Chapter Twelve
Castle Doom

Every now and then a solitary figure would charge out from the shadows in desperation. These poor creatures were all that remained of the villagers left behind by the armies of the Dark Lord. They did not know what they were doing, yet they had to be exterminated. Struck down in their innocence, their contaminated skin would do the same to anyone who made contact with them. After Spud had seen this, he began to understand what Lord Gryzor and Teedol had meant about not liking killing so much. The thing which really brought it home to him was when a small girl came running out of the shadows towards him...

Voices rang out from behind. " Destroy her ! Kill her ! She is no longer a child. She is now a vile servant of the Dark Lord. "

Spud could not baring himself to kill the child. The delay was long enough for the child to get close enough to scratch Spud's leg just below the point where his armour ended. Within seconds, pain seared through his body at an horrendous rate. It was all too obvious, if something were not done quickly, he would become one of the undead. A master at arms rode forward and dealt a swift blow across the child's neck with his sword sending the child's head sailing through the air eventually hitting the ground with a dull thud and rolling into a ditch.

Spud was violently sick. The army was brought to a halt. Teedol, who was further forward in the column, was sent for. Had it not been for the immense power of the Amulet, Spud would be no more, but luckily for him, he would live long enough to tell the tale to his grandchildren. Teedol wanted to cure all of the villagers but in doing so, the Evil One would only strike somewhere else with greater vigour.

The cotchit wizard was in turmoil for a short while, until Gryzor pointed out the facts.

" The only way to cure everyone is to strike as hard as we can at the source of the infestation. The Evil One himself !.. " Teedol saw the sense in this right away. The army forged onward with a new strength and determination. They travelled for a further three hours without rest. The only thought within each mind of the army was to end the reign of the Evil One once and for all. The army rested their steeds, tending to their needs before feeding themselves.

By this time the still growing army had been joined by all manner of beings and beasts. If they could bite, claw, crush or maul, they could and would join the throng. While the army had been resting Lord Eldor of Eldale had joined them, bringing with him some six thousand elves. Teedol sought out the Lord of the elves, in search of news of his friends, Genty and the Lady Galana. Sadly Eldor could tell him nothing as he had not heard from them either. The army rested a little longer than they had meant to, this was due to Eldor joining the band. He was told of the many tales of bravery, especially of the cotchit's and Genty. A new peace was declared between the dwarves and the elves.

Time came for the army to continue its journey. At the troupe's head were the usual leaders now joined by Eldor. Many more villages were passed but the story remained unchanged. They only contained death, destruction and decay, with minions of the undead as the only inhabitants.

The army reached the boundaries of a little known village, only to be confronted by a legion of the undead. The vile creatures had barricaded the road through the village. The attack was so well planned it could only have been controlled by the Dark One himself ! The risk of infection was now greater than at any other time.

" Take care my friends, there are a great many of those vile creatures... Archers ! Prepare flaming arrows. Fire on my command ! " Shouted Gryzor. Only a short period of time passed before all of the archers were ready with arrows ablaze. Gryzor gave the command. " FIRE! "

Trails of black smoke streaked across the skies, hitting their marks with great accuracy. Flaming bodies ran back into their own ranks spreading the flames more effectively. Unfortunately, this increased the stench, as rotting flesh burned...

Yet another trail of smoke blazed across the skies as another volley of arrows hit their marks. By the time a further three flights had struck home, total confusion reigned amongst the undead.

The road block caused only a minor irritation, and a slight delay to the ever increasing army. Several hours later, camp was made for the night. Teedol was asked if he would go back some three miles, to tend to the sick. Some of the soldiers had fallen foul of the undead. This task would keep him busy until the early hours of the next day. Guards were posted and doubled. Merriment was not the same as usual for the day's events were so gruesome, no-one was really in the mood for joviality and frivolity. There was some singing and dancing, mostly there was chatter. Gryzor still had a good many tales to tell Eldor.
By midnight all had become quiet, barely a sound could be heard. Teedol had still not returned and would not do so for several more hours...

The camp was still and quiet, only the sounds of gentle snoaring could be heard, with the occasional loud snore from somewhere deep within the camp. Hidden within the shadows scores of once living people were standing, waiting for the best time to strike. Slowly the undead stole upon the unsuspecting guards. With uncanny swiftness the guards were silenced, becoming in a short time, undead themselves...

Globin and Spud stirred, neither knew why. Luckily they shared a tent.

" Are you alright ? " Asked Spud. " I don't know. I feel something is not right, that's what woke me.

Why are you awake ? " Asked Globin. " For the same reason you are, I guess but everything seems quiet. " Replied Spud. " That's the point, it's too quiet. Shall we go and have a look around ? " Suggested Globin. " Well I won't be able to sleep until I do. " Replied Spud. The two friends got out of their beds, both picking up their swords. " You go that way and I will look this way. If you hear or see anything. Call me. " Suggested Globin. " Okay will do. See you back here. " Answered Spud. The two friends set off in opposite directions, Spud covering the part of the camp to the south and west, while Globin investigated to the north and east...

Spud found nothing out of the ordinary. All of the guards were in place and well. The same was not true for Globin however. The first guard to the east was fine, it was when he turned north the trouble started. There were no ! guards to be found ! All was quiet but all was not well. Globin was disturbed by this oddity. He ran back to the guards he first passed to the east. They too were now gone ! Globin shouted out " Spud ! Raise the alarm. The guards are missing. WAKE UP ! THE GUARDS ARE MISSING ! "

Running through the camp as he did so. Loud shouts and screams could be heard as those foul creatures of the night made their attack upon his resting comrades. Gryzor was soon awake, the commotion going on around his tent disturbed him.

In but a short time battle raged in the dead of night. The camp had been taken completely by surprise but it would have been far worse had it not been for Globin and Spud. Fortunately, soon after the attack had started Teedol returned, casting many undead souls into frozen statues. Even this was difficult due to the closeness of the ensuing battle. Gryzor was one of the casualties, although luckily it was not too serious.

Spud was not unharmed either, in fact there were a good many injuries. Teedol was having a rough time after tending to the sick throughout the night. He still could not rest as more and more wounded were brought to him. Dawn was breaking as the battle finished. While it ended in victory for Teedol's army, they had little or no sleep. Injuries were soon put right by the cotchit wizard but as yet he had not realized he could just as easily put right the fatigue felt by everyone.

It was now midday, the army had managed two or three hours rest, while Teedol continued to tend the sick. Hot meals had been made and eaten by almost all, with the exception of Teedol.

" Teedol my friend have you not finished yet ? " Asked Spud. " Almost done. I can tell you though I'm STARVING ! I will also have to get some rest soon. " Replied the cotchit wizard with a smile. He had just completed the last healing required, making the army ready once more. Spud walked slowly back to the main tent with him, talking about nothing in particular. The wizard was numb from head to toe, still he ordered some food to be brought to his tent. Spud suggested Teedol go and lay down, saying he would bring the food as soon as it was ready. The wizard merely nodded as he turned back to his own tent. By the time Spud arrived at Teedol's tent with the food. Teedol was sound asleep. Spud returned the food to the kitchen tent and then went off to find Gryzor and the others.

" Ah ! There you are Lord Gryzor ! Teedol has fallen asleep, so I have left him. " Said Spud.

" Yes I agree. We must let Lord Teedol rest, though I know we must be on our way soon. Still we will have to wait for... " Gryzor did not finish what he was saying, as Teedol entered the tent.

" Come Lord Gryzor we must be on our way. " Said Teedol looking much fresher. " My dear Teedol, I thought you would need more than just half an hour's rest ! " Exclaimed Gryzor. " I am fine, though I would like a bite to eat. " Replied the cotchit. " Okay, I will order some food for you, then we will be ready to move on within the hour. " Answered Gryzor. " Make it half an hour. I can't wait to put an end to all this evilness. " Said Teedol.

Exactly half an hour later the army was on the move again.

" Why did you not sleep longer Teedol ? " Asked Gryzor. " To tell you the truth, it was because I had a bad dream. " Replied Teedol. " Do you want to talk about it ? " Asked the dwarf Lord.

" I don't mind. It will do me good to get it off my mind. " Replied the cotchit. The two friends continued to ride side by side. Teedol took a few moments to sort out his memory of the dream. After a short silence Teedol began to speak. " To be quite honest there is not a lot I can tell you, my clearest memory is of a confrontation I had with the Evil One. He was dressed in black with a mask upon his face. Yet there was something familiar about him. It is the familiarity which disturbs me, I'm sure I know the face behind the mask and yet I cannot think who it is ! The other thing which disturbed me is the death of Bobo. I saw it all over again with him lying there and Pippa caressing him as he died. It all seems so pointless. Why should he have to die ? He had only just found his love. " Teedol fell into silence... Gryzor did not interrupt Teedol's thoughts. Five minutes later Teedol spoke again.

" It seemed as if the Dark Lord sniggered and sneered at the loss of my dearest friend. It was then I woke up. I can tell you, I was pleased to do so ! " Said Teedol finally. " I see my friend, no wonder you did not sleep long. Do you feel alright ? " Asked Gryzor. " I'm fine really. All I want to do is put a stop to this useless wasteful killing. LOOK! Look around, this is not the once beautiful place it used to be.

The land of Earth is becoming no more than a barren wasteland and it must STOP! " Exclaimed Teedol.

" I know what you mean my friend. We should reach Castle Doom by night fall... Do you have a plan in mind ? " Asked Gryzor.

" No, not really. I thought we could lay siege upon the castle first, to stop any more of those vile creatures from leaving the Evil One's lair. I should think he will have a large army around him. Then I must find a way to get to him. Do you think you will be able to hold off his evil henchmen while I do battle with him ? " Asked Teedol. " All I can say is this. We will do our best. I agree you must get to the Dark One as quickly as possible, to stop his wickedness but remember, when you defeat him, his evil forces will begin to crumble. With no-one to lead them, they will have no direction. " Concluded Gryzor. Teedol said nothing, he sat on Tor as if to summon all of his will together. Almost two minutes passed. "

I will try Lord Gryzor, I will try. Added Teedol, finally. " NO! NO ! TEEDOL ! You WILL ! You must believe this before the battle commences, before you meet the Evil One in battle. If you need time to prepare yourself, we will hold off the Evil One's army as best we can until you are ready, BUT ! YOU MUST BELIEVE IN YOURSELF ! " Said Gryzor emphatically. " You need not concern yourself my friend. I have seen what this demon has created and I will STOP IT ! Of that I am sure. " Answered the cotchit.

They rode for several hours more in silence. Castle Doom, as it had become known, stood on top of a hillock. Running from east to west along it's southern border, a thick forest stood. It was once the home of the Lord of Arinoor, standing proud and majestic. Tall towers at it's corners with a taller central tower from which the view was said to be unequalled. The whereabouts of the Lord of Arinoor was unknown as he had not been seen for some weeks now.

He was a well liked man due to his fairness with his rents and other matters. If his whereabouts were a mystery, more so was the whereabouts of his army. They no longer stood upon the battlements and parapets of the castle. Even the change over from one owner to the other was shrouded in mystery. No-one knew anything about it until the black cloud started billowing from the centre of the castle. The once magnificent forest was once filled with many creatures of beauty, but now, deep within it's darkest corners were many ghedi orcs, trolls and other beasts as yet unheard of. Just how many was unknown but it was estimated to be thousands...

" Are we far from Castle Doom Gryzor ? " Asked Spud.

" Only a few hours lad. Are you eager for battle once more ? " Asked Gryzor. Spud remained silent for a few moments...

" No sire, to tell you the truth I'm sick of it ! " Replied Spud. " What happened to your sense of adventure ? Surely you are not afraid ? You have been brave and fought well. " Said Gryzor. " No, I'm not afraid. It is what I have seen done to the poor people of Earth, more so the children. What sort of man does this sort of thing to a child ? " Asked Spud dejectedly. " You have asked a good question.

What indeed ? It is for sure I do not know. I would hate to think I could even know such a man. " Replied Gryzor...

The great dark cloud grew ever darker as the army moved onward. It was now hard to tell if it were day or night. It should have been daylight but no-one seemed to remember or care what it looked like as they had their minds set upon the task now looming ever nearer. Shadows were no longer cast by the travellers, only black shadows in dark corners could be seen. Up hill and down dale the sights were the same. Not a single blade of grass, nothing green not even crops could be seen, not an animal, not even a bird. The air was filled with an ever growing stench, yet it was also filled with an eerie presence. The silence grew until it echoed the slightest sounds with a ghostly malevolence. A horseman shifted his weight in his saddle, the air filled with th e sound of creaking leather.

Ahead another village could be seen. Cautiously the army drew closer, wild thoughts running through the subconsciousness of many minds. What would they meet this time ? Would it be more of those vile undead ? Still the army moved onward in an unstoppable way, many minds filled with fear, fear of what ?..

Teedol, Gryzor, Eldor, King Torem, Globin and Spud were the first to enter the boundaries of the village. Close behind them was the rest of the army. All, without exception, were clutching at their weapons until their knuckles turned white. Each and every one expected to be attacked at any moment...
Suddenly the air was filled with loud cheers as people of many races came out of the buildings. Banners were waved, children were playing. Shouts could be heard.

" We are free ! The Chosen One has come ! " The army began to relax its grip upon their still sheathed weapons. Maidens came forth to give free ale. The soldiers who were mounted, got down from their steeds. Even Lord Gryzor joined in. Teedol was the only person who did not move...

" Gryzor ! What are you doing ? Come back ! Come back ! Can't you see the harpies above ? We are being attacked ! " Shouted Teedol. No-one paid any attention. No-one heard the shouts of despair of The Chosen One. His mind racing, looking, searching for an answer, the cotchit wizard's eyes lit up as an idea dawned within a still growing mind. Suddenly he vanished but his departure was unnoticed by anyone around him.

The cotchit had sped up time for himself, all around him were many figures which looked like statues. No movement could be detected. In truth Teedol was now living at about four times the normal speed of life. Gryzor and the others would not even see a blur as Teedol passed them by. The cotchit dismounted Tor, grabbing Gryzor by his arms... Gryzor was about to take a flagon of ale from a portly wench when, surprisingly, he could not move his arms. It was as if they had been grabbed by unseen hands. He turned quickly, so quickly he almost lost his balance, yet the unseen hands kept him on his feet. Gryzor began to struggle, the more he pulled one way his arms were yanked back the other. Teedol managed to touch Gryzor's forehead...

All at once Gryzor could see Teedol standing in front of him and above him, the harpies. " Wha - What happened to the townspeople ? " Asked Gryzor in a shaky voice. " There are no townspeople, only these vile creatures above us and the loathsome undead around us. " Replied Teedol. " I swear, there were people here a few moments ago. " Stammered Gryzor. " No my friend, you are mistaken. You have only seen what the Evil One wanted you to see. Now you must help me to save the others. They still see what you thought you saw. Touch my finger with yours. " Gryzor did as he was bid. " Now as quickly as you can, go and touch each one of the others upon their foreheads, then touch their fingers in the same way as I did yours. Tell them what to do. It should not take long and the spell will last for only a short time. " Said Teedol finally. Up above flew a good many harpies, claws grabbing and grasping at the unsuspecting army below. After a short while Teedol and Gryzor had managed to break the spell of the Evil One.

A good many of the army did not know the danger of infection from the harpies blood. Spears were being jabbed wildly at the creatures above, surprisingly it was Spud who came up with an idea to protect the army.

" Teedol, would it not be a good idea if we were to make a shell out of our shields. " He suggested.

" I think that would be a very good idea but if we hold some of the shields down the sides we will be totally protected. I also think it would be a good idea to tell the men not to stick their spears out, if the blood of those horrible things runs down the shaft onto their skin the men will be in big trouble, therefore we must lessen the chance of contamination. " Interjected Globin. " Good thinking, Globin. Pass those orders on. " Said Gryzor.

Very soon the whole army was hidden beneath a canopy of shields. A spear was thrown down just in time as blood slithered down its shaft... Teedol was the first to emerge from beneath the roughly made shell.

" It's all clear, you can come out now. " He said. " Whew ! That was close but I still don't understand what happened. " Remarked Spud. " The Evil One cast a spell upon us all, luckily Teedol was protected from it by the Amulet. " Answered Gryzor. " Whooooo !, I wish I knew who the Evil One is. I'd.. I'd. I'd punch him on the nose. " Retorted Spud. Loud shrieks of laughter ran through the ranks. Spud blushed at his silliness.

" You are not alone my friend. A good many of us would like the same pleasure, if only we knew who he is. Still, within a short time we will know the answer to that question. " Said Gryzor with a chuckle. " I think we had better get moving again my friends. " Said Teedol with regret. It seemed as if it had been forever since he had heard the sound of laughter. Real laughter.. " You are right my friend and the Dark One knows we are coming. All the attacks before could have been coincidental but not the last attack. Do you think he is getting desperate ? " Asked Torem who had remained quiet for quite some time as he had been giving a lot of thought to the turmoil brought to his kingdom.

" I'm sure the Evil One knows of his impending doom and it is for sure he is becoming concerned. I can feel his presence which is a very uncomfortable feeling. I'm also sure we can all expect more attacks from him as we get closer to Castle Doom. They will probably get more vicious too. It is for sure we must take more care and perhaps not believe all we see. " Said Teedol. " Yes ! I know you are right my friend and as for excepting what we see to be true.. Well I do not know what to say. It could be a very dangerous problem... " Teedol stopped Gryzor from speaking, motioning with his hand to be silent... A strange mist began to swirl, becoming denser as it did so. Swirling and spiralling eight feet in front of Teedol and the others, it began to form, to take shape... Becoming a large ugly extruded pulsating eyeball. It looked as though it had just been plucked from it's socket, oozing with blood, long red tendrils writhing, wriggling, squirming and twisting first this way and then that way. A silence befell on the entire company. Each and everyone of them turned to face the sight now confronting them. The sight was repugnant to one and all. Not a sound was made. The giant eyeball surveyed it's surroundings. Spud turned to Teedol and was about to speak. Without any warning there was a flash of light followed by a bang. Standing before them was no other than Golaf himself !.. The older, taller wizard appeared next to Teedol.

" I see you could do with some help." Said Golaf not waiting for a reply. Stepping forwards, towards the eyeball the wizard raised his hands uttering some old, strange incantation. The large ugly eyeball burst into flames, the air filled with silent screams, you could not hear the agony but the air was filled with a strange sense of pain as the eyeball wriggled and squirmed. Slowly it seemed to fade from sight. Teedol was the first to speak. " Where have you been ? You just seemed to disappear after coming through the Red mountains. Not a word, nothing... " Golaf raised his hands.

" I understand your concern my friend, but some times I have other things to tend to. I cannot stay long now, for I have other urgent matters to tend to. It is all relevant to what is happening around us now. Still I am glad to see you have all made it this far and without too much help from me. " Concluded Golaf.

Teedol was flabbergasted thinking to himself he had done very well ! He did not wish to offend his friend with the thoughts running through his mind, so his mouth merely opened and closed again. Spud and Gryzor who moved forward at the same time. Spud did not give way to the Lord of the dwarves.

" I'll have you know that it is because of Teedol we have got so far. More than... " Golaf interrupted the young cotchit. " My dear Spud, I meant nothing by my remarks, only that I know how hazardous the journey must have been, not to mention Teedol's inexperience. Just the same I am relieved, as well as pleased all goes well for you. It means I can go about other matters with an easier mind. " Said Golaf curtly. " My friend meant nothing, please forgive him, as for myself, I'm only too pleased to see you again. " Added Teedol. " Come my little friend let us go and have a quiet chat before I have to leave again. " Said Golaf putting his arm around the cotchit's shoulders.

The two friends wandered off to Teedol's tent where they spent fifteen minutes alone.. " Teedol, you look worn out. I don't think you are getting enough rest. Do you think you can manage ? " Asked Golaf.

" It does not matter if I think I can manage. I have no choice. I must. " Replied Teedol pausing for thought. " This is true and you have done a good job so far but have you no regrets ? " Asked Golaf.

" Of course I have, I regret the fact an army has to be made in the first place. I regret the death, decay and destruction of the lands of Earth. I regret the death of all these innocent people and last but not least, I deeply regret the death of my best friend Bobo... I must add I also regret the sorrow felt by my dear cousin Pippa at the loss of her loved one. What more do you wish me to say ? " Asked Teedol. " There is nothing more you can say, but my main point is this. Are you sorry you are The Chosen One ? " Asked Golaf.

" Only to the loss of my friend Bobo. Of course I'm sick of all the killing which goes on around me, fortunately I have not killed anything or anyone. " Replied Teedol with a slight smile. " I see you are pleased you have not killed, but how have you been able to help the dwarf army without killing ? " Asked Golaf. " Very simple, I cast my enemies into the Abyss of Darkness, or freeze them to the spot. " Replied Teedol with yet another smile. " I see. How do you know about the Abyss ? " Asked Golaf with more enthusiasm. " My dear friend, you seem rather more than interested and besides, it was you who told me of the Abyss when we were back in the Red Mountains of Erun. " Said Teedol with a triumphant smile. " Oh! "

Golaf was speechless, but only for a second or so.

"Oh, yes I remember now ! " Replied Golaf. " You did say the amulet had the ability to teach so I guess the rest of it came from there. " Teedol added. " Ahh good. I'm glad the information I had was right. " Said Golaf. " I don't understand, what do you mean by the information being right ? What information ?

" Asked a quizzical cotchit. " All I mean is, the information I had about the amulet, which was passed on to me. I had no first hand knowledge of it's powers, though it would be fair to say I did know of one or two who have tried to acquire the it. They were never heard of again. So my next question is simple. Has the amulet protected you from harm ? " Asked the older wizard. " Of that my friend, I have no doubt and more than once, that's for sure. " Replied Teedol. " Ah ! It is as expected and as I told you. Fine, it means I no longer need to worry about you my little friend. " Spud appeared.

" Come on Teedol we must be going, or we will never get to the Evil One's Lair. " Said the young cotchit. " It's alright I was about to leave anyway. Sadly my friend, I must leave you again, but at least I know you will be safe until you reach Castle Doom. Then it will be each and everyone for themselves. With that I must say good luck and don't worry, I'm sure that I will see you again before all this is over. "

Golaf gave a smile, then vanished. " He is a strange one, I'm not sure I like Golaf. There seems to be something strange about him. " Said Spud with a puzzled look.

" I admit he seems a little strange but if it were not for him I would not be here. Most likely, none of us would be. Then think what it would be like if no one were trying to stop the Dark One. Anyway, come on we must be off ! " Said Teedol as he started to run back to the others...

The scene now seen through clear eyes was no different than before. Sullen, dank and dreary. The hearts of all were heavy, not even bird song could be heard to cheer them up. If only a flower would burst forth perhaps with a little colour in their surroundings it would have lifted many a heavy heart.

The army marched onward and forward for another two hours without further incident. It was decided to give the horses and ponies a rest, also it would give the men a chance for a drink to quench their parched throats. It was strange really, because everything was so barren it made them more thirsty than normal, not unlike a desert. All went according to plan, until the men went to drink...

" Euucccch ! This water tastes like it came from the swamp. " Said one dwarf as he spat out the water.
Then another, and another. But then another dwarf said. " You don't know what you are talking about. It tastes like nectar. " Said a dwarf as he took another drink. " Hey, give me some of that ! " Shouted another as he snatched the canteen. " Yeuk ! Mine tastes horrible. Give me some of yours. " Shouted yet another.

" Not likely, drink your own. " Came the reply. Within a short time fights had broken out all over the place.. " I'm sure this is the work of the Evil One. We must do something quickly. " Remarked Globin. " I fear you are right my friend. Leave it to me. " The cotchit wizard walked forward, took in a deep breath, raised his hands and began to mutter some peculiar words...

A fountain of the purest water materialized, spraying a very fine mist of water everywhere. The men stopped fighting as the cool refreshing water hit their faces. Soon the whole ground was like a pit of mud. The army danced with glee...

" Come now, we have wasted enough time. There is a job to be DONE ! " Cried Eldor.

The men could not hear him above the confusion and din. Gryzor gave the command to mount, all went quiet as the army scrambled to find their steeds. During the confusion, King Torem and his pixies did not stir. Beneath their feet the ground was thick with mud. " It seems as if the Dark One will stop at nothing to delay us, for that is the best he can expect from these sort of tactics. But then, why is it so important to delay us ? " Asked Torem. " You have a good point my friend but with luck we will know the answer in due course. " Replied Eldor. " As I said before, we will have to take great care, for we do not know what other tricks he will play. " Retorted Gryzor. Silence fell as the great army rode onward towards Castle Doom...

" Teedol, you surprise me... Since you have had the Amulet, you seem to know so much. You have changed. " Said Spud.

" I have changed ? In what way ?

" Asked Teedol quizzically. " Well in a strange sort of way. " Replied Spud. " What do you mean ? " Asked Teedol. " Errr, well, you seem so serious now. In fact since we started this adventure, I cannot remember hearing you laugh. " Stammered Spud. " Oh ! I see ! Well my friend it is difficult to laugh when we are being chased by big black beetles, not to mention the fact someone is trying to kill me and all because I was born with a red birthmark. I assure you, we will laugh again, when all this is over. " Replied Teedol with a smile and feeling sorry for his friend at the same time. " You are right ! It was stupid of me to forget. I'm sorry. " Replied Spud. " You have no need to be sorry my friend. What you say is all too true and yes I miss the old days too. We used to have such fun with Bobo and Pippa... " Added Teedol, with a tear in his eyes, as his memories came flooding back. Another short silence followed...

" How far is it now Gryzor ? " Asked Teedol. " Teedol, you surprise me. You seem to know so much, then so little... Ha ! Ha ! Haa ! We have not so far to go now. " Answered Gryzor. There was another fleeting silence. " Lord Gryzor, do you never feel afraid ? " Asked Spud. " Aye I do lad ! I do. I have been in over one hundred battles and still I feel fear, but then it is good... It means you are ready to fight. It makes you feel stronger, so don't worry about being afraid. " Answered the dwarf Lord. " Oh ! I'm not afraid but I know what you mean. I feel a surge of power, of energy but I can explain it no better. Still it does help me to fight. " Answered Spud.

The mighty army, still growing, still moving, eventually came to the Red River, so called because of where it started. The river was crossed by a single span bridge which traversed from one side of the gorge to the other. One hundred feet or so below was the river itself. The raging torrent was unforgiving, unrelenting. True it was not wide, but it was known for it's ferocity, especially in the rainy season when it would flood onto the plains further down stream.

The army was still three hundred or four hundred yards away from the bridge. " Lord Teedol, I have a strange feeling. Does everything seem right to you ? " Asked Torem.

" I agree. " Interrupted Gryzor. " Things look fine, but does this mean they actually are ? Still I know what you mean. Stay here, I will go on ahead. Do not come forward unless I call ! " Warned Teedol. Teedol edged closer to the bridge. Tor was uneasy and Teedol could feel the tension within the magnificent steed.

" Tor, tell me my friend. What is it that bothers you ? " Asked Teedol as he patted the unicorn's head.

Tor responded by trying to turn back the way he had come to rejoin the rest of the army. " Easy my friend, easy. I understand what you are trying to say, but we must go on. " Tor responded once again by doing his master's bidding. Though it would be true to say, Tor had no master for he was a free spirit but his affinity with Teedol was special. The two friends, Teedol and Tor turned towards the bridge once more. After only twenty or so paces Teedol halted Tor, for it was now plain to see. There was no bridge ! Teedol dismounted Tor to take a closer look. The magnificent steed snorted as if to warn Teedol. " I know my friend, I know. " Said the cotchit in response. He peered down at the raging torrent below. Just above the river could be seen a plume of purple smoke. Teedol watched as it writhed and coiled upwards with increasing speed until it towered high above him. Slowly it began to shimmer and shake, changing shape as it did so. It began to widen, becoming denser with increasing speed. A clear shape started to form into... A... DRAGON!

Tor's nostrils flared as he rose up on his hind quarters, punching invisible holes into the air with his forelegs. The dragon, created by the Evil One, stood some one hundred and fifty feet tall, with bright green glaring eyes which bulged out from either side of it's head. From the head it snaked down to a very corpulent body, large plumes of smoke billowing from its cavernous nostrils. Slowly it lowered its head, closer and closer to Teedol. The dragon flared it's nostrils while taking a deep breath. It's head lurched forward as a fiery blast surged forwards towards Teedol. Tor turned in an attempt to race away from the terrific blast. It was also an attempt to save his friend and master. Teedol rose to face the blast, as he did, he raised his arms summoning up an invisible shield. Teedol received the full force of the blast.

Though he was unhurt, the force knocked him off his feet. This was all too much for Tor, who lowered his head, clawing at the ground with his right hoof. The dragon drew back it's head to draw in more air. As it did Tor charged...

The dragon did not get the chance to send a second blast....

All at once there was a sickening, splintering sound, followed by a death curdling scream. The unicorn's horn had entered the dragon's breast. The monster began to sink back into the gorge, meanwhile Tor let out a gentle whinny as he sank to his knees, slowly keeling over onto his side. By this time Teedol had regained his footing. He had heard the sickening sound, his heart sank. It was quite plain to Teedol what had happened. Gryzor and the others could see that all had not gone well. The unicorn was lying on its side, it appeared as if Teedol were searching for something. The whole army moved forward, towards Teedol...

By the time they had reached the cotchit, he was kneeling down by the side of Tor, holding and caressing his head. The dragon had by now sunk into the gorge and beyond, perhaps into oblivion where it belonged. Tears flowed like a river down the face of the cotchit wizard, Gryzor and the others looking on hopelessly. It was then Spud noticed Teedol's hand upon Tor's forehead at the point where the unicorn's horn should have been. It was now just a shattered, jagged prominence. Spud was the first to move, kneeling by the side of his friend.

" Is there nothing we can be doing ? " He asked. The silence lasted but a few moments. Teedol composed himself. " There is no magic which can create the horn of a unicorn and only the horn has the ability to heal itself. I have searched, but I cannot see the horn anywhere. This means there are only two possibilities. The horn has disappeared forever with the dragon, or it fell somewhere down there. " Said Teedol nodding towards the ravine. " Can we not search down there ? " Asked Spud. " As you can see my friend, it is a long way down and the area is large. We must go on. " Answered Teedol. There was another long silence which was eventually broken by Teedol. " Gryzor my friend... I must ask a favour of you. " Said Teedol turning towards the dwarf Lord. " You need only ask my friend and it will be done. What is your favour ? " Asked Gryzor. "

I will require enough of your men to protect Tor until I can return. I would not like his body to fall prey to those vile harpies. " Replied Teedol. " It is done my friend. Captain ! See to Lord Teedol's request.

Immediately! " Barked Gryzor. The captain stepped forward, saluted, turned and scurried away. Gryzor spoke again. " My friend it seems as if we have a new problem. Only the arch of the bridge remains.

How do we get across ? " He asked. Teedol turned to face the broken bridge, holding his staff in his right hand. Words were heard, but not understood by anyone. There was a strange noise, the creaking and groaning of wood. In front of all assembled, the bridge was rebuilt by invisible hands...

Fortunately for Teedol there were a good many horses available. One was brought forward for the cotchit wizard. Teedol's heart was still heavy from the loss of Tor, but he knew he must go on...

He mounted his new charger whose name was Flexor. Flexor was a fine stallion, jet black in colour. It was not long before the steed and his new master had an understanding...

Time passed as the army drew closer and closer to their goal, CASTLE DOOM. Still there was time for the army to rest one more time. It was only now Spud's absence was noticed.

" Where is your friend, Spud ? I have not seen him since the bridge. " Asked Torem. " Strange you should say that my friend for I doubted the courage of one so small. I believe he has deserted in the final hour. He is no friend, he is a coward. " Said Eldor. Teedol turned, without a word and glared at the elf...

Link to Chapter Thirteen

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