Chapter Six
Battle !

Spud paused while looking first at Gryzor then at Globin. He could not come to terms with the fact he could possibly be the reason for someone else's demise. " Lord Gryzor, I don't quite understand. Are you saying the fate of this dwarf is in my hands ? " Asked Spud eventually.

" That is exactly what I am saying, but anyone in your party may decide. " Said Gryzor with sincerity. Spud turned to Teedol. Though no-one could hear what was said. Spud wanted Teedol to sort out this problem, not because Spud was afraid, but because of Teedol's uncanny wisdom.

Teedol looked at Gryzor then at Globin. All the while his mind ticking over. Sitting forward he looked down at the dwarf. " Globin, are you a good warrior ? " Asked Teedol. Globin still looking at the floor answered. " One of the best. " Was his simple reply. Teedol turned and looked at Gryzor, who merely nodded in agreement. Teedol turned to Globin once more. " Globin, I don't think any other reaction could or should be expected from a warrior... In truth I could do with a friend and ally with the skills you possess, you could be of use teaching us some of your skills. Would you be prepared to serve with us and teach us ? " There was a slight pause before Globin replied.

" I will. I pledge my word as a warrior. I can see you are a man of honour , therefore. I will be your friend and defender. " Globin stood up, gave the dwarvish salute and returned to his knees after he had done so. Teedol turned to Gryzor, who in turn smiled at the cotchit. " You need not fear. He would rather die than break his word as a warrior, it is the word of all warriors. My men would be honour bound to seek him out and slay him. There would be no honour for Globin and no dishonour for the dwarf who slew him. " Replied Gryzor.

It was Teedol who smiled this time as he faced Globin. " So be it my friend , rise and sit by my side. I will trust in you and that will be your fate. " Finally said Teedol. Globin did not speak. He rose to his feet, bowed to all present and promptly sat between Teedol and Spud. Gryzor let out a loud bleating laugh which resounded through the camp. Still laughing he clapped his hands. As if by magic the great tent began to fill with many dwarves. Food and drink was brought in great abundance.

The next hour or so was spent in this fashion, with much merriment. Wine flowed like a great river in flood. Time passed with much chatter, stories of all kinds were told. It seemed to the cotchit's, dwarves could drink and drink with no ill effects. This was not true, but it was true dwarves could consume a lot more than cotchit's. The merriment was brought to a sudden halt as the captain of the guard entered.

" Lord Gryzor another traveller has been captured. He insists on seeing you. " Gryzor took another long swig from his golden goblet of wine.

" Who or what is this insistent traveller ? Does he have a name ? " Asked Gryzor.

" The traveller refuses to give a name sire, but he is an elf ! " Replied the guard.

" AN ELF ! He must be crazy to come here and demand to see me. Bring him in. "

Gryzor's surprise was due to the fact that dwarves and elves did not usually get on, this being the case they normally avoided each other. Two more guards entered and stood before Gryzor, between them stood the elf. The elf bowed to the lord of the dwarves. Gryzor nodded as a return gesture .

" Speak elf. Who are you and why are you so bold as to travel in my lands ? " Asked Gryzor. The elf looked around at the company, who, in turn, looked back at him.

" I bring a message from Eldor, Lord Gryzor. He bids the hour of darkness is near. He further begs you forget our differences so we may work together in these dark times. Now I must speak to your guests, with your permission, Lord Gryzor. " Said the elf.

" Not so fast my friend. You have not told us who you are. " Replied Gryzor.

" Forgive me . In my haste to find The Chosen One I did not give my name. I am Genty, an elfin healer. " The elf bowed once more.

" Tell me Genty. What do you know of The Chosen One and who is he ? " Asked Gryzor.

" Sire I am sure you know of the Telling where the elfin soothsayer foretold of yet another Happening after the War of Terror ? " Asked the elf.

" I do not agree it was an elfin soothsayer which foretold of the Rain of Death, for surely that is what you mean but, yes I know of the Telling. " Replied Gryzor.

" I have no desire to disagree the point either my Lord, but I tell you this . The Chosen One is among us. HERE AND NOW ! " Said Genty.

" It would seem you are better informed than I, for I am not aware of having such a special guest in our midst. In fact the only guests we have in my camp are these three fellows. " Replied Gryzor.

The Lord of the dwarves had more than just an idea, he was just not letting on. This was the only way he could find out what the elf knew. The elf knew that Lord Gryzor knew more than he was admitting, but was only too willing to play along with the game.

" One of your guests is The Chosen One . The others are his companions. " reasserted Genty.

While it was true Teedol had told no-one but his friends of his mission, Lord Gryzor knew of the dark cloud. He also knew about The Chosen One and the fact Teedol was the only one of the three companions who wore a head band.

" How do you know all of this ? " Gryzor stroked his beard and then continued.

" Are you a spy ? " Quizzed Gryzor. Genty did not hesitate with his reply.

" I will assume you have heard of Eldor, and therefore you will have heard of his dear sister the Lady Galana. " Asked Genty.

Teedol's ears picked up. The elf continued.

" Well the good lady has an oracle known as the Mirror of Galana. That is how I know. " Said Genty.
Gryzor began to stroke his beard once again. The elf was well informed, so what was his purpose ?

Teedol did not know what he should do. Though he did begin to feel uncomfortable, wondering if he were with friends or foes. The words of the old lady rang though his ears and not for the last time... TRUST NOT IN TRUST, LEST FRIEND BE FOE. Gryzor turned to Teedol.

" Let me ask you a question my friend. Why do you wear a black headband ? " Asked Gryzor with a half smile .

Teedol now felt even more uneasy. Looking at the Lord and master of the nomadic dwarves with a puzzled expression upon his face, he sat in silence , questioning and waiting. Gryzor stepped forward and asked the question again. Two of the guards moved forwards, one of them reaching out a hand in an attempt to remove the headband from Teedol's head. Globin was the first to act. Drawing his sword with incredible swiftness the out stretched hand of the guard fell to the ground. With equal swiftness Genty had grabbed the other guard from behind and was now holding him with a long slim blade at his throat. Teedol was the next to move. Standing up he shouted.

" STOP ! I will remove the band if you will stop all this. " He said.

Gryzor held up his hand. " Take him to have his wounds tended. " He said pointing at the injured guard.

" Globin put away your sword. Genty let the guard go.

" Finally said Gryzor.

Globin returned his sword to it's sheath . The injured guard was ushered away. Teedol removed the band from his head .

Gasps went around the tent as the sight of the bright shinning star was revealed. Genty bowed low to Teedol and spoke.

" I would be one of your party if you will have me. My Lord Eldor bids me to be your guide to the mountains. If it should be your desire ? "

Teedol did not get the chance to reply as Gryzor drew his sword, thrusting it high into the air.

" The Chosen One is with us ! " Cheers rang out as the words echoed all around the camp. Finally he returned his sword to it's sheath, turning to Teedol he spoke.

" You are more than welcome in my camp and to further the word of Globin, I, Gryzor, Lord of all the dwarves pledge my protection to you and your party. I would also suggest you take the kind offer of our friend the elf ". Said Gryzor as he turned to the elf.

" I'm sorry for testing you, but I had to know if, in truth, you were for our friend or foe. Fear not, I will take no offence of your attack on my guard. You are welcome to stay as long as you need. You have the protection of my hospitality. Listen my warriors, the time is near as was foretold in the Ancient Lore. Make merry while you can, but I warn you, BE READY TO RIDE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. "

Gryzor sat down and silence fell. Almost as quickly, the noise began again.

Teedol sat down with a heavy sigh of relief. Genty took a seat on the other side of Teedol, who was beginning to feel like a king with his two body guards, not forgetting every dwarf that walked the lands of Earth were honour bound to protect him, with their lives if need be. Within a short time Gryzor had gathered closer to himself, Teedol, Spud, Bobo, Globin and Genty. Plans were being made for the next part of the journey.

" Lord Gryzor, it would be a good idea, and I'm sure you will agree, if you and your men go south around the Red Mountains. You will be joined by an elfin army which travels even now from Eldale. The rest of us will go with the Chosen One into the Red Mountains. As soon as Teedol has the Amulet we will rejoin you on the other side of the mountains. " Said Genty .

" Erm... Yes I see your plan is good, besides we will never get the wagons through the Red Mountains, but I have an idea of my own. Let's say you go with a wagon to the foothills. Inside the wagon are some dwarves, hiding, dressed like the five of you. Before first light you slip into Unicorn Woods. The dwarves bring back the wagon still dressed like you. It would seem to any spies that you had decided the Red Mountains were too difficult to cross, so you turned back. If the plan worked it would give you a few hours before anyone would know of the trick. " Said Gryzor with a smile. "

Good idea. " Said Spud not wanting to be left out. The others agreed, all except for Bobo who was once again lost in a deep corner of his own mind with Pippa. "

Good, I will send out runners to carry the message to all of our kin. I will double the guards and send out scouts. " Gryzor called for the captain of the guards. " Yes my Lord. What is your command ? " Asked the captain.

" Send out runners to carry these words ; The Chosen One is with us. The time is near. I charge all dwarves alike to defend The Chosen One to the death, for without him there will be no tomorrow and no victory. This is not the word of Gryzor, it is the word of the Ancient Lore. So it must be . " My warriors before you depart I will issue a warning. Let the words remain unspoken to an unfriendly ear, even to the pain of death. " Said Gryzor finally. The captain saluted, turned and disappeared. Genty spoke next.

" Now we have sorted that out I must give you these words from Eldor. " He said to Teedol handing the cotchit a piece of paper. Teedol, with a puzzled look, took the paper, opened it and read the contents.

The Dragon Lord stands so tall

He is the master of one and all If you enter this hazardous zone
You will stand all alone
There is nought he cannot see He eats the minds of men for tea
With great knowledge he does abound As he surveys all around
With eyes that shine deeply red
He lays in wait, till you go to bed
Under quilts and covers you go
Hoping to fool this terrible foe In the dark with claws long and thin
He waits in silence to sink them in
As blood drips from fangs you scream
Only to realize it's all a dream
With one swing of your magic sword You slay...

The Mighty Dragon Lord

By now Teedol was even more puzzled.

" What does it mean ? " He asked.

" I do not even know what it says, so I cannot tell you the meaning. Lord Eldor gave it to me and said it was for you, and you alone. Replied Genty.

" Well my friends I think it's about time to retire, the hour is late and we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow. " Said Gryzor clapping his hands as he stood.

The music and laughter stopped as the company began to file out of the tent.

" You will all be safe in here, so I bid you all a good night till the morrow. " Said Gryzor who was the last to leave.

Bobo had fallen asleep and in his dreams both Pippa and he were running through meadows of long grass, the wind blowing through her hair. The sky was blue and the air was warm from the mid-day sun. A profusion of yellow and white from buttercups and daises was all around.

It was plain to Teedol that his shy friend was happy, at least for the moment. The others had agreed to leave further chatter for another day and so they too were soon settled. Within minutes all save Teedol were asleep with only the gentle sounds of snoring breaking the silence.

Early next morning the friends were woken with the clatter of dishes and the like as breakfast was brought in. This they ate heartily with nothing more said, other than the usual " Good Morning. " As each of the friends finished their meal, off they went to clean themselves up, packing up their things if need be. Teedol had asked Bobo if he were alright and Bobo had replied he was. In fact Bobo seemed a lot happier and more full of life . He even laughed with the others as they sorted themselves out.
Some ten minutes later Gryzor entered the tent, bidding all a good morning as he did so. He asked if they had slept well, and if they had enough food . Each of the friends agreed all was well and they had full stomachs.

" Good, good, I have given orders to move in twenty minutes. If that is alright ? " Asked their host. " That will be fine. " Replied Teedol. The others agreed.

Ten minutes later Teedol's party were standing outside with Gryzor as the huge tent was pulled down. Gryzor was showing the band of travellers the wagon he had set aside for them. Inside were the dwarves, dressed in a manner similar to those who were going to the Red Mountains. Gryzor did not finish the inspection as a rider came charging through the camp. He jumped off his horse but still could not manage to speak until he had taken two or more large gulps of air. He had ridden in from the east.

" Lord Gryzor, ( he takes another gulp of air ) there is a large band of ghedi moving fast towards us. It is the largest band I have ever seen, there must be two or three hundred of them. " " How far away ? " Asked Gryzor. " Ten miles at most sire. " Answered the rider. " Call my generals. NOW ! ! " Growled Gryzor. The rider jumped back onto his horse and rode down the line of wagons. Gryzor turned to his friends once again.

" We will have to fight them, if we leave them you could run into them later and with so many you would stand no chance. You can set off if you wish. We will take care of the ghedi. " He finally said.

The decision was Teedol's so all eyes turned to him. " No ! We will fight also, just because I am The Chosen One I cannot expect respect. I must earn it like any other. " He replied. " Ha ! I knew you had spirit. I will not deny you your rights to stand with your friends and fellows. " Gryzor turned to a guard by his side. " Take these fellows to the armoury wagon and have them fitted with armour and weapons. " Said Gryzor. " I have no need of your armour or weapons. Beneath my tunic I wear mithral armour and I have my elfin sword and bow. " Said Genty.

It did not take long for the generals to be gathered around Gryzor. He in turn told his generals of his plan, giving instructions to the cavalry, which he would lead and other instructions to the foot soldiers. All of the wagons carrying the women and children were sent south for a distance of twenty miles for safety. Four large companies of foot soldiers moved out in the direction of the band of ghedi. Gryzor waited for his friends to return from the armoury wagon.

Spud could not believe his luck, they were all given the armour of generals . He was over the moon as he got into his, picking out a good sword and shield. Bobo and Teedol could not find comfort in the armour, so they settled for a good blade and shield. They were taken back to Gryzor who had a pony for each of them. Riding was not new to the elf, but for Teedol, Bobo and Spud, well I think enough said.

Truthfully Spud found riding quite easy. Teedol was not too bad either, but poor Bobo had all the trouble you would expect. The number of times he fell off was lost past twenty, but still, with time, he managed to stay more or less in the saddle. Gryzor gave the command to ride. Teedol could not help wondering where the foot soldiers had gone. He expected to see them as they rode but did not. Not until the battle had actually begun did he see them again.

Some twenty minutes later, after riding hard and fast, the leading party led by Gryzor, Teedol, Bobo, Spud, Globin and Genty spotted the advance guard of the ghedi. Gryzor shouted the battle cry. Bobo thinking, or perhaps hoping the ponies could go no faster was quickly disappointed as his mount suddenly shot forward.

Some how, and even to this day Bobo does not know how, he managed to stay with his steed. Gryzor and company being the spearhead charged at the centre of the leading band of ghedi. Other riders had broken off to attack the flanks. The ghedi were split into three groups and thrown into chaos. Ear piercing screams and shouts could be heard above the clash of steel upon steel. The sound of splintering wood and the dull thud as weapons sank into flesh only to be halted by the grating and grinding of bone.

Teedol, though not a fighter in the true sense of the word, fought valiantly and though he was unaware, his life was saved a good many times by the battle hardened warrior Globin. For Spud it was as if all his dreams had come true. It appealed to his sense of adventure. The swashbuckling, the sound of battle and above all to be dressed as a general !

Throughout the whole battle Spud would receive two or three nasty wounds, but none would be fatal. His bravery would go into the book of honour and he would be remembered for as long as Earth existed.

Genty was also a battle hardened warrior. Fighting ghedi was not just for dwarves. His name, as indeed all of their names, would have songs written about them. After the battle was over, the gallantry of the elf would end the long standing grievances between the dwarves and elves. So it was Genty , the elf, who founded honour between his own people and the dwarves. Bobo had been afraid all the time, until the fighting started, as the others had also been. After that, he was driven on by the will to survive as thoughts of Pippa ran though his mind. The thoughts would not last long, as the sound of the battle was deafening. He could not hear himself think. The orc he was now fighting seemed to have as little skill as did he. The first swing of Bobo's sword took off the top of the orc's spear. The second blow took off the orc's head.

It was then he found himself confronted with a giant orc. It stood taller than Bobo, and he was mounted. Each time the giant orc swung his weapon, Bobo managed to duck beneath it, but as he retaliated his weapon just bounced off the orc's armour. The great orc had got wise to Bobo's ducking and so this time he raised his sword above his head, in readiness to deliver the fatal blow. Bobo spotted bare flesh under the orc's armpit, thrusting wildly in the same direction. The great orc gave out an almighty scream. Before the death cry was ended the orc lay on the ground, dead. Bobo felt instant relief. Then he felt a strange warmth in his side. This was followed by a burning pain which suddenly felt damp. All at once he had no strength, he could not stay upon the pony. He fell, hitting the ground with a heavy thump. He stayed where he landed not daring to move as pain seared through his body.

All around the battle raged on and no-one had noticed he had fallen. The battle went on for a further twenty minutes or so, suddenly ending in victory for the dwarves. A good many had suffered during the battle, the loss was heavy. Sixty dead and one hundred and twenty three wounded. Only sixty orc's remained standing. A shout rang out. " Hey look, those ghedi have a prisoner or something. " Gryzor, followed by the others stepped over many bodies in the direction of the voice.

" RELEASE THAT PRISONER ! " Barked Gryzor.

Some ten feet away from the Lord and Master could be seen a slumped figure. The prisoner was covered in mud , around its head was a flea ridden skin. The dwarf standing nearest to the prisoner drew his sword and cut the bindings, he then removed the skin from around the prisoner's head. Teedol gasped and shouted !

" PIPPA ! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ? "

Pippa could not speak.

Tears ran down her face as she realized she was FREEEEEEEE !

Teedol ran towards his still dazed cousin, who found it difficult to move, from being bound in the manner she had been for so long. It seemed to her as if she had been suspended for all eternity . By now Teedol had reached Pippa throwing his arms around her. Pippa let out a scream as he trapped her broken arm between their bodies.

" What's the matter Pippa ? " Asked Teedol as he released his grip. Pippa managed to reply, grimacing as she did so.

" I fell into a pit and broke my arm. That's how I got captured. "

There was a pause, then Pippa continued. " I have just realized, if you are here, where is Bobo ? " She asked looking around.

Teedol turned, he could not see his friend either. " BOBO.. HAS ANYONE SEEN BOBO ? " Shouted Teedol.

A voice from somewhere behind cried out. " He lays here, but I fear he is mortally wounded. " The whole group turned to face the speaker. Pippa started to run towards the voice forgetting the pain she was in. All at once she could see the body of Bobo, lying in a pool of blood. With her only good arm Pippa stooped and lifted Bobo's head . Tears like pearls rolled down her cheeks and with a quivering voice she said. " Bobo, my brave Bobo...

" Bobo tried to speak, but only managed to issue a croaking sound. Pippa placed her hand gently upon his mouth. " Hush my love, hush. Be still I will care for you. You will be alright. " She said in a sweet voice. With supreme effort Bobo managed to get a hold of Pippa's arm. The broken one. He squeezed as hard as he could as the pain seared through his body once more. Squeezing her arm, sent a pain shooting into her brain, but she was now oblivious to it. The pain in her heart was far greater. She neither winced nor murmured as Bobo finally managed to utter in a croaky voice, " I LOVE YOU... And I always will. .

" A long sigh followed his last words as his body went limp. His head dropping to one side. Pippa was overcome with a much deeper pain in her heart, as a deep sense of loneliness and emptiness welled up from the pit of her stomach only to engulf the very essence of her soul. This gave way to a strange kind of numbness which surrounded her body until it too, ended in even greater pain in her heart...

She could see nor hear no-one else, as her world folded in around her. The rest of the army felt as if they were prying into a very private and personal moment and yet it was as if they were frozen in time and space. Not a dry eye was to be seen as a myriad of tears rolled down featureless faces to spill onto the ground, diluting the blood of the many fallen warriors. Pippa managed to place her broken arm around Bobo, holding him much closer to her bosom, rocking to and fro. She felt as if she never wanted to let him go as an endless stream of tears rolled off her chin onto the expressionless face of her loved one.

Teedol slowly walked over and knelt beside his cousin and the now lifeless body of his best friend. Reaching out a hand he carefully placed it over the sightless eyes, closing them for the last time. Gently and delicately he placed his arm around Pippa's shoulder and drew her away from the scene. Pippa did not have the desire or will to resist and allowed herself to be led. Teedol took her to a wagon nearby, placing her upon the seat, he climbed up beside her and headed back to camp. The others stood in silence as if a spell had been cast over them. The entire battle field remained like this for a few more minutes. Lord Gryzor was the first to move. " Collect the body of that brave warrior, carry him back to camp with all the reverence of a fallen king, high on the shoulders of his closest friends and generals. " Gryzor's orders were carried out, life was no longer suspended. The ghedi were taken prisoner, while the dead were buried. The wounded were taken back to camp. Gryzor ordered that on the spot where Bobo fell, a huge log be cut, carved and fixed into place.

After all the warriors had returned to the camp a grand celebration was started. This was tradition and its purpose was two fold. One was in celebration of the victory and the second was where wooden tokens were made . The token was the symbol of all grievances with a dead warrior. These were burned, after which no-one could ever speak ill of the valiant warrior again. The camp had been set by the side of a little brook which wound and rambled until it finally reached the river Forlin, now far to the west. A line of trees ran down the side of each bank. Perching in one of the trees was a solitary kingfisher looking for minnows. The hustle and bustle of the camp could be heard some yards away, but it did not spoil the peace and beauty. It created a serenity within Teedol's mind as he sat with his feet in the crystal clear, cool water. By his side Pippa was sitting. Under the clear blue skies, the sound of running water mixed with the sound of flies was strangely relaxing. A butterfly fluttered by. Teedol reached a hand down into the water and took a sip. He wiped the rest across his brow . Pippa sat in silence, her thoughts somewhere in time. She was day dreaming of how she imagined things would have been between Bobo and herself , had he still been alive. Teedol gave a nervous cough. Still no response from Pippa. He coughed again, louder than before.

Pippa slowly turned and raised her head as if she had just remembered where she was. She looked at Teedol and gave a slight smile. Tears rolling down her face as she put her arm around him. " I love him... And miss him so much. " She said. " I know, I know you do, and I'm sorry. I mean he would still... " Pippa moved her arm and placed her fingers upon his lips .

" Hush now. It is not your fault but we will not speak of it now. Later when other things are not so pressing. " Pippa dearly loved Teedol, she understood what he must be going through. She knew how caring he was, and is. He was family. Still as much as she trusted and respected him, it was not the same. Teedol could never rid her of the loneliness she now felt, though she was pleased he was there. Teedol now smiled at Pippa, giving a slight cough.

" Ermm, the ermm, the er, the council have decided to leave a party of dwarves here, to guard Bobo's body, until I can return to take him home where he would want to rest. " There was a slight pause, then he continued . " The army is moving south soon to travel around the Red Mountains. Hopefully we will meet up with them again on the other side. You can stay here with Bobo if you like. " Teedol finally said. Pippa thought only briefly. " No, I want to go with you. " Replied Pippa. " But Pippa, it will be dangerous and you have a broken arm. You will be much safer here. Please stay. " Replied Teedol. " Teedol, I must go in Bobo's place. I must finish what he started, in his honour and in his memory. " Pippa was quite adamant. Teedol gave the matter some thought. " Very well, we leave at first light, you must be ready. " Teedol stood up holding out a hand to Pippa. He pulled her to her feet, putting his arm around her as they walked back to the camp.

Teedol had tried several times to contact the wizard, but without success. He thought to himself, he would never master the talking of minds. He was wrong. Still up till now it had only worked when the wizard had started it .

The camp rested in peace that night, unaware they were being observed from high above...

Link to Chapter Seven

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