Sagitarius: Book 3 The Art of Survival

By Philip Vago

The Centaur and Mankind are in the midst of a bloody Civil war that has spilled across into neighbouring Narvia, where Giantkind have no love-loss over the Centaur.

The siege of Nookim is nearing its conclusion and both sides are losing the will to fight. Will the Latenans give up and withdraw or will the Centaur be conquered once and for all?

This is the exciting conclusion and end of the first book Sagitarius : the Fall of the Centaur (Book 1 of the ten book Covenant Series.)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Philip Vago
• Release date: Nov 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301871537

Philip Vago

I've worked in Finance for over 10 years. During this time I've written and re-written several books in the covenant series. With the advent of eBooks, this market is now accessible and I've finally published my first work for the world to read :-) Enjoy !

Book preview

Sagitarius Trilogy : Page 357 of 357

Map of Pidik

Sagitarius – the Fall of the Centaur (Book 1 of the Covenant Series)

Philip Vago

Copyright © 2012 by Philip Vago

Published: 30th June 2012

Publisher: Philip Vago at Smashwords

The right of Philip Vago to be identified as author of this Work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, copied in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise transmitted without written permission from the publisher. You must not circulate this book in any format.

Chapter 17 : Desertion.

Yesterday’s action had been exhausting. Sela had slept through the morning. The catapult bombardment had continued. She remembered getting drunk on what Man called Brandy. Since she had never got exposed to alcohol before, she quickly suffered from alcohol poisoning. Then her mind went blank.

She felt the chill of the breeze tickle her naked leathery body. This sent goose bumps throughout her skin. The surroundings were new to her. The home was foreign. She sat up, drawing covers over herself. She was on a soft mattress, supported by a frame of some sort elevated one foot off the ground. There were paintings, a mirror and a cupboard in the room.

She lay besides a man she did not know. She remembered the brandy. She was now feeling her first hang over and she was not happy at all.

Her head spun, felt extremely heavy and it ached all over. She felt like she would vomit. She had vomited the night before. She thought her brain was swimming inside the hollow of her skull. She forced herself upright. The pain of the headache hit her again. She rubbed her head. Never again she thought. Never again.

There was a small window that had a grand view of the town. It was slightly open and she could hear the orders from the commanders of the Ulusian army, organising the townsfolk.

Her mind went back to the brandy. In her society, in the underwater cavern, they did not indulge themselves in such intoxicants. She understood why at this very moment. She stood and opened the windows farther apart.

What happened? The man groaned. His eyes strained against the morning rays of sunlight that struck his face.

Sela looked outside, resting on her elbows. Her tail moved side to side in a calm cadence.

The clean up continues from the Alliance attack from yesterday. There is smoke. Piles of dead bodies and people carrying the wounded around on stretchers. Sela pointed.

A damaged building here and there. He added. She stroked her firm back. She flinched. He was besides her. He was a seasoned soldier with the body to match. She felt his body rub against hers. Sela let her hormones take over.

She felt aroused, but against the power of her hangover sex did not have its potential. Besides, her heart was for only one man. A man who would not come close to her: Peter. This sex was like a paid thing – she enjoyed it – but it did not have the emotions that two true lovers have when they come together. Suddenly she was so enlightened, she chuckled to herself.

Thank you for last night and this morning.

She only nodded, knowing he referred to the mating that occurred.

Will I see you again? he asked.

Maybe. But probably not. Sela was already moving towards her armour and clothing. We may not last through the next battle. It is best to not make commitments in times like this.

The man watched her pull on her lemon underwear and matching leather brassiere. She sat down on the bed and picked up her plate mail vest. It was strapless and she buckled it on from the side. Paul had made a request from the local blacksmith. It had not been delivered until last night. Paul had brought it over to her, to the tavern she was drinking at. He had brought presents to each of the Kelti, of similar design.

She clipped on her thigh plates and calf plates. Finally, she fastened on her arm plates and was completely outfitted. She retrieved her trident from the side of the room. Her walk was reptilian, with her tail swinging as she walked.

Bye. She said simply.

Peter was on the wall, considering Sela’s conduct last night. He acknowledged that he had mistreated her. His values had disrupted his ability to love. There were standards relating to courtship that needed to be adhered to without skipping out any steps. So he believed and in that promise, he had hurt her.

He recalled the moment when they met in the forest hamlet. Paul entered with an escort of three Kelti wearing skimpy clothes made out of leaves and rags.

It did not take Sela long to ask Peter for sex. Peter was startled by the question. He was uncomfortable with directness in women. Instead it dawned on him that he would like romance in his life so the sex would have more meaning.

He kept on thinking over the relationship that could have been with Sela. His thoughts were interrupted when Gava joined him at the wall. She was seeking out a familiar face on the wall and when she noticed Peter by himself, she approached. She was freshly bathed. Her hair was slicked back by water that had not dried. Their armour and clothes had been cleaned, and she looked magnificent.

I thought I would find you here. Gava informed. It’s hard to see someone you are interested in, act foolishly.

I heard Silvae was snatched in the battle. Any word when we would be sending out a rescue party? Peter asked. He was keen to be assigned, to get out of the city. A mission would distract him.

I should have been more alert, but what can I do against magic. Gava sighed. Sagitarius and Arianna are both recovering. They’ve given command of the unit to me. Lika is my second in command, since Mikeel is also resting.

Gava placed a hand on Peter’s shoulder. Peter looked up at her and smiled. You know Peter, you know your name in Centaur means ‘carer’.

Peter hid his grin. You’re trying to cheer me up ! Stop it !

It’s the truth. I gain nothing by telling you, other than making you feel good. She said. You know, last night we saw you walk around town drunk. Later, we got reports from the guards that you had been locked up for disorderly behaviour and attacking a guard. Is this true?

Peter nodded meekly.

We know why too. It is Sela, isn’t it?

He nodded again. A lock of brown hair dropped around his cheek. A sheepish grin came to his face.

You love her, don’t you? Gava questioned.

I do. He replied. But what can I do? She loves everyone else but me. Do you see how she was acting yesterday? She knew I was there and she continued to act like a whore in front of everyone.

Perhaps she wanted your attention? Gava asked.

Yeah, well she got it. My brain says to run away from her, to start a life separate from her. My heart says to fight for her love. I do not know what to do. He conceded.

You have to be nicer to her, if you want her to respond to you. You have been ignoring her a lot lately, like we have with Porok and did you see where he went?

I got reports that he left us. He left through an abandoned mine. Peter’s tone suggested he was envious and angry at him.

Gava picked up his tone immediately. You know Sela and Silvae were the only ones who cared for him. The rest of you were still struggling with your prejudices towards the orc-folk. Orcs are no different to us you know. We may propose that they are wild and barbaric, but after what I’ve overheard and seen, I believe that they live in an organized society like ours. We just haven’t given them the chance to live ! The Centaur are as guilty as the Alliance. We would commit genocide on the orc in a heartbeat if we could. Here the Alliance is trying the same trick with us. The difference is that in general the people of Pidik believe us to be civilized beings whereas because they are branded as wild, they get the raw part of the deal. Perhaps when this war is over, we should broker a peace with the orc. The only reason why they side with the Latenans is because we haven’t sided with them. Major reconciliation is needed.

I never looked at it like that. What do you think of his desertion?

It was never his war.

No. But if you commit yourself to a cause, should you be allowed to leave it on a whim? And at what time is that allowable?

Very good questions. Gava started to answer. And I’m probably not the smartest person to address them. You would have to seek out the smartest philosophers in Ulus. From my perspective, it shows a lack of loyalty – to the cause. If the war was over and we crossed paths and we. Gava paused waving her hand between them. were in the midst of a battle, he would help us. So the loyalty to us is still there in some respect, but not wholeheartedly in the war. I can understand desertion in a war. Morale is low. The will of Man is defeated then. War is fueled by the powers that be or the anger within men at some injustice. If the powers fuel that anger, the army will remain vigilant. If command gets tired and lazy, you will find the anger in men will subside, then that emotion will be replaced with a longing to return to previous comforts of home. It is also different if we were fighting in Mandrasata or Mt Orc again. In Mt Orc, Porok would be steadfast, because it is also his home. We are reinforcements from another city so our loyalty is divided at a lower level. Since Mandrasata is gone, I have no home to return to. Being around Arianna and those around her would be my home. I would hope to settle somewhere, but where is still an unanswered question. Why are you still here Peter? You could escape easily. Being a man, you could pass for a Latenan. In fact, looking at you, I could see the darkness of the Latenan in your skin, though it is subtle.

The lack of oppressive heat lightens your tan. He smiled. Sagitarius did an amazing thing when he saved us from the Orc. He gave us a second chance at life and for that we are grateful. Our home was always a different town. We had no place called home, just pockets of friends who took us in here and there. After Sagitarius told me of Paul’s death, I abandoned them. So you are right. There is a rationale driver for desertion. However there is an exception for volunteers. You may commit some time to a cause, but it does not mean it is infinite. And one should not hold a grudge against those volunteers who leave. The Nookimis could be punished for desertion because they are trying to protect their home.

Gava was silent. She smiled and hugged Peter.

Peter knew he had answered his own question he asked of Gava.

Well then, seeing as we are now the supreme philosophers of Ulusia. How do we convince Mikeel of staying in the fight?

First, what can I do to make you stay? You spoke of Lalmo.

He looked into Gava’s eyes and saw someone who cared. Nothing. I’m not going anywhere for the time being. Peter smiled. He had never noticed Gava before. She was a part of the inner circle of Sagitarius ’ forces. Here she was standing before him, looking lovely and seeking companionship. Stay here with me.

You like watching the crows, vultures and Winged-Mouths scavenge through the bodies of dead? Picking out eyes and such? Gava asked surprised, partly in jest.

I’m not focused on the gore. It is an awesome scene. Out there is the enemy. We can see them with our eyes, though distant they are. Between them and us are husks of burning siege towers, catapults and smaller crossbow cannons. And this scene wraps the entire wall. It is the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.

One will have to crack. Gava said.

Eventually. Peter said, turning to regard Gava. I’ve been narrow minded. I wish I had spoken to you like this earlier. I’m discovering that you are a wonder.

A wonder? Like a monument in Ulus.

A wonder. A Surprise. You come across as unapproachable, but since the moment you have let me in, I’ve sensed a connection with you. Exclude the fact Sela has played with my feelings and that we’re in the midst of a war zone. Maybe I’m moving too fast.

Moving too fast for what? She asked shyly. Her hind hoof, moved back a step.

Don’t you feel it too? He asked.

She felt butterflies in her stomach. She hoped he would kiss her. She didn’t know where the desire came from. Was it because they were honest with each other, without pretense? She did not know what motivated her to become interested in his man. She had sought out company, not a coupling. Maybe that was the mysterious way love worked.

What? She stuttered.

I can’t swoop in and kiss you. You are too tall. I need you to meet me half way. He said with wide eyes.

He reached up around the nape of her neck and pulled her down and their lips touched. A tear of joy trickled down Gava’s cheek. She had not felt such affection in such a long time. Being a dark skinned Centaur she was shunned by her own people. Only Arianna, who overcame prejudice because of her gender, paved the way for Gava, so she no longer felt discrimination because of her colour.

She had only come for companionship. She never thought of love or courtship. Such love was sometimes sudden. War was a melting pot of tension and the best release was love. On this day, she felt no tension, she was relaxed, grateful that she survived the day, yesterday and grateful for the respite offered by the Alliance. She knew another attack would come soon, but she took the time and enjoyed it, while it was still there.

They parted from their kiss. Both of them were smiling at each other, a meek smile. There was tenderness there and friendship.

This was unexpected. Peter said. I never meant to take advantage.

The advantage was all yours already. Gava said in her husky voice that soon became seductive. Where do we go from here?

I would like to share a room with you, but I feel that perhaps on this occasion you would prefer the slow path to love. If we both survive the day, then we can revisit that option. Peter said softly.

I hope you won’t stop kissing me. Gava said. Her smile was bright. She could not hide her happiness and it was infectious. He was smiling too, though with an embarrassed edge, as though he had been caught in the act. His expression was tempered with knowing that Gava reciprocated his feelings on the matter.

I need a ledge so we can meet at eye-level. Peter said, looking around. He spied a park bench and he pointed to it. There.

Get on. Gava said.

Peter climbed on Gava’s back and she rode them to the park. Some of the trees were still upright, but most had been ripped apart or burnt asunder. She sat down besides one of the trees and bade him to sit next to her.

Once sitting, Gava with horse body reclined to the side and her human form propped up by her elbow, she regarded him. He lay besides her and their faces were very close. She kissed her again and she lunged forward kissing him back, with a little fierce passion.

They disengaged. Peter felt as though they were sparring on a sexual level.

She came forward next and he responded with a kiss riposte. Once it concluded, Peter regarded Gava, who in his mind had changed into a more feminine and exotic person. Her hair was shaped into miniature braids. Her cheekbones were well defined. Her eyes were dark and never ending.

You snuck up on me. There on the wall. Peter pointed, indicating the spot where they met.

I didn’t mean to scare you.

You didn’t. Peter said smiling. I was absorbed in trying to rationalize Sela’s behavior when there was someone just as beautiful and less complicated all this time. Did you always have feelings for me?

It was an odd question and it took Gava by surprise. The problem was that her feelings only became apparent a little time ago.

I will say this. Gava said, avoiding the question. Before we met on the wall, I never entertained love at all in my life. I have always been an outsider and a capable amazon warrior. So not to be insensitive but you sort of took me by surprise.

Then what we have is based on the same terms. Peter remarked, pleased with her answer. The strong amazon Centaur exposed a vulnerable and frail side – the outcast – and Peter heartened by the honesty and openness could not help by be enamored by her. It warmed him inside.

I am glad we met. It may have been for the first time, but everything feels right. My heart sings. He said, kissing her again. She was there waiting, accepting every kiss he wished to share. She was never the aggressor while they kissed. She was too timid to offer herself after she had engaged him hungrily before. Old nervousness resumed, but after every kiss she became more settled and comfortable.

If you wish to go back to Sela, I will understand. If you wish to end things before breaking my heart, then that would be the wisest decision before you. Gava said, airing her concerns.

I guess if we wish this thing we’ve started to continue, it is best if we remain honest. I was a womanizer before I was captured at Mount Orc. There are many women all over Narvia, Latenia and Ulusia who would like to slap my face or flirt with me. If such a person crosses our pass, since I imagine we’ll be together long after this war, how will you react?

The question tugged at her heart strings. She thought of competition for his love and then at the mere mention of living together that rebuffed his baggage. I would stand against them and protect my man. She said. As long as you are okay with that. She tapped the handle to her oppressive battle axe that was strapped to her back.

Peter had almost forgotten about it. Nothing excessive.

Sorry. I would just make sure that our position was unshakeable. True loyalty to one another is how I understand love. Even if you were a criminal, I would help you cover up the crime. I would not question your judgment as long as my mortality was not in question.

Peter considered this. It would banish thoughts of infidelity. Such a man would be more than a handful.

Since we’re on the theme of airing our baggage, I am scared of closed spaces. I was extremely nervous and stricken with madness inside Mount Orc’s mines. Please do not put me in a position where I have to face this.

Fair enough.

So how will we keep Mikeel with us? Peter changed the subject totally.

She knew Mikeel was important to Peter. We will both argue him out of it, together. She stood. Peter rose and brushed off the park debris that was stuck to his clothing such as leaves, glass blades or dirt. Peter was unsure whether to ‘out’ the relationship, but Peter was not a man of deceit, he could not go back on his feelings. He had to follow them through. Gava was a lovely woman and he was sure they could make it work despite their differing origins.

Sela met up with Pulu and Lila, her sisters, outside the infirmary. They were helping take the wounded into the building for clerical help. They looked exhausted. They clung to their tridents like crutches. Their faces were smudged with grime and dirt; a product from the intense battle that took place yesterday.

Pulu looked as though she had been struck by a spear in the chest. A bloody circle covered over her white halter-top, through an opening in her chainmail vest. Her white loin-dress resembled two strips of material a foot wide that extended from holds around her hips to her feet – on the front and back, was stained in dirt and blood at its ends.

Lila garbed in a sleeveless leather vest, bound by an interweaving shoestring lace, and a pair of leather pants to her ankles looked as though she had fared better than her sister had. Her blue hair was damp and messy, like a bluebottle’s tentacles however she did not have any immediate injuries.

So how’s our flirtatious sister? Pulu asked. You put on a grand show last night.

How is your wound? Sela asked, ignoring her comment.

Domillia, stopped the bleeding. That was all the energy she could spare.

So what have you been up to? Lila asked.

I found a man to satisfy my needs. She remarked bluntly. You two have found men to satisfy you. I have not.

You know Peter left after you took the stranger out of the bar. He was deeply upset. You hurt him.

He deserves it ! He hurt me. She replied. He said he wanted to be my mate and then he ran away like a scared rabbit. I sought out this stranger because I have had enough of the protocol that is required to bed a man !

What about companionship? Don’t you want to know what love is, what it feels like?

I do not believe it exists. If it does, it is trying awfully hard to elude me.

But it does with Peter. Your act, however immoral it was, evoked strong emotions from him. I think he is ready to reconsider his position on you.

He missed his chance. She said, still hurt, as though the sting of rejection that she felt when he first denied her sex was felt, like it did last night.

I think you should give him another chance. Pulu continued.

I will think about it. By the way how is Paul?

He is fine. After Sagitarius left with Arianna, he merged his forces with Mikeel, Lika and Gava’s. Together, they mopped up the retreating forces of the Alliance. Seeing the Brown Company withdraw, triggered a full retreat.

Sela was happy for her. She realised that many of the injured were being stretchered into the building adjacent to the infirmary.

What’s happening here?

The injured are being sorted into essential warriors and civilians. The soldiers have the highest need of medical care due to the fact they are needed to defend the wall. The rest get secondary attention.

That’s so unfair. They cannot help it if they get struck by a stray missile. Sela responded, outraged.

They have installed measures within the town so no more innocent will suffer. Underground bunkers are being created to cope with the Alliance missile attacks. Pulu said.

Sela’s mood eased. She didn’t know why she snapped.

Sagitarius and Lady Arianna were resting in the recovery ward of the infirmary. Domillia had returned to work after a grueling night of exertion. Sagitarius watched Arianna. She was sleeping still.

Mikeel came in with Peter and Gava. Sagitarius saw that Gava and Peter were holding hands. He wondered how this would affect the relationship between Peter and Sela. Perhaps Peter had decided mentally to end it. It hadn’t gone far anyways.

Ah. It is good to see you alive.

Thank you. Though I did make a deal with Callou’s alter ego to stay with you.

It seems to be a time to make impossible deals. Callou made one as well to remain in the fight. Mikeel commented.

We’ll see where it leads us. For the time being, Callou’s goal is the same as ours. Sagitarius said.

I heard that Silvae was abducted by Battle Mage Warren. When will we be going after them?

This was the first time he had received news of Silvae’s disappearance. He stopped breathing for a moment. If I know Callou, he’s probably already looking.

If he should return, we should coordinate a mission with him.

We should include Wycam in this. He’ll want to take advantage of the uniforms and contraband we have. I’m sure he’ll want to inflict more misery on the Alliance before they force us from the city.

I will go to Wycam and provide a report. I will relay our request to look for Silvae. Gava said. He looked to Arianna and gestured towards her, letting go of Peter’s hand. How is she doing?

I haven’t seen her wake yet. She was badly injured. Domillia cast a powerful numbing spell on her, so she could sleep without pain. Her breathing is regular.

Good. Please send someone to inform me, if she wakes. I wish to see her. Gava said.

I will do as you ask. Sagitarius smiled.

Gava nodded. She led the two men out of the infirmary.

Do you want us to come with you? Peter asked.

No. I think I can do this on my own. Gava said. See you later?

I’ll be at the wall in the usual place.

Gava nodded and galloped away.

When did you fall in love? Mikeel asked. He spoke like someone who was looking for gossip.

It was unexpected. Gava opened up to me, she looked beautiful and we kissed. We confided in each other. Peter said simply. I didn’t even notice her until today and now I can’t get her out of my head.

I’m happy for you, Peter. It gives you something to fight for.

And what about you? Do you have anything to fight for or are you adamant in leaving for Onkova at the first opening?

I’m not sure. If Sagitarius is the one mentioned in Elvin prophecy, I must protect him. But sometimes I’m unsure, because like last night, he proved vulnerable whereas you view a Titan as invincible.

Well he survived. If he dies, then perhaps you have a good cause to depart. Do you believe in what he is trying to do here?

"Save lives? Protect a city? It is only bricks and mortar. It can be rebuilt. Elvin history has always seen this. The rise and fall of nations. I believe in saving people, but not a city. I believe a steady withdrawal is needed.

When I came into his service, I thought the objective was to collect the stray Centaur in the wilder parts of Ulusia and save them. Then it became saving entire cities. Hifle was saved at what cost. They cannot stand against an army of this size ! Mikeel’s words became heated.

I believe you should stick to the path.

I agree with you. Peter said, unexpectedly. Mikeel looked at him, directly. We need to work on Sagitarius. He must put self survival above vanity. At the moment we aren’t choosing the battle field, it is being put before us. This war will pitter out. We need to lick our wounds and strike when the Alliance does not expect it. Peter added.

We will talk to the others and get their support, before asking Sagitarius. Knowing him, he’ll want to do things diplomatically. With the support of the others in the inner-circle, we’ll bend Sagitarius’ decision making process. Mikeel said.

Near the place where Callou had thwarted him, inside the Hag’s hut, Silvae was bound by the legs. Mage Warren stood above her, like an overseer. He poked her with a hot ember making her scream through her gag. The noise was muffled, so no unnecessary attention was brought to him.

Your mate has been causing me a great amount of undue pain. He prodded her again. There were fresh burn marks all over her body. He had blasted her with jet of fire. The fire had lit her hair. The fire ended balding her and scarring her scalp. He didn’t care that she was ugly by human standards, she was an abomination in his eyes.

I will get revenge on him ! But how to draw him out on my terms. He considered. He enjoyed torturing her. He played with the idea of cutting off her legs at the knee. Then she wouldn’t be able to move. And he felt he would need to move her in the future.

The easiest way to manipulate a woman was by threatening their features that made them desirable to man. He normally would have been excited at raping her, like with Teetee, however he hadn’t even wanted to disrobe her. She wasn’t going anywhere.

He studied his book on necromancy from back to front twice already. He felt he was adept at the magic. Though initially he was cautious about engaging the undead, he now was not so shocked when he was visited by wondering spirits who just wanted to chat. Along with necromancy, the user became enlightened in a spiritual sense. One of the first lessons was to learn how to speak to the undead. It had a dialect opposite to human speech. The sounds were as though you were speaking a word in common, backwards.

He suspected the Pegasaur was a creature of the undead variety. He needed something to combat his flight ability, his magical scythe, sword and fear gaze as well as the myriad of undead spells in the monster’s arsenal.

He wouldn’t be able to match him evenly with his magic, he suspected he would need some help. That was why he had created his first pentagram, from a diagram in his book of necromancy.

It lingered in his mind that this was the first pentagram he had created. The book spoke of untold monsters that lurked inside the undead plane – all deadly. Ideally he would need an undead dragon, but who would yield to his will? Who would hear his call?

He could summon someone who was already dead. But he didn’t know anyone who would be powerful enough to match the Pegasaur. He scratched the crown of his head. Maybe the occupant of this hut would help. The monster must have murdered him or her. He saw the body of the minatour. A minatour could not help. He would be a good ally though.

Perhaps the minatour could tell him more of what had been happening here.

It was a good starting point.

He looked up the incantation for the resurrection spell. He summoned a boost in strength. The spell responded by lighting up his tendons around his muscles. They glowed dimly under the skin. He dragged the minatour across the ground to the center of the pentagram. That is where he let the minotaur rest.

He also quickly read some protection spells he would need to cast on Silvae and himself, just in case things got awry. With the series of spells in mind, he began casting. First, he cast a holy barrier over the pentagram to protect the outside world. The spell needed to be punctuated by a prayer. He chose one of the more corrupt gods to answer his prayer – Ykis – the god of pestilence.

The god knowing Warren’s intentions, responded immediately. A force field of white coalescence swirled around the pentagram.

The next spell was for himself - a spell of undead armour. He smeared ash onto himself. Next after the last words escaped from his lips, the ash spread and hardened over his entire body. The armour had cracks to allow movement. Air was sucked out of the pockets within the armour until it hugged his body, snuggly.

Next he began reciting the mantra : Colus Calus Celus Colus Calus Celus Colus Calus Celus Colus Calus Celus…..

This continued and Silvae who was slowly gaining her strength and resolve noticed the air stir. Thunder clouds were rolling in. Soon they were twisting into a huge typhoon. The funnel touched down, with them in the eye – the calm center. Nothing could get in or leave without risking death.

A tree just within vision on the outside was ripped from its roots and tossed into the air to fly hundreds of feet away. Silvae heard it struggle with the earth before it gave in and let the air take it.

Warren didn’t know when the spell would be completed. This was his first casting, so he kept the mantra up, not breaking it for a second. In the meantime the spell got more fierce than before with every passing second.

Callou from the midst of his aerial search through the Alliance camp, Wycam from the vantage point of the Nookim high tower, King Nagstad from outside the Alliance command house and even King Creugar from Hifle saw the maelstrom manifest without control. The huge funnel and forest being ripped into the air was an awesome sight. The wind blew through Cable’s hair and he had to dodge to the left as a stray branch, flung from the forest crashed down nearby into the dirt.

The Alliance army was vulnerable to the missiles unleashed by this magic’s fury which had sprung up from nowhere. There was chaos.

In the Nookim, Gava had been discussing the possibility of infiltrating the Alliance camp to seek out where they were keeping Silvae captive with Wycam and General Schwark, when Wycam was distracted by the mighty magic being cast next to the Alliance forces.

This is a convenient opening ! They have somebody else’s attention now. Wycam said.

But look. Cynthia said, coming between them. She pointed to the typhoon. If the attacker wanted to punish the Alliance, the magic would have been cast in the center of their forces. Instead it is off in the forest somewhere. This is just coincidental. And random. Maybe chaotic, but I agree with Wycam, we must act before it dies down. I will alert our civil administrators to spread the word for the people to stay indoors. We won’t see an attack from the Alliance anytime soon. She rushed out of the room, sensing urgency.

Wycam looked to Gava. Take fifty contraband. Since we are getting short on Men, we’ll need centaurs to carry out this mission. Take twenty-five. The spare contraband will be used on the way out. General Schwark opened a satchel and presented Gava with it. He led them to where his Special Forces squad was waiting.

Any from Sagitarius’ unit participating?

We can lend some units. Gava said looking intently at Schwark.

Good.

Finally, the spell activated and the Minotaur’s eyes blinked with life. A red orb burned inside each eye socket. He rose till he was seated. He looked up at Warren. It is you ! He roared and he immediately tested the barrier. Warren was fearful, but it stopped the Minotaur. Furious, the Monster snorted, looking down at the puny life-form. Why have you summoned me? I was in a pleasant Afterlife with my girlfriend of Mandrasata. He said.

I have summoned you, so you could exact revenge on the one who killed you through deception.

The monster tried to remember. The potion?

Yes. By the looks of things, it killed you. Warren explained.

The creature known as Brood, killed me. He said silently, going through the logic. Then he boomed. He killed me !

Yes, I need your help in bringing Brood down, so you can have revenge ! He yelled. He hoped to stir up the Minotaur’s emotions. Then I will return you to your loved one.

The Minotaur considered this. What do I have to do? He said with a steady voice, low and deliberate.

Pledge your service to me. I will evoke a spell of dark pact. It will bind us both to this contract. You will serve me until Brood is defeated. Mage Warren dropped the holy shield and quickly sent a dark bolt composed of smoke and crackling energy from his open hand at the Minotaur. In the next moment, the bolt struck the Minotaur in the chest. Now swear subservience so you may persist in this world.

I swear. With a thunderclap, the typhoon ceased. Forest garbage dropped all at once to the ground. It was as though the world came crashing down.

What is your name? Warren asked.

Noll. He responded. I remember this one. He pointed towards Silvae.

An accomplice to Brood. He clarified. She is our hostage, to lure the Pegasaur known as Callou and Brood away from the wall.

He nodded. What is my first duty?

I need you to stand guard and I need to learn more about what went on here. What did Brood get mixed up in? Warren asked, seeking information that could harm Brood. Noll was formidable, but he knew that he would need stronger allies before he would engage Brood.

"There was a Hag and a Druid. Both would assist you however the only reason the druid was defeated by Brood was due to complacency.