Chapter Ten
A Growing Army

Galana led Teedol back through the door he had not long since rescued the Stone from. To his astonishment, the sight he expected to see was not there. He had expected to see a large empty cavern with a blazing inferno at the bottom. The door opened wide. On the other side could be seen the throne room of King Torem with his friends still seated around the King. Pippa was the first to notice Teedol, who was followed by the beautiful Lady Galana...

" Teedol ! Where have you been ? We have been worried sick about you ! " Exclaimed Pippa. " I have been to find the Stone but first, this is the Lady Galana. She has been the guardian of the Stone, until I became the possessor of it. Lady Galana I would like to introduce my friends and companions. This is my good and faithful cousin Pippa from the Greater Shire. Next is my best friend Spud, he is from Manap. This is my good friend and guardian Globin the dwarf and last but not least, Genty the elf, one of your kinsmen. " Announced Teedol finally. The beauty of the Lady had each and every one of them speechless. They merely stood mouth agape in silence. Most affected was Genty, that is with the exception of Teedol.

" I am pleased to meet you all. You must have had a very long journey. " Said Galana as she noticed Pippa's arm which was still in a sling. " You are truly beautiful Lady Galana. " Said Pippa. " Why thank you. You are most kind but I would be pleased if you would call me Galana. It will be a lot easier. Pippa you must let Lord Teedol look at your arm. He has the power to heal. All he needs to do is place his hands upon your arm and it will be cured. Try it... " Said Galana. Teedol walked over to Pippa and placed his hands upon her arm. The Stone within the amulet began to radiate, glowing only for a short time, its job done.

" LOOK ! My arm is well, there's nothing wrong with it now. " Exclaimed Pippa waving her arm about frantically. All looked on in amazement while Genty moved towards the Lady Galana. Taking her hand he kissed it gently.

" Your obedient servant my Lady. " Said Genty nobly. Galana merely smiled, a slight blush upon her face which made her cheeks shine with a warm glow. It was King Torem's who spoke next.

" I'm glad to see your safe return my cotchit friend. Yes very glad indeed AND with the Stone. This could be the beginning of the end. I know you must leave to meet with your other friends soon. I do hope you will allow my people and I to join you in those final hours. After all, it concerns all who live in this land, not to mention those who will live in it in the future. We will be in plenty of time to meet your friends an hour after the sun is up. We still have many hours for food and drink but first I have a gift for you Lord Teedol. " Said Torem as he struck a gong by his side. The great doors opened, a single unicorn entered, it's coat whiter than snow. On it's forehead was a single horn of the purest gold. The servant holding the bridle let it go. This most beautiful of all beasts which roams the forest walked right over to Teedol and muzzled it's nose right into the cotchit's hands. " There even the animal knows who is good. HE IS YOURS ! " Exclaimed the King. Teedol did not know what to say, in fact he could say nothing for quite a while. Eventually he stood up.

" Good King Torem, subjects and friends. This is one of the happiest days of my life. All I can say is... THANK YOU !.. " Teedol sat down again with a tear visible in his eyes.

Cheers followed by the sound of clapping rang once more around the kingdom. Teedol stood once more and waved to his friends and admirers. Slowly he turned and led the unicorn out of the throne room. Torem banged the gong once again, food started to flow into the room along with the usual amount of wine. The last festivities began, in a few hours time the new army would be joining the army of the dwarves.

Teedol wandered out into the meadows with his new found friend. It seemed strange to Teedol, it was as if he had known this beautiful creature all of his life. They knew each other and what is more, understood each other. It was uncanny. Teedol spent two or more hours with the unicorn before he returned to the rest of his friends.

Meanwhile, back in the throne room, merriment carried on with vigour, Pippa slipped away to go in search of her cousin. A short time later she found Teedol with the unicorn. " Teedol, it's me Pippa. Do you mind if I join you ? " She asked. " No I don't mind. I'm just enjoying the peace, beauty and tranquillity of this place. I'm not sure how long it will last. " Replied Teedol who was sitting with his feet in the stream. All was quiet except for the gentle sounds of rippling of water. " What a magical land this is. " Said Pippa in a whisper, as if she would break the spell. " How long was I gone ? You know, when I went in search of the Stone ? " Asked Teedol quizzically. " You were only gone for a very short time, about two hours that's all. " Replied Pippa with a puzzled expression. " Are you sure that is all ? I can't believe it, it must have taken me longer than that to climb the mountain. Surely you are mistaken. " Quizzed Teedol. " No, I assure you, you were only gone for about an hour or two. Still we were getting rather concerned about you. " Answered Pippa.

Meanwhile the unicorn was still muzzling up to Teedol, who was pulling lumps of grass to feed the animal. Occasionally the unicorn would nibble his ears or the top of his hat knocking it off his head. The new wizard sat in silence for a few moments wondering how so little time had gone by. He was sure at least six hours had passed. Yet there was still time for him to rest before the start of the next journey.

Slowly he stood up, patting the unicorn as he did so. He turned to Pippa. " I must go back and speak with Lady Galana, there are one or two things which still puzzle me. Do you mind ? " Asked Teedol. " No I don't mind, in fact I think I understand. " Replied Pippa.

The two cousins made their way back to the throne room. Once there Teedol sat down beside the beautiful Lady Galana. " Er, Galana I have several questions which I need to ask, if you don't mind ? " Asked Teedol. " I have no objections, what are your questions ? " Asked Galana. " Well, it seems that I was only missing for about an hour or two. Yet I reckon it took longer to climb the mountain. Also, how could we come through the same door which one moment has the Stone behind it and the next moment brings us back here ? " Lady Galana interrupted.

" I understand your dilemma and the answer is very simple... It was an illusion created by the Stone. Don't misunderstand, the dangers were very real. What you saw was real but the time was not. Everything happened but not in the time you thought. Don't worry you will understand more the longer you have the Stone. " Said Galana finally.

" Do you mean, all the Stone creates is an illusion ? " Asked Teedol. " No! I'm sorry, you misunderstand. The Stone is really very powerful and magical but it can create illusions as well. The illusion in your case was the time factor. The Dragon Lord was an illusion to frighten away unwanted visitors. Do you understand now ? " Asked Galana. Teedol pondered a moment.

" Yes I am beginning to see what you mean. I'm sure Golaf took me to the top of the secret stairs, if he was not an illusion. Where is he now ? " Quizzed Teedol. " He had to go somewhere, I do not know where but he said to tell you he would return before you set off in the morning. " Answered Galana. " Oh very well, I will just have to wait to see him.... Can you tell me any more about the Stone ? " Asked Teedol.

" Well yes, now you are the bearer of the Stone, which will now be known as the Amulet Of Teedol. I can tell you anything you wish to know, if I know the answer. Firstly, anyone who is questioned by the bearer of the Amulet, must tell the truth. Even this has its drawbacks. You see, sometimes it is better not to know the truth, especially when it comes to what people are thinking. So beware ! Next, to get the Amulet you had to prove you had the courage and faith, as well as being pure of heart. For the main part, you will have to discover for yourself the abilities of the Amulet. These things and more you will learn with the passage of time. Now for the time being I can tell you no more... But what can you tell me of your friend and companion Genty ? " Asked Galana with a radiant smile.

Pippa had returned to her seat with the others who were gathered around King Torem. The King was in the middle of telling them about the Stone and the test Teedol had to pass to acquire it.
Teedol went on to tell Galana about his friends and how they met. Though Genty was with the others he kept furtively giving longing looks towards the Lady Galana. This with the interest shown by the Lady herself, told Teedol she had more than a mere interest in his elfin friend which quietly saddened him...

" Would you like me to introduce you formally, Lady Galana ? " Asked the cotchit wizard. The Lady gave a slight blush before replying. " I would be most grateful if you would. Thank you. " She said quietly. " No my Lady it is I who should thank you but I assure you, I will have a word with my friend as soon as possible, privately of course. " Said Teedol.

King Torem turned to Teedol. " How does it feel to be the bearer of the Amulet my friend ? " He asked. " To be honest sire it feels no different and I haven't noticed any changes so far. " Replied Teedol. " It will, for as long as you possess it, influence you more and more! " Said king Torem.
All of a sudden there was such a commotion, Pippa jumped out of her seat darting behind Teedol's chair for cover...

A huge bird had flown in through one of the larger windows at the far end of the room. It stood there in all its glory and splendour, its wings spread wide, head held high...

" Stay seated my friends, it is Grindle the greater crested eagle. He has brought a surprise for you. " Said the king. Teedol strangely felt unafraid by this immense creature, for it was no ordinary eagle. It was truly magnificent and regal. There was a sudden flash of light followed by a bang and a cloud of smoke. As the latter cleared Teedol could see...

" GOLAF ! Where have you been ? " Exclaimed Teedol springing to his feet. Travelling as fast as he could towards the wizard. Golaf said nothing but as the cotchit reached him, he threw out his arms in an embrace. The cotchit did likewise. In truth the wizard was as pleased to see him as he was to see the wizard. The two friends stood hugging each other.

" Well, well just look at you. Now you do look like a wizard ! " Said Golaf teasing Teedol. The cotchit wizard stood back, a stern look upon his face. " And look at you ! You look like a bug collector... " The stern expression on Teedol's face slowly changed, until it was covered with the largest grin ever seen by anyone. Golaf burst out into the most infectious laughter which Teedol had come to know and love. Meanwhile the giant eagle turned and left the same way it had entered the room.

Golaf turned and bowed to King Torem in the normal manner then greeted the others present... " King Torem. It is a pleasure to see you once again. I hope your hospitality will be as gracious as ever and extended to a very weary traveller ! "

Golaf did not wait for the answer. He moved towards Pippa.

" Ah ! You must be Teedol's cousin Pippa. Beautiful too ! He never told me that. " Pippa merely blushed. " Now you must be Spud, a fine warrior by all accounts. Ah! You must be Globin, a mighty dwarvish warrior with a good deal of honour. Last but not least, you must be Genty the elfin healer. I must speak with you and the Lady Galana in private. I have a message for you from Lord Eldor. You and the good Lady will be unable to go further with your friends. You have other things to do of equal importance. Still, I will tell you more later. Anyway I am very pleased to meet you all and in some cases again. " Said Golaf. " But where have you been and...

" Teedol's questions were cut short as the older wizard held up his hand to silence the cotchit. " My dear boy, your enthusiasm is extreme. If you please, one question at a time. Firstly, as you saw yourself I arrived upon the back of King Torem's magnificent eagle. It was kindly sent in the nick of time and saved my hide, as it were but I will tell you more later... Now where were we ! Ah yes ! Where did I come from ? Now that is a good question... I was high in the mountains fighting those terrible black beetles. I managed to trick them so they followed me instead of you. Two of them fell off the mountain to their deaths but the third had me trapped on top of a pinnacle where I had climbed to escape. The horrible thing was chewing at the base to bring me down. Fortunately the eagle came and rescued me. There is no need for concern, I am quite well, as for the beetle. It was crushed by the falling rock. So I owe my life to Grindle. I hope that satisfies your curiosity ? " Asked Golaf.

" Whewww, seems like you had a lucky escape ! Anyway I'm glad you are here. " Said Teedol finally turning to the others. " For those of you who do not know. This is Golaf the wizard. The one I told you of from Manap Hill. He is a master of magic ! " Proclaimed Teedol. " Oh ! Please, please not so much a master, merely a practitioner but by the look of you, you are the master of magic. " Answered Golaf. It was Teedol's turn to blush. " Golaf ! You will never change and I beg the gods to tell me why I should like you but I do ! You know you are always welcome to stay here. My home is your home. " Interrupted Torem.

" Why thank you King Torem. I will gladly accept your hospitality. " Replied Golaf, who then bowed once more. The King gave a wry smile, muttering under his breath as he did so. He then stood up. " I think it time we all had some rest for tomorrow we start towards Arinoor and the mother of all battles will follow of that I am sure.. " Said the king. Torem bowed and left the throne-room. The room began to clear with guests bidding each other a good night. Very little time had passed before the room was empty, except for Golaf, Teedol, Pippa, Globin, Genty and the Lady Galana.

" I agree with Torem but I will call and see those I need too shortly. First I would have a word with my fellow wizard, Teedol. " Said Golaf.

They all moved towards the great stairway which led off to their quarters. Golaf continued to speak. " We may not need to fight tomorrow. It will take three days ride to reach Arinoor and we must be ready for whatever we may meet on the road. We can be sure the Evil One will set many obstacles in our path, so WE MUST BE PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED ! So off you all go and rest. Teedol ! If you are not tired, I still wish to speak with you. " Teedol replied, simply by nodding to the wizard.

The others filtered off to their rooms...

Golaf put his arm around the cotchit while ushering him towards the west wing of the palace. The west wing was normally reserved for the most important of guests. Eventually they came upon the great hall which led them to a very large spiral stairway in all it's splendour. This in turn came to a long corridor which divided giving access to the east and west wings. Eventually they came to Teedol's rooms.

Golaf made himself comfortable upon a semicircular couch. " You really look fine in your new garbs. For sure you do look the part. Anyway now is the time to get down to more important things. I will explain as best I can exactly what we are up against in Arinoor. Also I believe I know who is behind all this evil but first, for our own protection I want you to think of surrounding us with a bubble of protection, it will give us complete privacy. I will tell you how in a moment. Once you have created it, you will be able to recall it at will. It will go away when you tell it to. What's more it will be impenetrable. You will with practice, be able to move around within the bubble and no-one will be able to harm, or hear you, nor can any one enter. Unless you allow them, this is how... "

It was early next morning Teedol was woken by breakfast being brought in. From this far inside the mountain it was impossible to tell what the weather was like on the real outside. Teedol forgot for the moment as he walked over to the window. Still it was like a summer's day. From the balcony he could see the pastures below where the Unicorns grazed. He was amazed at the beauty created deep inside a mountain as he thought to himself.

" It must take a special kind of magic to create such wondrous things. " The cotchit wizard turned and headed for the shower. Soon after, he emerged feeling refreshed and renewed. He sat and ate his breakfast. By the time he was half way through it, Pippa arrived knocking as she entered.

" Good morning, how are you ? " She asked.

" I feel really good actually but, different somehow. I can't explain it. There's a sort of energy, flowing through my body. Anyway, how is your arm ? " Asked Teedol.

" MY ARM ? Oh ! Yes, funny really, I had forgotten about it. It seems stronger, I mean than before. I suppose you think I'm silly really. " Retorted Pippa.

" No, not at all. In fact I fully understand what you mean. It's like having a new arm. " Returned Teedol.

" Yes that's it, NEW is just how it feels... Er, I have come to see you for a reason. " Finally added Pippa.

" That's alright what is your reason ? " Asked Teedol. " Well er.. Torem said I could stay and help look after the Unicorns and well er, I would like to.. " Stammered Pippa, thankfully interrupted by Teedol. " Ok I understand and I'm glad really. I know it would have made Bobo happy. " Added Teedol. " I know but I don't want you to think I'm scared or anything like that. " Said Pippa. " PIPPA ! Your bravery could never be questioned. I want you to promise that you will go back to Manap and see to things, if I don't return. " Added Teedol. " You know I will. It goes without saying. " Replied Pippa. " You don't need to worry, I won't forget you. " Teedol said turning to fill his mouth with food. Teedol started walking back to the main hall with Pippa following. They were the last to arrive in the hall with the exception of the Lady Galana and Genty. They had left some hours earlier. The trail they were now to follow would lead them into a new adventure which had nothing to do with this
one but it would be equally as important. The young cotchit wizard spent some time looking for Globin but he could not see him for the time being. The gathering was much larger than any seen before by Teedol in the main hall.

Teedol eventually spotted his friend Spud. " Hi are you alright ? Are you ready for the next part of the journey ? " Asked Teedol not giving Spud time to answer the first question. " I will be glad when it is over, perhaps then we can all go home. " Said Spud a little dejectedly. " What's the matter ? You seem a little down today. " Inquired Teedol. " Oh I will be fine really. I think it is just nerves. " Teedol would find out nothing more from Spud as they were joined by Golaf and Globin.

" Are you ready to go ? King Torem has Tor over by the back gates for that is the way we must to go to meet Gryzor and the dwarves. " There was no time to answer Golaf, he had taken Teedol's arm and was leading him through the milling crowd. Torem, mounted upon his steed could be seen above the crowd. He held up his hand. " Silence ! Those who are going to the land of Arinoor be ready to leave. The rest of you must return to your homes. Lord Teedol ! When you are ready YOU may start the march ! " Said King Torem. Teedol mounted the unicorn. He turned to face his many new friends behind him. " Farewell my friends, fear not for we will return VICTORIOUS. FORWARD ! MY FRIENDS FORWARDS. " Shouted the cotchit wizard. Teedol started to move deeper into the caverns, the sight of which filled him with awe. The still growing army followed on. Torem became concerned after some time. The cotchit had taken a turning which was unknown to him and he wondered where Teedol was taking them. After more time went by king Torem made his way closer to the cotchit...

" TEEDOL !.. TEEDOL ! Where are you going ? We are aware of great dangers going into this part of the caverns and our Lore forbids it ! " Exclaimed the worried King. " My dear Torem all was made clear to me last night, in a vision. I know of your Lore and the reason for it. It was meant to keep all away from these most secret of all the caverns unless there was an urgent need. I can assure you the need is most urgent. Granted there may be dangers before we reach the plains for we must find a secret passage which will connect us to and through a cave used by ghedi and trolls. They have planned a surprise attack for us in the caverns but they could not find the secret doorway which links the two together. With luck we will be able to give them a surprise instead. It will also cut our travelling time down by two thirds. " Teedol finally added. Golaf had noticed some changes within the cotchit but he knew it was the Amulet which was guiding him.

" King Torem believe Teedol for he knows what he is doing. Trust him as I do. I would give my life to him for I know he would not take it lightly. " Concluded Golaf. " Very well Golaf. If you would follow blindly then so shall I, though I must add I don't like it ! " Said Torem still muttering under his breath.

The cavern began to narrow and darken as they proceeded further away from the influence of the pixies domain. Teedol paused to create a ball of light on the end of a staff. Golaf did the same while moving further back down the line. The followers now totalled one thousand one hundred and fifty, each one leading his mount. Golaf thought quietly to himself.

" There could never be a large enough army to defeat all of the ghedi, trolls and whatever else there might be ! " Teedol had now discovered he could communicate easily with anyone he wished too. Throughout the walk which led down much narrower and darker passages, Teedol kept in touch with Golaf. The only means of light available was created by the two wizards.

By the time they had covered another mile and a half, Globin let Teedol know there was not enough light. The followers were now falling over each other. Teedol created another staff of light, giving it to Globin. At the same time he and Golaf increased the brightness of their lights. The elder wizard was amazed at the speed Teedol was learning to control things, after all, Golaf thought of Teedol as being stupid. It was becoming clearer to him that he may have underestimated the power of the Amulet. After only one night Teedol had become more assertive and confident...

The party had gone a further two miles when Teedol halted the column. Golaf and Globin made their way to the head of the band. King Torem had been by the cotchit's side all the while. The four of them gathered together. Teedol created the bubble of protection. The idea was not to stop the army from hearing the plans, but to stop any other ears, which may not be friendly, from listening. A short while later the bubble was dispelled. Golaf and Globin returned to their positions within the army column.

Then Teedol did an odd thing. He stood close to the tunnel wall and began to wave his hands about, whilst reciting some strange words. The words were so strange even Golaf did not understand them. Loud creaks and groans could be heard coming from the side of the cavern. The noises continued as a crack began to appear. Still more groaning and creaking and the crack soon turned into a gap. This continued, until before them was a fully opened doorway. What was more surprising to the others, was that the other tunnel was well lit with torches set at regular intervals throughout the length of it. At first even Teedol doubted the doorway would be there, but then, he knew the Amulet had been guiding him.

He stood ushering the others to pass him, telling them they must remain silent. Teedol closed the door behind him to avoid it being discovered by the enemy. Slowly he made his way back to the head of the column. Progress, though stealthy was quick as they neared the end of the tunnel. The end of the passage way was covered by a single solid door which was not fully closed. The sound of voices could be heard. Teedol held up a hand to halt the column once more.

He began to cast yet another spell. A cloud of blue smoke began to swirl until it held steady with all but a gentle shimmer. A picture began to form in the centre of the ball of bluish grey smoke. Four ghedi could plainly be seen. Each one sitting around a table eating something which did not look as if it were fit for consumption. Teedol waved his hands once more and the cloud swirled once again until it completely consumed itself. Globin, who had received instructions from Teedol by telepathy, moved to the head of the column.

Globin, Spud, Golaf and Teedol were going to enter the room. The idea was to take the ghedi by surprise, overpowering them and hopefully being able to extract information from them. Globin slowly opened the door. All was going well.

He had opened the door a further six inches when it gave a horrible grating, creaking sound. Globin thought it was now or never, so with one mighty push the door flew open knocking one of the ghedi clean off his feet. The orc had decided to close the door because he thought the draught was making it creak. Spud and Teedol quickly followed. The dwarf threw himself right over the table at the orc sitting on the opposite side. He struck the orc squarely on its chin with his head, knocking the orc out of the chair, smashing it's head upon the cave wall. We will never know if it was the blow on the chin, or the bash on the head but the orc was out cold. He lay there totally unaware of anything else that happened, until much later.

One of the two remaining ghedi managed to remove his sword from its sheath. Swinging wildly, the orc just missed Spud's head. It did however catch Teedol in the chest. The sword merely bounced off. By this time, Spud was ready to do combat with the orc...

Teedol beat him to it, casting a quick spell the orc vanished. The remaining ghedi were soon overpowered by the pixies which were now piling in through the door. Once they had gained control of the room it was noticed there were two doors leading out. Two of the pixies were sent down either of the passages. One went down the passage to the left, soon returning. The passage led to a number of rooms which were used for storage. To the right the story was different. The pixie who went to search this passage did not return for some time. So much so, it was beginning to cause concern. Globin began to question the ghedi who were now prisoners. The first one questioned seemed to be the leader. He proved to be very stubborn, giving away nothing at all. The second was almost the same but did give a little information, though it was of little use.

The third however was not so tough, before long he was telling all he knew, which was enough to help. Sadly he could not or would not tell who his master is however they did find out a large assault force was expected. Their intentions were to tunnel through into the underground kingdom to destroy it, though how they discovered its existence remained a mystery at this moment in time. Still ! It did mean the Evil One knew of the existence of this closely guarded secret and he intended to destroy the pixies, killing off the Unicorns and taking their horns for the magical properties they held. King Torem could not understand how the Evil One knew of his kingdom after all the only outsiders who knew of its presence were now here. All but the Lady Galana and Genty.

Torem was sure they would not reveal the secret to anyone. Teedol and his group had only just discovered the secret and since then had not left. The only other person Torem was not sure about was the dwarf, Globin. How could he have passed on the information ? King Torem could not figure out the answer but in time he would find out. Teedol stepped forward.

" How many will there be in your war party ? When are they expected ? " These and more questions were asked by the cotchit wizard. All he could find out was a large band was due to arrive this very day. Golaf now interrupted. " Teedol ! You must send these into the Abyss of Darkness. It is the only way. " " But, but.. " Stammered Teedol. " No you must, unless you wish to kill them. " Interjected Golaf. " You know I must not kill. I would begin to turn evil. I know we must stop them from getting a message back. How do I do it ? " Teedol asked reluctantly. " I don't know Teedol, one minute you seem to know all the answers, then you seem to know nothing. I'm sure you know. All you need to do is to think them there.. Now hurry we must be on our way. " Replied Golaf a little sternly. " Oh very well here goes... " The three ghedi vanished into thin air. " Right let us get out of here, we need to find the dwarves and join up with the main army. " Said Golaf momentarily taking command.

Teedol turned and passed through the door, starting the journey once more. Golaf followed close behind, Globin moved towards the centre of the column, though he did not like being so far away from his friend even though his friend the cotchit was more powerful than he. Spud managed to stay close to Teedol. As the room emptied of one group of the army, it quickly filled with another and so it went on until the whole army had passed through to the passage beyond. Fortunately it was not too difficult to get the mounts through with Teedol leading as he had done so from the beginning. The tunnels were not as narrow and for the best part were leading downwards. The slopes were gentle, only occasionally were they steep and slippery. This did not present too much difficulty.

They only had a further two miles to go from the little room before they were out into the glorious sunshine but it seemed more like twenty. Finally Teedol stopped in front of what appeared to be dead end. He placed his hands in the centre of the wall and pushed. The wall opened revealing a large door. There shining brightly before them was the sun, the light from which rushed into the passage stealing the darkness which was there before. The damp chill in the air gave way to the warmth of the noon day sun.

A butterfly fluttered its way past the entrance oblivious of the many eyes now watching in wonder. This side of the mountain had no trees on its gentle slopes which led to the base. Teedol looked to the north, only to have the vision of beauty spoiled. For there, larger than ever, he could see the black cloud looming ever nearer. It was now so large and widespread, it was as if he could reach out and touch it. Beneath the cloud the grass was no longer green, the trees no longer covered with foliage, only a scene of desolation, death and decay could be seen...

Teedol turned his gaze to the south. He was surprised to see a large cloud of dust rising from the ground. Mixed with this a sound not unlike thunder...

Globin had reached Teedol's side. " Look ! It is my Lord Gryzor and the dwarf army ! " Shouted Globin with excitement. The band of pixies led by Teedol filtered out and down to the plains, there to wait for the dwarves to join them... Now it was a growing army...

Link to Chapter Eleven

© MCMXMI - MMI ••• A Stanley