The Elfowl Saga: Part Ii:
Scattered by the Winds

By Barry J. Hoffman

The Elfowl Family, rulers of Draca Maldinor, must confront a challenge far beyond the resources available to them. Tenuously reunited, but indecisive as to what course of action to follow, they must face a fierce attack from their ancient enemies. This time, empowered by a strangely heightened level of hatred, their implacable foes have altered the historical equation by entering into an alliance with savage creatures who scarcely qualify as human.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 20, 2002
• ISBN: 9781469763767

Barry J. Hoffman

Barry Hoffman formerly specialized in establishing training programs. He has a Master of Fine Arts from California State University, Sacramento and is especially interested in the development of myth in literature. Mr. Hoffman currently resides in California's gold country where he pursues his dual interests of writing and sculpting.

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All Rights Reserved © 2002 by Barry J. Hoffman

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Contents

C H A P T E R 1

C H A P T E R 2

C H A P T E R 3

C H A P T E R 4

C H A P T E R 5

C H A P T E R 6

C H A P T E R 7

C H A P T E R 8

C H A P T E R 9

C H A P T E R 10

C H A P T E R 11

C H A P T E R 12

C H A P T E R 13

C H A P T E R 14

C H A P T E R 15

C H A P T E R 16

C H A P T E R 17

C H A P T E R 18

C H A P T E R 19

C H A P T E R 20

C H A P T E R 21

C H A P T E R 22

C H A P T E R 23

C H A P T E R 24

C H A P T E R 25

C H A P T E R 26

C H A P T E R 1

The small band had gathered together one by one as Joshua had stumbled through the various and diverse areas of Draca Maldinor. Although he had been willing to go alone to aid in Gardon’s cause he had had the good fortune to find assistance and friends in unexpected places and at opportune times. They had formed a strange band with very diverse skills and attitudes and ways of dealing with the world, but that had not prevented them from strongly bonding in a very short period of time. In fact, the amount of time they had been together could hardly explain the strong bond that had been established among them. Now they had to confront splitting up for the good of their cause. It was to be temporary to be sure, but that did not prevent them from feeling depressed at the loss of companionship. This separation seemed ominous and they all wished that Joshua had formulated a plan that did not require it. And so, morning came more quickly than any of them wished. With the first light of day they all set off in their appointed directions. Despite Joshua’s urging, there was still considerable hesitation in the parting.

Each of them was determined to do what had been asked of them, but that did nothing to promote a desire to rush to the task. Eroth, who had protested the most, was still unhappy with the thought of Ila going alone, and he privately decided that he would walk with her until the last possible moment. Finally, when they could procrastinate no longer, Tarsi and Ila finally hugged all the rest of the group, even Sasananamas, who seemed oddly disconcerted by such intimacy. After this final gesture of acceptance of their fate, they were ready to proceed. With waves and shouts of encouragement, and a promise to meet at Agan-dir as soon as possible, but in no case later than three days from that morning, they set out on their separate paths.

Joshua, finding himself completely alone for the first time in many weeks, surveyed the view from the rise. He stood there for several minutes, watching as one by one his friends disappeared over the rolling hills. He felt empty and sad at their departure and found himself regretting that he had forced the issue. He still believed in his plan, but that did little to erase the regret he felt at giving up their company. This time there was no joy in beginning another step in his adventure, nor did the open country beckon, no matter how beautiful it might be. He wondered what lay before him now that he had reached this critical juncture. Despite the unexpected and harrowing experiences of the recent past, he could not escape thinking that the worst still lay ahead. Failure now would be devastating in every sense, and all they had accomplished so far would be for naught.

Overriding everything at that moment was a terrible feeling of isolation. Not since he had spent his first few days alone in the woods searching for the lost path to the Valley of Vapors had he been totally without companionship, without someone to at least share the dangers and discomfort. Now, looking all around him at the grass-covered hills, this world seemed emptier and lonelier than ever. Only with difficulty did he finally shake off the melancholy. After a long sigh he started toward Agan-dir where he would meet the fate that the events he had put in motion would bring.

Less than half a day of brisk walking brought him to the foot of the low hill at the base of the massive castle that in better times had kept watch over all of Draca Maldinor. Massive stone walls twenty feet high and ten feet thick surrounded the keep and enclosed an area of at least several hundred acres. At each corner and again at the mid-point between corners were square towers pierced with tall narrow windows designed for archers, so that any approach would place an enemy in a deadly crossfire. Each of the four roads from the circular perimeter passed under an arch in the center of a wall, and each of those entrances was straddled by one of the towers. Joshua approached the south wall on the road that came from Luregon’s house, and he was pleased to find the heavy iron gates raised and his progress unimpeded.

Once inside, he could see that, in fact, all the gates were up. Before him stood Agan-dir itself. Though still at some distance from him across the wide expanse of courtyard, it loomed over him with a sense of menace. Its square base rose at least three stories with no windows—sheer stone, carefully crafted to permit no grip or handhold. From this solid base the keep rose another six stories, stout and sheer as the foundation, but here there were numerous windows, narrow at first and then wider with each ascending level. At each corner square towers similar to those in the outer walls rose the entire height of the main structure and jutted out to gain a view of the walls they protected.

The only entrance to the structure itself was on the east side. There a broad ramp of stairs led to a wide entryway barred by two high wooden doors held in place by massive iron hinges. The doorway was in the center of a stout guardhouse that not only projected out beyond the doors to provide for a deadly crossfire, but it overhung the threshold as well, leaving an unwelcome visitor almost surrounded and easy to eliminate should the need arise. Even knowing that Agan-dir was deserted, Joshua found the passageway intimidating. Standing in the shadows of the surrounding walls, and glancing up at the murder holes over his head, it was easy for his imagination to conjure up hoards of defenders looking out at him and preparing to kill him in an instant should he make a false move. Determined to throw off the gloom that had descended on him, he tried the doors. No amount of pushing or pulling would cause them to move, however. They were barred securely on the inside. To each side were small, stout doors flanked by slits in the stone. He tried the one on the left, but it was locked tight. Panic was starting to grip him as he tried the one on the right. Until that moment it had never occurred to him that he might not be able to get into Agan-dir at all. He pushed on the small door and it moved slightly. Putting his shoulder against it and pushing with all the strength he could muster, he was able to force it open enough to allow him to squeeze through.

Beyond the door was a small dusty room, lit only by the sunlight entering as a narrow shaft from where the door stood ajar. As his eyes adjusted to the feeble light Joshua could see that a dark passage led away to his left. He followed it, keeping one hand on the wall to guide himself, until it brought him to a large open area just inside the main doors. This area was dim and dusty, but some sunlight managed to creep in through the cracks around and under the massive front doors. Torches in torch holders lined the walls. Joshua took one of these down, and after struggling for several minutes with his flint, he was able to light it. The torch flared up, and for an instant this source of light seemed exceedingly bright after his struggle in the dark. He could see that he was in a large hall with numerous passageways along the sides. At the far end was a long flight of stone steps leading up to another wide level. He climbed quickly, noting as he did that his footprints in the thick dust were as clear as if he was walking in snow. At the top of this broad second level he could see that there was another staircase at the far end that led back down. Off to his right, a narrower flight of stairs ascended to another level. It appeared brighter up there so he was encouraged to climb. These stairs took him to a large chamber that proved high enough in the castle to have narrow windows. Sunlight streamed in through each of the slender openings, providing enough light to enable him to proceed without the torch.

Looking out through one of the openings on his left he was able to determine that he was looking west. The ground outside the structure was now at least forty feet below him. When he resumed his exploring he discovered that there were numerous passages leading to countless small rooms on each level. Most of the rooms were still furnished with usable and sturdy furniture, but the castle had been abandoned for many years and everything was covered with a heavy coating of dust and the cobwebs were thick everywhere he turned. Joshua quickly lost count of the number of flights of stairs he climbed and the number of rooms he peeked into but he kept to the main hallways and staircases, striving always to find his way up to the highest levels. Occasional glances out of windows showed him that he was getting very high, and he assumed he had to be nearing the top. Eventually he climbed one last, steep and narrow flight of stairs that brought him to his goal. Pushing open a trap door at the top, he climbed out into the full light of day. He had reached the top of the tower at the northeast corner of the castle.

From that lofty place he had a magnificent view of all of the surrounding countryside. Looking over the parapet he could see the four roads that appeared to be the spokes of an enormous wheel, and despite the trees, he could even catch glimpses of the circular road that connected them all and formed the rim. To the north he could just make out the shape of Alindra’s house, and as he turned around he could see at least parts of all the others poking up through the trees. He strained hard to see signs of any of his friends on the road, but the distances defeated him, and if any of them were out there moving around at that moment he could not verify it. He could survey all the land from his vantage point, but, in truth, he could learn little from it. Somewhere out there each of his companions was alone on an individual mission on his behalf, but they were beyond his reach and there was nothing he could do to influence the outcome. His role was reduced to waiting and hoping.

He climbed down from the top of the tower to the level immediately below, and then after a brief search he found a room with a westerly exposure that would allow him to keep the afternoon sun as long as possible. His cursory exploration of the huge fortress had taken longer than he had expected and it would not be long before the sun dropped below the horizon. He busied himself by flipping over the straw-filled mattress on the bed, and his carelessness in carrying out that task created a thick cloud of dust that had him coughing and sputtering for several minutes. The broad beams of sunlight streaming through the wide windows in the western wall were filled with clouds of the dancing particles which gave a sparkling quality to the light. Several additional bright, sparkling beams crossed the others making the display all the more dazzling, but these were sharper and had a noticeably different quality to them. These more focused beams came not from outside, however, but rather from around the edges of his pack which he had nonchalantly tossed on the floor. For a brief moment he stared at the pack in wonder, and then the full realization struck him. He opened the pack and removed the small glass owl which was now glowing brightly. He quickly set it on the small, dusty table and then stood back. Clear beams of intense light shot from it in every direction. They moved around the room in a random pattern for a short time and then they quieted and changed to a rich blue hue that bathed the room in a peaceful but most unnatural light.

So here we are at last, Joshua, said a deep, booming voice that filled the room.

Gordon! Where have you been? It’s been such a long time.

So it has, replied the voice, but you have been very busy, my young friend. I didn’t want to interrupt your important work. A warm laugh rolled across the empty space. You have done very well, Joshua. No, let me correct myself, you have done excellently.

Joshua looked around the room as he always did when this disconcerting communication happened, still amazed and surprised by the disembodied voice. Finally he focused his attention on the bright owl. Concentrating on that inanimate object as the source of the voice allowed him to feel less like a lunatic with an over-active imagination who talked to empty air. Gordon, do you know what has happened recently?

Yes indeed. But Joshua, now that we’ve come this far, I think you should start calling me Gardon.

Of course. Gardon. Yes, I’ll try to remember, but you’ll have to forgive me if I forget once in a while. He hesitated for a moment. Tell me, Gardon, he said, slowly, and with careful emphasis on the name, now that we’ve come this far, do you think the plan will work?

I think you could answer that question better than I. It’s really still all up to you, Joshua. There was a pause, and then he added: You have done a truly superb job of holding back some of the enemies for a time. In fact, if these were less troubled times, just saving Ila would have been enough to gain you high praise. Under different circumstances that accomplishment alone would warrant accolades. And now you have managed to place all of my children in a position where they are greatly indebted to you. That has been well done indeed. He paused and characteristically left Joshua hanging for a time in an uncomfortable silence that boded trouble. But, if they prove stubborn, as I know they can be, then all may still fail in the end. At the least, you will have to use every bit of influence and persuasive ability you can muster.

That puts an awful lot on my head, protested Joshua. I’ve thought about it often, even before today, and I think it’s dangerous to allow success or failure to hinge solely on my ability to debate.

Yes, that’s true, it does put a great deal on your head, replied Gar-don with a chuckle, but I for one still have utmost confidence in you.

Joshua shook his head. I can’t take this so lightly, Gardon. Too much rests in the balance for me to carry this alone. Since we agree that I have them all in my debt already why can’t you come yourself to help convince them that they need your help?

I take none of this lightly, he replied with a touch of anger in his voice. When I say that it must be done in a certain way, then what I mean is that it must be done in a certain way. And when I say that I have utmost confidence in you, then that, too, is exactly what I mean.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. But I’m more afraid of this part of the plan than any other. I guess I was too stupid or innocent to be sufficiently frightened before I went out wandering. But here I know what I face and I feel inadequate to the task.

Nonsense, boomed Gardon. You are not entering a school debate here. These people owe you much, and it’s time to collect. Besides, even if I’m not there you’re far from alone. You have friends.

That’s true, but I don’t think those friends will be able to help me in this the way they did out in the wild.

Ha! exploded Gardon. If you think that then you are definitely not thinking clearly. Do you really think that your companions are without influence of their own? Tarsi with Luregon? Or Ila with Kareeth? Think, Joshua. And more than that, you have friends amongst those you wish to influence. I will hear no more of your fears in this matter. You will succeed because you have to, and then together we can begin to figure out how to deal with the real problem. The troubles we see now are merely the prelude. But, make no mistake, I will not underestimate the prelude. If we don’t get this handled properly, then we are defeated before we get started.

You know I’ll do whatever I can, replied Joshua with a resigned sigh, but I still feel I’ve gotten this far purely by luck.

Well, to a certain extent that’s true. Luck has had something to do with it. But that’s true in all endeavors. Luck and being clever and having allies. You have to have all three, and, perhaps, the allies are the most important of those factors. His tone was encouraging. After all, where would I be without a certain young friend of my own?

Talking to an empty room, said Joshua with a smile. Now, speaking of where you are, just where are you now and how do we get you here?

I’m still where you left me. And when the time is right I’ll get where you are the same way you did. You just gather them all together and convince them that my services can be of use to them one more time. You do that, and I’ll show up soon after.

You make it sound so damned easy, said Joshua, shaking his head. I still think you should just come now and let the chips fall where they may.

Now who’s making it sound easy? You’ll just have to accept that I can’t do it that way. With a little more luck, and the help of your friends, then the next time we talk it will be face to face. No more of this talking through owls. At that moment the light from the owl began to fade. Oh, and Joshua, even though you’re probably alone there, don’t let your guard down completely.

Why do you say that? What could be here? But the light was gone and there was no answer. Damn it, Gordon…Gardon. Whatever. You drive me crazy. How can I relax after a warning like that? Maybe you don’t think I know you, but I do. You casually throw out some vague, harmless sounding piece of advice like that, and the next thing you know all hell breaks loose and I almost get killed. But this time he really was alone, speaking to an empty room. The only light remaining came from the setting sun shining through the windows, and other than his own voice the silence was profound.

Joshua walked to the window and stared out. The last light of afternoon was rapidly fading, and the clouds on the western horizon were shifting from pink to gray. He was tired from his long walk and climbing so many stairs, but a heavy depression and loneliness dragged him down even more. His only two choices were to try to explore the enormous castle by torchlight or to sleep. He knew it would be exceedingly difficult to probe the enormous structure at night. He would also run the risk of missing something of importance. On the other hand, perched as he was in a small corner room at one end of the highest level in the structure, he could take some comfort in the knowledge that it would be exceedingly difficult for anything to find him if he stayed put and remained quiet. Only a short internal debate was necessary to conclude that the best course was to stay where he was and rest until morning. Before he stretched out on the small bed he drew his sword and put it on the floor beside him, ready and within easy reach if there was any need.

During the night as he dozed, his thoughts turned to images of Eroth or one of the others arriving with the dawn. He decided that first thing in the morning he would go down to the lower levels and open the big doors that faced east. Not only would that provide more light in the main chamber, but it would also signal to the others that everything was safe and under control. He did not care who arrived first, but he certainly hoped at least one of them would appear with the first light of morning. This castle was proving to be a terribly large and intimidating place in which to be alone. Even with his mind clouded by erratic dozing that confused him as to when he was dreaming and when he was awake, however, he knew that it was unrealistic to expect anyone as soon as morning. While they might not need the entire three days, and he certainly hoped they would not, the following morning would undoubtedly be too soon, even if they encountered no opposition. He wished now that he had specified two days or even one, but it was too late now for such regrets. Nevertheless, at the first light of day he would go down and fling open the massive doors. If nothing else, the gesture would make him feel better.

Sometime during the middle hours of the night he was disturbed by a noise that caused him to sit upright with a start. Far away and down below, he could not begin to guess how far, there was a loud scraping noise, and then he imagined he heard voices. In the tomb-like stillness of the empty stronghold sounds could travel in strange ways, so there was no objective way of telling just how far away the noises might actually be. Even after he was almost sure he heard muffled voices, he could not understand any of the words. A moment later the deep silence returned.

Joshua sat on the edge of the bed for a very long time, straining to hear anything above the soft whisper of the wind in the windows and the occasional scuffling of small animals somewhere nearby. His first impulse of fright gave way to thoughts that despite the short time that had passed perhaps it was some of his companions and that he should shout out and let them know where he was. Fears of other possible answers caused him to control that desire and remain quiet and attentive.

After what seemed like an eternity had passed in utter silence, he began wondering if he had really heard anything at all, of if he had merely dreamed it as he dozed fitfully. Slowly he lay back down with his hands behind his head, staring into the darkness above him and listening intently. He was sure now that his original plan of staying in one place for the night had been the best idea. He would just lie there quietly, alert and ready to grab his sword if the need arose. Despite his firm intentions, however, the quiet and the dark finally conquered him and he fell asleep.

He awoke with a jolt and glanced about the room in panic. His heart raced and he could feel it beating almost painfully in his chest. To his immediate relief, he discovered he was alone. The sun was up, and the early morning air flowing through the windows was fresh and cool. He swung his legs over the side, but remained sitting on the bed for a few minutes, taking deep breaths to bring himself to a state of full wakefulness while at the same time allowing his heart to return to a more normal pace. After sufficient time to gain command of himself and also to berate himself for being so careless, he rose and surveyed the view outside the window. The sky was clear and blue, still subtle and soft in the early morning light, and far below him all the countryside looked peaceful and serene. The beauty of the lands surrounding him and the bright sunlight made him feel much better about his situation. He hoisted his pack to his back, took up his sword, and set out both to explore and to find the way down to the main entrance.

Slowly and methodically he covered three levels, moving quietly in and out of rooms and hallways, braced to find something or someone at every turn. Finally, four levels down from where he started he found what he had feared all along. Two sets of footprints came up the stairs from the level below and then led down a long hallway. For a brief moment he considered hurrying down the stairs and out of Agan-dir as quickly as possible. It took only an instant to reject that course as an act of cowardice. In addition, he realized almost at once that in fleeing, not only would he sacrifice the advantage of surprise which he currently held, but it would leave him outside the walls hiding and waiting for his friends to arrive. That seemed a poor position from which to positively influence anyone’s behavior. Better to catch his opponents off guard now than to wait for them to do the same to him later.

Stealthily he crept down the poorly lit hallway, following the clear marks on the dusty floor. Halfway down the hall he heard muffled voices. He thought it sounded like a casual conversation, and that brought a grim smile to his lips. So far they were unaware of his presence. Arriving at night, they had missed his footprints, so no doubt they were convinced that they were alone in the deserted fortress. The footprints Joshua was following stopped at a door a few steps in front of him and to his right.

I don’t know what we’re supposed to find in this old fort either, said an impatient voice. I don’t know why you keep asking me that over and over. I didn’t volunteer for this assignment any more than you did.

I’m just talking to myself, replied the other. I can’t imagine what use there is in coming here. You can see that it’s been abandoned for a long time. We already know where the vermin all live. That’s where we should be—out attacking them in their villages.

Well, you’re right about that. I’d much rather be out in the open, fighting, instead of sneaking through tunnels and exploring abandoned old castles. I’m a soldier, not some sneaking thief.

The door stood partially open, allowing Joshua to peer in and see the two men by the window. Their backs were to him, and they were completely absorbed in their grousing conversation. Each of them was wearing a purple uniform trimmed with red and the plumes on their helms were a matching crimson. Both soldiers wore heavy armor and broadswords hung at their sides. Joshua had seen uniforms like these twice before. With great care he leaned his sword against the wall rather than risking the sound of returning it to its scabbard. Then, with equal stealth, he took his bow from his shoulder and fitted an arrow. He took a final deep breath to steady his nerves and then violently kicked the door open.

Stand fast or I’ll pin you to the wall! he shouted as he stepped forward into the room. Both men whirled toward him with startled expressions, but they recovered almost instantly and instinctively reached for their swords. Draw them and you die, said Joshua, fiercely, as he took another step into the room. Each of the men slowly released his grip on the hilt of his sword, but both of them stared at Joshua intently and neither took a step back.

Using as much force in his voice as he could muster, Joshua instructed them to carefully unsheathe their swords one at a time and slide them across the floor toward him. When they had complied he kicked each sword into the hallway behind him while never taking his eye from his adversaries or lowering the poised arrow.

Who are you? Joshua asked in a commanding voice. What are you doing here?

Both men scowled at him, but neither said a word.

Are there more of you, or are you alone?

How about right behind you? said the taller of the two men with a sneer.

Joshua flinched but he refused to take the bait and turn around. He prayed that the remark was simply a bluff to distract him and force him to turn away.

You’ll have to do better than that, said Joshua, loudly, trying his best to seem unconcerned about the possibility of others sneaking up behind him. Now tell me who you are.

Still neither man spoke. They stood calmly facing him, seeming impudently casual about their captor and the deadly weapon pointed at them. Even without their weapons these men struck Joshua as formidable. Both were large, more so for their heavy armor, and the design of the helms they wore contributed greatly to a fierce appearance no matter who might be hidden underneath. The helms covered most of the face, shading the eyes, flaring wide at the jaw and almost covering the cheek. A pointed spear of metal extended down from the forehead to protect the nose. The effect was to give these unarmed men such a fearsome look that in his own mind Joshua questioned whether or not he actually had the advantage.

Time and again Joshua repeated his questions, but with mounting frustration as he received no answers from the disciplined soldiers, other than the hatred in their eyes and an occasional sneer.

You might as well kill us now, said the shorter of the two men after a repeat of the tiresome questions. You’ll learn nothing from us.

All right then, we’ll just keep waiting, said Joshua in a stern voice. I’ve got time, and my friends will be here soon.

Our friends will be here soon, also, said the soldier with an evil laugh. I wonder who will get here first?

C H A P T E R 2

Luregon spotted Tarsi striding rapidly down the gentle slope that led to the cottages in front of their house long before she saw him. Tarsi, he shouted with excitement in his voice. Tarsi, you’re all right.

Of course I’m all right, she said with a confident tone and a smile, as if nothing whatsoever had happened while she was gone.

They met in the middle of the grassy courtyard, and when he hugged her with his massive arms he easily lifted her off the ground.

You seem glad to see me, she said with a laugh as he continued to hold her several inches above the grass.

I was going to go out looking for you, he said, finally setting her down. I had decided that if you weren’t here in two more days I was going to go.

But why? You never worried before when I was away for a time.

Something truly strange is going on. He took her by the hand and began walking toward the house. You won’t believe this, but Jarth was here while you were away. There was an odd tone in his voice.

Jarth? she exclaimed. Here? That is strange. She threw her pack on the floor as they entered the main hall and then she carefully stood her sword and bow in the corner. I thought I would be the one with the unusual story, she continued as she flopped down into a chair facing him.

Well, everything has been upside down since those strange people arrived…where are they anyway?

They had errands to attend to. I’ll explain it all later, but first tell me about Jarth. What brought him out of the seclusion of that fortress of his. And why did he come here?

Strange isn’t it, said Luregon, scratching his chin. He hasn’t come to see us in years. He paused for a moment. Then completely unlooked-for he comes here, and if you can imagine it, he was looking for my help.

What kind of help? asked Tarsi, though she believed she already had a good idea of what the answer