Andun

By Mihai-Marius Trofim

After a cruel and senseless war, prince Kahn and his companions, are given a second chance. Reunited with a lifelong friend, now turned foe, they embark on a journey to avoid another war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329257269

Book preview

Andun

Andun

by Mihai-Marius Trofim

Contents

Andun

CONTENTS

Copyright

Chapter One: Surprise.

Chapter Two:Memories.

Chapter three: Familiar, yet strange.

Chapter Four:Doubt.

Chapter Five:Wake up, old man!

Chapter Six:He left us!

Chapter Seven:Let me go!

Copyright

© 2015 - Mihai-Marius Trofim

All world-wide rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the copyright owner.

All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons or other beings and/or creatures, living or dead, undead or just ill, is purely coincidental.

June 25 2015

ISBN:978-1-329-25726-9

Chapter One: Surprise.

The wind kept blowing harder and harder. Spring seems so far away. The winter claimed many lives and the end is nowhere in sight. For man to live out here is pure madness. But there is something in these lands that cannot be forsaken. The blood of so many good men, has been spilled, for the right to call these parts home.

A voice through the wind makes itself heard.

- This way! Kahn said.

The prince had good information that the last witch was here, and that her dealings were dark and dangerous. The book of the ancients has been found, and he would want to fulfill the promise that he made to his father right before he died.

I will not fail you father, even if this means the end of me! The thought gave him a straight purpose.

Nothing will stand in his way.

He and his men were out to hunt. They were all prepared and their hunger for blood can be read on their faces. The men were half covered in white wolf pelts. So that they can blend with the snow if need be. They didn't mind the cold. It gave them a sence of purpose. These were the Arcelor people, forged in the lands of Khar.

These lands were once theirs, the thought that they lost it in the Andun war, was unbearable. The ancient fort of Masar was the last stronghold that the Drogur had in these parts. Clearing it, would make it theirs once again. But first they had to deal with the dark powers.

The terrain was difficult, very high and steep mountains, with a small clearing in the middle. It is a very hard position to attack, but Kahn and his men have circled behind them for more than twenty miles. A straight forward attack was pure suicide. The men got to their position, gathered in a circle, they were barelly a dozen.

- Listen up! Kahn said after a few seconds of catching their breaths.

- Nobody attacks, get to your positions and wait for night fall. The patrol will be back soon after that.

- Can we trust this information? Khiok, asked.

Khiok, his father's right hand. A brave warrior that has been with him ever since he learned how to walk. Wise, skilled and above all loyal to a fault! Never questioned his decisions, only counciled him. The prince values him above all!

- Kepa will not fail us! We are here now, there is no turning back! We must proceed. Kahn said.

- Kepa? That crazy son of mine, is on his own again? The old man smiled.

- He loves it! Khiok, take your men and cover the patrol.

Khiok puts his hand across his chest to his heart, closes his eyes and bows his head.

- You have my word.

Turns around to his men.

- Move, we have work to do!

All the men are prepared. They ready their swords. Small daggers are kept in the boots, just in case of a close combat.

The men in the camp beneath them, have dug themselves in with their backs at the steep wall, fortifying the front with a spiked line made out of five meters long spears. Not even a bird could get in without them knowing. Dogs were kept close, in time of a snow storm, when visibility was poor.

In the camp, preparations were made. Secrecy was important for their task.

- Kome, ready the dogs, keep them close by the fence, i dont want to be caught by surprise. Kamel said.

The leader of the Drogur folk, Kamel. From the Arcelor people, he grew up with Kahn, but the Andun war, sent them on different paths.

A fearless warrior, that doesn't want to take any risks. His purpose here is a dangerous one and he wants to be ready for anything.

- The patrol with the supplies should be back at dusk. I don't want any trouble. Everything will be fine if you keep your eyes open.

The snow storm kept getting stronger. The steep mountain face made their small camp a refuge.

- We wait here for two more days, untill the incantation by the woman is over, then we head for the pass of Joukur. The ice up there is beyond anything we have ever seen, but we must risk it. Kamel said, and pointed on the map.

As they were talking, a scout made his way inside the tent.

- My lord, the rumor that you are here, has been put out for two days now. Whatever your plan is, we have set it in motion.

- Good! If Kahn decides to attack us here, he will have to do so from the front, as we have the higher ground. Kome said, as his hands hit the table.

- He will be here. He must come, i know him too well not to. Kamel smiled.

Ha ha, not even this dog can resist the smell of meat. He thought to himself.

The snow was falling relentlessly, the Drogur patrol was heading back to the camp, with supplies and more weapons. Eight men, four lines formed by two men, spread two meters away from one another. Forming a close perimeter, covering a band of four donkeys with their supplies. They had their swords close and ready for combat. Khiok has a company of seven men, and one scout up front camouflaged in a tree. They dug themselves holes in the snow next to the path. With two men waiting in the trees with rope tied to branches in their hands. As soon as they got the signal from the scout, they would get between them for a surprise attack. Khiok and his oldest son Kentor, stayed together.

- Remember, no blood, just hit them in the head. Khiok told his son.

- But father, do we kill them or take them prisoniers? Kentor, said anxiously.

- We need to get their clothes if we are to enter the Drogur camp without raising suspicion. We will see about the prisoner part later.

Khiok was skilled in shadow fighting, skills forged in the great war of Andun. Beside him, his most trusted aides, men that would follow him in the fires of the great caves in the East.

-I want this done quick and in total silence. Today, not a scratch on us. Move!!! Everyone knew their task. The patrol was closing in. The scout was above them, in a tree, preparing a arrow for the signal.

-Stay close, watch your back. Khiok told his son, smiling.

Behind him, the arrow went straint to the ground.

-That's our signal. This is it, son! Eyes open, follow my lead.

The snow kept getting higher and it made advancing a nightmare. The ambush was set, the patrol reached the tree line. Suddenly, out of the snow, two men jumped grabbing the ones in the back. Covering their mouth so that they wouldn't make any sound. Laying them unconcious, by hitting them in the head with clubs. As the others advanced a few more paces, the two men in the trees signaled each other and jumped, swinging by the ropes, hitting the men in the back. The ones in the front, were less than two meters away from Khiok. When they turned to see what was going on, he jumped out the snow, followed by his son. Two hits to the head, were enough to lay them down to sleep. As the others realised what was going on, one of them took his knife and put it to the neck of the other man.

- Don't move! You don't wanna die here in this hell hole, right?

The man dropped his sword and nodded no to him.

- Great answer! He put his hand up, Khiok threw the club.

- Good night! One hit was enough. He fell down like a fresh chopped tree.

- Took you long enough! Oh, and i saw your trap from a far. Getting sloppy old man! He said smiling.

- Good to see you are well, Kepa. Khiok said.

- Yeah, well, you know me right. Attention to details, got me so far in life.

Kepa was a real master of infiltration and disguises. He once pretended to be the king, in a castle for almost two months. He would have stayed longer, if he didn't get drunk and lost his accent. Had to escape through the sewers. He will never forget that smell.

- You boys ready to die?! Kepa asked the others, smiling.

They responded by growling like hungry wolves.

- Tie these poor bastards to those trees and let's get a move on. Kahn is twice the warrior with me at his back.

- Yes yes, we know the stories. Khiok said while dragging a body.

The men got dressed in the patrol's outfits. Resuming the march towards the camp. Night set upon them. The storm was still strong. Kahn and the others were waiting in the woods above the camp, for the signal that everything went according to the plan. Suddenly torches were vissible from the forest. Four torches in the night were closing in. One of the torches in the back was swinging left and right.

- It's them! Kahn said, smiling. His eyes, expressed happiness, his men never dissapointed him.

- Grab the ropes, as soon as they are in, we start climbing down.

The others were ready to descend quietly. The patrol was at the camp entrance.

- Who goes there? The Drogur guard asked.

Kepa got to the barricade first.

- Easy now! It's just us. We brought supplies and some more weapons. Sorry we couldn't get some more men. This damned storm scares people off. But we bring food, bread and meat. Kepa said looking him dead in the eye, as the guard put a torch into his face. This was one of his intimidation tactics, even though the wind was strong, he didn't blink.

- Yes yes, come on in, the damned cold is making me jumpy. The guard said as he signaled his men to move the barricade and let them in. The dogs were barking loudly at them.

Kepa threw them some meat, so that they had other things on their mind. They ate it, like they haven't eaten in weeks.

They went passed the barricade, their eyes were covering everything, where every wagon, guard and other obstacles were, even counting the steps from the entrance to the tents.

They got close to the tents, a fire was burning outside, men gathered around it, warming their hands, cooking some beans.

- I know what you men are missing. Kepa said loudly, waving his hands around.

The men turned around and looked at him.

- Nothing like deer meat to brighten a day and put muscles on a warriors bones.

Khiok, Kentor and the others unpacked the meat from the donkeys, putting it in front of them.

- Help yourself, lads. It's enough around for everyone. Kepa said as his eyes looked up at the wall. Kahn and the others were slowly climbing down. He realised that he needed to gather attention upon himself.

- Did i ever tell you, that i killed a mountain troll, with these two hammers? He said as he lifted his fists up. The others were passing meat and bread around.

- Well, it's a funny story. Kepa laughed.

- I didn't mean to kill him, but you know me right, i cannot turn my back on a challenge. The monster looked like my first wife. For a second there i thought they were related, maybe it was her ugly mother coming to haunt me for leaving her.

The guards laughed as they put their knives through the meat and hold it over the fire.

- Anyway, he looked at me, and growled. I grabbed this here knife, out of my belt. He took his knife out.

- So he charged me, right. And i went like this.

He raised his right arm behind him, ready to throw the knife. The others slowly put their hands on their knives.

- And as he started running, i took aim. Closed my left eye, to see better.

He took aim.

- And...... He didn't finish the sentence and he threw the knife straight into the neck of a guard facing him. Khiok and the others, instantly did the same, taking them out in a single colective move.

As the guards fell down, Kahn and the others reached the ground. Quickly they grabbed the bodies and brought them inside the tent. They cut the tent at the back letting them in.

- I see you still love to be the center of attention! Kahn said, as he put his right hand on Kepa's left shoulder.

- Well, you know me, my friend. He did the same, as a sign of respect.

- I always make an entrance. Besides, look at them, they died with a smile on their faces.

They all laughed, it was a silent laught, as they still had a lot to do. Khiok, looked at the papers on the table.

- Here, in the tent close to the mountain wall, is a passage. Some sort of a cave.The woman must be in there! You were right Kahn, they are after the power of the ancients. Khiok said looking at him, frightened.

- We will stop them, and this ancient evil, my friends. We die so that innocents don't. That's the way of our people. Let's move, the quicker we do this, the better. You know your task. Kepa, Khiok, with me. The rest of you, get to your possitions and wait for the real storm to set upon these parts! Move!

As they prepared to leave. Khiok turned to his son.

- My boy, you are ready for this. Stay sharp, don't attract unnecessary attention, and don't hesitate. See you on the other side. He said with a small smile on his face.

- Yes, father! Just like you taught me. Kentor said confident.

They all left, towards their purpose. Kahn, led them to the cave entrance. The walk was slow, the snow storm made them almost invissible. At the tent entrance, a small fire, with two men around it. They stopped behind some barrels, they assess the situation.

- Two men outside, who knows how many inside. Kepa said.

- Only one way to find out, let's go! Kahn was eager to get this over with.

They didn't get to make two steps as Khiok grabbed their hands, stopped them and said.

- Wait! Look!

Walking toward the tend were Kamel, Kome and a Drogur guard.

- I was wondering where he was. Kahn said. That crazy, fool is playing with some dangerous things. He will never control that power, it will only corrupt and consume him.

He looks at his companions.

- Either we die, or he dies tonight, no more mercy or excuses. Understood? Kahn's face was red with anger.

- Right behind you, my friend. Khiok said

- You know me right. I love your footsteps. Let's go. I'm missing dinner! Kepa, said smiling.

The guards posted outside, noticed them.

- Stop! Nobody goes in! Kamel's orders. If you don't like it, take it up with him.

- Easy, my brothers, just here to ease the hunger. Brought you some fresh meat, compliments of some peasants that don't need it anymore. Kepa said getting closer to them quicker than the others.

- It's so fresh... he didn't finish the sentence, as he took his knife from the bag and put it in the neck of one of them. Khiok did the same to the other one.

- ... as it is bloody. Kepa said gently, as he put down the guard's body.

Kahn never stopped walking. He went in, the others soon followed, dragging the corpses inside.

The tent was a tall one. A fire in the middle of it, a desk next to the wall with some papers on it. Bear and wolf pelts were layed on the grown, making it a pleasant refuge from the outside cold.

- Check the desk! Kahn said as he watched the entrance.

Khiok looked through the papers. Kepa saw movement on the bed. A woman layed half drunk half naked on it.

- My goddess, where have you been all my life! Kepa said as he lifted the covers.

He whistled in admiration.

-Look at that pink........

- Kepa, really? Kahn said looking at him.

- Ah, oh! Not my type anyway. Too skinny. He covered her back again, and got close to Khiok.

- Anything? Kepa asked still looking at the woman.

- Plenty, look here! Khiok handed him the paper, he was still looking at the woman. His eyes went up, and slapped Kepa right on the face.

- Is your mind here, or on that bed, boy?!

- Hmmm, right! Kepa looked at he papers.

- It sais here that he's got all sort of ingredients: troll fangs, and purple stangs. These are hard to come by! I mean, stangs? That weed grows on top the highest mountains. This guy means business.

- Enough! Doesn't matter. We got a task to fulfill. Move! Kahn said readying his sword.

The entrance to the cave was in the second room of the tent, as hot air came out of the cave, it made breathing harder.

- Stay sharp, if we are surrounded, backs to one another and don't hesitate.

They went inside, to find large room with a narrow path that leads down towards a shrine. A fire with a boiling pot on top of it, heated the room. Kamel, Kome and another man, were standing next to the entrance to another chamber. A woman's voice was traveling through the air, reciting incantations and other demonic words. Kahn pointed toward the second room.

- There! She's in there! All we need to do is get past them and we are alone with her.

On the table, next to Kamel there is something big covered with a piece of cloth.

The woman, stepped out of the small room carrying a cup with something boiled inside it. Kamel, removed the cover and reveals a mountain troll. He struggles to open it's mouth. As the woman prepares to pour the potion, down it's throat.

- What are they doing? Khiok said looking downwards.

- Trying to bring it back to life? Kepa looked at Kahn.

- We need to move before they do it. Climb down the right, Khiok. Kepa stay here, and cover our backs. I will be the bait.

They moved slowly, sticking to the walls in the shadows. Every couple of minutes or so, they looked up at Kepa. He kept signaling them that everything is clear.

The element of suprise, is the biggest advantage one can get in a battle.

Kahn, kept telling himself, as he moved slowly.

- Are you sure we can control this monster? Kamel asked the woman.

- I don't wish to control it! I want his heart to be warm. She said as she poured the liquid in the beast's mouth.

- If you are right that your enemy is coming, we will need this. She said as she turned around and walked back into the other room.

He will be here. Kamel kept telling himself.

The snow will be the end of us all. Kentor kept telling himself as he walked around the camp.

Stay focused, father said. He repeated on and on, as he got close to the fire to warm his hands. He caught something with the corner of his eye. In the forest at a distance, torches were slowly getting closer.

- Oh, no!!! He started walking toward his companions that were scatered around the camp. When their eyes met, he signaled them to follow him. One by one they all gathered in the back of a remote tent.

- I see torches, in the forest! Could be anyone. We cannot risk being discovered.

Spread around the camp, walk slow, meet you outside the big tent. Move!!!

Slowly they gathered outside next to the fire.

Kentor, and the other men tried not to attract attention in any way.

One word is enough to be discovered. They all thought.

- Anything happens, back against the wall. We must fight for all the time they need, inside.

They all knew what to do. No need for more words. Only caution.

The torches got to the camp entrance. Eight men, armed to the teeth.

- Who, goes there ? The guard asked, putting his hand on his sword. The other two guards stood up.

- Calm down, it's me, Veya! He said while he took his hood down to make his face seen. A tall, fearsome man. Dark eyes, with a long scar on his face from the right eye going down all the way to the neck. Covered with a black wolf pelt, to make himself blend with the dark when needed.

- Are you gonna keep us here all night, old man? I need to see Kamel as soon as possible, pressing matters made me come up the mountain through all this snow.

- Come inside lads, the patrol that came earlier brought meat. They are good reinforcements if you ask me!

He was surprised.

- What reinforcements? Veya asked angry. As he was looking inside the camp.

The old man didn't get a chance to speak. Veya grinded his teeth together.

- Kahn!!! He said it with hatred and enthusiasm at the same time. As he got close to the old man and grabbed him by the throat.

- We are the reinforcements, you stupid shit! With his left hand he stabbed him in the chest, straight into the heart. He let him go.

- Spread around the camp! They are here. He said with a smile on his face.Where there is Kahn, Kepa is two meters behind him! He thought to himself while he felt his scar with his fingers.

- Finally, revenge is mine! He said out loud.

- Let's move, be ready for anything! They are cunning like wolves, they could be anywhere.

Inside the cave, the air was foul. Drops of water were coming down everywhere. The hot air from the fire met the cold air coming from outside and it made breathing hard. The woman's voice, was hitting the walls with her incantation, the language was unknown to Kepa's ears.

I hope that dreadfull woman, is singing something from her long lost childhood. He thought to himself as drops of sweat came down his forehead. But even he knew that wasn't the case.

The woman's voice was no more. Silence took over the cave. The only noise was the wood, snapping on the fire.

Kahn was sitting in the shadows, back against the wall, was looking toward Kepa He signaled him to wait a little longer.

Khiok was moving slowly, as rocks were everywhere at his feet, the smallest noise could alert Kamel and the other two men. Slowly advancing downwards, stepping carefully not to displace anything. Finally, he got to a point in which there was only a boulder in front of him. If need be, he would vault it quickly. He looked up, his eyes met Kepa's. He signaled him as to where Kahn was. They nodded to eachother.

Kahn, was waiting, his eyes switched between the men and Kepa's location.

Finally, Kepa signaled him that all was good to go. Kahn shook his head, telling himself.

You only die once.

He stood up, coming out from the shadows, with his sword in hand.

- Hello there! He said smiling.

The Drogur guard was startled, as he turned taking out his sword.

- I knew i smelled a rotten corpse! Kamel said, without even turning to look at him.

The guard didn't wait for anything else, and charged him.

Kahn made one step to the left and with a swing, he chopped his head off clean through. He closed his eyes, as his head went down and let the air loose from his chest.

- Where do you find these peasants? So keen to impress but, nothing happens.

He wiped the blood on his pants.

- We all were peasant at one time! Kamel said, he still didn't turn to look at him.

Kome froze, looking down at the steamy blood coming out of the corpse, of his companion. Sweat was flooding his face, it burned his eyes.

He killed him with just one move. So easy! He thought to himself frightened.

- Calm down boy, he will