
The Leviathan Master

Arturo Miriello

Published by Arturo Miriello

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 by Arturo Miriello

Maps by Arturo Miriello

Cover art by Gustave Dore

ISBN-13: 978-1492286813

ISBN-10: 1492286818

# Table of Contents

Copyright Page

Series Book List

Dedicated to my father

The region of Elnoren

Region of Sousenden

Region of Southern Elnoren

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 THE WINGED ASSAILANT

Chapter 2 TRAILS IN THE BALANCE

Chapter 3 THE HAND OF GOD

Chapter 4 PARTING FRIENDS

Chapter 5 TERANDA'S DELIVERANCE

Chapter 6 TIDES OF WAR

Chapter 7 SANDINOR'S DEFENCE

Chapter 8 DERNAK'S CAGE

Chapter 9 The Queen's Choice

# Swords of Men and Angels

# The Awakened City

# Roads of Strife

# The Leviathan Master

#

Dedicated to my father

and poet

Rosario.

And in loving memory

of my mother

Yolanda.

Never forgotten.

––––––––

# The region of Elnoren

# Region of Sousenden

# Region of Southern Elnoren

# CONTENTS

Chapter 1 THE WINGED ASSAILANT

Chapter 2 TRAILS IN THE BALANCE

Chapter 3 THE HAND OF GOD

Chapter 4 PARTING FRIENDS

Chapter 5 TERANDA'S DELIVERANCE

Chapter 6 TIDES OF WAR

Chapter 7 SANDINOR'S DEFENCE

Chapter 8 DERNAK'S CAGE

Chapter 9 THE QUEEN'S CHOICE

# Chapter 1

# THE WINGED ASSAILANT

Guided by Esel, the small band of riders, Dunen, Tharan, Geerob, Tunob and Dorrut, rode along the narrow passage atop the Torit Mountains. All were grim faced from the recent events. Targots from Dernak had discovered Zuruk's hideaway and almost penetrated into the secret caverns with a small army of soldiers.

Dunen felt very troubled by what Ernum had unleashed against his enemies. One large part of his army under the leadership of Duridon, presently besieged Teranda. Another division would soon cross into Elnoren by means of a tunnel through the Magdin Mountains, on its way to attack the seaport city of Sandinor.

All looked bleak as the welfare of all Elnoren hinged on the time it would take Dunen and his friends to reach Teranda and free it from Duridon's siege. Moreover, even if they were able to succeed, Dunen feared Sandinor would fall before they could come to its aid.

Dunen prayed frequently to God for guidance, not knowing how they could overcome Ernum's devious plans.

Above all, the safety of his wife, children and his mother constantly came to his mind and greatly feared for their safety.

Forcing himself to change his thoughts, he wondered how Zuruk would safely escape his mountain dwelling. How could he avoid meeting Ernum's soldiers and the deadly Targots? He also worried for the lives of his dear friends Bilob, Danar and Loyan.

After riding for an hour along the mountain, they passed through a crevice and exited into the western side of the Torit Mountains. The Ardra valley lay before them and the mountains by the same name.

To the north, they could see the high mountain chain of Magdin. To the west and at the foot of these mountains lay the city of Dernak, barely visible.

The companions hatefully stared in its direction as they contemplated the menace it had unleashed.

Esel gave a quick check, verifying that all was well with the riders, and then moved on down the steep mountain path.

The path swerved down the mountain with occasional stretches that levelled off. The going was slow and difficult for the horses, their hooves sliding often on loose rock and ground.

As they came midway down the mountain and drawing closer to the forest line, Geerob's horse, which rode last, began to neigh and toss its head nervously. Geerob tried to calm it, not knowing what troubled the beast. As the riders looked back wondering what was wrong, their own horses became agitated.

"What is wrong?" cried out Dunen to Esel.

"I do not know," answered Esel with a perplexed look.

Gradually, the horses became even more frantic, stamping their feet and some wishing to run but hindered by the narrow path or the other horses that blocked their way.

The riders found it hard to control their frenzied horses while they looked around the hillside for what troubled them.

"What is going on with these beasts?" shouted Tharan over the cries of the horses.

At that moment, a loud shriek filled the air and echoed around them. The horses bolted wildly, some raising themselves on their hind legs and kicking the air at an unseen enemy.

Esel, Tharan and Dunen were pitched off their horses in the upheaval. Without their masters, the horses sped off down the path.

The shriek came again from above them and louder. They all looked up towards the mountain peaks and to their horror, saw an enormous black bird flying towards them. Instantly they all recognized what it was, a Pelok, one of the great birds and largest in God's creation.

All were surprised to see it in the land, since they rarely came east from the great plains where they enjoyed abundant food and safety from man's hunting.

As it quickly drew closer with its wings spread out, the horses tried to escape the terrifying creature. Tunob's horse, scared and out of control, slammed its body against the rocky banks of the path crushing his leg in between. With great pain, he forced the horse away from the wall.

"Leave your horses! Let them go!" cried out Dunen to the villagers.

Quickly Geerob and Tunob jumped off their horses and averted the horse's rampant stamping. The horses immediately raced off, leaving their riders behind.

Dorrut, unwilling to lose the horses, decided to stay on his and let it run free as it followed the others.

As his companions' watched Dorrut race away down the path with his terrified horse, the bird shrieked again snatching their attention back to the coming menace.

As it slowed its descent and hovered far above them, they all saw to their even greater amazement that it had a rider.

The rider was dressed in black and sat on a saddle on the lower end of the beast's neck. He wore a small dark breastplate and a helmet. He controlled the bird with reins, tied to its beak. His calm posture as he rode the great beast made it seem no harder than riding a horse.

After hovering for a moment, the rider urged his beast to strike. As it drew closer, its great flapping wings blew down gusts of wind that made dust and rocks fly all around the company.

"Geerob, your bow," shouted Dunen, realizing that the creature could easily kill them with its powerful beak if it got close enough.

Geerob immediately reached for an arrow, fit it to his bow and let loose. The arrow pierced the bird in its wing and remained there. Seeing no affect, he fitted another and aimed for the body. As the arrow struck the bird, it simply bounced off.

Surprised for a moment, Geerob looked for a more vulnerable part of the beast and then thought of the rider. Letting loose another, the arrow struck the exposed leg of the rider. The rider flinched and then pulled on the birds reins. Immediately it obeyed its master's command and veered off its course.

As the bird gained speed and distance, Geerob sent forth another arrow but missed. Before he could send another, its powerful wings quickly moved the great bird and its rider out of reach.

They all watched it go, stunned and shocked by the new wonder. As it climbed higher, it took its course towards Dernak and slowly dwindled in the distance. The men looked at each other with utter amazement.

"He has mastered the Pelok!" exclaimed Tunob.

"Ernum commands the great beasts like dogs," Dunen said with awe as he and his friends brushed away the dirt from their clothes.

"I heard the rumors, but I did not believe them," said Tharan.

"What did you hear?" Dunen asked his brother.

"While I was in the dungeons of Dernak, other prisoners spoke of the great beasts, and that Ernum had captured some for his purposes," Tharan answered.

"This is true. We have heard the same, but could not be certain," added Esel.

"How can we fight Ernum if he sends these beasts upon us?" wondered Tunob with fear.

"They have their weaknesses, like all animals," Tharan answered.

"True, but it is one more advantage that Ernum has against us," Dunen made them consider.

"Are you well, Tunob?" asked Geerob as he saw Tunob limp on his leg.

"My leg was bruised, but not broken," he answered as he massaged his right leg.

"Let us now hope Dorrut was able to get our horses or else -," Dunen ended his sentence not willing to imagine the terrible consequences if they could not continue their mission or even lose too much time.

They quickly ran down the path towards the forest.

Geerob put his bow on his back and helped Tunob limp along the steep path.

After a short run, the company entered the sparse outer edge of the forest. Geerob traced the tracks left by the fleeing horses and the company trudged on into the thickening forest.

After examining the tracks, Geerob informed them that the horses remained together in their flight. The others were glad to hear this knowing that it would have been a great waste of precious time to go searching for the horses if they fled in different directions.

After following the horse tracks for a while, they began to wonder how far the horses had traveled and what had happened to Dorrut.

Not long after, the neighing of a horse in the woods ahead of them caught their attention. With hope, they began to walk faster.

Amidst the trees in the distance, they spotted Dorrut on his horse leading the other horses towards them. All were glad to see him and to regain their steeds.

"Dorrut! Blessed be God, you have saved us a long walk," shouted Dunen happily.

"I also was not willing to walk all the way, my lord," he agreed.

"Your decision may have saved many lives," Tharan added and Dorrut was glad that he had helped.

They quickly went to their horses, welcoming them joyfully with gentle patting and strokes.

"What has happened to the flying beast and the rider?" Dorrut asked with concern.

"You saw the rider?" Dunen asked.

"Yes."

"Geerob gave him a welcome he did not appreciate," Tunob told him with a satisfied grin.

"They flew away. Back to its master," Dunen answered.

"He is mighty this Ernum," Dorrut asserted grimly.

"He has surprised us many times and I fear it's not the last," Dunen said gravely as he mounted his horse.

"He now knows where we are," Tunob made them consider.

"Then, we must be careful and move quickly," Dunen suggested.

"Let us be of good courage. Our God is the maker of all. He has given us the dominion over these beasts, and He will certainly help us overcome Ernum as well," Tharan said confidently.

"Indeed, we shall," added Geerob with assurance.

"And by which way do we go now?" asked Esel with some pessimism.

"I am not sure. To circle Dernak will take a day and a half more than we can afford," Dunen replied.

"And the pass of Dernak is well guarded," Esel informed him.

Dunen nodded to the unpleasant fact.

"Then which will it be?" asked Dorrut.

"If you circle the city, it will be safer for us, but many will suffer for it. To cross the pass, our faith will be tried, but many will be saved," Tharan said.

"How will our faith be tried?" Dunen asked his brother, wondering at the strange prediction.

"I cannot be sure how I know this but it is what I sense will happen. The decision is still yours to make brother," he answered.

"The Creator has given you a vision!" Geerob exclaimed with wide-eyed awe.

They all stared at Tharan with bewilderment.

Dunen believed that God called his brother to be a prophet and if this were true, he would also expect God to give him visions or discernments in the affairs of men.

"How many guards are at the pass?" Dunen asked Esel.

"I do not know," Esel answered but hoped it was not his plan.

Dunen looked away from the anxious faces of his friends as he considered his choice. To go through the pass would certainly endanger his friends he thought, but to circle the city would endanger the lives of others. After considering his dilemma and having little choice, he decided and hoped that God would protect them.

"We go through the pass," he finally decided.

Esel's eyes widened with fear. "This will be very dangerous," he protested.

"I know. I know it very well," Dunen nodded reluctantly.

"I will pray the Lord be with us and to help us overcome this trial," Tharan said solemnly, which further increased Esel's fears.

"Let us be on our way; much lies in our hands," Dunen exhorted, "Lead the way." Dunen ordered Esel.

Esel unhappily nodded and then kicked his steed to a gallop as he led the company west into the woods.

The others gathered their courage and put their fears aside as they faced the unknown road ahead.

Although uneasy with the struggles ahead, Dunen was glad to see that God began to use his brother. He hoped that together they would serve Him well, each in his own way.

# Chapter 2

# TRAILS IN THE BALANCE

It was night as Zuruk and his people traveling by horse and wagon, journeyed east in the valley of Noktan towards the wall of Sandinor.

Hours ago, they escaped their cavernous home through many concealed exits as the Dernak army sought in vain to find them.

Together, they now moved along at a quick pace, hoping their enemies would not discover their tracks or at the least be too late to follow.

In one of the covered wagons, Bilob lay asleep on a bed while Loyan sat on a wooden box, holding herself against the sides as the wagon bounced along on the rough road.

A moan broke out from Bilob's lips, which caught Loyan's attention. Slowly, Bilob's eyes blinked open.

"Where am I?" he asked aloud unable to clearly see where he was.

Turning his head, he looked up to see Loyan's concerned gaze.

"Loyan! Where are we? Where are we going?" he asked, as he perceived that he was in a moving wagon.

"We travel towards the wall of Sandinor," she replied.

"The wall of Sandinor! What has happened? Where is Dunen?" he asked, confused by her answer and trying to remember his last conscious moment.

"Dunen travels to Teranda with his brother. You do not remember. Dernak soldiers discovered the caverns of Zuruk. We had to flee," she replied.

"Hmm-. My head hurts," he said, raising his hand to rub his temples.

"You are much better. The pain will go away soon. You have survived the poison," she explained calmly.

Bilob, deciding to get off his bed, lifted himself with his arms.

"No! You must lie down a little longer," Loyan said forcefully as she held him by the shoulder.

"I am better. I need to rise."

"In due time," she said sternly.

"You need not care for me -," he began to say but she interrupted him.

"Dunen has given me charge to care for you and I will obey his will. You are still weak," she scolded Bilob as she held him from getting up.

They stared at each other with glaring eyes. As Bilob wondered how to convince her, her stern character and beautiful features captured his attention. Mesmerized for a moment, he found her fascinating, which softened his attitude.

On her part, she saw his anger fade away, and saw his eyes behold her with interest. Her anger fled away also and she now felt uncomfortable by his unrelenting gaze.

Slowly, Bilob yielded and lay down. She withdrew herself to her box and avoided his eyes.

Noticing that his stare made her uncomfortable, he looked elsewhere and wondered what to say.

"Who is with us?" he finally asked.

"Only Danar remains with us," she answered.

"I would like to see him."

"I will summon him," she said and moved to the rear of the carriage.

Moving away the drapes, she peered out. Daouk soldiers rode along beside the wagon.

"Soldier! Have my lord Danar come. Bilob wishes to see him," Loyan asked one of the soldiers.

The soldier nodded and immediately urged his horse towards the head of the caravan where Zuruk, Danar and Daouk leaders led the way.

"My lord Danar, Bilob calls for you," the soldier gave him the message.

"Very well," Danar replied, and led his horse away from the others.

The others watched him go and were happy to hear that Bilob was awake.

Dropping back along the caravan, Danar drew close to Bilob's wagon. Moving close to the wagon, he took hold of it and boarded as it bounced along its way. Pushing the drapes, he entered the wagon.

"Well, my good friend! How goes it? You look much better," Danar said happily.

"I am," Bilob replied.

"Loyan has done a marvelous work," he quickly added as she tried to hide her bashfulness.

Still uneasy with Loyan, Bilob refrained from acknowledging Danar's praise.

"Tell me, what has happened and what are your plans?" he asked with concern.

Danar quickly related to Bilob the attack of Dernak on the caverns of Zuruk and their secret escape.

"We are traveling to the wall of Sandinor, hoping the army of Dernak will believe we seek the wall for refuge and decide not to come after us. If this succeeds, we are to travel north and join the Daouk's hidden army. From there, we will then assault the tunnel and hopefully close it."

"Hmm, and if they pursue us? We cannot reach the wall in time," Bilob questioned.

"If so, you must stop your resting and be ready to fight," he told him seriously.

"Rest! I am not resting!" he burst out proudly and wanted to get up.

"Ho, my friend!" Danar tried to calm him as he laughed, "I jest."

Bilob calmed done as he realized that Danar was teasing him and felt embarrassed as he saw Loyan holding back her laughing.

Bilob fell back angrily in his bed.

"You laugh at my weakness," Bilob said.

"Forgive me Bilob. I tried to arouse your spirit," he told him with a smile.

Bilob calmed himself and then asked, "Where is Dunen?"

"You were not told? Ernum has sent Duridon to Teranda. He has overcome the pass of Perethes and now besieges the city."

"What?" Bilob exclaimed, his muscles tightening with anger.

"Dunen has gone to free it, if he can. The Lord help him. If not, Sandinor will certainly fall to Dernak," Danar said with foreboding. "Dunen does not have much time."

Bilob stared wide-eyed at Danar, troubled by what he told him.

"How will we - . That wretched soul!" Bilob said, slamming his fist on the bed with anger as he thought on Ernum's constant and growing threat.

"We are in grave trouble indeed, my brother. Only God knows the outcome, we must truly seek his mercy and strength in these difficult times," Danar said with resignation.

"Dunen will succeed. The Lord is with him," Loyan said confidently.

"True. Has he not thwarted Ernum's plans already? God has made him king for this very purpose," Bilob added with assurance.

"And Tharan is with him. Prophet of the Lord. We must trust that God will guide them. Now, when is our friend here able to be up and about?" Danar asked Loyan, changing the subject.

"He is ready to fight even when sick," she replied sarcastically, giving Bilob a quick smirk.

Bilob returned a resenting glare.

"Ah, he has given you trouble, I see," Danar said with a grin.

"He has. By tomorrow I free him from my care," she told him.

"Good. We will need him. Rest well Bilob, there is much easier fighting to be done," Danar said sarcastically, giving Loyan a smile which Bilob did not appreciate.

Patting him on the arm, Danar turned and left the wagon.

Bilob and Loyan watched him go, then became timid once again as they were left alone. Both avoided their eyes as they fidgeted in their place.

"I - I would like to thank you for saving my life," Bilob said with some effort.

"I am only returning the kindness," she told him.

Bilob was thankful and gave her a friendly smile.

*

It was early morning in the city of Sandinor. Ceril, son of king Sillandar dressed in his battle armor, walked steadily along the palace corridor that led to his family's chambers. His light green mantle clipped to his shoulders fluttered behind him. He wore a helmet with his family's insignia of two wings above ocean waves carved in the silver metal. His jeweled sword dangled by his side.

Two of his personal guards followed with stern and grave faces.

Ceril's face was defiant and angry from the recent events. At the same time, he was disturbed at Ernum's ability to have placed spies so close to his father's entourage and feared the battle that would soon take place.

As he approached the door to his father's bed chamber, two soldiers who stood guard bowed before him.

He opened the door and entered.

The king's chamber was decorated with much finery. Soft rugs covered the floor and huge windows with rounded arches were partially shaded with velvet curtains.

A gentle breeze from the sea filled the room as it passed through the balcony doors. A large bed with white covers was against one wall. Around it stood two doctors and his mother, Selia.

As Ceril walked slowly to the bed, his mother watched him with saddened eyes, troubled by her husband's sufferings and her son's heavy burden of responsibility and danger.

His father lay on the bed as the doctors attended to him. As Ceril approached the bed, the doctors bowed to Ceril with grim faces and then quietly withdrew themselves.

Ceril stood beside the bed for a moment, looking on his father while controlling his grief.

His eyes closed, his face was wet with perspiration. He moaned quietly, his face twitching occasionally from the pain.

Ceril reached for his father's hand and drew it to his face as he bowed the knee beside the bed.

Selia held her tears as she watched her son kiss the hand of her husband.

Sillandar's eyes opened and he turned his head to look at his son.

"Ceril, my son," he whispered.

"I am here, father!" Ceril quickly responded.

"My beloved son. The joy of our lives," he said as he raised a smile.

"Father. I come for your blessing. It is time for battle."

"Go, my son. Be strong as the waves and swift as the winds. My God will strengthen your arm. He will place the neck of your enemies at your feet. He will give you victory. Look to Him, and do not depend on your strength. Trust solely on him! He will not forsake you," Sillandar said with great effort and conviction.

"I shall, my father. God will be with me, as He has always been with you," Ceril said confidently.

Sillandar closed his eyes and smiled.

Ceril kissed his father's hand again and then went around the bed to embrace his mother, who could not hold her tears.

"My only son. Be careful and be not troubled for your father, he will live," she said as she held him tightly.

"I know. He will live long and see days of peace. Do not be anxious for me, mother," he told her caringly.

"My prayers will rise to the throne of heaven and bring you once again to my arms," she said as she stroked his face gently.

"I know they will. Farewell," he said as he took her and kissed it.

He then gave her a smile and left her waning embrace.

Ceril exited the palace through its great doors and descended the marbled steps towards his waiting horse. Two rows of horsemen stood side by side all the way to the palace gates.

With a determined stride, Ceril walked to his horse and mounted. He then took a moment to look at his captains.

They stood upright and strong on their steeds, dressed in their white armors and silver helmets.

"Let us ride to battle, for our God, our king and our people," Ceril shouted.

All the horsemen pointed their swords in the air and gave a great shout.

Ceril kicked his horse forward and rode through the ranks and out the gates.

The captains and personal guards followed him in a clatter of hooves that soon rose to a thunderous sound.

As he rode through the cobblestone road of Sandinor, the people cheered his passage and wished him victory.

After a short ride through the winding streets of the city, they came to its great gates and passed through them.

The soldiers on the wall honored his passing with swords in the air and the shouting of his name.

After a long ride through the rolling countryside, Ceril and his soldiers arrived at a huge plain where his army camped.

Hundreds of tents as well as horses, wagons and men covered the grounds.

Soldiers going about their business waved and saluted their prince as he rode by.

As they reached the center of the camp, they dismounted before the command tent and immediately entered.

Inside the tent, a large square table took up the center with no chairs set around it.

On the table, there was a map of the Sousenden and Elnoren region.

Once Ceril and his men removed their helmets, they stood around the table and looked at the map. Up until now, no one dared to interrupt Ceril's occupied thoughts. Sternly and with single mindedness, he looked at the map and located the markers that related the whereabouts of Ernum's invading forces. Judging their position to the west, Ceril concluded they were only a two and a half days ride from them.

Completing his thoughts, Ceril looked at his captains who stood watching him quietly around the table.

"What have you gathered of the enemy?" he asked Ferome, the chief captain.

"King Dunen's message was true. They come through the mountains and their numbers are great," Ferome answered gravely. "Our spies estimate three, maybe four times greater than our numbers."

Ceril was surprised and concerned at the size of the enemy.

"There is -, my lord, more grave news," Ferome added with troubled hesitation.

They all wondered what more could Ferome add to the already dreadful news.

"I received a letter from Teranda," he began as he retrieved a rolled message from underneath his belt and handed it to Ceril. "They are presently under siege," he ended.

The captains gasped in shock.

Ceril opened the letter and read it. His unbelief turned to dread as he bowed his head and crushed the message in his hand.

"How could this be?" exclaimed one captain.

"We cannot win this fight alone!" another captain declared.

"This cannot be true!" whispered another.

"Truly, this is a great day of evil," said Ceril woefully.

The captains began to chatter about their fears and some became angry as they argued on how this could have happened.

Ferome watched his confused men and his prince's dismay and became angry at their lack of control.

He then pounded his fist on the table and shouted, "Silence! And quiet your hearts!" he commanded.

All the men became silent and stared at their captain. Even Ceril raised his eyes to hear what Ferome had to say even though his heart was greatly troubled.

Ferome glared unhappily at each man.

"Have we forgotten who we are?" he asked.

The captains became ashamed of their behavior.

"We are men of Sandinor! And we will behave as such," Ferome demanded as he looked at each of his men.

The captains nodded and gathered their courage.

"Now let us be wise and do what we can. We are in God's hands and He will do as He pleases. But we will fight with blood and bone," he said defiantly.

The captains regained their confidence at Ferome's boldness.

"Forgive us Ferome, your words are true," Ceril smiled confidently. "We must trust in the ways of our Creator. Let us not disappoint him with weak faith."

They nodded in agreement and laid aside their fears.

"What must we do?" Ceril asked Ferome.

"My lord, this is my plan. I say we fight them on the field for a day then return to the city by night. By God's grace we will hold them off and gain time, and hope for a rescue," he explained.

"And if no help comes?" a captain asked.

"We can save our families by boat and maybe ourselves," Ferome answered solemnly.

The men considered the plan and sadly saw no better choice.

"We will do as you say," Ceril told Ferome.

The others nodded in agreement and Ferome felt relieved by their support.

"Ernum will see what great price he must pay to meddle with the men of Sandinor!" a captain retorted defiantly.

The men cheered the bold claim.

"And so be it. Let us rise to the occasion. We fight not for Sandinor only, but for all who seek peace," Ceril declared with determination, "Let us pray Teranda will come to our aid."

*

The large throne hall of Dernak's palace remained dimly lit by the few torches that hung along the great stone pillars. The high windows, which in times past filled the hall with daylight, now kept it dark by thick drapes. The white marbled floor also lost its brilliance and appeared gray in the somber hall.

At one end of the rectangular hall, a great image of a Leviathan hung against the wall, with green drapes on either side.

Below it, on a marbled platform, was the red metal throne chair of Dernak.

Ernum sat in the chair dressed in his dark burgundy clothes. He was a tall thin man with long black hair. His face was pale white and bony.

With eyes closed, he meditated calmly.

The door to the throne hall opened without a sound as a man entered wearing dark green-leathered garments. His features were pale and gaunt. His skin was shriveled and piercing eyes gazed without emotion. Hardly making a sound, he walked to the center of the hall and halted.

Ernum's eyelids opened to reveal light blue eyes. Looking at the man for a moment, he raised his hand and stretched it before him. The man quickly left the center of the room and came forward to the throne. Kneeling down before Ernum, the man kissed Ernum's hand and bowed his head.

"What have you to say, Renan?" asked Ernum, in a soft and calm tone.

"I found Dunen on the western side of the Torit Mountains. Tharan is with him, my lord. They escaped our attack on the caverns of Zuruk," he related.

"Hmm," Ernum considered Dunen's destination for a moment, "He will now be on his way home, for what little that will do. Nonetheless, we must stop him. He will travel by the plains or maybe if he is bold or desperate, he will try Dernak's pass," he judged with a grin.

"Send soldiers towards the plain, but you and your men will go to the pass and set a trap. Do it well, Renan, and bring me his head."

"Yes, my lord," the Targot replied coldly and confidently.

Bowing low before Ernum, he turned and left the room. Ernum, once again closed his eyes, but his grin remained.

# Chapter 3

# THE HAND OF GOD

After riding through the night with little rest, Dunen and his companions entered the mountains of Dernak and by mid morning approached the pass that led to the valley of Drimil.

All during their ride, they remained hidden by travelling through the dense untrodden forest of the Magdin mountainside.

Nervously they rode, always fearful of being discovered, even more as they approached their destination.

The company cautiously guided their tired horses to the end of the tree line along the mountainside.

"Let us stop here, before we can be seen," said Dunen noticed that the scarce woods could no longer hide them from the guards at the pass.

Halting their horses, they dismounted and attached their steeds to nearby trees.

Together, they carefully crept forward until they could easily see what lay up the mountain.

They saw to their left, the dirt road that led to the city of Dernak.

In the opposite direction, the road gradually climbed towards a wide crevice in the mountain range, flanked by sheer rock walls on either side.

From their position, they could see the grounds of a garrison. Several wooden houses stood beside the road, with a large barn a little way off.

They then spotted two Dernak soldiers walking in the area.

"How many soldiers do you believe guard the pass?" asked Tunob.

"I would guess no more than thirty," answered Dorrut.

The others looked at him with some misgiving, hoping there were fewer.

"We must take their horses. Ours are tired. We will travel faster with fresh horses," Geerob advised his companions.

Dunen did not like the idea of further endangering his friends but Geerob was right.

"Very well. Their horses should be in the barn," Dunen said.

"What is your plan, brother?" asked Tharan.

"Tunob, Esel and Dorrut, will cross the road and circle around to the barn. Geerob, my brother and I, will draw close from this side. If we are discovered, Geerob will offer us protection from the higher ground," Dunen explained and then told Dorrut, "You must get the horses and come to our aid if needed. Make sure they cannot pursue us."

"They will be surprised if they dare chase us," Dorrut confirmed with a smirk.

"Good. On our way and the Lord protect us," Dunen said.

Dorrut followed by Esel and Tunob, cautiously slipped away towards the road. As they hid behind some bushes, they looked for any sign of soldiers, and then seeing the way clear, raced across the road and entered the forest on the opposite side.

Hiding behind the trees, they first made sure they were unseen. Once satisfied, the three crept along the forest in a wide circle and came behind the barn.

"Look, there is no door at the rear!" Esel said pointing to the barn, "We will have to go by the front," he said nervously.

"Then by the front we will go," Dorrut told him firmly, disliking Esel's fear.

Led by Dorrut, the three left the forest and crossed to the back wall of the barn. Laying flat against the wall, they crept to the corner and peered to see if any soldiers were in sight. Pulling a short blade from his belt, Dorrut led them along the side of the barn and to the corner. Quickly he looked out towards the camp. The noise of loud conversations came to his ears and guessed they originated from the house at the center of the small garrison.

Seeing no one, Dorrut gave his companions the signal that all was well.

Immediately they left their hiding place and scurried over into the barn through the slightly opened doors.

Once inside the dark stable, Dorrut made sure they were unseen. Not hearing any alarm from the enemy, he was confident that they had succeeded so far.

"All is well," he whispered to his waiting friends. "Esel, you will watch for the enemy. Tunob and I will prepare the horses."

Esel nodded nervously and took his place by the door.

The barn held twenty stalls, but only twelve held horses.

"There are only twelve horses! This will be much easier for us," Dorrut commented happily.

"Do not be so sure my friend," Tunob warned.

Dorrut quickly chose six strong horses, "I will cut the straps on these."

"I will prepare the others," Tunob told him as they both went to their tasks.

The horses shuffled nervously over the unfamiliar intruder who saddled them. Then one horse, neighed loudly. Esel cringed at the noise.

Dunen, Geerob and Tharan crawled out of the forest and made their way through the rough terrain of the mountainside.

Gradually they came parallel to the houses and kept themselves hidden by the mounds of earth and jutting boulders.

From the wooden house beside the road, they heard the voices of men laughing and their loud conversations. Suddenly, they heard the cry of a horse coming from the barn.

Instantly, Dunen, Geerob and Tharan froze in their hiding place, worried that this would attract attention.

Looking at each other with concern, they immediately remarked that the soldiers in the house had stopped talking.

The three looked out from their hiding. What they saw was no surprise. Nine Dernak guards cautiously exited the house with their swords unsheathed.

The last man who came out of the house struck fear in their hearts as they recognized the dark garb of a Targot.

Any details on his clothes were lost to the black material. Only his hands and face contrasted against the dark void. His sword, being also black, sometimes disappeared went it blended against his clothes.

"We must divert their attention," Dunen quickly whispered.

"Fight them all?" Tharan asked doubtfully.

"Is there another choice?" Dunen asked.

"It seems not. Very well, brother," Tharan unwillingly agreed.

At Dunen's signal, the three jumped out of their hiding and raced down the mountainside with a shout.

The startled Dernak guards whirled around to face their attackers.

Geerob swiftly pulled out his bow as he ran and killed two with his arrows before having to use his sword.

The Targot quickly ordered three of his men to search the barn while he and the others dealt with the attackers.

Dunen raced towards the Targot, unsheathing his sword in his run.

Tharan engaged two guards. His lack of training after so many years in prison could only keep his opponents from cutting him down.

Geerob fought the other two and kept them well in hand.

With a mighty clash, Dunen's shining sword met the black blade of the Targot with a loud ring.

The Targot quickly displayed his swordsmanship and speed, as he unleashed many swipes on Dunen.

Dunen backed off, but the Targot refrained from following him. With a pale and gaunt face, the Targot looked on Dunen with his expressionless eyes. Only a confident smirk manifested any emotion.

"King Dunen, I presume. Greatly honored am I for this contest," he said, staring with mock wonder at Dunen.

"I, on the other hand, cannot say the same," Dunen replied with disgust.

"I am called Renan, Targot to Lord Ernum," he finished, bowing without fearing an attack, "My equals spoke much of your swordsmanship."

"You may not have the same privilege if you dare to fight me," Dunen warned him confidently.

"I dare with much desire," he answered back before beginning his assault with a hard cut.

Dunen blocked the blow and struck back.

Dunen knew he would have to be careful to make sure the Targot's poisoned blade not cut him in any way.

With swift stabs and cuts, the Targot sent a fury of attacks on Dunen. With great difficulty Dunen defended himself and kept his opponent from taking any advantage, but neither did he have any chances to make any blows.

As Tharan fought his opponents, his years of swordsmanship gradually returned, his training instinctively flowing through his body with greater speed and force.

It was not long before his sword dispatched one of the guards with a stab to the heart and took on the other without giving a single opening.

Although the Targot was swift and energetic in every move, Dunen judged he lacked the refined skill of strategy. He would have to turn this weakness to his advantage.

Renan's prideful grin began to fade as he underestimated Dunen's capabilities.

Angrily, he fought harder and with less care as he felt threatened by Dunen's calm and skill.

Blocking a low swipe, Dunen swung his blade up and cut the Targot on his left arm.

Stunned, the black swordsman backed off, but Dunen returned with a hard cut that knocked the Targot's blade away and then with a back slash, cut across the Targot's throat in a moment.

With a gargled cry, the Targot reached for his throat in agony. He then fell to the ground, twitched to one side and moved no more.

Not far away, the three Dernak soldiers sent by the Targot arrived at the barn.

From inside the barn they heard the cry of a horse and then the doors burst open.

A horse raced out ridden by Dorrut and went straight on the Dernak soldiers.

Surprised, the soldiers jumped aside to avoid being trampled by the horse. As he rode by, Dorrut swung down his blade and slashed one soldier across the neck.

Tunob, who came running out of the barn from behind Dorrut, pounced on another soldier and in a short fight dispatched him.

The last soldier came from behind Tunob as he turned around. Unprepared and unbalanced, Tunob deflected the deadly blow but caused him to fall to the floor.

The soldier came swinging down, but Tunob's agile roll saved him and brought him to his feet ready to face the next thrust.

Tunob parried and thrust. With a turn of his body, Tunob deflected the next cut and sent his blade to the heart as the soldier fell on him.

Tunob removed his blade as the agonized soldier dropped dead to the ground.

Tharan cut down his last opponent and turned to see Geerob strike down his last also. He then turned and saw Dunen standing before the dead Targot.

By the time Dorrut came to Dunen's aid, the battle was over. Dunen stood above the dead Targot, his sword stabbing the ground and panting for breath from the difficult combat. Tharan and Geerob walked over to his side.

"Is my lord, well?" asked Dorrut with concern.

"Fine, my friend," Dunen answered, while gathering his breath.

From the barn, Tunob ran to join them as he ended his battle.

Esel exited the barn a moment later, pulling five horses by the reins.

"We must hurry. These cannot be the only soldiers stationed here. Tunob, fetch our horses," Dunen ordered.

As Tunob sprinted away, the others came close and looked on the body of the Targot.

Esel joined the others and gave a fearful gasp once he saw the dead Targot.

"They are swift and unrelenting," Dunen said in respect of their skill.

"But you defeated him," Geerob said proudly.

"By God's grace," Dunen said humbly.

"I would dread to stand before any one of them," Dorrut honestly revealed and the others felt the same.

"Wretched dog," Esel spat as he gazed hatefully at the dark enemy.

Tunob immediately came back running with their tired horses. As they quickly transferred their bags to the fresh steeds, a low rumble echoing along the mountainside caught their attention. All of them froze as they listened to the noise.

"Horses!" said Geerob fearfully, "Hundreds!"

"From where?" Esel asked fearfully, incapable of distinguishing the source.

"We cannot be sure. On our way!" ordered Dunen.

Quickly they mounted and kicked their horses to a gallop towards the pass.

As they rode along, the noise grew louder and to their dreaded surprise, a line of horsemen came over the small hill and filled the entire pass. Instantly, they halted their horses.

"The way is blocked!" shouted Dunen.

"Let us flee!" cried Esel.

At once, they turned their horses around and kicked them into a gallop.

Before making any great distance, other mounted soldiers appeared at the other end of the road. Once again, they halted their steeds abruptly.

"We are trapped!" Esel exclaimed fearfully.

Instinctively, they all simultaneously unsheathed their swords and Geerob prepared his bow as they looked alarmingly at the approaching soldiers.

In either direction, the advancing enemy greatly outnumbered them.

Their thoughts frantically sought a way of escape, but none appeared.

"Your God has led us into a trap!" Dorrut shouted angrily to Tharan.

The same question also came to Dunen's troubled mind as he felt ashamed and betrayed.

"What do we do?" Tunob asked Dunen.

Dunen grieved for placing his friends in so great a danger and worst of all, for failing their great commission.

"Put your swords away," shouted Tharan firmly.

They all looked at him with astonishment.

Tharan calmly returned their gaze as if no peril existed and then sheathed his sword.

"Put your weapons away and let us go on our way. The Lord will provide us a way of escape," he told them confidently.

Tharan's unnatural composure made them all wonder if he had now gone mad. The others turned to Dunen for guidance.

Dunen stared at his brother with great concern.

"Trust me, brother. He will deliver us, if we have faith," Tharan told him.

Dunen could not believe what Tharan asked him to do, nor could he believe that the enemy would simply let them pass without a fight.

"What should we do?" shouted Esel frantically.

Dunen stared back at Tharan and found him looking at him calmly and peacefully. Tharan then smiled confidently.

At that moment, Dunen felt as if his brother's peace filled his own heart, giving him the courage to believe.

"Put your swords away and follow me," he said confidently as he sheathed his sword and then turned his horse toward the pass.

The others were astonished and remained undecided, perplexed by the whole scene.

"Obey your King!" Tharan commanded and then kicked his horse after Dunen.

Geerob and Tunob immediately obeyed as Dorrut and Esel hesitated before unhappily doing likewise.

The Dernak soldiers seeing them ride towards them drew their swords to meet them.

Hundreds of blades glittered menacingly, waiting to shred them as they came.

Dunen and his friends raced along, drawing closer by the second. They all held their breath and prayed for God's help.

Just as they were within several hundred paces of the enemy soldiers, a wave of confusion ripped through their ranks.

With great cries of fear, the soldiers reached for their eyes, trying to wipe away the blindness that had suddenly come over them.

In total disarray, some soldiers fell off their horses while others crashed on other horses led by their blind masters.

To the surprise of Dunen and his companions, the barricade of horsemen broke up as they became totally chaotic.

Some even began to fight amongst themselves, slashing wildly, mistaking each other for the enemy as fear gripped them.

Tharan and the others slowed their pace as they approached the incredible scene.

With some effort, they carefully picked their way through the riotous commotion of blind soldiers fighting the unknown.

Avoiding their frantic fighting and terrified horses, they pushed through while totally amazed at the scene.

Once through, they sped away, looking back wide-eyed with unbelief at the terrifying spectacle.

After a short ride through the pass they entered the Drimil valley.

"Praise the mighty God of heaven!" Geerob shouted joyfully.

"We have seen today, the hand of God," Tunob shouted also and raised his eyes to heaven as if he saw God in the clouds.

"Faithful and merciful is our God," Dunen proclaimed with great reverence.

Dorrut and Esel looked at their joyful friends and remained stunned with awe over the great deliverance.

"Let us ride swiftly to Orlon and to our friend Sarim," Dunen shouted as they spurred their horses even faster.

Dunen looked at his brother and they both smiled at each other. He was happy to be with his brother, but even more seeing him in communion with God. His confidence in defeating his enemies was even greater knowing that a prophet of God was with him.

For much of the ride, Dorrut and Esel wondered and questioned their own beliefs as they considered how the Creator answered their friends.

They both asked themselves if the God of Adam and Eve still listened to men.

# Chapter 4

# PARTING FRIENDS

Early next morning, after a few hours of rest during the night, the Daouk caravan continued their long ride towards the wall of Sandinor. The Apleg Mountains loomed before them, stretching northwest into the distance. Bilob, who now felt strong enough, rode beside Danar at the head of the lengthy caravan.

A Daouk messenger who rode swiftly along the caravan slowed his horse as he came beside Zuruk and the elders.

"My lord. I have news from our rearguard."

They all turned their attention to the messenger, hoping for information concerning the whereabouts of their enemies.

"Speak, what have you heard?" asked Zuruk.

"No sign of the Dernak army, my lord. We are not being followed," answered the messenger.

They happily grinned and breathed a sigh of relief for the good news.

"It is what we hoped for. We must now join the others and execute our plan," Danar commanded eagerly.

"Very well. Order the soldiers to withdraw from the caravan," Zuruk ordered one of his elders.

The elder obeyed and rode along the caravan, shouting out orders.

Zuruk and the others moved away from the caravan and halted their horses to one side of the road.

Certain elders continued to lead the caravan as the carts and wagons passed by on their journey to Sandinor's wall.

Loyan, seated on one of the wagons saw that the leaders had pulled aside and letting the caravan pass.

As she drew near them she asked, "Is it time to go?"

"Yes, the caravan is safe, no enemy follow. We must get on with our plan," answered Danar.

"Where is my horse?" Loyan asked as she began to dismount.

"You will remain with the caravan!" Bilob said firmly.

"Who are you to command me?" she asked defiantly and jumped off the wagon.

"Woman! It is not your place. We go to battle," Bilob argued.

"There is no reason for you to come," Danar added kindly, hoping to dissuade her.

"There indeed is a reason. Men will be injured, they will need to be cared for," she replied strongly.

The leaders looked at each other and grinned, admiring her bravery.

"The lady speaks true Danar," Zuruk said, "Can you deny her good heart?"

"I cannot. Find her a horse Bilob. She comes with us. But guard her safely, she is Dunen's servant," he ordered while holding back a grin.

Bilob hesitated, unhappy with the decision, "Come." Bilob said gruffly.

"Thank you, my lord," she said to Danar as she bowed slightly before walking after Bilob.

The leaders watched them go, amused by Loyan's vigor and Bilob's troubled heart.

"I hope I will be invited to the marriage," Zuruk ventured to say to Danar.

Danar burst out with laughter as the same thought came to his mind.

Within the hour, Zuruk assembled his guard and soldiers. Gathering supplies, they left the caravan and rode north along the Apleg Mountains.

By midday, the company arrived at the secret meeting place, situated at the northern tip of the mountains.

Zuruk's army of two thousand men were camped in a clearing in the dense woods, waiting for their leader.

At his arrival, his men gave great shouts of joy to see him well as they feared for his safety ever since they heard of the attack on the caverns.

Wasting little time, Zuruk and his elders, accompanied by Danar and Bilob, entered a tent to discuss their next move.

"We must leave immediately," declared Danar as they rested on pillows laid out in a circle on the carpeted floor.

"Our horses are tired and we have none to replace them," reminded an elder.

"Even if we would leave now, we would arrive late afternoon. This will give us little time to fight them before the sun goes down," said another.

"It will be a short battle," Bilob told them boldly.

Servants soon appeared bringing jugs of water and juices. As they handed out cups to their leaders, they quickly filled them and were soon drained, thirsty from the long ride.

"We cannot delay. Sandinor will need our help as soon as possible," Danar advised.

"We have not committed ourselves to fight Sandinor's battles!" Zuruk informed him.

"You made the tunnel which now threatens to destroy them!" Danar contended.

"It was not our will, but we were forced by city dwellers!" hissed an elder as others vocalized their agreement to his rebuke.

Zuruk raised his hand for silence.

"I will consider Danar's request but, for now, we will only abide by our word to destroy the tunnel," Zuruk said.

Disappointed, Danar nodded, accepting his decision.

"Let the soldiers prepare, we leave when all is ready," Zuruk commanded a captain who stood near the door. With a short bow, the captain left to set forth his orders.

"I understand your concern, Danar, but I must consider my people's future. Daouk cannot lose all its strength, if it wishes to survive," Zuruk tried to explain.

"The future of Sounsenden and Elnoren lies upon Ernum's defeat or victory. What you decide will influence the outcome. We are all needed in this battle," Danar said warningly.

"We have done more than we should have. Dernak's menace was your concern from the beginning, but it is you who are to be blamed for letting this evil come upon us," argued another elder and others burst out to support him.

"But it was-" Danar began to answer but was stopped as Zuruk raised his hand and demanded silence.

"What has been done is done and it is not important to us now. These things will be discussed and considered in a day that, by grace, will be granted to us. But now we must do what we can," Zuruk declared.

The men calmed down as Zuruk stared sternly at them, demanding peace.

"God is with Dunen. This I see. He will not forsake him, and nor should we in our foolish ways," Zuruk said firmly.

Danar and Bilob were surprised to hear Zuruk speak of God, but still troubled by their refusal to help Sandinor in its great time of need.

As the leaders continued their discussions, Bilob wondered about Loyan's welfare.

He whispered to Danar that he needed to leave the tent and left.

As he exited the tent, Zuruk's camp bustled with activity as the soldiers packed their belongings and weapons for the journey. Captains shouted orders and servants ran to prepare the horses and pack the animals.

Unsure of her whereabouts, Bilob began looking around.

In all the commotion, he found her holding the reins of his and her horse and hers. With great apprehension, she stood waiting, looking at the soldiers scrambling on their errands.

"Loyan!" Bilob called out and joined her as he crossed the camp.

"Bilob, what news have you?" she asked.

"We are leaving immediately," he told her, "Are you ready?"

"Yes." she answered.

"The Daouk have decided not to come with us to Sandinor's aid," he unhappily informed her.

"What does this mean?" she asked.

"If Teranda succeeds to come to Sandinor's aid, she will fight alone. We might not have enough men to win the battle," he explained gravely.

"Oh, this is terrible!" Loyan could only say as she understood the great consequences if Teranda was defeated.

"Ay! They have lived too long in their holes these mountain dwellers," Bilob said angrily as he looked at the Daouk camp.

Placing the thought aside, Bilob examined Loyan's horse to make sure her saddle was well strapped.

"Oh, I must tell you. Danar and I will bring you to your village. It is not far from the tunnel, true?"

"My village?" she said with mixed emotions.

Although she felt homesick and wanted very much to return to her family and friends, Loyan now felt a new yearning to be with Dunen and Bilob.

Ever since they rescued her, she saw that their lives were much different from the one she and her people lived. She saw that they had purpose, hope and a peace that did not exist in her village. They also had a strong faith in the great Creator and believed he was the only true God.

These things and their kindness to her made her want to learn more about them and she was not willing to end this new journey so soon.

"Do you not want to return to your family?" asked Bilob, noticing here troubled gaze.

"Ye- Yes," she replied while trying to hide her true feelings.

"Good. Let us go," he said.

Although Bilob knew that something troubled her, he felt it was not the time to ask her and hoped that one day she would speak about her concerns.

Within the hour, the Daouk soldiers were ready to ride.

Zuruk and his elders mounted their horses and placed themselves at the forefront of the army. Danar, Bilob and Loyan waited for them.

"You have done well with my people, Danar. In such a short time, they are disciplined and bold," Zuruk complimented him as he assessed his army.

"They are hearty men, and eager to learn. Teranda will be glad to train them further, at your request," offered Danar.

"It would be something to be considered," Zuruk answered, "But now, we must raise shield and sword," he said and kicked his horse into a gallop.

With no fanfare, the Daouk army followed their leader.

With spears raised high and straight, they traveled three astride. The glitter of shields twinkled like thousands of candles as they moved along.

Slowly the camp emptied itself of its great numbers, leaving only a few servants and guards to keep it.

Through the late morning and early part of the afternoon, the small army rode northward along the Apleg Mountains. As the sun began its decent towards the mountains to the west, the great company had reached the Kings Road, which followed the great Magdin Mountains.

Not long after, they reached the path that penetrated the forest and led up the side of the mountain to the tunnel.

On they rode through the forest for a time until the path began its difficult climb up the mountainside. The path swerved many times as it gradually led upwards.

Danar expected that the tunnel guards would certainly see them coming giving them enough time to prepare a defense. For this reason, he decided it was not necessary to plan a secret attack. A direct assault was their only strategy with much hope resting that only a small number of defenders were present.

As they came in view of the tunnel entrance, Zuruk halted the company. The path opened up to a wide flat space, cleared of rocks, but rising slightly and narrowing at the top, where the mouth of the tunnel pierced the mountain cliff.

Not far from the entrance, they could see four rows of Dernak soldiers in a half circle in a defensive position, their spears pointing in defiance to the newcomers and large shields forming a wall.

Danar estimated there were several hundred of them at the most.

After appraising the enemy's defense, Zuruk turned to Danar and said, "They are not many. Could others be on the other side?"

"Not many but they are seasoned warriors. I am sure there are others waiting for us on the other side, but let us hope not," he answered.

"Well, Danar, the field and the battle are yours," Zuruk told him and giving him a confident nod.

Danar gave a short bow and then turned his horse around to face the army.

"Set the men in array. Shields and spear," he ordered and immediately commands rang throughout the company.

The soldiers quickly dismounted their horses and came running up the path to line up within the clearing.

Zuruk and the elders watched with pride and wonder at their transformed men who, with confidence, marched and stood in order.

The soldiers lined up their shields like a wall and others stood behind with the spears pointed forward. More followed behind with their swords drawn.

Bilob joined Danar who stood behind the ranks of the Daouk soldiers conversing with the captains. Loyan, who was not far away, moved her horse close to the Daouk leaders to watch the battle. Hiding her concern for Bilob, she looked on, avoiding Zuruk's grin.

"They have the advantage of experience, but we have the numbers," Danar told Bilob.

He then faced his men and spoke loudly, "Any of you who are not sure of your worthiness in battle, leave now."

Danar waited a moment and no man backed away.

Satisfied, he said, "At no time do we yield. Be strong and act like men of Daouk," Danar exhorted them.

The captains slapped their swords as a sign of their determination.

"If they retreat into the tunnel, we move forward until we take the other side," Danar commanded as he gave them a stern gaze.

Danar then unsheathed his sword and pointed to the enemy.

Immediately the Daouk soldiers marched forward.

Bilob and Danar placed themselves in the middle and behind the first line.

With a command, the Daouk launched themselves against the wall of Dernak soldiers and the struggle began.

The shouts of men echoed against the mountainside as each army kept themselves apart with their long spears.

With much difficulty and apprehension, the Daouk soldiers tried to make a hole in the line of spears, but failed.

Danar and Bilob watched on with frustration on the lack of progress and moreover at the loss of their numbers.

"They are being cut down like sheep for the slaughter!" Bilob burst out.

"They fear," Danar exclaimed with disappointment.

"Enough of this," Bilob shouted angrily and pushed his way to the front.

Loyan watched worriedly as Bilob trudged through the Daouk ranks and arrived at the forefront of the battle.

With a great shout, Bilob drew his huge sword and faced the surprised enemy.

Being twice the size of any Daouk soldier, his bold appearance stopped the fight around him for a moment.

Bilob marched forward and as the Daouk soldiers looked on, Bilob swung his sword and cut the spears that tried to stab him.

With swift and mighty swings of his Terandian sword, he cut the spears that blocked his way and Bilob pounced on the Dernak soldiers.

This caused a great commotion as the defenders fearfully stepped back, causing some to fall back on each other.

With a great shout of victory, the Daouk came from behind Bilob and took up the battle.

Zuruk, who watched the change of events, turned to Loyan and said, "Brave and mighty are the villagers of Soloneb."

Loyan, who watched the scene with wide-eyed anxiety, only turned a moment to nod at Zuruk's remark.

Zuruk smiled again as he understood her caring distress for Bilob.

As for Loyan, her heart cheered proudly for him, but still feared for his life.

As the battle continued, with great loss to the Daouk, the Dernak army began to falter soon after, slowly retreated towards the tunnel. Danar and Bilob ran about shouting encouragement, noticing the retreating enemy.

As the Dernak army approached the mouth of the tunnel, they withdrew from the fight and ran into the tunnel.

With a shout of victory, the Daouk soldiers raced after them.

Bilob and Danar joined them and led the way.

The tunnel was larger than Bilob or Danar imagined.

Five men could walk side by side without even touching the walls. The height of the ceiling was of two men and the pillars were wider than any they had ever seen before.

In the obscure tunnel, the flight of the enemy could only be seen as moving shadows.

The tunnel gradually swerved only once along the way as it remained flat and straight.

On and on the chase went, with no sight of the exit.

Bilob and Danar were more and more amazed at the tunnel's construction and tried to imagine the great effort it would have taken to build it.

After a while, the pace of the pursuit slowed on both sides.

Besides the clanking of armor and weapons, the tunnel echoed with the breathing of tired men.

The cold humid air increased the perspiration and chilled the bone.

Looking ahead, Bilob and the others who led the charge began to see their enemy's silhouettes.

The light of day began to show behind the moving bodies.

Perceiving the end of the tunnel ahead, Bilob shouted the order to give a last effort, and then bolted ahead with others following his lead.

Coming from behind the enemy by just a few strides, the light of day blinded the Daouk army as they exited the tunnel.

A small contingent of Dernak soldiers who guarded the eastern end of the tunnel came forward to attack the invaders.

Many of the Daouk soldiers, disadvantaged by the new surroundings, were quickly cut down before they could properly defend themselves.

Bilob and Danar fought wildly and managed to gain time for their friends.

As more Daouk soldiers exited the tunnel, their numbers began pushing away the Dernak army down the mountain slope.

Gradually the Dernak soldiers gave way and broke rank. The enemy retreated and scattered.

With a shout of victory, the Daouk soldiers raced after them, down the mountain path and on the rocky banks.

Bilob and Danar stood and watched, gasping for air over their efforts, while the Daouk army crushed the dwindling resistance with great fervor.

Danar stabbed his sword to the ground and bent down on one knee to rest.

"I am getting old for this," he blurted out.

"Old! That may be, but what you lack in strength, my friend, you make dew with experience," Bilob complimented as he slapped him hard on the back.

"I am not a horse to go running about so much. You, on the other hand, seem to have recovered well from your sickness," he told him as he considered the long run through the tunnel.

"I feel well. If the Daouk had the skill of the bow, the battle would not have been so difficult," commented Bilob as he surveyed the dwindling battle.

"Indeed brother. Nevertheless, Dunen will be glad of our work," Danar answered, wiping the sweat from off his brow and raising himself to his feet.

"I pray it goes well with him," Bilob wondered with concern.

"I also. Much is at stake," Danar answered.

Wiping their bloodied blades on their legs, they sheathed their weapons and returned to the tunnel. Jubilant Daouk captains stopped them to get further instructions and then let them go through the tunnel.

On the other side of the tunnel, Zuruk, his elders and Loyan, had dismounted and waited at the mouth of the tunnel. Soldiers stood around them for their protection, in case the battle turned against them. Impatiently they waited for word of the outcome.

Soft echoes came from inside the tunnel but were not clear enough to distinguish.

"What is taking so long?" said one anxious elder.

"We must wait," Zuruk answered with some concern.

As they continued their waiting, the noise of running came to their ears. Fearfully the soldiers drew their swords and faced the entrance, ready to defend their lords.

To their relief, Bilob and Danar appeared from the dark tunnel.

"The victory is ours!" shouted Danar.

In one great chorus, the Daouk shouted joyfully, raising their swords in the air.

Loyan remained motionless compared to the jubilance that went on, but was relieved to see Bilob alive and well.

Noticing her, Bilob went to her. As soon as he came close, she turned away, hiding a sadness that suddenly came over her.

"Loyan, what is wrong?" he asked, wondering over her swift change of attitude. "Are you not happy? We have succeeded."

"Yes I am," she said while avoiding his gaze and then immediately leaving him.

Bilob sadly watched her go as he still wondered what troubled her.

As the sun went down behind the western mountains, the Daouk gathered their men to the southern entrance of the tunnel and prepared to destroy it.

Gathering their belongings, Bilob, Danar and Loyan prepared to pass through the tunnel and begin their journey to Loyan's village and finally to Sandinor.

Amidst the campfires and torches that lit the grounds, the trio walked their horses to where Zuruk was busy giving orders and directing his people for their return home.

"Well, it is time to bid you farewell," Zuruk said with some reluctance.

Danar nodded sadly.

"For the little time I have known you Danar and your friends, I have come to admire your courage and virtue. It has taught me and my people that not all city dwellers have the same heart," he said with a fond smile.

"It is to God's glory for what you see in us. Praise Him for that. I also am glad to have become friends," Danar answered back.

Zuruk came forward and clasped Danar's arm firmly, joyful of their friendship.

"We will always remember you as a great captain and warrior. Do not be timid to come and visit us," Zuruk told him.

"I will not," he promised.

Zuruk then turned to Bilob.

"The same I say to you, Bilob. You will always be welcome amongst us," Zuruk said, and both clasped their arms firmly.

"The Lord willing, I will see your face again," he replied.

"Good. Return and I will lay before you a feast that surely you will never forget."

Bilob licked his lips as he relished the thought.

"On your way and the Lord bless you. And do not forget to remind Tharan of his promise," Zuruk said with a smile.

"We will," answered Danar as they mounted their horses.

Waving farewell, they urged their horses towards the tunnel.

As the three of them rode into the tunnel, the Daouk soldiers waved and some shouted, "Farewell, master Danar," and others, "Live long, mighty bear."

Once they exited the tunnel on the eastern side, Danar gave a great whistle that echoed into the tunnel, and then the three rode a little way off down the slope and halted.

After watching the tunnel for a short time, they began to hear a low rumble getting stronger and stronger.

Seconds later, the ground trembled and the cavern mouth collapsed spouting a great cloud of dust.

A good portion of the hill surrounding the tunnel crumbled inwards, sending mounds of rock and earth down the slope.

The scene agitated the horses and neighed nervously. Not long after, the vibration ended and only dust clouded the shaken area.

The three travelers looked at each other with satisfaction.

Turning their horses away, they began their journey down the mountain as the sun fell and night took its place.

# Chapter 5

# TERANDA'S DELIVERANCE

Dunen and his companions kept a slow pace as they gave their horses a little rest from the long ride. They had crossed most of the Drimil valley and were hoping to soon reach the village of Muni.

Painfully, the company rode along, their backs aching from the long and difficult journey.

The cool night air refreshed them in some way, but could not relieve their tired muscles.

Along the way, Dunen hoped that the Muni warriors would find them since none of them knew exactly where the camp was hidden.

Searching the dark woods would take the whole night and they had no time to waste.

Every so often, when things were calm, he thought about his wife Marani and his children. His heart longed to be with her, enjoying her sparkling eyes and cheerful smile.

A voice suddenly broke his blissful contemplation. "You spoke?" Dunen asked realizing his brother was beside him.

"Yes. You look like your heart is far away," he answered with a grin.

"Indeed. I long to be home," he told him.

He nodded understandingly, "I cannot wait to see mother."

"She will be beside herself when she will see you," Dunen told him happily.

"Maybe I will also," he answered and both laughed.

"I think she will never let you leave the city again," Dunen laughed.

Tharan smirked at the thought.

The others, who were listening, chuckled knowing well Elena's strong character.

"Tell me brother, you saw Ernum?" Dunen asked.

"Many times," he answered grimly.

"What is he like?"

"He is the child of a human mother and a fallen angel," he told him.

All of them were stunned by the revelation.

"The stories are true," Geerob said.

"Yes. But he is human and can be killed," Tharan reminded them.

"They say he speaks with Lucifer himself!" Tunob added.

"This I do not know, nor heard say," Tharan said.

For a while, they rode on without speaking, imagining Ernum's evil beginnings and plans.

"How much more do we travel in this forest?" Esel asked.

"I do not know. Sarim is expecting us. I am sure his sentinels will find us before we find him," Dunen answered him.

"I hope you are right because we will need to rest soon," Tharan answered stretching his back.

As they continued into the forest, they crossed fields and small streams without a sign of the Muni.

The company began to doubt if they were on the right path and some wondered if they should stop and rest.

Dunen began to consider breaking the company in pairs to better the chances of being found or finding them.

Suddenly, from within the woods, a voice called out, "Halt!"

Immediately the tired company obeyed, looking around for the source.

Just ahead of them horse hooves could be heard. Soon a horse came out from among the trees and trotted towards them.

The rider was clothed in a dark robe, hiding amidst the shadows. Behind him followed another horse, but without a rider.

Judging from the clothes, Dunen was certain that the stranger was not a Muni villager.

Puzzled, the company watched the rider approach. As he came closer, the stranger's face became visible.

Dunen and Tharan gasped as they recognized Nerinee, the prophet.

"Greetings, my Lord Dunen," he said, bowing in his saddle. He then turned his mild but piercing gaze at Tharan.

Tharan immediately dismounted and came to the prophet's side.

"Master! It is good to see you again," Tharan said with some apprehension.

"It was not so the last time we met, was it not?" he answered with a note of disappointment, "But the Lord has spoken of a change of heart. I am glad," he said with a short smile.

Relief came over Tharan's face at his words.

"Truly, I have learned my lesson, master. I am ready to follow you and be your disciple," Tharan professed.

"You will indeed, Tharan," Nerinee said to him and then turned his attention again to Dunen. "Dunen, you have done well, but more is yet to be accomplished, and much lies in the balance. This you already know. Teranda is now besieged and by tomorrow the battle for Sandinor will begin."

Dunen moved his horse closer to the prophet.

"Will you come with us?" he asked.

"No. Your brother and I have another purpose by the hand of God. You will have to go and do what the Lord demands of you. Tharan will join me and begin his training, which he forsook long ago," he replied calmly as Tharan shamefully lowered his eyes.

"But I need him!" Dunen exclaimed with surprise. "With your own words you agree Teranda and Sandinor must be saved and you want to take him away from me?" he argued fervently.

"He must fulfill his purpose," Nerinee said flatly.

Dunen became frustrated, as he could not understand why Nerinee or God did not want to help him.

"You know how much is at stake? You cannot leave me alone and weak in this fight," he pleaded as he began to feel abandoned and scared to face the great responsibilities without his brother.

"Don't let your feelings overcome your faith," Nerinee raised his voice forcefully, becoming angry at Dunen's lack of control.

Nerinee's strong tone snapped Dunen to his senses. His friends also cringed at the rebuke and feared to anger the prophet of God.

"You are not alone! The Lord has not forsaken you King Dunen!" he reminded him.

Dunen struggled to set his emotions and thoughts in order and then focused on the fact that God did care about him and his people.

Humbly, he silenced his fears and now felt ashamed of his weak faith.

"Forgive me. I will do as the Lord wills," Dunen replied with his head bowed low.

Tharan, his heart broken for the great weight his brother carried, went by his side and grabbed his hand.

"I will plead day and night for mercies and strength for you brother. I will stand before His throne till He tires of my prayers," he told him with a great comforting smile.

Dunen felt encouraged and stronger knowing his brother would no doubt stand boldly before God for his cause.

"Thank you Tharan."

"Tharan. Let us be on our way. There is much traveling to be done," Nerinee said.

Tharan obeyed and mounted.

"You will go on as you planned. The Muni are not far away," Nerinee, informed them, "If you succeed in defeating Ernum's army, you must go to Dernak and remove him from the throne; otherwise, you have only gained a short time of peace. This is the Lord's will and it must be obeyed."

"I understand," answered Dunen solemnly.

"Make sure you accomplish what I say. Ernum must be killed or worse will come of it, worse than you can imagine!" Nerinee warned him.

Dunen nodded but again felt overwhelmed with his task.

Tharan moved his horse beside Dunen's and both looked at each other with saddened hearts.

"Give mother my love. Tell her I will come when possible," he said and both embraced from their mounts.

As Tharan and Nerinee began to trot away, Tharan looked at the others and said, "Be careful my friends, and guard your king well."

"We shall, man of God," Geerob promised confidently, placing his hand instinctively on the hilt of his sword.

They all waved him farewell and were unhappy to see him depart from their company.

As they disappeared into the dark woods, Dunen wondered when he would see his brother again. Dunen felt alone. For the first time in many years, his friend Bilob was not with him and now his brother was gone.

Laying aside his grief, he turned to the others.

"Let us go," he ordered and then led them forward.

Just as Nerinee had said, the Muni warriors soon found them. After revealing their identity, the Muni quickly escorted them to their camp and brought them to Sarim's tent.

Once inside, the weary travelers slumped their stiff bodies to the soft pillows that lay on the carpeted floor, moaning with delight on the comfortable beds.

"How long has it been since I lay on a soft bed?" Dorrut asked himself as he enjoyed his comfort.

"Much too long ago," answered Geerob.

"I can sleep for days," murmured Tunob.

"I do not wish to disappoint you, but we will not have much time to rest. Tonight, we must break through Perethes," Dunen told his companions as he lay on his back and considered their next step.

The others groaned at the thought of travelling again.

As they rested, the sound of footsteps came to their attention and then the tent flaps were swatted aside as Sarim came in. Two guards followed him and stood by the door. The company unhappily sat up.

"Dunen! Welcome, welcome again." he said as he greeted Dunen by touching his heart with the palm of his hands, and then extending it out.

Dunen returned the greeting and said, "I am glad to be back, Sarim."

Looking at his friends, Sarim frowned with puzzlement, discovering that something was amiss.

"Where are Bilob and Danar your captain? And who is this one?" pointing to Dorrut.

"His name is Dorrut and he serves me. Bilob, I left with Danar in Daouk," he answered.

"Have you succeeded in your plans?" he asked.

"Yes, very well," Dunen answered. "It is urgent that I tell you all what has taken place in Sousenden and Elnoren. For tonight, great is your calling to the cause of peace and freedom," he ended earnestly.

Sarim eyed Dunen's worried expression and understood that something grave was afoot.

"Be comfortable. Have you eaten?" Sarim calmly offered food as he sat crossed legged on his pillows.

"We have ridden from Daouk itself with little rest and have fought the guards at the pass of Dernak," Dunen related as he and his companions sat in a circle on pillows.

"The pass of Dernak! How were you able, for it is well guarded?" Sarim asked with great wonder.

"Our Lord God himself fought for us," Geerob said with reverence.

"The Lord blinded the soldiers and caused much confusion in their midst," added Tunob with awe, as he recalled the scene again in his mind.

Sarim eyes widened with amazement.

"Yes. The Lord manifested His mercy and saved us. We were trapped and the Creator blinded the eyes of the enemy so that we may escape," Dunen confirmed with humble worship.

"Praise the God of the living!" Sarim exclaimed.

"There is more, and much to be discussed," Dunen told him.

Dunen began to inform Sarim of the recent events as food and drinks were brought and served to the travelers.

Dunen told Sarim about the tunnel that Ernum had made to enter Elnoren. He also told him that a division of Dernak's army was now on its way to battle Sandinor. He also reported to him of Teranda's present siege.

"This we know. Our scouts saw Duridon's army pass our way. A great host," he told him.

"You now understand why Teranda must be freed. She falls, Sandinor will fall and all the regions will be his," Dunen told him gravely.

The company halted their meal as they waited for Sarim's judgment over the somber matters.

"From the day we first met, your words have burned within my heart. I have decided to fight by your side. My sword will rise beside yours till the heads of our enemies are beneath our feet," Sarim pledged.

Dunen and his friends breathed a sigh of relief and were glad to hear his decision.

"Surely, you are a wise and noble man, Sarim," Dunen expressed happily. "Your presence beside me in battle will be to my honor and a day remembered."

Sarim gave Dunen a short humble bow.

"Well then, what must be done?" Sarim asked.

"We must leave immediately. The night will hide us and give us the chance to approach the wall and take Perethes. We must not allow any message to escape to warn Duridon. If we succeed, we will walk to Teranda and by morning, we will launch our attack," Dunen declared.

"This is impossible! How can we attack the wall without the sentinels sounding the alarm?" questioned Sarim with a puzzled frown.

"There is a secret passage through the mountain that leads inside the wall. We will make sure the sentinels will not give off a warning and then open the doors. The horses will be left on the outside. Their noise may echo in the valley. From the wall, we will march to the city by the south woods. They will not know we are at hand, until it is too late. Again I tell you, no noise must be made of our presence," Dunen stressed.

"Understood. But, you have not chosen the best night, the moon is full," Sarim remarked.

"We have little choice, Sarim," Dunen replied.

"Remain here while I prepare my people. It will not take long. We have been waiting for this day," Sarim said as he rose and left the tent.

"The Lord has given us a great friend in our time of need," Geerob remarked.

Dunen nodded thankfully.

"God is the provider," Tunob added.

"Well said Tunob." Dunen said.

"You speak much of the Creator," Dorrut asked with curiosity.

"He has revealed himself from the beginning, and to all His creation. It is his desire to have peace and fellowship with us," said Geerob.

"Fellowship! He is God! How can we have fellowship with God? We are mere men! Unworthy even to speak His name," Dorrut said with bewilderment.

Esel listened with great interest knowing he was as ignorant about God as Dorrut. Ever since the great deliverance at the pass of Dernak, the miracle had raised many questions in his mind and he saw that it also did with Dorrut.

"How come He hears you?" asked Esel coldly as he hid his interest.

"We are His children," said Tunob.

"What? How can this be? You are but men, like I am," contended Dorrut.

"True, but we have asked forgiveness for our sins and because of this He has given us His righteousness and has made us His children according to our faith," Dunen added.

"I do not understand," said Esel.

"God has promised that one day, He will send the One who will save us from the great judgment and punishment for our sins. Through the lineage of Seth, He will come. Our faith in God's promise has made us His children. As a father, He greatly desires to hear us and help us," Dunen explained.

Dorrut and Esel struggled to understand what they were told. Both could not believe that God desired to personally commune with them.

At that moment noises from outside attracted their attention.

"We will speak of this at some other time, if you so desire," Dunen offered them.

The noise in the camp grew louder as the men were awakened and ordered to prepare for battle.

The shouts of officers echoed all around them now, voices calling out and others answering as the camp came to life.

A moment later, Sarim entered the tent followed by his elders.

Dunen and his friends got to their feet as they approached them and gave their respective bow. The elders in turn gave their open handed welcome to the visitors.

"Welcome again, Lord Dunen," said one of the elders.

"Thank you," he answered.

"Within the hour, we ride," Sarim announced.

"Good," Dunen answered.

"Who will go with you to enter the wall?" Sarim asked.

"Geerob, Tunob and Dorrut," answered Dunen.

Esel showed no emotions for being excluded from Dunen's group. At first he felt rejected, but understood he was not as good a fighter needed for the important mission.

"We will need dark clothes to hide us," Dunen asked them.

"We have what you need, and it will be provided," said one of the elders.

"If all is in order, this night the Muni will show forth their strength and courage," Sarim said as he tightened his fists, "The years of our labor, now brought to the test. We will have our revenge. Let us go and be valiant in battle," Sarim said with resolve and confidence.

The elders straightened themselves with pride and nodded with determination.

Before the hour had passed, the Muni army of one thousand six hundred men were mounted and ready to ride.

Sarim and his elders, accompanied with Dunen and his friends, led the troop through the dark woods.

The Muni men rode forth with grim faces and resolute, ready to battle the enemy who took so much from them.

By the moonlit sky, the troop pushed their horses as quickly as possible through the unseen path amidst the trees.

All understood the limited time they had to accomplish their dire task before the sun came and revealed the day.

As they approached the border between the forest and the mountain slope, the troop slowed their pace.

Staying clear away from the road that led to the pass of Perethes, they travelled through the woods until they came into walking distance.

Quietly they approached, hoping that the enemy who guarded the mountain pass would not hear them.

The army dismounted and the men were told to wait by their horses until the pass was secured.

Sarim and his elders gathered themselves around Dunen and his friends to see them go.

"Remember, once you see the light, you come, but quietly as you reach the wall," Dunen reminded Sarim.

"It shall be done as you say. Be careful and may God blind their wicked eyes," Sarim prayed.

Dunen reassured Sarim with a smile then gave the signal to his friends to follow.

Leaving behind the army in the cover of the woods, the four began their long run up the slope.

In their dark clothes, the small troop could not be seen moving in the shadowy hillside.

Keeping a brisk pace most of the way up, they occasionally took short breaks to give Dunen time to plan his path.

The rough terrain naturally kept them hidden from the wall until they reached the small plateau.

As the group halted behind a low embankment, they peered over to the wall.

All four panted from the long run, perspiring with unending drops rolling down their faces.

Three hundred paces away, the whole length of the wall loomed before them. Torches on the wall revealed three figures pacing its length.

"From here we go straight up. Be careful, there are places that offer no cover. Make sure the watchmen are not looking when you cross them," Dunen told them in short breaths.

Getting a tired nod from the others, Dunen led the way into the hillside.

Between mounds of earth, boulders, crevices and small hills, the four crept up the slope.

It was not long before they came close to the wall and were much more visible to the sentinels.

The bright glow from the full moon heightened their fear of being discovered.

The closer they got to the wall, the more carefully they took their steps.

They soon clearly saw three sentinels walking along the wall.

The four of them knew very well that the closest one was able to see them if his eye happened to look in their direction.

To worsen the situation, the landscape offered fewer places to hide and Dunen signaled that they should separate.

When the sentinel turned away from them, the group crawled quickly to the next hiding place.

Dorrut, who hid behind a huge boulder, looked out to check the sentinel's position and found him looking in their direction.

As he waited for the right occasion, a sound came to his ears that chilled his blood.

Without moving, he listened for the sound again, hoping that he had made an error, but was dismayed as the hissing and rattling sound of a snake came to his ears.

Moving his head slowly, he looked around and found the snake coiled, its head raised, no more than two feet away from his legs.

Terrified, he froze in fear, not knowing what to do. At that moment, the snake snapped its mouth at his leg.

Holding back a cry, he kicked at it. His move had made the snake miss its target, but also provoked it to strike again.

Dorrut kicked vigorously as the snake attacked repeatedly.

Just then, a silvery streak came down across the darkness in front of him and disappeared.

As he looked at the snake, he found its head laying on the ground while the rest of its body wiggled from the decapitation.

A shadow suddenly appeared from the corner of his left eye, startling Dorrut.

"Huh!" he gasped, but soon was comforted to see Tunob with his sword in his hand and his finger at his lips.

"Shh! Have you been bitten?" he asked with great concern.

"No," Dorrut could only answer, his heart still beating fast.

Tunob gave him a moment to regain his composure.

"Come. They wait for us," he told him while sheathing his sword.

After verifying if the sentinel was looking the other way, they crawled out. After skipping a few places to hide, they joined the others behind a large mound.

Dunen, who lay low, looked up at Dorrut as he arrived and asked sharply, "What happened?"

"A snake," he replied with disgust.

Dunen's worry subsided and then joined the others as they grinned with amusement over his troubling experience.

Dorrut frowned at their lack of compassion.

Dunen then led the way to a higher embankment. To their relief, they were now able to stand and felt the pain of their strained muscles from the lengthy crawl.

Just ahead of them, along the hillside wall, they saw a dark opening. Dunen led them into the rough tunnel.

Carefully they moved sideways in the narrow space. Earth and rock fell around them as they scraped the walls of earth.

Further up, the tunnel opened up to allow a normal walk.

In the darkness, Dunen halted the group to light a small torch.

He then continued to lead them into the damp tunnel. After a short walk along its muddy floor, the four came to a wall made of large blocks of stone.

Nothing on the wall looked like a door. Only the cemented gaps were visible, connecting the huge blocks.

Seeing no door, Dorrut felt like asking Dunen where it was, but was interrupted by Dunen.

"Geerob, you will silence the two closest sentinels, and I will take care of the farthest one," Dunen ordered and received a nod. "They must not be given a chance to sound their horns. Dorrut and Tunob, you will follow me, but wait at the gate. When Geerob and I have taken care of the sentinels, you must run quickly to the officer's quarters."

Dorrut and Tunob nodded as well.

"Good," said Dunen and then he unsheathed his sword.

Feeling the wall with his hand, Dunen found the gap he searched for and stuck his sword into the wall, up to the hilt.

A soft thump came from within the wall.

As Dorrut watched with bewilderment, Dunen placed his weight against the wall and it yielded. Along the mortared gaps in the blocks, a part of the wall opened almost noiselessly on hidden hinges.

Dorrut stood stunned, marveling over the ingenuity of the Terandian builders.

The four squeezed through the small opening and appeared within a corridor of the wall.

The passage followed the length of the wall, with large openings set every dozen strides. Torches lit the deserted corridor.

Dunen then pushed the secret door back to its place, disappearing into the rest of the wall as if it never existed.

Everyone except Dunen expressed awe at the cunning work.

Dunen pointed at an opening to Geerob and signaled Dorrut and Tunob to follow.

Geerob quietly moved to his position, fitting an arrow to his bow as he went.

The others moved along the corridor, making sure that no guards were in sight as they crossed the openings to the grounds.

Coming to the gates, Dorrut and Tunob halted as Dunen continued along the corridor almost to the far end of the wall.

As Dunen entered the stone stairs that led to the top of the wall, Geerob looked over the grounds for any roaming soldiers and then slid out from the corridor to view his targets and Dunen's progress.

Slowly and quietly, Dunen crept up the stairs.

His opponent paced not far from the stairs and dutifully kept his attention out over the wall, never expecting an attack from behind.

As Geerob watched Dunen reach the top, he cocked an arrow and aimed.

Just as Dunen left the stairs to pounce on his target from behind, Geerob let loose.

With a short cry, the farthest sentinel crumbled to the floor dead.

The sentinel's fall attracted the attention of the others and instantly they reached for their horns to blow a warning.

Dunen swung his sword and knocked the sentinel's horn from his mouth before he could blow. He then stabbed the sentinel and forced him to the floor.

The other sentinel, having placed his horn to his mouth, gathered his breath to blow, but never made a single note as an arrow pierced his throat.

A second after, another arrow struck him in the chest. The sentinel fell and then rolled off the wall, crashing to the ground below.

Dorrut and Tunob were already sprinting toward the house.

The noise of Dunen's combat and the fallen sentinel alerted the guards and soon a band of six soldiers ran out of the house with swords in hand.

Dorrut and Tunob confronted them as they exited, leaving them no time to evaluate the situation.

For a moment, Dorrut and Tunob kept them on the defensive, but it quickly turned around when their numbers gave them the advantage.

Geerob ran to help his friends dropping his bow to the ground as he unsheathed his sword. One soldier engaged him as he came.

Dunen looked below and around for any unseen guards and then turned his attention to the battle below.

One soldier came out of the house and raced off toward the barn.

Fearful that the guard would escape, Dunen darted down the stairs to the ground.

Just as Dunen reached the bottom, the barn doors burst open and the soldier came out riding a horse.

Dunen raced after him but was too late. He stopped, realizing he could not catch the rider.

"No, this cannot be," he said angrily to himself.

As he helplessly watched the horseman ride away, his eye fell on Geerob's bow lying on the ground not far from him.

Instantly Dunen ran to the weapon and snatched it up. He then ran and came behind Geerob then grabbed two arrows from his quiver while he fought.

With not a second to lose, Dunen cocked an arrow. As he aimed at the fleeing guard, it made him recall the peaceful days of archery spent by the river in Teranda's valley.

Praying for God's help and calming himself, he let loose his arrow but missed.

Clenching his teeth angrily he fitted the second arrow and aimed again.

The escaping soldier was now far down the road and began to disappear in the night.

Dunen let loose his arrow and watched it disappear in its swift flight.

A short moment after, the horseman fell off his horse and remained on the ground.

With a great sigh of relief Dunen leaned on the bow as he relaxed from the frightful moment.

As Geerob, Dorrut and Tunob cut down three soldiers the others abruptly backed away, threw their swords to the ground, and surrendered.

"Lie down and be still," Dorrut shouted as he pointed his sword at them menacingly.

The soldiers dropped to the ground and lay still.

"Well done, my friends," Dunen said as he joined them. "Watch them as we open the doors. Come Dorrut."

Dorrut followed Dunen as they came on the great doors. Two huge wooden beams, one above the other, stretched across the doors.

"We need the others to help us," Dorrut said assessing that they were too heavy for just the teo of them to move.

"Do as I say. They were made that only two men could pull them away," Dunen explained as they came to bottom one.

Dunen showed him which handle to use while he chose another and then they pushed simultaneously.

The bar moved with one heave.

Dorrut heard the rumbling sound and guessed that the bar rolled on wheels inside the stone clamps. Once the first bar was moved away, they climbed to the second one and pushed it away from the door.

With the bars gone, the two opened the huge doors.

Dunen then took a torch from the corridor and ran out on the mountain slope.

Raising the torch, he waved it high above him toward the dark slope below.

Satisfied that he had given the signal, he returned inside the wall.

As he waited, Dunen walked away from the wall to view Teranda lying far below in the valley. The lights within the homes made him yearn to be with Marani and his children.

Close by the eastern wall of the city, the enemy's camp fires flickered in the dark.

As he looked on, his anger grew and burned inside him and eager for revenge.

A low rumble coming from outside the wall told him that the Muni army approached.

As Dunen looked at his friends, he noticed Dorrut watching him with great interest.

In that moment, Dunen wondered what would become of the man who he barely knew. Would he someday believe in his God? He seemed interested, Dunen thought, but strongly hoped that it would lead to faith. Dunen realized he had grown fond of his friend and wanted very much for him to become a brother of truth.

Moments later, the Muni army jogged up to the wall and flowed in quietly.

Esel was amongst the first and quickly joined Dunen along with Sarim.

"You were right, my friend. Duridon's pride will be his doom," Sarim said.

"Your presence in these matters will be a surprise he will never forget," Dunen made him consider.

"He will regret it indeed," Sarim said proudly.

"Only a few sentinels need to remain behind," Dunen told him.

"I will see to it," Sarim said and went off ordering his men.

Slowly, the Muni lined the road and waited to march on.

When the doors were closed and sentinels placed, Dunen and his friends led the Muni army down the dark road to Teranda.

After a short time on the sloping road, the ground leveled off along the plateau on which the city rested. At that moment, Dunen guided the Muni army into the forest that bordered Teranda to the south.

Although great in number, they walked through the forest making little noise.

After a longer period spent going through the shadowy woods, Dunen halted the army.

"We are beside the gate. Send your best to study the camp of the enemy. The others should rest. Geerob and I will send a message to Menfre of our arrival. The morning light will soon come upon us; let us do this quickly," Dunen explained to Sarim and his elders while he gave a glance at the night sky.

Sarim nodded and then went off to find his scouts for the task.

Dunen and Geerob went off immediately into the woods as Dorrut, Tunob and Esel watched them go, each having the same desire to be by their side.

Moving cautiously, they drew near the great walls of Teranda.

As they crept along, Dunen remembered the night a few years ago when he and Bilob came not too far from their present position to secretly enter the city.

His heart longed to be with his friend again and wondered how things went for him and Danar.

Coming close to the border of the tree line, both noticed shadowy figures moving across the treeless grounds only steps away from the forest.

Both Dunen and Geerob ducked behind a large bush and watched as the closest guard walked away from their position.

"The city is guarded all around," whispered Geerob.

"We need only a clear shot to the corner wall," Dunen explained as he looked up through the trees to view the wall.

"I cannot see it from here," Dunen said, "Let us move a little closer. Over there," he pointed towards a spot near the forest edge.

"We could be seen," Geerob noted as he considered the place.

"The guards are spaced apart. This will give us a chance," Dunen told him.

"But we cannot see if there are others," he warned.

"We must find a place and this one is no worse than another. Give me an arrow," Dunen asked and Geerob pulled an arrow out of his quiver.

"Your knife," he then asked him and Geerob pulled a small knife from his belt.

Geerob curiously watched as Dunen cut a part of his garment. He then made one knot and then tied the piece of garment to the shaft of the arrow.

He then gave it to Geerob.

With no guards in sight, the two crawled over to the small clearing and concealed themselves behind a low bush.

Dunen, looking again through an opening in the trees, could clearly see the corner of the huge wall.

The stone column that made the corner, extended a little further than normal.

Satisfied, Dunen was about to tell Geerob where to shoot when the sound of footsteps stopped him.

Not far from where they hid, a guard walking along the grounds came towards them.

With their hearts thumping for fear of being seen, they held their breath and remained motionless, hoping that the guard would pass by and not look into the woods.

Dunen also hoped that their dark clothes would help conceal their presence.

The soldier came parallel to their position and continued his walk.

Dunen and Geerob were relieved, but only for a moment as the soldier stopped his walk.

Fear overcame them again, wondering if he had seen them.

As they listened intently, they heard nothing of the soldier's movements.

Even though they anxiously wondered of the guard's whereabouts, they nevertheless kept still not willing to make any noise and reveal themselves.

Dunen prayed fervently for the Lord's help, hoping the guard would leave.

As the seconds felt like hours, the soldier then moved further into the woods.

Dunen was ready to jump up and charge the soldier, but refrained and decided to wait until the last moment.

The soldier casually walked several paces into the forest and stopped. From their position, they could now see him clearly.

Expecting the soldier to be looking for them, they saw instead that he was casually staring towards the wall.

They knew that if the guard would just turn his head in their direction they would be spotted.

Dunen and Geerob expected to be found and so both prepared to spring on him if needed.

As they watched, they kept their breathing under control, but their hearts raced nervously.

The soldier grunted as he loosened his sword belt and pants and then began to relieve himself.

Once satisfied, he buttoned his pants and strapped his sword belt while exiting the forest. He then continued his surveillance.

After his footsteps died away and the distinctive forest sounds came back to their strained ears, Dunen and Geerob let loose their tense muscles and almost collapsed to the ground from the effort.

"Praise God!" Geerob whispered.

Dunen nodded in agreement and then both returned to their work at hand.

"Look," Dunen told him as he pointed at the corner of the wall, "Do you see the corner?" Dunen asked.

Geerob looked up to where Dunen was pointing. "Yes," he answered.

"Do you see the circle against the side of the corner?" he asked.

Geerob looked and could barely see a small circle against the stone wall.

"You must hit the center," he told him.

Geerob nodded and took the arrow, although he felt nervous over the difficult shot.

"Do not miss," Dunen, commanded seriously.

Geerob gave him a concerned look and returned to the task.

Fitting an arrow to his bow, Geerob raised himself and aimed. After a short moment, he let loose and the arrow whistled through the air.

They stood still a moment hoping to hear the arrow hit its target, but heard nothing.

"Come," Dunen said and both left their hiding place, running straight into the dark woods.

As they returned to their friends, Sarim greeted them first.

"Did it go well?" Sarim asked as the others crowded around.

"All well. Now it is time to act. How are they set for battle?" Dunen asked.

"There is a barricade along the face of the wall. No man or shielded horse can pass through unharmed. The camp lies behind it," Sarim informed him.

"This is not good," Dunen said, unhappy with the news. "We have a difficult task. We must make an opening in the barricade for Teranda to pass through, or we will fail without their help," Dunen explained to them as he considered the terrible obstacle.

"Break the barrier? You think they will let us come and do our work unhindered?" said a shocked elder.

"We will be slaughtered!" said another.

Sarim began doubting the plan as he listened to his people's justified concerns.

"The hole need not be large. We have the numbers and the advantage of surprise. This will give us enough time," Dunen argued.

"I disagree! It will take them little time before they come to full strength!" stated an elder.

"Yes, it is a risk," Dunen said angrily and they all stopped their murmuring. "It will cost us all dearly. But no one here can dare count the cost if we fail to do what we are called upon," he warned them sternly.

"Is there another way?" asked Sarim calmly and hopefully.

"I see no other way," answered Dunen as he showed his frustration to his discouraging plan.

For a moment, all stood quiet, waiting for the outcome of the argument.

"Then we will do what is set before us," Sarim said decidedly, "We, the Muni, have waited long for revenge and now that our moment stands before us we speak of turning back? Not I! I am here to revenge the innocent. I will bring this son of Cain down myself if need be," he boldly affirmed, laying a hand on the hilt of his sword.

Reminded of their mutual hate of their enemy and their great desire for revenge, his elders immediately put aside their shameful qualms and joined their leader with renewed resolution.

Dunen was encouraged by Sarim's commitment and courage.

"Very well. We will have to strike them along the barrier and make a line of defense. As we hold them off, a group of men will begin cutting a hole in the barricade," Dunen explained and received nods of acknowledgment.

"The archers will go first and will then be replaced by swordsmen as the enemy come," Sarim added.

All nodded in agreement with the plan.

"Lift up your spirits and draw your swords, today we are given the time of revenge," Sarim shouted, and his men who lay on the ground sprang at once at the call and stood boldly, readying themselves for battle.

As the men dispersed to set in order the plan, Dunen and Sarim were left alone.

"Your courage will always be sung in the halls of Teranda, I promise you," Dunen told him with admiration, as he gripped Sarim's shoulder.

"And I will be honored to hear it. Hah!" he added with a great hearty laugh.

Quickly the commands and instructions spread and the army made a thick line through the forest.

Led by Sarim, Dunen and his companions, the army moved like a wall towards the enemy camp quietly.

As the sun began to rise and lighten the sky, they reached the edge of the forest and the battle began. Before the enemy watchmen could hear or see the Muni come, they were feathered by arrows. Without sentinels to warn of their approach, the line of archers left the woods and scurried towards the Dernak camp followed by the rest.

Dernak soldiers guarding the barricade and others near the camp were soon shot down by a flurry of arrows.

Their advances soon sounded an alarm that brought the whole Dernak camp alive.

As the Muni raced towards the camp grounds, Dernak soldiers came to the defense in little numbers and were quickly cut down.

In moments, the cry of battle sounded throughout the camp and the clanging of swords filled the air. Trumpets and shouts echoed everywhere as the Dernak army awoke frantically to the unexpected attack.

For a time, the Dernak soldiers could not form enough strength to hold back the invaders.

At the center of the Dernak camp, Duridon exited his tent without his armor but only his sword.

Enraged, he began shouting orders while some of his captains came running at his command.

Dunen and Sarim followed from behind the advancing Muni soldiers while watching and judging their progress. The surprise onslaught resulted in winning a long stretch of the barricade.

"The barrier now, while we have the chance," Dunen shouted through the noise at Sarim.

With a quick shout, Sarim ordered a group of men bearing axes and bars to the barricade.

Immediately they raced off to the barrier.

As soon as they reach the barrier, they began fervently cutting and hacking at the wooden poles, spikes and fences that circled the city's main road.

Dunen looking up to the city walls could see soldiers and others watching the battle below.

He hoped Teranda had enough time to muster the army or else the Muni would be slaughtered before they could be helped.

Turning his attention to the conflict, Dunen saw that the Muni army had halted their advance and was now up against growing resistance.

Dunen judged it would not be long before Dernak would have the greater force and strength.

Anxiously, Dunen and Sarim looked at the slow progress of the breaking of the barrier.

"The poles are well buried. Where is your army?" Sarim asked while suppressing his nervousness.

"They will come," Dunen could only reply.

Examining the battle, Dunen wondered where his friends were in the great struggle.

The Muni slowly began to give way to the hardened soldiers of Dernak.

Sarim, who saw his army weakening, unsheathed his sword and with a hateful gaze prepared to join the fight.

"It is my moment to shed the blood of my enemy," he told Dunen and then went off to the battlefront with his personal guards racing behind him.

Soon he was lost in the foray and Dunen could not see him anymore. He prayed to God for his protection.

As the battle continued, the sound of many pounding hooves told him that Dernak horsemen were coming.

Troubled even more, Dunen stared with pleading eyes at the unopened doors of Teranda, wondering with great anxiety at what kept his people from coming.

Taking a quick look at the barrier, the men had made a gap large enough to let two horses pass at best. Worriedly, Dunen prayed to God for help and quickly decided to race to Teranda.

Passing through the broken barricade, he ran all the way to the immense walls and shouted, "Open the doors, it is I, Dunen."

To Dunen's surprise, the great gates of the city instantly opened inwards.

Even before the doors were fully opened, Teranda's horsemen came thundering out.

Leading the host was Menfre and as soon as he saw Dunen, he swerved away to join him.

"Dunen, my king!" he exclaimed with joy as he swung off his horse before it could even come to a halt.

"Menfre!" Dunen exclaimed as he noticed his bandaged arm.

Both greeted each other with a strong embrace.

"Your arm!" Dunen asked with concern but then returned his attention to the battle, "The Muni need our help."

"The Muni?" Menfre questioned.

"I will explain later. Our people must come to their aid as quickly as possible. They have taken more than they can bear. The archers must strike across the barrier," Dunen ordered, as he pointed along the barrier.

"Yea, my lord," he said and ran off.

As the Terandian army seeped across the open barrier to join the battle, Menfre ordered Manru and his archers, who were just exiting the city, to line up along the barrier and shoot the enemy.

Across the barrier, Dernak horsemen were cutting through the Muni and now were engaging the Terandian forces.

The archers sent forth their arrows into the Dernak army, but soon the enemy archers answered back from behind the barrier.

Dunen watched the chaotic battle rage on two fronts, the archers to one side and the horsemen and soldiers on the other side of the barrier.

In all the confusion and clamor, Dunen could not guess how well it went with so many things in the balance.

Duridon's forces fought well and with order. On the other hand, the Muni's lack of experience in sword fighting made them easy prey.

Not knowing what to do, Dunen looked for Menfre and found him still with the archers.

Joining him, he was forced to watch for the enemy arrows that fell on them.

"Dunen! You cannot remain here, it is dangerous," Menfre shouted.

"Come with me. Leave this to Manru," he commanded.

Menfre agreed and left with Dunen to cross the grounds away from the missiles.

"Duridon has lost his siege, but he will not yield so easily and we cannot afford a long fight," Dunen stated.

"He will certainly inflict the most harm upon us before escaping," Menfre agreed as both examined the battle.

"But we cannot allow this to happen. To help Sandinor we need our men. How do we end this quickly?" asked Dunen worriedly.

Menfre looked over the battle as he considered the best strategy.

"If Duridon would now fear for his life, he would end this sooner," Menfre suggested.

"Yes."

Both searched the enemy camp for the whereabouts of Duridon and found him close behind his soldiers.

"Maybe I can scare him," Dunen said.

"No my lord, you have no armor. I will go," Menfre dissuaded.

"It is my city that he has come against, I will deal with him," Dunen said fervently.

"He is a Targot, and a leader of Targots! You cannot risk it, my lord. Do not do such a foolish thing!" Menfre argued with great concern.

"He will not be the first Targot I have dealt with. And he must be challenged immediately. We have little time. Come."

Menfre was astonished to hear this, but reluctantly conceded as Dunen led the way to the main battlefront.

On the wall of the city, Queen Marani accompanied by Elena, had just left the stairs as they ran towards the nearest opening to view the battle below.

Both breathed heavily from their hurried trek from the palace to the wall.

As soon as they heard that Dunen had come, both immediately left the palace.

Anxiously they searched the great turmoil for any sign of him.

"Look, there, I see Menfre!" Elena shouted, pointing below.

They saw Menfre running beside another man with dark garments towards the opening of the barrier where the Terandian soldiers were slowly passing through.

"Is it Dunen?" asked Marani with uneasiness.

"He is dressed in black. I cannot tell, he is too far," answered Elena.

They watched as Menfre and Dunen disappeared in the flow of men and horses who continued to cross the barrier through the opening.

Disturbed by the uncertainty of his whereabouts, both women resigned themselves to simply watch the battle unfold.

Dunen and Menfre took two horses from their soldiers and went off to the battle line.

The Muni were little by little leaving the battle as the Terandians came to take their place.

Dunen searched around for his friends and for any sign of Sarim, but could not find them in the great confusion.

On finding Duridon surveying the battle amidst his horsemen, Dunen and Menfre led their horses towards him.

The battleground, being narrow for both armies, made it difficult to move around as the thousands of soldiers filled the field.

"Dunen!" Dunen heard his name and looked for the one who called amid the great host.

Not far from him, he saw Dorrut pushing his way towards him.

"Dunen!" Dorrut shouted again.

Dunen waved at him and waited for his arrival. "Dorrut, how goes it? Where is Geerob, Tunob and Esel?" Dunen asked.

Out of breath, perspiring and smeared with blood, Dorrut stood beside Dunen's horse.

"Geerob and Tunob I saw resting. Esel, I have not seen him, my Lord," he answered.

"What of Sarim?" he asked, although troubled for Esel's whereabouts.

"I do not know. The battle has been difficult for the Muni, but they have fought with all their might," he gave him a short grin.

"Find Esel and protect him. He must not die," Dunen ordered him.

"Yea, my lord," Dorrut said and went off through the throng of men.

Dunen and Menfre continued their course into the battle line.

The strong Terandian forces began to take their toll on the Dernak army.

At a growing pace the enemy were being cut down by the mighty Terandian soldiers and horsemen. On the other side of the barrier, Manru's archers were also creating havoc on the Dernak archers and soldiers.

Duridon then saw Menfre moving through the mass of men led by a horseman dressed as the Muni.

Dunen then unsheathed his sword and raised it before him. The sword reflected the sun's rays like a mirror.

Duridon was one of many who recognized the sword that belonged to the king of Teranda.

Little by little, Terandian soldiers raised a chorus to his name as they fought on, strengthened by his presence.

Duridon, with his jaw clenched with hatred, saw his army perishing beneath the stronger forces.

In an unwilling decision, he began to withdraw from the front line.

Dunen and Menfre watched him back away and knew he planned to escape.

Urging their horses forward and shouting for passage, they saw him turn and flee from the turmoil. Duridon called his personal guard to join him as he darted into the camp and disappearing amidst the tents.

With great relief, Dunen and Menfre turned their attention to the battle, hoping to end it quickly. With shouts of encouragement, they urged their men to fight valiantly.

Duridon's desertion soon spread quickly through the Dernak army causing them to lose their will to fight and giving way to the Terandians. Little at first, but then like a broken floodgate, they scattered in all directions.

The victors with one great cry followed hard after as they continued the battle throughout the enemy camp.

"Victory my lord!" Menfre shouted to Dunen.

Dunen nodded with satisfaction.

"This is the second time I save this city," he said annoyingly.

Menfre laughed.

Leaving the final moments of the warfare to Menfre, Dunen turned his horse around to search along the battle line for his friends.

As the multitude of soldiers dispersed over the field, Dunen spotted Sarim and his warriors. Relieved to see the Muni leader, Dunen kicked his horse forward to join them.

"Hail, Lord Dunen!" Sarim shouted with joy, his stained sword lifted above him as he staggered to meet him.

His clothes were tattered by cuts and filthy from sweat, dirt and blood.

"Sarim! Blessed be God! You are well," Dunen said happily, as he halted his horse and dismounted.

Sarim clasped Dunen's arm heartily and slapped him in the shoulder with joy.

"A victory to be relished and a battle to be remembered, my friend," Sarim exclaimed jubilantly, "Aha, and it has quenched the desire for revenge that burned in my heart far too long."

"You are satisfied, Sarim, but we are not. Sandinor is in need. And what will become of Teranda if Sandinor falls?" Dunen reminded him, fearing Sarim would end their greatly needed help.

"I will stand beside you, my friend; be not afraid. Your enemy is mine also. I will not forsake my promise to you," he affirmed assuredly.

"You are a great blessing from the living God!" Dunen rejoiced as he gripped his arm and shook it with gladness, "Let us help our wounded and gather those who stand, we must move quickly to Sandinor, before it is too late."

Separating from each other, Sarim went off to take care of his army while Dunen did likewise.

By noon, what remained of Duridon's army surrendered to Teranda.

Teranda sent forth its people to help and care for the wounded and to remove the barrier.

Dunen found Geerob and Tunob resting and conversing with their fellow tribesmen of Soloneb and was glad to see them safe.

As he continued his search, he sadly spotted Esel amongst the wounded and Dorrut standing beside him. Amidst the cluttered ground of injured men, Dunen came to Esel, who lay on his back on a blanket.

"He was wounded before I could find him my lord," Dorrut said sadly.

Dunen nodded that he understood and then kneeled by his guide.

Esel's eyes were closed and his face grimaced from the pain that came from cuts to his side, legs and arm.

Dunen's heart broke with sadness as he looked on him.

"Esel," he called.

Esel's eyes blinked open and on seeing Dunen, a comforting smile came to his lips.

"Dunen," he mumbled.

Dunen reached for his hand and held it firmly.

"My friend. You will be well I hear," Dunen told him.

"You need not lie. I no more fear death because of you," he said with some difficulty.

"What do you mean?" Dunen asked.

"I've come to believe in your God. I have prayed for the Creator's forgiveness. I know He has forgiven me. He is my God, my Savior," Esel said, smiling once more in a peaceful manner.

Dunen was overjoyed at his confession and began to shed tears of joy and sadness.

"Glory be to God! I am so glad my brother."

"Yes, my brother," he said, as he liked the thought of being called a brother.

"Rest now. We will see each other in due time. You have fought well. Be of good courage. A place will always be set for you at my table," Dunen told him.

"Thank you. God keep you, my king," he replied with half a smile and then slowly closed his eyes and died.

Dunen cried for Esel and thanked God for knowing him.

He then stood up and looked at Dorrut who also had shed a tear.

"Join Geerob and Tunob. I must join my family," Dunen told Dorrut, and as he left, he gripped Dorrut's shoulder and gave him a smile of encouragement.

Dorrut nodded and watched him head for the city, to see Marani and his children with what little time he had.

Manru, who searched for him, ran to his side once he had found him.

"My lord, Menfre has organized a council within the hour in Duridon's tent," he informed him.

"Good. I will be with my family and mother till then."

"Understandable, my lord. My heart rejoices to see you again," he replied with affection.

"And I to see you good friend. From today, you will remain by my side," Dunen promised him.

"Thank you, my lord," Manru replied, happy to return to his king's services. With a bow, he ran off to his duties.

As Dunen walked passed his soldiers they gave him a great bow of great respect and happy to see him.

As he walked through the gates of the city, the people recognized him and shouted his name with great gladness.

Hundreds gathered around him, waving and crying, "Long live King Dunen!" with a great chorus.

Marani and Elena, who had seen his coming, had left the wall and with some effort waded through the crowd.

Marani began to shed tears of joy as she drew closer to him, deeply yearning to be in his arms again.

"Dunen!" she cried out over the howling.

Dunen heard Marani's voice and searched the crowd for her.

Upon finding her, he moved toward her and the people dispersed from his path.

In a moment, they held each other in a great embrace and kissed.

A great cheer burst out from the people as they rejoiced in their union.

As she cried, tears also came to his eyes and they embraced each other tightly.

Elena came beside the two and Dunen added her to his strong embrace.

Dunen's reunion greatly moved the people and instantly cried out his name even more, wishing his reign to endure forever.

# Chapter 6

# TIDES OF WAR

Ceril stood tense on the grassy battlefield as he looked at the advancement of the Dernak army across the great plain.

His six captains stood by him, three on either side, dressed in armor of white and blue. Defiantly they watched the approaching enemy, their hands gripping tightly the hilt of their swords.

The Sandinor army stood in array behind them; a thousand spears pierced the air, a thousand more bore their swords, and many more soldiers kept their agitated steeds in place to the rear.

Facing them, the dark rows of the Dernak army reflected the sun's early morning rays from their steel.

Their pounding march shook the ground as they came with seven menacing lines of men. The flags bearing the symbol of the Leviathan flapped in the morning breeze. Behind them along a grassy slope lay their immense camp.

Suddenly the Dernak army halted and stood still. A horseman carrying a Dernak banner passed through their lines and began to cross the field towards the Sandinor army.

Ceril turned to his chief captain and said with disdain, "Ferome, go and hear the words of this son of Cain."

Ferome bowed and raced off to get a horse. As Ferome mounted a horse and sped off, the Dernak horseman waited in the middle of the field.

Ferome galloped across the field and halted a dozen paces from the messenger.

The Dernak soldier spoke calmly and confidently, "Hail, captain of Sandinor."

"What have you to say?" Ferome asked refusing to return any common courtesy.

"My lord, Terreth, commander of king Ernum's army and Targot, suggests that Sandinor lay down its banner and yield."

"You mock me? Doubtless, your king has no sense of honor, or he would not have asked such a foolish request from Sandinor. We will never yield to such wretched and low estate," he answered with disgust.

"It is wise to yield to one who is mightier, rather than perish for naught. Your city will be spared. Lord Ernum will deal favorably if you yield," he advised with some aggravation to Ferome's insult.

"You do not know what wisdom is. Wise is the one who fears God, and honor belongs to those who would rather die than abase themselves to evil."

The messenger's face flushed with anger and then replied, "If you count your lives so little, then so be it. You are worthy of it," he answered angrily, and immediately turned his horse away and rode off to his army.

Satisfied, Ferome did likewise.

As he returned to his army, he dismounted and joined Ceril.

"What have the infidels to say?" Ceril asked Ferome.

"They wished us to yield, of course. The commander is named Terreth, a Targot."

Ceril's eyebrow rose with some interest, but then turned his gaze once more on the enemy.

Clenching his teeth angrily, Ceril watched them come, thirsty with revenge after the harm done to his father.

Although justified and sure of his decision, he feared to lose Sandinor while it was now under his care.

He wondered what his father would do in this difficult moment. He felt frail without his presence.

Ceril's hope now stood before God. Teranda would not be able to come in time as it faced its own troubles.

This battle belonged to them. What was accomplished today and the days to follow held Sandinor's future. With this in mind, Ceril turned to look at his captains.

"We have spoken and now we must fulfill our words. Let our strength not weaken. Let our hearts fail not," he told them and then looking up into heaven with his arms stretched out, he shouted, "Our eyes are upon you, oh God, creator of all. Have mercy and fight for us."

For a moment, his eyes remained looking into the sky, hoping to see a divine reply from God, but nothing came.

Dropping his hands, Ceril paused a moment and then withdrew his sword from its scabbard.

"To battle Sandinor! For our God and our King Sillandar," he shouted and was answered by a great shout from his army.

Ceril and his captains led the way as the army moved forward to confront the enemy.

At that moment, the soldiers lowered their spears, pointing them forward.

Within moments, the gap narrowed and the armies clashed with a momentous roar of men's cries and clanging steel.

Ceril and his captains led the battle and it seemed to those who watched their fierce fighting that they would cut through the enemy line if it were not for the great numbers that stood before them.

Fearlessly they slew their opponents, their swift blades wreaking havoc like a mighty wind. Like darkness receding from light, the dark armor of the enemy retreated from the white armor of Sandinor.

After a long time in the foray, Ceril and his captains withdrew themselves to oversee the battle. Blood stained and perspiring they left the line of skirmish unwillingly, wishing thoroughly to appease their hateful flame.

"By God's grace, they will regret to meddle with the blood of Sandinor," Ferome articulated as he gasped for air.

"Dearly will they count this day," said another captain as he proudly displayed his bloodied sword.

"Enough. We are needed. To your posts," ordered Ceril.

Immediately the captains went off and Ceril remained alone.

Not far behind him, Sandinor's cavalry equipped with spear and sword waited for their call.

As Ceril surveyed the raging battle with its cries of men dying, he wished the day to end quickly so he may bring his father's army safely behind the high walls of Sandinor.

Once again, Ceril wondered where Dunen was and if would he come to his aid.

*

That same morning, in the village of Uruen, Bilob awoke on a bed inside a village hut.

As he tried to rise, he felt his sore muscles from the long ride.

The recent battle with the enemy at the mountain tunnel had also reminded him of some cuts and bruises he had received.

His dwelling was not large, made only for two people, and very crude. The hut was constructed of small trees and branches. Several streams of sunlight pierced through the walls from unfilled holes.

Bilob could hear the sounds of children and adults through the thin walls and it reminded him of his beloved village. It seemed to him that a long time had passed since he last walked the familiar grounds.

Bilob recollected arriving at Loyan's village late the night before. They were welcomed by Huru, Loyan's father, who urged Bilob and Danar to stay for the night, which they accepted.

As he thought on Loyan's family, his stomach reminded him that he was in need of breakfast.

Just as he thought of it, he smelled the food being prepared in the village. Quickly gathering his belongings, he left the tent to find his friends and some food.

It was a typical village to Bilob, with the main square cleared of trees, while most of the dwellings were scattered out amongst the tall trees.

The villagers walked around staying close to their homes. Groups of children played in the square and some ran around using the common paths that went off into the woods.

Just as he wondered how he would find Loyan's home, Loyan emerged from a trail.

"Bilob!" she called out with a broad smile.

Bilob met her half way in the square, causing many to halt their activities and look at the pair.

The women, who sat together as they worked on their chores, immediately broke out into whispered gossip.

"God's morning," Bilob greeted.

"So it is," she replied uncomfortably, "Have you slept well?" she quickly asked.

"Very well. Give my thanks to your father and to those who have provided. Where is Danar?" he asked.

"I will. Danar is seated with my father. They will not start to break their fast if you are not with them," she answered.

"They must not wait any longer," he said and followed her, leaving behind many inquisitive eyes.

The path led far away from the village center to a place where several huts were grouped together.

They walked towards a simple dwelling with a delicate smoke rising from a hole in the roof.

Bilob saw Danar seated on a large rug beside the house.

Huru sat to his left and both were speaking. He had long gray hair and wore tattered clothes.

It was obvious to Bilob that Loyan came from a poor family. Their home was far away from the village, which meant as in most common villages, that the family was of low stature.

"Ah, Bilob. Welcome, welcome. Come sit beside me," Huru invited, pointing to a place next to him.

Loyan left the men to themselves as she went inside her home, giving a last glance at Bilob as he sat down.

"I am in great debt to you for returning my daughter," he told them.

"The one you must thank is King Dunen of Teranda," Bilob answered.

"As I was told, but you have taken care of her."

"She has saved Bilob's life from the poison of Dernak, and given the remedy to the Daouk people. We are the more grateful for her kindness," Danar returned.

"The gods are good to us. They provide us with all things," Huru said happily.

Bilob and Danar gave each other a short glance of disappointment as Huru professed his belief in many gods but not the one true Creator.

"Gods! You mean the God?" Bilob questioned.

"Our people believe in many gods. Some are creators and some destroy," Huru answered with self-assurance.

"There is only one God! And Adam, the father of us all who still lives by the Garden, teaches this," Bilob replied.

"He believed in his god, and we believe there are others. There cannot be only one for us all. Our fathers have taught us this," Huru explained.

"They then were blinded by the Deceiver himself. There is only one God and only He must be worshipped!" Bilob answered with indignation.

Danar watched the argument worriedly, wondering when he should intervene and stop Bilob's contention.

"Who is the Deceiver, but another god?" Huru added calmly.

"What? How could you believe this? It is he who deceived Eve and made us sin against our Creator?"

"I see that you are not open to our beliefs," Huru said with some disappointment.

"We believe in what was told from the beginning, from father to son. There are also those who have spoken to the living God, who live even now! Do you not believe our father Adam and our mother Eve?" Danar asked calmly, while Bilob watched him with burning eyes.

"I was not there to know the truth, nor were you. Our fathers have also spoken to other gods, who we now serve, and they care for us."

At that moment, Loyan came out of the hut holding a tray of food. Her expression revealed her concern on hearing the argumentative discussion. Worriedly she moved forward to the men as she looked at Bilob's angered gaze.

"Please, let us now eat in peace," Huru said as he gestured towards Loyan's tray.

The tray contained assorted fruits, bread and some dried meat.

In the midst of the tray, surrounded by the victuals, could be seen a stone figurine in the mixed shape of a woman and a horned bull.

As Loyan placed the tray before the men, Bilob's eyes widened as he noticed the statue.

"What is this?" Bilob pointed with dismay, although he knew very well the answer.

"It is our god, Siras. She provides our food," Huru answered.

Angrily, Bilob jumped to his feet. "I will not eat to the glory of a false god," Bilob said, and then turned to face Loyan. "Do you believe in this god?"

Startled by the condemnation of what seemed always normal to her, Loyan froze with shame and then gazed at her father's confident expression.

Her heart broke as she realized that this statue was truly wrong. It was a false belief created by men who turned away from the original teachings.

"I once believed," she answered and saw her father's serene face become bewildered.

"It is what we believe, what I have taught you, my daughter!" he exclaimed as he came to his feet.

Gathering courage, she professed, "I believe in the God of Adam. He only is true and hears us."

"What is this I hear?" Huru exclaimed in shock.

"I have the right to believe and worship whom I will. Our early fathers believed in Him, why cannot I?" she argued.

Admiration and relief filled Bilob's heart on her confession, which made him realize his growing interest for her.

Huru searched for a reply, but instead unhappily resigned. "Very well. Believe what these strangers have said and forget the teachings of your own father. But know now, there is no place for you in this village. Your mother and I will worship Siras and die before her. Go and serve King Dunen and his god," he stammered with bitter resolve.

Loyan's heart was torn and saddened at her father's words.

"You were taken from us and truly, you have never returned," he added as he turned away and entered his house.

"Father!" Loyan gasped as tears began to flow down her cheeks, hurt by her father's rejection.

Although deeply troubled and saddened, she felt within her spirit a comforting peace come from God.

She knew she had done what was right and felt even more confident of her decision to believe in the God of all creation.

Bilob and Danar grieved for her sorrow.

Before either could give a word of encouragement, she wiped her tears away and, with determination, calmed herself.

"I want to go. I want to serve King Dunen," she demanded firmly.

Bilob and Danar looked at each other with reservation.

"Are you certain?" Danar asked.

"Yes. I pledge again my service to Dunen, if it pleases him," she responded. "I am sure it is God's will."

Bilob and Danar looked at each other and both felt they could not reject her request or her decision.

"So be it. We will bring you to him," Danar promised.

# Chapter 7

# SANDINOR'S DEFENCE

Elena, seated not far from Dunen in his chambers, paid no attention as a servant helped him put on his armor.

"What are you thinking about, mother?" asked Dunen as he noticed her searching gaze looking far out through the balcony doors.

"Of Tharan," she replied with mixed emotions after rejoicing over the unbelievable news of his survival and safety, but unhappy that she could not see him yet.

"Hmm," he nodded with his own disappointments, "I wished he was here also."

Elena tried to understand her son's own needs and then realized that he missed Tharan as much as she did. She was also sure he was hiding how much he wanted his brother to be by his side for the difficult tasks and decisions that would soon come.

"Yes, I am sure," she said with a comforting smile, and realized that she should encourage her son, "Let us be thankful to God that he was spared and that he is safe with Nerinee."

"Praise God," Dunen said as she reminded him to be thankful for his brother's life.

He looked at his mother and gave her a confident smile, "We will see him again."

The servant completed his task of fitting Dunen's silver breastplate. He then checked his belt and his sword.

The door to the room opened and Marani entered. Dressed in a flowing light blue gown, she crossed the large room and embraced her husband.

"Must you leave so soon, my beloved?" she asked sadly.

"I cannot stay any longer," he told her as he kissed her soft cheeks, "And with the little time I was given with you and the children, I am strengthened for what lies ahead," he told her as he admired her beautiful face.

"Be careful, my love," Marani said with great concern.

"I will," Dunen answered reassuringly and then kissed her.

With a last great embrace, he turned and went to his mother.

She got up as he came and they hugged each other.

"Go my son. Be strong for your people and your God. Our prayers will call on the angels of heaven to protect you from all evil," Elena said as she caressed his face.

Dunen kissed her on the cheek.

"We will all soon be together again, I am sure," he told her confidently.

She reassured him with a smile.

Dunen then snatched his helmet from off the bed and took hold of Marani's hand as he led her out of the room.

Elena felt proud of her son as she watched him leave, but also felt guilty for not believing that he was able to be king even when God chose him.

*

By mid afternoon, Menfre had called his captains and the Muni to Duridon's tent. While they waited for Dunen's arrival, Sarim and his elders, seated on pillows at one end of the tent, watched as the Terandian captains discussed the mission to save Sandinor.

It was not long before guards pushed aside the door flaps and allowed Dunen to enter, dressed in complete armor. His captains instantly bowed with great respect.

The Muni slowly rose as they gazed with awe at the magnificent armor. Never had they seen an armor so well designed. The metal covered and protected each joint and yet allowed great movement and flexibility.

––––––––

The family's insignia of a roaring lion, marvelously etched in gold, glistened on the breastplate. The helmet had golden tainted horsehair shooting out from its top and through the center.

As Dunen saw Sarim, he immediately greeted him warmly.

"Sarim!" he said happily.

Sarim bowed as Dunen approached.

The Muni elders also bowed, but felt awkward on seeing for the first time their chief bowing before another leader.

Dunen was surprised to see him bow before him. He always believed they were equals and respected his great sacrifice he offered in saving his city.

"No, my friend! I am the one honored," he told him as he gripped Sarim's shoulder and hand.

"Thank you, Dunen. Truly, you are a worthy king. Blessed are your people," Sarim replied to his kindness.

"It is I that bows before so great and noble friends," Dunen said as he bowed in turn.

"You honor me, my lord," he replied with a smile.

"I am saddened that many of your good men were lost, we -"

Sarim interrupted him and said, "Dunen, speak no more. They died willingly and with great honor for their people. And we are ready to do so once again, if it will defeat our enemies."

Dunen nodded and understood their sacrifice.

"Let us gather our thoughts now upon Sandinor's dilemma," Dunen said as he looked at the men who stood around, "How long before the army can ride, Menfre?"

"At your word, my lord."

"Excellent. I have a plan to reach Sandinor within a day, at best."

The men were stunned at his claim knowing well that it would take at least a day and a half to reach Sandinor without killing the horses.

"One thousand soldiers and five hundred of our archers will ride with me and Manru to Teranda's seaport. We will take the available ships and journey to Sandinor and enter the city by its port," he explained, as the men were impressed by his plan. "I believe Sillandar will be forced to leave the field today, being outnumbered, and flee behind the city walls. If they, by God's grace, are able to hold the city tomorrow, we will arrive in time to strengthen them. This will give you, Menfre and Sarim, a day more for your arrival," Dunen continued as he examined their reaction to his strategy. "As you strike from the north, we will open the gates and crush Ernum's army between two blades."

He watched the men consider his plan and then asked, "Speak if you find any fault."

"Five hundred archers will not be enough," Manru advised him.

"And will there be enough ships?" wondered another captain.

"A risk Manru, but Menfre will need the archers more than I," Dunen reasoned and Manru reluctantly agreed.

"As for the ships, we will fill them as best as we can," Dunen explained.

All the men understood that any plan would have its weaknesses, so they nodded and confidently gave their approval to their king's plan.

"Good." Dunen was content with their agreement but still felt worried about his decisions.

"Make sure the horses are not weighted down by the soldier's armor. Wagons should be used to carry the burden," Menfre added and received the assent from the military leaders.

"Then let us rise to the occasion. Our friends are in need. The future of Elnoren and Sousenden lies upon us. Let us be swift and sure. God help us and bless our purpose."

"To Sandinor!" the Terandians shouted with great vigor and determination.

Immediately the orders went forth throughout the Terandian army and to the Muni warriors.

In moments the clamour of men shouting, the pounding of horse hooves as men mounted and the clattering of wagons as they were filled and moved increased and echoed against the great stone walls of Teranda.

Along the barrier, men continued their work of removing the great obstruction.

Dunen and Menfre stood side by side as they surveyed the scurrying troops preparing for the journey.

"Much lies on your part, Menfre," Dunen warned as he considered his plan to save Sandinor.

"Aye, my lord. We will come. If the horses fail, we will run to Sandinor," he vowed.

Dunen gave him a confident smile, believing his captain meant what he said.

"Once again we part, but by God's hand we will soon share bread and a warm fire, dear friend."

"Yes, my lord. Let us hope Sandinor is still standing when we arrive," Menfre considered with concern.

"Do you doubt their strength?" Dunen asked curiously.

"In his last years, your father began to lack trust in Sandinor, but for what reason, I do not know," he explained.

Dunen found it strange but knew he should not discard his father's concerns.

"Let us hope what my father feared has long been corrected. We need Sandinor."

"Well said," Menfre agreed.

Both remained silent for a moment as they watched the army assemble.

"My lord," Menfre said as he wondered how to ask a question that was in his mind for a long time.

"Yes."

"Did you consider using the sword of Teranda?" he asked.

Dunen looked at him and expected his captain would ask him this question.

"Yes. But I do not know where it is," he told him.

"Did you ask your brother?"

"He does not know where it is," Dunen answered.

"Then it is truly lost," Menfre said disappointingly.

Dunen saw Menfre's dismay and asked him, "Do you believe it has any power?"

"I do not know," he answered.

"We are of the same mind. I do not believe it has power or that it was created by God," Dunen told him confidently.

"But, my lord, your enemies do," he reminded him.

Dunen realized he was right. If he had the sword, its legend would strike fear in his enemies, giving him a great advantage in battle.

It also became clear to him that he did not need to have faith in the sword but it was enough that the enemy had faith in its power.

Dunen now understood why Menfre was saddened by its loss; it could have helped give them victory.

Dunen and Menfre stared at each other and understood the consequences.

"We will have to make do and hope that God will be our sword," Dunen told him.

"Yes, my lord," Menfre agreed, and was encouraged by his faith.

"My greatest fear is to fail this city," Dunen solemnly revealed as he looked at his army and then at the city.

His father and brother had already failed and they, he felt, were stronger. Could he fail as they did, he asked himself.

"I will not allow you," Menfre told him with a smirk.

Dunen laughed and was glad to have Menfre's counsel and watchful eye.

*

As the sun began its slow decline to the west, the battle raged on over the plains of Sandinor.

Ceril and his captains, hard pressed against the great numbers of the Dernak army, stood their ground.

The enemy replaced their weary soldiers with ready men, while Sandinor's soldiers were being defeated from their ever-growing fatigue.

Ceril, smeared with blood and soaked with sweat, glanced constantly with agony at the sun's progress. The light of day became their great foe, as they wished the day to end and the battle forced to a halt.

Scattered along the Sandinor line, wounded or exhausted soldiers lay on the ground resting while waiting for their turn to fight again and draw them closer to death.

With great effort, Sandinor's captains strengthened their men by joining the battle to spur them on. All that could possibly be done was done to retain their position, but at a great cost.

As the sun disappeared behind the great mountains, twilight bathed the battlefield. Soon after, the trumpets sounded the retreat and both armies ended their hostility. A thick line of dead men and blood soaked earth was all that remained behind.

The Dernak army marched away in good order, while Sandinor withdrew shamefully in a ragged and disorganized crawl.

In the Sandinor camp, waiting wagons immediately received the wounded and exhausted men. Once filled, they raced off to the city.

Those who were able to ride rested as they waited for the order to mount their steeds.

Ceril and Ferome headed for the command tent as the camp prepared its departure.

Exhausted, Ceril slowly removed his dirty helmet and threw it aside as he slumped into a chair. Ferome did likewise and both stared at each other for a moment, their thoughts greatly disturbed by the day's battle.

"A dreadful day," Ceril said sadly.

"No less a feat than what Teranda had done years ago," Ferome reminded him.

"The men fought well. I confess," Ceril agreed flatly.

"The city will be no easier task for them, my lord."

"Even so, I fear we will lose the city," Ceril told him, "And in my care."

"It would have made no difference with your father here," Ferome explained as he tried to remove his king's feelings of guilt.

"I am not so sure," Ceril could only say as he considered his father's great experience and wisdom.

He remembered the many times he saw his father escape difficult situations and overcome great obstacles. Ceril believe he would have made a great difference even against the present odds.

"Do not waste your time on such thoughts; it breeds only confusion."

Ceril eyed his captain and responded, "True, my friend," Ceril answered him and then changed his thoughts to the plans for the city's defense.

Ferome straightened himself in his chair and gazed at Ceril seriously.

For a moment, Ferome hesitated to speak of a plan of escape if ever the city would be lost, but decided it was necessary.

"My lord. If all goes ill against us - should I prepare your ship?" he asked delicately.

"No!" Ceril answered sharply and frowned with disgust at the thought.

Sadly, Ferome expected Ceril's answer. He knew his lord would not run from the enemy, but would rather die defending his city.

"My mother and father you will save, but I - I will remain."

"Very well my lord. I shall see to it," Ferome answered unwillingly.

In a short time, Sandinor's army was ready to ride back. With most of the tents already packed away, the men waited for their prince to lead them.

Without a word, Ceril and his captains mounted their steeds. Ceril stared for a moment at the Dernak camp, his eyes filled with hate.

The hundreds of campfires spread out on the dark ground looked like stars that had fallen down from the sky.

Cursing their presence, he jerked his horse and then led the way along the dark road.

Riding four abreast, the army slowly and somberly rode forward, followed by a short train of wagons. Below a clear and star filled night, the Sandinor army left the field of battle, while the enemy camp rested for the next day's onslaught.

After an hour of riding through the rolling plains, with the lights of the city glowing in the distance, the retreating army heard a short shrill sound coming from behind.

At first, only those who rode the wagons to the rear heard the sound, but within seconds, it grew loud enough for Ceril and his captains, who were at the forefront, to hear over the rumble of the galloping horsemen.

A moment after it came again. They all turned to look behind as they went on, wondering over the frightening screech and its source.

Many began to think that the Dernak army had decided to chase after them, but no sign of pursuit appeared.

The horses became agitated as the screech grew louder. This time the perplexed army realized it came from above and looked into the sky. The night sky revealed nothing but twinkling stars.

"What is it?" Ceril asked shouting over their run.

Once again the cry was heard, startling horses and sending some amok.

Looking upward, Ceril saw a black silhouette against the stars. It did not take long for him to recognize the great bird.

Then its name spread through the caravan as the men cried out in horror, "Pelok!"

"A Pelok!" repeated Ceril to himself with awe.

It had been years since one came near the shores of Sousenden. These great beasts flourished and lived beyond Sousenden in the west and were rarely seen in the region.

As it came closer, the horses pulling the wagons cried in fear and veered off the road into the fields.

Other wagons crashed into each other and some overturned, spilling their contents everywhere.

Terror took hold of the soldiers and many, fearing the beast would fall on them, broke away from the file and raced off into the fields.

Watching his army panic, Ceril decided to ward off the beast.

"Archers! Order the archers to shoot," he shouted to his captains and immediately they went off to give the command.

The creature cried out again, causing many more horses to bolt and throw their riders off.

As Ceril continually turned to glance at the bird, he saw in the dim star light the figure of a man on the beast.

Doubting what he saw, he continued to look and saw again the vague form of a rider on the beast. Instantly Ceril realized that this bird did not come by chance, but was ridden by the enemy. The thought of Ernum's control over the great beast sent shudders of fear through him.

Finally, archers drew their bows while riding along and sent forth their arrows into the night sky. Unsure of their target, most arrows flew in awkward directions, missing completely their target.

As the bird continued to follow the troop without attacking, Ceril raised his hand and halted the army.

As the shattered army slowed to a halt, the creature flew over and went off into the night sky, climbing higher and higher. They all watched as it flew towards Sandinor.

Ceril looked on with astonishment, wondering in his heart if there was any hope against Ernum's power.

*

The waves were mild and the wind strong as the ships sailed south on the sea of Zilel. The Terandian army left its port with a dozen ships.

Soldiers filled all of the boats, leaving little space even for the sailors to move.

Most men bedded down as comfortably as they could, hoping to get some rest for the next day's battle, but Dunen stood on the deck of his boat, watching the sea roll by in the darkness.

On the other side of the boat, the coastline of Elnoren began to recede and slowly slip by.

Dunen felt nervous and worried they would not arrive on time. The loading of his army on the ships took more time than expected as they found many of the merchant fleet already filled with goods.

The ships had to be emptied before the men could embark, wasting precious time.

Dunen was also discouraged when only two thirds of his men were able to go by boat, forcing him to order the rest to join Menfre by land.

Although the obstacles harmed his plans, Dunen still thanked God that enough ships were present at the port for their purpose.

Now, all depended on Sandinor to hold back the enemy long enough for them to arrive. If they failed and the enemy gained access into the city, they would have no chance to dock the ships and disembark.

Dunen placed his fears aside and then thought of Bilob and Danar, wondering about their welfare and their whereabouts.

With no news of them, Dunen hoped the Daouk army would be able to destroy the tunnel.

If all went as planned, he could expect to see his friends joining him in Sandinor, but many things were still uncertain.

Feeling tense about the coming day, Dunen decided he should rest, realizing he had not slept the night before and felt exhausted by the recent battle.

Looking one last time over the sea and to the group of ships that sailed together, he called on God to bless the soldiers and their captains, giving them peace and good rest for the night.

As he turned to go, Dorrut appeared.

"May I have a moment of your time, my lord," he asked as he gave a short bow.

"Yes, my friend."

Dorrut hid his smile that came from Dunen's friendly welcome. Nervously, he fidgeted before his king, not knowing how to continue the conversation.

"I have been thinking," was all he could begin to say before hesitating.

"Thinking about what? What troubles you?" Dunen asked, seeing his apprehension.

"I have called upon the name of the Lord," he blurted out nervously.

Dunen's eyes widened with joy, but quickly calmed down as his better judgment told him to be certain of what Dorrut had done.

"What do you mean?" Dunen asked.

"I asked God to forgive my sins," he answered humbly.

"What made you do so?" Dunen asked.

"I have seen his great works and his kindness through your mercy," he said emotionally, "And once I saw the joy on Esel's face, and his words of faith, I yielded to the truth."

"Praise God! This is a moment of great joy. I have felt God's desire for you from our first meeting. I rejoice with you, my brother," Dunen expressed joyfully, confident of his sincere confession.

"He has spared my life even as unworthy as I am and made me see His works," he told Dunen with amazement.

"We are all unworthy, Dorrut. You are amongst equals."

"But you! Your brother!" Dorrut said, awed by their faith and communion with God.

"We have all sinned, my friend. None are worthy of His grace. Be glad your heart was not hardened by the Deceiver," Dunen explained compassionately.

Dorrut nodded happily but quickly became sad as he said, "There is much that I do, that is-," he ended feeling ashamed.

Dunen understood his struggle with his nature to disobey God and told him, "God is merciful and patient. Trust in him, he will help you in all that is difficult," Dunen reassured him.

Dorrut nodded and felt better, glad that Dunen understood his difficulties to honor God.

"Welcome on the road that leads to many trials and victories. You will never be alone again. The Lord our God will be with you, with every step you take," Dunen exhorted him.

"I will need Him, my lord."

"Good. You have given me great joy in these troubled times, my friend. Now let us rest, for tomorrow we have a hard fight for the glory of God."

Dorrut bowed and followed his king as they left the deck of the sailing merchant ship.

*

Great was the hammer the giant beast carried in its hand. Coming to the gates of Sandinor, the creature lifted its massive instrument and with a mighty force let it smash against the doors. The doors resisted its tremendous blows as the creature struck repeatedly. Each time the blow sent a great resounding boom.

Ceril woke up abruptly, the pounding still echoing in his head. As he raised himself on his bed, the pounding continued. Confused, he wondered why he still heard the terrifying noise from his dream. Then a voice came to his attention.

"My lord, are you awake?"

Looking at the door of his dark room, the knock came again. With a sigh of relief, he felt foolish over his confusion.

"I am awake," he shouted out loud.

"Very well, my lord. Breakfast awaits you," the servant said and could be heard walking away.

Feeling tired from the terrible night, Ceril recalled the creature that flew over Sandinor, sending forth its terrifying cry.

The frightened inhabitants went scurrying to their homes for refuge while Ceril and his army recovered themselves and rode into Sandinor. Many hours passed before the creature ended its reign of terror.

Exhausted and greatly troubled, the city would soon face the enemy with little hope of success. Ceril wondered again, what was God's purpose in all these trials. With no apparent evil committed by Ceril against God, he ruled out the terrible events as a judgment.

He prayed, not for the first time, that God would reveal what it was he needed to learn from all of this. Taking a deep breath, he decided to trust in Him and face whatever the day would bring.

––––––––

Ceril, wearing his armor, quickly ate his breakfast in the kitchen's small dining area. The household servants quietly watched their king eat with grim and troubled faces. Hardly noticing them, Ceril completed his meal and left hurriedly.

He soon reached the family quarters and strolled into his parents' room.

His mother immediately embraced him as he entered.

"Ceril!" she said with gladness, kissing him on his forehead.

"Mother! Is father awake?" he asked after kissing her tenderly on the cheek.

"Yes. Go to him," she said, releasing him from her embrace.

Ceril slowly walked to the side of his father's bed and looked on him. With eyes closed, his father's face looked pale but undisturbed.

Laying hold of his father's hand, he whispered, "Father."

Immediately his eyes opened and searched for him. As his eyes beheld his son, he smiled and said, "Ceril, the son of my strength."

"Father, I am here," Ceril answered as he dropped to one knee, taking his hand and tenderly placing it against his cheek.

Noticing Ceril's helmet, Sillandar asked with a frown, "Have they come?"

"Yes. They are many and strong," he answered with concern.

"Be strong my son. They will not defeat our God. He is with us," he told Ceril confidently.

"I know father," he answered while hiding his doubt.

"Sandinor will not fall. Our Creator will protect us," Sillandar added with a peaceful smile.

"If only you were by my side," Ceril told him wishfully.

"I will always be by your side," his father answered. "My prayers will be your shield."

"Yes, father. Bless me now."

Sillandar raised his hand, laid it on his son's head and said, "My God deliver you from your enemies and multiply the days of your reign. Sons and daughters He give you, more than what was granted to me. Wisdom, health and peace be yours," Sillandar pronounced on him.

"Thank you father," Ceril whispered.

Feeling strengthened by his father's benediction, he kissed his hand and rose to his full height with renewed confidence.

"Go and may your foot rest upon the necks of your foes," Sillandar ended.

Ceril bowed lowly before him, and then went to his mother. Taking her arm, he gently led her away from the bed.

"Mother. I have prepared a way of escape for you and father," he said softly and solemnly.

"No!" she said, surprised by her son's plan, "Your father would not-," she continued fearfully but Ceril interrupted her.

"You will do as I say. The enemy will overcome the walls before the sun is high. Prepare yourself. The servants will come. Please, mother, do not deny me this," he told her firmly.

Wanting to refuse, she yielded instead, nodding her consent.

"Thank you." He kissed her forehead tenderly and said, "Farewell," and left her without looking back.

Fearing for his life, she watched him leave the room with tears flowing from her eyes and her heart crying to God for his safety.

*

On the high wall of Sandinor, Ferome, flanked on either side by his archers, watched intently Ernum's black army snaking towards the city.

The light wind from the ocean was brisk and smelled of salt.

The bright colored plumes on the soldier's helmets fluttered in the wind. Their armor glowed with a yellow hue from the sun's early rise. As the sun grew brighter across the ocean's horizon, it dispelled the night's shadows in its wake.

All along the wall the men stood watching defiantly as the enemy approached their beloved city.

Down on the streets, servants and soldiers scurried around in a flurry of activity. Officers shouted orders and examined their readiness. Weapons and munitions flowed to the wall and then were carried to the top along the stone stairs.

Through the city's main road, Ceril and his personal guard galloped to the wall.

Quickly they left their horses to servants and marched up the twirling stone steps. Reaching the top, Ceril joined Ferome at his post.

"Good morning my lord," Ferome said sarcastically as he gave him a short bow, "Our guests have arrived."

Ceril eyed the plains below and saw the black army split in half, forming a line parallel to the wall.

Thousands upon thousands echoed their march against the wall.

All of the men on the wall watched with awe at the size of the army, removing any assurance of stopping the tide that would soon rise against them.

Ceril's mind raced with strategies to find some way to stop the inevitable. Even with all his years of training by his father's military counselor, he could not dismiss the uneven balance of strength.

"What has been done so far?" Ceril asked Ferome, with his gaze transfixed on the awesome spectacle.

"The gates have been reinforced, but I am certain their goal is to come over the wall. It will be a difficult task but their best chance," he informed him solemnly.

"I agree."

"But, no one will say that I am a rude host. I prepared a surprise for our unwanted guests," he said with a self-satisfied smirk.

Ceril ended his transfixed gaze of the enemy to look at Ferome's grin.

"Kind to the last, Ferome. It only befits you," he added returning a smile.

"Thank you, my lord," he answered, happy that his king appreciated his efforts.

"I pray you succeed in your welcome. We can only do what we are able. The balance lies in the hands of God," Ceril added.

"Yes, my lord," he answered, agreeing with him.

Amidst the swarming numbers of the Dernak army, a horseman wearing dark armor, slowly passed through the busy horde.

His scabbard and sword were of a dull black color, greatly contrasting with his armor and his white and brown spotted steed.

Leaving behind his army, Terreth, the Targot captain trotted to the road that led to Sandinor's gate, and then halted his horse.

With disdain, he looked at the defenders. As he stood defiantly before the onlookers, his army immediately set themselves in several long rows. Four of his officers rode out to join him, halting their horses just behind their master.

All four were of great build, sitting menacingly on their horses. Three carried swords and the other a two-edged battle-ax.

Not long after, with an unheard signal, a shout rose from the enemy ranks and two dozen ladders appeared from their midst, heaved up and held above their heads.

For a moment, all was quiet and little moved except for the flags that swayed on the wall and the fiery serpent banners of the enemy.

Raising his open hand to Sandinor, Terreth then closed it and brought it to his chest. Instantly, a great cry made the Dernak army spring forward.

On the wall, the Sandinor archers fitted their arrows and waited for the order to let loose.

As the enemy crossed the grounds, their archers halted to shoot. Waves of deadly darts crashed against the wall or flew over, raining down into the city streets.

As the enemy soldiers neared the wall, Ferome shouted and the archers shot forth their arrows. Many arrows found their mark causing two ladders to fall to the ground.

The others succeeded in reaching the wall and slowly the ladders crawled up the wall. Protected by shields, the enemy forged steadily ahead.

With great difficulty, the Sandinor archers kept spraying the enemy with arrows while avoiding the arrows shot at them.

Ferome watched the ladders rise, close to a dozen were in place.

Deciding the time was right; he shouted a command to his officers and captains. Immediately, soldiers brought lit torches up the stairs.

On the wall, arrows tipped with oil stained rags were set on fire. The archers then carefully took the flaming arrows and shot at the wooden ladders.

Within moments, most ladders were struck with the flaming missiles and were set on fire.

Struggling to climb the ladders, the Dernak soldiers were constrained as they tried to quench the flames or avoid being set on fire. With this predicament, Sandinor's archers found more victims for their arrows.

The leaking oil spread the flames along the ladders and within a short time all ladders were totally engulfed in flames, forcing the soldiers to jump off and save their lives.

Disabled, the enemy retreated from the burning ladders having none to climb.

The Sandinor army cheered over their victory as the enemy back away.

"Excellent, Ferome! Excellent!" Ceril shouted to him.

"A moral victory, my lord," he answered with discretion.

"A needed one, my friend," Ceril quickly added.

Amid the enemy ranks, Terreth went around with his horse, screaming angrily at his men for their failure. Giving them new orders, the army regrouped again.

New ladders, taken from the wagons, were immediately carried to the front lines.

The ladders were then drenched using the army's supply of drinking water.

The defenders on the wall hurriedly prepared for the next assault.

Wasting little time, Terreth pushed his army to readiness and then sent them charging the wall again.

Once again the ladders came against the wall and again the Sandinor archers shot their fiery arrows. The drenched ladders resisted the flames and gave time for the soldiers to extinguish them as they climbed by.

Reaching the top, the enemy began engaging the Sandinor soldiers with spears through the openings.

The fight for passage continued and men on both sides perished in the struggle. From the ground, the enemy archers increased their shooting to help their own attain the wall.

Ceril and his captains quickly went out shouting commands all along the wall. Ferome called soldiers to the wall to replace the fallen.

It was not long before the enemy took advantage of insufficient defenders to enter through one of the stone openings.

Quickly, other Sandinor soldiers raced to the breach and attacked the invaders. After a short struggle, they were able to defeat them and hold them back.

At another part of the wall, the invaders broke through and began the struggle once more.

On and on it went, for what seemed like an endless cycle: the Dernak soldiers came over the wall only to be forced back.

Ceril watched and became discouraged, realizing their numbers were dwindling. Soon there would not be enough men to hold them back and the city would be lost.

Examining again the struggle, he watched his men furiously fight with great desperation. Their bravery encouraged his heart, inspiring him to fight and die with them if need be.

*

To the north east, on the calm ocean, the merchant ships of Teranda approached Sandinor's waters.

On the leading vessel, Dunen stood at the forefront of the ship with Manru, Dorrut and the two Maarkaat tribesmen Geerob and Tunob.

Straining their eyes, they looked at Sandinor perched on its seaside cliffs.

The sky over the sea was clear but, as if the enemy had brought along its ominous presence, a dark gray cloud covered the city and stretched out into the western horizon, darkening the land in its path. The sun, still giving its light to the coastline, would soon disappear behind the dreary clouds, plunging Sandinor into a somber twilight.

As the voyagers watched, they could see thin columns of smoke rising from the city.

"I hope we come in time," remarked Manru solemnly.

"We will soon see," said Dunen.

On the ship, the soldiers stood and readied their gear. Slowly the ships sailed towards Sandinor's harbor, the wind pushing them on.

*

As the sun rose from the eastern horizon, spilling its golden rays into the sky and earth, Tharan watched its splendor with great appreciation. Below, the forest of Forwilda stretched out over the land like a great green carpet.

Seated by a small stream, Tharan held a jug, filling it with the flow from the cool mountain water.

Enjoying the peaceful sunrise, he recalled the many years spent in the dark dungeons of Dernak. Now, he was free to see the beauty of God's hand every morning.

His jug, now overflowing, drew his attention to his task. Nerinee had asked him to fetch the water and it was time to return.

Taking the jug, he walked the well-trodden path to Nerinee's mountain home. The house lay in a large indent along the mountainside.

Some brush and trees surrounded the house like a wall, with several paths leading to it.

As Tharan brought the water, Nerinee sat on a chair at the front of the house, his gaze looking far out into the world, as he would often do, lost in his thoughts.

Tharan brought the water into the house and came out to rest on the ground by his side.

Nerinee hardly paid attention to Tharan's actions and continued his thoughtful gaze until he spoke.

"You are needed," Nerinee said calmly and without emotion.

"Needed? By whom?" Tharan asked curiously.

"By your brother."

"Dunen!" he exclaimed with surprise.

God had revealed something to Nerinee about his brother and at first Tharan was eager to hear what he knew, but changed his mind as he feared bad news.

"Why does he need me?" Tharan asked cautiously.

"Why?" Nerinee repeated with a disturbed stare, "Because men are often ruled by their passions rather than God's word!" he spat out.

Tharan was now worried that Dunen had done some wrong, serious enough for God to intervene and have Nerinee send him away so early in his training.

"You must teach your brother to do what is right," he added.

"And what if I fail?" Tharan wondered with apprehension.

"You can only fail if you do not fulfill the Lord's will, my young student. A prophet is simply a messenger of God. The consequences of a deaf ear abide only on the hearer. You must remember this and warn the hearer."

"I understand, master," he told him.

Tharan felt glad he could help his brother but, most of all, was happy to be doing his Creator's will.

"Does my brother have a great part with the age of great evil you spoke of?" Tharan asked.

"All what goes on in Elnoren and Sousenden will shape the future and concern the end."

"But you speak as if it will certainly come to pass, and nothing we do can change this."

"We cannot change God's plans, but we can decide how we live in them," Nerinee explained.

His answer only created more questions for Tharan.

Nerinee saw that Tharan did not fully understand his explanation.

"Much of God's plans are hidden from us. Or else our faith would never be tried and our character never revealed," Nerinee added with a comforting smile.

Tharan considered his words and understood.

"Then to defeat Ernum is a trial?" Tharan asked.

"One of many kinds we will go through, some small and others great. We must be diligent or else Satan could destroy our purpose."

"Then Ernum is one of Satan's pawns," Tharan guessed.

"Yes. All those who have been deceived are his. As Cain by his pride disobeyed the Creator, they now follow his footsteps. They are a carnal people, a bitter people, and full of pride. What we see with Ernum is a small part of the whole, Tharan," Nerinee said ominously.

Tharan eyes widened with concern.

"And we - we are the targets of their enmity. Do you understand?" Nerinee ended.

Tharan nodded, but felt worried for his family and all those who called on the name of the Lord.

"Where is he and when should I go?" Tharan asked as his heart yearned to see his brother again, even though his training as a prophet had just begun.

"Things are not certain as yet. But we will soon know," Nerinee answered as he stared out into the distance.

*

In greater frequency, the Dernak army pierced through a gap in Sandinor's wall and then tried to keep their costly gain.

After a long and wearisome struggle to hold back the enemy from entering, the persistent antagonist had gained three openings on the wall and furiously kept their ground.

The strained soldiers of Sandinor slowly gave way to the fresh enemy forces that came without end.

Ferome raced along the wall to join Ceril.

"My lord! It is futile. We must retreat," he uttered gravely as drops of perspiration dripped continually from his face.

Ceril heard him, but examined the troubled spots.

The battle on the narrow wall allowed only two men to fight side by side. The enemy crept closer to the stairs, hoping to spread the fight in other directions and strain further Sandinor's dwindling resources of fighting men.

"We must hold them off!" shouted Ceril frustratingly.

"For what, my lord?" answered Ferome desperately, "We must give way and escape while we have men to do so."

"No! We cannot give the city to these sons of Cain!" Ceril said angrily.

"We cannot hold out an hour more! We are sent to the slaughter!"  Ferome shouted angrily.

A howl of victory to the south side of the wall snatched their attention.

A huge Dernak soldier now stood on the wall facing the Sandinor soldiers, wielding a great battle-ax and a large shield. With mighty swings, he forced the Sandinor soldiers away. Any of the brave defenders who dared to fight the menacing opponent fell immediately with one stroke.

The hearts of Sandinor sank at the sight.

"The men are tired, my lord. We cannot stand before them," Ferome contended.

Ceril watched hopelessly, discouraged over the losing battle.

At that same moment, the enemy found another opening on the wall, with Ceril's soldiers hard pressed to halt the flow.

In his great dismay, Ceril fell to his knees and cried out in anguish.

"Oh God. Why have you forsaken us?" he asked broken hearted, tears rolling down his eyes.

Ferome kept back his urge to cry as well and lowered himself beside his prince.

"Ceril. We must leave. Give the command," he begged with great affliction.

Suddenly a trumpet call sounded in the city. Ceril and Ferome looked to see a horseman come galloping along the wall with a trumpet in his hand.

Halting below Ceril and Ferome, the soldier shouted up, "Teranda has come!"

Ceril and Ferome with unbelief raised themselves and looked over the wall but saw nothing but the enemy camp. They turned quickly back at the messenger.

"Where are they?" Ceril asked the soldier.

"By sea, my lord. Fourteen ships," he answered with great joy.

Ceril and Ferome gazed at each other with unimaginable relief and hope.

"Praise God, most High!" Ferome shouted with joy.

"Give the word. There is hope, if we hold fast. Send Nuri to receive them and inform Dunen of the battle. They must know our state," Ceril urgently ordered, returning to consider the present warfare.

"Aye, my lord," Ferome acknowledged and left in a sprint.

Ceril looked around at the battle, searching for a place in need of his help. All the struggles were grave and Ceril could not decide where to go. Seeing the enemy captain still on his feet menacing his soldiers with his ax, Ceril decided he must stop him.

While running to the scene, Ceril gave word to his men of Teranda's arrival.

"Be strong! Teranda comes to our aid!"

This brought zeal to the weakened and distraught army. With renewed strength and with great shouts of courage they fought back with determination.

Word quickly spread giving new fortitude to the defenders and baffling the enemy.

Ceril soon reached the place where his soldiers confronted the enemy captain.

Ordering them aside, he drew his shining sword and stepped before the raging adversary.

"You have gained your last foot, son of Cain," Ceril said defiantly and waited for no answer from the surprised hulk. Instantly he sent a barrage of swings and stabs.

The opponent blocked the strikes with his shield. From both sides the soldiers watched avidly their heroes in combat.

Remaining close to his opponent, hoping for a clear stab, Ceril suddenly had to jump back as the ax came cutting across his chest. Too slow to react, the ax cut into his armor and sent him flying against the wall by its force.

Ceril drew back and examined himself. The ax left a large cut across his armor but failed to go deep enough to reach his body.

The Dernak captain wasted no time in engaging Ceril again after seeing the blow had no deadly effect.

Ceril was amazed at how the soldier could yield the ax so easily. With added fury, Ceril kept the captain on the defensive.

While sending a shower of strokes, Ceril side stepped an expected offensive swing, and brought his sword across the neck of his opponent.

With a great wail the captain fell to his knees, blood spurting from his thick neck.

Furious, Ceril did not wait to see his end but stabbed him through his armor into the chest and then with a heave of his foot, pushed him off the wall to crash down to the street below.

"Off my wall!" Ceril shouted and instantly his men cried his name in victory and rushed to assail the dumbfounded enemy soldiers.

On another part of the wall, the enemy soldiers gained access to the stairs and were now bringing the battle to the streets.

Ferome, who was not far away, raced off calling available soldiers and even armed servants to help.

More and more the enemy came over the wall and ran down to the streets.

Ferome and his men confronted them as the enemy tried to fight their way to the gates and open them for their army.

Ferome fought ferociously and held back three soldiers from their goal. The battle raged in four places on the wall and on the street, only fifty paces from the main gate.

*

Nuri kicked his horse continually as he frantically tried to save as much precious time as possible.

As he raced to the port, his horse's hooves clattered through the empty cobblestone road of Sandinor, passing the vacant homes of his people who had already abandoned the city.

The moment the gangplank fell from Dunen's boat, his soldiers quickly disembarked in one long stream.

The men of the docks raced to receive the ships, shouting and waving with joy. One after another, the ships of Teranda docked and unloaded their cargo of men.

On the piers, the soldiers grouped in companies and waited for their orders.

As Dunen and Manru discussed their deployment of men, Nuri arrived.

Finding Dunen, he galloped to his whereabouts and dismounted with one quick swing.

"My lord, Dunen!" he exclaimed with joy and bowed lowly before him, "I am Nuri, officer of my lord's infantry. The enemy are within the walls!"

"How many?" Dunen asked with concern.

"I would say two hundred, my lord. They continue to enter from over the wall. The gates are closed but they will soon reach them. We must hurry," he said fearfully.

"How should we attack?" Dunen asked.

"One company must circle the city to the south and another go through the main road straight to the gates."

"Very well. Manru, order your men," he commanded.

"Yes, my lord," he answered and went off shouting to the soldiers to gather into two groups, with archers on both sides.

"Nuri, is Sillandar and Ceril alive?" Dunen asked with concern.

"Yes, my lord. God has kept them. Bless His name,"

Dunen was relieved at the news.

"But, spies have wounded king Sillandar days ago and now the city is in Ceril's care. We fought them on the ground and now the wall; they are many."

"Let us be swift," Dunen he told him as he watched his soldiers gathering and then went to join Manru.

Dorrut, Tunob and Geerob, who stood not far away, followed closely behind their king.

"I will take the main road, Manru. We must hurry."

"Yes, my lord," he said and ran off.

With a wave, a long line of soldiers and archers ran after him.

"Onward!" Dunen shouted.

"Please my lord, take my horse," Nuri said, pointing to his steed.

Dunen accepted and mounted the steed.

Trotting ahead of his men, Dunen led the way through the city street.

*

Near the gates of the city, Ferome and his men slowly gave way to the strong enemy forces.

All along the wall the chaos of battle raged. Dernak soldiers were everywhere.

Small groups battled over many points on the wall and in the street. The Sandinor soldiers were confused and lost in their struggle.

Some even died being cut down from behind, not knowing that their enemy had won a recent combat to their rear.

Ceril remained with a group of his soldiers on the wall, but it was not long before two groups of the invading forces trapped him and his men.

Through the sounds of crying men and swords clashing, a rumbling sound slowly grew.

Echoed against the wall and the stone homes, it caught the attention of all who fought.

Instantly, from the main street and from the south, the Terandians appeared with a roar of soldiers shouting.

With swords raised high, they raced to the wall. Dunen, who rode his horse, dismounted with a jump and led the attack, his shining sword ready to strike.

The Sandinor soldiers cheered at their arrival and the enemy crumbled before them.

Ceril watched and cheered the name of Dunen, tears flowing with great joy and relief.

Many of the Dernak soldiers turned around and sought to escape by the same way they came. Many fell off the ladders as they fled.

As they came to the battle, the Terandian soldiers replaced their exhausted friends.

Dunen set himself free from the fight and searched for Ceril. As they found each other, Dunen raised his hand in salutation and Ceril waved to join him.

Quickly he ran through the melee of soldiers to the nearest staircase that led to where Ceril stood on the wall. As Dunen reached the top, Ceril fell on him with a great embrace.

"Dunen!" he shouted as tears came to his face.

"Ceril, my friend," Dunen held him and heard Ceril sobbing.

"Forgive me, the burden has been great," Ceril said as he wiped his tears with his filthy hand. "Blessed be the Almighty, you came to save us. Our hope was gone and we were like dead men."

"We came as soon as we could. Teranda was besieged," Dunen explained.

"I know, my friend. I was told, but you overcame them and have saved our day as well."

Ceril held him by the arms and smiled. "Cursed be the day that Sandinor forgets this great deliverance."

All of a sudden, a great boom filled the air followed by a tremor that shook the wall.

Surprised, Ceril and Dunen looked around for the cause of the thunderous sound.

Sandinor soldiers cried out, pointing outside the wall. Ceril and Dunen moved to an opening and looked out. All along the wall the retreating Dernak soldiers ran back to their camp, crossing a littered field of dead men.

On the main road outside the city's gates, a huge battering ram moved away from the gates, moments after it struck its first blow.

"That son of Cain has come ready with many inventions," Ceril said angrily.

"Who is he?" asked Dunen.

"He is called Terreth," Ceril answered.

Dunen looked at the enemy camp for the first time and saw how large it was.

"The battle is not yet ours, Ceril. Their numbers are great," Dunen told him as he quickly estimated the size of Dernak's huge army.

The battering ram stopped once it was moved back far enough; then it was pushed forward.

Slowly it gathered speed, rumbling on its huge wooden wheels, straight for the gates.

As they all on the wall watched and held their breath, the machine struck again at the gates with a mighty crash, shaking the wall with its impact.

"The gates will not hold!" Ceril exclaimed.

"We need time!" Dunen shouted with exasperation.

"Time? Time for what? How much longer can we fight even with your men?" Ceril asked with grief.

"What you see is not all of Teranda's army. Menfre, my captain, rides now with four thousand strong to our aid, but they need time."

Ceril calmed himself, realizing his foolish behavior.

"Forgive me Dunen. What can we do?" Ceril asked humbly.

Dunen frantically searched for an answer as he watched the ram being prepared to do its work again.

"I do not know!" he said frustratingly.

"We have braced the gates to our greatest ability, but what could stand before this hammer?" Ceril asked with desperation.

Not knowing what to do, Dunen's thoughts turned to God. In a silent prayer he begged for help and wisdom.

Once again, the ram came rolling towards the gate and hit it hard.

Ferome, who stood by the gates, watched the doors splinter and crack at the blow. The hinges cracked and broke loose from the wall.

The last enemy soldiers remaining in the city were subdued with the sword or willingly surrendered. Soon after, the Terandian soldiers mounted the walls and replaced the weary and injured Sandinorian soldiers.

Dorrut, Geerob and Tunob looked for Dunen and, on finding him, gathered to his side. Manru continued his work ordering his archers to ready themselves on the wall.

Confounded, the defenders watched the enemy bring their great weapon once more against the gates.

*

On the western plains of Sandinor, Danar, Bilob and Loyan galloped along the road that led to the Kings road.

On their way, they came on the grounds of the battle between Sandinor and Dernak.

Slowing their pace, they examined the bloodied field. Scattered debris from the war remained for the length of the field. Spears and arrows still jutted out from the stabbed ground.

Hundreds of small circles made of stones, once makeshift campfires, spotted the grounds of both army camps.

A little farther away, the trampled ground revealed tracks of horses and wagons leading to the main road.

The three companions looked at each other somberly. Without saying a word, they wondered if all went well for Sandinor.

Danar kicked his horse forward and the others joined him as they galloped off.

By midday, they arrived at the joining of the Kings road, which spanned the region of Elnoren, going north towards Teranda and south east towards Sandinor.

Continuing their long ride, they later came over a low hill and halted at the sight it revealed. In the far distance, they could now see the city of Sandinor.

Small wisps of smoke curled upwards along its wall. Before it, Dernak's dark massive army stood before the length of its wall.

"It seems Sandinor still stands by God's grace," Danar said with great relief.

"But, for how long? And where is Teranda?" Bilob asked with concern.

Danar looked to the north and saw nothing along the road as it snaked on the rolling plains to the forest borders of Forwilda.

"I see nothing," Danar said.

"Perhaps Teranda is still under siege!" Bilob exclaimed worriedly, "and they are still in battle this very moment."

"If this is true, there is no hope for Sandinor and for all of us," Danar said solemnly.

Loyan listened and became worried by Danar's words.

"Then, what comes of us?" she asked, controlling her fears.

"Nothing is certain as yet, Loyan. We must find out what has happened," Danar answered as he shifted in his saddle and thought on their next move.

"Then what do we do?" she asked.

"We cannot stay here and hope Teranda is on its way," suggested Bilob.

"And we cannot join Sandinor, lest we die with them," added Danar.

"Then we ride to Teranda. If they are truly on their way, we will meet them," Bilob proposed.

"Very well," Danar agreed and then turned his horse around.

Bilob and Loyan did likewise and were soon galloping north towards the forest.

After a long ride, the three entered the forest of Forwilda.

The road that crossed the forest was not large and did not swerve much, giving a traveler visibility over great distances.

As they galloped into the forest, the air became cooler and filled with the scent of its trees and damp floor.

Suddenly, around a bend of the road, they saw a cavalry coming. Their black and gray armor instantly told Danar that these were not Terandians, but belonged to Dernak.

"Dernak soldiers!" Danar shouted and the three forced their horses to stop.

"Flee! Flee!" he shouted.

Quickly they turned their horses around and goaded them to a gallop.

As they gathered speed, the Dernak soldiers were able to cut the distance between them in half.

"Danar, we cannot escape them for long," Bilob shouted.

"What other choice, do we have?" Danar answered, as he gazed back at their pursuers.

"They may not be willing to follow us in the forest," Bilob told him.

Danar thought on the plan and nodded.

"Very well. Lead the way."

Immediately Bilob went forward and led his companions into the forest.

Slowing their horses, they traveled carefully through the trees. The thick forest canopy soon diminished the light of day to a murky setting. The deeper they went, the darker it became. The cry of birds and other animals sent forth their calls as they rode on.

Looking back, they could now hear the enemy following them as they crashed through the forest.

"They follow us," Danar told his companions.

Urgently they spurred their horses on. Crossing a small stream deeply cut into the ground, Bilob's and Danar's horses jumped over, but Loyan's horse, who followed behind, sunk its leg in the barely visible groove and instantly crashed, throwing Loyan screaming to the ground.

The horse cried in agony as it lay on its side, its leg broken. Bilob and Danar halted at her fall.

"Loyan!" Bilob cried out and both went back for her.

"Hurry Bilob! They come," Danar said, hearing the pursuers getting closer.

"Loyan! Are you well?" Bilob asked as he dismounted where she lay.

"I am hurt," she answered as she rubbed her thigh.

"Come, I will take you," Bilob urged her as he went to take her.

"Bilob, they come!" Danar shouted as the pursuers drew closer.

"Go, Danar! Flee while you can," Bilob said, judging that they had only seconds before the enemy reached them.

Hesitating, Danar decided by withdrawing his sword.

"No, my friend," he uttered and dismounted.

Without arguing, Bilob unsheathed his sword and both stood guard over Loyan, ready to face the enemy.

With their swords in hand, a dozen Dernak soldiers surrounded the trio, creating a wall with their horses.

Menacingly they glared at them as the horses perspired and stamped nervously from the long ride. Bilob and Danar placed themselves back to back with Loyan on the ground and in between.

With readied postures, they waited for the assault, but none came.

From outside the circle, they could hear another horse coming.

Soon the others moved aside to let another rider pass. Danar immediately recognized the leader as a Targot and probably one of Ernum's captains, but which he knew not.

Loyan gasped at his stabbing gaze. His face was gaunt, like skin covering a skeleton. Loyan and Danar could feel an evil presence emanating from him and could almost see it in his sunken eyes. A chill went up their spines as he approached.

Bilob, who was facing the other way, turned to look at the newcomer and was troubled by the ominous horseman.

"Well, a Terandian captain I see, and far from home," he hissed, glaring at Danar, "To whom do I have the privilege of meeting?" he asked mockingly.

"You are not worthy to hear my name, son of Cain," Danar answered with disdain.

The Targot's grin faded from the offense. Duridon then dismounted his horse and as he walked towards Danar, he drew his black sword from its scabbard.

"I will then have to bring your head along and ask to whom it belonged. But, to answer to your curiosity old man, I am Duridon," he said, stopping not far from Danar's outstretched blade.

"You will find, Duridon, that I do not give my head so willingly," Danar answered and struck first.

The Targot countered the blow and another with ease, but did not strike back.

"Ha! Fools indeed," he laughed at Danar and then signaled his men to dismount.

All at the same time, they dismounted from their horses and readied their swords to strike. The horses stepped away unconcerned by the human conflict.

Bilob tensed and watched the grinning soldiers approach with hate in their eyes. His broad blade out, he waited for the first attacker and hoped Danar was capable of holding the Targot at bay for what little hope they had of surviving.

Loyan shifted with horror as she watched the ring of Dernak soldiers tightening.

Suddenly, three Dernak soldiers lurched forward with painful cries. As they reached with one hand to their backs, they fell to the ground, an arrow protruding from their backs.

Loyan screamed and the quiet confrontation burst into confusion and cries.

Some horses bolted away from the fright. The surprised soldiers turned around fearing a sneak attack.

Bilob took the occasion to strike at the distracted enemy and soon cut one down and engaged another.

Danar struck Duridon's sword away and thrust for the chest, but Duridon snapped back, deflected the blow and slammed Danar aside.

Before Danar could get his balance, the Targot came swiftly with a cut and a stab. Danar turned away the first strike just in time and threw himself to the ground to avoid the other.

Duridon came again, grasping his black blade with both hands and struck down hard at Danar's head as he lay in a helpless position.

Danar turned his head to avert the strike, but still received part of the blow as it hit the side of his helmet, sending a great vibrating knock to his head.

Although shaken, Danar instinctively thrust his sword and pierced the Targot on his side. With a short cry, Duridon stepped back as blood dripped on his leg.

Danar got to his feet and adjusted his dented helmet. Enraged by the wound, Duridon engaged Danar once more, howling with rage.

Pushed to his limits as a trained swordsman, Danar kept the Targot from striking a blow.

Two more arrows dispatched Dernak soldiers as they stood unsure what action to take.

Once Bilob slew his opponent, the five remaining soldiers gave up the fight and scrambled to their horses.

Once mounted, they spurred their horses to a gallop. Three more arrows came from the woods, but missed the fleeing soldiers.

As Duridon turned to glance at his deserting men, Danar seized the distraction and stabbed the swordsman to the chest. For a moment, he stood grabbing at his wound, then collapsed to the ground.

Danar looked down at the corpse, breathing heavily and perspiring from the struggle.

Loyan's horror faded away as calm returned. Bilob stabbed the ground with his sword and leaned on it as he gathered his breath.

As the sound of the escaping soldiers faded away in the forest, running footsteps came to their attention. Through the trees, three archers approached the travelers.

"Ho! My lord, Danar!" One of them called as he jogged to the spot.

He and his companions were dressed alike in green and brown patched trousers and vests.

Along with bows, they also carried swords by their side. All three gave a short bow before Danar and to the others.

"Forgive us. We came as soon as we saw them begin the chase," one of them said.

"By the Lord's mercy, you came in time. What are your names?" asked Danar.

"I am Namar, and these, Bartuk and Remani, my lord. We are surprised to see you. We have kept watch for days and would not have guessed to see your passing our way, and with Bilob, brother of our queen."

"Have you any word of Teranda or Dunen?" Danar asked.

"Only that Teranda is under siege. We have continued our duty these last three days, hoping to receive further news, yet none came."

"You have done well, and saved our lives," Danar told them.

"Truly we owe you a great debt of gratitude," Bilob told them.

"We are only fulfilling our duty," Namar said humbly.

"But if you want to thank us with a jug of Teranda's ale, we would-," Bartuk began to say, but was interrupted by Namar.

"Quiet!"

Bilob and Danar looked at each and smiled at the request.

"I myself will serve you Bartok," Danar promised him.

Bartok grinned happily, as Namar gave him a sour glare.

"And what do we do now?" Bilob asked Danar.

"We ride to Teranda and hope it is still ours. You three will end your sentinel and come with us," Danar ordered and the leader of the three nodded.

Loyan gave a small moan as she tried to stand on her feet. Bilob went to her side to help her.

"Be careful," he told her.

"I am well. Nothing is broken, but only sore," she replied, looking up to see Bilob's concerned face. For a moment, they looked at each other until Loyan turned away her eyes, not wanting him to see her interest.

"We have enough horses. Can you ride Loyan?" asked Danar.

"I am not certain," she responded, carefully examining her right leg.

"She will ride with me," Bilob said.

"Good. Let us be gone. We must know the state of our beloved kingdom," Danar commanded.

The archers ran off to get their horses.

Bilob carefully helped Loyan on his horse and then they followed the three soldiers.

Once the archers retrieved their horses, they all trotted towards the road. Reaching the road, they spurred their horses to a gallop.

After a short ride, a slow rumble came to their attention.

"A cavalry comes our way!" Bilob warned. "They are many."

For a brief moment, they all looked puzzled and wondered if more of the enemy came.

"Off the road," Danar ordered and they all followed him as they led their horses off the road into the forest.

"Not so far; we must see who they are," Danar said.

"Behind those bushes," Bilob pointed, and they all followed him behind a fallen tree with a large brush growing beside it.

The rumble grew louder as they remained on their horses, their eyes fixed on the road.

In seconds, a stream of horses appeared racing along the road.

For a short time, none of them could be certain of their identity because of the trees that obscured their view.

"Terandians!" Bartuk shouted excitedly.

"Are you sure, man?" asked Danar.

"Yes, but there are other fighters I do not know," he answered.

"Go then, take a closer look."

Without hesitation, the scout leaped off his horse and went cautiously forward, hiding behind the tree trunks. As he drew closer, the long line of horsemen could be clearly seen. Looking back, he shouted.

"Our fair people!" he shouted happily.

Excitedly, they left their hiding place and raced to the road.

As they appeared, the cavalrymen were surprised at first, but then shouted welcomes the moment they recognized the newcomers.

Danar led his group and followed the stream of horsemen towards the head of the column.

As they rode swiftly up the long line, word of their appearance reached Menfre who led the way. Immediately he lifted his hand for all to halt.

"Menfre!" Danar shouted with joy.

"Danar! Bilob!" he shouted with great amazement.

They soon clasped arms and gave each other warm welcomes.

"By God's hand, where have you come from?" asked Menfre.

"Across the tunnel but, tell me brother, what of Teranda and our king?" Danar asked.

"He is well and came to our rescue with friends," Menfre said and pointed to Sarim and his elders. "These are men of Muni, from the valley of Drimil. They helped break the siege."

They bowed from their horses.

"With their valiant men, we were able to overcome Ernum's army. Only Duridon, their captain escaped our hands," he told them.

"But, not ours," Bilob said with a smirk, "Danar, slew him not far from here."

"What?" Menfre exclaimed with astonishment.

"Another time, Menfre, but tell me, what of Dunen?" Danar asked with concern.

"If all went well, he stands now behind the walls of Sandinor. And we must ride quickly to his aid."

"We have seen the siege from afar. The city is in dire need. We must not waste anymore time," Danar explained anxiously.

"Your sword with mine," Menfre said happily.

"Aye my captain!" he answered proudly.

"Onward!" Menfre shouted and kicked his horse into a gallop.

Quickly they followed in a roar of beatings hooves and flying earth.

The banners of Teranda and of the Muni fluttered through the air as they rode off.

*

As the gates rattled by another blow, the wooden bars broke from the force.

"The next one will break the gates asunder!" Ferome shouted upwards to Ceril and Dunen.

"Where are your people, Dunen?" Ceril asked nervously.

"The ride is long, Ceril. We must give them more time," Dunen told him.

As he watched the battering ram, an idea came to his mind.

"Do you have oil, a great quantity?" he asked Ceril.

"Yes, of course."

"I have a plan. We would need wooden blocks as well," he said as he considered his plan.

"What is your plan?" Ceril asked with great curiosity.

"As the ram breaks through the gates, we will place blocks behind the wheels so it cannot be pulled away. Then, we will pour oil upon it and set it on fire."

"But this will set the gates on fire?" Ceril uttered with great apprehension.

"Do we have much choice? This will give us precious time. Do as I say," Dunen ordered forcefully.

After a short hesitation, Ceril conceded and left.

"Quickly, they will soon strike again!" he shouted after him.

Ceril howled the orders fiercely and his men sprang into action.

Rapidly they went about the task of fetching the great containers of oil and bringing them up the wall and over the gates.

Others found wooden blocks and placed them on either side of the gates while soldiers and archers prepared for the moment the ram broke through.

"Here it comes," Dunen shouted.

As the slow rumble of its wheels could be heard growing, every man stood nervously in position, ready to act his part.

As the great ram struck, it pierced through the doors, cracking them wide open.

Splinters of wood flew in every direction from the impact.

Not a moment passed as a great cheer erupted from the enemy camp.

Without wasting any time, the men with the blocks ran to the huge contraption and placed their wooden beams behind the great wheels.

Just as planned, the enemy began to pull the ram out but failed because of the blocks.

The soldiers on the wall immediately spilled the oil on the ram and set it on fire.

"Ready! The enemy come!" men shouted to each other.

Soon the ram caught on fire and began spreading to the gates.

As the enemy soldiers discovered they could not remove the ram and that it was now on fire, they retreated.

Terreth moved up amongst his men and gazed calmly at the burning gates.

"Stand back! Back!" He shouted to his men, as he considered his next move.

One of his captains rode up to his side.

"My lord, Aera has not returned," the captain informed him.

"Fool!" He muttered with disinterest.

"My lord, I have been told that some have seen Dunen upon the wall. Teranda has come to their aid. This confirms Duridon was defeated," he told him with some hesitation.

"And what of it? The prize to get rid of Dunen is now mine. For certain, this is all that Teranda has mustered to help Sandinor. To defeat them will give us our victory. Here stands the last of Elnoren's might."

"But, what if they have found help? How could they have defeated Duridon without help?"

"What is your counsel, Kurdith?" he asked angrily.

"To withdraw before we are trapped," he answered.

"Trapped? Look who is trapped," he laughed confidently as he pointed to Sandinor, "Go now, and bring the Garga. We will fill their heads with smoke and choke them with it. In this hour I will have Sandinor; you can be sure of this."

Kurdith gave a short bow and quickly set off to do his bidding.

Terreth turned and looked on the city with hateful eyes.

"Enjoy the little time I allot you, fair city," he said to himself.

From the wall, they all watched as the enemy moved and prepared for some unknown purpose.

"What are they doing?" Ceril asked.

"Whatever it is, they will do it soon, and they will try the walls again. We must be ready for them," Dunen predicted and Ceril agreed with a grunt.

"Ferome! Prepare the archers," Ceril shouted down to his captain.

"My lord, our stock of arrows is low," Ferome informed him unhappily.

"Bring whatever remains."

"Aye, my lord," Ferome replied and scurried off.

Ceril's displeasure over the bad news caught Dunen's attention.

"Ceril, we can only do what is in our power," Dunen stated bluntly.

"How could all of this have fallen upon us?" he asked frustratingly.

"I have some answers, but the greater one still escapes me," Dunen told him frankly.

"If we live to see the sunset, I would like to hear them. For I do not know what to think any more," he told him and went off to see his officers.

Dunen watched him go and felt dismayed by his troubled state. He also felt drained of courage and strength by the recent battles, but he still hoped in God for the struggles to end. Even so, Dunen knew it would not be soon.

Not a hundred paces away, Dorrut, Geerob and Tunob were huddled against the rough stone wall waiting for the battle to begin again.

Dorrut sharpened his long sword while the tribesmen also examined their weapons.

"Do you think Menfre will arrive in time?" asked Tunob to Dorrut.

"Who knows?" he answered.

"Only God knows all things," voiced Geerob as he examined his last remaining arrows.

Dorrut nodded embarrassingly, noting that he would have to consider God when such questions came to his mind.

"Our king seems worried," commented Tunob as he watched Dunen.

"We should all be distraught. More than kingdoms lie in the balance," reminded Geerob.

"But all will turn out well," Dorrut declared with confidence.

Both Tunob and Geerob stopped to stare with curiosity at Dorrut's optimism.

"And what my friend, gives you such assurance?" asked Geerob.

Dorrut looked to his friends, who gazed at him with questioning faces.

"God is with us," he said matter-of-factly.

Both his friends raised their eyebrows in surprise by his declaration, but remained unsure.

"You believe in the Creator?" Tunob asked.

"I believe in the God of all creation," he professed with assurance.

Stunned, Geerob and Tunob looked on him with gaping mouths.

"Why do you look upon me like farm boys in a city? Can a man see his wrong? Can a man repent and seek forgiveness? And will not the God of mercy give grace to those who ask?" he said, frowning at their surprise.

"Yes. But - forgive us, we are overwhelmed to hear these words come from your lips," Geerob explained.

"When has your heart changed, my friend?" asked Tunob with great interest.

"The day we left Teranda," he said, reflecting on that day.

"What made you believe?" asked Geerob.

"Many things. The mercy of God. Your words as you trusted in Him and Esel's words. His faith drove the sword of truth into my heart," Dorrut said as he recalled the moments with awe.

The tribesman realized from his confession that he had truly come to find peace with God.

"My heart rejoices with you, Dorrut!" Geerob said happily, as he swung his arm around Dorrut's shoulders and gripped him tightly.

"Our prayers have been answered!" Tunob said joyfully.

"You prayed for me?" Dorrut asked with interest.

"Yes of course, brother," answered Geerob.

Dorrut looked at them and was amazed that they cared for him, "There is much for me to learn."

"And you shall," Geerob told him.

Then Tunob began to recite a poem,

As I walk through this world

In the dark I do stumble

Bruised by the shards in my path

Your hand O lord, is my strength

In my thoughts I do struggle

Seeking answers day by day

Troubled by all the ways

Your hand O Lord, is my peace

In my heart I do tremble

Hurt by all that goes

Broken by friends and foes

Healed only by fleeting moments

Your hand O Lord, is love

Impressed by Tunob's poem, Dorrut gave him a nod and a smile of appreciation.

Suddenly, shouts from along the wall ended their conversation, as officers ordered their men into position.

On the field, the enemy lines began to ready for an assault. Several carts began to exit the enemy camp and move towards the army.

Separating from each other, they took position through the lines of soldiers.

From the wall, the defenders saw dark bundles inside the carts. Nervously they wondered what was being prepared for them, and if they would live through it.

A Terandian officer, who immediately recognized the bundles, rushed over to Dunen and explained what they were and how the Dernak army used them to capture the pass of Perethes.

Dunen's eyes widened with fear, knowing that there was no way to stop this new threat.

A short moment later, the enemy camp brought torches to their front lines.

When all seemed ready, Terreth led his horse through his soldiers and halted at the forefront of his army.

"Dunen!" he shouted, "Prepare to fight me."

Dunen and all the men on the wall heard the challenge. Warily, Dunen knew that it was to happen.

With a signal, Terreth ordered the attack. The drivers of the carts grabbed their shields and jumped from their seats to mount one of the two horses that pulled the wagon.

With a great shout, they kicked their horses to a gallop. Racing forward, they maneuvered towards the ladders that remained propped against the walls.

Terandian archers let loose, but could only stop one wagon as an arrow found its way through the armored horse. Buckling beneath the deadly missile, the rider and the cart turned over and crashed before reaching its destination.

The others swerved and halted against the wall. While arrows came raining down on them, the riders detached their horses from the wagons and sped off, leaving them against the walls.

Not a moment passed before the archers lit their fiery arrows and came forward to shoot at the wagons.

Quickly the wagons were set on fire and a black smoke began crawling upwards along the wall.

The baffled defenders looked on with uncertainty, but knew the enemy's work meant trouble.

As the fire increased on the carts, the mysterious cargo began to produce thick billowing dark clouds, enough to hide the wall. As the thick smoke reached the defenders, they began to gag at the acid fumes.

"What devilish brew they spew upon us?" cried out Ceril angrily, as he watched the men escape the smoke.

With a great shout, the enemy launched another offensive on the city. In moments, the ladders were reached and being climbed.

The archers on the wall let loose their arrows, but caused little damage.

Dunen and Ceril examined the situation and both knew that the enemy would attain the wall without much opposition, as the toxic smoke cleared away their soldiers from defending the openings.

"We are doomed, Dunen!" Ceril exclaimed.

"Remove the archers from the wall, they will be more use below," Dunen ordered urgently.

Ceril agreed and both gave the command for the archers to position themselves on the ground.

Only soldiers with spear and sword remained to challenge the enemy.

Through the dark clouds, the foes exited and charged the defenders. The archers shot at the antagonists as they appeared and many fell off the wall.

Gradually the enemy held their costly ground by sheltering behind their gray shields. Half a dozen columns of smoke rose into the air along the wall, including the gates that burned continually.

In between the smoke, where the air was still clear, soldiers fought two against two on the narrow ledge.

"We are defeated!" Ceril shouted angrily.

Dunen wanted to deny it, but he began to believe it also. 'Where was Menfre?' he asked himself with great frustration.

Further along the wall, the battle began to spread as the adversaries gained access to the stairs that led to the grounds below.

"What are we to do? Stay and die, or flee?" Ceril asked Dunen.

"We must hold a little longer," he could only answer, still hoping for Menfre to arrive soon.

Ceril wished to argue the decision, but instead turned away to join the fight.

Not far away, Terreth appeared from a pillar of smoke. As his soldiers protected him with their shields, he removed the wet cloth that shielded his face from the toxic cloud. Looking around, he found Dunen only a hundred or so paces away.

"Dunen!" he called out.

Dunen turned around and saw the menacing figure. His anger began to grow at the bold captain.

"Come," Terreth, gestured with his hand, a grimace crossing his face.

Calling on God's help, Dunen gripped the handle of his sword and marched boldly towards him.

The soldiers who struggled between them halted and retreated, giving space for their champion to fight.

As they stopped only several paces from each other, they stood a moment, staring warily eye-to-eye.

Terreth, with a smirk, bowed fearlessly before Dunen.

"An honor to meet at last, Dunen, son of Favro," he said calmly.

"Unfortunately, I cannot say the same," Dunen answered with disdain.

"Understandable, with the losses you have endured," he added, looking casually at the enfolding battle.

"The same could be easily said of your master. He has lost Teranda twice now and soon will fail with Sandinor," Dunen boldly said.

"Oh, a small fraction of his true strength, King Dunen. Times are changing; the children of Seth will diminish while we grow stronger," Terreth explained with confidence.

"You will only gain what you deserve, eternal damnation."

"It is what you believe, but I do not," he told him while unsheathing his black blade. "And now, let me have this honor of slaying one more believer of a dead creator," he added mockingly.

Dunen drew his silver blade and positioned himself.  His anger grew at the arrogance of his adversary, and fueled even more by his insult to God.

"Come, wretched son of Cain," Dunen whispered.

Terreth struck first and Dunen blocked it with his sword, making a shrill clang.

Amused, Terreth slowly struck at his opponent and Dunen defensively deflected the blows.

Slowly, the swordplay increased in speed and strength. Many times, the swings missed their target and struck the wall, chipping the stone. Terreth slashed across Dunen's chest, leaving a deep groove on his gleaming armor.

Upset by his opponent's strike, Dunen urged himself to be more careful. From elegant swordsmanship to savage cuts and jabs, the combatants fought seeking at every moment a weakness to exploit.

Terreth gave a hard swing that threw Dunen off balance enough for his opponent to slash his side and cut through his armor. Dunen backed off in pain as blood spurted out.

Instantly, Dunen remembered the poison the Targots put on their blades and knew he could not have a chance to survive in the midst of a great battle.

"Afraid of the poison?" Terreth asked with a smile, "Do not be. There is no poison on my blade. I am like you. I kill with skill and honor," he told him and immediately struck again.

Dunen blocked his blow and regained his composure as they continued their fight.

In the midst of their struggle, horns sounded and both fighters halted.

Terreth cautiously looked over the wall, while keeping Dunen in sight. In the distant rolling hills, an army rode towards Sandinor. Terreth looked on and his mouth clenched angrily.

"Your day comes to an end, Terreth," Dunen told him with renewed courage as his heart rejoiced with the arrival of his army.

All along the wall, the defenders shouted out the arrival of Teranda's cavalry. Troubled, Terreth contemplated what to do.

"Escape while you can. Just as Duridon fled before my face," Dunen chided.

"I will kill you first before I leave," Terreth answered, glaring with hatred.

In a heartbeat, they crossed swords. As Dunen fought Terreth and considered the victory that God bestowed, an inner joy began to fill his heart. A peaceful smile came across his face as he gained confidence, which troubled Terreth.

Strengthened from within, Dunen unleashed an offensive that sent Terreth backwards. Controlled by some other force, Dunen's senses revealed Terreth's every move and guided his strokes that suddenly snapped the Targot's sword out of his hand and then pierced him through his armor.

With a low cry he clutched his chest. Dunen pulled away his sword and stood back, surprised by his triumph.

In a controlled agony, Terreth looked at him with a hateful glare.

"You cannot defeat Ernum," he said and then crumpled on the stone ledge.

Dunen stood panting, amazed by his skill and then wondering about Terreth's last words.

Around him, the battle turned to their side, as the enemy retreated. Dunen looked out over the wall and saw his army fighting the Dernak soldiers.

"Dunen!" Ceril shouted as he came running his face smeared with sweat and his armor soiled with the blood of his enemies. "Praise God! The day is ours!" he exclaimed with great joy and clasped him with a hearty embrace.

"Menfre has come," Dunen could only say, still exhausted from his fight.

"Yes! Blessed be God for His mercy," Ceril answered thankfully, "A day to be sung for a thousand generations. And who is this?" he added.

He then spotted the dead Targot.

"Terreth," Dunen informed him.

"The Targot?" Ceril asked in amazement, then marveled over Dunen's accomplishment, "The tales of your skill are true indeed."

Dunen smiled at the compliment.

The noise of battle caught their attention as the last Dernak soldiers gave up the fight in the city of Sandinor. Dunen looked over the wall to see the progress of his army.

Menfre, Danar and Bilob led the attack. Sarim and his men sent forth their arrows and brought many down as arrows flew from both sides.

With great resistance, the enemy fought for their lives and held out against the new forces.

"We must help them, or little will be left of my army," Dunen urged Ceril.

"Aye," Ceril agreed and went shouting, "Ferome! Ferome, where are you?"

Below, Ferome raised his sword to his king, "Here, my lord."

"Clear the gates! We must join the fight," he commanded.

"Aye!" he shouted and immediately called upon the men to bring water to quench the fire and cords to pull away the still burning battering ram.

Dorrut, Geerob and Tunob hurried to Dunen's side.

"It is good to see you well, my lord," said Dorrut. "I feared for your life when this one came upon you," as he pointed to Terreth's corpse.

"You were not alone, friend. Come, we must be ready to join the battle outside," Dunen gestured as he led them off the wall.

Below, white smoke and steam flew up as they poured buckets of water on the fire.

Soldiers tied ropes to the charred battering ram and within moments, a dozen or more ropes were taut as a hundred men pulled with all their strength.

With much effort, the ram slowly moved away from the gates as the doors continued to burn.

On either side, soldiers waited to rush out and join the battle. The moment they could pass through, the soldiers raced off through the opening, raising their shields against the heat and fire.

Outside, the men grouped and charged into the conflict.

Dunen and Ceril joined them with a great shout. The Dernak captains ordered a line of men to confront the new adversaries.

Within moments, the battle raged with the enemy squeezed between two forces.

As the gloomy day began to lose its last light, the Dernak army finally broke and was defeated.

Losing their battle, the enemy fled from the defenders.

At the same time, far away in the Magdin Mountains, Tharan mounted his horse to begin his long trek to Sandinor.

# Chapter 8

# DERNAK'S CAGE

On the day after the battle, when the city broke into its celebrations, Sarim and his elders came to Dunen to bid him farewell.

The Muni's camp lay beside the Terandians' on the plain not far from the city walls. Once their tents were packed and the horses readied for the journey home, Sarim and his elders walked across to the officer's tent of Teranda.

Dunen and his captains ended their discussions to offer their farewells.

"Dunen, my friend," Sarim said seriously. "It is time that I and my people return and regain our village from the clutches of that worm. We owe much to you and your people for defeating our enemy. I pray God bless you on your final task. Be careful, and return safely. We have still to sit together and speak of many things."

"We shall, Sarim. You fought as boldly as a lion, and your people with great courage. The Muni will always be honored, remembered and welcomed in the halls of Teranda. We are indebted to you for its freedom this day and for all of Elnoren. This will not be forgotten, I give you my word," Dunen promised respectfully.

"Most kind," Sarim said humbly and bowed, followed by his elders.

They then clasped arms and said farewell. Dunen and his captains watched as they mounted their steeds and slowly flowed away on the main road.

Dunen greatly wished for them to have come with him, but knew it was asking more than they could bear. Sadly, he watched a good friend ride away and hoped the day would come quickly when they would share a peaceful time together.

For three days Sandinor rejoiced in its victory over Dernak's aggression. The people of the city greatly honored the Terandian army and proved their love by many gifts and festive celebrations.

Dunen, greatly admired for leading his army to Sandinor's aid, was also exalted as his fame increased from the slaying of Terreth.

Lowly they bowed before the slayer of Targots and of giants, as the people retold with awe his great exploits.

On the fourth day of the celebrations, Dunen spoke with Ceril and urged him to summon a council meeting to decide how to end Ernum's wicked reign.

Ceril agreed and gathered his officials and the Terandians in the palace council chamber.

The large room contained hanging pennants on all sides. Four high windows, arched at the top, revealed a dreary sky above the sea. A light salty wind occasionally entered the room through the opened windows.

Dunen, his captains and the captains of Sandinor were present, seated on opposite sides of the long polished oak table. For a long time they spoke of Ernum's wicked designs and discussed many plans to end his rule.

Sillandar, although still feeble from his poisoned wound, sat to the right of his son with great pride and joy over his son's victory.

As Ceril rose to his feet, the men ended their personal conversations and paid attention to the king.

"We must now come to a conclusion concerning King Ernum. We have all prayed to know God's will in this matter, and I hope we will be of one mind. I have no doubt that King Dunen has considered these matters greatly and wishes to give us his wisdom," Ceril said as he looked on his friend and sat down.

Dunen raised himself and looked at those who sat around the table.

"I have spent many hours considering what has befallen us in Elnoren.  And my heart burdens to tell you that we have no pleasant alternatives before us. What I say, should be clear to all, it is for the peace and safety not only for Elnoren, but also for our friends who lie outside our region," he said solemnly, as he looked at the men at the table. "Ernum's reign must end - now. No time must be wasted."

Dunen's judgment did not surprise any of the men, but they were nonetheless all disappointed. They all agreed that Ernum's reign had to end, but the question was when and how.

Ceril and Sillandar shifted in their seats uncomfortably and felt troubled, knowing for sure that Dunen would ask and expect much from them.

"We do not know how many men remain in his army, but certainly it has greatly diminished. He is now at his weakest, and we must profit from this advantage," Dunen continued and expected signs of agreement from the men of Sandinor, but was disturbed to receive none.

"He has lost two of his mighty captains! They will fear our coming! Dernak will fall before us," Dunen added as he tried to convince them, but nothing changed and the captains of Sandinor seemed to hide their shame.

Confused by the lack of support, Dunen sat down and was curious to know their judgment in the matter.

All eyes turned to Ceril and his father.

Unhappily, Ceril slowly rose as he gathered courage to give his decision on the matter.

"I and my father have spoken long concerning Dunen's plan to assault the city of Dernak, but - I must voice the heart of Sandinor. We cannot join you at this time."

Ceril's decision stunned Dunen and his men, and then looked at each other with disbelief.

"We cannot leave the city defenseless," Ceril quickly added as he saw Dunen's disappointment. "Surely you must understand well our reason? We do not have enough men to guard our city," he pleaded and then offered,"It will take months to rebuild our forces. Once this is done, Sandinor will gladly take part in removing king Ernum from his seat of wickedness."

The Sandinor captains nodded in agreement with their king.

The Terandians stared back across the table unhappily.

Dunen turned from looking at Ceril and sadly thought on the decision given by his friend. Menfre, Danar and Manru were troubled as well and wondered what Dunen would say.

"I do not wish to persuade you when I say that I dearly counted upon Sandinor's help in this grave task," Dunen said as he looked at the Sandinor men. "Teranda will not go alone. We have fought three difficult battles and we would be foolhardy to go without help. This being said, you can be sure that Ernum will rebuild his forces quickly and we will lose our only chance of true peace."

For a moment, no one spoke as the men solemnly thought on the difficult situation.

"Dunen, we understand the risk, but we cannot leave our city weak and without gates. Dernak is well fortified and it will take more than us to conquer it. When we are stronger - ," Ceril said trying to justify his position.

"They will also grow stronger!" Dunen interrupted.

"You cannot believe we can conquer Dernak with our present numbers?" Ceril asked with exasperation.

"There are ways into the city. We can defeat him, only if we go together," he added forcefully. "The moment is in our favor. To delay, will make him our foe forever!"

Sillandar, who remained calm because of his weakness, only listened throughout the discussions but now, he cleared his throat and said slowly, "But as feeble as we are now, we could fail our task. And certainly would seal our own doom."

Ceril and his captains agreed strongly with his advice.

"You have seen the Pelok with your own eyes! He has mastered the beast! He is dangerous and must be stopped," Dunen reminded them.

"Dunen, hear my counsel. Give us three months to establish the city and we will gladly reconsider your request," Sillandar asked sympathetically.

Dunen decided to calm himself, realizing he could not convince them. Instead, he considered their proposal. Three months would help Ernum gather some strength, but maybe not enough to defeat their combined strength.

As he looked on Sillandar and his weakened state, Dunen felt compassion and reluctantly nodded his acceptance.

The Sandinorians breathed a sigh of relief and were glad to have come to an agreement, and moreover, that the tensions had subsided.

*

In the city of Sandinor, the mid morning brought dark clouds, diminishing the light of day in the streets. The inhabitants hustled along the cobblestone roads, busy going about their chores.

In a small inn, not far from the palace, Bilob, Geerob, Tunob and Loyan were together for a time of fellowship and conversation.

Inside the great dim room, Terandian soldiers took up more than a dozen tables as they chatted loudly in excited conversations and laughter while finishing their breakfast.

The innkeeper and his servants ran around serving, but most of all, taking the time to happily converse with their honored guests.

In one corner, Bilob and his friends spoke of the recent events.

Loyan quietly sat beside Bilob who made her seem like a little girl next to his great torso.

The companions each recounted what had happened to them.

Geerob and Tunob began explaining from the time of their separation in Zuruk's secret cavern.

Bilob and Loyan's eyes widened with disbelief when Geerob told them of the great Pelok that attacked them and were even more astonished to hear that a servant of Ernum was its rider.

Bilob and Loyan were then awed to hear about God's hand in delivering them through the pass of Dernak and the meeting with Nerinee in the valley of Orlon. Their excitement faded to sorrow as they were told of Esel's death during the deliverance of Teranda.

The companions spent a quiet moment as they remembered the Daouk guide.

Bilob then spoke of his recovery and the battle at the tunnel with the Daouk. He also proudly told them of Loyan's decision to follow the Lord when visiting her father.

Tunob and Geerob were happy to hear of her faith and praised her decision.

"Even Dorrut and Esel have come to believe upon the Creator!" revealed Tunob.

"What?" Bilob burst out with great surprise. Loyan's eyes widened with great interest but could not believe that the man who once treated her shamefully had now turned to God.

"Yes. Esel confessed it to Dunen before his passing and Dorrut was affected to the heart," Tunob added. "He told us himself!"

"Blessed be God!" Bilob said, awed by the news.

Loyan felt mixed emotions concerning Dorrut's confession, not knowing if she could accept him in such a different light.

"He will tell you himself. He will join us soon," Geerob said.

"I am eager to hear it of my own ears," Bilob said.

"We rejoice to hear you have turned to the God of heaven, Loyan." Tunob told her.

"I am glad also. I know that He is with me," she said shyly but happily.

"To be with the Maker brings great peace," Tunob said encouragingly.

"Filled with knowledge that matures the mind and spirit," added Bilob.

Loyan smiled happily, already feeling the warmth of her new family and the promises given in her new life.

The door to the inn burst open loudly as several soldiers entered.

A great chorus of salutations filled the room the moment the newcomers were recognized as Terandians.

Amidst the new group, Dorrut came in dressed in the armor of Teranda.

As soon as his friends saw him, they stared with stunned gazes.

Dorrut searched the room and as soon as he spotted his friends, he waved happily and quickly joined them at their table.

"What do my eyes behold?" Bilob said, as he looked him up and down.

"It is I, Dorrut. Personal guard to King Dunen," he said proudly, "And by his own summons I tell you." He added with a grin.

"Then sit and break your fast, my honored friend," Bilob said.

Before sitting, Dorrut's eyes met Loyan's wary gaze. Feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable, he sat down while trying to avoid her eyes.

"Innkeeper! Bring our friend your best dish," Bilob shouted over the noisy crowd, and the man acknowledged his order with a wave of his hand in the air without even looking.

"Tell us, Dorrut, any word of the council?" asked Tunob anxiously.

"No, not as yet, but I do not believe our friends are willing to go with us to Dernak," he informed, lowering his voice and checking to see if others heard.

"You are mistaken! This cannot be!" Geerob burst out but quieted down.

"It is what I heard, but we will know soon enough," Dorrut explained.

"Hmm, a serious mistake if this is true," Bilob said with a frown.

"I am of like mind. Ernum must be dealt with immediately," answered Dorrut, "I know his ways. He will not rest till he has what he seeks for."

No one spoke for a moment as each considered the serious news.

"We told Bilob and Loyan of our travels and your faith in the Creator," Geerob told him, changing the subject.

"Oh, you have?" he said a little shyly.

"I am truly happy for you, brother," Bilob said to him and gave him a great slap on the shoulder.

"I as well. I have found peace after many years in bitterness and dread," he added solemnly.

"We were all the same once, descendants of Cain and our minds in darkness. Now, we have seen the truth and are children of light. You are amongst equals," Bilob told him encouragingly.

"It is the first time that I can say, I have true friends," he told them.

The villagers felt honored to have won his friendship and glad of his changed life.

Loyan lessened her critical gaze as she listened to his sincere testimony. Even his face showed that a great change had taken place in his life, which Loyan could not deny.

At that moment, she decided to forgive him of his past abusive behavior to her.

Later, Dorrut's uneasiness with Loyan disappeared as she rewarded him with a friendly smile. Now, even more, Dorrut rejoiced in his new life and new friends.

*

"Three months!" Menfre shouted angrily in Dunen's quarters.

Manru and Danar lay back in the padded chairs, trying to remain calm as they watched Menfre furiously pace the room. Dunen sat on his bed, his thoughts wondering over the troubling circumstances they now had to deal with.

"Ernum can field an army greater than both of ours combined in a month," Menfre shot out with sweeping hands.

"We don't know this, Menfre." Manru commented.

"And you think we should wait to see if Ernum can prove us wrong?" Menfre shot back.

Manru could not disagree with him. They all knew it was a great risk to give Ernum time.

"We cannot accept this. They owe us their lives! And they dare refuse our request, even when we saved their city?" Menfre asked Dunen.

"How many soldiers do they have left?" Dunen asked.

"Four hundred or so," Danar answered.

"Enough to make a great difference," Menfre quickly concluded.

Dunen agreed. If those men joined their company, it would certainly increase their hopes of victory, he thought.

"How could I make them change their minds?" Dunen asked himself, but spoke aloud.

"Minds! Their hearts need changing. We cannot accept their proposal. We have all paid a great price to be free and we cannot do it again," Menfre reminded his king.

"Menfre. We were ready for Ernum's plans, but they were not. I understand their concerns. They need time to prepare," Dunen explained as he raised himself from off the bed.

"They were warned, my lord, and did nothing about it," Danar said, joining the conversation.

"What are you saying, Danar?" Dunen asked, sensing he accused them of some wrong.

"They have turned away from the will of God," Menfre bluntly declared.

Dunen was surprised by Menfre's accusation, but knew that his captain did not say things without first being certain.

"What more have you to say Menfre?" Dunen asked curiously.

"My lord, I have the deepest respect for King Ceril and his father, but," Menfre said calmly, "I was told that certain men who did business with Dernak, were welcomed here."

"What?" Dunen hissed with shock, "Who told you this?"

"We have friends here my lord. Wise men we can trust and who have great discernment. They assured me that these men from Dernak were counselors and were the same ones who tried to kill Sillandar and usurp the throne," Menfre informed him.

Dunen could not believe it, and looked at Danar and Manru for their reaction but only saw disappointment and little surprise.

"Why?" Dunen could only say, as his mind raced to understand why Sillandar allowed these wicked men to be part of his court.

"Riches, my lord," Menfre answered bluntly and then added, "Their hearts were blinded by the wealth they were offered."

"I agree with Menfre. They are frightened to leave Sandinor unprotected. They fear trade would end if the merchants knew no one guarded their precious goods."

"These people care more for their purse than for the will of God," Manru voiced with dismay.

Dunen could not believe that Sillandar and his son could so easily allow the riches of the world to blind their judgment. Part of him wanted to go and demand the truth from Ceril.

"My lord, I think it wise that they do not help us," said Manru, and the others turned to listen. "Their hearts are not with us and may fail us in battle."

Menfre and Danar, after a moment of consideration, sadly nodded in agreement.

"Are we left to ourselves, then?" Dunen asked frustratingly.

None of his captains answered him.

"Teranda will not fight alone, I can assure you of this!" Dunen stated angrily. "We have given the best of our people and I will not bring them to their doom for naught!" Dunen looked at his captains and received their compassionate nods of approval.

"I will call on them in three months and see where their hearts are," Dunen promised his captains.

The captains were glad of their king's decision.

"What are your orders my lord?" Menfre asked solemnly.

"Give the orders, we leave for Teranda tomorrow. Let us be gone from this place before I am soiled by it."

Early next day, in the palace square and amidst great fanfare, Dunen and his captains bid farewell to Ceril and his father as warmly as they could, even though they remained troubled and bitter by Sandinor's decision.

As soon as Dunen and his captains mounted their steeds, the Terandian flag bearers urged their horses forward.

A small number of their personal guard followed behind as they streamed out of the palace gates.

A great procession of cheering people and palace musicians followed them.

With all the gaiety that surrounded their departure, the somber and gray-clouded sky reflected better the solemn faces of the Terandian troop.

As they passed through the rebuilding of the main gates, Dunen wondered if they had fought in vain for these walls.

Not far outside the walls, the remainder of his army waited all mounted in a long column.

Bilob and his companions were at the forefront and quietly received their king and officers.

Dunen's friends quickly judged by his displeased expression that he was greatly disappointed with Sandinor.

Without much ado, the Terandian army started their journey home. From atop the wall, the people gave their farewells.

Spurring their horses to a gallop, they traveled the wet and muddy road that led north towards the Forwilda forest and Teranda.

After an hour ride, as the immense forest drew closer, those who led the troops were surprised to see a cloaked stranger on a horse in the middle of the road, barring their way.

The standard-bearers signaled the man to move aside, but the stranger remained defiantly in the way.

Menfre noticed the rider and raised his hand to halt the army. Dunen and the others watched and curiously wondered who this bold character could be, and dared to defy an army.

As the army came to a halt, Menfre moved his horse beside Dunen and said, "Let me go see what this one wants."

Dunen nodded.

Menfre moved his horse forward and soon came face to face with the hooded rider.

After speaking a moment with the stranger, all that watched were surprised to see Menfre give a respectful bow before returning to the host.

"My lord! It is your brother Tharan!" he whispered with some fearful apprehension.

"Tharan!" Dunen exclaimed with joyful surprise, but noticed Menfre's disturbed face and asked, "What is wrong? Why does he not come?"

"He wishes to speak with you alone," he answered with a grim look.

Dunen's joy turned quickly to fear as he nervously wondered what could be wrong.

Dunen nodded and urged his horse forward.

As Dunen approached his brother, Tharan pulled back his hood enough to show his face.

"Tharan! Praise God, I am happy to see you," Dunen uttered as they both reached out to clasp arms.

"I am also happy to see you, brother," he replied with a warm smile.

"Why have you come? What has happened with Nerinee and your training?" Dunen asked eagerly.

"I am being trained. Nerinee sent me to counsel you," he told him.

Dunen's smile faded and became concerned, "What do you mean?"

"Nerinee clearly revealed that it is God's will for you to remove Ernum from his throne. And yet you have allowed men to turn you from your task and have harkened to the counsel of your own heart!" he declared with some disappointment.

"I - we cannot defeat Ernum without Sandinor!" Dunen argued. "Look how many we are?" he said as he pointed to his army. "Teranda has suffered enough! I cannot bear to see more of our good people die for a cause that should not be ours alone!" he explained.

"I agree brother, but we have very little choice in the matter. The sin of our father now weighs heavily on our shoulders, Dunen. I bore the penalty of my own disobedience and you unfortunately, must bear the consequences as king of Teranda," he told him sympathetically.

Dunen lowered his head, burdened with anguish over Teranda's misery caused by his family's faults. How could he order his men to fight another battle, taking them into more danger and further from home and family, he thought.

"We are so few and tired," Dunen said weakly as though the burden had suddenly overtaken him.

"You now look at numbers, brother? It was not so years ago, when you secretly entered Teranda with only Bilob," Tharan reminded him.

Dunen recalled his brave exploit and now felt ashamed for his lack of faith. Moreover, he was angry with himself for not seeking God's will with Sandinor's decision.

"Forgive me, brother. I relied much on Sandinor's help, but I was dispirited by their refusal," Dunen replied humbly.

"There is no shame in confessing our failures," Tharan said with an encouraging smile, "Blessed is the man who trusts in God more than the strength of men. Ask God His forgiveness and He will gladly give it. He will be a sure help in your time of need," Tharan exhorted, "Come, be of good cheer. The Lord has not forsaken you. He sent me, did He not? I will go with you," he added with a smile.

Heartened by his brother's words, and moreover, that Tharan now joined him, Dunen straightened himself in the saddle.

"Then let us not tarry in the will of our God," Dunen said boldly.

Both led their horses to the anxiously waiting troop. As they joined the captains, all bowed with respect to Tharan.

"Danar and Manru, it is good to see you well," Tharan said.

"I have longed to see you again, my lord." Manru said gladly.

"We are all together again, except dear Shadly," Tharan said with some regret.

"On our way, I will tell you how he fell, my lord." Menfre added.

"But not toward Teranda. We ride for Dernak," Dunen stated.

"Dernak!" Danar exclaimed as the others were also startled by the new orders.

"Our plans have changed. We ride for Dernak," Dunen reaffirmed.

"Is this wise, my lord?" Menfre asked with great concern.

"It is God's will," Dunen answered as he looked at his brother.

Menfre understood and spoke no further.

"You will not pass by Sandinor, but cut across the plain and join the road due south. The people of Sandinor are not to know of your plans," Tharan explained.

"But they will know when we cross the wall," reminded Manru.

"It will no more matter. By then it will be too late for them to join us," Tharan said seriously.

"Join us? If you are sure of it, would it not be good?" Danar asked.

"I am not certain. But the Lord forbids their help," Tharan answered and they all knew better than to ask why.

The captains looked at each with some concern but spoke not a word more, trusting that Tharan's order came from God's will.

"It is done. On we ride to Dernak. Menfre, send a messenger to Teranda and give them word of our plans," Dunen commanded.

Menfre nodded and gave out the order immediately.

Turning the army around, they retraced their ride on the road for a while before veering off to travel due south through the rolling plains.

It was a windy day as they galloped across the rolling land. The wagons found it difficult to cross the uneven terrain.

Deciding to move southwest, Dunen hoped to reach the forest that covered the mountains before nightfall, where firewood could be gathered for cooking and warmth.

All along, Dunen and Tharan spoke much of the recent events and yet, found the time to recall their early days together and to rejoice in their fond memories.

*

"Fools! Fools! Stupid, fools!" screamed Ernum, raising his hands in the air with frustration and rage as he stomped through the palace garden.

The garden, built on one of the great balconies that extruded from atop the Dernak palace roof, was lush with trees of many varieties, some even producing fruit. Flowers and bushes of many kinds and colors also decorated its paths and grounds.

From over the stone wall that fenced the garden, the Dernak valley could be seen stretching out into the distance. The mountains that surrounded the city loomed high with their jagged peaks.

A soldier remained bowed before his angry king, his face almost to the ground of the white sandy path.

Ernum clenched his fist with anger as he tried to understand how his army could be defeated.

Dressed in a dark burgundy rode, he walked around rubbing his hands nervously.

Slowly, Ernum tried to calm himself. He had no choice but to accept that his plans had failed.

As he subdued his anger, he told himself that the war was not over. His mind then raced to plan his next move. He began to ask himself, 'What would Dunen do now?' Would he run to Teranda or attack Dernak.

After some reflection, he knew deep down that the wisest thing the Terandian king would do is attack Dernak while it was weak.

Convinced of his guess, he then began to think how he could turn Dunen's attack against him. He immediately rejected defending the city with so few.

It was not long before a smile crossed his face as he devised his plan.

"I want my captains in the war room tomorrow morning. Now get out!" he shouted as he turned in an instant to the groveling messenger.

Rapidly the messenger jumped up and fled the garden.

"I am not done with you, Dunen," Ernum said to himself as a deceitful grin crossed his pale face.

*

After two days of riding beneath a never changing cloudy sky, the Terandian army had passed through the Sandinor wall and traveled on the main road that led to Dernak in the Sousenden region.

As they approached the northern end of the Noktan valley, night fell and the army camped.

Dunen immediately sent messengers to Zuruk, requesting for men who knew very well their way in the Dernak dungeons, hoping to find an easier way into the fortified city.

He hoped by morning he would have word or better yet, the guides he requested.

Dunen would have wished to visit Zuruk himself, but time would not permit it.

Deep down, he actually wished for Zuruk's army to join them for the difficult battle ahead, but decided against it, not willing to change God's plans. His captains had considered the same notion, but left the decision to Dunen and his brother.

Shadows moved quickly in the dark. From muffled voices to clear screams of terror, Dunen could hear the men. A great shriek pierced the gloom and then two red gleaming eyes appeared. They slowly turned toward him and as it approached, a cloud came towards him and then burst into a fiery red flame. Dunen woke up inside his tent and raised himself in his bed. It took a few moments for him to understand that it was a dream.

As he remembered the dream, he felt troubled that it was similar to the first he had. Again, it felt real to him, as if he truly lived the horrifying scene.

Dunen wondered why and for what reason this dream came to him.

As he lay back in his bed, he prayed it would not come true and fell asleep.

"I am against it!" Dunen declared firmly, seated cross-legged on pillows in his small tent.

His brother stood before him, just a few paces away.

"Dunen, I know very well the passages to the palace. For three years, Ernum dragged me back and forth from my prison to his throne hall. The Daouk have never been privileged as I have," he said sarcastically as he tried to convince Dunen.

"You have not seen mother for four years and you want me to risk your life by sending you on this very dangerous mission?" Dunen asked sharply.

"You are as much at risk as I am, brother. You do not know what Ernum has prepared for us," Tharan threw back.

"I do not want to bear the guilt that mother would never see you again," Dunen explained.

"Mother knows very well we are in perilous times," Tharan reminded him.

Dunen was quite aware that his mother, being once a queen, was well acquainted with death of friends and family, but he still could not take the risk.

"Dunen, sparing my life, will no doubt demand the lives of others," Tharan said gravely, "Are you willing for us to carry this guilt?"

Dunen turned away, troubled over his decision. His plan to open Dernak's gate from the inside was daring and extremely dangerous, but if successful, would shorten the battle and offer swift victory.

Although the secret passages would lead them safely into the city, reaching the gates meant walking openly through the streets with little place to hide.

Sadly, Dunen conceded that his brother was right. He was the only one who knew well the corridors from the dungeon to the city.

With a deep pang in his heart, Dunen whispered, "Very well."

Tharan breathed a sigh of relief but understood his brother's fears and love for him.

"Be not troubled, Dunen. God will take care of me. I am his prophet," he told him with an assuring smile.

Dunen returned a reluctant but displeased nod.

Early that morning, the Terandian messengers returned with one of Daouk's envoys.

Dunen and his captains exited the command tent to welcome the messenger.

They were surprised to recognize the man as Usir, close friend of Esel, who came with him weeks ago for the first time to Teranda.

"Welcome, Usir, welcome indeed. It is good to see you again," Dunen declared as the new arrivals dismounted their horses.

Dressed as most Daouk, in dark cavern clothes, Usir came before Dunen and gave a short bow. "Where is Esel?" he immediately asked.

Dunen and the captains had forgotten that the Daouk had little news of their battles.

Dunen became solemn and said, "He died in battle."

Usir stared back for a moment, emotionless, then spoke as if he heard nothing of his friend, "It is good to see you once again, King Dunen."

Dunen hesitated for a moment, disturbed by the apparent indifference to his friend's death, and decided not to question him. "Come inside. You must be thirsty?" Dunen said as he led the Daouk into the command tent, followed by his captains.

"I would appreciate some water. There is much to speak of," he told him.

As Dunen served a cup of water to Usir, the captains took their places at the table.

Dunen then showed him his chair and sat down himself.

The Terandians waited eagerly, anxious to hear news from Zuruk.

"Well, how are Zuruk and his elders?" Dunen asked.

"They are in good health and spirit," he answered and then drank before continuing, "These are the words of Zuruk and of the elders of Daouk. Your request is granted and furthermore, Zuruk comes to your aid with as many men as can be spared," Usir said plainly.

Dunen and his captains were overwhelmed and overjoyed by the news.

"Praise God!" Menfre burst out, while giving the table a pound of his hand, "How many does he bring?"

"A little less than a thousand men," Usir answered.

"Blessed Creator!" remarked Manru as he patted Danar on the shoulder, "This is heartening news, indeed."

"We are exceedingly grateful to you master, Usir. He has gone beyond our expectation," Dunen told Usir, which made him smile with pride.

At that moment, Dunen realized that God had answered his deepest desire for more soldiers and thanked Him in his heart.

"Where are we to meet him?" Danar asked Usir.

"He will join you along the Kings road."

"Good. Let us ride to him," Dunen urged, and all rose to the task.

Within the hour, the Terandian camp was gathered and packed away. Mounted on their steeds, the army of soldiers, spearmen and archers grouped and followed their leaders, as they took to the road in a gallop.

Just before midday, the Terandian army entered a great plain that stretched far to the west. Looking like a gigantic rope, the road wiggled its way into the distance, fading into the valley.

The mountains of Daouk now stood due south and the great Magdin Mountains followed them towards the northwest.

In the midst of the flat treeless land, beside the road that cut through it, Dunen and the others spotted Zuruk's army. Usir pointed and confirmed his people's army.

Riding to the middle of the plain, the Terandians finally united with the waiting Daouk army.

With great cheers, both armies welcomed each other and soon Dunen stood face to face with Zuruk, hands clasped firmly.

"By the grace of God, it is good to see you again, my friend," Dunen said with great joy.

"I the more! I have spent many sleepless nights from the day you left. Your messengers have told me all they know, and I am truly amazed by the courage and good heart of your people," Zuruk smiled back happily.

"Thank you," Dunen answered.

"And you have kept your word, King Dunen. You come to defeat our dreaded enemy as you promised," Zuruk added with respect, "I will no longer judge each city dweller equally."

"I am glad to hear that, but we had little choice my friend. Most important of all, it was God's will."

"In a good day to come, we will sit down and you will tell me all of your tales," Zuruk said.

"I will, but it is not over. We must plan the final stroke and rid ourselves of this serpent's head," Dunen said seriously.

"And so we will. Come, I have set a tent for this purpose. Bring those who must listen and I will gather my own," Zuruk said.

"Well done," Dunen said, and both went off to call their men.

The Terandian army was ordered to dismount and take the short stop for food and rest.

Dunen gathered his captains and his brother for the meeting, while Zuruk called those who would lead the secret party into the dungeons.

Seated on pillows in one great circle, Daouk servants came and filled the drinking cups of the men with fresh juice of the vine.

Zuruk began by asking, "Speak Dunen and tell us of your plan."

"It is a simple plan, but filled with many uncertainties. The walls of Dernak are as formidable as Teranda, and it is obvious by our numbers that we cannot bring down its gates nor climb its walls without great losses. Ernum must also know this and expect another plan from us. He must also know that we have a secret tunnel to his dungeons and has prepared some defense if we use it. Our hope abides on his ignorance of its whereabouts. If-," Dunen said but was interrupted by Zuruk's raised hand.

"Dunen, before you speak further, you must know that there are other tunnels than the one you have seen," he informed him.

Dunen's eyes widened with hope, "Other tunnels?"

"We made many. We could not place our trust solely on one route, so we made others. One of which enters into the streets of the city itself," Zuruk added.

The Terandians looked at each other in amazement of their great efforts, but most of all by the prospect of an easier way to complete their plan.

The Daouk men smiled with pride as the expressions of awe from their friends complimented their work.

"Zuruk, you have saved the day. Your great courage is matched only by your people's ingenuity," Dunen commended.

"You are most gracious," Zuruk answered with appreciation.

"Then this is what we will do. A dozen of my soldiers, including Tharan, will go with your people. By late afternoon tomorrow, we should arrive and begin to set our camp. At this moment, they will enter the city. When night falls, they must find a way to open the gates. We will be ready and waiting for the doors to open," Dunen proposed, and paused to see if there were any objections to his plan.

The men considered the plan and found no fault.

"Those who go must understand it will be very dangerous," Dunen warned.

All nodded solemnly.

"It must be tried, or else it will be a long and costly siege," he finally commented.

"Now let us put our hand to the hammer and our chisel to the rock. Choose your men Dunen, and God be with them," Zuruk said.

As the meeting ended, Dunen chose Bilob, Geerob and Tunob to go with his brother.

Danar was also added to the group along with seven Terandian soldiers. On the part of the Daouk, two men were chosen, with Usir to lead them in the tunnels.

Loyan left her duties once she heard the meeting was over. Curious about what was decided, she moved closer to the Daouk tents in hope of hearing the plans made.

Dorrut, who stood not far from Dunen's horses, saw her looking around with concerned interest.

"Loyan!" he called out to her.

As she turned to him, he waved for her to join him.

She quickly strolled over to him.

"What is it?" she asked.

"I should ask you the same question," Dorrut answered with a grin, knowing well what she was doing.

"What do you mean?" she asked feeling awkward.

"You want to know what is planned?" he asked her. "Yes."

"Dunen is sending Tharan, Danar, Bilob, Geerob and Tunob with others, to secretly enter Dernak and open the gates," he told her as his smile faded from the dangerous plan.

"What?" Loyan's eyes widened with fear.

This was a dangerous mission, and Bilob was going. Her heart panged with dread at the thought of losing him.

"Loyan," Dorrut said as he gripped her arm for attention. "It will go well for him," he said encouragingly.

She nodded shamefully for not trusting in her friends.

"He is beside his horse; they leave immediately," he told her.

She thanked him and left.

Loyan found Bilob tightening his horse's saddle straps. Her heart sank, saddened to part from him.

"Bilob," she whispered, and he turned around to face her.

Bilob looked grim as he stared at her.

"Loyan. It is good you have come. I am sent to -," he began to explain when she cut him off.

"I know. Dorrut has told me all," she said worriedly.

Seeing that she cared for him, Bilob shyly fidgeted nervously, as he hid his own sadness for leaving.

"Oh - let us hope that all goes well," he could only say.

"I pray it will, for you and the others," she said as she stared at him with concern.

"Thank you," he only answered, refraining from saying more what lay deep in his heart.

She then turned and walked away.

Bilob froze from calling after her, seeing that tears were not far from her eyes.

As he watched her go, his heart stirred with love for her and prayed to God for his safe return to her.

Dunen bade farewell to his men, especially to his brother, but as they mounted their horses, Dunen went to Bilob and commanded him, "Take care of my brother."

"With my life," Bilob reassured him.

Dunen smiled with gratitude and then said, "You come back also."

Bilob gave Dunen a great warm smile and nodded confidently.

With a wave, the fifteen men rode off from the camp southwards, going towards Daouk and then later veering off in the thick woods for Dernak. Dunen watched them ride off and prayed to God for their protection.

Soon after, both armies were ordered to mount and begin their journey to Dernak.

In one great line, the combined armies rode off, their flags fluttering in the wind beneath an unwelcoming gray sky.

*

Riding swiftly day and night, taking short periods of rest along the way, the small company slowed their pace as they moved through the woods of the western mountains of Dernak.

Cautiously they rode, hoping with all their hearts that the enemy would not see them.

Crossing some treeless ledges on the mountain slopes, the riders could clearly see the city of Dernak.

Uncomfortably, they hurried past the open spaces, feeling exposed to their enemy's eyes.

After grievously plodding through the forest for several hours, Usir raised his hand to halt the company.

He turned and addressed his companions in a low voice.

"We are but a league from the city walls. The tunnel is not far. We will leave the horses here and rest till the day grows dim, and then we will go."

They all nodded in agreement and dismounted their steeds.

After tying their horses behind a hedge of bushes, they happily stretched out blankets and laid down to rest from the difficult ride.

The hungry riders brought food from the bags and shared it amongst them.

"Where exactly does the tunnel lead, Usir?" asked Danar.

"In a small garden, between two houses," he answered. "It is not far from the main road that circles along the wall."

"I do not see how we will manage to open the gates with Dernak guards everywhere," said one of Usir's companions.

"Neither do I," Bilob said frankly.

"Only sentinels will be upon the walls at night, and maybe some guards on the ground. If we can quietly dispatch them, we will have enough time to reach the gates and open them before others come to their aid," explained Tharan.

They all gave each other doubtful glances as they ate, but hoped that Tharan was right.

"I will take the watch," volunteered Tunob, rising to his feet.

Thankfully, the others finished their meal and lay down to rest.

Hours later, Tharan awoke abruptly.

A low rumble caught his immediate attention. Raising himself quickly, he looked around.

His eyes blurred by his sleep, slowly adjusted to the twilight of the forest.

His eyes then captured the dark shadow of a man moving towards him. Fearfully he reached for his sword.

"Tharan! It is I, Tunob." the shadow said softly but urgently, unwilling to be stabbed.

Tharan stopped when he recognized Tunob's voice and then saw the familiar face of the tribesman.

"Forgive me, I could not see clearly," Tharan said with relief.

The low rumble continued, far away into the woods, and Tharan finally identified the sound as the approaching army of Teranda.

"They have arrived," said Tunob, as if answering his unspoken question.

"They are late but still good. Let us wake the others."

Tunob and Tharan went and woke their friends.

As they arose, they gathered themselves in the dim shadows.

"Follow me," said Usir when they were all ready.

As the Daouk began their careful trek into the woods, the rest followed in single file. The low rumble continued, growing louder as they went along.

After a very long walk through the thick forest, the gray walls of the city became visible through openings in the trees.

They became nervous at the menacing structure.

Usir ended his march before a huge mound.

Bushes and small saplings grew on the mound of dirt.

Usir then reached and pulled away a thick bush from the mound.

The men leaned over each other's shoulders to see a gaping pitch-black hole.

"Do as I do," Usir said and then got to his knees near the hole, crawled backwards, and then fell in.

A small thump came from the hole after he disappeared.

Uneasily, each one fell into the hole.

As the last one dropped into the dark tunnel, Usir lit a small torch.

The light revealed a rough and very damp tunnel, with its roof of earth held by wood beams and planks.

"We did not work hard on these tunnels," Usir said, making sure his friends understood the crude tunnels were not the Daouk's best work.

Tharan looked at Danar with a smile, amused by the great pride the Daouk held for their tunnel making.

As Usir led the company ahead, the tunnel descended deeper into the earth for a time and then remained fairly level the rest of the way.

As they shuffled along, sounds from above stopped them.

Usir turned at the bewildered followers and said annoyingly, "We walk below the main road."

As if to confirm his words, a low muffled rumble struck the tunnel, sending some loose dirt on some baffled faces.

The Daouk remained undisturbed as they watched their upset companions brush away the dirt that fell on them.

"Never halt under roads," Usir advised them, but they were sure he said it mockingly.

As other things passed overhead, the group eagerly moved along not willing to be showered by dirt again.

A little further, the tunnel finally ended. Against one side of the wall, a ladder rose against two pillars.

"I will go up. If all is well, I will whistle," Usir said, and immediately climbed the ladder.

As they all waited, they could hear the sliding of a wooden panel, then several seconds past before a short whistle was heard. One by one, the company climbed the ladder and exited the tunnel.

As they passed through the small opening, they stood in a small clearing where cultivated bushes and trees surrounded them in a semicircle.

The secret opening extruded from the wall of a house.

From what they could see in the dark, the garden was a large square, closed in on all sides by homes. Some of the men even wondered if they would have to pass through a house to reach the city street.

Tharan was happy to see that no lights were on in any of the homes and prayed that the whole city was also fast asleep.

"Come," said Usir as he pushed aside the bushes and stepped upon a narrow path.

The others followed as they walked across the garden and stopped at the opening of a carriage entrance. Through it, they could see the city street that it joined.

"I have led you as far as I could," Usir whispered.

Danar nodded and said, "Very well. In what direction are the gates?"

"To the left," Usir answered as he pointed.

"Good. Tunob, Geerob: lead the way," Danar ordered.

Geerob prepared his bow and the others quietly unsheathed their swords.

Just as Geerob began to go, Tharan stopped him abruptly.

"Wait!" Tharan said worriedly and the others searched to hear what troubled him. "It is oddly quiet," Tharan whispered with concern.

Immediately they all realized the same thing.

"Too quiet for such a city as this," Bilob commented uneasily, even though he never felt comfortable in cities.

"And with the enemy at its gate," Geerob added.

"No matter. We must complete our task," Danar reminded them.

Placing their concerns aside, the men nodded their agreement.

Geerob and Tunob set off into the entrance and then carefully peered out into the street.

The city wall loomed over them in the quiet darkness. To their great surprise, no soldiers walked the street and no sentinel paced the wall. Bewildered, Tunob and Geerob gave each other questioning stares.

Venturing out to look further down the street, the two villagers were shocked to see one end of the street blocked by a wall, rising almost to the height of the rooftops. The other way was clear as it curved towards the main gates.

"Where are they? And what is this wall? Is it a trap?" whispered Tunob.

"I would wager it is so," Geerob answered and retraced their steps to their friends.

"What have you seen?" Danar asked eagerly.

"Not a soul walk the streets, nor on the walls," Geerob answered with disbelief.

"And the road to the right has been barred with a huge wall," added Tunob.

"This is a trap!" Bilob exclaimed.

They looked at each other and came to same conclusion as Bilob.

"What do we do?" asked Usir worriedly.

Tharan and Danar looked at each other as they thought on this difficult question.

"What kind of trap is it with no soldiers on the wall?" Danar questioned.

"Maybe it is just a plan of defense if we breach the wall, but they do not know it will happen tonight," Tunob suggested eagerly.

"It is possible," Danar agreed.

"No matter their schemes, we cannot risk failing by doing nothing," Tharan advised.

"Yes. This may be a great surprise in our favor," Bilob believed.

"I agree," joined Geerob.

"Then let us be careful. The archers will lead the way," Danar commanded and immediately they moved through the carriage entrance.

Geerob, with three Terandian archers, went forward and led the way, an arrow fitted to their bows ready to stifle any life that would discover them.

Carefully they moved down the street, staying close to the walls of the houses.

Reaching the end of the street, the archers peered out to look into the great square that joined the gates.

The first thing that surprised them was the absence of Dernak soldiers or sentinels.

No lights flickered in the windows of the homes that bordered the square and not a sound of any kind was heard.

Suddenly, one of the soldiers gasped and pointed towards the gates. To their utter amazement, the great doors of the main gate stood wide open.

Stunned with fear the group stared at each other with sheer disbelief.

"The gates are open!" voiced Tunob.

"This is absurd!" uttered Danar.

"It must be a trap," Tharan said assuredly.

"Maybe the city has been abandoned!" a soldier suggested.

They all wondered what to believe.

"Have they gone to fight our armies?" suggested a Daouk.

"No! We hear no battle and some of their soldiers would have remained in the city," answered Danar.

"We heard them in the tunnel, but a short time ago?"

"Then what scheme have they prepared for us?" asked Usir worriedly.

"I believe Ernum has fled!" guessed another soldier.

The men considered the possibility to be the best answer to the vacant city, and hoped it was so.

"If he is gone, we will find out soon enough, but first we must go and warn our people," concluded Danar.

Closely grouped and looking around for any signs of a surprise attack, they crossed the square to the doors.

As the group halted at the entrance, a cry shot forth from outside the gates and within a moment the Terandian cavalry rushed towards the gates in a fury of pounding hooves, raised swords and shouting men.

The group quickly stepped aside as the charging cavalry burst into the city square.

Quickly the army flowed into the city with a thunderous clamor.

Dunen, Menfre, Manru and Dorrut also rode up to the gates and stopped. Dunen waved his friends to follow as he entered the city.

Without resistance, the cavalry took position at the start of each street that converged on the square.

Dunen halted his horse and looked around, puzzled by the absence of the enemy.

Tharan and Danar with the others ran to his side.

"There is not a single Dernak soldier to be found, my lord," informed Danar.

"It could be a trap, Dunen," Tharan added quickly.

"A trap! What kind of trap could this be?" Dunen wondered with fear as he looked suspiciously at the dark city homes and unmanned wall.

"We do not know, but one road is blocked by a great wall," Danar said pointing to the street they walked before.

Dunen looked at Menfre for an answer, but found him also puzzled by the strange scene.

"Ernum could have fled for his life," Tunob blurted out.

"Doubtful, but possible," Menfre said looking very worried.

Suddenly, a terrifying screech pierced the air. Instantly, all recognized the cry of a Pelok and looked up to search the night sky. Against the backdrop of twinkling stars, they saw the form of the great bird as it quenched the tiny lights.

Many soldiers pointed up as it swirled far above them. The horses nervously began to stamp their feet at the creature's appearance.

"He is here," Dunen said ominously, and then suddenly the great doors of the city began to close.

Many shouted with surprise as they watched the doors swing unaided.

Foot soldiers who were entering the city immediately threw themselves at the immense doors to halt its progress, but to no avail.

Dunen turned his horse and raced at the doors. "Stop the doors! Stop them!" he shouted.

The soldiers rushed to the gates and gave all their efforts to halt the swinging doors but within moments, the doors closed breaking spears, swords and any obstacle that the soldiers placed to bar the way.

The closing of the doors gave a doomful thump, separating most of the army outside the gates from those who were now trapped inside.

Fearful and angry, Dunen stared helplessly at the closed gate for a moment, and then turned his horse around to look at his troubled friends.

All stood still and wondered what was to come next.

The flying creature cried out again, as if laughing at their calamity, and they all looked up to fix its whereabouts.

Dunen moved his horse to join his friends.

"My lord, my men say that all the roads are blocked except this one that leads to the palace," Manru said, pointing to the street at the center of the square.

"We will not be forced into his trap. Menfre, get men to open the gates. Burn them if you must. Manru, place your archers on the wall. Danar-," a load roar cut off Dunen's orders as it came echoing from within the city.

All who heard the sound knew without a doubt it came from the throat of some great beast.

Filled with dread, the soldiers wondered what new horror awaited them. Shivers crawled up their backs as they imagined the size of the beast that made the cry.

The Pelok swirled high above and echoed a response to the roar.  "What creature could this be?" asked Usir.

"A Leviathan," Tharan said, his face paled with dread.

They all turned to stare at him wide eyed with disbelief and terror.

"This cannot be!" Usir exclaimed and the roar came again, this time much louder.

"What I heard while I was a prisoner of Dernak is true. He has mastered the Leviathan," Tharan said with awe.

Bilob dropped to the ground and placed his ear to it. After a brief moment, he was up. "It comes," he warned.

They looked at each other nervously. The booming cry went through the air again, scaring horses and men. At the same time, they all began to feel it coming as its footsteps shook the ground.

"Everyone on the walls!" shouted Dunen.

The captains scrambled to send the orders.

The pounding footsteps of the creature rapidly increased as if the beast overheard their plans to seek refuge.

The Leviathan roared repeatedly, causing horses to bolt and throw their riders off.

The dark square soon turned to chaos as men scrambled for safety and horses raced wildly around.

From the dark main street, all saw the Leviathan come.

Its pounding feet and piercing roar added to the terror and fury that overcame them all.

It wasn't long before it entered the square and halted at its center.

The height of the creature rose as high as the house rooftops and its size measured four horses wide. Its massive mouth opened and manifested its sharp gleaming rows of teeth like broad swords.

Thick scales completely layered its body. Its arms were oddly short in proportion to its body, but long enough and strong enough to shred its prey with its large claws. The creature's huge and powerful tail wagged slowly behind, pushing tufts of earth easily aside.

Without waiting for orders, the archers frantically shot forth their arrows at the Leviathan. Hundreds flew and bounced off its thick armor of scales.

Angered, it attacked swiftly. Moving in short strides, it reached down with its mouth, grabbed a terrified riderless horse, and ate part of it while the rest fell to the ground in a splatter of blood.

Soldiers raced away from the beast while the rest still rushed up the stairs to the top of the wall.

Chasing the scurrying soldiers, it snatched men with its mouth and flung them aside or ate them. By design or not, its powerful tail swung and crashed into men and horses, crushing them to death in an instant.

Suddenly, it raised itself and then in some inner convulsion, it belched out a gas at its prey, which then exploded into fire. The cloud of fire enveloped the escaping soldiers and set many on fire.

Already terrified, all the men froze in horror by the beast's new weapon.

Dunen his captains and the tribesmen were together and followed the soldiers as they quickly sought to climb the stairs.

Some brave soldiers took their spears and with all their might threw them at the beast.

Most of the well-aimed spears bounced off the beast, but some pierced the thick skin only to dangle for a moment before falling away. The leviathan turned on the new opponents and chased them.

As it came towards Dunen and his companions, they all left the stairs and scattered in different directions, not wanting to be crushed against the wall.

The beast belched once more its fiery vomit and engulfed a group of soldiers including Tunob. Dunen watched in horror as they all burned instantly to death.

Dunen had no time to grieve as the creature continued its rampage of death.

The beast turned to the walls and was now belching its fire on other victims. Its great tail swung effortlessly but with tremendous force against a group of men, crunching them against the wall.

As the tail swung away from the carnage, Dunen spotted Geerob squirming in agony amidst dead soldiers who were crushed.

Dunen raced to his side as he kept an eye on the gigantic beast.

"Geerob! Let me help-," Dunen said as he grabbed his arms but stopped as the beast turned and stared with its menacing eyes at Dunen.

As their eyes locked, Dunen somehow knew it would come for him.

In that brief moment, as Dunen stared at its large fiery eyes, Dunen suddenly remembered his dream.

The darkness, the flames, the smoke and the fiery eyes came back clearly to his mind. What he once considered a bad dream he now believed was a vision.  A vision, he realized, that revealed not only what would happen, but also what he would do.

"Do not move," Dunen told Geerob as he dropped him.

Quickly he grabbed the tribesman's bow and arrows.

The beast turned its massive body toward Dunen. Dunen slowly and defiantly walked towards the middle of the square and away from his fallen friend, unwilling to endanger him in his effort.

The beast watched him and followed slowly, impressed by the fearless little creature but then pounced after him and prepared to belch its flaming gas.

Fitting an arrow to the bow, Dunen halted abruptly and turned to face the beast. Aiming his arrow at the approaching creature, Dunen prayed for God's help.

As the beast bent low its head and shot forth its flaming gas, Dunen let loose the arrow and saw it disappear into the cloud of fire that came toward him.

Instantly he dived aside, but the wave of fire struck his legs.

As he hit the ground, he heard the beast screech a tremendous cry that shook the air around him and deafened his hearing.

Pain shot through his legs as his clothes were aflame. Dunen quickly rolled around on the ground to extinguish the fire.

The creature roared in a long stream of agony, swinging its head in the air. With its forepaws, it unsuccessfully scratched its face to remove the arrow that jutted out from its eye.

After a short struggle, the beast fell and shook the ground with its tremendous weight. It convulsed violently in its death throes.

Dunen, who lay on the ground not far away from the dying beast, was able to put out the fire that burned his trousers, but now felt the searing pain of his scorched legs.

Suddenly, the screech of the winged creature blasted nearby. As he looked for its whereabouts, a gust of wind struck him from above and sent loose dirt flying all around.

Shielding his face from the cloud of dirt, Dunen did not see the huge foot that crashed on him and then grab him with a crushing grip, almost squeezing the air out of him.

Before he could understand what had happened, he felt lifted into the air and immediately knew by the gusts of wind and the sound of flapping wings that the Pelok had grabbed him and was carrying him away.

Opening his eyes, he looked at the receding square and saw the Leviathan squirming on the ground and his soldiers looking up with shock as they helplessly watched their king taken away.

"Dunen!" shouted Tharan with great anguish as he watched the giant bird with its dark rider sweep down on him and take him away into the night.

"Menfre! We must do something," he shouted at the captain who watched the scene with dread and fear.

"He flies to the palace!" exclaimed Danar as he pointed at the bird.

"Gather the soldiers. We must go to the palace," Tharan ordered.

"Aye, my lord." Menfre answered and sprinted off to execute his command.

Bilob ran across the square to where Geerob lay injured.

"Geerob! Brother of mine!" exclaimed Bilob sorrowfully, tears coming to his eyes.

Geerob opened his eyes to look at his friend and gave him a weak smile, his face contorted with pain by the burning.

Patches of his clothes were burned through, revealing charred flesh.

"It burns," he could only say as he clenched his teeth in pain.

"Be strong Geerob, we will take care of you," Bilob told him.

Manru came running to their side and was saddened to see Geerob injured. "How is he?"

"In great pain," Bilob told him. "Stay with him. I must be by Tharan's side; it is Dunen's wish," Bilob said regretfully.

"Go! I will take care of him," Manru told him.

Gripping Geerob's shoulder, Bilob said, "Be strong, brother."

Bilob then left his friends and went to Tharan's side, as the Terandian army gathered to race to the palace of Dernak.

Once Dunen realized that the bird's flight would bring him to the palace, he knew he would have to escape before it reached its destination.

The bird's grip hurt him as it squeezed his armor against his body.

Searching for a way of escape, he was relieved to see the bird flying fairly close to the rooftops, enabling him to escape with a short fall, if he had the chance. Glancing at the powerful leg that held him, he knew he could not wrench free by his own strength.

At once, he thought of his sword. Looking at his scabbard, he was relieved to find it still with him. Reaching with his left hand, he pulled on the sword, but it would not come free. The bird's grip held the scabbard tightly against his body.

With only seconds before they reached the palace, Dunen pulled with all his might. Slowly the sword inched out until it finally came free with a jerk that almost made Dunen drop it.

Just as the bird came over the palace, Dunen struck at the bird's thick leg with the blade.

The bird screeched and simultaneously pitched him away.

Thrown away, he fell backwards and prepared himself for a hard landing. Instead, Dunen crashed into a tree. The branches broke his fall but poked at him as he thrashed through it until he stopped, sprawled out on a limb.

Lying still on his back for a moment, he breathed a sigh of relief and thanked God for the safe landing. Through the branches, Dunen could see the stars twinkle peacefully, undisturbed by the great events that transpired below them.

The pain from his scorched leg came to his attention, but now also the scratches and cuts from the fall.

Although hurt, he was thankful for being alive. Just then, Dunen heard the sound of a crack. He froze and held his breath, listening attentively for the sound again.

When the crack came again, he wondered what it was, but just as he recognized the sound, it was too late. The limb that held him gave way to his weight and Dunen fell out of the tree landing him hard on the ground.

The fall knocked the wind out of him. He groaned as he lay on the ground, upset by the new painful bruises.

As he got up with great difficulty, he realized that he no longer had his sword in his hand.

As he looked around for the sword, he soon discovered he was in a large garden. For a moment, he stood amazed at the thought of a garden on the roof of a palace.

Returning to his search, he spotted his sword not far away. He quickly retrieved it, groaning as he moved his wounded body.

With his sword back in his possession, he felt safer, but alone with no friends to help him. Looking carefully at the blade, he was thankful for it.

Examining the garden, he saw two doorways that led into the Dernak palace. The rider of the Pelok must have already given the alarm of his escape and whereabouts, so Dunen knew he must move quickly.

Almost certain that Ernum was not far away, Dunen's anger began to rise, wanting revenge on him that caused so much death and pain.

Tunob's horrible death also came to his thoughts, igniting his hatred even more.

Gripping his sword tightly, Dunen forgot his pains as he thirsted to find and kill Ernum.

Sounds now came to his attention.

Growing by the second, it came from outside the palace. He then recognized the shouting of men.

Walking to the small stone wall that fenced the garden from the edge of the roof, he looked down into the palace front square.

Below, three rows of Dernak soldiers stood in array. Like statues, motionless and quiet, they stood in defense of their master's palace.

Down the main street that linked the palace to the main gates, Dunen saw his army running to assault the palace.

In moments, the square exploded in the sounds of shouting men and clashing steel. Dunen was encouraged to see his people come to his aid.

"Dunen!"

He heard his name coming from behind him and in a flash he whirled around, his sword snapped up and ready to defend.

At the farther end of the garden, Ernum walked the path towards him, his sword in his hand. The tall slender king wore dark green armor with brown leggings and sleeves.

At the sight of his enemy, Dunen's anger rose even more. His hatred welled up within him, wishing now to see him dead.

"Welcome king Dunen," Ernum said casually as he fearlessly strolled to only a few feet away. "I must be honest. I would have never believed you to be a difficult opponent. But we sometimes learn from the most humble creatures," he said and gave a forced smile. "That was my mistake. Yours is daring to stand before me."

"This is one mistake, I am glad I made," Dunen answered with glaring eyes.

"That remains to be seen, but I am happy you came," he responded with a smile.

Dunen prepared himself and while flinching from the pain in his legs, he moved towards Ernum.

"I see you have met my pet," Ernum said as he eyed his burned trousers and bleeding legs, "and survived."

With a grunt, Dunen struck first and Ernum parried.

With an evil glint in his eye, Ernum blocked Dunen's blows and struck back.

Filled with hatred, Dunen struck violently and wildly, wishing only to cut Ernum into pieces.

In his maddened fervor, he acted recklessly but soon his training warned him of his dangerous actions.

Coming to his senses, he halted his onslaught and backed away from Ernum, taking the time to reconsider his strategy.

As Dunen stood watching Ernum, he panted for air and felt disoriented. Ernum watched him with a smirk but remained cautious.

Dunen tried to regain his composure and focus.

Ernum then launched an attack and Dunen returned his attention to the duel. Fending him off, Dunen gave way as Ernum brought a strong offensive.

Stepping away, Dunen tripped on the trimmings along the path and fell to the ground.

"Be careful where you step. I do not want you to get hurt," Ernum said mockingly and then struck down.

Dunen rolled away and with some effort got to his feet in time to block several blows.

Angered by Ernum's remarks, and from his careless fall, he struck forward, pushing Ernum away. With a surge of hate returning, he slashed at his opponent and sent wild blows.

After a long, tiresome and fruitless assault, Ernum stabbed at Dunen's left side, piercing between the armor, giving him a small wound.

Dunen flinched at the cut and struck Ernum's sword away as he withdrew. Blood began to flow down his side as he looked at the wound.

"Your father was a fool you know. He underestimated my wisdom and strength," Ernum said maliciously as he drew closer. "You, on the other hand, have done better, and only from my errors. Be certain of this, I do not make the same mistakes twice."

Dunen backed away, panting with exhaustion. The wound to his side began to hurt and added to his struggle.

Weakening from his injuries, he now doubted he could defeat Ernum but worse, now feared for his life. He began to pray for God's help.

Dunen quickly realized that hate and anger could not help him survive, but only through control of his emotions and the use of wisdom and experience. Yet, Dunen found it difficult to lay aside his passionate wrath.

As Ernum approached, Dunen gripped his sword and tried to compose himself. Ernum began his attack and Dunen blocked the blows while drawing away. Ernum came on again, but Dunen simply protected himself as he judged his opponent's skill.

With the pain increasing from his side and legs, Dunen tried to push them out of his mind as concentrated on his combat.

As Dunen turned away his blows, Ernum grew frustrated by his lack of success.

"I am trying my best not to disappoint you, Ernum. It would have been a shame to come all this way and fail your expectations," Dunen said sarcastically as he blocked his opponent's thrust.

Ernum responded with a fury of blows.

Dunen side stepped a swing and lightly cut a gash on Ernum's right arm. Ernum cried out and stepped away, his eyes wide with shock and hate.

Furious, Ernum struck back hard and fast, overwhelming Dunen. With a heavy swing and twirl, Ernum twisted Dunen's sword out of his hand and fell to the stone floor with a clang several paces away.

Dunen froze, shocked and helpless.

Ernum smiled triumphantly and approached Dunen.

Dunen remained motionless as he considered his death.

Ernum took his sword and stuck its point to Dunen's throat, but went no further.

His smile fading, he asked seriously, "Where is the sword of Teranda?"

At first, without thought, Dunen wanted to tell him the truth that he did not know where it was, but then realized Ernum would kill him.

"Why would I tell you?" he answered.

"Because your life is in my hands," Ernum replied as he pushed the sword more into his neck, making it bleed.

"But I alone know where it is," Dunen lied.

Ernum stared at him and became frustrated.

"Then I will find a way to make you talk," he told him menacingly.

"You think that the sword will gain you power?" Dunen asked.

"No," Ernum answered.

Dunen stared back wide-eyed, stunned by his answer.

Ernum smiled and said, "I seek immortality."

Dunen's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected revelation, leaving him completely bewildered on how the sword could bestow immortality.

Ernum noticed Dunen's confused expression and then told him, "My father, an angel of heaven, revealed the sword of Teranda to me. I will use it to defeat the guardian angel of Eden and will eat of the Tree of Life."

Dunen's doubts about the legendary sword began to fade as he questioned if the stories were true. He also wondered if the fallen angels knew for sure that it was made by the hand of God.

Suddenly, noise attracted their attention. The clanking of running soldiers echoed from one of the doorways.

Ernum realized that the Terandians had entered the palace and would soon reach the garden.

"Argh!" he growled angrily as he knew he could not stay and fight them all.

"I will get my sword," he told Dunen menacingly, and then turned and sped away.

For a brief moment, Dunen was relieved to be alive but then realized he could not let him escape.

Dunen quickly picked up his sword and raced after Ernum.

He saw Ernum enter the palace through a doorway in the garden and followed.

Dunen ran as fast as he could, forgetting as best as he could the injuries that cried for relief.

Inside the palace, he ran through a long corridor lit by torches.

At the far end, he found an open door and dashed in. Dunen entered a chamber only to see Ernum running to another door at the other end. Dunen went after him.

As Dunen reached the door that Ernum had just entered, he saw a large stairwell curving upwards and could hear Ernum's footsteps echoing as he ran up the stone steps.

Slowly Dunen climbed the stairs. Round and round the stairwell went upwards, tiring Dunen with its endless number of steps. A small breeze came down from above and Dunen suspected it led outside.

Once he reached the top and exited, Dunen stood on a large stone balcony, high above the rest of the palace.

At the far end, a Pelok rested on the stone floor with its neck stretched out as its master mounted the flying steed.

Fearing Ernum's escape, Dunen raced forward to attack.

The bird raised its head at his approach and confronted him with its great beak. It screeched at Dunen, deafening him with its loud cry.

Ernum urged the creature towards Dunen and the bird snapped at him with its beak.

Dunen swung his sword, warding it off as he retreated. As the beast's head snapped to strike again, Dunen moved aside to avoid its bite, but was not fast enough and was knocked down.

As it came again, Dunen slashed with his sword and hit the bird's beak. The bird recoiled and stepped away.

Ernum, who held the reigns, looked down at Dunen.

"I am not finished with you, Dunen. You will surely see me again and you will give me the sword," Ernum said confidently and then urged the bird away.

With its immense wings stretched out, the bird hopped off the balcony and flapped away into the night.

Dunen watched him go, angered by his escape and the failure to stop him.

He knew that Ernum would fulfill his threats. He and his city would never be safe with Ernum still alive and free.

Discouraged and exhausted, he felt trapped, never to enjoy peace without fearing for his life.

Nonetheless, he praised God for His mercy and was glad that Ernum's kingdom had ended.

He vowed to God that he would remain vigilant of the evil that slowly crept through the hearts of men.

*

Inside the gloomy throne room of the palace, Tharan, Menfre, Manru, Dorrut and Bilob, stood around the throne discussing the whereabouts of their king.

Soldiers guarded the doors and others marched in to join them as Danar organized the search for Dunen.

"He could be anywhere," said Bilob exasperated with concern.

"The bird flew in the direction of the palace," Tharan said.

"I am certain that he was brought here to Ernum," Menfre said confidently.

"Then let us join the search!" urged Bilob.

"Very well. Let us separate and join the others," Menfre ordered.

At that same moment, they all heard shouting coming from within one of the adjoining corridors.

"What is this?" Menfre asked the soldier who stood guard at the entrance.

"Our king is found!" he exclaimed happily as soon as he understood the echoes that came from within.

They immediately ran to the narrow corridor, but stopped as they saw Dunen coming, surrounded by cheering soldiers.

As he exited, Tharan jumped on him with a great embrace.

"Brother!" he shouted as he hugged him tightly with tears of joy. "We feared you dead."

"Do not hold me so hard; I have been crushed more than enough from that bird," he said sarcastically, but happy to be with his brother again.

As Tharan released him, he discovered blood on his right arm.

"Dunen, you are hurt!" he exclaimed with great concern while looking at the wound on his left side.

They all saw the scorched leggings, the charred flesh and smeared blood that oozed from the cuts and burns.

"He must be taken care of immediately," Tharan ordered.

The men feared for his life as they saw his injuries.

"I am well," he assured them.

"What of Ernum?" asked Menfre.

Dunen paused a moment, not knowing what to tell them.

"He escaped," Dunen answered.

All the men were greatly disappointed and discouraged, fearing their efforts had been in vain.

"He has been defeated!" Dunen said sharply as he eyed each of them, not wanting them to believe they had failed, "He has no more place in our regions. We have won our peace," Dunen exhorted them.

The men agreed with Dunen, but still were greatly disappointed.

"You fought him?" Bilob asked wide-eyed with awe.

Dunen nodded. His men were impressed with their king and were eager to hear what had happened.

"Your arrival scared him off," he said and then suddenly felt dizzy.

Tharan reached out and held him with Bilob on the other side.

"He is ill! We must take him away," Tharan said urgently.

"Wait!" Dunen said, forcing himself to remain strong, "Dorrut. Where is Dorrut?" he asked as he looked around.

"Here I am, my lord." Dorrut said as he came before him.

"This city I place in your charge until you give it to Sarim," Dunen commanded him.

"But, my lord, I want to stay by your side," he pleaded.

"When your task is done, you will come and serve me," Dunen told him and then gave him a comforting smile.

"As my lord wishes," he answered sadly with a bow.

Tharan and Bilob then carried him away.

Menfre turned to Dorrut and said, "Do not be dismayed, my friend. He has given you a great task. You have won his trust. This is a great honor."

Dorrut felt encouraged by his comments but still wanted more to remain with his king.

"I will accomplish my lord's bidding with all my strength," he said with determination.

"We know you will, and be of good cheer; you will not be left alone," Menfre said, gripping his shoulder.

*

His captains and friends immediately brought Dunen to the camp for care.

As soon as Loyan found Bilob, she ran to him.

"Bilob!" she cried out with tears of joy.

"Loyan," he called back.

She ran into his arms as they met.

Bilob was glad to see her and to hold her.

"I heard the beast and -," she began to say but began to cry.

"All is done and over," he soothed her and then pulled her away to look at her.

"Our friend Tunob perished by the beast," he said solemnly, holding back his grief.

"Oh, no!" she replied and cried even more over the sad news. "I am sorry for you."

"It will be difficult, for I know his family," he said sadly.

She held him again and said, "I will comfort you."

Bilob was glad to hear this and happy to know her.

Then a thought came to his mind. "I would be honored if you come and visit my family and my village, if it pleases you," Bilob asked awkwardly.

Loyan instantly forgot her sadness and tried to brush away the tears off her face.

"Yes. I would glad to visit your people," she answered shyly.

Happy she accepted his invitation, Bilob wanted to say more, instead only said, "Good. You will be welcomed."

Pulling her close, they both continued their walk, Bilob's eyes never leaving hers.

*

Before leaving Dernak, Dunen left some of his soldiers with Dorrut to hold the city while they waited for Sarim and the Muni to arrive.

After several days had passed, Dunen and his army entered Teranda in a triumphant celebration.

The whole city cheered their victorious and mighty king and became jubilant to see Tharan once again.

On the steps of the royal palace, Marani and his mother eagerly awaited them.

Once they arrived, Marani embraced Dunen with all her might and Elena broke into tears of joy to have both of her sons in her arms again.

The great joy that filled the city lasted many days and would never be forgotten.

A time of mourning followed as they remembered their fallen friends. Many songs were written as they recounted the battles and the bravery. Banners were also made of the great events and hung in the great throne room.

Bilob brought Loyan to visit his village and it was not long before he asked her to be his wife. Loyan accepted and they were soon married with a great feast in Maarkaat that brought King Dunen and his family with many of the royal court. Great was the rejoicing that all those in the region of Soloneb heard of it.

After those day, Dunen commanded a great feast and invited all his friends from Elnoren and Sousenden.

King Ceril of Sandinor and his parents came to honor Dunen bringing many precious gifts.

Sarim of the Muni who became King of Dernak also came and brought Dorrut with him.

Dunen was glad to see him and made him captain of his guard.

To the surprise of all, Zuruk of Daouk also came and honored Dunen with precious stones of the mountains.

Celkob, chief of Maarkaat was also amongst them. Great rejoicing and praises were given to their Creator who blessed their souls with life and salvation to them that called on His name.

To Dunen's great honor, Nerinee the prophet appeared and blessed him and all those who worshipped the one true God, exhorting them all to be faithful with many words.

He also made a great burn offering to God with praises and thanksgiving for His mercies.

Many gifts of great worth and curious work were given to the brave king of Teranda, and his story told and retold in those days and the many years that followed.

His fame went throughout the lands and was given many noble names, but all called him Dragon Slayer.

Throughout the regions of Sousenden and Elnoren, peace finally settled for many years.

Peoples from both regions and beyond came to see and hear the tales of the king that slew the Leviathan and fought the great bird of the skies and vanquished the dreaded Targots.

To God was the glory given in all that Dunen had done and would still do.

# Chapter 9

# The Queen's Choice

Many have wondered how Queen Elena allowed Marani to stand before the King and present herself as a noble lady on that great royal day.

This is how it has been told in times past by many witnesses.

Mandara scurried across the village square of Maarkaat. The other villagers saw her disturbed face as she approached Celkob's hut. The guard who stood at his door recognized her and knew that something was wrong.

"Mandara," the guard called to her.

"I must see Celkob," she said anxiously.

The guard knew well not to question her. "I will ask permission," he told her and entered the hut. A moment later he exited and held the thick rugs open for her.

Without hesitation she walked into the hut.

Celkob was alone and sat cross-legged on pillows. He was calm and watched Mandara quickly come and stand before him and then, as if having no strength, she dropped to her knees and, lowering her face to the ground, she began to sob.

Celkob breathed a sigh of sadness.

"I heard the news and I am sorry for Marani," he said softly and compassionately.

Mandara jerked up her head and said, "You can do something. He will hear you. You are dear friends!"

"Bilob is closer to Dunen than I, and it would avail nothing. These are the customs of the city. I have no power in these matters.  It would be disrespectful for me to interfere."

Mandara already knew this and felt there was no more hope.

"But I will give you my wisdom in this matter," Celkob added.

Mandara's eyes widened with interest.

"Dunen will not disobey his mother. He will certainly obey her wishes. Then I say, Marani must go and convince the queen of her love."

"The queen! How?" Mandara asked.

"She must go to Teranda and speak with her."

"This is forbidden. Common folk have no right to see the queen! And what will she say to the queen if the Lord by His great mercy allowed it?"

"She must speak with her heart and trust that God will open the queen's eyes," Celkob answered.

Mandara considered his words and realized there was no other way.

"I will tell her," she told him, nodding her agreement.

"My prayers will call upon our Creator for Marani and I hope He will fulfil her desire," Celkob told her with a comforting smile.

Mandara wiped her tears and returned his smile, "Thank you Celkob."

"I will send my guards with her."

Mandara got up.

"The will of our God be done," Celkob reminded her.

She nodded humbly and left.

After a day and a half of hard riding, Marani and five of Celkob's best men arrived at Teranda.

At the city's main gates, Terandian guards carefully questioned all who entered.

As the villagers entered the city and led their horses up the streets, the people watched them go by with curiosity.

Although after the great battle Soloneb villagers were now common in the city of Teranda, and many joined the army's ranks to strengthen it, some Terandians still disliked their presence and the tribal women who were rarely seen.

Marani's confidence wavered as she looked at the beautiful buildings and great works of art and wondered how she could impress anyone in this city. Worst of all, she felt unattractive when she saw the women of Teranda dressed in their beautiful garments. She now wondered if Dunen would still be interested in her or did his heart return to his city and the beautiful princesses.

But she forced her doubts away as her heart yearning to see him again, gave her courage.

The royal palace now came into view. Its marble walls and pillars, glittering in the sun, took her breath away. As she looked on, they arrived at the gates of the palace.

Palace guards approached them.

"What is your business here?" one soldier asked as he eyed her and the five village guards.

"This woman is called Marani, sister to Bilob your captain. She wishes to see him," one of the men answered.

The soldier's eyes widened with interest as he considered her.

"Very well. I will inform him. You can keep your horses in the stables," he quickly responded and immediately departed.

They guided their horses towards some empty stables.

After they dismounted and waited for some time, Bilob came across the gates at a brisk walk, followed by two of his personal guards.

Many people, small and great, scurried out of his path, for reason of being trampled by his great size or the respect owed by his well-known friendship with the king.

Marani and the villagers were also a little surprised to see him dressed in the garments of a city official.

With a disturbed stare, Bilob came abruptly before her and said, "What are you doing here?"

"I need your help," she said.

"If this concerns Dunen, I told you I cannot-," Bilob noticed some people were listening. "Come with me," he said as he grabbed his sister's arm with his large hand and brought her into one of the stables.

"You will do what I say. I want to speak to the Queen," Marani demanded firmly.

Bilob looked stunned.

"The queen! Have you gone mad, sister?" he burst out.

"Brother, please. I must try! Just tell me where she is and I will do the rest. Please, I beg of you," she pleaded.

"You are not allowed to speak to the queen," he told her, but felt nervous not knowing what to say and not willing to discourage her.

"I must or I will die!" she said almost coming to tears.

Bilob never liked seeing his sister cry and his heart ached to see her unhappy.

"What can you say to the queen?" he asked her with doubt.

"I will find the words," she answered, trying to hide her lack of confidence.

Bilob sighed and looked at his sister. He took her face with his great big hands and, while looking at her attentively, he remembered certain joyful childhood memories and then he smiled.

"Should I have expected less from you? Hmm! I am a fool, but I will do this for you. I cannot bear to see you sad, little one. Nor do I wish to see mother angry with me," he told her with a smirk.

She smiled and they gave each other a great hug.

"The God of our fathers be with you," he blessed her and then led her out.

"You will remain here," Bilob commanded his sister's guard as he took his sister to the palace.

Marani followed behind her huge brother into the palace.

Hurriedly they passed through the great corridors of the palace. Soldiers, servants and visitors were in all the halls and rooms.

Many were in great discussions, some speaking calmly and others fervently. Marani, for a moment, wished she should could stop and listen to what they spoke of or look at the beautiful paintings, rugs, vases and many other things that embellished the palace, but this was not the time.

Suddenly, Bilob turned a corner and came to a wide set of marbled stairs.

He ordered his men to stay and then led her up. The staircase walls were carved with every sort of trees and flowers, all in their true colors.

Stunned by the beauty, she almost tripped over the steps. Catching her step, she focused her attention on her lumbering brother.

Arriving on the next floor, Bilob stopped.

"She is in the garden," he whispered nervously.

Marani noticed that they had reached a small open area. At the other end, a small marble banister and two large pillars gave way to a large garden. Marani could smell the pleasant perfume of flowers and musky grass. The trees, bushes and flowers were all arranged together, with a small path made of stones winding through.

Marani had never seen such beauty before and stood transfixed until her brother caught her attention.

"Marani! You must stay here. I must find her guards," he told her and, without waiting for her response, he walked down an adjoining corridor.

As she watched him go, she began to feel nervous. She turned her gaze back to the garden. Seeing the trees and bushes made her feel more comfortable. Being raised in forests, the garden gave her confidence.

Calmly she walked into the garden. It was not long before she heard steps and two soldiers appeared on the path.

The soldiers halted in surprise.

"Halt!" one ordered and, within an instant, their swords were out of their sheaths and glistening.

Marani froze not knowing what to do or say.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" a guard asked as they moved closer and on either side of her.

"I - I came to see the queen," she stuttered as she began to grow nervous and threatened by their approach.

"Who let you in?" the other asked, as they considered her garments and guessed she was not from the city.

Marani hesitated to answer, not willing to get her brother in trouble.

While she wondered what to say, the guards moved closer and became even more suspicious. One guard, being close enough, decided to grab her.

As the guard went for her, Marani panicked and sprung in defence. She pushed back the guard's stretched out arm and blocked the sword moving toward her. She swiftly dropped her stance and kicked the guard's legs under him. With a great thug, the guard landed on his back, his helmet popping off his head at it struck the floor.

The other guard struck forward with his sword, but Marani quickly dodged forward, deflected his sword arm and struck the guard hard in the face with her palm.

Stunned for a moment, Marani then slammed her elbow into his chest. As he was convulsed by the hit, she gripped his arm and twisted the sword out of his hand. Once the guard regained his posture, Marani stood before him with his sword pointing to his neck.

"Stop!" a female voice rang out.

Marani and the guards looked into the garden to see Queen Elena standing in the path, the sun's light beaming down from behind her.

For a moment, Marani didn't recognize who she was, her heart pounding with fear.

Once she realized who it was, she backed away from the guard and dropped the sword. Instantly, she fell to her knees and bowed.

"My lady, please forgive me!" she cried out.

The two guards quickly moved to pounce on Marani.

"Stop, I said," Elena commanded.

The soldiers halted their advance.

"My lady, she is an intruder," one soldier said.

The other guard was already on his feet and ready to attack.

"Be still," she said as she approached.

"My lady, it is not wise-," the other soldier said as he placed himself between Marani and the Queen.

Elena stopped and looked at Marani who still kept her face to the ground.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"I am Marani, sister to Bilob, daughter of Mandara of the tribe of Maarkaat," Marani quickly said with her voice shaking.

The guards' eyes widened with surprise.

Elena turned to one of her guards.

"Summon Bilob and bring him here."

The guard for a brief moment hesitated, not willing to leave the queen alone with a dangerous aggressor.

"Go!" she commanded with a stern glare, and he unwillingly left.

"You can get up now," she told her.

Marani got up with her head still bowed and troubled.

"Forgive me my queen. I did not wish to hurt anyone."

"You hurt only their pride it seems," Elena said as she looked on her guard's angry face which quickly turned to embarrassment at her mocking.

"What are you doing here?" Elena asked.

"I wanted to speak with you," she answered.

"With me?" she asked as she considered for a moment. "Come," Elena ordered her as she turned and walked to a large beautifully decorated bench.

"My lady!" the guard exclaimed.

"I will be safe," she told him.

Hesitantly, Marani followed and cringed as she walked by the glaring eyes of the guard, his sword still out and following her threateningly.

Marani stopped at the chair as the queen sat.

The queen looked up at her, wondering why she didn't sit down. "Sit," she told her.

"Yes, my queen," Marani said nervously as she sat beside her while keeping herself the farthest possible from touching the queen without falling off the chair.

Queen Elena examined Marani carefully and now understood why her son was interested in her. Marani turned her eyes away from her scrutiny.

"Speak your heart," Elena asked.

Marani felt lost for a moment, almost forgetting why she was there. Then as she considered her words, she felt weak and unsure. "I-I came for-for Dunen," she could only say with great apprehension.

"You love him," the queen said bluntly.

Marani's heart skipped at the words and she blushed instantly.

"You know well that a Terandian king can only wed a lady of a city lord," she reminded her.

Marani could only nod as she kept her eyes away from the queen and became dismayed at her words.

"And yet you came," she added as she considered her.

For a long moment, the queen said nothing and Marani grew even more nervous and dismayed.

"But we are in troubling times. I myself am fearful of our future and the future of our children," the queen said somberly.

"In a way, I was hoping you would come," she told her with a delicate smile.

Marani looked at the queen with surprise.

"In olden days I would never have let a tribal woman approach me, but times have changed. My son is everything to me. He is a great gift from our God. As a mother, I wish his happiness and as a queen, I seek his safety. I believe you can give him both of these things."

Marani's eyes widened with astonishment and remained speechless, her heart racing now with hopeful joy.

"I know of no Terandian woman who can fight so fiercely, with such courage, even to best men of my royal guard!" she said with great respect. "I have no doubts in my heart that you are capable of protecting my son and his children with your life and with all your strength. This is my greatest desire for him and I could not dare ask anything more of a wife."

Marani covered her face and burst into tears with joy.

Queen Elena moved closer and caressed her.

"Understand, Marani, I can only give him my consent. He must choose what is best for himself and for his people."

Marani nodded, "Yes, my queen."

"He has spoken of you," she said to comfort her.

"He has?" her heart skipped with hope.

"Yes. I could see you in his eyes and in his heart."

Joy flooded into Marani's heart, giving her courage and confidence.

"Be of good cheer, I will make the arrangements for your visit. My son cannot hear a word of this, you understand?"

"Yes," she nodded as she wiped away her tears.

"Your people's debt toward us has been paid. My grandfather Teranda would be proud of your tribe and how you came to our help in our greatest need," she said humbly. "It is a great honor for us that your people have drawn closer and now have become friends, even brothers and sisters in our God. Blessed is our unity."

"We also rejoice and give thanks for your grandfather's faith and love."

Elena was touched by her praise.

"Now," she said becoming serious again, "you must leave until I call you," she told her as she got up and Marani followed. "There are spies everywhere and they must not know of your presence."

"Evil men of Dernak?" she asked with concern.

"No! Women of Teranda," she said with a smirk and Marani held back her laugh.

The queen, seeing her giggle, laughed also and both women stood laughing for a moment.

The noise of running footsteps broke their merriment. Down the path came the royal guard with Bilob at the head.

They all stopped abruptly as they saw the women with smiling faces.

Bilob bowed, "Forgive me my lady. I am to blame for my sister's unrequested presence."

"As you should be," Elena said sternly, giving Marani a wink. "But all is forgiven and turned to good."

The queen led Marani to the men.

"I give you an order Bilob."

"Command me as you will my lady," Bilob quickly replied humbly.

"Marani must be watched and protected till the day of the king's celebration. Is this understood?"

"Yes, my Lady." Bilob promised his eyes wide-eyed in amazement.

"Furthermore, her visit here must be kept from the king."

Bilob and her guards were stunned by her request.

"My Lady! You cannot ask us-," one of the guards began to argue.

"I will be responsible for this request. You will do as I say," Elena demanded sternly.

The men reluctantly nodded and feared the consequences if the king would find out.

As she turned to Marani, her features softened.

"Farewell sweet child. The Lord God Creator bless you and keep you till we see each other again."

"Thank you my queen. May our God shine His favor upon you for your great kindness."

With this, Marani bowed and was escorted away by Bilob.

Elena fondly watched her leave while the guards stood and wondered if they looked upon the future queen of Teranda.
