Roads of Strife

Swords of Men and Angels

The Awakened City

Roads of Strife

The Leviathan Master

Dedicated to people I know

who have faithfully served the Lord.

The Dawson family.

Especially the Skipper,

Jack.

Who has fought bravely,

in wars of flesh

and spirit.

The Hurdle family.

Especially for Pat.

For her great care

and faith.

Just don’t mess with that lady!

The region of Elnoren

Region of Sousenden

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 News from afar

Chapter 2 A short visit to Maarkaat

Chapter 3 Journey to Daouk

Chapter 4 Company at the inn

Chapter 5 The Battle at Perethes

Chapter 6 Dungeon's of Dernak

Chapter 7 Shadows of evil

Chapter 8 The siege of Teranda

Chapter 9 News from home

Chapter 1

NEWS FROM AFAR

Three years have passed in the city of Teranda. King Dunen was wedded to Marani of the tribe of Maarkaat, but with little celebration. The battle for the throne had cost many lives and caused much strife amongst the inhabitants. The Terandian’s also feared that Ernum would strike back soon, which left them with little time to rejoice over their victory.

The Terandian’s also forged a greater bond with the tribesmen of Soloneb valley. Not only did the marriage of Dunen with Marani join the two people, the growing menace of Ernum gave them more reason to unite.

Many of the tribesmen were added to the Terandian army to increase its depleted ranks and to make sure that the region of Elnoren would be well protected.

Dunen restored the training schools for soldiers and called upon the elderly masters to once more teach their ancient skill.

Dunen also fortified the Perethes pass in the Magdin Mountains, by rebuilding the wall and placing guards.

King Ernum's influence was not seen nor heard in the region of Elnoren during this time, but rumours were heard that he had enlarged his kingdom by conquering towns and villages to the east of Dernak.

Dunen was certain that he would try to take Teranda again and prepared the city for that time. Dunen ordered his spies to constantly gather news of Ernum's activities in the dark land of Sousenden. Care was also taken to guard the royal family from Ernum's deadly Targots.

Amid the dark and difficult time, a glimmer of joy came to Dunen’s family. Queen Marani, bore him a son whom he named Favrob, after his father but in the tradition of the tribe of Marani. She also bore him a daughter that Marani name Dania. Elena was overjoyed with her grandchildren and cared for them well.

It was in these peaceful, but wary days, that Teranda received unusual visitors at the palace.

King Dunen was seated on his throne while his counsellors were about him, discussing typical affairs of the city. He was calm and looked older from his first days as king. He matured by the work and care of the city as well by his fatherhood. The royal crown was upon his head and his sceptre beside him. The counsellors displayed edicts to him as they discussed and considered them.

Menfre, the captain of his army, was also in the hall not far away and was speaking to officers of the city concerning military matters. Many loyal guards stood watching the proceedings in the hall with great vigilance.

As Dunen looked over the busy room, he noticed Penehas, his personal advisor, enter the hall walking fairly briskly. Dunen knew that something disturbed him since the thin aged man always walked calmly during his duties. Dunen also noticed that he seemed embarrassed for some reason.

Penehas walked up the steps of the dais, got close to Dunen and whispered, Excuse me, my lord. May I have a moment of your time? he said as the counsellors eyed him curiously.

Dunen understood he wanted to speak with him in private.

Very well. Excuse us a moment, he told the counsellors and they immediately stepped away as they continued their discussions.

What is it my friend? he asked.

Penahas moved closer to Dunen not to be overheard. I have two visitors from the land of Sousenden who greatly desire to speak with you, saying it is of a serious matter. Penehas said with a weird grin.

You don't seem to think it is serious, Penehas. Dunen told him.

Forgive me but I have never seen people like this before, he told him.

What do you mean? Dunen asked.

Their stature, my lord! They are small men, he said trailing off wide eyed.

Small! Dunen repeated wondering what he meant.

They are little people, my lord, he said in a whisper.

Dunen was still not sure what he meant and gave him a quizzical look.

They are as young men, yet I know they are much older, he added quickly.

Dunen was now curious to see these visitors himself.

Let them come that we may all see your little men, he told him and Penehas anxiously waved the doormen to let them in.

The great doors were opened and the two visitors were called in. Once the strangers walked in, those who took notice stopped talking to stare at the newcomers.

The two strangers entered the great hall marching side by side. They were small compared to the men of Teranda but stockier. They wore dark brown leathered garments, dirtied from their long journey. Short swords hung at their belts and their faces were dark and stern. Both had brown hair blown wildly by the wind, and they would have been considered brothers if it were not for their own peculiar features. As they arrived before the throne steps, the king's guards stepped forward hands on their swords and weary of the strangers. The visitors halted and stood still looking grim at Dunen. By this time, the whole hall was quiet as all looked on and some even hid their grinning of the strangers.

Menfre, who left his duties to stand near his King, stepped toward them. Bow and honor King Dunen, he demanded.

It is not our custom to honor kings of the cities. One of them said firmly.

Angered Menfre was about to reply when Dunen spoke.

Menfre! Respect is sometimes earned with strangers, he told him and Menfre reluctantly refrained.

The stranger gave Menfre an unpleasant stare.

Now who are you and what have you to tell me? Dunen asked.

I am Esel and he is Usir. We are messengers from the people of Daouk. From the region you call Sousenden, he said with disdain at his last words.

Our message is for your ears only, Usir said roughly.

Those who were listening were surprised and suspicious, if not disturbed by their arrogance.

This we cannot allow. The life of the king cannot be placed in danger, Menfre said suspiciously.

You fear us? Esel said mockingly.

Menfre gripped his sword angrily. You-, Menfre wanted to answer back but Dunen interrupted him.

We have many enemies. You understand? Dunen told them calmly.

Then we will accept to speak to who you deem trustworthy for I must warn you, this is of grave importance and not to be taken lightly, Esel said without turning away his gaze from Dunen.

Dunen took a moment to reflect on the stranger’s advice. Their strong character and serious conduct made Dunen accept their advice.

Very well, Menfre and my guards will remain, the others will leave, Dunen ordered.

At Dunen's request, the counsellors, officers and servants left the hall in a murmur of questions.

The strangers stood stiffly as they waited for all to leave the hall.

Speak and let your words be true, Dunen said gravely.

Our message comes from your brother Tharan, Usir said bluntly.

All in the hall were instantly stunned at the declaration and many could not believe what they heard.

What foolishness is this? Menfre burst out angrily, Do you live in holes that you dare say this? Menfre asked glaring at them, Have you not heard of Ernum's attack on Teranda and of the slaying of king Favrob and of Tharan?

The royal guards reached for their swords as they heard Menfre’s anger and at what the stranger announced.

We have heard it from the mouth of Tharan. He was not killed here in this room but brought to the city of Dernak and imprisoned by Ernum himself, Esel answered back.

For a moment, no one spoke as they wondered if what the stranger said could be true. They all looked at each other as they searched for answers.

Dunen was stunned for a moment and then said, My brother was killed! he stated, I saw it with mine own eyes! Dunen told the stranger fervently, disturbed by the recollection.

Tharan was only injured. Only your father perished that day, Usir said confidently.

Have you ever found the body of your brother? Esel quickly asked.

No. They burned the body and my father also, answered Dunen.

This is what you were told to believe, Esel said.

Are you sure of this? Usir asked him.

Dunen knew that no one was sure what happened to the bodies. Many men died that day and were either buried or burned. The enemies they captured after retaking the throne were questioned but none gave him answers to his father’s and brother’s burial. Only Lurion knew, but killed himself before they could question him.

No, Dunen answered reluctantly.

No matter. We have proof of what we say, Usir told him. Our people have seen him in the dungeons of Dernak.

Dernak's dungeons! Who could enter his prisons and come out alive to speak of it? This is ridiculous my lord, argued Menfre.

Our people were able to speak with him, and he sends you word, Esel continued, unbothered by Menfre’s outburst.

Dunen was filled with mixed emotions as he struggled over the troubling thoughts.

If you have spoken to him, what did he say? He asked cautiously.

He told us to remind you of the night, long ago, when together you left the palace by night, against your father’s will, upon a swift horse named Belrundy to the city’s port, Esel conveyed.

Dunen's heart leaped inside him. He slowly lay back in his chair, his mouth open, feeling weak by the shocking news. He was now sure his brother lived. Only Tharan would know of their little but disobedient escape. A great desire began to overwhelm him, wishing to be with him once again.

Dunen's expression told Menfre that what was said was true.

You bring us good news, Menfre said hesitantly to Esel.

Good news, if you do quickly what is necessary.

Why, what do you mean? Menfre asked.

Ernum has a purpose for him we know not. Tharan has been tortured and may not survive for long if we tarry, he said coldly.

What? We must rescue him. Immediately! Dunen told Menfre urgently, now worried for his life.

My lord, began Menfre, speaking calmly in hope that Dunen would make the right decisions. I greatly rejoice as you do that Tharan lives, but we have not the means to save him! Ernum’s forces are far greater than ours. We would surely be defeated, he sadly advised him.

Dunen hopes fell as he faced the truth. His army was too small and weak to attack Dernak. Menfre was right, it would be impossible to rescue him.

But we have a way. Without the use of your army, Usir offered him calmly, If you agree to our demands. Usir added.

Dunen and Menfre looked at each other with new hope but also with suspicion.

What demands? Dunen asked.

Zuruk wishes to meet with you in Daouk, Esel