Horde

By Doug Ward

Den and his companions are thrust into the middle of a war. Maliki's evil horde is ready to attack the vastly outnumbered forces of Dunn Moor Keep, and that isn't everything. They have discovered an artifact that Den is very familiar with and are willing to employ the damaged weapon at any cost.
This is the second book in the War of the Stone. But, if you haven't done so yet, please read the first book, Lich. It is not only free but introduces the characters, as well as the world. The series comes to its exciting conclusion with "Demons," in stores everywhere.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Doug Ward
• Release date: Jun 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463595145

Doug Ward

Doug Ward currently lives in Western Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Slippery Rock University. He has a BFA is in Fine Art and spends much of his time doing oil paintings, which incorporate mythology and science, and writing.Doug's most recent series is "The War of the Stone." It is a fantasy series that introduces his world and the mythological beings who inhabit it. The first book is called, "Lich." If you like goblins, necromancers, and mayhem in general, this series is for you.Of his first series, The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse, Doug Ward says, "I like to write about parasitic zombies. They feel (to me) more scientifically grounded than other types. It's also pretty scary how many parasitic creatures are inside of us at this very moment. Some have even bonded with us for so long that they are actually a part of our DNA. Parasites have been known to take over their hosts. A few years ago, my wife called me from a friend's house and said that a mouse kept trying to snuggle with the cat. Actually nuzzling up to the cat's face. I quickly informed her that the mouse was infected by a parasite and that they needed to remove it from the house immediately.The parasite wanted to be eaten by the cat so it could continue its life cycle in the bowels of the unfortunate creature. This flatworm not only controls mice, but it can infect humans as well. "I have blended many scientific ideas into Parasite, which is a four book series.Saving Jebediah is a fun piece of fan fiction I wrote for a contest Mark Tufo was having. It should be read as a prequel because the characters in Saving Jebediah turn up in the 4 book series."If you want to get in touch, you can find him at https://wardswoods.wixsite.com/dougward, tweet him @authordougward, and check out his fan page at https://www.facebook.com/wardswoods/.

Book preview

Horde

By Doug Ward

Edited by J.D. Reed

Copyright 2019 Doug Ward

Introduction

Den and his companions are thrust into the middle of a war. Maliki's evil horde is ready to attack the vastly outnumbered forces of Dunn Moor Keep, and that isn't everything. The enemy has discovered an artifact that Den is very familiar with and they are willing to employ the damaged weapon at any cost.

This is the second book in the War of the Stone series.

License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Scott Lee, who is the guy I always bounce ideas off of; wife, who has to hear all of my crazy thoughts; and a big, special thanks to my awesome editor, J.D. Reed, without whom, I wouldn’t have a readable sentence in the book

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Sneak Attack

Chapter 2 It Begins

Chapter 3 Something Unexpected

Chapter 4 The Raiders Become the Raided

Chapter 5 Confessions

Chapter 6 A New Mission

Chapter 7 Airing It Out

Chapter 8 That Darn Journal

Chapter 9 Something Puzzling

Chapter 10 Evil is as Evil Does

Chapter 11 A Council Is Summoned

Chapter 12 Ambush

Chapter 13 Trolls

Chapter 14 Licking Our Wounds

Chapter 15 The Gathering Storm

Chapter 16 The Enemy Revealed

Chapter 17 The First Assault

Chapter 18 The Evil Artifact Resurfaces

Chapter 19 Life and Death

Chapter 20 A Heartfelt Thank You

Chapter 21 Trying Something New

Chapter 22 Old Friends

Chapter 23 What Was That?

Chapter 24 Foul Dreams

Chapter 25 There Has to Be a Way

Chapter 26 Concerned Friends

Chapter 27 A Word of Warning

Chapter 28 You Can’t Teach an Old Stone New Tricks, Can You?

Chapter 29 Better Leadership

Chapter 30 Exhaustion

Chapter 31 Into the Frey

Chapter 32 The Battle Rages

Chapter 33 Skullduggery in the Dark

Chapter 34 Making Things Nice

Chapter 35 Concerning Demons

Chapter 36 This is Madness

Chapter 1

Sneak Attack

In the deep darkness of the cavern, the sound of a water droplet breaking the surface of a puddle echoed in the distance. The noise it made reoccurred softly, fading over time. The commotion it created, although short-lived, resonated over a great distance, causing changes both great and small to many things within its sphere of influence.

Suddenly, a popping noise, followed by a vertical slice of blue light, appeared out of nowhere. The glowing slit expanded, opening into a somewhat large doorway. As the two-dimensional portal come into contact with the ground, it sliced through the debris in its way.

The surface of the portal, much like a pond, rippled. The bluish glow emanating from it lit a small area in the natural cavern. Stalactites pointed downward, their origins lost in the darkness, masking the ceiling far above. The stalagmites on the floor of the cave caused jagged shadows to jut outward from the light of the magical gateway.

Moments after appearing, the liquid surface of the door parted as a humanoid broke the surface and stepped through the portal. Gasping for air, she continued forward, then stepped to the side, making way for the rest of her company. With each step, she heard a crunching noise from under her boots.

The female ranger immediately took a defensive position, knocking an arrow and crouching. Her elven eyes penetrated deep into the darkness, searching for any danger, which might threaten those who were coming next.

The blue, undulating gateway parted again and again, emitting four more of her group. She was joined by a large human warrior, a pair of dwarven twins, and a willowy mage in soft gray robes. As each appeared, they struck a similar pose, as if expecting a battle.

What are twigs doing in this foul cave? asked Gailin, one of the dwarves.

Don’t look down, warned Pip, the other diminutive warrior. His armor was corroded and grimy, a stark contrast to his brother’s shining mail.

Why not? the first demanded.

They aren’t twigs, the other answered.

Slowly dropping his gaze to the cavern floor, the small warrior saw he was standing in the midst of a bone-covered surface. This isn’t good, he stated, before the wizard, Gizzur, shushed them into silence.

Blasted fools, the mage cursed under his breath. We aren’t on a picnic.

The spell-caster then created a glowing orb of light and several tense moments passed. His enchantment, much brighter than the light from the magical gateway, allowed the companions to see deeper into the dark expanse. The portal winked out with another pop, just as a roar issued forth from a crevasse nearby.

The company spun to meet their foe, as three huge rock trolls raced forward with large spiked cudgels raised. Her bowstring thrumming, Idera released four arrows in the span of a heartbeat. The arrows, although jutting from their gray, rock-like hide, caused only a slight inconvenience to the lumbering beasts.

Baltar, the big barbarian, rushed forward, deflecting the nearest troll’s weapon with his own. As the two traded blows, the twin dwarves engaged the other two. Although they were less than a third the height of their foe, they were more than prepared for a fight of this type.

Ever since their god, Terran, created the dwarven race, they had been forced to fight much larger enemies. Countless centuries of struggling had taught these small warriors strategies for taking down creatures many times their size.

Now we know why there are so many bones lying about! Pip assessed while slipping between his troll’s legs and bashing the beast behind its left kneecap with his hammer. The troll screamed in pain before dropping to its knees.

Agreed! Gailin stated, swatting his opponent’s clumsy swing to one side with the flat of his battle ax. You know who’d love this?

Mom?

No, Gailin disagreed. Well, yeah, sure she would, but I was talking about Scree. He always loved bashing rock trolls.

Pip smashed his long-handled war hammer into the back of his foe’s head, shattering its skull. I hate that stupid name he calls himself. It wasn’t his fault.

As his twin’s nemesis dropped lifelessly to the cavern floor, Gailin slammed the long handle of his ax into the jaw of his own enemy. The powerful blow knocked the creature senseless for a moment. Those precious few seconds were all that the veteran fighter needed. With a grunt, he drove his ax, nearly to its butt, into the huge creature’s back. The troll was dead. After climbing onto its back, he pulled his weapon free from the spine it was lodged in, causing the troll to twitch violently.

The third troll was still trading blows with the others in the company. Its hide bristling with arrows, the beast roared as it swung its cudgel into the barbarian’s side. Baltar dropped to all fours, gasping in pain, as the approaching troll licked its lips in anticipation of an easy kill.

Bolts of lightning arced from Gizzur’s hands, blasting the monster back. Smoke rising from its singed flesh, the beast moved toward its still prone opponent. Halfway to its goal, two diminutive sentinels blocked the evil creature.

Do ya think there’s enough of him to share? Pip asked enthusiastically.

Oh, I think there is, Gailin answered. He’s a big one, for sure.

Before the massive troll could react, the two dwarven warriors flew into motion. Axe and hammer spinning, they moved more quickly than most would expect. With practiced precision, they battered their helpless foe with a flurry of attacks. The troll tried to parry and back away, but the twins’ onslaught would not be denied. In the end, they brought their quarry down, a pool of blood forming around its fallen form.

The pair turned to their company, who were already assisting the injured Baltar. Barely winded, Gailin jibbed, It was only a troll, for crying out loud.

Maybe he’s too tall? Pip chimed in. Being tall just makes you awkward.

The twins broke into a fit of laughter as the mage approached them. Hush, you dolts! We are deep in the enemy’s keep, in the very midst of Onde Bolig and its evil forces, and you two act like you’re on holiday.

Gailin raised a finger to his lips and shushed his brother. Pip frowned at the gesture, but his displeasure was short-lived as he looked down to take his next step.

You’re standing in troll poop, Pip whispered with a grin.

What! his twin stated in a muffled cry.

Looking at his feet, Gailin noticed that his right boot was firmly planted in a good-sized pile of troll dung. Gently, he extracted his foot from the center of the spore and, kicking it forward, flung a goodly portion of the offending material from his heel, sending a large dollop to splat on Idera’s leather breeches.

Her beautiful face pinched with anger as she glared at the dwarf. Gailin sheepishly shrugged an apology, a wide grin betraying his helpless feeling.

Pip whispered in his ear, I never met an elf with a sense of humor.

Carefully scraping the feces-covered toe of his boot against some larger bones, Gailin muttered, Why don’t the minions of evil ever clean up after themselves? It’s like they never heard of a mop!

I don’t think trolls value housekeeping skills as much as you do, his twin joked.

If I didn’t clean up after you, you’d be living just like this? Gailin shot back with a grin.

Chapter 2

It Begins

As the last of the company stepped through Finnious’s magical gateway, the scene playing out before them astonished Den. Beings of all races were rushing about in a flurry of activity.

The company emerged from a special alcove, which was set aside for wizards and their traveling spells. It wouldn’t do for a spell-caster to just randomly pop into the middle of a room. If an innocent being were to occupy the same spot as the gateway, it would slice the poor soul in half.

That’s also why, long ago, magic-users quickly figured out that they had to have actually visited the place they were teleporting to if they wanted the spell to work correctly. One slight miscalculation and they could appear inside of a wall, or worse.

If the spell-caster hadn’t been to a distant land, the wizard would have no idea of how to get there. Maps, for this purpose, were useless. Sure, they could show an enchanter the directions of how to get somewhere, but a map didn’t illuminate to its user the subtle nuances of the roads the traveler would walk, nor were they unerring accurate.

Stepping out of the shadowy alcove, Den paused and took in his surroundings. The room was very large; its high, vaulted ceiling supported by rough-hewn beams. By the thick stone blocks forming the stone walls, he ascertained they were in some sort of castle. Thin windows emitted sunlight into the chilly room. From the look of the scattered food plates and beverages, it appeared to still be morning.

Large tables, covered with maps and various other documents, dominated much of the floor space. The rest was alternately occupied by the myriad of beings racing to and fro. Whatever was happening, it seemed to require much haste. Something important was afoot.

Beings of many of the fairer races intermixed as they discussed, argued, and seemed to debate whatever was happening. The room virtually buzzed with the sights and sounds of what was obviously a grand-scale event.

From a nearby table, a striking figure approached the company. The middle-aged gentleman had long hair, with a bit of gray at his temples. He had what looked like a strong, fit figure, encased in a suit of golden armor. The man wore a crown on his head, denoting his rank.

Finnious, the human stated. Where have you been? We started without you.

Drat! the old mage spat. Why were you in such a hurry?

It was then that Den noticed that Pinch and Bronwynn were bowing to the man before them. With a sudden realization, it dawned on him that this must be Kane, King of the Realm.

Joining his friends, he awkwardly bent at the waist. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied Scree. The dwarf remained standing, looking elsewhere, as if unmoved or unaware of the royalty before him.

We wanted to try our assault at sunrise, when many of our enemies are at their weakest, Kane remarked. His gaze straying from Finnious, he quickly added, This is not the place for formalities. Rise, my friends. Besides, I never liked all of that bowing and scraping rubbish, anyway.

That’s when he noticed the half-turned dwarf. Balinor. I was-

The small, stout warrior raised a hand and cut the king off with a word. Scree.

Master dwarf, the king began. I don’t understand why you insist-

The dwarf repeated his gesture and halted the monarch, mid-sentence, yet again. Just Scree. That’s all.

What? Pinch breathed softly. The thief’s face registered his shock.

Scree glanced sheepishly at his long-time companion to see if what had transpired had dawned on the rogue. The bearded fighter’s brow furrowed, as if embarrassed. His head lowered as he shifted to face the others.

I understand why we are attempting the assault in the morning. In fact, it was my idea, Finnious sputtered. But my question is, why now?

While you were gone, we had something unexpected happen, the king explained, finally looking away from Scree.

Under Finnious’s scrutinizing gaze, Kane gulped, then continued. Last night, after you left, one of the enemy’s wizards defected and appeared on our doorstep. It seems he has had a change of heart.

That’s him, over there, he said, gesturing at the dark-robed figure at a far table. He stood away from the windows in the darkest part of the room.

As the companions’ collective eyes settled on the figure, Finnious and Bronwynn both spat at the same instant, Warferin?!

The swordswoman’s hand dropped to the hilt of her sword and the old wizard’s fingers tightened on his staff as the two scowled in the defector’s direction. Bronwynn stepped forward as if to approach the dark mage, but Kane stopped her in mid-stride.

He came to us in peace and has helped us already. We, the council, believe he had a change of heart.

Bronwynn grimaced. Warferin is Murgo’s foul mage. His heart is as black as midnight, and I very much doubt that it will ever change.

Agreed, Finnious stated adamantly.

How do you know him? Den asked his master.

The same way a dog knows a tick, the venerable mage answered. From his bite and the sickness it invariably causes. We’ve been on opposing sides a few times, and I have no love for that scoundrel!

Kane stepped forward, blocking their view. I understand your feelings, but he has already given us valuable information pertaining to our foe and their movements. He has knowledge of the inside of Onde Bolig, I believe. I would caution you all to give him the benefit of the doubt before you attempt any harm. He may be valuable to us again. Looking directly into Finnious’s eyes, he implored, Do me this one favor.

I’ll leave him be, promised Bronwynn, but if he causes any doubt, I’ll wring his scrawny neck.

That is all I can ask, my friend. Thank you, the king said, relieved.

For you, Kane, the old wizard agreed. Is there any word from the raiding party?

The monarch shook his head side-to-side. No. The wizard, Mako, is awaiting the signal to open a gateway for their return. If they succeed, we may be able to stop this war before it begins. But, you must be tired. Let me send you to some appropriate chambers so you can be refreshed.

Kane nodded to a page and whispered in his ear. The young noble nodded before leading them away.

I’ll remain here, Finnious stated, waving the young man off. I may be needed.

As you will, the page replied. If the rest of you will follow me.

The remainder of the company filed out of the bustling room and followed the young noble. The keep was impressive; even the hallways were decorated with majestic tapestries depicting scenes of valor from ages gone by. It was grand, yet functional. Arrow slits lined what Den could only imagine were buttress walls. As they passed a balcony, the young mage was drawn to the view outside. The rest followed him as he strode out onto the balcony.

They were very high above the ground. Surrounding the stronghold was an outer wall. Armed soldiers busily trod the various stairways and ramparts. Watchmen could be seen at regular intervals, a bowshot away. Beyond the walls, there was what looked like a broad plain, which ended abruptly at steep mountains capped with snow.

The chill air caused him to cross his arms over his chest, even though it was sunny. They must have traveled very far.

Where are we? Den asked no one in particular. The youth had never been far from the village of Springdale.

The page wrinkled his brow. Why, you are in Upper Midlothia, of course. This is Dunn Moor Keep. We like to call it The Rock, he said with pride. No enemy has ever broached our outer wall, let alone the keep itself. This place has served to hold the evil that lies beyond at bay for centuries.

And they would be? Den coaxed.

Foul folk, the young man answered with a somewhat shocked look. Our people have kept the southern lands safe for centuries. Those mountains mark the southern edge of the Land of Skagnar.

Safe, you say, Den said sarcastically.

Let it go, Bronwynn warned. Let’s just go to our chambers. I’m tired.

Chamber, the page corrected.

As the youth moved back into the hall, she leaned over to Den and whispered, Chamber? That’ll be cozy, and a bit awkward.

They took several halls and a few stairways before stopping at an ornate door. Pulling a key ring from his belt, the noble rifled through them before selecting the proper key. Pinch took great interest as the tumblers turned and, with a push inward, he revealed an extensive apartment.

Maybe not as cozy as I thought, Bronywnn mumbled.

Bronwynn, Den, and Pinch, wide-eyed, moved woodenly into the room. The only one who didn’t seem shocked was Scree.

The outer living space was huge. Overstuffed couches and chairs surrounded a plush, woven rug. Paintings by skillful artists hung everywhere. The room was overwhelmingly posh.

Reacting to the shocked expression on three of the four guests, the page stammered, Is this accommodation not to your standards?

They’re fine, Scree replied as his friends continued admiring the opulent room. Tell your liege that he is most gracious and that I am in his debt.

Very good, he responded. I will have servants along shortly to draw a bath.

That won’t be necessary, the dwarf said.

It will most certainly be necessary, Bronwynn countered. I would like a bath and you three positively stink.

The three men looked shocked. Pinch raised an arm, and with a grimace, shot back, I’ve been worse.

Will that be all?

Yes, Scree said quickly. Thank you for your service.

The page set the key on a shelf near the door alongside several others and left, closing the door softly behind him.

I still don’t think I need a bath, the dwarf muttered.

Yes. You do! You still have blood on you from the lich’s tower,