Dan sat on his horse and looked over the horde gathered a mere fifty of paces down the slope from him. Six thousand warriors standing in lines twenty deep. Brandishing swords and spears and shields. Leather armor and the odd steel helm looted from the dead. Howling and yelling and spitting, their guttural screams impossible to understand. Too many voices crying too many things. Trying not show fear, Dan glanced to his left, then to his right. He didn't see her, but he knew she was there at his back. That tiny gorgeous dangerous woman in red and gold armor. There was no doubt how he felt about her. He looked again to his right. Three magi were lined up and studying the small gathering before them. 'Small gathering! What the hell would an army look like!' He stamped on that hard. He couldn't let fear in, not even the tiniest of sparks. Ok it was too late, but he was determined not to show it. And this was only the strongest warriors of two clans! And there are more than thirty clans scattered and warring amongst themselves while skirmishing with everyone else!
He looked to his left and felt again the shock. That goblin females could be so... beautiful. Males were all green scales and sharp edges with horns and ...well... course looking. Women on the other hand were slim sleek and smooth. While still with a greenish tinge, they had little in common as far as looks went with their male counterparts. Dan was unsure if he would ever get over that incredible contrast.
Or get over the fact that he was an advisor/mage to the Queen. The goblin Queen. And that he had been responsible for her attaining the title. Or that he was in fact with the goblin army. 'Gathering' he corrected himself. And here he was, arrayed opposite the Tannish army, a human army. He looked again to the Queen and she was watching him. Was that a trace of humor? Compassion? It was so hard to tell with those rust colored eyes. It was time and they both nodded to each other. In a clear voice she shouted out a single command. The was almost instant silence from the horde. Dan shivered, unnerved by their control. He could see the affect on the army gathered across the dell. Shifting of spears, the stilling of horses. Archers notching arrows. He could just see the coming together of heads as commanders discussed what was happening.
Then the goblin warriors gathered below began to sing. Six thousand voices strong.
Young Karri the apprentice healer returned bearing clothes. A simple blue robe with a belt and some tan leggings. Socks also of blue along with tan leather boots all of which she placed on the stool beside the bed. Dan looked at the clothes, then looked at Karri.
“Where are my clothes?”
“Lady Harline said you were to wear these.”
“OK, but where are my clothes?” he stressed the point. Karri looked at Stephtan, then back to Dan then away barely meeting his eyes.
“Lady Harline took them from the washers and gave them to Jaseem the Head Seamstress. She said you could have them back when you are strong enough to walk down and get them yourself.”
“Oh she said that did she? Well you can just go to this Jazz...?”
“Jaseem the Head Seams..” she never got to finish.
“Yes Jaseem and get them back right now.” Dan was more than a little annoyed.
“Yes, Lady Harline said you would say something like that. I have been told that I am not to follow any orders you give. Now Sir, if you will rise, we will get you dressed.” Assuming a no nonsense stance with her nose in the air, she picked up the robe and held it ready by the shoulders.
“Oh really! You will follow... WHAT?” Dan’s mouth fell open. “We will get me dressed?”
“Yes sir, now if you'll just get up...” Karri looked at Dan, standing patiently, robe in hands. Dan on the other hand seemed lost for words. His mouth moved but nothing emerged. He did manage to pull the covers up a little higher.
“Karri, this man’s ways are different than ours. It appears that you offering to dress him has left him in shock. I doubt it is a custom in all worlds.” Stephtan said from his chair by the fire. “Just leave them on the stool and he can dress himself when he’s ready. If we need any help I will call.” Karri looked at Dan, then with a nod, folded the robe and set it back down. She stopped at the door and looked back.
“Be sure and get up now. Lady Harline was most insistent.”
Dan was left out of breath from the simple act of getting dressed. He felt strange in the soft robe. ‘Dressed like a girl.’ he thought. Standing there looking down at the robe was draining the strength from his legs and he was forced to sit on the bed again.
“Take your time, and when your ready, come over here and sit by the fire.” Stephtan said. “It will be a few days before you recover most of your strength. In the mean time, we can talk. I'm sure we both have many questions.”
The leather chair by the fire had been comfortable. The view out the window had not. A town of rough stone buildings with thatch or slate roofs. A turreted wall along the edge of town. Hills and some forests in the distance. And snow. Lots and lots of deep snow could be seen through the streaked and imperfect glass planes. Soldiers with swords and people with carts or horses coming and going. And everyone of them had colored smoke weaving around them. The talk with Stephtan had been no comfort either. Now he sat at a rough wooden table with another bowl of stew. While he was hungry he had little enthusiasm for eating. So much to absorb. It was pretty hard to deny that this wasn't his world. He didn't want to believe it. But any theory he could come up with was far worse. Abducted by a cult, that was chilling. And this place, these people didn't have a cult feel. In a coma and this was all in his head. Stephtan had quickly put that one to rest. A quick poke in the ribs with his walking stick had left Dan with a nasty bruise along side of the one across his chest. That thought brought back the memory all to clear.
Dan opened the robe to show Stephtan the bruise running diagonally across his chest.
“Seat belt?” Stephtan asked, not even looking.
“Yea, guess that means my car is wrecked.”
“From what I've heard I would have to say yes. So what was it, a Chevy, Ford?”
“Honda.”
“Honda? I thought they made motorcycles.” Stephtan said off handedly. Then he looked Dan in the eye and asked “What year?”
“2008. Blue, fully loaded.”
“2008!” Stephtan replied in shock. Dan looked at the old man in surprise. Stephtan sat for a minute looking in to the fire. “ 2008. Well, guess things hasn't changed all that much.” He turned to Dan and said “My name was Steve and I was living in San Francisco, spring 1977. I was a hippie in the right city at the wrong time. After a hell of a party one night I woke up in a field, just outside of a medieval town. At first I thought I had taken too much acid and was still trippin. I learned differently after a few days. That was about 300 or so years ago. I stopped counting after 225.” He turned and looked at Dan again.
“300 years?” Dan said. “What the fu...” Stephtan cut him off.
“I know what your going to say, so save it. This is real. Here, where you are. This is not Earth and in some ways, far better and at the same time, far more dangerous. I know you think I'm full of shit, but you'll learn. Your in for a few surprises my boy. You might even like a few of them.” There was a gleam in the old man's eyes that Dan wasn't sure how to take. Some type of mischief for sure.
“...” Dan opened his mouth but Stephtan raised his hand, cutting Dan off before he could even say a word.
“Take a little time, watch, listen, think. Ask me again in a couple days. Now, do you feel up to walking down a few flights of stairs? I could use some of that stew.”
Dan had gotten his clothes back from Jaseem after Stephtan had left him in the large dimmly lit dining hall. Received a number of strange looks, but he just didn't feel comfortable in a robe. Simply walking around the garrison was tiring. While looking for 'Lady Harline' he had come across a library. Tall book cases of polished dark wood filled a large room well lit by huge windows. A couple of large fireplaces had fire burning behind iron grills. More to rest than read, he had gone in and sat. Dan watched the falling snow until he was approached by a gray haired woman in a white dress with tiny yellow flowers. Faded bands wove their lazy way around her; red, yellow, gold.
“You are Dan, a new comer to our little town, if I hear correctly.” She smiled and unasked, sat next to him. “I wondered if you would find your way here, most do in the end.” Her smile was warm and reminded Dan of his mother who had passed away years ago. “I also hear the strangest rumor that you don't know what life bands are. Is this true?” She asked as if this could not possibly be the case. Before Dan could reply, she was up and moving towards the rows of bookcases and shelving. “We have here quite a number of books and manifests on the subject. The best ones are written in Corhalsh, but I doubt you could read that language. Perhaps you would also like something on the ways and use of magic?” She had disappeared around a corner but Dan could still hear her talking away. “We have a wonderful text on that... where is it... oh yes.” He could hear books being moved around, while she never stopped talking. “ I think this one will do nicely. Not too advanced, but not a child's book either. You have the green of a magi and the elements to go with it so this will help you right along. Perhaps you'd like a little history as well?” Suddenly she was beside him again but from the direction opposite where she had gone. Three large and heavy looking books were placed on the little table beside his seat. “These should get you started nicely. They can be taken up to your room if you wish. You are staying here in the garrison? Feel free to browse around if you wish or call me if you need help locating something. I'll be tidying up the shelves. Dust you know, never ending battle.” And with that she was off again.
“Would you know where I could find Lady Harline?” Dan asked. She stopped, turned about as if looking for something. She stopped facing away to Dans left eyes closed and head up, as if she was listening for something.
“She is on her way to the Council of Magi in Cyntryl. Back in a few days no doubt.” The librarian was off and around a corner before she finished speaking. Dan never got her name.
The first book had talked about quite a number of things but little of it made sense to Dan at the time. The book on magic was pure nonsense at first. A maid had come in to light the lanterns as the day slid into evening. She had opened the little door and poked the wick with her finger. Instantly a flame popped into existence.
“Do that again.” He asked. So she did as before. As soon as her finger touched the wick, a flame appeared. Dan took the lantern from her, snuffed the flame and set it on the table.
“Do that one more time.” the maid stood with her hands on her hips and a look only women who patience is running thin can give. “ Please.” he asked. This time Dan watched the colored bands as they gently flowed around the girl. As soon as her finger touched the wick, the red life band flickered slightly and a flame appeared on the wick. The maid looked at Dan as if to say 'ok?'. When he didn't respond, she went around and lit the two other lanterns, then left. Dan watched the flame consuming the oil for a few minutes before he blew out the flame. He reached in and, holding his breath, touched the wick. Nothing. He went to bed exhausted.
Now three days later Dan sat the same rough table with a half eaten meal, the book of magic before him and one still unlit lantern. He had reread the first two chapters several times. Then he had reread up on the life bands, concentrating on the red or fire/heat band. Now he was sitting reading the chapter on the elements. He stopped, took a sip of water then looked at the lantern again. With a long suffering sigh, he pulled it closer, reached in with his finger and touched the wick. A small orange spark formed on the wick. Dan's mouth dropped open at the sight of it. Then burnt his finger. As soon as he yanked back in pain, the ember went out. He sat looking at a small wisp of smoke with his burnt finger in his mouth.
“Do it again.” A deep voice said from behind him. As he turned, the voice spoke.
“Don't turn, don't speak. Just do it again.” Dan reached forward and hesitantly touched the wick. Again, a small ember appeared.
“Think of the flame, think of the heat, think of it's existence. Move it from your band to the wick” A small flame popped and the wick began to burn. Dan shouted in joy and was about to stand up. A quick breeze brushed past his ear and the flame went out.
“Hey! What did you do that for!” Dan demanded. A strong hand on his shoulder pushed him back down.
“Do it again.” it commanded. Dan was a little pissed off. He put his finger to the wick and it instantly flared up. Much more than was possible for such a small wick. The flame burnt his finger again, and as soon as he pulled away, the flame shrunk down to a normal size.
“Do you know why it did that?” asked the voice.
“No” Dan replied, sucking on his tender finger tip.
“I will tell you when you learn to put the flame out the same way you lit it.” The hand came off his shoulder and Dan turned to watch an old magi walking away.
“Damn it.” he muttered around his finger.
The screams were agonizing. Few could dish out torture like a goblin. And even fewer could survive it for long. The purple wisps slowly ate their way into the fingers and toes where nails had been pulled off. The victim flexed and screamed again. Beneath the skin one could see the magic working its way up his arm consuming flesh slowly as it went. Another wisp slowly wove through the air. It entered into a nostril and the screams took a new intensity. “The Stranger Prophecy! AAAGGGHHH!”
A single Blood Craven warrior had been caught sneaking through Dark Crow territory. The chase had been short, but the beating had been long. Bruised and broken the unconscious warrior had been dumped at the feet of Clan Eldest. A barbed hook slowly ripped through the nose had not made the captive any more talkative.
“Take him to the Casters” A look of terror passed across the unlucky goblin's face as he was dragged away. Days of torture had finally broken him. A tale of a Bone Caster shaman, and prophecy. Of a troll spelled into submission and a woman warrior then of a sick human was spilled out along with begs for death. The Casters took this to the Clan Eldest, but one held back. Somethings had to be confirmed.
“Tell me of this Human.” Cold black irised eyes regarded the victim. There was not much left and death would come soon, one way or another. “Tell me of the colors.” The eyes moved closer. A hand grasped the quaking skull and turned it so the dying goblin had no choice but to look into those cold dead eyes. Everything faded away, out of sight. There was only those eyes. The bottomless pits of oblivion and if he had the power he would have screamed again. But he had so little left, so tired and the pain. The pain was everything, forever.
“Tell ME!” He couldn't refuse but he was slipping away. The human was puny and very sick. The colors were too weak. It couldn't be the right one. It was all a mistake. But the eyes became colder and new terror flowed out of them. This time the victim did scream.
“Now, tell me of this warrior.” But the last scream had been the final. The shaman sneered in disgust.
He was not the eldest of the Casters. He was not in charge, but that would change. Real soon. He was, unknown to the others, the most powerful. Powerful enough to be a Bone Caster. And by far, the most dangerous. He knew things. Things the other did not. Things handed down through the blood line for time unknown. He knew the Stranger Prophecy, likely better than anyone else alive. Everything he had heard tonight rang of the truth. He was here, The Stranger was here. The new dawn of Goblin! But he was in the hands of the Humans. 'Damn fool of a Blood Craven.' He would have to make his move soon.
The healer Harline pushed through the door, saddle bag over one arm. Four days with the Council had proven to be difficult. They had no answers for her, just more questions. They had listened to her then had made no decision for three days. Then as she was getting ready to leave, she had been summoned. Three of the seven Council members would travel to Kingscrossing within a week. Preparations had to be made, items taken care of. Harline got the distinct impression that something was wrong. The Council was worried which in turn made her worry. Council members rarely traveled anywhere. For three to do so with such short notice... She left that thought unfinished. Something was very wrong and this Dan was the heart of it.
It had been a miserable five day ride back from Cyntryl. Constant snow and strong winds the entire trip. Tired and frozen she intended to take a long hot bath after getting something from the kitchens. A small crowd was gathered around a table in the dining area outside the kitchens. Forced to go around she came upon Jahlin leaning against a door frame. The tall wizened magi stood watching with his arms folded across his chest. He nodded in greeting then turned back to the crowd.
“Whats going on?” Harline asked.
“That young man has quite the talent for magic. And an odd way of doing things.” Harline stepped up onto a bench to see over the heads of the crowd. At the center was Dan and three magi apprentices. Between them they had a small block of stone about a hand wide, with what appeared to be circular tubes running through it. Dan set it on a rectangular stone base and the three magi put their hands on top of the cube.
“Which one and what are they doing?” The healer asked. Jahlin looked at her in amusement.
“ Ten days ago he lit a lantern. With nothing more than reading a book.” Harline looked to the mage. Lighting a candle was one of the tougher lessons for first year students.
“The Librarian gave him Tomain's 'Use of Magic' didn't she?” When Jahlin nodded, she said “That's a good book. How does she always know?”
“If I knew that, my classes would be shorter.” Harline snorted in agreement. Teaching magic can be long and difficult. For student as well as instructor.
“The next day he came to me to show he could put it out the same way.” Harline turned her shocked face to Jahlin.
“One day! He learned that in one day!”
“Less than one day.” Jahlin was still watching the four in the circle. “Now watch this, I think I see what he's doing. A fascinating concept, he called a 'heat exchanger'.”
Harline watched as fire was used on one side while the other got ice. The tubes were woven with air. Dan was directing the students to keep the three elements evenly balanced as he wove all three elements together in thin delicate threads, then sent them running along the tubes, around the cube. All four stepped back. From where Harline stood, it looked like just a block with tubes and nothing was happening. Someone in the watching crowd handed Dan two small pieces of what looked like meat. At the same time, careful not to touch the tubes, Dan placed both pieces on the stand, either side of the block. As she watched, one piece froze while the other cooked. The crowd looked as stunned as Harline. When she turned to Jahlin, he had a look of amusement.
“He was asking about how people can work magic together without interference from each other. Then yesterday he asked about blending the elements. I got him to blend fire and water while controlling the steam with air. He picked it up in no time at all, then turned the steam to rain to water my herbs. So I sent him to the library. He came back with Shoorgan's 'Proposed Theories in Magical Application' and another I've never seen before. I've yet to get my hands on it.” Jahlin said with a wry grin. “You may want to teach that boy some healing. He will be joining my ninth year students tomorrow.” As he straightened from the door frame, he got serious, looked Harline in the eye and said “I haven't seen Stephtan for several days. I have asked Karri to look in on him.”
Dan was headed to Healers wing when he heard steel on steel. He turned towards the sounds and come upon a small training gym. A few groups were training various weapons. Archery, swords, spears. Over at the far wall a tiny woman was standing with four much larger men. One man stepped back and the three stood facing the woman with swords in their hands. She picked up a shield and called them to attack. Dan stood amazed. These guys were twice her height and more than that in weight. They spread out a bit then rushed her together. Faster than a cat, she spun to her left in a circle and brought the shield around and slammed it into the first attacker. He was knocked off balance into the man beside him. Before he could recover, she caught him under the chin with the shield edge. By the time he hit the ground she was spinning back to her right and blocked the farthest man's sword stroke. As the middle man recovered, she slipped between them and gripping the shield with both hands she slammed to her right, throwing him off balance again. She turned to her right and blocked another sword stroke, then slammed the shield edge down onto the man's foot A bellow of pain and he dropped his sword hopping on one foot. Before his second hop, she slammed him up side the head with the shield and down he went.. The middle man had recovered again and as he swung his sword , she ducked under it and kicked him in the groin. As he doubled over in pain, she brought the shield up in an arc up over her head. The bottom half caught him on the forehead and sent him tumbling backwards. The whole thing had taken seconds. All three men were down and in no shape to fight. Calmly she dropped the shield, picked up a fallen sword and beckoned the fourth man to attack. The man bellowed his laugh, dropped the sword, then put his hands in the air. The tiny woman put her hands on her hips and launched into a rant about training these bumbling farmers. Then laughed
Dan was instantly smitten.
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