Ghelfunn is in Big Trouble!

 

Ghelfunn opened his eyes but could see nothing. Everything within sight was a blur. He wanted to rub his eyes, but his hands were bound behind his back. He was lying on his left side. The dizziness was beginning to clear, but the back of his head painfully ached as if he had been kicked by a horse. Then suddenly, two men, one on each arm, raised him up on his knees. A moment passed before he steadied himself enough to discover where he was--the Sovereign's war room tent. 

The two men released their grip on his arms, then stood behind him. He looked to the left. Standing near the perimeter of the tent, Ghelfunn saw a few men from the Sovereign's rear guard, one leaning on a support pole picking his teeth. Two others were talking to each other, laughing, pointing at him. Numerous maps of the battlefield hung on the walls, some with red color markings. He faintly smelled food. Lunch, he thought. To his right, he was surprised to see a group of Nprudi horsemen huddled together, talking about something that interested them deeply. Ghelfunn lowered his head and spit out a stream of blood. He felt nauseated, the ringing in his ears making him feel off balance. The light shining through the entrance to the tent was painful, so he closed his eyes. The darkness returned. A moment later he fainted, falling on his right side. The two men behind him quickly grabbed his arms again, raising him  once more to his knees. His thighs began to burn with pain, he groaned as a cramp worked its way from his left foot upward to the calf muscle. He tried to straighten his leg out but the man on his right slammed a fist into his ribs. 

"That's enough," a voice calmly said. "Let's not kill him. Not yet anyway."

Margon walked into the tent and stood in front of Ghelfunn, leaning down to look directly into his prisoner's eyes. He smiled. Margon then walked over to a table containing a platter of food and cups full of water. He took a piece of meat, rolled it between his fingers, and took a bite. 

Turning to Ghelfunn, he said, "You hungry? Looks like you missed lunch."

Ghelfunn looked up and said nothing.

"That's okay. Your head will clear. I imagine you are still somewhat dizzy. That blow to the head was more severe than I would have liked--I apologize. My men are loyal but tend to be a bit too aggressive."

"What's going on," Ghelfunn asked, blood dripping down from his head wound. He spit again, this time toward Margon. "You are Margon, right? The queen's safeguard?"

"I am," Margon responded. "You might say I'm her right and left hands--and both feet. I command her personal guard." Margon took another bite of meat, then picked up a glass of water, taking a drink. "We have met, you know. You are just a little confused right now. Is your head feeling any better?"

"I am more than a little confused," Ghelfunn said. "Why are you dressed like a Nprudi horseman?"

"So many questions. I know you are curious about what you have seen. And we will get to that. But for now, I have a question."

Ghelfunn's headache was beginning to ease, but the cramp in his left leg was still bothering him. His knees were digging into the tent's floor causing him to shift weight from his right to the left. If I could just stand up, maybe I'd feel more like talking, he thought. 

"What's your question," Ghelfunn asked.

Ghelfunn in Battle Against the Nprudi

 

Ghelfunn stepped over the bloody body of a Nprudi footman, holding a knife in his right hand. The footman had stumbled over a rock and it was a mistake he soon regretted, for Ghelfunn had taken his knife and quickly plunged it deep into the footman's chest. Ghelfunn stood up, scanned the battlefield to the east and began looking for the Sovereign. Where the hell is the king? he thought.

At the moment, another Nprudi horseman lunged toward him with a poison-tipped spear. Should the spear break Ghelfunn's skin, he would die in seconds. The horseman stabbed at Ghelfunn's neck and face, then quickly tried a slashing move to gash his lower legs. The Nprudi was looking for any open skin, any weak spot to make an incision. Ghelfunn, however, used the shield on his left arm to skillfully knock away the darting spear tip, anticipating perfectly the Nprudi's moves. Before his enemy could take another step forward, Ghelfunn dropped to his left knee, raised the knife in his right hand and threw it directly toward the neck of the Nprudi. The blade entered just beneath the Nprudi's chin, then continued upward into his gasping mouth and square jaw. The Nprudi stepped backward but did not fall. The knife hung from his lower left jaw, protruding through his throat and neck to the right. Surprisingly, the Nprudi grabbed the blade and with a loud scream pulled the knife out and tossed it aside. Ghelfunn wasted no time. He reached for the leather whip tied to his belt on the right hip. His right hand fit firmly just above the heel knot. Ghelfunn slung the whip forward, the thong straightening out in a whisp of smoke and dust, the fall and cracker snapping in midair. Ghelfunn immediately slung his right arm backward in a sweeping motion, then suddenly forward, causing the whip to sling forward toward the Nprudi's arm which still grasped the poisonous spear. The Nprudi dropped the spear, which was set for another attack. The spear stabbed the earth remaining there like a tree limb stuck in the ground. Ghelfunn withdrew his whip and repeated the swift and deadly motion again, this time slinging his whip upward, wrapping the fall and cracker around the Nprudi's neck. Slamming his right arm and wrist downward, Ghelfunn brought the NPrudi to his knees entangled at the end of his whip. Ghelfunn walked toward the bleeding, gasping, Nprudi and removed the whip from around his neck. Ghelfunn kicked the Nprudi in the chest causing the footman to fall backward. Ghelfunn stood over the reclining Nprudi and slammed his shield into the Nprudi's wounded neck just below the right jaw. The Nprudi took one last breath, coughed, lifted his head and looked at Ghelfunn. Their eyes met briefly; a small tear dripped down the Nprudi's right cheek. The tear drop mixed easily with the Nprudi's blood, soaking his lips and chin. The Nprudi would shed no more tears that day. His life was no more.

"Ghelfunn!" Odan shouted. "You okay? Looks like you need help!" Odan ran from his own fighting position across the grassy knoll and stood to the left of Ghelfunn. "When will you use a sword like the rest of us? That whip of yours will one day get you killed."

"The long blade gets in my way. I've told you this a thousand times. I prefer my whip, a good knife, and perhaps a supply of starblades. A bow and arrow? Fine. But a sword? No thanks."

"From the looks of it, we're winning," said Udan. "I've killed my fair share of these devils. I see just a few pockets of resistance. The Nprudi are done."

"We've been fighting a forward guard," Ghelfunn said. He looked at the bloody scene and somehow knew it was just the beginning. "The main attack force is to the north. They will be coming soon. Have you seen the Sovereign?"

"He's over there," Udan motioned to his left beyond a group of trees. "He looks safe and sound. Glad he's enjoying the view. Wouldn't want him to be uncomfortable. Probably having a glass of wine and some cheese."

The two men walked north toward the high ridge one hundred yards distant to get a better view of the valley below them. Their path took them over a rocky terrain littered with dead and dying bodies. After years of fighting for the Sovereign, neither warrior was particularly unsettled by the sight of widespread misery and desolation. Mostly, they just wanted to rest and get something to eat.

"Do you see what I see," asked Udan. "Look over the tree line to the right."

"I see them," Ghelfunn said. "We're not done yet. I need a horse. Lost mine about an hour ago."

"I've still got mine, unless my attendant ran off with it. Let's meet here after we get some rides. You won't have any trouble finding a horse, somewhere. There's plenty of dead Nprudi horsemen who won't be needing one." Udan then ran off to seek his attendant, and hopefully, retrieve his favorite horse.

 Ghelfunn turned and watched his friend, thankful to Rhemaden that Udan was still alive. That man has saved my life too many times to count, he thought. He's been at my side all these years. Without him, I would be nothing.

Ghelfunn scanned the battlefield and quickly found a stout horse to take as his own. The Nprudi herds were among the best in the realms; horses to the Nprudi were more important than food. A Nprudi horseman was taught to feed his horse first, then feed himself. Ghelfunn's new destrier appeared to be of great stock, a massive stallion, with a dark coat. "You'll do just fine," Ghelfunn said while climbing on. "We'll get you into some action soon. It's what you and I were bred for."

Ghelfunn turned his warhorse toward the group of trees to provide a report to the Sovereign. As a member of the Sovereign's Supreme Guard, Ghelfunn and Udan had years ago sworn an oath to protect the Royal family at any cost, even death. 

As Ghelfunn approached the Sovereign's camp, he glanced to his right and immediately became alarmed. A small group of men on horses were riding straight for the group of trees shielding the High Royal. They wore black, which was odd. Ghelfunn knew that anyone fighting for the Sovereign wore appropriate battle colors. He noticed the leader, the one horseman out front, and thought he recognized him. Is that the queen's personal safeguard? What's he up to?

The horsemen, Ghelfunn estimated fifteen in all, were riding hard and would be at the Sovereign's camp in minutes. Ghelfunn had to act quickly. He scanned the battlefield and immediately knew he was alone, other members of the Sovereign's guard were too far away to be of any help. The Sovereign's army was scattered over the plateau, some wounded, many dead, and others still scrambling after Nprudi footman retreating back to the north. Ghelfunn looked for Udan and couldn't see his friend anywhere. For Rhemaden's sake, Udan! Ghelfunn groaned. Where are you when I NEED you!

Ghelfunn turned the Nprudi warhorse, jerking the reins hard to guide the animal straight toward the group of trees ahead. He galloped as fast as he could, hoping to make it to the Sovereign's perimeter guardsmen before the fifteen riders in black arrived. Maybe this is a false alarm, Ghelfunn thought. Has the day's battle fatigue set my mind to seeing dangers that do not exist? Why am I so worried? It's probably the queen's guardsmen bringing an important message to the Sovereign. But they are wearing black. That makes no sense!

The queen's small force disappeared into the trees before Ghelfunn arrived. Fifty yards distant he saw them ride into the underbrush, their black clothing fading into the darkness. He was too late. 

 

 

 

Ghelfunn is Up a Tree, uh, In a Tree

Ghelfunn slid back into the darkness of the fallen tree trunk, the men outside resting near the hidden entrance to his hiding place. He was lying on his back, feet pointed toward the entrance, hands at his side. He listened as men's voices filled the inner chamber in which he was entombed, their laughter echoing off the slick walls inside the wooden stump. The tree trunk was rotted, hollowed out by years of decay. Luckily, it was a large enough for a man to use as shelter against the seasonal elements. 

He had been in worse situations but at the moment Ghelfunn couldn’t remember when. This is not good, he sighed. It’s going to be a long night. Why had the assassins stopped? Had they lost his trail? More than likely they wanted to sleep. Even the queen's henchmen needed sleep. Ghelfunn estimated twelve men were just outside the entrance to his temporary new tree house. He realized he was living inside this grounded tree house, not nestled outside among tree limbs and leaves up high in the air. Perhaps hiding inside a tree sprawled out on the ground was an advantage, not a liability. The thick walls of the tree trunk should prevent the assassins from hearing him, but he was taking no chances. He tried his best to remain still, making no noise. How long were these men were going to be in camp? That was anyone's guess. 

Ghelfunn’s mind wandered, listing those moments in his life when death seemed a real possibility. It was a long list, to be sure. His thoughts of the past slid past him in a blurring of images, feelings, regrets. The death of his father and the subsequent run for his own life still haunted him. He was just a child then. It seemed ages ago, not just a few years. How did he survive? Udan, of course, had saved him. Where is Udan now? Is he alive? Ghelfunn had last seen his friend in battle minutes before the king died. Udan was standing over a bleeding Nprudi, removing his knife, when Ghelfunn left his side to assist the king.

The king’s honor guard trained relentlessly to anticipate threats to the Royal and his family, using their skills to protect them. Where was our training when the king was slain yesterday? Ghelfunn understood that training and skill were effective only to a degree. Even with his experience as a king’s guard, Ghelfunn could not remember anything like this, ominously stuck inside a tree trunk with a dozen assassins a few feet away. He felt like laughing at the absurdity of it but declined to take this predicament lightly. One wrong move would mean certain death. If Udan hears about this, he’ll never let me forget it, he thought. 

Inside the decaying tree it was warm enough. Ghelfunn wouldn’t freeze to death. Although wet with rotten leaves and debris, the floor and walls provided shelter against the cool winds outside. The odor reminded him of moist leaves and dung laced with a putrid scent of dying flesh. Ghelfunn was familiar with the smell of dying flesh and he smelled it now. Had other men or animals used this tree trunk to escape the elements? Ghelfunn considered it likely. All creatures used the death and decay of other living things for survival, he thought. That's the way of things. The Royals used armies and war to protect themselves, didn't they? The death and destruction of their enemies were necessary for the survival of the kingdom. Ghelfunn felt it was certain this hollowed out rotten tree trunk, lying on its side in the middle of this forsaken and darkened forest, had for decades saved the lives countless creatures. 

Holding his breath, Ghelfunn quietly reached behind him, stretching out from his current reclining position, hoping to find a second opening further down the length of the trunk. He wanted an escape route in case an assassin decided to poke his head inside the entrance. The tree trunk lying on its side made Ghelfunn feel like he was in a kind of strange tunnel or elongated cave. Although he was lying down with his feet near the entrance, he had plenty of head room and could change direction to escape if necessary. As he reached backward into the darkness using his right hand, he felt something move.

 

 

Ghelfunn Escapes into the Forest

Ghelfunn stumbled forward as the wound in his right thigh pulsated with pain. The bleeding had slowed but he was losing strength with each step. The path he chose leaving the battlefield led to a forested area. He knew the tree cover was his best chance to escape the queen's assassins. I've got to find cover, he thought. Those men will not stop until they have killed me.

The forest was unknown to Ghelfunn, he had never been this far east. The sun was low in the sky, the light getting dimmer as he walked deeper into the trees. He looked up at the dark blue sky, the moons beginning to arise overhead, and he winced in pain. With each passing moment the shadows were fading into darkness. Having no lightstick or supplies of any kind, he knew he was in trouble. Twelve assassins were not far behind him, sworn to kill him for what he had witnessed. Fatigue was beginning to seep into his bones. After all, he spent the day fighting the Nprudi. Yes, the day was won...but at what cost? Now he was on the run for his life. Did I escape the Nprudi only to die  in this forest?

Ghelfunn noticed to the right of his current path a huge tree which had been torn from its roots by an Icewind. Icewind can do a lot of damage in a short period of time, especially this time of year. The tree was spread out over a large area in at least five separate pieces.  Ghelfunn saw few leaves--the tree had been stripped, pealed apart by the savage winds. Each piece of the  tree looked old and grey, like it had been dead for many years. A huge chunk of the tree had fallen just off to the side and now looked almost black in the approaching darkness. The limbs were coiled about the trunk and twisted in all directions; it looked like a great spool of wire used for mending fences. Could it be? Ghelfunn walked to examine the huge trunk, at least fifteen feet long and wide as a lumberman's wagon, he thought. I see it! A hole in the trunk! Ghelfunn reached the nearest side of the tree trunk and removed a few twisted branches. A huge gape in the side of the tree had been torn and ripped open. It was large enough for a man.

Ghelfunn squeezed his body into the gaping hole of the tree. He crawled a few feet upward into the hollowed-out trunk. He made sure to cover the opening with rotted branches strewn about the base of the dead tree. Praise the Almighty! Ghelfunn stretched out and quickly passed out. 

He slept until the noise of men's voices awoke him. The assassins were in camp, their fire burning nearby. He could see the light from their lightsticks flickering through the gaping hole of the tree in which he had climbed to safety. The queen's henchmen had decided to use the area around Ghelfunn's treehouse to set up camp. 

Queen Maenia Meets with Sala Ayyubi

The queen sat in the center of her inner chamber on the highly polished wooden floor. It was dark but for one candle burning on an altar, an altar the queen had constructed with her own hand. The inner chamber was a rectangular room with luxurious furnishings fit for a queen. She had designed the space after marrying the king. The king's first wife had died in childbirth. She had married him to insure an alliance between the Fifth and Fourth Realm. As the new queen, she hated the furnishings of the inner chamber she inherited and spent time and money on decorating it properly. She made sure to leave space for her altar.

She hid her worship practices from everyone, bringing out the altar only when alone. The altar piece was simple and easily assembled. She must keep secret that she was a devoted follower of the Ayyubi, a cabal of outcasts who resided in the Fourth Realm. The Ayybuian sect was hated and feared among the Five Realms. The altar was a way to communicate with her fellow Ayyubi, using the ancient rites as portal to communicate with other devotees hundreds of miles away. 

Queen Maenia closed her eyes and began to chant the ancient tongue of the Ayyubi. The words were couched in tonal vibrations, her voice humming with a songlike moan. Her musical rhythms would have been pleasant to most ears, even though they represented the darkest creatures of nature: the hiss of the snake, the growl of the wolf, the chirping of the Cromonian beast.

"I'm here," a voice from the dark filled the room. "Why has Maenia summoned me?" The voice was deep and guttural, unpleasant to the ear. "Have you news to share with me?"

"Praise to you, Sala Ayyubi," the queen said. "I would never contact you unless it was important. Our plan is coming together nicely. We have an opportunity to take the next step." Queen Maenia was careful not to move or turn her head toward the figure standing behind her in the dark. Sala Ayyubi was a powerful being and she knew it was easy to anger him. 

"We must be careful," Sala said. "Are you sure circumstances warrant it?"

"The king is leaving tomorrow to battle the Nprudi," she said, looking at the candle as it flickered in the dark. The low light was soothing, and she felt comfortable in the presence of the Lord Sala Ayyubi. "We have this opportunity to strike a blow."

"Very well. Proceed." Sala's voice was firm and unyielding. "Do not fail." 

 

A Quick Update

 A quick explanation for the reader who has found their way to my so-called blog (I dislike the term, blog, by the way). This blog served me well years ago when I was traveling and writing, back in the Dark Times when people read blogs and the Internet was bit younger than it is today.

At any rate, I now use this space to post excerpts of passages from a novel that is churning over in my brain. I am writing a fantasy novel. Therefore, I hope these posts make more sense to you. 

Follow along with me as I go. Some of these passages are "warm ups" and may or may not find their way into the novel. 

The King and Ghelfunn Have a Good Day

The king stepped back as he received a blow from the enemy's sword. He took the defensive stance his training required, bringing his shield high with his weak left arm and shoulder. Using his right hand, he thrust his sword downward in a sweeping move to cut the legs of the approaching Nprudian warrior. The Nprudi were excellent swordsmen but were careless in their close-order attacks. Their aggression was uncontrolled. They often would move into the opponent's killing zone too soon or too quickly. This Nprudian was in a hurry to finish off the king, perhaps a reward being his motive.

The king's sword sliced into the left thigh of the rushing enemy, blood quickly spurting from the wound, spilling onto the Nprudi's cuisse. The Nprudian armor had weak plating, especially on the legs. Speed was a Nprudian trait, leg armor was designed to allow quick and decisive moves. The king knew this, of course, and thus the attack to the lower body. The Nprudi hit the ground hard, falling on his left side. The king raised his sword and took a downward blow toward his opponent's right shoulder, finding a soft spot just above the pauldron. The Nprudian's neck was exposed, just enough to end his life. 

The Nprudi have yet to improve their armor, the king thought.

Ghelfunn ran to the king and stood beside him just as the Nprudi slumped over dead. "Is your Greatness okay?" Ghelfunn asked. The comment was inappropriate, but the king liked Ghelfunn, so he let it pass. 

"I'm fine," the king said. "Don't worry about me. I was fighting the Nprudi while you were still sucking your mother's teat."

"I apologize sir," Ghelfunn said. "I meant no offense. You know my solemn oath is to protect you." 

"Kings are nursed by those who look out for him," the king said. "I find it irritating. I accept your apology but remind you I've killed my share of Nprudi." 

The king looked eastward over the battlefield before him and smiled. Ghelfunn knew at that moment they had won the day, the Nprudi were finished. The sun was sinking beyond the horizon, the golden glow that was common for that time of day began to enlighten the battlefield. The trees and all the surround plants were shining with that golden hue as blood and pieces of body parts settled into the fertile soil of the plateau. The king was happy. Ghelfunn grinned and said to the king, "I do love to fight."