I think the dragon is less afraid of this red than Bulldozer, but he sent him anyway, so let's hope he makes the best of it.”

"The dragon said he will return.”

"Aye, but not even my dragon can know what this dragon will do to Bulldozer after he's breathed so many other humans away on other occasions.”

"Well, he put an enormous trust in me. I am sure he'll return.” Inge said.

"Have you heard anything of my father yet?"

"Colonel Klaren Aken is alive and well.” Sevinaeus said with a friendly nod.

Then Cyber noticed the middle of the large oval table had become a giant map of the world with various pins with numbers stuck in them.

"So we've turned the war into a board game?" he smiled.

"This way we can see where our troops are and where the enemy is. We have almost put them back to their own grounds but there is still trouble in the north where you came from and troops are gathering in Prep. They use the Teutonic Realm to attack the dwarves and the Western Realm but they leave the Fire Realm unharmed. You know why, Firelord?"

"My guess is that they are afraid to set one foot on the wrong ground and get a whipping from that Black Cross Legion.” the Firelord smiled.

He was happy because his lands were practically unharmed except for the first invasions. Sometimes the east tried but they were forced back by the Firelord's troops as well as the Legion, whose goal it seemed to be to keep their own grounds clear and to keep somebody from conquering other grounds as well.

"Now, what are we going to do now? What did you call us back for?"

"You can be the ones to go to the Black Cross Legion to see who they are.”

"You want us to infiltrate?"

"Nay, the Black Cross Legion is not our enemy, we don't need spies. We just want to know more about them. First they were fighting on their own side and now they are also fighting on ours and we even never asked for it. We want to know what they are made of and that's why we send you, as negotiators.”

"Well then, what do you want to know exactly?"

"Why they are behaving the way they are and if there are possibilities of joining forces. And we still don't know their true intentions or the size of their forces. They first claimed neutrality but now they're fighting evil, get our point?"

"I see. We will go, of course. But I would like to bring up another subject: Iris. The town was in a mess after the destructions and people were there occupying various portals. We informed the mayor about this, how is it now?"

"People are working hard to rebuild everything, the mayor has received reinforcements and they captured or eliminated all the tollers. They will now call the town New Iris, just like New Troy, the dwarven capital is now bigger and better than ever.”

"You can easily take a portal again now, you will be guided to the right portal and from there you have to ride to Knose, capital of the Mino Realm and the place where the Black Cross Lords reside. You can be sure the town is safe for people who don't come with evil intentions. Wear the banner of parley and they will probably even escort you to Knose.”

"Okay, we're on the road again. We will leave tomorrow at dawn.”

Shortly afterwards, they left.

"So, where do we go now Bulldozer's gone?"

"Well, I stayed with Bulldozer for the time being, after we met you and found his family dead. But I've got a place of my own in the elven quarters, very near his home. We will rest there and leave tomorrow.”

They rode to the elven quarters and stabled their horses in the public stables.

”Prepare them for a long ride tomorrow.” Inge instructed. A young elf nodded and they left.

”Hey, they do that for free here?" Cyber asked.

"No, but he knows me and I pay stable taxes.”

”Stable taxes?"

"When you own a horse in Pezar you pay stable tax and your horses are taken care of.”

”That's handy. But how do they know you own a horse?"

"If they catch an unregistered horse it is killed. Such is the law here.”

"Well, that's sure a nice place you've got here.” Cyber said, pondering about the tax systems in the west.

"I came here with some family treasure, and I got a job at the local library, I worked as a scribe. A well-paid job but a little boring when they pick the wrong books to copy. But you sure learn a lot when you're reading those books.”.

"What kind of books do they have in that library?"

"Well, all kinds of books. Diaries from old and gone rangers, holy scripts, legends, tales of heroes, sports books,

mental and physical training books... you name it!"

"Interesting. What are those books over there?" Cyber asked,

reaching out to get one of the books on a high shelf.

"My spellbooks.”

Cyber quickly pulled back his hand.

”Spellbound?"

"Only to people with a bad heart. But I don't think you will understand any of the runes written inside.”

”Right about that.”

"You have a drink for me?"

”Sure. You want some beer?"

”Well, why not?"

"Maybe because I still have a bottle of Gunletian wine.”

"Now that's a darn good reason.” Cyber smiled.

Inge came back with two goblets and a bottle.

"I hope that Bulldozer will fare well with the red dragon.”

"A dragon can be a huge threat. He has harmed a lot of people already.

And Bulldozer only has that studded leather armour, his two-handed sword and his dagger.”

"Well, if the dragon won't talk, I hope he has time to flee. And that he will.”Inge said, her chin resting on the back of her right hand.

"Wouldn't he?"

”Oh, he can be pretty stubborn at times. He is taught to fight and fight he will whenever possible. Just like up north.”

"I don't know Inge. He looked ready. He knows little fear, although I don't know if one red dragon is more intimidating that a dozen armed teutons.”

"I think it is, but not enough to scare the Mighty One.”

"We will see in time. If he talks to the dragon, it will take some time.”

"Certainly. I once read a book of a ranger who had talked to a dragon. The dragon told him all about his long life, about the things he had lived through and the ranger all wrote it down like they always do. It became a book this big.” she pointed, ”And I think if Bulldozer can talk to this

dragon he will come out a whole different man, like the ranger told. And hopefully his changes are for the better.”

"Aye, although I have no idea how he will return.”

"And that is something we can find out only by waiting for him. We don't even know where this dragon's lair is and I'm not going to look for him.

We have another mission on our minds, we have to go to the famous Black Cross Legion.”

"And it requires a fit mind and Bulldozer always says that a fit mind can only be in a fit body, so we have to rest enough before we leave. So I'm going to sleep for some hours. You have a bed here?"

"Of course, second door on your right.”

Cyber went to the guest room and lay down, wondering what the day would bring and how Bulldozer would fare with the red dragon.

 

 

Inge's mind was no different as she could not keep her attention with her spellbooks.

"Oh, gods! Is this as far as things go? Is my beloved one to find death at the hands of a dying dragon? Or is he to survive and to grow stronger so that he is capable of doing whatever you have destined him for?"

With a sigh she closed her spellbook and closed her eyes, in order to let sleep wash away her worries.

Chapter Six

 

When Bulldozer saw light again, he found himself in the Golden Mountains.

Before him he saw a big cave with an entrance the size a dragon could fit through.

”So, this is the lair.” he said to himself.

"And who wants to know?" a loud, dark voice boomed.

Bulldozer walked on, hands empty. Suddenly he noticed he wore a ring on his left hand, and he smiled. The dragon had given him a ring to resist the red dragon's fire, just in case.

"I, The Mighty Bulldozer, want to know. If you are the red dragon, I request peace and parley.” he said out loud.

"Thou don't need to shout, me is not deaf.” the dragon spoke in an ancient tongue.

”Proceed, stranger, I will not harm thee.”

Bulldozer heard the dragon used quite another tongue than the golden one did but that one probably used a modern type of Tymphanees, the common trade language, to be sure he was being understood perfectly clear.

He walked on and entered the lair. Immediately he saw the huge dragon.

A creature in deep red, with wide folded wings, long and sharp fangs and mean claws on its broad, powerful hind legs.

It was not as big as the golden dragon but still it looked awesome.

Still Bulldozer felt he had nothing to fear from this old dragon, and suddenly he got a feeling that he never would be afraid of red dragons again.

The dragon nodded its huge head and pointed at a rock which could do for a chair and Bulldozer sat down without asking or blinking.

"Thou want parley, please explain yourself.”

Bulldozer knew what to say.

"A golden dragon, I can't tell you its name because I don't know, sent me to you for parley. You see, they see you as an unstable neutral red and because they know you're dying they want to know if you have turned evil. And they want to be sure because people have found burnt bodies in front of your lair. The dragons fear -oh yes they do- if you have plans of becooming an evil dracolich. And they sent me to find out what's going on.”

The dragon had his answer ready as he didn't think a second.

"I will be short about that, very short indeed. I will die in peace, as I lived my life in peace. I will die neutral and be one less dragon to hold the balance. No fear is needed for me to become a dracolich. Bones never looked good to me. No, this life has been long and beautiful, worse at times but through the millennia I have lived I've had a good long life. Born in neutrality I was, die in neutrality I will. Nay, never was it mine to fight, never was it mine to choose the roles of life!

"Dragons of neutrality are rare creatures indeed. A dragon of neutrality is as rare as a human who outclasses elves in archery. We are born to our alignments. Metallic dragons are born to serve the just causes, the coloured dragons are born to serve themselves or an evil lord. But the reds and the blues, as well as some whites, can choose to live in neutrality. Not many do as they are seen as sissies among their kind.”

"But I did. I looked at good, I looked at evil. Nay, none of this for me!I would not be as passive as the good dragons, I would not be worshipped by the dragoncults! Nay, I would live my life the way I wanted.

"It was a long road. And then, darkness fell. Somehow, I got this disease and there was no way I could escape it. I would die within two hundred years, which is soon in the way we count time. I would die... soon.

"Then I got angry. I had no idea why I suddenly got this disease or what I had done to deserve that. It was something I couldn't fight. I settled for it and people heard of it. They started coming to my lair, the same people who had come to have a chat with me and to learn the ways of life. The dragon has a disease, he said he would die soon! Let's see if he is already dead, there is no bigger treasure room than a dragon's lair.

"That's where I decided not to let humans enter my lair anymore unless they came with good intentions. If they want to come for me they can enter, if they come for my treasure, I wouldn't allow them to come even close.”

Bulldozer looked around. He saw bare walls of rock, not the fabled piles of coins that would be in a dragon's lair.

”What treasure?"

The dragon made a strange sound, probably laughing.

"That's why those humans were so stupid. Indeed, what treasure? I have no treasure, when you're comparing other lairs.

You hear the stories of evil coloured dragons who let the cults bring treasure. But as I am no evil dragon I don't collect treasure. I do have some gold here but not much. After all, what is its use?"

"Only use of collecting treasure now seems that you get many visitors now when it seems your long life has ended.” Bulldozer said.

"Thou art absolutely right. People come here for my treasure,

which I don't have. But I had one thing that kept me alive: my art.”

”Magic?"

"Thou call it magic indeed. I have studied magic for one reason only: defence. There have been many dragon fights in the days long gone by. Dragons knew magic and they used it to dominate the world. The dragon magic is still the most powerful source of power in the world. As you probably know, the evil archmage known as Black Akira also possesses dragon magic, and many wonder how that could be. But what only few know: Black Akira is not human.”

"Huh?"

”Let it be known that Black Akira only looks human now. But he used to be a black dragon. By a rare transition he transformed but found out too late that there was no way he could transform back. Then he settled for it and started life as a human magic user.

"He was a black dragon as I said, and he became an evil human. Akira he calls himself now, an abbreviation of his dragon name. And it became Black Akira later. Some think that is because of his dark alignment or even his dark skin, but it is of course because he used to be a black dragon.

"But the evil dragons also learned the most powerful magic the face of this world has ever seen and used it for their dark ways, to dominate the world as well as each other. In the First Dragon Wars, the dragons battled with all their magic, destroying large areas and many of their kin. When they crash now, the results will be disastrous and doom the Dragonknights when they stay on their dragons.

"I will not avoid the subject: I was afraid. Aye, even dragons know fear. Mostly of other dragons. And I fear the powers of evil dragons and eventual bone dragons. I never even thought of becoming one. I always feared. And when I studied magic, I studied the defensive purposes. You know magic?"

"No magic, and little about it.”

"There are spells to protect you from attacking magic. Some will keep you from the harm of the lesser spells only, bigger spells dispel also the bigger spells. But they can be kept up with a lot of effort only. And still the most powerful spells of warding would not dispel the highest attacks of magic. And those spells only last for moments. And I wanted to create a unique globe of protection:not only one that protects against the highest spells of attacking magic, but also an eternal one. And not only that, but it would also be a globe which dispels all attacking magic spells but lets the defensive and supportive spells through. That globe I wanted to create.”

"And?" Bulldozer asked. He had never been interested in magic, even though his girl was a mage and his father was said to be killed by magic. Still this was interesting.

"And I succeeded! But not in the form of a spell. But that was fine with me, because I never wanted the globe to be passed on as a spell, giving all the dragons the power to be immune to magic, which would make a far more dangerous world. Instead, I had to cast the globe on myself to create that globe for one time and one time only. I had to be left alone for over a mooncycle else the whole place would be

destroyed. But I was in a deserted area and everything went fine. Now the magic of the world can't harm me. You have a wand at your belt. Try to fire it at me, anywhere you like. It will not affect me. Not at all.”. It always affirmed its own words.

Bulldozer didn't feel like wasting precious wand energy but he felt the dragon needed to demonstrate. So he spoke the word of command and a bolt of electricity shot at the dragon's head and suddenly vanished.

"Well then, so I became immune to all kinds of magic. From the puniest spell to the highest spells of dragon magic. The field of dispelling lies on my scales. And that's a weak point. Normally, dragons change skin in what you call twenty-three years. So the field would eventually fall off. So I did another unique thing: I enchanted my own skin.”

"Wow, you enchant?"

”I do. You have a beautiful sword, I say even though I despise cold steel. With your approval I will enchant it.”

”Oh, please.”

"So I enchanted my scales. One advantage was surely that it was all the more protection against material weapons. With a superb sword you could slice through my scales if they weren't enchanted. So my body was protected against the swords and sorcery.”

"That makes you invincible.”

”I was definitely one of the strongest reds until I got a disease. Normally my scales would fall off because of it but I enchanted them so they couldn't. And so I couldn't get rid of the disease. I had overseen one thing: healing. The globe also made me immune to healing. And there is no way I could drop the scales as they are my very skin.”

”So your work becomes your death?"

"Aye, but I am very old as well. I am of a right age to die finally. I have lived a good like in neutrality and I have experienced many good things.  No, I do not regret dying, my time has come.”

"And your magic? Your unique globe? Will it die with you?"

Now the dragon kept silent, and Bulldozer knew it was thinking.

"No, my work will not die with me, it will be heired.”

"You have a child?"

"Thou, young warrior, will heir my work. Thou will, if thou art ready for it.”

"You mean... my skin will be enchanted as well and will dispel magic? Sounds creepy.”

The dragon laughed silently.

"It sounds creepy because thou make it sound creepy. The truth is that my scales will fall off after my death. Then it will become a scale mail. It will always fit you. Before that, I will cast some spells on you.”

”What kind of spells?" Bulldozer asked, a little worried.

"Thou art right to be worried, warrior. Thou must worry when a dragon starts casting at you. But don't fear, the spells will only have good effects on you. They will make you bigger, stronger, brighter, faster, your senses and reflexes will improve. Then thou will be a worthy one to wear my scales. But before that, I would like to know exactly who is going to wear my scales.”

Bulldozer took a sip of his rum bottle and looked up.

"My name is Bulldozer Rockscale, third and youngest son of Swordslaught. I come from a barbarian family in the Water Realm but a few generations back my ancestors moved to Pezar in the Western Realm. Our family has always excelled in fighting as it's our way of life. We have survived centuries of war and battle. We train from the very beginning and the training never stops, as one can never be good enough. We master every weapon, are known for our strength, skill and courage. We are dedicated to fighting like a priest to his god.

"When I was young, I was taught how to hold light weapons like a short club or a dagger and later I started practising with them. After a long time of training I learnt how to use more weapons until I had seen them all. After a lot of training my father gave a me test about a weapon I had

been training with and when I passed I was allowed to concentrate on another weapon. The tests go up from the test of the short club to the test of the two-handed sword, a test I passed last year. But still my father didn't want me to go to the war and kept me home. After he died and my mother and younger sister were killed while my brothers had been taken away, probably to be killed somewhere else, there was nobody to stop me. Victories were mine, evil fled as they saw me. I started building a reputation worthy of one of my family. It is pride, honour and a good fight my family lives on.”

"My personal history is not much. I am only eighteen years of age.

After my family got killed I went out to find my brothers, as I believed they were held in town. I travelled together with Inge, Cyber and Tormentor and we freed many captives and killed nearly every evil man in Pezar, but I didn't find my brothers. Then I was sent to battle and we freed the imprisoned tribe in the Water Realm. After some patrolling in the north I was called back, by the golden dragon, who sent me here. Because I was known for my lack of fear.”

"Lack of fear thou say. Fear has been a key word in my life. People feared me. They were foolish humans who believed all red dragons were evil. Real life I could not have in neutrality and real life I did not have. Nay, normal life was nothing for me. Where the good dragons now want to be in the spotlight carrying knights, where the evil dragons are in the spotlight with cults serving them, I lived my life here, in this lair. Never did I choose sides in a war. I studied and sometimes I had conflicts. Oh, a majestic battle of magic is one thing, but a majestic battle of dragon magic is something else!

"A battle of magic, between two dragons, can destroy ranges of mountains when fought in the mountains, cover a big city with sand when fought in a desert. When dragons clash they will not rest until one is down for good, and they don't care about anything else. Never.”

”And thy life must be like that. Fight till the end and never give up, you know you will succeed in the end and take the glory. Thou will be a brave warrior who wears my scales.”

"With my scales, nothing can stop thee. Thy schooling in battle will help you survive the world. Thy protection against magic will make you dangerous for anybody, no matter how big his magic powers are. The biggest mage in the world will not stand a chance against thee. Not a chance, indeed.”

"Now on thee lies the question, Bulldozer Rockscale: will thou wear my scales, the aye or the nope.”

Bulldozer didn't need to think any longer.

"Aye, I will. I am not a lover of the art but even I think it would be the biggest waste one could imagine if your work die with you. Aye, I will wear thy scales.”

"Thou made a wise decision, young warrior. It will help thee become an old warrior. Magic thou will face, magic thou will resist without blinking.

Whoever wants to attack you with magic is herby doomed. Thou art a strong man but this will make you what I indeed once was: invincible.”

"I kinda like that feeling.” Bulldozer smiled.

"Now sit down and do nothing I do not tell you to. Nothing at all. I have to cast a lot of spells. It will take a long time. A very long time. Do not disturb me as the results can and will be disastrous. You will wear my scales in the form of a scale mail on your body. Do not be afraid to grow as the mail will always fit you. And though only your chest will be protected by the dragon scales, your entire body will be protected against magic. And the mail is so powerful there is not a sword that can make a hole in my scales, they're absolutely impenetrable. You will always be able to take off the scale mail, but the special powers of the mail, like the immunity to magic, will no longer affect you. They will always return, however, the moment you put it on again. And when your time has come, pass it on to your heir. Do not let anybody wear this mail when you're still alive.”

"Nay, I will not tell thee everything about the mail, there are things you have to find out yourself. But there is more. I will bring you now into a trance and when you wake up, I will be gone. Do not be afraid to forget, as you will remember everything. Be free to take the small treasure I have, as I will be gone and I won't be needing it anymore. Farewell brave warrior, never forget that I granted my skin to thee.”

"Farewell dragon, may Drachlich be with you.”

Then Bulldozer sat down and heard the dragon casting. He felt himself growing and then he fell down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

Inge and Cyber rode to New Iris where indeed everybody was building.

New halls were built around the many portals and a whole new marketplace was being set up. The portals were free again and they were guided to the right portal. Then they were in Centro, the town nearest to Dragon Peak in the Golden Mountains. They bought horses again and when they left for Knose they saw three flights of dragons fly out, carrying knights.

"The bond between dragon and man. How will Bulldozer do?" Inge said, her face twisted in a deep trance.

"I don't know, though I believe the golden dragon when he said he'll be back.”

When they encamped, Inge showed Cyber the book of the ranger who had spent time with a dragon.

”The tales go on and on.” Cyber said, glancing through the many pages.

”And this is only the first volume, there are five.”

"Meanwhile, we have to make it on our own, we can't tell when we will see him again.”

”Aye, but the longer he stays away, the more worried I get.”

"I can understand that. You love him, it's logical you worry about your man.”

They rode on at dawn and suddenly met a patrol of minotaurs, accompanied by a human magic user. Cyber immediately raised the white banner.

"You are riding to the Mid Realm, home of the Black Cross Legion.”

"Knose is our destination. We were sent by the lords of the United Western Realms for reasons of parley.”

"Why did they send you?"

"They consider you a mystery friend fighting on our side while you first kept to defending your own territory. The lords want to know more about you.”

The mage nodded.

”Then you can come with us. We were just heading back to Knose as it is time for our three days of rest. Let it first be known that we are neutral but to restore the balance we fight evil and not good.”

"All-right, that means we can trust you.”

They rode on for a week, not too fast as the minotaurs were on foot.

Sometimes they met other patrols but they were all legionnaires.

Finally they arrived in Knose, the large minotaur-built town.

The legionnaires exchanged signs and words with the town guards and they could pass.

”The Mino 43rd patrol is dismissed for three days after they have led this twosome to the Lords.” a herald announced officially.

They were led to a giant palace, which looked a little crudely built to Cyber and Inge but inside it was beautiful.

There they were led to a large room where they saw a big minotaur in a uniform, a human veteran warrior and a magic user. They knew there was a cleric as well among the four Lords but he seemed to be elsewhere.

"Ah, welcome strangers from the west. We have seen you coming for a long time. Your intentions are good and that is why you could come here. What is it you want?" the mage asked.

"We, in the name of the Lords of the United Western Realms, want to know you better as you are a vague mystery to us and now we fight off the evil of Black Akira together. This scroll sealed by the King of the Western Realm will probably say the same as we do not know what it says.”

Cyber handed the scroll to the warrior who opened the seal with a small dagger. A short look at the letter affirmed that it said the same Cyber had just said.

”I buy that reason.” the warrior said. He was dressed in shining silver plate mail, a longsword was hanging from his belt in a scabbard fashioned with velvet and a large oval shield was polearmed.

"This is our meeting room, where we plan everything. But first take a seat, you have been travelling long and you must be hungry. Please enjoy our hospitality first with some food and wine.”

"Please, I'm starving.” Cyber said with a courtly bow.

The Highsword clicked his fingers and at once a servant entered carrying two full plates of food, followed by another servant who carried a bottle of wine and two silver goblets.

"Since the First Crusade, when this area was almost destroyed, the people fled and left the area almost empty. New people came and they were the people who had something special. A lot of magic users and priests, as well as experienced rangers, druids, paladins and warriors. We started building new homes and because of its centred position we called it the Mid Realm, the place where neutral magic would keep an eye on everything. In the beginning there were a few conflicts with the minotaurs who had settled below our grounds. Their alignment was simply called 'selfish', and when the internal battles had been fought they lived apart from the rest of the world in their own way of neutrality.”

"Then Black Akira grew in power and we knew all the way that a joining like this could happen any day. The Eastern Realm is full of soldiers, the evil and undead rule there. Cults of monsters live in the realms that are deserted by the sane beings, powerful necromancers and dark priests hold their minions in the places we now know as the Grave Realm. You can find the undead anywhere there, some organized, some running in the wild. The Dark Elves live near, dragons have lairs anywhere.”

"And we feared the east and we knew that if any threat would come to our lands it would come from there. But when they joined we did not want to join your realm. The Western Realm would not attack us, the Eastern Realm as well as the Eastern Teutonic Realm would. And we had no real defense. In the Mid Realm we have a lot of magic powers. We built the realm with the mages, priests and druids. Normal soldiers are hard to find. The minotaurs, on the other hand, are all high-skilled warriors with great strength and the love for fighting. Their bulldozer charges and axe-wielding are notorious all over Vascaria. But the minotaur warriors have no resistance against magic. They have no healers. And even with their amount of fighters, they would not stand an attack from the east with soldiers and magic together.”

"So, we found each other. And now we're the Black Cross Legion. Strong minotaur soldiers and a lot of magic users and priests with devastating powers. Just imagine the force of a minotaur army backed up with powerful spellweaving. That's our force and that's how we win our battles.”

"Okay, the Legion was built to defend their own grounds. Then why are they now helping the United Western Realms with independent attacks on the eastern armies who attack the west?"

"Don't you want us to do so, then?" the Highsword asked.

"Oh, we can use all the help we can get.” Inge replied quickly.

"Well, we started as defenders, indeed. But the main reason is we are neutral. We are living to maintain the balance. And when one side seeks to disturb the balance we arrive to drive them back.”

"I see. But what if...” Inge started, but suddenly a minotaur guard entered, double-headed axe drawn.

”This better be good.” the minotaur lord said.

"Attack coming near Valern!"

”Valern? How far are our forces?"

"They will make it to Valern before the eastern troops arrive.”

"We'll defend the fort. What are you waiting for? Go!" the minotaur lord yelled and the guard hurried out.

The Highsword rose.

”Are you coming with us, or do you know enough?"

"You're going to Valern as well?"

”We are all going. I serve the gods of heroism and those who avoids battle is not a hero but a coward.”

"We will come, too. You have been helping us so much, this is the least we can do.”

"You are good representatives of your lords. Come.”

They walked out and mounted their horses quickly. Around them they saw people were preparing to leave as well, men and minotaurs alike.

When they entered the minotaur fort, they could see the enemy incoming from a fair distance.

”You, elf...”

”Inge.”

"... Inge, do you fight with magic or with the longbow?"

"Magic I guess. More effective at this time.”

"I will use magic, too.” Cyber said.

”Magic?But you are a paladin.”

"Aye, one with two wands here.”

The wizard studied the wands.

"Fire and ice wands. Very powerful ones. How did you get those?"

"They were a gift from a barbarian tribe we freed.”

"Good. Now be careful with those, don't hit our men and the minotaurs.”

"Those are easy to recognize.”

”Follow me.”

They walked to a high tower and were placed on a balcony facing the battle field. They saw several more balconies where other magic users were standing, concentrating. Healers were gathering in the back to catch the wounded ones who would return to the base.

Then Cyber saw the bulldozers. They were gigantic metal plates with spikes on the front and four sets of grips on the back. Behind the bulldozers four minotaurs would run. Because the plate was thirty feet wide and seven feet high, the minotaurs couldn't see where they were going. But when they crashed into some soldiers they did it with shattering force while the plates were too high to jump over. The minotaurs would run back in their own footsteps and start again to charge what was left.

Behind them, two units of human cavalry and four units of infantry followed to outflank the opponents, fighting standing.

The eastern army attacked en masse but they soon met the first deadly charges from the Bulldozer. Now the cavalry and the infantry came into action to trap the army in a large field. From the fort, magic was unleashed at the soldiers.

The minotaurs had brought huge catapults that had to be pulled back by two minotaurs. When they were in position they fired and when the missiles landed among the eastern soldiers they exploded, sending soldiers in the air while the deadly gas that came out of it also made victims.

The soldiers in the back started to flee. They understood that they would not fight just an army but suffer a disastrous defeat at the hands of the Legion. Thunderous clouds gathered above them and one lightning bolt after the other struck. This came from the wizard lord, who was casting all the time.

"This man's got some powers.” Inge said, fascinated.

"Definitely. This battle's as good as over.”

"But my wands are empty.”

”So are mine. Guess it was the price to pay.”

"Maybe that wizard can recharge them.”

”Would be perfect, indeed Let's ask him when we're finished.”

When the battle was over, a few tents were set up inside the fort to help the wounded while the lords went back to Knose.

They rested for a day in the palace and then the lords called them again.

"We have made a statement for your lords. They can do with that. We will help them in keeping the eastern army in the east but we do not agree with actions that involve conquering parts of their territories. There must be a way to get peace without making the world one big realm. When they choose to try that, they choose for letting this war last. And so they choose to face us.”

Inge understood.

"Okay, we will deliver this message.” she said.

"You know, you are a very special elfwoman. You could join us.”

"Maybe. But I have a friend in the Western Realm I don't want to leave. He would be going to a dragon. Maybe he is already back, waiting for me. And maybe he never will.”

"Why did he go to a dragon?"

”A Dragonlord's golden dragon sent him.”

"Then a dragon must be dying. What kind of dragon is it?"

"A neutral red, the dragon said.”

”That must be Admiruytrior. Has his lair in the Golden Mountains. He would die in a few centuries and that was a long time ago. Seems his time has come. And then your friend will get a dragon's last gift.” ”Dragon's last gift?"

"When dragons spend their last days with a person they receive a gift from the dragon prior to its death. You see, dying dragons always like to talk to somebody. They discuss their lives before dying and then they

give the one they talked to their last gift. That can be an enormous treasure -though this dragon never liked to collect treasure- or something else of great value.”

"So Bulldozer can come back mighty rich?"

"And more. You can never say what a dragon gives as a last gift.”

Then another minotaur guard came in and naturally he looked at the minotaur lord who was looking severely at the guard who had burst in the room.

”There is a man here that came by means of magic transport. Suddenly he was standing in the hall here. He says he don't know why he had been sent here but it must be with a good reason. He says maybe his friends are here.”

”Tall, big man built like a minotaur -as we say- , young, brown hair and a two-handed sword?" Cyber asked. The minotaur nodded, ignoring the remark.

”That's the Mighty One.”

”How did that dragon know we were here?"

"Never underestimate a dragon's knowledge, young man.”

”Send him in.”

And indeed, Bulldozer entered.

”Hey, I guessed right: you are here.”he smiled.

Cyber looked in astonishment at him. Bulldozer was wearing a beautiful sleeveless red scale mail.

”You killed the dragon?"

”Well, he was sick. It's a long story.”

”One we are all interested in.” the wizard said.

Bulldozer sat down and after he had drunk some beer he started telling.

"And when I fell down I woke up in a trance and the dragon talked to me. He told me everything about his life and much more. Man, you sure see a lot of things when you live that long! He told me the evil dragons were gathering for an attack. And the knights must stay home then, else they will be pulverized, he said. And I believe him. Dragon magic is awesome.”

"He said that once I would wield the strongest sword there has ever been. I'm not sure when or how or what, only that I will. I have no idea how long I have been there, only that he gave me instructions to use my dagger to stab him in a very precise spot in his throat. It's a weak spot in a dragon and fatal when stabbed. That's how he died, by my hand. But he had gained my trust and when he finished casting I stabbed him. Then I felt a wave of energy coming loose and then I fell down again.”

"When I rose, I saw the scale mail. It looked a bit too small for me now but as I put it on it fit like a second skin. And then I was suddenly standing in the hall and those minotaurs grabbed me. Some wild guys, you know that?"

"Interesting. Why did he give you a scale mail of his scales? In honour?"

"Well, these are special. This mail protects me from all kinds of attacking magic. Kind of enchanted mail.”

"Wrong, this mail does not reflect on a detection spell. Do you think the dragon had enchanted its own scales?" the wizard asked.

"Oh aye, because of the disease his scales would have fallen off but because of the enchantment they couldn't.”

"You look bigger than I remember you, Mighty One.”

"The dragon said he would make me some bigger and stronger.”

The wizard started casting another short spell. He detected enchantment in Bulldozer's dagger and his sword but not in the mail.

"I am sorry, but that mail is not enchanted.”

"Sure it is, your magic is not able to detect it.” Bulldozer said boldly.

The mage looked upset.

”Now who are you to question my powers, young man?"

"Bulldozer.” Cyber said with a warning voice.

"His magic can't affect me, that's the whole trick about.”

"This is a challenge, warrior. One I accept.”

The mage started casting and Cyber wanted to draw his weapon.

”Never mind Cyber. Hey, just watch out for my friends will you? They can be affected, you know.”

The mage completed the spell and lightning soared through the room.

Cyber grabbed his reflection mirror and wanted to dive in the way but came too late. The bolt went straight at Bulldozer and... disappeared.

Everybody frowned, only Bulldozer smiled.

"What in the Abyss?"

”As I said, this mail protects me from all kinds of attacking magic. For all the magic in the world, you are nothing but an old man to me. With no offense intended, of course.”

"None taken. You amaze me, young man.”

"It's amazing that you're now resistant to all magic attacks.”

"All magic attacks?" the wizard wanted to know.

”All magic attacks, up to the highest dragon spells. Well, not all magic. Just the attacks. But if somebody wants to help me by making me stronger or invisible by magic they can.”

"Amazing indeed.”

"And how do you feel?"

”Feel? Well, I feel great, stronger,

bigger and better than ever.”

”But after the spell?"

”The same, I didn't feel a thing of the magic.”

"That makes you a special, not to say unique person.”

"Well, it's not the person, anyone who wears that mail would be special.”

"This mail will not be worn by anybody but me and will be worn by my heirs after my death. And the enchantment of this mail is so strong that it cannot be damaged by the sword. It is made out of the dragon's hardest and toughest skills. And of course I have my own skills to survive. I have my own fighting skills, I master every weapon and best most in unarmed combat.”

"You continue to challenge, don't you?" the Highsword asked with a smile.

"Drop your weapons and we will see who is best in unarmed combat.”

Bulldozer grinned and untied his belt. The Highsword did the same and they locked up. The Highsword tried to get control over Bulldozer with an armlock but Bulldozer had seen every one of those and turned out of it, immediately reversing it and dropping the man to the ground.

Then he grabbed the Highsword's head and twisted it into a mean headlock, twisted away from the man until they stood back to back and bent forward, forcing the lord to submit.

"You are indeed an excellent fighter.” the Highsword said with a smile.

"We have to go and give our lords your message.”

The men nodded and a minotaur guided them to the stables.

”Horses are ready.” the minotaur said, ”Third horse here, too.”

They mounted and saluted to the lords who were standing outside.

"So, it was quite along talk?"

”Aye, why else did you think I was so damn thirsty when I arrived?" Bulldozer grinned, ”Well, actually it was far more listening to his tales. Incredible what you live through when you live for millennia.”

”I believe that. I read a book about a ranger who also talked to a dragon. The dragon wars were devastating.”

"Were you there then?"

”Of course not, that was seven thousand years ago. Humans didn't even exist back then.”

"It is said that the gods were sorry when they created humans. They were too aggressive and they were punished for being what they were by their short lifespan compared to other races. When I would believe that I would not understand why dragons live so terribly long. They have been engaged in battles far worse that human battles.”

"With something like that on my body I think I'd feel a little like a dragon.” Inge giggled.

"I feel great, powerful, invincible. I'll never forget the face of that wizard when he saw his lightning disappear.”

"Greatest disappointment of his life.”

Inge's horse suddenly staggered and she fell in Cyber's direction.

Cyber quickly grabbed her while Bulldozer grabbed hold of the reins, calming down the horse which got scared by a lizard running in front of its hoofs.

”Easy dude. Nice and easy.”

"Thank you Cyber.” Inge said and wanted to kiss him on his cheek. To her surprise, Cyber suddenly backed off.

”Go on, I'm not the jealous type.” Bulldozer said with a small snort.

"No, it's not that. A woman can't touch me.”

”I'm touching you right now.” Inge said, looking up surprised.

”You're touching my clothes. When you would touch my bare skin it will burn.”

"Hey, what's that?" Bulldozer asked.

”I'm kind of cursed.”

Cyber lifted his small chain hood and they saw some strange sigils on his forehead.

”And that means that you burn when a woman touches you?" she asked. Cyber nodded and she started casting.

”What are you doing?"Cyber asked. Then he understood. When Inge completed her spell, nothing happened.

"Hey, what's so different with this curse?" she asked, looking up.

"It can be removed by one person only, and the one who cursed me. Some man-hating witch cursed me well over a year ago. She thought I was somewhat too romantic.”

”And she was jealous?"

"No, er... I'd rather not talk about it.” Cyber avoided the question, quickly covering the curse with his hood again.

"It's a long ride, we were escorted by the Legion when we came here. We just have to go northward from here. Let's not drift off.”

"And how was your mission? Exactly why did they send you to the Legion? For this message you were talking about?"

Inge and Cyber started telling while they were riding to the portal and then Bulldozer told some more, suddenly noticing he could repeat every word the dragon had said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

They arrived back in Pezar, rested a night and then reported to the war room to deliver the message of the Black Cross Legion. But when they entered they saw the room was in chaos. The lords were pointing at the big map and talking loudly.

”What happened?" Bulldozer informed.

"Ah, you have returned. Right now, something very strange is going on, as a part of the Western Realm has vanished.”

"Vanished? What do you mean?"

”Disappeared in thin air, that's what he means. Suddenly it was gone. See this part of the realm? It is no more.”

"And what's there now?"

”The sea.”

”Then that means that the Lands of Fire are also gone. Any fire giant seen lately?"

"Nope, they were never seen again.”

"It happened three days ago. Suddenly it was all gone. The towns of Rices and Jekis were in there, along with the holy shrine of Lemonkis and its local portals. There is no sign of the towns yet and the areas the local portals went to were also all in the area.”

"How could this have happened?" Cyber wondered.

"By magic, most likely. Apparently this is a trick from Black Akira. I don't believe in a wild storm taking so much land with nobody noticing the change in weather.”

"Can he let such a big area vanish just like that? There must be more here than meets the eye.” Bulldozer said. The dwarven king nodded.

"But what else could there be?"

”I have no idea, I'm no mage.”

All day long, the disappearing of the area was the main point of discussion.

"Why don't we send a ship to that area?"

”It's dangerous when magic is indeed involved. We should send some wizards.”

"We need them in battles.”

Bulldozer looked again at the map.

”If I see it correctly they have not taken an inch from the Teutonic Realm. See? The new shore runs exactly where the border used to be.”

"Right. So it is indeed a magic attack from the enemy.”

"Then we must try to make up for this with magic as well. Battles or no battles, somebody's got to take care of this.”

"But then? Maybe Black Akira is waiting for this!"

"We have to take the risk, we can't just forget about all those citizens. Rices was a rich trading town, if it would be lost it's a loss for the realms.”

Now the elven king walked up to Inge.

"I'm afraid I have some bad news about your father. He is missing.”

"Missing?"

”He was overwhelmed by a band of brigands and we found the rest of his patrol dead. He seems to have escaped as elven tracks were spotted but could not be followed. Even the best trackers can't follow an elf's tracks when he is escaping.”

”I see.” Inge said, trying to fight her tears.

"I can dismiss you now if you want, but you have not come here without a reason. The report from the Black Cross Legion.”

Inge and Cyber told about the meetings and handed over the message.

"Lords of the United Western Realms,

We honour you for your prowess in driving the enemy from the east back. We have supported you in this, trying to restore the balance, and we will do so until Black Akira is defeated. We are neutral and on our own side but when one side is attacked we help the defending side.

However, would you choose to press on and let the war last this way we see no other option than to stop you.

So, as long as you are keeping your own lands clean you can expect our full cooperation but do not try to be the same as your enemy.

Was signed, the Black Cross Lords.”

"Well, now we know what's going on. So they want to keep the balance and they help the defending side. And how are they working?"

"With a lot of magic and minotaur power.”

Cyber described the battle in Valern.

”So the army was shattered with small losses. Impressive.”

"They don't lose many legionnaires this way. How do they get new ones? They don't seem to be the types to hire mercenaries.”

"No, they ask people who have something special. They considered me a special elf and they invited me.” Inge told. A guard stormed in.

"Just a minute, or is it urgent?"

"Very urgent. Eastern troops have gone through the Water Realm, leaving it unharmed.”

”So?"

”So they march on.”

The elven king looked up.

"They have no business in the Prison Realm or in the Southern Desert. That means they're heading for Gunlet or our Numavost!"

"They were said to march northward, milord. To Numavost.”

"We must send troops there, the elves alone might not stand. Sevin, you do accept human help, don't you?"

Sevinaeus nodded: ”All I can get.”

"What troops can we send?"

They all checked the map, including Bulldozer, bold as ever.

"The 32nd Fire Squad, the 7th Western unit, the 9th Western unit, the 3rd dwarven unit and the 12th Western unit. The others might not make it in time. The Spit units must stay alert themselves. Maybe they will split.”

"I need my Squad. They have been sent to the borders.”

"The 9th is ours, we will go.” Bulldozer said. The king of the Western Realm wanted to remark that that would be his decision but all seemed to agree so he merely nodded. The king had known Bulldozer's father for a long time and knew not to argue with a Rockscale, even if this one was four times as young as himself.

"I must go north and try to find my father.” Inge suddenly said.

"But guys, I know you have been with me for a long time and you are my best friends. But I feel I've got to do this alone.”

"That's impossible. Those brigands overwhelmed not only your father but also his unit. They are too dangerous, probably teutonic.”

"I trust my magic and my longbow. You must go and defend my realm. Please.”

Cyber looked at Bulldozer, who looked back.

"Bulldozer, you must go to Numavost. With your powers, the enemy can be defeated.”

”Then Cyber will come with you.” Bulldozer decided.

Cyber looked helpless. He was willing to go either way, now that it was obvious Inge and Bulldozer would have to split. Finally, Inge nodded.

"Okay, then so be it. We will leave tomorrow.”

”At dawn.” Cyber knew.

 

And that's why Bulldozer and Tormentor readied their horses at once to go southward while Inge and Cyber would leave for the north.

"Dudes, all the luck of the world.” Bulldozer said, and to Inge: "Take care of yourself.”

”And if not, I will.” Cyber said reassuringly.

"For you goes the same. You are both my best friends and I wouldn't want to miss you for the world.”

"Good bye, Mighty One. May the gods be with you.”

”Aye.”

"Are you coming, cousin?" Tormentor asked, impatiently, ”You two hang in there.”he just said to the twosome and rounded his horse. Bulldozer brandished his sword as a last salute and followed his cousin.

Bulldozer and Tormentor joined the rest of their unit and together they rode to their base in Numavost, near a town called Platilon.

Shortly after they arrived they heard the enemies were incoming.

"Well, we didn't arrive too late anyway.”

Bulldozer gave Tormentor one of his wands, he had enough of them left.

"By the way, where did you get that scale mail?" Tormentor informed.

"I killed a dragon, it was sick. It's a long story. The mail makes me immune to all magic attacks.”

”Now how can that be?"

”The dragon spent so many years preparing his scales and they served him well in the end. And when he knew he would die he didn't want his work to die with him. So he gave me his scales to wear as a mail shirt, as his last gift. And some treasure again. Man, I hardly realize how rich I am. When I returned my backpack was extremely heavy with treasure. I put most of it in the vault. But then again, what is money?"

”Enemy incoming!" somebody yelled.

They took their positions and waited for the enemy to arrive.

Tormentor and Bulldozer were put into safe positions because they had wands. They fired at the back of the army because this way the enemy would be hurt before they encountered the western soldiers, and also because they expected some mages to be there. On top of that there was a rain of arrows from the elven archers and every shot was a hit.

There were losses but because of the tactics worked out well and the enemy was defeated in short time.

 

Shortly afterwards, teams of trackers and warriors were sent into the woods to see if there was anybody left. Bulldozer and Tormentor went together and they inspected the woods carefully. But it was quiet, the only sounds they heard came from the animals and the trees.

"Let's call it a search and get back to Platilon.” Bulldozer proposed.

Tormentor agreed grunting and looked at his compass.

"Hey, what's the matter Tor? Where are we?"

”I ain't got a map of this place, but we are somewhere north of Platilon.”

"And that can be really somewhere. We have been walking for a full week. So I guess we just walk south and hope we find the base or any other village before we get attacked by wild animals.”

"I'll find the way back.” Tormentor snorted, cutting through the heavy bushes with his ranger knife. Its blade was carved on one side and sharp on the other side while the tip was forked. He always had it with him, it was the sign of a ranger.

Bulldozer had also been promoted to sergeant and so they were two sarges, lost in the woods of Numavost, though Tormentor never admitted it.

They walked for two more weeks. Tormentor had to hunt for food but he was quite good at that, something Bulldozer had never expected from such a tall man like his cousin. Finally they ran into a band of elves who guided them back to Platilon.

”Sarges! We've been missing you!" a soldier shouted.

"Well, I guess my cousin's ranger instinct wasn't as good as we thought.” Bulldozer said. Tormentor sent him a livid look.

”Did you notice how close we were?"

”Aye, a day on horseback.” Bulldozer said, shaking his head with a barely hidden smile.

"Anyway, we're back now. So, did we miss anything?"

"Not at all, you will be sent back home soon. From what we've heard from the prisoners they tried to surprise with an attack on Numavost and then march on to Pezar.”

”No surprise there, our mages saw them coming from a long distance.” ”And these tactics surely worked.”

"Cyber told me about those. If we must believe him magic is much more important than normal soldiers.”

"What do you mean, normal soldiers?" their captain asked.

"Well, here is one not-so normal soldier. Magic can't harm him.”

"What do you mean?"

”He's totally resistant to all kinds of magic.”

"Impossible.”

”Sad but true.” Bulldozer smiled, ”With this mail I am immune to magic, with my entire body. Wand power can't harm me, either. When somebody attacks me with an enchanted sword, the enchantment will fail as it will be dispelled the moment it touches my mail. And its magic can't be detected.”

"That's very interesting.” an old man said. He was obviously a magic user as Bulldozer knew nobody else who wore those ridiculous robes.

This one wore a silvery white tunic covered with grey robes and a light grey hood. The man casted a light spell and saw it disappear on the mail.

"Amazing. Really amazing.” the mage said.

"Heard that one before.” Bulldozer nodded and turned around.

After all those weeks of walking, he could use a hot bath and some rest in a warm tent.

 

Back in Pezar they waited for Inge and Cyber to return.

They had been away for well over a month and still no sign.

But then finally they returned. Cyber saw Bulldozer concentrating on something in his room, sword drawn, and Cyber walked up to him from behind.

He tapped him on his shoulder and suddenly Bulldozer reacted with a swing of his sword. Then he saw it was his friend and dropped to the ground to avoid slashing Cyber's head off. Now he hit him slightly in the hip where Cyber had metal plate protection.

"What was that then?" Cyber asked, a bit frightened.

"Some bad reflex when somebody sneaks up from behind, I was in the middle of my meditation. I had to drop else I would have hit you in the head. My apologies.”

"Well, I'm glad you could drop down in time.” Inge said and hugged him, then helped him to his feet, although that was difficult and not necessary.

"So, you've been taking some time eh?"

"Well, it was hard. We didn't find him. And nobody else this time. We had to infiltrate in a band of brigands and they confessed that they had ambushed the unit, a force of seven while there were twenty of them. We killed them with magic and the sword. And then we arrived at the new shore. And there we found a very young magic user from the Black Cross Legion who said he was investigating the situation. He told us the lands have not disappeared but now there was a magic wall.”

"A magic wall?"

"Aye, the lands must still be there but they are entrapped in a wall of dark magic, probably Black Akira's.”

"What a black dragon can do.” Bulldozer said.

”It's a strange case. But what happened to the war in the meantime?"

"My father always used to go to the Old Iron Maiden to be up to date again but we have a better place: the war room. Let's go, we have something to report.”

They walked to the war room where the guards nodded friendly before letting them pass immediately.

"Ah, there we have our three heroes again. So, did you find Klaren?"

"We didn't, but we found out something else. Listen.”

Inge and Cyber told about the magic wall.

"My, this is a very dangerous item. That means that Black Akira can enclose any area he wants to and I guess he controls who comes and goes from there, if there is a gate in the wall.”

"What will he do from there? Maybe Pezar will be his next strike.”

"You never know with wizards who want to conquer the world. This is a way to rule by means of magic. He has found a way to rule now.”

"Or maybe this was a one-time shot.”

"You never know. The man's so powerful! I understand he even controls some cults of monsters and the dark clerics support him, too. So maybe they will use their undead minions against us.”

"Dark magic invaded the Wind Realm, some soldiers were found stoned.”

"From what I heard, monsters invaded the realm as well. Maybe those monsters can turn the living into stone.”

"Dragonlord, your dragon isn't here anymore. Where's he gone to?"

"Dragon Peak, to gather all the other dragons, as there have been signs of battle preparation from the evil dragons. They don't want their riders in this battle as that would prove lethal to all the knights.”

"I never understood why a dragon needs a knight on its back anyway.” Bulldozer said.

"Most people think like you, warrior. But it is tradition.”

"The Dragonknights were founded by two individuals: Drachlich, the legendary platinum dragon, and Jouster, knight of the long gone order of Centro. Drachlich would allow Jouster on its back when he went into battle and the two became best of friends. But the metal dragons worshipped Drachlich as their god -this was before he was raised into godhood- and so they wanted humans on their backs as well. And of course all the knights in the world would want to ride a dragon. Finally, twenty knights and dragons bonded and the Dragonknights were raised. Now there are a hundred or two. There are of course more dragons but they are the so-called free dragons. And of course there are plenty of people willing to become a Dragonknight. But we can't possibly allow them all. They are put to heavy tests and more. When a man wants to become a Dragonknight he must prove himself by climbing the Peak. During the heavy tests he is learnt how to deal with the dragons. When you're riding a horse you are in command, when riding a dragon things are entirely different for it's the dragon who's far more intelligent, has much more knowledge and experience. When a squire has passed the tests he is linked to a dragon. They work on a strong relationship and if they succeed the knight is allowed. When it doesn't work out it depends on the reasons, and the squire gets another dragon or is expelled from the knighthood and can only be foot knights. But most of them descend the Peak.”

"I see. But now they're flying alone. Isn't it the pride of a knight rather to die than to leave their dragons?"

"That would not have been pride but foolishness.”

"I know some cases where the difference is hard to tell.” Bulldozer just said.

"The humans have been fighting man against man, and the dragons have helped the humans. In a fight against masses of dragons, there is nothing man can do.”

”Aye, but the help of the dragons was very handy in human battles.”

"Our help is not needed.”

"I understand. No offense intended.”

"None taken, young warrior.” the lord said with a friendly nod.

"In fact, I can appreciate it when somebody challenges me. It takes a lot of courage to do that, you know?"

"I guess it does.”

"Though others would call it lack of respect.” Cyber remarked.

Bulldozer merely shrugged.

”I talk the way I talk, and that's the way I am.”

"So, a lot of action going on everywhere. And for us?"

"For you we have nothing so far. What you need is a time of rest and that is exactly what we're going to give you. Dismissed until further orders.”

 

Outside, Bulldozer shook his head.

”Who wants rest when there's a war going on?"

”Should have said that when still inside, going back now looks stupid. And I do need some rest. Our trip has been tiring and my feet surely

want a few days of rest.”

"Why, Mighty One? Are you going somewhere?"

"Maybe I am and maybe I ain't. Hey, we're home! Just relax and tell me everything about your trip, I still haven't heard much.”

They told about how they won the trust of the brigands and then heard that they were indeed the ones responsible for Klaren's death.

"Anyway, nobody got away and his death is avenged.”

"Who says he's dead? As long as his body isn't found he needn't be dead.”

"I just don't want to think about my father just lying somewhere, his body eaten by the wild animals.” Inge said and put her crying face on Bulldozer's shoulder.

"And then?"

”We walked around for some time and we came to the shore. That's where his tracks ended, the reports say. Nobody knows him in the seaside towns, but it's possible he's taken a boat. But we know nothing about that. And then we came to the artificial shore and we met this youngster. He was a magic user of the Black Cross Legion and surprisingly

young, especially when you see his skills. It was just a male human, just a little older than the two of us are. He first mentioned there was something odd: he had seen a ship sink for no reason, it just crashed as if it rammed something. There was also a fire. Then he came with the possibility of a magic wall and he tried to detect magic around the area. The results were surprising as we all felt a wave of energy. Even I felt it, and I am no mage! Then the mage used what he called a climate spell and it appeared the air was freezing cold close by, while it wasn't that cold where we were standing. So he concluded it must be a wall. I threw a light rock far away and we clearly saw it bouncing off something.”

"A wall? How high could it be? Maybe there is a way to cross it. Anyway, back to your father. Where would an elf on the run go by ship?"

"Greentown!" Inge suddenly exclaimed.

”You think he took a ship to Greentown?"

The hidden elf island was a possibility.

"Maybe.”

”He would sooner take a ship straight back to Pezar.”

"Would he? I don't know.”

”We've got to go to Greentown and see if he's there!"

”You can't. Humans are not allowed in Greentown.”

"Then you go, and we wait for you in the harbour.”

"Maybe I will never see him again.”

"You're always so pessimistic. Let's first go to the shore and get you to Greentown.”

"Sounds good enough for a try. Tomorrow at dawn?"

”Aye.”

 

Chapter Nine

 

The trip to Greentown was unsuccessful. Inge returned in two days saying nobody had ever seen her father and even among the Greentown elves Klaren Aken was famous and they would know it if he were there.

So they wandered on and suddenly saw the sky brightly illuminated in the far distance, where the northern desert would be.

Inge, who had the best ears, could hear horrible roars and they understood that the dragons were clashing.

When they arrived in Pezar again they saw the golden dragon again.

"So, how was the battle?" Bulldozer asked casually.

"We had a glorious victory and the evil dragon fled. No knight has to miss his dragon as we had only seven losses and those were all free dragons.”

"Any sign of Black Akira among the evil dragons?"

"He is not able to transform. He will always be human with the power of a mandrake. His powers cannot be broken.”

"Well, if he can't fight well enough...”

"You are wanted in the war room now.”

The threesome nodded and entered.

"Ah, there you are again, we heard you had taken a trip north. Any sign?"

"He was not seen in Greentown.”

The elven king frowned hearing Inge had gone to Greentown. But he understood Inge would go to the Abyss to find her father.

"Well, we're glad you back as we have a perfect job for you now.”

To his satisfaction Bulldozer saw three new chairs as luxurious as thrones had been placed in the room and he sat down in the middle one.

Hesitant, the others followed as nobody seemed to mind that Bulldozer sat down without leave.

"Before you went into action, there was evil in Pezar. There is still some evil in the Western Realm...”

”Perfect job for us indeed. Where are they? No problem.”

The old king smiled at the warrior's eagerness.

"It is not that. But just like that, there is good in the east. Some say that the whole west is good and the whole east is evil but that's nonsense.

Fact is now that the good in the east has to retreat into the shadows.

But they are working hard building a group of resistance against Black Akira's reign of terror. Now we have received a message from one who claims to be the leader of the main resistance organisation. He wants the three of you to meet him to discuss plans.”

"So... we must go to the Eastern Realm?"

”They have temporarily retreated to the Mid Realm.”

”And the Legion?"

”Well, the resistance work in their own lands so I guess the Legion can live with it.”

"Okay, we're going back to Knose.”

”No, Medival is the meeting place, the capital of the Mid Realm.”

”We know the way. We'll leave tomorrow.”

"At dawn.” Bulldozer grinned.

 

Again they went to New Iris and they noticed a lot of buildings were already finished.

”They really work hard here, you know?"

”Aye. Word goes that the king of Khazam has sent three hundred dwarves to help constructing the new buildings and dwarves work on and on.”

They found the portal and rode up to Medival. Again they met a patrol from the Black Cross Legion and again they were escorted to the town.

"12th elite human patrol checking in for guiding, one day of rest.” the herald at the gates shouted.

”Why does he shout that?" Cyber asked.

"The clerk inside writes it down and keeps track of everything. Rules.” the sergeant of the patrol explained.

The patrol guided them through the town until they saw a large building built in the typical Mid Realm style: large and low. There was a ground floor and a basement. On the ground floor a man with an eye-patch was waiting for them.

"Welcome, heroes of the Western Realm. My boss has told me a lot about you. I am Ervoto, second man of the Ratz, the resistance in the Eastern Realm.”

"I thought we'd meet the bigshot himself.” Bulldozer remarked.

"Herself.” Ervoto corrected, ”She was needed and could not come herself.

And she's a stranger and I was born and bred in Prep, so it's not half as suspicious when I leave the town for a few days. Nobody knows who I am who may not know.”

"So you've got a cover. And nobody knows you're here?"

"Nobody who may not know.” the easterner affirmed.

"Perfect. Now, how does the resistance work? You can't put a finger on Akira, can you?"

"Black Akira is the absolute ruler. But there are more rulers. Black Akira rules alone but he is magi. He needs time to study and time to rule. And that time he hasn't got. So he appoints lower rulers like governors, generals and mayors. It is for those rulers we go. We have several professional assassins, thieves and rangers. The good teutons of the east, they fight for us. Thieves sneak in people's places and they kill them. They hit and disappear invisibly.”

"Now that sounds good. Now, why have you come here?"

"Our Lady wants further discussion with the three of you.”

"Why didn't she come herself? Why did she send you instead?"

"As I said, she cannot leave her spot. And I am here to tell you where to go.”

”So, the only way we can meet her is going into hostile lands.”

"Right. Well, will we guys?"

”Of course we will. This lady made me curious. If they need us in the east and they need us in the west, we go to the middle and we end up somewhere north. At least we can say we see a lot of the world this way.”

”If we take a vacation south then.” Cyber smiled at Bulldozer's statement.

”Good idea, and we close down with a trip to the Dark Isles.”

”That's a certain way of closing down your own door.”

"Still I'm curious about those isles. Nobody knows who or what lives there.”

”Because nobody has ever returned alive.”

"Somebody has to be the first one.”

”You don't mean you...”

"Not now at least. Now we go to the Eastern Realm to talk about the resistance with some lady. Maybe she just wants me as another assassin.”

"You can find the best assassins in the east, they don't need some big loud westerners like us.” Cyber said.

"Right. Before we leave, please tell us some more about the resistance.”

And Ervoto told. He told them about the situation in their realm and how they were fighting. They had to act like thieves in the night because they could not be discovered. If a member was caught he killed himself by biting a small capsule of poison hidden in their teeth. The poison worked like acid and they would explode only moments after they died.

No dark cleric could bring them back again to torture their souls.

But that had happened only a few times because the leader was very careful with her men and only sent them out when she was sure there was more than a good chance of escaping.

Because most of them were thieves or assassins, they were experts in speed and stealth.

They had throwing stars, bows and arrows, poisoned darts, sharp daggers and blowpipes for flawless and deadly use.

They killed the demi-rulers in their sleep, waiting for them at home.

They went out for the small rulers, like mayors, because they were easiest to hit. They couldn't get into a well-guarded castle to kill a governor.

But still they did a good job. Because so many mayors were killed the honour of ruling became a bit dubious.

Not everybody wanted to become a mayor anymore and all who were mayor were frightened. Sometimes they were guarded but one of the guards could be in the Ratz as well. The 'rats' as the people who feared them called them were spread all over the lands.

The Ratz were craftsmen, innkeepers, clerics, couriers, guards, farmers, freemen. Most of those jobs were mere covers for their real jobs.

They also had a few mages, and that was the only way they could get at the bigger rulers. They would see a ruler pass through the streets and cast a quiet death spell on them. The leader would fall down two hours later and nobody would search for the mage.

"You really do a terrific job out there.” Cyber said.

"Aye, but still our forces are not big enough to make a decisive strike. But our leader will discuss that with you.”

"Look, we have one habit about leaving. When we make plans, we make them for the next day, at dawn. So we'll be heading for the east tomorrow. Now we must talk, the three of us.”

Ervoto rose, bowed and left the room.

"Now we're going to the east where Black Akira rules.” Bulldozer said in a serious voice.

”We're going, then?"

"Of course. We are asked and we are challenged and I'm not backing down. I'm not a guy who trusts anybody but I trust this guy. We'll go at dawn.”

"And what are we going to do and how are we going to stay alive?"

"We'll stay alive by magic and the mighty sword. Nobody must see us when we're there and notice we're not from there. We must dress in dark. For you, that's not much of a problem since you're already dressed in black. I just wrap my black cloak around me and that will do. But Inge has to change.”

”Aye, that golden tunic will attract anyone's attention.”

"And what's under it.” Bulldozer smiled but then his voice became serious again, ”Think, man! She's an elf and there are only dark elves there.”

"You suggest I'm staying?" Inge asked sharply.

"Well, no I...”

”Then I think you're wrong. You were right the first time, Mighty One. As you said, there are only dark elves there and I can't act like a dark elf. With your dark clothes you can go around for a dark soldier.”

Cyber looked a little offended but Bulldozer laughed heartily.

"Sure, if it weren't for your grey eyes! A paladin in black and an anti-paladin won't differ much in looks!" Inge also nodded.

"You can go around rough and tough in a world of evil, you can handle. You also have your black hair with you. As far as Bulldozer goes, he looks typically western as well.” she continued, looking at the young fighter.

"If there is a way to break that magic protection that will be no problem.”

came a voice from the doorway where a young man stood.

”You've been eavesdropping on us?" Bulldozer asked, sword immediately drawn.

"Hey, it's you again, that young mage from the Black Cross Legion!" Inge saw.

"Indeed, it's me again. But from the way you are referring to me I hear I haven't introduced myself properly. Adam Warlock, at your service.”

"I guess you know us. Inge, Bulldozer and Cyber.”

The young man nodded. He was indeed just a little older than the two boys but one way or the other he was very powerful in magic and his eyes looked a little older than the rest of his body. He had short reddish brown hair and brown eyes, was pretty tall and dressed in a crimson tunic with a black cross on his chest.”Everybody knows you.”he smiled.

"Tales go far ahead of you. Everybody in the Western Realm, as well as in the Mid Realm, has heard of you and what you've done. I happen to have good ears and aye, I overheard part of your conversation as I was on my way to you. We met only briefly but I want to extend it. It is true that Inge, as

a Numavost elf, can't infiltrate in the east. So you have to go without magic. A force of two is not much and you must admit that even in your town battles you had to rely on Inge's magic.”

"You know a lot. And you are magi and you could travel unnoticed through the east because of your tan and your hair, which seems to be common in the northeast. You could have been an eastern mage if it weren't for that

ebony cross on your chest and you want to go with us.”Cyber said.

"You are a quickly understanding man. Indeed, that was my plan.”

"Sounds like a good plan.”Cyber nodded.”Works for me.”Bulldozer added.

"Okay, then that is a fact. Now what were you saying about breaking through the magic protection of Bulldozer's scale mail?"

"Then I can give him a new look.”.”New look?"Bulldozer asked with a surprised face.”Aye. You will not lose any of your talents but you will look like a normal eastern man. Okay, big and strong but your skin will have an eastern tan and your hair will be black, just like your eyes.”

"That's not bad for such a young mage.”Cyber said. Adam smiled a strange smile. Inge studied him. He looked human all-right but something wasn't right. How could he be that

powerful?Changing looks was for highly skilled wizards!

"I suppose it's not an attacking spell when you don't make me ugly.”

Bulldozer smiled.”On the contrary, it's more like a protective spell.”

Bulldozer nodded slowly and threw his head in his neck.

"Okay then, start casting. Mind if I sit down?Probably a long spell.”

But to his surprise the spell only took half a minute or so and then he felt a strange tickling in his skin while Inge giggled.

He looked at his hands and saw they were now a yellowish brown.

Cyber handed him his mirror and he saw his face hadn't changed, it was now only of the same tan and his eyes were pitch black while his hair was also black.”You're looking great.”Inge laughed.

"So my spells can affect you. I should have known. It's not an attacking spell and the mail would only dispel attacking spells.”

"How do you know?"Bulldozer asked.”I heard from the wizard lord. He told me you had come in with the mail on and that his magic wouldn't affect you.”. Bulldozer chuckled.

"That's why I said you could cast it if you wouldn't make me ugly. If you had used the same spell with evil intentions it wouldn't have had a chance.”

"I understand. Don't worry, my intentions are far from evil.”

"We will rest now for the night. Be there at dawn.”.”Bet on it.”

"And I?"Inge asked.”Well, you can sleep as long as you want.”

"I'm an elf, I don't sleep much. Only when I'm really tired, and I'm not.”

"Then study your spells, like you always do.”

"But what do I do when the three of you are gone?"

"Good question. You can hang around with the Legion. When you stay longer with them you learn more about them. And with this many mages around I am sure you can find someone who can teach you a thing or two if you want.

And I never understood how humans and minotaurs could get along in the first place.”

"I will answer that for you.”Adam said.”In the beginning there were some problems but it was be together or die apart. But later we really got along though we still live in separate barracks. The capital is Medival and the war room is in Knose. But why do we get along?The minotaurs always

want to prove their superiority and we are not just a bunch of humans. Remember we are special humans. Our fighters are brilliant. That's sometimes important when it comes to d

dealing with minotaurs. Some humans run a bulldozer just to show the minotaurs they are strong as well.

The strongest humans wrestle with minotaurs. The minotaur's long horns are taped then. Some wrestling fanatics even saw off most of their horns as this shows the rest of the

minotaurs they are wrestlers. Minotaurs live for

competition, in fighting and sports alike. We can give them that.”

"You said humans, but I saw elves and dwarves as well.”

"I should have said special people, though most of them are humans. This is a collection of the most powerful neutral people in the world. Some used to be good, some used to be evil. But we found ourselves in a great meeting,

after the First Crusade. We saw we could not be neutral from the war, we knew we would be attacked and we built the Legion with the minotaurs.

But still we would have preferred to be neutral in the way the north and the south are, as those realms are not attacked. . . yet. And they did not join the war by sending troops to somebody's side. When somebody sends message

they just say they're fine and they don't need anything. It would be wonderful if the war ends without anyone getting killed there. Even Akira has his respect, I guess. Though that wouldn't explain why he didn't attack those realms and attacked the Western Realm, which offers much more

resistance.”.”Maybe they will attack them later anyway. You never know.”

"Adam, it is really nice to talk to you but I'm getting tired and I need my rest. We have to ride for a long time and during the ride you can talk and we will listen. See you.”. Cyber went downstairs where some sleeping

quarters were and Bulldozer followed. Adam remained in the room with Inge.

"Don't you need rest?".”I've had enough rest for a long time. I can do without some for a time.”.”Why are you so powerful?Are you really as young as you look?Then how could you have all the powers you've got?"

"Well, that's something I really want to keep unknown, but take it from me I am young and very powerful. My powers in magic are almost unmatched.”

"Bulldozer was right. I would find a mage who could teach me something. Do you have any interesting spells I could learn in the short time we have?"

"Many of them. Let me think. . . you know the spell of feeding?"

"Never heard of it. I am not that powerful.”

"I know your powers, and I know they will grow as time goes by. You have some special talents that will enable you to grow to be one of the best wizards the Numavost elves have ever had. But you are capable of casting the spell of

feeding, it's a simple spell really. And a handy one. When you

cast it you will not feel hunger or thirst for twenty hours.”

"You just study the spell every day and you can do without food for weeks?".”And water, aye. All you need is a small portion of blue grass.”

"Blue grass?That can be found in the east.”.”Oh, almost everywhere, but you see it mostly in the east indeed. It's found in special places everywhere in the world except in the north. The ice towns in the Northern Realm, where

frost giants live and rule, is too cold for it. Few can grow there.”

"I know. Then let's get on with it.”

Adam nodded and produced a scroll from his backpack, as if he had counted on teaching this spell. He also opened a small pouch and showed some dried blue grass, the only component needed for the spell.

He demonstrated the moves and taught the words. Inge repeated them carefully and after some tries the spell worked. Inge wrote down all the words, moves and components in her

spellbook.”Try it another time.”

"I'm not hungry anymore. Then what happens?".”The spell lifts all hunger and thirst, when there is nothing to lift the spell will have no extra effect, it's harmless.”.”Is there aught else I have to know about this spell?".”Don't use it for luxurious purposes, it makes you forget hunger

and while it is able to hold the water inside your body it can't give you all the vitamins and minerals you need. When you live on this spell too long you lose weight. Whenever possible, do drink water even when you're not thirsty as your body needs fresh fluids. When under the influence of this spell you will not be able to go to the latrine or toilet.

Sex is also not recommended when under the influence of this spell.”

"Now why is that?"Inge laughed.”Because of the loss of body fluids, from both transpiration and. . .”.”I understand. Well,

thank you for teaching me.

Good luck tomorrow.”. With that she left the room. Adam relaxed in a chair and waited for the sun to come up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                  X

"So, Adam, our tales have gone far ahead of us. But yours never reached us.

Tell me some more about you.”Bulldozer said. They were riding through the Eastern Realm on beautiful black horses. Cyber still had to get used to Bulldozer's new look.

"Well, I was er. . . born in the Eastern Realm, the small one. I learned magic very early because my father said I was

talented. And I was as I learned more and more before I was even in my adolescence. My father lived in neutrality and so do I. I am a mage now but maybe I will become a

Dragonknight later. I've always wanted to ride a dragon.”

"Would be weird, a mage normally doesn't become a knight. You'll have to learn some fighting techniques, muscle up and wear armour.”

"Oh, my fighting skills are fine, I trained a lot. Mainly because always studying gets boring sometimes.”

Cyber studied the man riding next to him. He was pretty tall and had strong arms and especially strong legs, something he wasn't used to see with mages.”Are you a magewarrior?"he asked.

"You could call me thus, aye.”. Cyber nodded. Adam was also wearing a heavy longsword, another thing he had never seen on a mage, and a small shield. He now wore black robes instead of his crimson ones. Probably because there was a big black cross on that one. Bulldozer and Cyber just wore their usual armour and weapons.”How old are you actually?"

"Twenty-four.”. Twenty-four my behind, Cyber though. When one was that young one couldn't be skilled in magic this

powerful and be trained in combat

as well. As a weapons expert, he saw that the sword was ancient and shining, so Adam didn't use his sword much. Well, they would see.

Some time later they met a small eastern patrol and attacked at once.

Adam hurled a fireball at them and it exploded with great impact. After that they spurred their horses and finished off the walking patrol smoothly.”Not a bad start. Powerful f

fireball you have.”

"It's a special fireball not many know. Bigger impact and faster casting.

Now isn't that handy?".”Great.”Cyber uttered.

They rode on and suddenly they were halted by a unit of cavalry, Cyber counted twenty.”Okay, you can drop your weapons and nothing will happen.”

the commanding officer yelled at them.”Drop such a beautiful two-handed sword?"Bulldozer asked, riding up a little. Cyber knew Bulldozer was winning time, because Adam was preparing for a spell. Bulldozer now drew his sword.”See this sword?Made by dwarves, and it's enchanted. It's

worth a fortune and on top of that a family heirloom. It belonged to my father who fell in the war. Now why would I drop it?"

"You won't need your sword any. . .”the officer started but just then Adam was finished with his spell and suddenly cones of ice soared low over the ground, hitting the horses violently. The horses threw off their riders as they

collapsed and after a second spell Bulldozer charged in

with his sword and finished off the survivors.

"Great teamwork here. As if you have fought together for a long time.”Cyber said. He had drawn his sword but he wasn't in time to help Bulldozer.

"Actually I have heard some of the way Bulldozer talks and I counted on that when I prepared this spell.”.”Now we look eastern and still they attack us. Why that?".”Well, most men of our age are mobilized, they probably think we're deserters.”.”Or maybe they've seen us coming and they know

who we are.”.”Then capturing us would be stupid, then they would try to follow us unnoticed. It would be not us they want but the lady.”

"So now we go to Canpedon where we must find a clue where that lady is.”

"Play hide and seek eh?"Adam asked.”Well, that's something else than the seek and destroy we always played.”Bulldozer grinned.

When the sun went down, they spotted a small campfire. They bound the horses to trees and crept towards the encampment.

They were soldiers.

"I want to know the situation in Canpedon, keep one alive.”

"Which one?".”The one in the middle.”.”Then you take your dagger for the left one, I take the right one.”Cyber said and grabbed a small crossbow from under his cloak. He aimed carefully, Bulldozer waited nonchalantly for his nod;his dagger would find the mark anyway.

At the same moment they let go and while Cyber's bolt hit the soldier in the back, piercing the liver, Bulldozer's dagger ended up in the back of the head where the eastern helmet gave no protection.

Before the third could react Bulldozer had grabbed him, disarmed him and grabbed his wrist in a painful hold.”Hey dude, how's Canpedon going?"

The man showed a hard face.”My my, he has lost his tongue. Maybe we can twist it out a little.”.”Twist it out?"Adam asked.

"The twist interrogation, a popular method of interrogation in our realm.

It's fun. Hey man, you can say stop when you like to tell something we want to know. The question was:how is Canpedon going?Okay Bulldozer, give him a big spin!". Bulldozer slung the man around and into Cyber, who caught the wrist skilfully, twirled him around and slung him back to Bulldozer,

who slung him to Adam who passed the man on to Cyber.

"You know what they say Adam:what goes around, comes around.”

"And 'round and 'round he goes.”Adam shouted back.”And where he stops, nobody knows.”.”Are you getting around dude?".”This round is on the house.”.”He must be around there.”

By turning him to the same side every time the man soon felt dizzy and finally dropped to the ground and threw up. Meanwhile Bulldozer still held his wrist and started to wind him up again.”A few more rounds, dude?"

"No, no more rounds!You are too cruel!"the man shouted, wiping vomit from his lips.”Hear that. When he and his fellows would capture us we would be taken to a torturing chamber where our fingers would be chopped off every five seconds we don't talk. And then we are cruel!Tell us!"

"Canpedon has no more troops, they have gathered in the citadels. It is an unguarded town now, except for the usual guards.”

"Good, that's what we wanted to know.”Adam said. With that, Bulldozer wound up the man's arm and slung him with shattering force in a big oak.

The man collapsed in a pool of blood and died. Then they went back to their horses.”There's a campfire anyway and it's getting dark. Shall we encamp here?".”Why not?I'll take first watch.”Adam said.

Bulldozer and Cyber lay down immediately and were surprised when they finally woke up.”Hey, why didn't you wake us up for our turns?"

"I didn't need sleep and you did.”.”You have to be concentrated when you are casting spells and when you haven't slept enough your concentration can't be perfect.”Bulldozer lectured.”Don't worry, I have some spells to keep me fit.”.”I also heard you can feed on spells. You live on spells,

don't you?".”I have a lot of them if that's what you mean.”

"You probably also have a spell to make yourself look younger.”Cyber said sarcastically.”Because we will never believe you're only twenty-four.”

"Well I was a fool to believe I could fool you with my age. But take it from me I'm as fit as any twenty-four years old man, you believe that?"

"You look fit indeed. I do.”

"A little skinny but I guess you have your spells for that, too.”Bulldozer said with a smile.

"I do. Normal strength spells, they are quite common.”

"I know strength spells. Inge used to cast them on herself when we were training together, and before I went off to battle. She also wanted to cast them on me before I went home to wrestle my brothers. But I didn't want that, I won't spoil the sports.”

"The honour of an athlete versus the handy powers of a mage.”Adam whispered.

"Some athletes go to a mage before the games for some extra strength but that's illegal. The magisters ban athletes for life if they catch them.”

"Really?The Western Games are said to be wonderful to watch. How do they catch cheaters?".”They have a special device which detects if there are spells active on a

person.”

"They don't need that device. I know what device it is but you can get the same result with a simple spell. They show the caster if one is under influence of a spell and of which spell. When I cast that spell on you I see you're resistant to fire. Because of your red dragon scales, probably.”

"Maybe. Wait. You still see it?".”Gone. That ring you just

took off?". Bulldozer nodded.”The golden dragon gave it to me when I went to the red dragon, just in case.”. Adam kept silent for a time, thinking.

"What are you thinking of?"Bulldozer asked.”I know red dragon scales are resistant to magic, then why the ring?"

"For the rest of my body.”

"Of course, and then you didn't have the mail. Remember not to wear a green ring of strength, it will neutralize the fire resistance while your ring will dispel the strength.”.”How do you know?".”Experience.”

"You have so many spells, Adam. How can you keep track of what you have?You seem to breakfast, lunch and dine on spells.”

Cyber said.

"Don't be so hard on me Cyber. Spells are handy to have. Or are you jealous because you have no spells?".”I will have spells once, clerical spells when I study more. I will be able to heal and that's something you can't.”.”Can't I?"Adam asked with a smile.”You're not going to tell. . .”

"Nope, just a joke.”.”That must be Canpedon there.”Bulldozer pointed to the south where they saw the capital of Prep.

They saw the city was built on five giant mountains, the centre was in the valley. Houses were built on stake

foundations in the small lake and others had very unusual shapes. Some were round, some square and some oval.

"What weird kind of town is this?"Bulldozer asked, frowning.

"Well there's nothing weird about it when you're used to an Eastern Realm city. Most towns look like this. Only Canpedon is the biggest of them all.”

Adam told.”So, somewhere in this big town we will have to find a clue of where to find the lady. Why didn't the man just tell us?"

"She's got a dangerous job and she probably moves often. I think we must find a contact person here. What did that Ervoto say?All the noises in the heart?".”Aye. I don't know why the riddle, it's obvious he means the most centred pub.”

They passed the town guards without a problem and Bulldozer looked around. He winked the stableboy who took their horses.

"Which pub here in the most in the heart of the town?"

"That'll be Dragon's lair.”the boy said.”Just walk straight down this road and you'll see it after some time.”.”Thanks.”

Bulldozer didn't tip the boy, promising him more when they came back.

He would judge how he had treated the horses first. The boy didn't complain and went to fetch water for the three steeds at once.

"Why didn't you tip him?".”We have no eastern coins, remember?"

They walked on and saw the pub after a few miles.

"This must be the lair.”Bulldozer stated and walked in. Indeed it was very noisy. Four barmaids were walking through the room, getting orders and spanks on the behind everywhere.

"Crowded place up here. Now let's try some eastern beer.”

"Hush, not so loud, not everybody needs to know we're strangers.”Adam said.

He ordered two beers and green wine. Bulldozer frowned and looked up strange when the barmaid returned with a mug filled with green liquid and two mugs of beer.”What is this?".”From Dark Numavost. They use other grapes or whatever they call it and their wine is green or black. Black wine tastes very sharp and the smell in unbearable for some people -like myself, for instance- and the green one is very sweet but bearable.”

"Good to hear that. And this beer is pretty good, I expected worse.”

"Worse it got so the lady went to Ripden.”they suddenly heard a voice.

They looked around but they saw nobody looking at them in special and nobody else seemed to have heard it. They paid and left the pub.

"Ripden. Where is that?".”No idea, let's go to that cartographer on the other side of the street, he will have a map we can use.”

Adam walked into the store first and they saw a middle-aged man.

"Good afternoon gentlemen, what can I do for you?".”We need to travel to Ripden, can you supply us with a map?".”But of course. Ripden. . . here I have it.”.”Looks good. How much?".”Two silver creans please.”

"See if I have change. . . I haven't. Any of you?".”Nope. This gem will do?"

Cyber asked. The man studied the gem carefully.”I will give you ten gold creans for this one.”. Cyber nodded and the man gave him the change.

"But remember:Ripden is not a safe place. Many mayors have been killed in that town. Now nobody wants to be mayor

anymore.”

"Well, we didn't go there to become mayor.”Bulldozer smiled.

"Let's see. A three-days journey if I see it right.”.”On horseback?Aye.”

"Okay, thank you.”. With that they left the shop.

"Now at least we have some change, be glad the barmaid took the blank coin.”.”It's solid silver, why shouldn't she?".”She might get suspicious.”

"Bah, it's just a barmaid and we're leaving town after all.”

They went back to the stables where Bulldozer gave the boy a good tip from Cyber's change. Normally Cyber would protest if somebody would spend his money carelessly but Bulldozer had more than enough money in Pezar to cover all possible

expenses while he had enough himself. They travelled

for a few hours and encamped. Adam pinpointed where they were and took watch, guaranteeing the other two that it would be the only watch needed.

Bulldozer and Cyber soon slept soundly and after a few hours a lone man came to Adam. Adam saw there were more waiting in the bushes.

"Hello stranger. I am lost here in the woods, maybe you can. . .”

"Well, I think I can help you. Where is it you're heading?"

"Canpedon. And I don't know how far I am.”.”Let me find out for you.”

He started casting a spell and then he pointed at the bushes. The man turned around alarmed to see his companions drop dead with a low moan.

He drew a dagger but suddenly he stood frozen and Adam finished him off with a second spell.”Some will never

learn.”he smiled in himself, dragging the body to the bushes.

When the other two woke up they mounted quickly and rode fast.

As expected they arrived in Ripden after three days and they wanted to ride in when two guards stopped them.

"Who are you and what is your business in Ripden?". Bulldozer rode up.

"We are the special troops to protect your mayor. We come from Akiragrot.”he said in a voice of authority, speaking with a fluent eastern accent, probably magicked in by Adam.

"Ah, we hoped Akiragrot might do something about it. We have a new mayor since two days and already he regrets he's taken this job.”

"He won't be regretting it long anymore.”Bulldozer said with a grim smile.

Cyber knew that that smile could mean trouble for the guards but Bulldozer just rode on and entered the town, Cyber and Adam followed.

It was a relatively small town, built in the eastern style. They went to a pub again and Cyber looked around.”Somebody's got an eye on us.”

"I felt it, too. But who's?"

When they entered the pub, a lot of eyes focused on them.

"Hey what's the matter with you?Never seen strangers before?"Bulldozer yelled boldly but nobody answered.

Moments later some more guards entered the pub and Bulldozer felt a wave of tension running through the pub. The guards walked straight at the threesome.

"Welcome to Ripden, strangers. You were the delegation from Akiragrot?"

"Aye.”Cyber said shortly.”The mayor wants to see you at once.”

Bulldozer gave the guards a stern look.”Tell the mayor to be patient.

Right now we are relaxing after a tiring trip and we will go to the mayor tomorrow, got it?We're not the kind of people who want to hurry everything and die young.”. The guards looked troubled.”But. . . the mayor?"

"Keep him safe for now. Let him bathe in fear if he chooses to. When you have chicken blood you must bear it to ban it.”.”Is that what we should tell the mayor?".”Whatever. We will be there tomorrow, at da. . . noon.”

The guards left with worried looks on their faces. Shortly afterwards the innkeeper came to their table. He dropped a small bronze rat on the table.

"Is there somewhere we would talk in private?"Adam asked.

"This place is all-right. We were not sure if you had chosen this inn on purpose, but here only good people come, it's the base of the Ratz in this time.”.”Very bold to say that, keep, to people who just declared they came from

Akiragrot. We could go to the mayor now and tell him all.”

Immediately he saw weapons drawn and one threw a dart at Bulldozer.

He caught the dart without blinking and continued:"But we're not from Akiragrot. We're from the Western Realm, sent here to meet your lady.”

"But why did the guards come?"somebody asked.”We needed an excuse to enter the town and the guards at the gates annoyed me so I gave them a big mouth. Now they won't bother us.”

"It's all-right.”the innkeeper said to the other patrons.”The man wears the scale mail the messenger talked about. It is them.”

"You bet it's us. Now where can we find your leader?"

"Later. But you said you were going to see the mayor?". Bulldozer nodded.

"I see what you mean. Consider it done. Anyway, we must leave as soon as that is done, so everything must go smoothly. We go tomorrow so everything must be arranged before then.”

"Our leader is in the ranger's guild. The guild is a safe place as well as all the rangers in this town are in the Ratz.”

"I will guide you to the guild, but not now.”a man in green said. He was obviously a ranger himself and he wore a broad dagger.

"Good machete you have there.”Cyber noted.”Now why do we wait?"

"The guards are waiting outside for you to leave.”.”Were you the one who followed us?".”Aye, from Canpedon. I was outside when the guards entered at once and I held my breath. Later they came out with worried looks on their faces and I

overheard part of their discussion. They had to report

to the mayor but they didn't like what they had to report. Later they returned and took watch outside the inn.”

"Waiting outside?Well, we will wait until it is dark. Meanwhile we can have some fresh food.”.”Coming right up.”the innkeeper said and disappeared into the kitchen.

After that they rested some extra because it would be a

long night. Cyber was all rested and had trouble sleeping but a spell from Adam did the trick. They woke around dusk and then they left.”The guards have left, they entered once again and asked for you. I told them you were asleep and then they left.”the innkeep reported. Bulldozer nodded and walked outside, followed by Adam, Cyber and the ranger. The ranger walked to the front and guided them. He stopped at a door,

kicked twice and knocked three times. Then the door opened.

"Ah, there you are. Very wise to wait for dusk. Come in, heroes of the Western Realm. We have heard of your deeds. We only expected an elf. Couldn't she come along?Or is she. . .”

"Dead?No way, it will take more to kill Inge where

I'm around.”Bulldozer said.

"But she's an elf and could not travel with us unnoticed. So she stayed home. Meet Adam Warlock, of the Black Cross

Legion.”.”Well met.”

"So, where's your leader?".”She is waiting for the warrior in the room in the back.”.”For me only?".”Aye. I don't know why but she asked for you first and for the rest later.”

"Very well, I'll go. Back there you said?I'll find it. See you later.”

Bulldozer walked down the hall, wondering why he had to come alone.

He found the door and knocked.”Come in.”a young, female voice called.

"What in the Abyss. . . Kiki?". And indeed, as he opened the door to the dark room he saw the young girl from the Kweni-tribe sitting at a large wooden desk. A comfortable chair was reserved for him.

"You, the mysterious leader of the eastern resistance?A fifteen years old girl from the Water Realm?"

"Aye. I know it sounds strange. I knew you would be surprised. And I must say I raised your curiosity on purpose, I like games. But I will tell you everything. Now please sit down.”

"Hey, where did you get that beer?It tastes good, a bit western.”

"We have some supplies from the Water Realm.”she sighed.

"Well now what's going on here and how did you get here?"Bulldozer asked.

"After you freed my tribe I understood there was more in this world. I told you that somehow I felt bonded to you. And like you, I wanted to do something the people would know. I look up to you. I have heard a lot about you and

your party though I don't know the new man, that Adam Warlock. Is he a warlock?".”He's far more powerful than that. But I guess he got the name when his powers weren't that big yet. He joined us because Inge couldn't come along as a Numavost elf and he is magi. She looked too good to be

eastern.”. It was dark in the room but now Kiki could see Bulldozer's face.

"What happened to you. . . your face, your eyes. . .”

"Just a trick from Adam, I look a little too western myself.”

"I see. You really do look different. Anyway, I went to the east with two of my tribesmen and they were both rangers while I am a ranger trainee myself.

We rode through the realm and then we came in the pub you visited earlier today. Everybody recognized us as strangers and they told us about the situation in the realms. We came there to sell the boar we caught but we ended up starting a resistance against Black Akira's reign. Everything went

quite fast from there. We got more and more members every day and we started to hit the first mayors. Most people had connections to other realms and I started to lead them. We organized hits, ambushes, attacks while we were

never discovered. We got more people who wanted to join us and now there are thousands of people who fight against Akira's reign. To our surprise, everything went smoothly. We have thieves, assassins, archers, clerics and mages. Our archer Pantil Wandrobber killed a mage who sold wands. You taught

me how powerful they were and so they were needed in our fight. That mage had about thirty wands which he sold.”.

"Thirty of them?"Bulldozer asked.

"Aye, and he claimed them to be the most powerful wands in the world. Fact is they have proved to be handy in our

battles against evil. We also got a lot of scrolls from that raid but we don't have too many mages and one of them

is so powerful he doesn't need those scrolls. I think we'll give some of those scrolls to you because the magic users in the west have far more use for them. But the wands are good,

they give us the magic that we need.”

"I know. We still have the wands you and your tribe gave us. We used some of them but the wizard among the Black Cross Lords refilled them. They are really powerful. So how's the situation now?"

"In this town it is bearable. But we have heard rumours that this place is so dangerous for evil they might strike back soon. Sometimes they just pick up people to interrogate them, hoping they are in the Ratz. But people who are

will not betray the order. They will die for the cause. But we are the feared unknown. We strike in the dark and leave unnoticed. Everybody fears us, especially those of some

importance. They ask mages to protect them from

attackers. Mages never leave their studies. They have lots of guards but they fear the guards are Ratz members as well.

They don't trust each other!That's our greatest force, the distrust we sow under the evil masses.

Friends turn each other in because of fear for the Ratz.”

"Why is it called the Ratz?"Bulldozer asked.

"When we entered this house to make it our guild it was full of rats so we adjusted the name a little and called our organisation the Ratz.”

"And you do all the leading work here?"

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly handle it on my own. I am the leader but others do most of the work. They come to me with proposals for attacks and I advise them -I do not force them- to do it or to leave it.

When there's a slight chance they might be discovered I advise against it.

We have many messengers who carry around the news and there are other people who decide single attempts because I can't possibly do it alone.”

"How could a fifteen years old girl be in a position like this?Isn't it too heavy for you?".”Oh, all goes well. I feel I can do this and I have no trouble doing it.”.”You look pale.”.”I haven't been out much.”

"A ranger who doesn't go out much?"Bulldozer remarked sarcastically.

"I have no time for rangering now.”.”I understand that. You didn't even have time to come to the Mid Realm.”.”I couldn't go. I can't leave town that easy, you know. I can walk the streets here dressed like a townsgirl and nobody suspects me.”.”I understand. They just see a young innocent girl.”

"Exactly. If they only knew.”

"The first lady of evil hunting.”.”We have no chosen names for ourselves like you. I will always be just Kiki.”.”And your last name?Or don't you have a last name, either?Of course you have, the name Rockscale comes from

the Water Realm.”. Kiki kept silent and suddenly Bulldozer's head fell down.

"Is everything all-right with you?"Kiki asked, lifting his heavy head.

"Oh, my thoughts were just wandering off. I have one burning question:why did I have to come alone?What did you want to tell me that hasn't got to do anything with killing scared mayors?"

"Your reading of thoughts is excellent, Mighty Bulldozer. Aye, there is something. It's very important and I feel you have to know.”

"What is it, then?".”Before I met you, I knew my father wasn't my real father, my blood-father as we call it. My parent celebrated their 14th anniversary when I was already

fifteen. I wanted to know and my mother told me she had once loved a man from the north, a big warrior. But he was

married and would not betray his wife as he had three sons. Then my mother did a foul thing:she waited until he was drunk and. . . used his state of mind for her own purposes. I started to look different at my mother's husband and

wondered who my real father would be.”

"Then you came. So gave me such a big impression and you were like a brother to me, so I felt as I told you back then. Then I heard more about you, about how you lost your father and your brothers. Then I suddenly realized you were the youngest of three brothers, of three sons in the north.”

"Coincidence?"Bulldozer asked, not knowing what he had to believe.

"Some would think so, aye. But then I heard your last name. Rockscale. And then all was proven. It is the surname given to me at my birth, as my mother told me my father's name was Rockscale, Swordslaught Rockscale. And you are my half-brother.”

Bulldozer fell back in his chair, not believing what he had just heard.

"All this brother and sister talk back in your town, and now it comes true.

You are my half-sister. My father-our father-was a good man. He had told of the night when he was seduced by a woman in this realm. He regretted it deeply and my mother forgave him. He wondered if he would have given her a baby but he never wanted to find out. And now fate has struck the strange

powers that rule the world. I heard my mother talking about it. The only time my father has slept with another woman while he was married. He was a big hunk in his time, every woman was attracted to him. But he withstood every one of them, except one.

And now, while my whole family has been murdered, I have a half-sister.

I don't know why the gods play with us, but so be it.”

He embraced her warmly and kissed her on her forehead.

Then a long silence fell in the dark room, where brother and sister had found each other, in the middle of a war, in a land of evil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                  XI

 

"Who could have expected something like this?"Cyber wondered. Now all three of them were sitting in the room with Kiki. Suddenly, Adam started casting.

"Oh great, here we have one of his famous spells.”Bulldozer said.

"Maybe he's hungry, thirsty or tired.”. But this time the casting lasted.

When he was finished he looked straight at Kiki and she felt her blood willing to boil but something stopped her. Then she fell back in her chair.

"Okay, now you're going to explain exactly what kind of spell that was.”

Bulldozer stated.”A verification spell. I saw Cyber doubted her story and I had reasons to doubt it myself as this is a story of coincidence you don't hear every day. No offense.”

"None taken, Adam. I know the story sounds fantastic myself but it's true.”

"It is. Now what?".”First we have a job to do tomorrow. And then we should go back to our own realm. All the talk of troops gathering here and there worries me.”Tormentor is still fighting and I don't know where Inge is right now. And we must move the people from here if the rumours are true.

You need a new base.”

"Of course, we have a backup base waiting for us. We will go to Cynthran after your hit.”.”Has nobody been sent after that mayor already?"

"Don't worry, you'll meet him alive.”Kiki smiled. Bulldozer noticed that she had grown up fast in such a short time. She was now the leader of the Ratz, an organisation against the evil in the east. An important job, and Bulldozer

couldn't imagine how a fifteen years old girl could handle it.

They said good-bye and went back to the inn. The keep had held the inn open especially for them and gave them a

morning drink, some hot tea with a ranger's herbs in it.

Then, at noon, they told him they would go to City Hall

and that everybody had to prepare for moving. When they arrived they were led to the mayor instantly.

"Ah finally, there you are.”the mayor said. He was dressed like an important person but something in him disgusted Bulldozer. He obviously had a problem controlling his

nerves.”Aye. Dismiss everybody else here.”. The guards

cleared the room in an instant.”You know the situation here?"

"Some of it, aye. You have a dangerous job being mayor in this vigilant town.

Now how far are the retaliation plans?"Bulldozer asked.

"The troops should arrive in three weeks.”.”So we have to keep you alive for three weeks?"Bulldozer asked, showing he considered it a waste of time.

"And you know how punctual our troops are.”Adam added.

"Not at all. It could take a month, even two. Now I'm not going to stay that long, I have other business to attend to back in Akiragrot.”Cyber said.

He noticed he could lie easily, something he wasn't used to being a paladin.

Maybe Adam had used a spell on him to make it easier.

"Exactly who are you?"the mayor asked.”The ones who do or die.”Bulldozer said.”But first we want to know some

things. We have been on horseback for some time and we lost some news. And I assume you have your sources and we

want you to bring us up to date again.”

"Of course. Well, the troops have split now. One part is going to the Fire Realm where they plan an attack to kill

Ustonias, the half-elven leader.

The others are going south. I think they will attack in two months.”

"Some things are not so clear yet. They go south, but do they want to attack the Water Realm again or are they finally going to the Southern Realm?"

Adam asked.”The Southern Realm, of course. You didn't hear they go west eh?"

Bulldozer corrected and he saw the mayor nod.”Okay, I'm going to talk to the guards. I have given instructions to get them all here. How many are there?".”Ten.”.”Only ten?"Cyber

asked, truly surprised.

"All the others have been killed. New troops must come before I'm alone.”

"We're here now, and they can't kill us.”Adam said and they heard him calling for the assembled guards. The other two knew he would use his magic to kill them all and so it was the two of them against a mayor.

"So how many go south?Any numbers known yet?".”A force some smaller than the ones who tried to conquer Western

Numavost. The south is not prepared for war and they will fall easily.”.”Maybe they have a Black Cross Legion

as well.”.”No way. Our spies have reported of the existence of small units of guards only. And they know everything.”

"Like the sources in the Western Realm.”

"That was terrible, some months back. The Vesp were our best sources in Pezar as they had a huge network and then they all got killed by a foursome, in just one week time.”

"We heard about it. When we did we sent twenty of our best men to Pezar to kill that foursome. Alas, they never got to the west as they were captured by the Black Cross Legion. And then we sent men to them, when we raided Iris, but we never heard of them, either.”

"Oh, I never heard reprises had been appointed.”.”Things like those are held secretly and only come out when successful.

These didn't so don't ever tell it to anyone.”

 

After some time, Adam returned. The mayor was just talking about dangerous creatures who looked human enough to fool a man. But they were able to melt metal with their hands and Cyber was horrified, being dressed in metal all over.”Are you finished with the guards?"Bulldozer asked. Adam nodded.

"What did you do to them?"the mayor inquired.”I've been casting a few spells on them. No matter what happens, they can't be killed anymore.”

"Can't be killed anymore?".”Nope. I made it virtually impossible and only with black rites can they be made

vulnerable again. That should last some time and during that time they don't have to fear to be killed.”Adam

explained. The mayor was dumb enough not to understand.

"But. . . can you cast one more spell like that on me?When I can't be killed anymore I'm safe.”.”And then we can go home. I miss my girl.”Bulldozer

added. Adam nodded and started casting again. When he finished he pointed at the mayor who dropped dead right away.”The fool.”Bulldozer laughed.

"You can't be killed anymore when you're already dead. And he didn't understand. No Adam, don't cast it on me. I'd rather die.”. Now they all laughed and left at once. Outside, a ranger was waiting across the street.

"Mission accomplished of course. The mayor and the guards are all dead.

The only guard alive is the one who's in the Ratz. Now get everybody out of town as troops will arrive in three weeks to destroy this town.”

The ranger nodded and led them to their horses. The threesome left and left town.

 

When they arrived back in Medival after an eventless trip, they heard Inge had left for parts unknown. She was accompanied by two other elves.

One was a dark-haired swordswoman and the other one a fat mage with thin white hair.

"Sounds like Bolrick and Soraya.”Cyber said.”Who?"

"Two good elven friends of mine. Bolrick is a mage and Soraya is really beautiful, just like Inge but in a different way.”

"You're in love with her?"Bulldozer asked.”Well, let's say I am and I'm not.”.”Ah, a good, clear answer. I like those.”

Bulldozer said sarcastically.

Somebody called for Adam and he left.

"All-right, I do love her but. . .”.”. . . you have this curse.”

"That's not the problem but as you know, elves don't age as fast as we humans do. She has raised me when I was a little boy. She is some younger than Inge, she's in her late

eighties. And I am eighteen.”

"Back to the meaning of elf and man, Cyber. I know what you mean, I'm in love with an elf as well, you know?But why did you part?Why is she there and not here with you?".”That's a long story.”.”I'm not sleepy.”

"Well, the three of us have travelled together for some years. This war isn't my first adventuring experience. We have travelled through the woods of Numavost, through the Wind Realm and through the cold Northern Realm.

You know there almost was a civil war in the north?".”I didn't.”

"There was. The Overking, the highest lord there, got into trouble when one of his sons accidentally got killed by the son of an Underking who wanted to be Overking at all costs.

There were rumours that he even used his son as an assassin.

You see what happens then?Even among giants anarchy exists. The three of us were there to find the bracelet of Secion. Bolrick was well-known to the court and we were sent to find out what the Underking was doing. Acting

like spies we went out and discovered he was gathering men for his cause.

The Overking sent his troops but right then the troops were united because the teutons fell in trying to conquer the realm for the 37th time in a hundred years. The Underking died defending the realm.”.”And you?"

"As a reward for what we did the Overking sent a wizard with us who helped us a lot. And together we found the necklace.”

"What was so special about it?Magical?".”Historical value. For the elves this necklace is a relic of the time when they lived in the Northern Realm, before they moved to Numavost.”.”Moved?You mean they haven't always

lived there?".”No, they lived in the north before it became too cold there.

The climate changed some eight hundred years ago.”.”Then the necklace is that old?".”Aye. They buried the necklace and a few more items in the mountain when they left. And we had to go to find it back. It was hard. We knew where to look but nature has done its job quite well and the necklace was

covered by centuries of soil, rock and ice. The mountain is now a glacier.”.”So you had to dig?"

"Not quite. A little, okay, but the mages did all the work, melting the ice.

Unfortunately, this caused the river to overflow and we almost drowned a village.”

"Ow, that must have been a shock. And then?"

"After the ice was all gone we found solid rock. The wizard came in handy there as he used a spell to temporarily turn the rock around the necklace to dust. He could not use an explosive spell for that would cause an avalanche there. Then I had to dig quickly, before the dust turned into rock

again. Man, that was sweating!If I would not have been in time my legs would have been locked in the rock. We got the

necklace. Its copies mean love.”

"Love?".”You should know, unless Inge has another lover.”

"What do you mean?".”I noticed she wears a necklace like that herself.”

"Oh, that one. I gave it to her a year back, a few months before the war started. But I never knew its meaning until now. Now I understand why she reacted the way she did.”. Cyber grinned shyly.

"Did you give Soraya one?".”I did. The original.”.”You gave her the big one?".”Aye. When we came back in Numavost the elven king -the same one who is in the war room right now though he never recognized me-put some

smiths to work and when the first copies were made he gave the original one to me. Use it wisely, he said. And I feel I did. I gave it to Soraya.”

"That's the way to do it. I bet she was impressed to say the least.”

"She was. But we haven't seen each other for a long time now. Not long for elves but way too long for me.”.”I

understand. I already miss Inge.”

"You're right. Elves are good company. Most of them anyway. Some are somewhat too arrogant but the Numavost elves are not as bad as the Greentown elves.

Soraya was born and bred in Greentown but has spent some time in the Wind Realm, where she raised me as I told. But she is nice and friendly, like Bolrick, and like Inge. Inge reminds me of Soraya. Not by her looks. When compared to Inge Soraya almost looks barbaric. She's a magewarrior who prefers the sword. She's always outside and that gives her a good tan.”

"But you still haven't explained why she's not here now with you.”

"I ran away and met you.”Cyber answered dryly.”She used to visit me back in Catilae and now I'm not there anymore.”

"Should have taken her and Bolrick with you.”.”They live in Numavost now. At least I believe so.”

"Maybe we are lucky and Inge tells Soraya what a great human guy she has. And then Soraya sighs and recalls she has a nice human friend as well and tells your name. And then Inge says:hey, I know that guy.”

"And then they all come to meet me again. That'll be the day. Maybe you're right, but where are they now?"

"I don't know. That Bolrick, is he no threat?". Cyber started to laugh.

"Apart from the fact that he's got a face that makes an orc look handsome and that he's as fat as Roelof's highpriest,

he's her brother.”

"Such a pretty sister and such an ugly brother.”Bulldozer snickered.

"Just like you and Kiki.”Cyber teased. They laughed loudly.

Bulldozer was always considered pretty handsome and he could take a joke.

"Hey, before we go back west I must see Adam. I don't want to live on permanently looking like an easterner.”

"You're right about that. Well, Adam doesn't sleep. Find him.”

Bulldozer found Adam in his room, lost in concentration.

Bulldozer knocked twice and then Adam looked up.”Hey, I never heard you come in.”

"And you have such good ears. What were you doing?Praying to some neutral god?".”I wasn't, I was concentrating for a few spells I must cast. Why aren't you asleep yet?Something wrong with Cyber?"

"Something is wrong with me. I want myself back, if you know what I mean.”

"Ah, I see. Completely forgot about it. Sit down and I will undo the effect.”

Adam started casting, waving his hands in strange moves and talking in the language of magic. Then Bulldozer felt his skin tickle and saw himself looking normal again. Only his fast-growing beard had grown a little too much.”Never mind, I want to look in Cyber's mirror anyway. You always look

clean. Or do you have a spell to shave?"he added with a thunderous laugh.

Adam also smiled.”I could have one, I guess, but I don't. My beard doesn't grow very fast.”.”I see. So that's how you're working. You can be so young because time goes much slower for you and that's also why your beard doesn't grow.”.”You are absolutely right, very good.”Adam smiled.

Bulldozer nodded and wished him a good night, then closed the door behind him.

 

Meanwhile, Inge was wandering through the Fire Realm, not far from the Mid Realm. Her company was indeed made of Bolrick and Soraya.

"So exactly what are we looking for?"she asked.”The strange fact is that I don't know that myself.”Bolrick answered.

"Then you know?"Inge asked Soraya.”Ignastasias, I have no idea.”

"Then where are we going?We're first going to find out what we're looking for and then start looking for it?What is this?"

"It's one of those strange things that captured Sorayanthalia's mind again. She knows she has to go somewhere to find something. She knows exactly where to go but she can't name a place. We are going through this for the seventh time now.”

"When you found the necklace of Secion, was that also because of those feelings?"

"No, that was ordered by King Sevinaeus. I thought you knew.”

"I just wasn't sure.”.”When was the last time we saw each other, Ignastasias?".”Must be some twenty years ago. My

beloved wasn't even born at that time.”.”I see you're

wearing a necklace. But. . . not born?You mean you have a human friend?".”I do. What's wrong with that?"

Well. . . nothing. As a matter of fact I do, too. We have always had many things in common. First we shared first prize in the archery tournament, then we went to magic school together.

We've had a few adventures together before I left for the Wind Realm and our fathers fought side by side.”

"How is your father?".”He still lives, grace the gods. He still serves in the temple of Tyf. He hasn't been called to battle because of his age. He helps the wounded, and many there are. But he's too old to heal with one hand a wield a mace with the other.”

"My father was also too old, but he didn't realize and now he's gone.”

"I heard so, aye. Your mother was still wearing the black robes of mourning when we left Numavost. She asked us to give her her regards when we would run into you.”.”How did you find me?".”We went to the king in Pezar and he said last he knew was that you were in Medival, so we went.”

"And why did you come to pick me up on this strange trip?"

"Just for fun. As you said, we haven't seen each other for twenty years.”

"Where are we heading?".”North so to see.”Bolrick said. His horse looked tired from carrying all the weight. The elf was fat and had no good condition but when it came to

spellweaving he was good and experienced.

"Great. Let's go to the teutons.”.”Bolrichitalos, I feel we're here.”

"Where?Ah, I guess you mean that village over there. There we have to find something. Well then sleep and see what we're looking for.”

"Sleep?"Inge asked, surprised.”She must dream and get a vision of what we are looking for.”Bolrick explained.

Inge nodded and soon Soraya was soundly asleep. Normally she didn't sleep much but she felt she was pretty weary as well so it wasn't difficult to fall asleep. Meanwhile Bolrick and Inge stood guard.

While Bolrick was studying his spells, Inge looked around. She had her broadsword unsheathed and she could see some people who were still in the streets. Of course, there were many elves and even more half-elves in the Fire Realm, and elves only slept once a week or so.

This land of volcanoes, geysers and hot spots was pretty quiet.

The people generally lived on agriculture but most had sought refuge in the larger towns now because their realm was close to hostile realms. But almost no enemy showed up. Because they were also near the Mid Realm and even pretty close to Dragon Peak. But the biggest threat was the

Black Cross Legion, who attacked at once and let them choose to retreat or to die. The Legion took no prisoners.

 

They walked on at dawn and entered the village.”Now what are we looking for, Sorayanthalia?"Bolrick asked. He looked good-humoured.”A diamond. A big diamond.”.”Then we are indeed at the right spot. This looks like a miner village to me.

Everybody must be out fir diamonds. And they will all

be looking for a big one.”Bolrick said with a smile.

"But I bet they have never seen one like this. While a normal diamond has no colour and yet all the colours in the world this one was a deep dark blue. It was shaped like a classic magical diamond.”

"Magical?That will be easy. We just start detecting magic around the town and then we will find it easy enough.”

"That's a way. Where to start casting?".”If she still has her feelings we will find out soon enough. Or does it stop in this village?"

"It doesn't. I still feel where to go.”.”Then lead us.”

"We must go north. But still in this town.”

"Maybe the mine. A good place to find a diamond.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                  XII

 

Cyber and Inge were in Pezar, waiting for Inge to return. Meanwhile, Tormentor returned from the field.”Where have you been?"

"Oh, a special unit of rangers has been formed and I was in it. We went to the Water Realm and the Wooden Realm to see if there was anything special.

It sure wasn't boring. Man, you learn a lot when you are with a hundred or so rangers!And sometimes we caught a few

eastern spies. They say troops are gathering in Prep again. I wonder where they go.”.”South.”

"The Southern Realm?They have been out of this all the time.”

"They won't be much longer. Same goes for the north.”

"They will regret that when the frost giants start to fight. And there seem to be white dragons there, definitely not evil.”

"Neutral, the dragon said. But when evil attacks they will fight for their lairs.”.”Definitely.”

"And Inge's gone adventuring with two friends of mine, Soraya and Bolrick. They picked her up when we were in the east.”

"What coincidence. Well, they are also elves so to hear. Where have they gone to?".”I don't know. Soraya sometimes has visions and then she must go somewhere to find something.

While she doesn't know where to find what. And

she walks straight at her goal, sees what she is looking for and finds it.”

"Interesting woman. I'd like to meet her.”.”So do I, of course. I haven't seen her since I joined you.”.”And that's a long time, especially when you're in

love with the woman.”.”How do you know?".”I can hear it. The tone of your voice when you talk about her tells me so.”.

"You are a good observer.”

"That's my life.”.”So, where do we go from here?"

"We are going nowhere. I am going to wait for Inge before we go on a trip again.”.”Oh yeah, just call it a trip. So what have you done?"

"Well, I seem to have a half-sister who is the leader of the resistance in the east, though she's only fifteen. I killed a mayor in an eastern town and I know what it's like to look eastern.”

"Hey wait a minute, one thing at a time!"Tormentor yelled.

"You have a half-sister?".”That Kiki girl, from the Water Realm. It all comes from the story Dad told about himself being seduced by another woman.”

"I remember that. Amazing. Fifteen you said?And she leads the Ratz?"

"Aye, I was stunned as well. But she can handle the stress that comes with a job like that quite well. She never ceases to amaze me. And now this. . .”

"How do you know she doesn't make it up?From what you told she always admired you.”.”By magic. Adam used a spell to ensure she's telling the truth. And you can't cheat magic.”

"To that mayor. Why did you kill him?".”Because he was a mayor and he irritated me. When you said the word assassin he did it in his pants. But we first heard him out, and that's how we know where those troops are going.”.”How?".”We needed an excuse to enter the town when two wiseguy guards asked for it. So I told them we were a delegation from Akiragrot to

protect the mayor. Easy way to get in. Then Adam magicked the guards to death and then him.”.”So, no swordplay?".”All magic. Adam told that fool he could cast a spell and the mayor couldn't be killed anymore.”

"I see. A spell that kills you. And you can't be killed again.”

"He left the last word.”.”Very clever. Who is Adam?"

"A mage from the Black Cross Legion who joined us.”.”And Inge?"

"She's a Numavost elf, or a Western Numavost elf as they say there. She couldn't come along, she would be noticed.”.”And you?You look pretty western yourself.”.”Adam knew a spell to change my look. I looked like an easterner.

Nothing about my body changed, my hair just turned black and my skin got an eastern tan. Man, that Adam is one weird guy. He claims he's twenty-four but he is too powerful to be that young. And he's human. I found out he stretches time to make himself stay that young.”

"Stretch time?Must be very difficult. That man must have some powers indeed. But that's why he's with the Legion.”.”I guess so.”

"By the way, when you were gone a message has been delivered to your place. From the organisers of the Western Games. They ask if you want to compete in the wrestling event, where Jelomar was defending champion.”

"Why not?Sports can take my mind off the war for a moment. Besides, the Games are great. Winning is more important than participating.”

"Bulldozer, it was the other way around.”. Bulldozer grinned broadly.

"Maybe for others, I won't take second place.”

"And you're going for the human heavyweight class?".”And the open class.”

"Oh great. Facing elves, dwarves, half-elves, minotaurs and maybe even ogres and orcs.”.”That's just fun. Let's see who can beat me.”

"And you'd sure like to win an extra platinum medal of honour.”

"Nope. I'd love it.”

 

The three elves walked through the village and Inge proposed they would first go to an inn and get some food. But Soraya shook her head.”We must first go see the mayor.”.”You know him?".”Not yet. Soon I will.”

They walked on to the city hall and asked an audience with the mayor.

"A blue diamond?Never seen it. But there is a shaft in the mine where we can't pass through. It is loaded with

something, magic we fear. We have tried digging and blowing up walls but nothing worked. I fear it is spellbound.”

"Spellbound?Interesting.”.”Is that the only unknown part of the mine?"

"Positive.”.”Then that will be where we must look.”.”And the magic?"

"We have our own magic, maybe we can dispel it.”.”I will tell the foreman you are coming tomorrow. Or did you want to go right away?"

"Tomorrow will be fine. Now we're going to have some food. I'm starving.”

Bolrick stated. The mayor, a half-elf, told them where the best inn was.

They thanked him and left the building to find the inn pretty soon.

"So tomorrow we go see that spellbound shaft.”.”Dawn will be fine.”Inge said.”We always leave at dawn. It has become a habit for us.”

"Us?"Bolrick asked between two bites. Inge and Soraya had already finished eating but Bolrick had just ordered another plate. No wonder he's so fat, Inge thought by herself.

Bolrick, the eldest, had always eaten much.

"We travel in three or four, with my Bulldozer, the paladin we met in the beginning of the war and Bulldozer's cousin Tormentor, a tall ranger.”

"You know that human friend of mine I told about?He's also a paladin. They are friendly people, you know?Though they can be rough at times they always try to be polite. Though he looks so severe even though he's so young. He's always dressed in black, complete with a black cloak and he wears so many weapons under his cloak!I never understood why since he

always relies on his bastard sword. The sword is very special, it's made by dwarves and not made of normal steel but out of what the dwarves call frozen moonlight. And if that isn't enough, the sword is enchanted as well. That's why we call him Karmak, dwarvensword. But his real name is. . .”

"Cyber.”. Now even Bolrick stopped eating.”Cyber Castlestone of Uiostac. How did you know?".”Because he's our paladin. I considered it first but then you described in and then I knew it was him.”

"Aye you sure it is my Karmak, or Cyber?".”Positive.”Inge nodded.

"So, our two human friends are together and now the two of you are as well. That can be fun.”Bolrick said, resuming the assault on his plate.

"You'll have a Roelof's waste when you go on like that brother.”Soraya said, teasingly stinging him in the side with her elbow.

"And this friend of yours, Bulldozer, is he The Mighty Bulldozer we have heard of?The same guy who is resistant to magic because he killed a dragon and. . .”.”One and the same.

That's my Bulldozer.”

"Interesting guy you have. What's he like?".”I think he's changed because of that scale mail. Somehow, he feels

different to me. But when he takes it off it's the man I've always loved. He is rough and tough but to me he is

always nice. He is intelligent, warm and strong. Physically he is also strong, he's built like a minotaur and over six feet tall. He masters all kinds of fighting, as he's a son of Swordslaught Rockscale. He likes to talk to his foes and then suddenly strikes deadly when they're distracted. But his

power has made him bold. Very bold. He would walk straight up the stairs of the High Palace, bash the door open, brandish his sword as salute to the king and say something like:

"Hey, how are you going dude?". But people seem

to tolerate it from him. He once made a decision to defend Numavost with the unit in which he is only a sergeant and his king couldn't say a thing against it. He's an awesome predator but a lovable man at the same time.”

"And you moved to Pezar because of him?".”It is obvious we haven't seen each other for twenty years, Sorayanthalia. I have been betrothed to Diregonthianis. Maybe you know him,

he's the first son of Swetoruntius.

He wanted to teach me how to fight but it went wrong and I accidentally killed him. To avoid the wrath of his family I ran away from Numavost.

I went to Pezar, and there I met this young warrior.”

"I had spent part of the night in a pub and when I walked outside I was followed and grabbed by a human. . . he was drunk and very aggressive. Before I could cast a spell he suddenly flew through the air, landed hard and ran away. I was lying on my back and I saw a young man standing over me,

offering his hand to help me up. He introduced himself as Bulldozer Rockscale, third and youngest son of Swordslaught Rockscale. And I know that the name Rockscale is well-known in Numavost and I had seen Swordslaught once in the archery tournament, invited even though he was human. So I knew

I could trust him. I just had a place for myself but I was pretty lonely.

Pezar just isn't the right place for elves. So we started seeing each other after his daily training and on his day off and soon we fell in love.

He was so admirable, so strong and so kind. . . I just forgot all about Diregon, whom I never cared much about. I was kind of scared when Bulldozer wanted to teach me how to fight. I told him what had happened before but he just laughed and told me I couldn't hit him even if I wanted.

He loves to challenge. But even though I have learnt much over the years I still can't hit him when we're

practising. He can block, dodge or parry everything and then counterattack with speed, style and technique like no

other warrior can. In technique and style he always bested his brothers.

Jelomar was stronger and Logan faster. I haven't seen his brothers often, though. They trained all day, drilled by Swordslaught, and we met at night. Only on seven-day he got a day off.”.”What did you do for living?"

"Before I got a job in the library I performed for small audiences, competed in archery tournaments, gambled a

little. . . I wasn't very rich.

But the most disgusting was that people started offering me money to sell my body. They told me elves were the best, if you know what I mean. I know the gods blessed me with this body and selling it would be blasphemy and far beyond my pride.”

"They can be interesting people, you know?"Bolrick remarked.”Who?"

"Women who sell their bodies. Most of the time they have lived through a lot that made them end up in that

situation. One time I even found an elven

girl, but I felt something was wrong with her and I left.”

"You mean you often visit them?"Inge asked, surprised.

"Well, not often. No matter what you do they still charge you and some don't want to talk, they just lie down and let it come over them. Those will not see me a second time.”

Soraya stared into emptiness.”I can't believe Karmak is actually one of the heroes of the Second Crusade.”she said softly.

"Everybody calls us heroes, but the war isn't over yet.”

"It can never last long anymore. The losses of the east have been great especially since the dragons got themselves involved with their knights. Although I wonder how they could make Black Akira capitulate. He is a powerful wizard with dragon magic powers.”

"Maybe that's why Bulldozer always calls him black dragon.”

"Black dragon?Could be. It would explain why he, as a human, could have dragon magic powers. But then again, he's always looked human as far as I can remember him. He became leader of the Eastern Realm seventy-nine years ago and he was chosen for life. People just forgot some wizards use their magic to expand their lifespan. He's one of the mages nobody dares to attack. Everybody wants to kill him but nobody wants to try.”

"Would you want to try?".”Me?No way. He is far more powerful then the three of us together.”.”You are absolutely right.

But do you think you are powerful enough to dispel that magic lock around the mineshaft?"

"That shouldn't be difficult. Besides, I think that my sister should do that. She's the one who got us here.”.”You are the most powerful mage of us.”.”I agree, because you spent more time training with the sword.”

"And you're the eldest.”

"I can't wait to see Karmak again.”Soraya just said. Obviously, her mind was somewhere else.

"Maybe I know somebody who could challenge Black Akira. That young mage from the Legion. He is so incredibly powerful, I could not believe he is that young. But I did an age spell on him and it indeed showed he is young.”

"Young in human terms or in elven terms?".”He is human, so he is young in human terms.”.”How can you be so sure he is human?"

"I detected magic around him but not a spell of shapeshifting. What I saw was himself in his true shape. I could feel different when he gave Bulldozer an eastern tan.”

"Hey, you mention Bulldozer. He is resistant to magic.

He can attack Black Akira when the magic can't hurt him. For him Black Akira is nothing but. . . a black dragon?". Bolrick looked up, thinking.

"When he can take a dragon shape again there is nothing even a warrior as formidable and fierce as Bulldozer can do. He killed an ill dragon but Black Akira is strong and

healthy, as far as I know. When Bulldozer fights

Black Akira he will die.”

"How can you say that?Bulldozer is not going to challenge Black Akira. Unless there is more he knows. He has spent over two weeks with that red dragon and there is a lot he knows. He remembers everything the dragon said. When he

describes the talks he had with the dragon he quotes the

dragon's very words.”

"Maybe the dragon repeats its own words through Bulldozer. How is his voice then?Is he in a trance?"

"No, he just speaks in a normal way in his own voice and he is not in a trance. He only has his natural concentration. He just remembers everything.”

"Well then, I guess the dragon has put his words in Bulldozer's mind forever. Who knows what dragon magic can do?"

 

For Bulldozer, it was hard to find some competition. Cyber was a slouch in unarmed combat and few other men could match his power. He pressed metal weights, threw heavy rocks and ran a lot. Sometimes he would teach Cyber a few tricks but Cyber didn't like training much:then he had to drop all his

weapons and take off his armour, revealing his curse openly.

"I wonder how long it would take before they are back. They've been gone for weeks now.”.”I see. Longing to see Soraya again eh?"

"Of course. I'm starting to get worried.”

"Two magewarriors and a mage?Don't worry.”

"I can understand that you don't worry. I mean. . . your family. . . Inge's father. . . why don't you worry?".”I worried when the two of you went alone.

I worried when we left her in Medival. But with three elves who all have their spells I can't worry. Besides, the realms are not occupied anymore. There are few eastern soldiers.

They're safe.”

But Cyber shook his head frantically.”Soraya doesn't know where she is going. She goes where her mind leads her. That can be straight to Akiragrot!Ma Tyf, I definitely worry and I won't stop worrying until they're back.”

But that only lasted five minutes, then Inge rushed into the door, flying in Bulldozer's arms. Behind her Bolrick wiggled through the door and greeted Cyber.”Soraya?".”Waiting for you in the park.”Inge said. Cyber hurried out

at once.”And you must be Bolrick.”Bulldozer said, pulling an extra chair for his guest. It had been Jelomar's chair,

Bulldozer hoped it would support the fat elf's weight as Jelomar hadn't been a lightweight, either.

"Well then, there I finally see that famous scale mail of yours, Mighty Bulldozer. Let me have a look at it. Those are very tough scales, very tough.

And it's a tough man underneath them. How old are you?".”Eighteen. Wine?"

"Please. So young and yet so strong. Will you participate in the Games?"

"I will. I'll be wrestling in the human heavyweight class and the open class as well.”.”That part of the wrestling event will be dominated by the minotaurs and ogres, I fear.”Bolrick said.

"We will see about that. Here you go. Tell me about your journey.”

Bulldozer poured his guest and Inge some wine and looked critically at the chair hearing it groan when Bolrick leaned back in it.

Bolrick started telling about the mine. The magic lock appeared to be an amateur's job and was easy to dispel. They entered and found the blue diamond.”And it was just us for grabs. Soraya took it and felt her mind was free again. Then we left Pezar because the girls missed you so much.”

Inge was sitting next to Bulldozer, her head on his strong shoulder.

"Where is that diamond now?".”I have it right here. Here, take a look at it.”. Bolrick reached inside a pouch and handed over the diamond.

Bulldozer studied the diamond. Unlike usual diamonds this one had a deep blue colour.”Do you feel something special about it?"Bolrick asked.

"I do. It feels unnaturally cold, as if it has lain in a cold wind.”

"Cold wind?". Inge reached out for the diamond and closed her hand around it.”It's a weird feeling but your description fits best.”

"Wind you said?Then maybe this is the famous wind diamond,

part of the diamonds that control the elements:soil, fire,

wind and water. According to the legend the four realms had the fitting diamond:the diamond of fire was in the Fire Realm, the diamond of wind in the Wind Realm, the diamond

of water in the Water Realm and the diamond of soil in the Wooden Realm. That's how the realms got their names.”

"Why the soil diamond in the Wooden Realm?Because there is no Soil Realm?"

"It is the Wooden Realm's old name. When the climates changed that made the north so cold jungles started to grow in the Soil Realm. Anyway, we must have this diamond identified and when what we think is true it must be returned to the Wind Realm.”.”Where did you find it?".”The Fire Realm.”

"Strange. So it goes to Cyber's realm. What does this diamond do?"

"It should control the winds.”.”So with this diamond I can send a tornado to Akiragrot?".”That's of no use.”.”But possible?".”Aye.”

"I see. Very dangerous for those who want to use it for their own sake. So it must fall into safe hands.”

"Indeed, and there is a good place. The Hightemple of Tyf in the realm. In the other realms, that's where the diamonds are stored. This one has been missing for some years. Somebody stole it. A mage so to see as he locked the shaft with weak magic.”

"What are we waiting for?Let's go to that temple.”.”Tomorrow maybe.

At dawn.”. Bulldozer took a sip from his war bottle and murmured something.

Then he rose and left his house.”Where's he going to?".”A refill, most likely.”

A moment later Bulldozer was back with a full bottle. Then he declared they would go to the war room, they had something to report.

"What is taking Cyber so long?".”He hasn't seen Soraya for some time. They have lots to talk about.”

"And where will you be going?"he asked Bolrick.”Oh, my sister and I always have something to do. We will find something.”

"Then shall we go to the war room together, Mighty One?"Inge asked.

"Why not?I'm not going to disturb Cyber with things like that. He has a key.”.”While I'm in Pezar I'm going to visit an old friend of mine. If you excuse me. . .”. Bolrick rose and left. Then Bulldozer and Inge left for the war room, where Bulldozer walked to the dragon first.

"Greetings, dragon. Are there whites in the north?"

"Greetings, young warrior. There are lots of whites in the north. Most whites live there. And frost giants. A devious race of mammoths with their own will, normally claiming

neutrality. They are dangerous to fight. Why, were you

intending to go there?".”Not me, the eastern troops.”

"Whites are the smallest kind of dragons. But they are powerful by all means. When the eastern armies come they will fight them.”

They listened to the dragon for a while, who told about previous battles of white dragons against invaders and why the dragons even bothered to fight off humans:mortals had tried many times to melt the ice crevasses to use

the ground for agriculture.

Then Bulldozer and Inge entered the war room.

"Where is my son?"the king of Catilae asked immediately.

"With Soraya, he has a lot to talk about. And so do we. The eastern troops are marching to the neutral north and south.

The resistance does a good job. The wind's powers were

drained because the diamond was stolen and hidden in a mine. Inge and two elven friends found it and we will present

it to the king of the Wind Realm, trusting he will hand it over to the highpriest of Tyf or whatever that dude is called.”

"It will happen. It is, of course, no news to me that the diamond was missing. But it will return now.”

"You think those diamonds can help us?".”They were not made to destroy armies. They are dangerous. Abuse of the diamonds are said to have caused the desert in the south.”

"We could send a storm to Akira's castle.”

"His powers are beyond that. The entire realm would be destroyed, aye. Himself, no.”

"So the neutral realms will be attacked.”Bulldozer repeated.”I think we should send some help to our friends.”

"What have they done for us?".”Nothing at all. They said mind your own business and leave us alone.”.”I cannot send my men to help people who never outstretched an arm when my realm was conquered.”

"They didn't want us to help them.”

"Exactly. They wanted to be on their own. They can have it their way.”

To Bulldozer's surprise, nobody was willing to help them, not even the noble elven king.”The people in the south despise elves. We despise them.”

"The Southern Realm has a strange culture and few soldiers.”Inge pleaded.

The Dragonlord nodded friendly.”I understand. I will send the dragons to the south. But I can't possibly send them north or a clash with the white dragons there is inevitable, a very unnecessary battle since they are both against the eastern aggressors.”

"The north will manage if they have dragons.”the dwarven king added.

"I hope so.”Bulldozer could only say.

He left the war room with a disappointed face.

 

                                  XIII

 

Three days later they finally saw Cyber again.”Hey, where have you been?With Soraya all the time?".”Aye, we had a lot to discuss.”.”What?"

"I. . . I really don't like to talk about it.”.”Bad news?"

"No. . . but I never talk about it, I even never tell Bolrick.

She's playing a weird cat and mouse game with me and I can't stand it. She has her home in Numavost now and she wants to stay there for one reason and leave it for another. There are rules, she says, and she needs to follow them.”

"By marrying another elf, is that what you mean?"Inge asked. She saw him nodding slowly and she shook her head.”That's very unlike Soraya. I have known her before you were born and she is not like that at all. She told

me how much she loved you and she never lied to me.”

Do you think she's found somebody else?".”In that short period?No way. All the time she spoke of her Cyber, her loyal and friendly paladin. She is still in love with you and as far as I know her she is not the type of girl who sees somebody in the streets and runs off with him.”

"But she is becoming a woman at the age of wedding, and I'm not.”

"Soon you will be and then she will also still be. Times goes much slower for elves, remember?".”I do, and that's another problem. But that's not what I'm so worried about. She acts so strange now. She has always been like a big sister to me and now we're of the same age. Even when she marries somebody else she will always be in my heart.”

"I understand how you feel. I guess she likes to play games. She may be old in your standards but to us she is just a young girl. And maybe she likes to play.”

"Playing with my feelings is not funny.”Cyber replied bitterly.

"I know, but could she be so naive not to realize that?I don't know why she acts the way she does but I am sure she has something on her mind.”

"Probably.”.”Where is she now?I would like to have a word with her.”

"Gone. Back to Numavost, together with Bolrick.”

"So she's gone again. And what are we going to do?"

"I am going to train some more. The Games start tomorrow and I want to be fit. After the opening ceremonial the target throwing starts. Then the running comes, and after that the wrestling matches start. A long day and a whole night, as always. And the next night the Games will be closed.

But it will be the hottest day in the summer. It is a huge way to welcome the summer, even in a time of war.”

"Why are you always wearing your mail?"Cyber asked. He himself was now dressed in a loose-fitting black tunic.”Maybe to prevent thieves from stealing it.”.”Oh, I thought it was spellbound to your body.”

"It isn't that bad. I can take it off whenever I want to.”

"You will have to take it off when wrestling.”.”I know. I am stronger when I wear the mail and I won't cheat the sports.”

"What do you think your chances are?".”For the human class I think my chances are fine. I am big, strong, muscled and well-schooled. For the open class I wonder if I can stand a chance against the ogres and the minotaurs. I will have to try to outsmart the ogres for on power I am not going to defeat them.”.”I don't know, I never watched ogres wrestling.”

"I understand. I'm going to run a little. I will be back in a few hours.”

"You're going to run for a few hours?"Cyber asked.”With some small five minute breaks or so, aye. Why that?".”I could never make that.”

"Maybe because you are always wearing that heavy chain mail and all those weapons. Sometimes I can't believe you actually wear all those weapons lying there under your cloak.”.”I really do.”.”See you.”

Bulldozer left and returned three hours later. By then Inge had prepared dinner and Bulldozer was not eating much, selecting his food carefully.

"A feast meal can be given after the Games, I can't eat too much tonight. In two days it will all be over. And I have to compete both days.”

"You are lucky you can get some sleep in between. First is the human class while the open class is the final wrestling event.”

"Aye. The other classes will wrestle during the night. The arena looks brilliant at night, with all those lights.”

"I know. The Games are a spectacle to see. And especially now you will appear in the arena.”

As an evening workout Inge, who had learned some techniques from Bulldozer, sparred a little with him after casting a spell on herself to resist his enormous strength a little. Bulldozer let her do all the attacking to

train on his defence and to his satisfaction Inge couldn't get through one single time. Then she saw a small hole in his defence and went for it.

Too late she saw it was a trap and with a nice throw she was suddenly lying on the ground, her shoulders pinned by

Bulldozer.

After that Bulldozer started attacking and he could perform a lot of moves to pin Inge or get her into a position where she could only submit.

"It's obvious that you've had years of continuous training, Mighty One. You know so many different techniques.”.”Aye. Are you hurt?"

"Only a little in my thigh muscles, that stretch manoeuvre hurt.”

"No need to see a cleric for that, I'll massage it away.”.”You have healing hands on that point.”. They walked home and found Cyber reading.

"What are you reading, Cyber?Hey, that's one of my books!"Inge said.

"Oh, er. . . I hoped you wouldn't mind. It's just Karion fut Junder, battle against yourself. I wouldn't dare touching your spellbooks.”

"It's quite all-right but. . . you're reading that?".”What kind of book is that?"Bulldozer wanted to know.”Oh, just a novel about a warrior with problems but it's in elven.”.”So?I have lived in Numavost for half a year. They taught me their language. I speak elven fluently, what's so strange about that?You speak our language just as easy.”.”You've got a point there Cyber. Or Karmak.”

"Oh, I have a lot of names. Sometimes I used to travel under another name. When I was in Numavost they called me Karmak,

because of my sword.”

"Soraya told me that. We still know little of you, why don't you tell us your story?"Inge asked.”Maybe there are things I want to keep to myself.”

"Like that curse of yours, I know. But tell us what you can share.”

"Well, I was born in Catilae eighteen years ago as the first son, and thus heir of the throne. When I was very young I never cared much about it. But then it started to bother me. When I played with other kids and fought for fun they would be too careful to give real competition because there

was always a guard at twenty feet who would grab them and punish them if they went too far. That's the way things go back in my realm-or my part of the realm, I should say.”

"My brother only abused it. He enjoyed teasing the other kids and when they couldn't withstand his taunts anymore and approached him he would run straight to the guard. After some time I got disgusted with the idea. I invited a veteran soldier to train me in the art of fighting. But he said

I was too noble to be a normal fighter. I should become a knight. But rules and orders have never meant much to me and I decided to become a paladin.

That includes a bigger religious program than warriors but not all the rules of the knighthood and life in freedom,

outside any order. I always wanted to have some kind of magic to use beside the sword and we paladins have certain

qualities in the ways of spellcasting. Of course I am not yet

a paladin who can heal, I am young and not that experienced.

But I have spent my life so far training and studying,

learning the special ways of a paladin. My father didn't like it a bit. I walked around in dark neighbourhoods and met the people there. Can you see my position?A heir to the throne who spends his life with ordinary subjects, totally

unacceptable for my father, who is a strict and old-fashioned king. And then I went on small adventures, together with Bolrick and Soraya, only demolishing the relationship between my father and myself even further.”

"The elves learned me a lot. The elvish habits and language,

their way of life, the strange and exciting things the world offers. . . they showed me everything on our journeys. And I loved it. This was real life. I trained a lot with different weapons, because I like variation. But then I went to

Khazam and I become a hero there, along with Bolrick and Soraya.

We freed the area of a huge wild boar and brought him back to have him roasted. Then they presented me this

dwarvensword. It's the most beautiful one-and-a-half-handed sword I have ever seen. It's not made of metal but of

what the dwarves call frozen moonlight.”. With that, he presented the sword.

It was indeed a precious sword, with a bright white blade slightly carved on one side and sharp on the other side. It had two small twin peaks on the sides and a long sharp point between them. All in all it was a beautiful and very

dangerous weapon. Nobody knew how the ancient dwarves forged the frozen moonlight, and they wouldn't tell.

"Anyway, then I started to become a bastard sword specialist. And I learned how to forge weapons myself when I spent some time with a weaponsmith. What more is there to tell?I had plans to leave the court but somehow I always returned. Then I moved to Numavost and I chose the wrong time.

My father had just had some problems with elves and thought I was kidnapped by the elves. He has something against other races, you know. He even went as far as sending troops but the scouts met me and I sent them back because my father was just overreacting. When I returned six months later he almost bound me to the palace. And I couldn't stand it, of course.

Then his health worsened and the war started. I was sent to Pezar in his place and when I heard he would come to the war room I took my chances, ran off and met you.”

"Not much. But you're young, there will be a lot more to tell twenty years from now. Hey, we're almost out of beer. Can you help me get a keg from the Maiden?".”Aye, I'll come with you.”. He left with Bulldozer to the pub where they bought a keg of beer. It was a heavy keg but they carried it with

ease. And while Cyber was amazed about Bulldozer's strength Bulldozer was just as amazed about Cyber's. Bulldozer

realized Cyber had had years of adventure and long journeys and Cyber understood Bulldozer had had years of hard

raining. But still something wasn't right.

"Are you as strong as you seem to be?"both asked at the same time.

"Well, I have a magical item that gives me some extra strength. And you?"Cyber started.”I think it's the scale mail. The dragon said he would make me stronger.”.”I see. This is a heavy keg, I see the people looking at us for the ease we carry it with. Ah, there we are again.”

Bulldozer connected the tap with the new keg in the basement and followed Cyber upstairs. There she found Inge studying a book.

"That's not one of your spellbooks. What's that?".”A book to learn more about magic. This particular book is about

scribing spells. When I now need a scroll I have to buy them at the magic guild and they charge heavily.

I want to be able to scribe myself but that takes years of study. The process of mixing parchment and components, the creation of the special self-destructing ink. . . it takes years to learn all that. I'm starting.

But once I will be able to make scrolls myself.”

"Are you seeking more powers for yourself?".”Of course, all I can get my hands on. For good use, of course. I am no dark elf.”

"Of course not. I once heard a story about the birth of the dark elven race. There are two kinds of dark elves:the

Rendonisi, the good or neutral elves who were cast out of Numavost for turning evil and the Gretonisi, the children born in evil. When the Rendonisi were cast out they headed

east until they came in a quiet place we now know as the Dark Elf Realm or Dark Numavost. It is said that the

Rendonisi's magical powers have created the atmosphere in the Dark Realm while the dark clerics created

the Grave Realm. Those two forces made the east an evil world. Then the dark elves got children there, who were

influenced by their environment and were

no longer looking like the Numavost elves but like the eastern humans with the eastern tan, black hair and dark eyes. Studying magic they once tried to conquer more land but the Numavost elves stopped them in the elven Kinwars.

After that no dark elf wanted to leave their realm. They lived on their own, never bothering anyone else except for the well-known Elfslayers, the band of Gretonisi who

travelled around the world to slay with no reason. There

were twenty of them and they seemed to be impossible to beat. It took a giant trap with an enormous rock avalanche to defeat them. It is said that their souls are still wandering around the rocks and that they still make victims.”

"That's crap!"Inge suddenly yelled.”No matter how great their evil powers were, they could never live after death.

Elves cannot become undead. That is just impossible. I don't know who told you this Cyber, but it's a lie.”

"Okay, okay. . .”Cyber quickly withdrew.”. . . I just heard a story from a bard and it might be crap. No offense to your race.”

"None taken, but the rest of your story is true. . . maybe that's why the last part bothered me as much as it did.”

"Who told it?".”I don't know. I listened a lot to elven bards. And Bolrick and Soraya also taught me a lot of elvish lore. I always liked it. It's very interesting, you know?"

"It sure sounds fascinating. To tell you the truth I have never cared much about the past. But somehow it rings a bell to me. Maybe Inge told me.”.

"I can't remember telling you this, Mighty One. As you said, you were never really interested in history.”

"It's getting late, I'll get in early tonight. The night is short and I will need all my strength in the next two days.”

"You are right. You must be fit for the Games.”

Bulldozer nodded and walked to his room. The Western Games were about to start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                  XIV

 

The sun had just risen when the magisters opened the Western Games with the torch of peace. Bulldozer was waiting

anxiously in the large dressing room area, lifting weights and stretching.

Finally the humans started to wrestle but first came the light weights, after that the middle weights and finally the heavy weights.

Bulldozer was the first one up in the first round. His opponent was a big man called Steelarm, a wood chopper from the Wooden Realm.

When they locked up Steelarm immediately went for a knee press but Bulldozer counted it with a painful twist on the knee.

The man tried to twist out of it and made the mistake Bulldozer had been waiting for:he rolled to his other side. Now Bulldozer quickly rolled on top of the man's back and

twisted the leg in a submission hold and there

was nothing the wood chopper could do. Bulldozer won the match in less than two minutes and everybody applauded.

"I always like to watch sports.”Cyber told Inge.”Especially if somebody I know is involved. My little brother plays horseball, he's quite a star at that. A pity they don't have horseball in the Games. Ah, there's the next match. Let's see who Bulldozer's next opponent is.”.”I bet on the big one.”

And she was right.”I have put my gold on Bulldozer for the medal in the human class. I can't see anybody who can beat him.”Inge told.

"How much did you put on him?".”Seventy goldweights. I got five to one.”

"That much?"Cyber asked, shaking his head.”Aye. I know he will win.”

"Or you lose your money. We got a lot of money from the lords but you lost your job because of the war. You've got to think about that, too.”

"Aye. I don't have too much. Unlike Bulldozer, who suddenly turned into a rich man. I have my share but I can always use more.”

Cyber and Inge knew Bulldozer knew a lot of different techniques and after having seen what he could do the rest of the wrestlers looked a bit dilettante, even though they were the finest wrestlers in the realms.

Then Bulldozer came back. He knew his opponent was a powerhouse and decided to use fast moves against him, to distract him and to strike where he was most vulnerable. He started off with some fast throwing manoeuvres and

used some light tricks. Then the man charged but Bulldozer charged in, suddenly dove to the ground and rolled under the man, tackling him and grabbing him in a headlock. He fell to the ground, connecting his opponent's head with the ground.

The man was knocked out cold and Bulldozer could pin

him without effort. Everybody applauded and Bulldozer started to show off a little.

 

Inge shook her head and smiled, then looked up. She saw a familiar face.

"Hey Cyber, look who's there. Our friend from the Legion!".”Where?"

"Right over there, near the gates in the arena.”. Now Cyber saw him, the young looking mage with his sword and his ebony cross:Adam Warlock.

"What's he doing there?If he were just here to enjoy the Games he would be sitting in the stands just like us. But he's just standing there.”

"Do you think he will wrestle?".”That couldn't be. Everybody has wrestled in the human class. Or. . . ?".”You still think he's not human?"Cyber said, casting a side glance at Inge.”I don't know. Something is not right about him. There is a lot more to him than meets the eye.”

"I remember we told him about the Games and about magic cheaters. He said there were easy spells to see if somebody was under the influence of supportive spells. Maybe he's here to check on everybody or to teach the mages the spell to catch cheaters his way.”

They watched how the bouts got tougher but Bulldozer had no trouble with his semifinal opponent and displayed might and superiority over the other wrestlers. Then he was in the final bout and was facing a skilled and muscled man from the Senkri-tribe in the Water Realm. The barbarian knew

how to handle a man like Bulldozer and Bulldozer was surprised when he was caught in a throw he had never seen before. Before he knew it he was lying on his back and the barbarian made a dive for him. He rolled out of the way

just in time and jumped on the man's back, going for a chinlock.

But the man twisted out and they were loose again. They locked up again and this time Bulldozer got the upper hand, pressing the barbarian down.

They could match power and strength but they had quite different styles of wrestling, and that made it a good match to watch.

The barbarian could put a squeeze hold on Bulldozer who needed all his strength to get out of it and then suddenly his neck was under pressure due to a new hold. Bulldozer shifted his weight and threw the man over his hip. He quickly followed up by lifting his opponent clean off the ground

and slamming him down. Then he slammed him again, seeing he was getting groggy. He noticed the barbarian gave a little way, betraying he had just learned the throw and Bulldozer surprised him with a totally new throw.

As he landed Bulldozer grabbed him by the ankles and the barbarian started to struggle for all his worth as he could guess what Bulldozer would be going for. But Bulldozer showed no mercy and stepped over the barbarian to roll him into a submission hold on both legs. The man shouted in pain and struggled but finally Bulldozer could hear his opponent submit.

Bulldozer nodded with a grin, let go of the legs and helped his opponent to his feet as a token of sportsmanship.

Bulldozer stood in triumph as he received his platinum medal of honour, while the music played the anthem of the Western Realm and the flag was raised. Then all human wrestlers entered the arena for a ritual salute to thank the crowd for their support.

 

After a few hours Cyber arrived back in the arena. He had gone back to Inge's place where he had slept for a few hours as the wrestling of the other races was going on. Inge had still kept his seat and as he sat down he saw a small

demonstration of somebody who could breathe fire.

"Why did they start this kind of games anyway?"Cyber asked.

"As far as I know this all comes from a band of nobles who financed the gladiator games a long time back to entertain the crowd. Later the small Western Realm became a kingdom and the king forbade the gladiator games under pressure of the clergy. Then the people got bored and asked permission

to use the arena for other events, such as sporting events.

The old nobles agreed and financed the first Western Games. Originally there was only running and wrestling but later it became a large event for all the realms in the west and more types of sports, like target throwing and

archery were added to the program. Now it is organized by a special Games committee of wise old men, the magisters. They are the ones right over there in that white lodge, see?And even in time of war the games must go on.”

"All this must cost a lot. Then why is the entrance fee that low?"

"I don't know much about the costs. But they only have to make sure the dressing room areas are all-right, that there is somebody for health care for the athletes, that the arena looks okay and things like that. And well over one thousand people fit in this arena. I even think it comes near two

thousand. And it's all filled, of course. Two thousand silverweights would be more than enough to fill in the budget. And the merchants also bring in their money. The magisters don't need to make money on it, they love the Games themselves and they are the old nobles who are wealthy enough.

The committee stresses that this is an event for fun. Participating is more important than winning. The Games stand for sportsmanship and peace.”

"Sounds quite noble. But most athletes will go for the medal.”

"Of course. Hey, they're preparing the wrestling circle again. I think the next class will start soon.”

 

Bulldozer was pitted in the second match of the first round and he met a crafty dwarf who knew how to handle people taller than himself. When Bulldozer tried to lock up collar and elbow the dwarf suddenly ducked, grabbed his wrist and caused him to drop to the canvas mat.

The crowd roared but Bulldozer hurled the dwarf overhead in one fluid motion and held on to the arm, spinning him around and tripping him by sticking a leg backwards. He tried to follow up with a splash but the dwarf countered with his behind, knocking Bulldozer in the stomach.

Bulldozer caught his breath quickly and reached out again. Then the dwarf ducked and tried to run between

Bulldozer's legs. Too late he saw it was a trap as Bulldozer slammed his knees together, catching the dwarf's head

in the middle and grabbing him by the waist. He lifted him upside down and forced the dwarf to submit, threatening with a piledriver.

 

"Entertaining match.”a half-elf next to Inge said. She could tell he was half-elven from his face. His eyes were not as slanted as an elf's and he had the first starts of a beard no elf could grow. Due to his clothing she saw he was a mageling, a starting magic user. Next to him was another half-elf but while his friend was all dressed in white and blue this one was dressed in white and yellow.

"Pardon me for not introducing myself.”the one in yellow said.”I am Kimberonius and this is my friend Huyssencion.”

"Ignastasias Aken, and this is Cyber Castlestone.”.”Hey, I have heard of you.”

"Possibly. Where are you from, Fire Realm?". Kimber nodded.”A lot of half-elves live there. Hey!Half-elves!Inge, Ustonias!"

"Our leader?"Kimber asked, puzzled.”What are you talking about?"Inge asked.

"Oh of course, you weren't there. Only Bulldozer, Adam and me. The East!They are planning an attack on Ustonias. We told it wrong when we were in the war room. They were not going to the north but they were going to the Fire Realm where they would try to kill Ustonias. That's what that eastern mayor said. We have to do something.”. The half-elves rose at once.

"We will send message. Do you know anything more?"

"Not yet. Triple the guards around him and watch for troops. When more is known you will be first to know. Now hurry to New Iris.”

The half-elves obeyed and ran out of the arena.

"So you told it a bit wrong. Well, maybe Adam can do something.”

"Right. Where is he?".”Still over there, near the gates. He hasn't been away ever since the Games started.”.”What a strange man he is.”Cyber said, shaking his head.”Has he seen us?".”Probably. He probably has a spell to find somebody.”

They laughed. They looked at the arena again where a half-

elf and a minotaur were competing. The half-elf was no match for the minotaur, who was a true wrestler as most of his long horns were gone and what remained was covered with tape.

"Bulldozer will face the winner of the next match.”Cyber said when he looked at the big scoreboard.

And that was an ogre. These were already the semifinals as there were only eight contestants for the open class. Among them had been two minotaurs and two ogres, but the other ogre had been disqualified for choking.

First the two minotaurs locked up. It was obvious that they had wrestled each other before because they knew each

other's styles. One of them was stronger, the other one

faster. After a long and exciting match the stronger

minotaur won.

"Things don't look good for the Mighty One.”Inge said.”He will first have to worry about that ogre. He took that elf out without a sweat.”

"I think it's good the elf lost. He was a brother of Diregon and it's a good thing he doesn't know I'm here.”.”Why

that?".”Didn't I tell you?I accidentally killed his

brother.”.”And you're afraid he would come for revenge if he found you here?"

"Numavost is not paradise, Cyber.”Inge whispered, her eyes focused on the arena.”Look, there they are.”

Bulldozer entered the arena again, sizing up his twelve feet tall opponent.

The ogre was massively built, weighed at least five hundred pounds and was very strong. But also very stupid, as ogres are. And aggressive.

When the bell rang the ogre flew into him, going for a lock-up. Bulldozer ducked and avoided the clutching yellowish hands and strolled a little.

"Why's he doing that?"Inge wondered.”He'll have his reason for that.”

Grunting, the ogre tried to grab him again and again he dodged and walked away a little. This angered the ogre who suddenly charged. To everybody's surprised Bulldozer called suit and charged back with a roar. This surprised

the ogre a bit but everybody was surprised when Bulldozer knocked the gigantic monster to the ground with a crash.”In case anybody wonders why he calls himself Bulldozer.”Inge smiled.”I see.”Cyber grinned and watched

as the ogre attacked and suddenly flung a closed fist at Bulldozer in rage.

The referee quickly stepped in between them and explained this would result in disqualification. The ogre merely

grunted, barely listening and

saw Bulldozer storm in. He tried to dodge but he had no chance to do so as Bulldozer gave his arm a big spin and the ogre fell to the ground.

Bulldozer was at once on top of him and clamped on a fierce chinlock.

And then the ogre suddenly grabbed the arm that was underneath his chin, lifted it a bit and opened his mouth. The referee saw Bulldozer grimace and saw the ogre was biting. He tried to grab the rulebreaker but got punched away. The bell rang and at once a magic user stepped forward and

used a quick sleep spell on the ogre, who fell down and finally let go of the arm. Bulldozer bit his tongue not to scream but he was helped by a cleric who healed the small wounds after some disinfection.

Bulldozer could rest for a few minutes to prepare for the final, a time filled up by a band of elves with a horseriding demonstration.

Then Bulldozer and the minotaur had to lock up for the medal.

Bulldozer knew the minotaur was the champion of his race and would be a formidable opponent. He struggled for inches but could not match his beastly opponent in strength. Then he suddenly gave way and tossed the minotaur overhead.”The bigger they are, the harder they fall.”he whispered

and dove on his opponent to capitalize on his position.

But his opponent was stronger and knew how to use his strength very well.

Suddenly Bulldozer found himself in a painful hold.

His neck was under heavy pressure and now the minotaur started to use his weight for even more pressure. And

minotaurs were heavy, this one would be well over four

hundred pounds. He tried to roll over and the minotaur,

who was hanging over Bulldozer, fumbled over him and found himself in a chinlock. Bulldozer remembered well what the ogre had done but knew the minotaurs were always very fair in sports and would not even think of using their tusks. Instead the minotaur tried to wiggle out of it and

move the holding arms with his own strong arms. But Bulldozer had a firm grip on the neck and now suddenly intertwined the minotaur's own arm with his neck so the minotaur was

pressing his neck with his own arm which was held in a helpless position.