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A FISTFUL OF DRAGONS Part 2 Here we go part two of Yedda and Cyrena's adventures. Again I apologise for the length of time taken to get it out, but you have to admit I tend to give you decent size hunks. Anyway I am honestly trying to concentrate on this one and Kingdom of the Blind, the other four I have on the go just keep distracting me from them occasionally. Thanks should go out to Lynn from all who read this and enjoy it, for it is her efforts that translates 'Hypatia English' into a language the rest of the world recognises as English (She also thinks up some of the better bits, so much more than a proof-reader?more my surrogate brain). Hypatia [email protected] My father use to say, 'The fate of the kingdom depends on the strength of the king'. The time that my kingdom had been without a king had been disastrous. While I had been distracted by my personal problems, the forces of Silvinas did not stand idle. They were sweeping away all but the heaviest defended cities. Berlin now stood alone, an island in a sea of destruction. The enemy's forces were so great and the pillage so terrible that the western lords were refusing to release troops to aid the besieged eastern provinces due to their fear for their own homes and families. At the moment the only thing that stopped the masses from being at my door was the fact that Berlin still held. For two weeks after the battle it had been quiet. Then the dark forces returned. Now they were camped outside the cities defensive wall. Why they were waiting was unknown, but I was grateful that so far they had made no effort to attack again. "What sort of forces are massed against us Henri?" I asked as I stood there looking at the bleak picture displayed by the map. "At best guess we are facing over two million. It will be weeks before they all converge on Berlin though. That is just a guess and the situation amongst their forces is dynamic. There is no love between the races and fear is the one thing that binds them together," Henri answered "And the source of that fear that holds them is Silvinas" I said and Henri nodded. "Can we fight them and win?" I asked. "Hold them for a while, possibly, win?I can see no way to defeat them," Henri answered. "Then we need help and we need to take out Silvinas. With Silvinas out of the picture we can win, with help we may survive," I said thinking about it for a while. "Is it known where Silvinas is?" I asked Henri. "No, we have heard nothing of him," Henri said. "So for the moment we must defend until we know where he is holed up," I said thinking about how we could defend against such a force. "We need to call all the forces in the west. We need to stop them somewhere between here and Berlin," I said looking at the map carefully. "The lords of the west have not responded to the call. The Archdukes have tried to raise the troops but each of the beholden lords is worried about what will happens when this force reaches their lands," Henri answered. "Well, we are going to have to change their minds," I said firmly. "They have had the pleasure of their lands and position for many generations, now is the time for them to pay for that pleasure and easy life." "How Your Highness?" Henri said. "I am going to have to go and have a few words with some people," I said quietly as I thought about it. "What about the Dwarves and the Elves?" "The Dwarves will probably come, as we are a market for them to trade. The Elves are another matter, I have heard of no dealings with them for at least five hundred years. Their borders remain closed," Henri said as he pointed to the areas outside my kingdom. "Do we know why the Elves have been silent?" I asked him. "No, the events are too long ago for us to be able to be sure," Henri reluctantly admitted. "Well let us go and ask the one creature here that knows those times," I said heading out of what was now known as the war room. Malick was still with Yedda as we returned and Yedda appeared to be teaching Dean Malick one of her songs. "Ah, your highness, Yedda here has been teaching me about the old times," Malick said happily. "One of their greatest tales is that of a ship, The Venus, which had a rather strange design for a mast. Though as yet I have not been able to ascertain why this Good Ship Venus is so famous, as the crew seems to have spent most of the time in the rigging, because there was nothing else to do." "Maybe that was the wrong one to start you with," Yedda said to the man. "You seemed to have missed the point of the song totally. I do know one about a young woman from Glamorgan who was rather hairy and very large in some areas.." "Must be some goblin or ogre in the family," I said helpfully eliciting a deep rumble from Yedda. "Don't you start that again," she said. "Start what?" I said confused. "Never mind, give me time and I will corrupt you," she said. "What can I do for you?" "What do you know of the elves' self-imposed isolation?" I asked. "Weird fuckers, you don't want to play with those kiddies," Yedda said with a shudder. "I have no choice in the matter. I need the help of the Dwarves and the Elves if I hope to save my people," I explained to her. "The Dwarves yes, they are good people. No sense of humour though, but they will help you. The Elves you don't want to have anything to do with. Have you thought about contacting the Drow?" Yedda suggested. "The last treaty we have with the Elfin Elfinnation is that we will not have contact with or offer sanctuary for any Drow" Henri said. "The Dark Elves were seen in The Kingdom before the first attack on Berlin," I said wondering why Yedda would suggest an alliance with the Drow. "Of course they were seen in The Kingdom, they were running for their lives. Would you like to have your families directly in the path of those forces?" Yedda said firmly. "No," I admitted, "but the treaty we have is with the Elves. I need to speak to them first before I break a treaty that has been in effect for five hundred years. But no action is to be taken against The Drow and assistance is to be provided for these refugees immediately" "Are you sure that is wise Your Highness?" Henri asked. "If they are here to escape the army that has come sweeping down across the east then I have no quarrel with them. If they prove to be hostile then we can soon change our policy, but if they are here with children and families they are not looking for battle, they are looking for help," I told him and he nodded and went to make arrangements. "Good for you," Yedda said. "You have made the right decision. Now lets try this one Malick. It is an old drinking song from my time and use to be very popular amongst those who played rugby." "Rugby, a game involving hitting people with a sheep's bladder?" Malick asked. "Yes, that's sort of the game," Yedda said and I walked off leaving them to their songs. "There was a young woman from Glamorgan, with tits like a barrel organ and the hairs on her dickey dido went down to her knee," Yedda sang. "What exactly is a dickey dido?" interrupted Malick at this point and there was a deep rumble, a whoosh and a shout of panic from one of the guards on the wall. I walked to the stable office and found Michael in there sitting down with some food. "Sorry Ma'am," he said standing up with a guilty look on his face. "Michael sit down an relax. One thing that no one will ever say about you is that you neglected your duties for your own needs," I told him and he uncomfortably sat down again. "What can I do for you Ma'am?" he asked. "First thing is you can drop this Ma'am stuff and don't even think about saying Your Highness," I said firmly "Cyrena will do for the moment." "But Ma'am," he protested. "Look even with father you used his name in private, I am still the person who shovelled shit with you," I said and he smiled. "Good, It is just a little difficult to associate you with that boy," he answered. "I know I look different?" he interrupted me before I could finish. "No, it is not the change in how you look that I am talking about," he said. "The change started the day you bested The Marquis of Scunthorpe. By the time we rode to Berlin you were a warrior and by the end of the day a Great King. That is why I call you Ma'am and Your Highness. You have earned my respect." "Thank you, but for now I need your expertise and advice," I told him. "I need to get to the Dwarves and the Elves as fast as possible. I also need to call on as many minor fiefdoms on the way to start to raise an army." "I can send men out tonight," Michael said. "No, I need to go," I said firmly and a frown appeared on his face. "I do not think that is wise, Cyrena" he said. "I have to be the one to contact the Elves, even the old stories say that it was only royalty that the elves would talk to. If we are to stand any chance of enlisting their help it needs to be me," I told him. "Then I go too," he said firmly. "I was hoping you would," I said with a smile. "I could not let you ride into danger without me," he said gently, "though I wish you would stay here." "I cannot, my presence is needed. Can you make the arrangements and work out our route. We need to visit the key points for getting the most men after we have the Dwarves and the Elves" I said. "A fast run to the border, then a meandering path back here. I will arrange it," he said. "When do we leave?" "Tomorrow," I answered. "Fine, though before you go, I want you outfitted with plate and Jimmy to approve of your sword work. I will not be going and neither will you without his approval," Michael said firmly. "Yes Michael," I said meekly. "That didn't work on me when Clifford tried it and I do not intend to let it influence me now," he said with a stern look that melted. "Though it is more difficult now. Go and see James and I will sort it out." The office of Sword Master James was not a place I ever enjoyed visiting. Michael's world was strict and disciplined, but beneath that discipline was always room for enjoyment and light heartedness. James considered his profession to be death, which left little room for jollity. He had very little time for people who hadn't faced battle, unless it was in making them ready for battle. He did have his lighter moments but never while on duty. I had been terrified of him for many years and I was still uneasy with him when he was on duty. I did not relish telling him my plans. Outside his office a man was waiting at attention, the door was closed and from inside could be heard the sound of James shouting. I knocked on the door and waited, out of habit. "Yes what?" came a voice angry at the interruption and I entered. "I need some of your time I am afraid James," I said looking around the room to see the guard from the night before rigidly at attention. "Go now and I will continue this later," James told him and even before the man left James had his attention on me. "Your Highness, what can I do for you?" he asked. "A few things, but just for my own information, not to try and usurp your authority, why was that man in here?" I asked. James smiled at this and paused for a moment. "Last night that man was on guard when you left. That itself was no fault of his, you left at night under a decent cover story. But when I went to ask him, 'had he seen you leave?" He and his friend were discussing the girl they were still waiting to come back. Then, they tried to fob me off with the fact that it was you who was interested in him and the fact that you had not saddled your mount properly," James said still smiling. "Yes, well it wasn't quite like that," I admitted. "Yes, well I have just been explaining that gate duty is not an excuse to force your attentions on the ladies of the city. That is not acceptable with any men under my command," James said. "Fair enough," I said, as I was not willing to see the man punished for my escape, this though was a different matter. "What can I do for you then?" He asked. "Well, I need some sword work in this body to accustom myself to the changes and I need armour," I said to him. "We can do both of those things without any real problems," he said. "For tomorrow," I said and a look of surprise washed across his face. "Why?" he asked bluntly. "Because tomorrow, when I go and leave my city and kingdom in your hands, I want to be ready. We need the Dwarves, the Elves and our men here. With those we may survive long enough to figure out a way to win." "Ma'am, are you ready for this?" James asked. "That is what I need to know. Come on let's practice for a while," I said. Near where Yedda was now in conversation with a number of people, I drew my sword and faced off against James. The initial moves were simple parrying of James's weapon and after a few blows my arm was sore. "No Cyrena," James said stopping mid swing, "You do not have the muscle to just trade blows. You cannot hope to win a slogging match against a bigger opponent. What are your assets now?" "Get your tits out," shouted Yedda, "that should give you an advantage" I turned and glared at her for a while. "Sorry. I've never had any boobs and the feminine touch in a dragon isn't exactly what is expected as a human," she apologised. "Size, speed and manoeuvrability," I said turning back to James. "Exactly, use them. But most importantly use your brain," he raised his sword again and this time I didn't accept the offer to trade blows and hung back, a lunge and I was on my rear looking up at him. "Come on think what you are doing," he said angrily as he helped me up. The next exchange I got close. An hour of this had me dead on my feet. James called a halt. "Look you still have the skills there and you are using your brain," he said as he helped me up again, "But until you get use to using that body with your old skills you are vulnerable." My face fell at this and he was suddenly at my side a hand on my shoulder. "Look, what I am saying is that on the battlefield now, you would probably survive if you were careful. If you tried any of the things that you did last time, you're dead," he said. "Run when I can and only fight when I have to," I suggested. "That is it for the moment but as time passes you will get better," he assured me. "But I am so bloody small," I said thrusting my blade back into it's scabbard. "No. Never equate size with ability. If you make that mistake you will be dead," James shouted at me. "Yes, Sword Master," I said. "With whom are you heading out?" James asked. "Michael and some of his picked men," I said. "You should be safe then," James said. "Wait a moment, Just wait a moment," Yedda said approaching us. "You just said you were going on a trip and you haven't invited me?" "I didn't want to drag you along," I told to her. "We are going to try to raise the Dwarves and the Elves before getting our own men off their bums." "I have three reasons to come with you," Yedda said. "Firstly your good fun, secondly the Dwarves are even more fun. Finally and most importantly, if you think I am letting you anywhere near those sick fucks of the Elves without me, then you have another think coming!" "What have you against the Elves?" I asked. "A lot!" she answered and couldn't be made to say more. "What do I do about armour?" I asked James. "Kevin can modify some plate for you in a short time," James said. "What about the composite plate," Yedda asked. "We do not have the skills to work it," I said. "It's easy to work if you have a hot enough flame," Yedda answered. "We don't have anything hotter than a forge," James said. "You do now," Yedda said happily. Within moments a discussion had sprung up between James, Michael and Kevin about the best way to modify the plate. Gwinn, Malick and the men and women he had brought in were soon involved also. Yedda and I just stood there watching the discussions get more and more heated as Gwinn did not like the designs that were being proposed. "She is a queen!" she shouted loudly. "If you think I am letting her go anywhere looking like that, you are mistaken James. What size do you think she is going to be?" "Well she needs room to grow into the armour," James said "Look if she gets bigger, you modify it again. But with those stuck out before her she will look stupid. She is a small girl and will likely stay the same sort proportions she is now," Gwinn said. "How do you know?" James asked. "How do I know? You ask me how do I know Jimmy?" How long have you had breasts? We all know you have something big, that's how you got the name Jimmy The Lance, not for your fighting skills. But breasts I think are something beyond your understanding!" Gwinn shouted at him. "Oooh, they are getting all worked up aren't they," Yedda whispered to me. "Just look at her! What are you expecting her to grow overnight?" Gwinn said and suddenly all eyes were on me. I just wanted to hide. "First we need some measurements as the old ones I have will not work." Kevin said. "Fine, come on, Cyrena, lets get you measured," Gwinn said and looked around at the people standing there expectantly. "If you think I am doing this to the poor girl with an audience then you have another think coming!" Gwinn said glaring at all of them. "You there with the pen and book, I don't know your name girl, you come with us." The three of us headed into my quarters and once in there I stood there wondering what was going on. "Strip." Gwinn said and I looked at the woman who was with us, she was a few years older than me. "Come on get undressed, what is your name?" Gwinn asked the woman. "Tara," She answered. "Tara here isn't going to be shocked by your underwear," Gwinn said firmly. Standing there, I was subjected to Gwinn's ministrations with a measuring tape while Tara recorded the various measurements. "When do you leave on this little expedition?" Gwinn asked. "Tomorrow at dawn," I told her. "Haven't you even the time to wait to see what happens with Lizzie?" Gwinn asked. "No, one day delay could cost us everything. Time is of the essence and I have wasted too much," I said, feeling the guilt for my delay and the situation with Lizzie. "She will understand," Gwinn said, "and with you out of the depression that gripped you, she will be happy and proud that you are back." "What brought you out of your depression?" Tara asked. "Yedda, I think," I answered. "Yes, she is a strong personality, isn't she," Tara said. "No, it wasn't her personality, it was her story" I corrected her. "What about her story was it that made you think?" she asked. "You wouldn't be the person Malick was trying to get me to talk to?" I asked. "Well, yes," she said blushing. "You have his manner," I told her. "Thank you," she said, "though it shouldn't be strange. He is my father." "I didn't know he had a family," I said surprised. "Most of the time he doesn't realise. He is an obsessive personality, ill equipped to deal with the realities of life outside his own interests," she replied bitterly. "Men are very rarely able to deal with anything other than dressing themselves," Gwinn said, "sometimes even that is beyond them" "Father I think is in the latter. If it was not dying or ready for dissection then his interest is limited," Tara replied. I was unsure how to respond to this and kept quiet. "We need to get you someone to go with you on this trip," Gwinn said looking at Tara, "you haven't the skills or the abilities to be able to represent the kingdom as a woman before other races." "What do you mean?" I said suddenly worried. "What she means is that after a week on the road, you have to appear as the perfect lady for the dignitaries," Tara said. "I don't mind the job if you will have me." "I don't like the way this is going," I said. "Exactly, on the road with that lot and before you know it you will be acting like one of the men," Gwinn said. "Turn up before the Elves acting like that and you will get nothing. How are you with a sword Tara?" "I can cope, I'm not brilliant but I can make most people think twice about attacking me," Tara said. "Well, then we need more armour. Get stripped and let's get you measured, too." Gwinn said as if all had been decided. I meekly took the measurements down while trying not to look at the woman. Four days later we were making camp over halfway to the Dwarve's border. Yedda had been flying backwards and forwards to Des Moines with messages and information. Lizzie was alive, though Yedda wouldn't tell me anymore than that. To my utmost horror my 'Time of the month' as Gwinn called it, had started. Leather armour, with cloth shoved in my underwear was not the most comfortable way to ride. My stomach was also feeling very strange with everything that was going on. I have to admit I was glad of Tara's help and company. I couldn't have talked to Michael about this and Tara was more than willing to help. The only problem being her habit of writing down everything that happened. I was lying there in the tent that Gwinn had insisted was packed on the two horses carrying my things, talking to Tara, when the sound of Yedda returning disturbed us. "Cyrena, I need you to come with me for a while," Yedda said from outside the tent. "Where are you taking her, is there problems at home?" Michael asked. "No, nothing like that" Yedda said her voice sounding strange, "I just need her to come with me, we may be meeting some friends." "What friends? Who are they?" Michael demanded. "Look," Yedda said losing patience with Michael's attitude. "She will be safe with me. If we go marching in with fifty men armed to the teeth then accidents may happen and people will get the wrong idea. This is a sensitive situation and the two of us might just be able to secure help. I promise the two of us will be safe!" "Three of us," Tara said next to me struggling to get dressed as was I. "Fine three of us," Yedda said, "but can you hurry?" Outside, dressed in armour again, we climbed on Yedda, to my surprise and she launched herself into the air. Even through the armour I could feel Tara's fingers bruising me. After a short flight through the dark, giving me no idea of distance some lights of a camp came into view. Yedda landed well away from them. "Who are they?" I asked. "Keep your noise down. If we scare them off, they will just melt into the woods. Then it could be weeks before we find them again," Yedda whispered. "Who are they?" I asked again. "I wasn't sure at first," Yedda said, "but then I heard them singing. They remembered after eight hundred years. That's how I knew who they were from the songs I taught them" "But who are they?" I asked again. "My children, shh now, they are starting again," she said urgently. In the distance could be heard the sound of music, guitar, drum and possibly a lap harp. Not a large number of instruments but in the silence of the woods at night, they could be clearly heard. Then voices started to sing, male and female old and young. "You ask me where to begin, Am I so lost in my sin?" they sang. "It had to be this one," Yedda said her voice full of emotion. "You ask me where did I fall? I'll say I can't tell you when," the voices continued. "Who are they?" I asked as the song continued. "They are those few who I saved, those who were nearly lost," she said. "Now quiet for a while." The song continued into a second verse and I listened to the words of the song so unlike what Yedda normally sang. "My sun shall rise in the east, So shall my heart be at peace, And if your asking me when, I'll say it starts at the end. You know your will to be free, Is matched with love secretly," they continued. I was distracted at this point by Yedda rearing up on her back legs. I had to hold on tight, as did Tara behind me. "Your friend is close by your side," Yedda sang, "and speaks in far ancient tongues." The music and the voices ceased but Yedda continued alone. "A seasons wish will come true, All seasons begin with you. One world we all come from. One world we melt into one. Just hold my hand and we're there. Somehow we're going somewhere," she sang "Somehow we're going somewhere," a solo female voice echoed back the last line. Yedda dropped down and started moving forward slowly as the music started again and the song continued with just Yedda and the solo voice singing. The lights got closer as the song continued. "But if my spirit is strong," the woman sang. "I know it can't be long," Yedda replied. "No questions, I'm not alone," the solo sang. "Somehow I'll find my way home," Yedda replied and both of them kept repeating as we entered the clearing. The clearing was obviously a makeshift camp for a few hundred people, but only four could be seen. As I looked around I could see no sign of the people who were singing here just a short while ago. Just makeshift tents and cooking fires now left unattended. The song finished and the three musicians backed off into the woods. From the moment they entered they were lost to my sight, leaving just the woman. She was tall and willowy. She had to be as tall as Michael or James. Her features were beautiful but strangely angled. Her eyes were dark beneath the sharp black slashes of her eyebrows and her hair was jet black. Her ears though gave away her heritage. This was a Drow. "You may kill me if you wish but I will tell you nothing of my people. Now tell me how do you know the ancient songs?" she asked stood there alone yet proud before the huge form of Yedda. "I would never harm you, Daughter Of The Forests. Like any mother, I would never harm my children, especially when after this time you still remember the songs," Yedda said gently. "You are The Singer?" The woman asked. "I am Yedda who helped the first escape to exile," she said and the woman looked at her, for a long time. "That asks for a lot of faith for me to risk the people I am sworn to care for," she said. "Yet you do not run Daughter Of The Forests," Yedda said. "That choice as all choices since the start of our exile is for each of us alone to make. Though I do not feel threatened by you," she answered. "Well what do we do now?" Yedda asked. "Perhaps you should introduce your companions. For I believed that dragons no longer carried humans," she said and Yedda allowed the two of us to climb down. "I am Queen Cyrena of Des Moines," I said, "and this is my companion Tara of The University." "So what brings a King's woman out here dressed like that in the company of a dragon," she said scornfully. "Whom am I addressing?" I asked trying to keep my temper. "I am Millandra and I speak for my people," she said, simply. "Well Millandra, I am Cyrena Queen of Des Moines. I am no man's woman and I wear this as I did on the battlefield, now on my search for allies against the forces from the east," I told her firmly. "So the Kingdom has lost its king and the queen now runs around in desperation trying to save her kingdom," she answered. "No, I'll find troops to hold till Silvinas reveals himself and Shakwell and I can destroy him. With Silvinas, dead victory is assured," I said. "What make you think that you would survive a second against The Bastard and his forces?" She asked. "I have seen him as close as we are now," I said to her. "I have fought by Shakwell's side killing ogres to protect him and I have taken a blade in my belly defending a good man who fought for me. What have you done besides run and hide?" "With one word, fifty arrows would pierce you where you stand" she said. "Come on then say the word and end this dialogue now. Then you can go back to hiding in the woods singing your songs. Right up till the point when the Ogres, Goblins and Orcs come marching through here and end all the merriment forever. I won't care, as I will be dead here or dead on the field of battle knowing that I did everything I could. What will you be doing?" I asked her. "Now children, play nicely," Yedda said behind me. "Yedda as much as I like you and value your company, never forget who and what I am," I said turning to her. "OK, look, I apologise," Yedda said, "but the two of you are just being bloody stupid." "I am a Daughter Of The Forest and representative of my people I am not being stupid," Millandra said firmly. "Yes you are," came a voice from the forest and an ancient woman came into view. "Mother this is not the time or the place for this," Millandra said. "Yes it is," her mother said walking with the aid of a staff. "They have shown no violence and have been polite. You on the other hand threaten them with violence. This is not our way." She stopped in front of her daughter and looked at her as Gwinn had with me on many occasions. I pitied Millandra at this point. "We will meet violence with violence, daughter. But where only song and polite greetings have been offered by Yedda here and tempered responses to your jabs from Cyrena, there is no reason to threaten violence," she said and turned to face Yedda. "If you are The Singer returned to us in our need, I welcome you. If you are not I still welcome you, as that is our way. You and your companions are welcome to enjoy our hospitality," she said forcing a bow from her ancient body. "Lady Of The Forests the first thing I said to your people was they should not bow to me," Yedda said. "I am not a great lord or a king come to order you around. I am a friend who has come to help someone in need." "You are The Singer," Millandra said a shocked expression on her face. "Forgive my daughter," the old woman said to all three of us. "She is young, still only one hundred and fifty. She still looks on the world with suspicion, rather than enjoying and experiencing it." "There is nothing to forgive My Lady," I said to her. "We have intruded on you of a night. These are troubled times and suspicion is natural." "Come child. Help me sit down. Please enjoy our company," the old lady said and I offered her my arm. We sat down together and figures appeared from the forest, young and old women and children. No men at all appeared. "My Lady where are your men folk? Do they still distrust us?" I asked. "No child, the men of all our villages are gathering. The dark forces have swept through our sanctuary taking our homes. Homes that have been ours for so long are now ripped away from us. Now they will pay for their deeds," she answered. "No, they can't!" I protested standing up agitated. "If they attack they will be wiped out and it will achieve nothing. We need to gather forces from all directions, pick our ground and stop them dead. Then we can force Silvinas to show himself. Once he shows himself, we kill him and the war is over." "You make it sound so easy child," she said. "No she is right," Yedda said. "The time of reckoning is coming. Forces beyond our knowledge are guiding things along. Shakwell has returned and now after many fortuitous meetings in recent weeks, we meet. This I think is the time we have to make our stand and possibly win. For if we do not win than all is lost, your people, Cyrena's people everything" "Why should we join with her? She has done nothing for us," Millandra said. "She has given orders that if no action is taken against her people, then all assistance will be given to all of the Drow within her kingdom," Yedda said. "You have done this child?" My elderly companion asked. "Yes, My Lady," I answered. "Well Cyrena of The Kingdom your hospitality was offered without question of our motives and I thank you. Our forces shall be pleased to assist you as you see fit. Where would you like them to gather?" she asked. "Des Moines has to be the rallying point for all, My Lady" I said. "Call me Mellina, please child, as you are more a lady than me," she said with a smile. Yedda laughed a deep rumble and started twitching causing all eyes to turn to her. "Is she well?" Mellina asked. "Yes, it is just that before the last battle, I was a man. Shakwell's magic made me like this," I explained. Then I added bitterly, "she thinks the fact that you think me a lady amusing." "That is but a minor concern, you were a man?" she asked. "Yes," I admitted. "We have a prophecy from before the time of our exile," she said looking at me carefully. "Not the mumbles of soothsayers," I said. "This was not a mumble, but had been discounted due to inaccuracies in the first part of it. It was only as we fled from the hoards that I was reminded of it by a child," she said. "The people so nearly lost shall escape from their home and return because of the men who are not," she said. "We discounted it because The Singer led us to our exile and sanctuary." "I wasn't always like this," Yedda said, "and we are being fucked around again Cyrena." "Do we have any free will?" I asked scared at the implications that all this had been planned long before I was born. "Listen," Mellina said to me, "free will is something that we all have, otherwise whatever force that is guiding us wouldn't need to leave all these clues, to remind us which way they would like us to go" "True," I said not exactly feeling better about it. "The distrust of youth again," Yedda said with a rumble. "Yes, now what brings you here and now?" Mellina asked. "We are facing a foe which is beyond us. I need all the help I can to hold them before they take Des Moines. If we can cause enough trouble then Silvinas will come," I told her, "but troops are needed. Otherwise they will walk over us without noticing us." "So you are asking the Dwarves," Mellina said. "Yes and also the Elves," I said cautiously. There was a lot of muttering around me from the other Drow now arranging food and drink. "Quiet." Mellina said firmly. "It has been eight hundred years since we had anything to do with our kin. Now at this point when we are without a land again, think about what you were singing when these guests came. I believe the time has come to see if we can go home." "Mother, we were nearly wiped out. Only a few escaped last time," Millandra said. "Two hundred and fifty seven escaped, most I had to leave behind," Yedda said sadly, "and I do not believe they will ever change. But I think they need to be warned about the peril that approaches. Cyrena needs to visit them, I do not think any of your people should." "Singer I listen to your advice and I will send none of my people into peril," Mellina said. "Good," Yedda answered. "I will go with Cyrena if she will accept my company," Mellina announced causing a lot of commotion. "Mother I can not let you go alone," Millandra protested. "If you go so do I." "So be it. that choice is yours," Mellina announced. "Cyrena, Queen of The Kingdom, may we have passage with you to the lands of the Elves?" "I go to the Dwarves first and I worry about your safety if Yedda is concerned. But your presence will be welcome even if I am concerned for your safety," I told them. Again more protests came and a young man came up before us. "We can not let our honoured elder travel without an escort," he said directly to me. "I have fifty men who will be proud to escort your people," I told him. "No child, you may not come. This is not your time for battle," Millandra said kindly. "Live a little first you will have plenty of battles over the years." "But?" he protested. "No," Mellina said firmly ending the discussion. He walked off. "He is but a child not yet forty years old," she whispered to me. "He is keen but not yet skilled." "I am but seventeen," I said to her. "Yes, but our lives are lived differently. My grandmother knew The Singer, I have seen over three hundred summers," she said gently. "Age is but a number, many who are old act like children, others who are young are wise beyond their years." I nodded in agreement as Yedda played with some of the children, pretending to swipe at them as they ran towards her occasionally puffing out a little smoke making them shriek. "Never confuse enjoying life with lack of wisdom," Mellina said reading my thoughts as I watched her. "She is wise and good. She saved my people from slavery and when she was roused, The Elves trembled because of 'The Red Death'. She is a unique personality, but never forget that she is deadly." "It is hard to think of her like that," I admitted. "Remember it when you need it most," She said and we carried on eating, drinking and laughing at the antics. "Your companion is quiet and keeps writing in her little book," Millandra said quietly from my other side. "Yes," I said loudly, "Tara is part of The University and spends most of her time seeking knowledge. The little book often comes out from her pocket and she scribbles in it for hours." Tara didn't respond lost in her thoughts and observations. "Don't disturb her, she is welcome to study that which is new. Through study comes understanding," Millandra said. As the sky lightened in the east I decided we had to make a move before Michael sent out search parties. Yedda was reluctant to move but grudgingly said goodbye to the children. "How are we going to do this?" I asked Yedda. "I'll get you and Tara back first then Millandra and her mother. They will want to bring their own kit with them. As with women of whatever species, it will be three or four times more than is possible and about ten times more than is needed," Yedda said. "I'm not like that," I said quickly thinking about the horses loaded with what Gwinn said I needed. "Not yet," Yedda said. "Come on climb on board and we will get you back before Michael has kittens." "Why? Is there magic at work," I asked suddenly very concerned as I climbed onto her neck. "Just stop it, not when I am about to fly," Yedda said rumbling again. "Stop what?" I said getting more confused. "It is time to go," Yedda shouted the gathering. "See you all again soon. I promise." With shouts and squeals from the children, we launched into the ever- lightening sky. We flew over the trees for about ten minutes and we were back to our camp dropping down to a rather bumpy landing. "Sorry, side winds," Yedda said as we got down. "No damage done, don't worry," I assured her and Michael came running to us. "I was getting concerned about you," he said obviously he hadn't slept. "Another hour and I was coming to look for you." "We have allies Michael," I said happily. "Good people willing to fight because their homes are lost to this army that threatens us." "Who?" he said stunned by the news. "The Drow have come to our aid. Their men were massing to fight Silvinas forces, but we have an agreement that they are going to Des Moines and will fight with us," I told him. "That is good news, but The Drow. Are they not evil?" he asked. "Not as far as I could see," I told him. "They are people like us loving, laughing and crying. They just live a lot longer. We have two coming with us to The Elves. They are to be treated as visiting dignitaries," I warned him. "Yes Ma'am, when do we expect them?" he asked. "As soon as I get back," Yedda said launching herself into the air again. "You have been quiet, Tara," I said to the girl as we approached our tent. "I had nothing to say in such company. Legends and myths are coming to life before my eyes and you are at the centre of them all," she said quietly. "What were you writing down?" I asked. "Everything, these are momentous events and need to be documented accurately. I just wish someone with more skill was able to be here doing it," she said as she took out her notebook and started writing again. "Studies of the mind forgotten all of a sudden," I said. "Look, Cyrena, much more of this and I will decide I am living in a fantasy somewhere with people looking after me!" she exclaimed. "I have ridden a dragon, listened to the songs of an earlier age and now we go to visit the Dwarves. I thought my life was to be spent in my fathers shadow, always trying to attain his greatness." "But suddenly you step out of his shadow and realise he is just a man however brave, great or heroic he seems," I said thinking of my own feelings as prince. "Yes, that is it," she said thoughtfully and started writing again. I decided to get washed and dressed inside the tent, as there was not enough room for both of us and Tara was lost to the world for the moment. She was still writing when I came out half an hour later. "The tent is yours if you want to get washed and sorted out," I said. "Oh thanks," she said and continued writing. "How did that song go that Yedda joined in?" She asked. "Ask her to teach you it. She won't mind, she likes singing," I said with a smile then told her, firmly, "Now get washed and dressed so you can eat." "Oh sorry, I just get carried away," she said as she entered the tent. Just like her father I thought. As I stood there waiting for her, Yedda arrived with her passengers. I welcomed them. "Have you got enough horses?" Mellina asked as Michael helped her down. "We seem to have brought too much" "What did I say?" Yedda said and I tried not to laugh. "Ma'am, we have enough horses for the trip to the Dwarves. I am sure we can purchase some more there. I have two even tempered beasts waiting for you, my men will see to your equipment and baggage," Michael said "I thank you," Mellina replied and Michael bowed. "No, please do not bow, I have no position or title that requires that," Mellina said quickly. "Ma'am, as Her Highness knows, I bestow honours where I see fit, very rarely for a persons rank. If it makes you uncomfortable then I will try not to bow," Michael said to her. "So you bestow honours on me because of my age?" Mellina asked him. "Yes Ma'am. I intend to try and live as long as you. If I am nice you might give me some tips," Michael responded. Mellina laughed for a long time. "I thank you, but with a tongue and wit like that, if you haven't been hung yet, I think you will outlive me!" "I intend to try Ma'am. May I introduce you to your mount?" he said offering his arm, which she took. I noticed Millandra frowning. "He is a good man, but his manner is a little strange to some" I said to her. "Yes, we have had little contact with humans over the years. You are not exactly what I expected," she said. "I know what you mean, Drow were always associated with the creatures to the east," I admitted. "There is lots both of you need to learn about the other," Yedda added, "but with some patience and tolerance, I think that a friendship is possible between The Kingdom and The Drow." "That I think is assured, but with some patience and understanding, friendship may be possible between Millandra and me," I said with a smile. "It is assured also," she said with an honest smile. "Come on lets get you sorted with a mount," I said and we headed over to the horses. The day's journey was fun, despite my tiredness. Millandra and Mellina put me to shame, they didn't look like they had been up all night. As she walked, Yedda taught the men songs, which despite the crudeness of some of them, I enjoyed. I found out what a 'Dickey Dido' was, but what 'Three German Officers' were doing in something called a 'Tiger Tank' was inexplicable. "We will, we will, rock you," I sang with all the men when suddenly Yedda stopped, looked around and launched herself into the air. We waited in silence, after a few minutes she returned. "We have company," she said quietly. "We are being shadowed by a large number of Dwarves, four or five hundred at least" "What are they doing this far from the border?" I asked. "Could they be invading?" "Dwarves invading, no," Yedda said firmly. "They like a fight, but an invasion is not their style. They have strict protocol rules, an invasion would be rude." "So you are saying they wouldn't invade us because it would be rude," Michael said. "Yes that's it," Yedda said nodding. "Well, what do we do?" I asked Yedda. "I don't want to start an armed conflict, which is likely to happen with lots of armed men running around the woods." "Why ask me? I'm no diplomat," Yedda said. "We will send a small party in to greet them," I said after a moment. "Michael, come with me." "In this matter, I wish to represent my people," Mellina said riding up to me. "Is that wise Ma'am? This might be a dangerous situation, we do not know their motives," Michael said to the old woman. "Michael, I have been in worse situations most of my life, though I thank you for your concern," Mellina said firmly, then added "and you will be there to look after me." "As will I mother," Millandra said. "Four of us, I don't think that will be too much of a threat," I said. "We will use your standard though," Michael said leaving me confused. "I haven't had time to sort out a standard," I said "Gwinn did though, the night before we left," he said dismounting and walking across to one of the horses being used as pack animals. He pulled out a package and started making up a staff from assembled parts. Lastly was a brilliant white flag. In its centre was the black silhouette of a dragon that I had on my shield. Above in one corner was a crown in the other was a silhouette of Des Moines castle. "Do you approve?" Michael asked. "Well, I don't know whose symbol the dragon is," I said slightly concerned over raising another's standard. "You made that your standard on the field of battle," Michael said firmly, "through your actions. But Henri had a look and doesn't recognise it so no one alive in the last two hundred and fifty years has used it." "Yes, I approve," I said. "As do I," Yedda announced after looking at it for a while, "though possibly the dragon could be slightly larger and in red." "Well, you will approve of ours," Millandra said after a moment with her baggage. Another standard was assembled and this time a flag of green with a large red dragon and a tree either side of it. "Yes, that is more like it," Yedda nodded. With Michael and Millandra leading the way into the forest carrying the two flags high we worked our way through the forest growth. Yedda walked behind directing us. As we moved deeper and deeper into the woods I began to think we were being watched, I mentioned it to Yedda. "Of course you are," she said happily. "These woods are alive with many things that you do not know. But the Dwarves are the ones that you sense. They will not harm you and as you are going in the right direction, they will stay hidden." "Why do they stay hidden then?" I asked. "Why give away a secure position?" Yedda said. "These little buggers know how to fight. But they don't fight like you lot do." "What do you mean, how do they fight?" I asked her. "They fight to kill the enemy and make sure as many of their people as possible survive. They won't meet the enemy head on, on an open field if they can slaughter them by surprise," Yedda replied. "But isn't that rather a underhanded way of doing it?" I said confused. "WAKE UP!" Yedda shouted loudly to me. "This is not a game. This will not end with your surrender till next time. This is for the survival of your Kingdom and your species, Silvinas will not fight fair." I was quiet for a while as we continued thinking about this as it was against most of the principles of warfare I understood a battle was a planned thing armies met at a certain point and fought till one left the field. . After my experience on the battlefield and with my changes, though, I could now understand the wisdom of that. Being changed into a woman was not the badge of a heroic struggle. But I would do my duty, no matter what the odds. "She is right," Michael said from in front of me. "The battles are what everyone talks about as they are the big events. But there is plenty to do that can cause the enemy problems on the way." "I know nothing of these things. How can I hope to win when I don't know the basics?" I asked him. "A king or a queen is not expected to know everything. But you have to be able to assess a situation and make rapid decisions with advice from people who know their own specialities," he replied. "If you want to know about the best method to use cavalry you talk to me. For infantry, see James and Henri knows the politics of war." "Yes, I understand what you are saying. I just realised how little I really know," I explained. "But with that statement you have just shown the greatest wisdom," Mellina said from my side. "You know that others may know more than you and will let them as they're needed. When a leader believes they know everything, they are a fool and whoever follows them is dead." Up ahead, we started to get our first views of the Dwarves as we approached a clearing. A large tent had been hastily erected and outside a standard flew of a hammer crossed with a sword. They were being formal over this meeting in the woods. The figures of the dwarves were silent, little men in height no more than four and a half foot, but built such that they were nearly as broad across the shoulders as they were high. These were a people to who you wouldn't mention their lack of stature, as I was sure they would bring you down to their level in a moment. Michael dismounted and thrust my standard he bore into the ground next to the Dwarven one so it stood high. Millandra did the same. "Though the Dwarves are ever welcome in The Kingdom, by what right do you lead a force within our borders?" I asked loudly. A dwarf came out of the tent, dressed in full plate with mail beneath. He carried a small shield and a large axe. "I lead this force and will answer to no one," he said. "I am Queen Cyrena of The Kingdom," I said dismounting and standing before him. "All who travel in the kingdom answer to me." "I am Thurn, and I answer to no man," he said taking a stance ready for battle. "I will fight with you if I have to Thurn, but friendship can achieve more. My blade is yours," I drew my blade and offered it to him reversed so I held the blade. "As is my axe," Thurn answered, placing it down between us before accepting my blade. I retrieved his axe and he walked up to me with his hand outstretched. "It is good to see the old ways are still taught," he said with a big grin. "So few follow our old ways." "The formality has a beauty of its own," I said smiling back. "It echoes the events of history." "One so young talks of history, I would have more expected it off your reptilian companion," he said indicating Yedda. "My family has had much history with the Dwarves. My mother learnt Geology from your people and my grandmother, whose name I carry, forged the friendship between The University and your people," I told him. "This is wrong. Clifford is the prince of The Kingdom, I saw him when he was a child. You cannot be of that family. Is there deception here?" Dwarves around us tensed as he said this. "I am Clifford. My father died at Berlin taken in battle by an axe. I too should have died there and, but for the actions of Shakwell, I would have. But his magic changed me to as I am now," I said. "Then Shakwell has returned also," he said nodding, apparently accepting my story. "Yes, he is at Des Moines, the time is coming to end this struggle," I told him. "Yes, come, introduce your companions," he said. I introduced him to Mellina and Millandra first and he didn't seem surprised by the presence of The Drow. Then I introduced Yedda. "This is Yedda, known to The Drow as Singer and the Elves as The Red Death," I said. "Yes, she is known to our people in our history as the dragon who laughs," He said with a bow to Yedda, "though they say she was a friend. She has not always been a welcome guest." "It's you lot. No sense of humour at all," Yedda protested. "We do have a sense of humour," Thurn retorted. "Hi-Ho," Yedda sang loudly for some reason. "Lots of interesting things you can do with dragon skin. Keep that up and I will have a few years supply," Thurn said quietly. "See no sense of humour," Yedda said. "We have a sense of humour but few understand it when they are disembowelled and hanging from a tree by their intestines," Thurn said to her. "Its amazing how much heat can build up in all that armour," Yedda said to him. "Have you lot discovered the tin opener yet?" "Come on please," I admonished both of them before it came to blows, "we are all here as friends." "Yes we are," Thurn said. "Come and sit down. We need to talk." "Sorry, did I stand on you? I didn't see you there," Yedda said as we moved. "Yedda?" I said threateningly. "Sorry," she said with a rumble. "I am sorry to hear about your father," Thurn said, "Though I didn't know him well, he was a good man. I knew your mother better." "Yes she had many friends amongst the Dwarven people. Now how come you are here, now, just as we come seeking you?" I asked. "Thomas sent word that war was brewing and Silvinas had returned. The job wasn't finished last time, but this time it will be different," Thurn said. "What troops can we expect from you?" I asked. "One hundred thousand will march," he said proudly, "though it will be a month before they all arrive." "With one hundred thousand Dwarves, I think we can leave it all to you," I said with a smile. "Well you know how it goes. All it takes is the rumour of a fight and suddenly the place is swarming with Dwarves," he said with the grin visible through his long beard. "We will need all the help we can get. At best guess we are talking about a foe who numbers two million and Silvinas as well," I said. "Ssss," Thurn let the air escape through his teeth at this news and others started talking. "We will have to pick our ground carefully and if we can get Silvinas out of the battle, then we may win," I said "Kill The Bastard and the army will fall to shit," Thurn said. "That's the idea," Yedda said. "We have to be all here for some reason" "True," Thurn said thoughtfully. "What are your plans now?" "I was getting the Dwarves, Elves and rousing our men as well," I told him. "Elves? Do you agree with this Elder One?" he asked Mellina. "The time has come to find out what is happening," she answered. "We have been gone too long." "Then we will accompany you," he said standing up and shouting orders. "If we meet hostility, then you shall be prepared." "What of the troops that are coming? We need them at Des Moines," I said "Well that's where they are going," he answered with a smile. "It is a strange thing," he emphasized. "Lets guess soothsayers, dreams or visions," Yedda asked. "No, it is a strange thing, but we thought if we were going to fight in The Kingdom, we had better invite you along. So we planed to stop off there to get everyone together and tell you what we were up to," he said, his grin getting bigger. "Only polite you know, to invite you along." "Have you met my Uncle Fredrick?" I asked. "Big bastard with lots of hair?" "That's him," I admitted. "Yes, he's got the size and the balls to make two decent dwarves," he said nodding. "A good man to fight with, just too bloody tall to talk to." "Enough balls?" I said confused by this comment. "Do dwarves only have one ball?" Yedda exploded into the air spewing flame in all directions dwarves scattered and I dived to the ground. She climbed, arched over onto her back and came crashing down amongst the trees, flame could be seen and the rumbles and roars were deafening. "She often does that," I said as I stood up. "Yes she is a strange creature," Thurn said looking in her direction, "and balls is a term for courage with our people." "Oh" I said wondering when Yedda would return. "How long does she stay like this?" Millandra asked. "It varies" I said "and sometimes it happens often." "Maybe it is a sickness," Thurn offered helpfully. "No, she just finds the whole world amusing," I told them. "Can you think of a better way to spend a thousand years?" Mellina said as a Dwarf helped her up. "No, but?" I said trying to think of an argument. "There is no 'but', it is just the way she survives and what makes her so special," Mellina replied. "She does care and notice things. Because of the fact she finds life so amusing she notices things more and cares more." "Yes," I said, "but like here with the Dwarves there seems to be a situation bordering on hostility." "She had a joke with a number of our elders a long time ago," Thurn said solemnly. "What did she do?" I asked. "A bad thing," he said not giving much away. "I laughed at them," Yedda said coming back our way through the trees. "What's so bad about that?" I asked. "Well there was a lot of heat and flame, dwarves in their mail and plate aren't exactly comfortable in flaming situations," Yedda said and paused. "Yes and what?" I asked. "Well a number of prominent Dwarves ended up with minor burns in sensitive areas and?" She mumbled something barely heard. "What was that?" I asked. "Some of the Dwarves including the local chief lost their beards," she said loudly. Dwarves around us started reaching for their weapons and a few were clutching their beards protectively. "You stripped a number of notable Dwarves of their symbol of manhood," I said shocked. "It was an accident," she said glumly, "but they decided I wasn't safe to have around." "I have no quarrel with you then, Yedda," Thurn said. "If it was an accident and my beard stays in its present condition." "Your beard is safe with me," Yedda replied. "I have more control than I did then. Ask Cyrena, I have been very careful." "She has," I admitted. "You have never been an enemy to our people, Yedda, and I can see no reason for any animosity to remain," Thurn told her. "I am glad," she answered. "I have missed your people." With the peace made, we arranged to join with Thurn's forces. After a long night and as bad a day, we decided to camp for the night. It was a pleasant night. As I sat there listening to the songs and laughter, the threat of war seemed so far away. Only the impossibility of our meeting cast a shadow on my mood. As I lay there in my tent I talked to Tara about it, She wasn't convinced we were not talking about random events. In the early hours I crawled out of the tent to talk to Yedda. I found her in the company of Thurn and Michael. "Another one who cannot sleep," Michael said. "I am concerned. Everything we do seems so planned. I dislike this predetermination of events," I said to the three of them. "Look, I have seen these sort of games before," Yedda said to me firmly. "The guiding forces that piss on our lives do everything they can to get all the players together. Then the rules seem to say that just as we could do with their guidance they leave us on our own." "What my reptilian friend here is trying to say is that though we may get moved around by the gods we have our own part to play," Thurn said. "Like your injury that may have been accidental and the gods just made sure you stayed alive now, looking like that." "Do your people believe in gods?" I asked. "Yes we do, though I doubt you would understand the relationship between us and our gods," he said. "When you work down a mine or with heavy machines or even just live in inhospitable mountains, someone watching over you is nice." "That is not what we have here though," I said to him. "No, however the balance that has survived since the War Of The Magicians has been lost. Someone doesn't like the situation that Silvinas is causing and we have to sort out the problem," Yedda said. "All things must be in balance for all to coexist here. If the balance is swung too far one way or the other then someone up there gets pissed." "So our goals are the same. Sleep easy and don't worry about it, just think of it as another person on our side," Thurn added happily. "Yes, I will," I told them. I sat there for a while with them, but eventually I left them to sleep for a few hours. The arrival of the Dwarves meant that our route changed. We now headed south towards the great city of Warrington. This was Thomas's city, founded on trade with the Dwarven Peoples and through the Dwarves many others that are only mentioned in stories. As we approached the city I wondered what would happen if Silvinas and his army made it this far. The large sprawling city was extended far beyond the defensive walls and I could see no practical way of defending it. The three standards were raised as we approached the city and we entered, almost six hundred of us now. Outside the defensive walls were large residences, apparently trying to outdo each other in extravagance. As we approached the city wall we were stopped by a number of guards at the gate. "As you are a visitor to our city, I have to ask you if you're here for business or pleasure?" one of them asked. "Not pleasure," I said to him. "So business it is then. As a non-resident entering the city for business purposes there is a one gold piece levy for entry to the city. This tax is to allow our merchants of our city to remain competitive against those who do not pay taxes here. It also allows the money to be spent on the cities needs," he said firmly despite the force, which stood before him. One of the other guards whispered something to him and pointed towards the back to Yedda. "If you have brought that beast for entertainment purposes there is a two gold piece tax which goes towards cleaning up after it. If it is a pet, a licence is required yearly," he added. "Yedda, are you entertainment or a pet?" Thurn shouted back to her. "I thought it was obvious, I'm a fucking big dragon," Yedda shouted back stretching up to appear even more impressive than she did. "I am Cyrena, Queen of Des Moines, and I demand entry to this city now," I said to the man demanding the money. "We are an independent city state with our own leader, Archduke Thomas," the man said. "No, you are a province of my kingdom, left to run independently under the leadership of my Uncle. Surely as one of his men you know this," I said surprised at the man's lack of knowledge. "We are employed by the merchants of the city to keep order and ensure the smooth running of the city. Our commander reports to Thomas but otherwise we are independent," he said proudly. "Well if you wish to keep order you shall move out of our way now," Michael said losing patience with the man "I don't think you are paid enough to argue with five hundred Dwarves." "You haven't got five or ten years to try and get the money out of them either," Yedda shouted. "Trying to get money out of a Dwarf is like trying to seduce an eighty year old virgin. It's almost impossible and even if you do get something it probably wasn't worth the effort." "How much do you think I would be able to charge for dragon hide boots, in a nice shade of red?" Thurn asked me. "By the charter, which granted the City of Warrington self-governing status one hundred and fifty seven years ago," Tara shouted from behind me. I glanced around to see her flipping through her notebook. "Ah here it is. Section one clause three. The kingdoms official representatives may never be hindered from entering the city or the charter is void. Which means all goods within the city become property of the crow