Visigothic: The Legendary Journeys

By Jay P Newcomb

This is the exciting fourth volume of Jay P. Newcomb’s epic, Visigothic Saga. In book three, Adawulf Hister, the tyrannical sorcerer of Dakkia, had engineered the kidnapping (by the centaurs and the satyrs) of the four-year-old leprechaun child Liam O’Hurleyhune and imprisoned him in Mandraki Castle on Cyclops Island in the far-off Hellene Sea. Also taken was the faun woman Amberwose and her five-year-old faunling Rockwose. Hister demands that in exchange for the lives of the hostages, Molly O’Hurleyhune travel to Cyclops Island and hand over to his servants the Heart of the Sea, which is the all-important eighth piece of the All-Seeing Eye—a powerful device of magic, which, if Hister is able to reassemble, will spell disaster for the world. With the All-Seeing Eye in place in his new Tower of Babel, Hister hopes to accomplish his evil scheme of bringing about the Gotterdammerung (twilight of the gods) and his conquest of all Midgard!
But the forces of good have risen to the challenge and have assembled a force of gallant knights, the Knights of Víðarr (Vitharr). This new order of knights are aptly named—named after the angel of vengeance from Asgard called Víðarr; for Queen Gwynnalyn Volsungsdottir (who is the grandmaster of the Order of the Knights of Víðarr) has vowed an oath of revenge against the sorcerer and his minions who’ve committed this outrage. But it is a race against time for the gallant knights on their legendary journey. They must travel thousands of miles o’er land and sea and, along the way, fight off barbarians, confront King Minus of the Cyclopses, as well an evil sea dragon in order to save the hostages—before Hister has them cruelly executed!
Meanwhile, King Sigurd will take the Tervingian Army and all his thanes on a legendary journey of their own to strike at the minions of the dark powers within their own territory. To do this, he must traverse a vast forest called Myrkvidr, which is the haunt of a wicked dragon named Fafnir. Sigurd must confront Fafnir in a life-or-death battle for the survival of him and his army. The elves, too, have their own legendary journeys to accomplish, and the soul of the world is hanging in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781546277873

Jay P Newcomb

Jay Patrick Newcomb has been an avid fan of medieval literature such as the Arthurian legends and the great Icelandic Sagas for many years. Of particular interest was the famous Volsung saga from which his Visigothic Saga draws inspiration as well as Beowulf. He counts the German Opera Composer Richard Wagner and his Ring des Nibelungen, William Shakespeare’s historical plays such as Henry V, and J.R.R Tolkien works to be of great inspirations for him—and last but not in any way the least the Bible, the Books of Enoch and the Zohar. From out of this inspiration and thus building on the shoulders of these giants, Jay P. Newcomb has put together the great Visigothic Saga which is a multivolume epic worthy of the best which came before it. He is a fan of both English and German/Scandinavian history, in particular the epic time period from the year 500 to the year 1066. He has traced his own heritage back as far as the year 1166 in Saltfleetby, England and is very proud of his English and German heritage. In the 1980s Jay P. Newcomb was stationed in Fulda, Germany with the U.S. Army’s famous 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (The Blackhorse), and was assigned to Observation Post Alpha along the East German Border—during the final years of the cold war. In his off time and when not deployed on other operations he was able to see many places and many castles in central Europe. His one regret is that he didn’t travel to England while he was so close. From his memory of these old and famous places and their brooding structures complete with their statues of gargoyles and from the misty forests of Germany, Jay P. Newcomb has drawn upon many of those elements from his memories and incorporated them into his writing. In the last decade he received an ordination as a Messianic Rabbi. He continues to write his Visigothic saga with at least four unpublished manuscripts waiting in the wings as of this writing. He has built an entire world with this series with many colorful people such as Elves, Dwarves and Gnomes and talking ravens called Huginn’s Folk. His is also writing a prequel book to the series called Midgardsvolk—as well as a book of medieval style poetry about men such as Ragnar Lodbrok and King Alfred the Great called Middangeard.

Book preview

Other books in the Visigothic Saga by Jay P. Newcomb

Visigothic: The Barbarians of Midgard

Visigothic: Wizards and Kings

Visigothic: On Destiny’s Edge

VISIGOTHIC

The Legendary Journeys

JAY P. NEWCOMB

83384.png

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

Copyright © 2019 Jay P. Newcomb. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  01/26/2019

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7757-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7758-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7787-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018911617

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

PART ONE   INTO THE CRUCIBLES

Prologue    A Skaldic Poem of Mighty Magical Mystic Mystical Midgard

Chapter I   A Fellowship of Forty-Nine Knights

Chapter II   The Palace of Hippolytus

Chapter III   Yoshael, Giorsal, and the Unicorn

Chapter IV   Samael and the Sibylline Oracle

Chapter V   Democraceans

Chapter VI   The Shish Kabob

Chapter VII   Clash of the Shield Maidens

Chapter VIII   Navigation

Chapter IX   Drakkian

Chapter X   Byzantium

Chapter XI   Delos

Chapter XII   The Rocks of Cyclops Island

Chapter XIII   Castle Mandraki

Chapter XIV   Castle Yervanduni

PART TWO   THE CRUCIBLE OF WAR

Chapter XV   Morgana Svartfjær

Chapter XVI   Tomb of the Draugr King

Chapter XVII   A Den of Jötnar

Chapter XVIII   The Cleansing of Lothar’s Tomb

Chapter XIX   The Bogs of Despair

Chapter XX   The Garden of Berstuk

Chapter XXI   Of Rings and Ringmasters

Chapter XXII   The Packland of Wölfenborg

Chapter XXIII   Skeletons and Swords

Chapter XXIV   Erlingr and the Woodland Troll

Chapter XXV   Into the Dragon’s Lair

Chapter XXVI   Sigurd the Dragon Slayer

PART THREE   CRUCIBLES OF SUFFERING

Chapter XXVII   The Vannic Kingdom

Chapter XXVIII   The Arena

Chapter XXIX   The Crucibles of Aslaug and Rognir

Chapter XXX   The Sons of Heth

Chapter XXXI   The Crucible of Iron

Chapter XXXII   Out of Byzantium

Chapter XXXIII   Battle Plans

Chapter XXXIV   On Peaceful Waters

Chapter XXXV   The Dark of the Moon

Chapter XXXVI   Reunion

Chapter XXXVII   Giorsal and the Woodland Fairies

Chapter XXXVIII   Fire on the Mountain

Chapter XXXIX   Surt’s Fury

Chapter XL   Roldan and the Sky Gate

PART FOUR   CRUCIBLES OF FIRE AND BLOOD

Chapter XLI   Helmgard

Chapter XLII   Homeward Bound

Chapter XLIII   The Gathering Storm

Chapter XLIV   The Battles of Feketburg and Helmgard

Chapter XLV   Sigurd’s Battle Day

Chapter XLVI   Hreidmar’s Fire

Chapter XLVII   The House of Alric

Chapter XLVIII   From Out of the Tower

Chapter XLIX   The Sword and the Hauberk

Chapter L   Let All Midgard Suffer!

Chapter LI   The Mighty Griffin

Chapter LII   Ragnarök

Chapter LIII   Perdition’s Flames

Chapter LIV   Þæs Ánnes Vǣttr

PART FIVE   A CRUCIBLE OF HEROES

Chapter LV   A Little Hero

Chapter LVI   Homecoming

Chapter LVII   The Healing of Eirikr

Chapter LVIII   A Parade of Heroes

Chapter LIX   The Roll Call of Honour

For

Joann, my beloved wife

By mighty Myrkvidr on the marches of the east the great Goth Kings ruled in glory. By Danpar’s banks was there dreaded warfare with the hosts of Hunland, uncounted were the horsemen

Volsungakvida En Nyja

Edda Sigurdarkvida en Mesta

PART ONE

Into the Crucibles

sword-2791188_1920.jpg

Queen Gwynnalyn Contemplates

PROLOGUE

A Skaldic Poem of Mighty Magical Mystic Mystical Midgard

C ome now with me oh Gomer’s Folk to the tale fire of wayward woeful winter. Tis dark dreary days in clean cold climates of frigid far flung lands under the nights coming fast forlorn foggy shapeless shawl shroud. We count carefully continuously these days of the rune stave! We wonderers willingly wait; for we must yearn long as we wantonly wait for coming of welcoming wonderful warm airs of spring’s good golden glory; when ice of hel doth dutifully daily melt—give now away for good green gleeful life of suns solar sailing of ship—for tis a fact that shining shimmering glamorous glorious glowing sun will soon shine into the dank dreary dark shadows of the north. Life’s long lingering wait has been roundly richly rewarded.

But tis yet a long lingering lateness of wide wasting woeful winter that we here in the good gallant great high halls hosting this wide welcome warming hearth! Tis the heady high hearths of King Roderick of Visigoth that I Lothar the Skald, chronicler of the gallant great Goths who tell thee the tangible timeless tale of our vaunted victorious valiant ancestors before yonder formidable flickering flaming hearth!

And what of thee most mighty Midgard and what see I in thee oh wide weary world? See I long lost lingering times of misty mystic mighty realms hearing stories of times long past? In the memory of the winds of time I have seen thee oh my mighty Midgard! I have sailed on great dragon ships across white caps bouncing big briny foam of thy shimmering wide wondering waves. I have climbed thy high fells to heights unnamed unspoiled undreamed of in thee oh my mighty mystic Midgard of the ancients of days; and across the great surly simple steppes of Midgard under the voluminous vistas vault of endless dome of singing skies have I ridden with the high haughty horse archers! Under the night’s dome of the ever-eternal everlasting sky I have prayed to All Father and saw the turning timeless twinkling stars of Ulf’s Keptr.

I have crazily cringingly crawled through caves and escaped from dreary dark dank dungeons! Down thunders ragged raging waters have I tumbled when rafts apart have flung flinging flown—yet live I to tell thee the tale and survived I the just jarring jagged boulders.

I have shared the good godly great but calm quiet company of her peasant people by their helpful humble hearths in simple thatched cottages waddle and daub and in the grand mead halls of her barbarian kings have I singed with them their warrior’s tales. Oh Midgard I have saw the daring daunting Dwarf Lords in their great halls under the mountain fells and have eaten good cooked roast from the turning spit! I have sang with them there in places now unknown so simple songs of the kingdoms beneath the earth; gone down to the peoples of the remote no longer powerful primal past and there with them shared their homely healthy hearty and famous freely flowing frothy ale.

But alas twas not meant for me to remain there. And sad twas the day that I opened my eyes as if from a dream and found that I was no longer flying on the backs of the gallant golden great eagles of Midgard. Yet had I not come, this epic story that I am about to continue to tell thee my long suffering valiant victorious Visigoths would never have come to be known in this third age of mighty misty mystical Midgard. Return with me now to the age of high adventure!

CHAPTER I

A Fellowship of Forty-Nine Knights

87194.png

From the Skald’s Tale

I now begin to set forth the tale of the shield maiden’s long lengthy legendary journey telling thee all here in this noble meadhall of how she led the holy crusade to save those who had been so worsted wilfully wronged, kidnapped by the Centaurs and Satyrs and taken away to Cyclops Island as harmed hopeless hostages, to force dear Molly O’Hurleyhune de Cluricawne to give up possession of the Holy Lamp to wild worthless wicked Hister, the evil sorcerer of Dakkia. The lives of the kind kenspeckle kinderlings were now in the hands of Queen Gwynnalyn Volsungsdottir.

89274.png

O n the fourteenth day of Harpa and Skerpla, of the five hundred and ninety eighth year of the First Age of Midgard , forty eight Knights of Vitharr departed from Thorstadt under the cover of darkness (through Osrik’s tunnel) with the queen and Lord Gedron leading the way. Right behind them were Sigmund and Eileza. Siggy said, Feels like we’re running away again Leeza. All this sneaking out through the tunnel—but this time it is my sister leading the way. I hadn’t thought of this until now but you know there really could be packs of Ogres waiting for us south of Wodenburg. Eileza replied, Oh come on Siggy. Ogres schmoegers—now keep up with the rest in case there really are Siggy Wiggy

Gustav and Lars heard her call him Siggy Wiggy and began snickering behind them. Lars snickered, Siggy Wiggy. Oh you’re my Siggy Wiggy. Eileza spun around and kicked his feet out from under him and declared, You had better watch out who you are irritating with Lars! I’ll lay a hurt locker on you! Sergeant Hardrada said, All right, enough of that! Get up lad! Keep it moving and quiet afore I lay a hurt locker on all of you ruddy blighters! A hurt locker was wresting move; a body slam followed up by a reverse twisting double arm with the knee in the spine and Eileza had nigh well perfected it. Up in front, the queen with her lamp in hand laughed, A hurt locker? I love it Gedry. He replied, I’ve seen her perfecting on Sigmund. I pity our brother should she ever choose to use it on him in anger. His back and arms will be out of sorts for weeks.

Clovis and Merovinge flew through the tunnel in the form of bats and passed close to the queen’s head as they exited the tunnel. Once outside Clovis transformed into a horse, and Merovinge transformed back in her human form and hopped upon his back. He protested saying, Go a bit easy dear. My vertebrae are not solid as yet. I felt a bit of a tweak. She kissed him between his ears and said, Sorry love, I truly am. It’s just that it has been so long since you spirited me around like this and I was a bit romantically nostalgic. He smiled a horse’s smile and replied, Jolly good show then my dear. Vong looked at both of them and smiled.

The Leprechauns emerged from the tunnel. Molly wore her brown cloak and a grey dress and her soft swede leather-riding boots. She was in quite a serious mood and Shamus was as well. The laddies were not bickering or cutting up. Fearghal and Gladvynn were close behind them and behind them were Yonas, Gleadra, Austri, and Vestri. Gladvynn came up to her Spirit Learner Molly and said, Thou art brave Molly. I admire thee for it. Thou art learning the ways of the Spirit Maidens well and will soon join the circle. Molly replied, Mage Gladvynn, I have always been, and forever shall be, ye sister—especially through the travail of the last four years. Battle after battle going on and on with no end in sight and now this. Outside of Shamus, ye are the best friend I ever had. I just have to get me little Liam home safe and I must believe that it is possible."

Shamus stood there with them saying not a word. Molly climbed onto her Dartmoor Pony and looking up at the stars she said, Don’t ye worry none me darling Liam. Mummy’s coming to save ye. At that moment, she felt the sacred gemstone around her neck began to get warm on her chest beneath her dress. She took the Heart of the Sea out from underneath the green cloth and behold it began to glow with a peaceful blue and white light. Everyone gathered around and Yonas said, Aye this is a very good sign Molly. When you said what you did, the spiritual bond that thou hast with the child—which is greater than most, because when he was conceived you were wearing the Heart of the Sea. Holy power has reached out and the Holy Lamp is telling thee that Liam is not only alive but that he heard you as well.

Galorfilinde, Shlomael, and Aubriel were there as well and as they mounted their horses Shlomael said, Well Galorfilinde my sister, seems like we’re off on another mission, and this time with you as well Aubriel. I am pleased that you are with us. She looked at him and said, As am I. Eowythane (Gwynnalyn) and Kalevalin (Gedron) and even Thanelad (Sigmund) will need us before this is over," remarked Galorfilinde. The Elves were known to impart special names on to those who they served as Norns, and three years before Shlomael, being Sigmund’s Norn (as well as Gedron’s) had given Sigmund the name Thanelad, meaning the boy Thane; a thane being part of the warrior elite of the king, or one who’s in close service to the king such as the Crown Guards (Thane Krone Wachen) and this name fit the Arch Duke Sigmund to a tee.

Somewhere far, far away, inside of a barrel in the cargo hold of a ship tossed about on a stormy sea, lay little Liam in a foetal position with a blanket and a pillow. Deep within his spirit, he heard the voice of his mum so loud and so very clear that he thought she was outside of the barrel ready to break it open and get him out., Don’t ye worry none me darling Liam. Mummy’s coming to save ye. Liam jumped up hollering. Mummy, Mummy, and here I am, come get me out Mummy!

In another barrel, Rockwose rolled up and said, Liam, Liam! Is someone getting us out? Amberwose was locked in a big wooden barrel just right for her size next to the children and she said, I’m right here boys. I’m sure they’ll come to save us all soon. Rockwose replied in a voice of bitter crying, Mummy please come, and get me out of this barrel! She replied, When I can get out of the one they have me in, I will baby. Liam asked, Why did those big horsey men do this to us? And the goat men did this to us with them! I heard Mummy’s voice in me head just like she was really hear Amberwose. She said she coming to save me, and both of ye to. And I keep hearing the sound of Rony’s voice in me dreams and he talks to me and says that his mum is coming with the Knights to save us. Amberwose believed that Liam had only dreamed it all, and yet she had seen enough magic in her life not to discount what the lad was saying and so she replied, Liam, I suspect that this has something to do with your mum and dah, either because they’re King Nemed’s ambassadors or maybe it’s your mum’s gem. Hister is behind this I am sure. I do not know Liam, but you must believe her voice and those of Rony’s and hold on fast to hope both of you boys. She is coming and Rockwose, I know that Pappa will come and save us as well and if there truly are knights coming to save us then your father Woodwose will be one of them—but we mustn’t let the bad’uns know any of it. Say nothing of this to them or the goat men, Satyrs and the horsey men, the Centaurs will make it nigh impossible for the knights to get us out of this. Aye, replied Liam and Rocky. She said a bit more for the lads needed all of the hope that they could muster to make it through this awful crucible. I suspect that they’re taking us to some island in the sea or some such place and that we’ll soon be out of these barrels for good. At least they have let us out every day for the loo and given us bread and water regular. They want us all alive and well for whatever they want us for boys. So chin up and keep praying.

Waiting in the darkness outside of the tunnel were all of their horses and pack mules and Sergeant Hardrada’s soldiers, numbering about twenty horsemen. The queen approached her beloved mare Gullfaxi and the horse put her head on Gwynnalyn shoulder. The queen fed her an apple and said, Hello Gullfaxi, my golden one, we have a long journey ahead of us and without thee I can’t make it. So I am counting on thee girl, ok. The mare sounded a reply and rubbed her nose on the queen’s cheek. In all the quest warriors numbered forty-six people and they rode away from Thorstadt bound for the coast of the Great Dark Sea, to the Hellene trading port called Palus. Among the group, their appeared to be a new soldier who was quite small and fully clad in armour and the helmet covered his entire head. A visor shielded his face and he appeared to be the size of one of the Dwarves. Everyone assumed that a new man had been assigned to the company and no one bothered to investigate this stranger? Why? For had not all of those who were to be part of this quest volunteered and already been sworn in as Knights of Vitharr?

They rode south and then west making for the fords of the Tanais River at Grafenborg—a fortress that they avoided so as not arouse any suspicion from any lingering spies or Huginn’s Folk, or even any curiosity from the local Gepid people. They made about ten miles in the dark and stopped around midnight, resting until the break of day, at which time they woke and ate a quick meal of jerked venison. Tanman had prepared for them meals of dried berries fruits and nuts and meat, and when time and situation would allow for campfires, he made sure that there were plenty of fixings for skause. Queen Gwynnalyn demanded that everyone adopt the elvish diet and so she had banned any type of pork, salted or dried or otherwise from the quest, much to the delight of the Elves and Eileza. There were two pack mules carrying small kegs of pumpkin ale and blackberry wine. There were mules carrying large bundles of arrows and sacks of spare arrowheads and spear points. Each person had two spare horses and so this was quite the force that set out that night from Thorstadt.

At breakfast the queen said, Sergeant Hardrada, let’s get everyone a moving. Slap some jerky on a biscuit and ere we get moving! We’re burning daylight! He smiled and replied, Yes Majesty, and bowed in deep respect. Then he turned and hollered, Come on lads look alive! You heard the queen! We’re burning daylight so let move it out you ruddy blokes! There were no complaints from anyone and Molly and Woodwose were already in the saddle well ahead of everyone else. The stranger emerged in full armour and faces guard and looked a bit sloppy. You get on the double new man! Double time it and mount up! I don’t know who made thee a knight but you better shape up lad afore I put a boot into ye arse! hollered Sergeant Hardrada.

This time the Elves took the lead as on they rode past the storied scenes of battles, where at Prairie’s Flame, Sigurd was proclaimed king. The queen had a look of destiny in her eyes and on her face was a look of such fierce determination the likes of which her brothers had seldom scene. She said to Gedron and Siggy and Eileza who were riding beside her, We must return home those who were taken! Those who were stolen from the loving arms of their mums must be returned! Those children we will never forget and those who took them will never forgive! We shall fight for those we love—and the spark of love and the gleam of joy shall once more show in our eyes; only when they who’re so loved are return home to the hearth of their parents love. Their fate mustn’t be unknown! They covered the remaining forty miles and that evening at sunset they made camp on the eastern banks of the River Tanais. They had people living in the region as herdsmen and farmers under the watchful eye of Lord Raedwald and his knights.

Lord Raedwald and his men met up with the queen as planned and after her tent was put up, the queen called a meeting with everyone outside of her tent. Lord Raedwald was warmly greeted by all, especially the Leprechauns who had come to trust and to love him. Raedwald had a joyful reunion with Gedron and Sigmund and he bowed in deep respect before the queen. He had been sent out in advance on a scout to make sure the road was clear for as few folks as possible who saw the Knights of Vitharr the better. She said, It does me good to see thee again Lord Raedwald. What news do you have of the road ahead? He replied, "My queen as thou knowest the land of the slaughter wolves lieth west of this river. Jarl Godwin, since departing Thorstadt after the war council has been constantly skirmishing with raiders the past few days—but there appears to be no major force gathering for invasion. Godwin says that the enemy includes a force of Amazons, Serpent Maidens if thou can believe it; but all have moved down towards the coast—which is unfortunate for they seem to be heading downstream toward Palus. There are ogre packs on the loose as well my queen and we tracked a pack of them which was led by a dark Ogre astride a black saddle boar. They made good their escape across the river before we could destroy them my queen and for this I must apologize."

She replied, That is quite alright Lord Raedwald, for we know the border is as secure as it can possibly be with your’s and Godwin’s ever constant vigil. What of the Goblins? He replied, "We’ve heard of a Goblin raid in the Wodenburg area far to the south, but none this far north. Jarl Godwin’s archers destroyed a Goblin Dagger Militia squad raiding around the Fens of Kek a week past. He looked at Sigmund and said, When the new Duke can take up his lands and inheritance at Wodenburg, the people there will feel much safer my queen. She replied, They shall indeed but for now they must rely on Captain Gudbrand and the garrison we have guarding the rebuilding of our old home. Eileza elbowed Siggy in the side and said quietly, Oh Siggy, Ogres schmoegers! The two of us will lay a hurt locker on any Ogres stupid enough to mess with us!" He looked at her and she could see his love for her shining in his eyes and she returned his gaze.

The queen said, Lord Raedwald, thou and thy knights are the only ones who know that we have passed this way and it is to remain so. Hister and the slaughter wolves must not know that I was ever away from Thorstadt. This quest must remain a secret. If the evil ones get word that we are doing anything more than just bringing the Heart of the Sea to the exchange, the game will be up and they’ll kill the hostages. We shall be silent unto death Great Queen, he replied.

She asked, How far down river is it to the sea M’Lord? Raedwald replied, Around one hundred leagues my queen. As thou knowest, there is a port city down there of the Hellenes. But by the time that thou get to Palus the place shall be thick with Scythians and Cimmerians—if thou still plans to take ship from there. We do Lord Raedwald. Demetri has reliable contacts there among the Hellene Sea voyagers. He replied, My queen, our effective control of the territory through which thou must pass ends in a mere days ride southwest of here. Beyond that point the river grows ever wider until it reaches the Sea of Maetus—an arm of the Great Dark Sea. Beyond that my queen I can be of no help. She replied, This is why our friend Demetri is here. He came to this land from that port city, Palus. Speak to us Demetri

The Hellene replied, "Yes Great Queen. As we have planned, we will take ship at Palus in the Sea of Maetus. This Sea is separated from the Great Dark Sea by the Straits of Taurica and there is another Hellene Port city there called Pantacapeum in which there is a Scythian Garrison. This city is on the eastern side of a land mass called the Peninsula of Chersonesus. This peninsula starts out very narrow in the north but it soon widens to form an independent land mass. The narrow passage between Chersonesus and the mainland is guarded by a Scythian garrison at a place called Carcine. The main city on the Chersonesus is called Heraclea and it’s located on the southern tip of the land mass."

"King Idanthrsus has appointed General Korgan Tal as Governor of the region since his return from Troy a year ago. The Scythians rule Chersonesus from Heraclea and they have complete and total domination with many of their nomadic family groups ranging across its length and breadth. Therefore, Great Queen, we will be in constant danger of discovery from the day we reach the Port of Palus, until we clear the Straights of Taurus. I suspect that the Centaurs and Satyrs who committed this foul deed came to and from Tervingia via the route we are taking. They could not have gone unnoticed by the very nature of who they are. We will be able to find out all this from my people in both Palus and Pantacapeum. In any case, we will sail south by the stars so the farther coast to my home, the Kingdom of Byzantium. We must gain the support of King Byzas, and in any case we have to sail through the waterway which connects the Great Dark Sea to a much smaller Sea called the Propontis. Then there is another passage called the Hellespont which we will have to go through in order to get into the Hellene Sea at the Port of Troy. From there we must navigate south to a group of islands called the Cyclades Archipelago where Cyclops Island is located in the Patmos Group. We shall have plenty of time to reach the Patmos Group by the deadline as long as there are no major delays."

The queen spoke saying, Very good Demetri. We thank thee for explaining the travel plan to everyone. We will discuss the rescue plans at another time. For now we all need to rest so that we can get an early start in the morning. Lord Raedwald, thee and thy knights shall accompany us for another day or so along your normal patrol route down the river, and then turn back. The people here in this land need thy troops to protect them from ogre raids and slaughter wolf incursions. This is thy primary task Lord Raedwald. My forces and I will only impede thee in this and I shall not risk the safety of our people here who are trying to etch out a meagre living—just so that we can have an extra sword or two with me for a few days. So let it be written, so let it be done. To super and sleep now everyone and Lord Gedron, Sergeant Hardrada you two are to handle all the details of the shifts for night watch.

Galorfilinde, speaking in private to the queen said, Eowythane, this quest will bring out the very best in you. But be careful that it doesn’t bring about the worst either. The queen replied, The worst? Yes Eowythane. For thee, these will be the best of times, and the worst of times. Soon thou wilt have thy first choice to make for there is another one who is coming on the quest—but not by any choice that the king has made. So sleep well now Eowythane, for I have always been, and forever shall be here for thee in any life we live. She turned and retired to her tent as did the queen. That night Shlomael gave good council individually to Kalevalin and Thanelad. What he said to Gedron was never known but to Sigmund he said, "Thanelad, thou hast done well and are truly on thy way to fulfil a destiny written for thee from the foundations of Midgard—the mentor and guardian of the Goth King. But for thee, this quest begins a crucible for thee, the great test yet and when thou hast overcome it, then shall the way forward to the rest of thy destiny be made. I don’t understand Shlomael? What test? He replied, Thou shalt know it when it arrives and when it does, though all hope be gone, let not thine heart sink to despair—for the end is not yet.

Sergeant Hardrada had grown very suspicious of the strange new little soldier who always seemed to disappear and whose face was always covered. I wonder where he’s at? thought the Sergeant aloud. He looked over at Lars and asked, Have you seen the new man here about? Lars replied, "A bit ago Wachtmeister. He went out of camp over that way, probabaly for a call of nature. Hardrada grunted Alright, and walked over to see Lord Gedron just as Shlomael left him to talk to Sigmund. M’Lord I mean no disrespect; but when you bring in a new man I’d like to know who he is and whence he comes. We’re the Knights of Vitharr after all,"

Gedron had a quizzical look on his face and replied, The new man Sergeant? I had assumed that you had brought him along. He seems a bit unkempt but since I thought twas your man I asked no questions. I never assigned any new man to our company as knight, squire, or page. Perhaps Sigmund brought along one of his younger friends from among the Sons of Master Thonan and did not tell us—like Rexor maybe. Sigmund is good for things like that but all in all he has a very good judgement. The sergeant replied, M’Lord, I agree about Duke Sigmund if indeed he did appoint the new man but for now I’m going to find this new man and see exactly who he is, whence he comes and whether tis Rexor or not! He stormed off in the direction that Lars had gone.

The sergeant was very quiet as he followed a set of small tracks. He was thinking, This man is the size of a Dwarf so he could be one of Eileza’s people, or a Gnome sent by the slaughter wolves; and besides he’s a bit too small for Rexor. This man was a hardscrabble old veteran of many campaigns and his skills in the art of silence and concealed movement were the best. He soon found the new man and was gob smacked by what he found! Alright I got you bang to rights I do! cried Hardrada

When Shlomael and Sigmund’s conversation had ended, Sigmund returned to the fireside. He and Eileza put their bedrolls on the ground near their fellow knights’ close by the fire and pulled off their boots. Just at that moment Sergeant Hardrada appeared with a prisoner firmly in hand. Here is our new recruit Grand Duke Sigmund and it is not Rexor! I present thee the Wish Maiden Lilia to your charge sir. Twas Lilia and so Sigmund and Eileza were very angry at her. Lila I told thee that thou was to stay home! cried Sigmund. What in the name of Asgard art thou doing here? Eileza was started upon seeing Lilia and cried, When the queen finds you out she’s going to go blazes on thee little lady! Lilia was whimpering and her bottom lip was quivering and she replied, I just couldn’t stay behind without you Siggy. Twas scared that ogres or dragons would get you—get thee in a bad way; just like my first big brother and twas afraid that I’d never see thee again so I just wanted to be with thee and know if something happened—and to be good luck for thee Siggy."

They had not noticed it but everyone else was standing up now, for the queen and Lord Gedron and all of the Elves had just walked up to the fire and Vong came over as well with Clovis and Merovinge at his side. Galorfilinde put a gentle hand on the queen’s shoulder and said, Choices Eowythane, choices, and then walked away back to her tent. Aubriel was most curious and telepathically asked, Choices Shlomael; I wonder what Mum meant when she said that to Eowythane? asked Aubriel. Shlomael replied telepathically, This quest was meant, not just for the sake of the hostages but for Eowythane as well Aubri and I dare say it’s the crucible of Sigmund and Eileza as well.

Lilia slowly turned around and then bowed to her queen and big sister. My queen, was all that the little girl could manage. So the queen replied calmly but sternly, Rise Princess Lilia Volsungsdottir and come with me to my tent! We’ve some serious talking to do! Yes my queen, replied the frightened little girl. As she followed Queen Gwynnalyn she clutched her blanket in hands under her chin. Turn back briefly she took a last look back at Siggy. Sigmund smiled and mouthed the words, It’ll be alright baby sister. I love thee Wish Maiden. Lilia smiled and went for to her doom.

Queen Gwynnalyn led the way into the tent with the earlier words of Galorfilinde echoing in her head. When she and Lila were inside the tent she gave the child a stern, stern look and pointed to a chair. Lilia sat down in it and the queen in another. Queen Gwynnalyn spoke to her sternly but did not raise her voice or shout. Little Lady. Wherefore art thou? Didst Sigmund not tell thee that thou had to stay home? Mum and Dah are probably worried sick about thee; thou who art their only Wish Maiden—thinking that thou hast been kidnapped. Answer me Lila. The little girl could barely talk and through a quivering lower lip, she confessed it all and told the queen why she had stowed away on the mission.

The queen was sympathetic to her adopted little sister and knew full well Lilia’s glue-like attachment to Sigmund, but also of her unswerving truthfulness and loyalty to her family and so replied, Thou did all of this anyway, full well knowing that this was a military fighting mission! Knowing that thou could be killed! Thou did this because thou would have rather died fighting alongside of Sigmund—and thou really thought that thou couldest help rescue the hostages! I could say that thy mission was futile! That thou had no place among us and that thou had no chance at all to save Liam and the hostages! That thou were outnumbered twenty to one and on a fool’s errand of mercy young Wish Maiden—and yet still thou has risked it all!

Lilia was cowering now and had almost slid to the floor. But when she looked up, there was the queen with a smile and with two kind arms outstretched into which she took the wish maiden as she said, "But while all that may be true sister there were those among the Ealdormen of the Witena Gemot who told me the same thing. And as thou can see I did not listen to them. Thou art the truest and most sincere volunteer of all Lila and so we’ve decided that thou shall stay; under the condition that thou take the oath before the entire camp in a few moments—and then follow our orders without question whether thou agreest or not. We shall send a note via carrier pigeon to home; to let mum and dah know that thou art safe—so that they get not any more greyer in her hair or his beard. Moreover, from this day forward I will do what I should have been doing from the first moment that we adopted thee. I will train thee as a shield maiden and thou shall be my inside tent guard in the night. Thou shall stay with me and never leave my side unless I tell thee to do so Lila. What sayest thou?"

Lila was smiling so beautifully now and so her joy and happiness was plain for the queen to see. Her tears of guilt and sadness had turned to tears of love and joy and the queen said, And besides all of that since Aestrith and Borghild had to stay behind as part of the ruse that I am still in the mead hall, I’ll need a new one. We therefore appoint thee to this task Lilia. What sayest thou Lila Volsungsdottir? Lilia replied, Tis my joy to serve thee my queen and I’m honoured to learn from thee. replied the happy ten year old girl.

Queen Gwynnalyn kissed Lila on her cheeks and nose and then after long a warm hug she put the girl down. The two of them exited the tent and once back at fireside the queen ordered Gedron to assemble everyone in the camp—except for those still on duty. Soon they all were there; every Knight of Vitharr from the Leprechauns to the Changelings who were in the form of two snow leopards. The Wizard Yonas and the Spirit Maiden Gleadra came up and the queen motioned for them to come to her and as they walked Gleadra whispered to Yonas, Ah, she’s here at last. For them twain knew that this child was intended for the quest, but could only come in such a manner as this due to the closed minds of the others.

Hear ye, hear ye! cried the queen. Be it known today, that the Princess Lilia Volsungsdottir is now apprenticed to me as squire to train as a shield maiden of Thorstadt. She has also to be my lady in waiting for the duration of the quest and in all manners serve our good cause. Master Wizard wilt thou please administer to the princess an oath of a knight’s squire, something suiting her and this rather unique situation. He replied happily, Yes Great Queen I shall do so happily. Lila, bow down before thy queen on one knee. When Lilia had done so, the queen dubbed her with her holy sword the Gwynnian Scythe and then Yonas said, "Princess Lilia, raise thy right hand and repeat this oath:

I, Lilia Volsungsdottir do give my solemn vow before the All Father and before Asgard and pledge my service to the Crown of Tervingia and as a squire of the Knights of Vitharr to serve my Lords, rescue the innocent, and defend those who are weak and to free the oppressed. I take this oath freely and of my own accord to I vow, so help me All Father.

Lilia solemnly repeated the oath and at that point the queen said, "Good, we are now a fellowship of forty nine.

A cheer went up from everyone in the camp, especially from Sigmund, though deep down inside he was terrified for her safety. He had images in his mind of ogres tearing her apart and could not bear the thought of it. He felt a gentle nudge in his lower ribs from the elbow of Eileza, I know thou art worried about her Siggy—so am I, but let’s try to be positive about it all. She left because she loves her big brother and has in remembrance the horrors of her true family’s slaughter by ogre swords. I am knackered now Siggy so let us get some shuteye. Before dawn thy other sister and Hardrada are going to be out here hollering at us for burning daylight. There were now forty-eight Knights of Víðarr and one new squire heading south by southwest for the coast.

CHAPTER II

The Palace of Hippolytus

87223.png

From The Skald’s Tale

Now to the deep Dark Sea they did go, for to cross over it was the shortest way to bright big Byzantium. The quandary questing queen and her highly hopeful helping people had never been to see salty sea; and so she looked forward to the most ebullient excellent experience. Many were the stories she had heard of the swift surfing sea, tales from high haughty Hagobards and heady headstrong Hellenes of great sea monsters and strikingly singularly strange ports of call. From Dithranti and from Molly she had heard the wondrous tales of the Celtic Sea of the legendary Kingdom of Trevelyan. She would now have fulfilled a childhood dream, when she beheld the shapefull shining shimmering and soothing sweet sun upon the wide wavy waters, and saw those waves crashing onto sizeable salty sandy beaches; going forth on a length long lasting legendary voyage across a water bead showing shimmering shining sea.

89303.png

T he knights were up and gone with the rising of the sun. As usual, Molly, Shamus, and Woodwose were the first ones to be packed up and ready for the days march. They had one purpose before them and nothing else mattered, the safe return of their families. Lilia was up early and the queen did not have to rouse her or wake up. Lilia wanted to do her very best for her adopted big sister and queen. For she knew that the queen could have very easily sent her packing back to Thorstadt after arse whipping, which was a form of punishment Queen Gwynnalyn was not averse to using. Rony had been paddled a few times already when it had become a dire necessity. The queen did not believe in spoiling the children, for she knew that in order to survive in the world the youth needed discipline as well as love and indulgence. She was a parent of ideal balances and it was taught in a saying by the Wizard King, Sparing the rod spoils the child.

They were all soon on the march with Lord Raedwald and his border riders leading the way. The queen was in the forefront of the march in full mail armour, sitting proudly on her beloved golden mare Gullfaxi, but without anything that would identify her as the Queen of Tervingia—thus no horned silver helm. Lilia was on her pony and fast at the queen’s side. She wanted so much to be with Siggy like always but now she knew that she could not leave the side of the queen without permission. She loved her family dearly and Lilia would have gladly exchanged her own life for that of the queen. As they rode away Lord Gedron dispatched a carrier pigeon with a note attached to its leg informing king Sigurd that Lila was safe with the queen. As the sun rose and warmed their faces, Lila was happy as she saw Clovis and Merovinge in the shape of falcons—falcons that were flying out ahead of them all; in order to secure their safe passage on the long road ahead of them. In another day Lord Raedwald and his outriders turned back. They said their goodbyes and waved as the queen and her people continued southwest down the broad Tanais River valley, arriving in a few more days in the region of Palus that was a bustling seaport and a lively centre of trade here in the Centre Midgard.

The knights took cover in a grove of trees well away from the road. The queen wanted to see things for herself up close and so accompanied by the Elves, Sergeant Hardrada and a few scouts she and Lord Gedron went forth to scout what situation was that they faced. True to what Demetri had said (as well as the report brought back by Clovis and Merovinge) the area was thick with Scythian tribesmen and warriors encamped in the area. If we aren’t very careful we’re sure to be noticed, said Gedron to the queen as they lay prone in a grove of trees on a hill’s small knoll and watched the enormous encampments of Scythians—vast were the numbers and Gedron said with grave concern, Perhaps this is where they’re building up for an invasion. We must get word back to King Sigurd. She replied, Right thou art dear brother. We’ll send forth another pigeon at once. They could see the ocean from this vantage point and twas the first time that Queen Gwynnalyn had seen the distant vastness of the Great Dark Sea—although what they were seeing was merely a tributary body to that known as the Sea Of Maetus by the Hellenes.

There in the distance at the wide mouth of the great River Tanais before a sandy delta they could see a city of wood containing a marble palace sitting upon an acropolis. This small port city was surrounded by earthen and log walls—rather like a Mott and Baily Castle, a style which was similar to what they knew from back home; the exception being the stone building in the centre. At the water’s edge there were docks with several large vessels tied off. Demetri pointed to one and said, There’s the ship Argos, captained by my old friend Polycleitus. Gedron replied, This is neutral ground by mutual agreement, but still we don’t want the Scythians to know we are here. The queen answered, The slaughter wolves cannot be trusted to honour their agreement with the Hellenes when it comes to this being a neutral zone Gedry. But with you Demetri being so well known and having such powerful influence as the ambassador of King Byzas, canst thou get us into Palus and on board the ship?

He replied, Yes, but you and your people must not appear as warriors. You must come in as tradesmen under my protection, and we’ll go to the city palace and meet with the governor of the city, a good man named Hippolytus. The queen replied, Then that’s what we must do. We need to board the Argos and set sail as soon as possible. Shlomael said, We must all beware of the corrupt nature of the Hellenes, not you of course Master Demetrius; but of the vice which goes on in such places. We must be on constant alert. Aubriel replied, I don’t fully understand what thou meanest fair Shlomael. He did not want to elaborate so Galorfilinde said to everyone, "Aubriel if our people succumb to the temptations of this small Hellene settlement as thy brother hath done, like Samael they shan’t be able to withstand the temptations that places like Byzantium present. Aubriel, we’ll talk more about it later but suffice is to say that we Elves must be holy and pure in the sight of El Shaddai Yes Mum, was her reply. The Dark Elf is a traitor to all we hold dear!"

Once back where everyone was waiting the queen nodded to Gedron who explained the plan, We must remove our armour and stow it in the packs. We must appear as tradesmen, which is why we brought along all of the extra mules and goods. We will wear our cloaks and keep our heads down. Do not make eye contact with the slaughter wolves for we must appear as subjugated folk of the empire and not rebel fighters. We are going into the city as the guest of Ambassador Demetrius; who will take us first to the market place and thence to the Palace of the Governor where we will meet Governor Hippolytus. Keep all weapons out of sight. We must not engage in any fighting here with these slaughter wolves if at all possible. Also there are many Ogres in the area selling tanned snake hides and dragon skins and many Goblins as well so avoid them at all costs. He looked at his little brother when he said that and smiled as Sigmund swallowed hard, the sound of which was clearly heard by Eileza and she declared, Ogres schmoegers! A plague be on them all! Austri and Vestri chuckled when she said that. Aye, that’s our princess, chucked Austri. Vestri replied, She’s never one to mince words Austri." She looked at them with a smile.

Yonas and Gleadra were standing with Austri and Vestri. The White Wizard of the South said, My queen, thou must remain safely anonymous. No one here can give thee the courtesies that thou are accustomed to back home—at least not while here in Palus. Hister has spies and there are plenty of Huginn’s Folk about. If he discovers that thou art here he will know that a rescue mission is afoot and not a simple yield to his demands and lo our quest will end here and now. Hister knoweth thy face Great Queen and so thou must keep the hood of thy cloak over thy head at all times. Keep thy face down so that the Slaughter Wolves shan’t recognize thee or become attracted by thy great beauty—, which they surely shall and I have no need to say what they will try to do to thee. These pillagers care not about neutral zones or treaties and we cannot risk the quest. Thou are, with all due humble respect a legendary beauty and whereas this is a great asset at home with thy husband, out here in the world on a road infested with brigands and highwaymen it can easily become a trap by those base men—waugs who’d see the opportunity to enrich themselves by enslaving thee in a brothel.

She scowled at the mention of that but then she smiled and said, "We thank thee for the compliments Master Wizard. If any man even attempts to touch me or these women I will take out my dagger and make of him a eunuch! After all, I am known as the Shield Maiden Queen and I’ll die in battle before any such shitehawk makes a harlot of me! Yonas replied, Yes my queen that is indeed honourable but tis best that we avoid confrontation in this place. She replied, Not to worry Master Wizard—I’ve a plan. Lila, get down off of thy pony and go scoop me up some mud from that bog over there. Yes my queen", replied the child. When she had done so, the queen smeared it into her hair and on her arms and neck and Lilia at first had a look of yuck on her face but when Gwynnalyn rubbed her entire face with a muddy palm, Lila smiled a big teethy grin. Gwynnalyn made sure it was under Lilia’s fingernails as well and as he was doing so said, Everyone here is to get right filthy and dirty. There will be time to wash later. We’re going to look like vagabonds and brigands and highwaymen!

Eileza’s face lit up with a big smile as she looked at Sigmund and began to turn and go into a fighing stance. She grinned from ear to ear and before Sigmund could get finished with the word, Crikey, she had him tackled and pinned to the ground. She kissed him so fast that no one noticed and began sliming him with mud! The two of them began wrestling in the mud and Lila jumped on top of them. Soon Gustav and Lars were doing the same thing. Yonas said, Gleadra my dear she we put on our ragged cloaks and get a bit dirty? The mage replied, We do what we must love—after thee my good sir. They departed for a bit to change in vagabond rags and soon returned and rolled in the mud. In the meanwhile Gedron hit the queen in the face with a slag ball of slimy mud and moss saying, I owest thou that one dear sister! as he laughed. She jumped on him and threw him into the mud and soon had his head in a crushing leg scissors and he struggled to choke out a reply saying, I forgot about that one Gwynn!

The remaining knights did not quite know what to do at first and so Sergeant Hardrada got irate saying, Alright lads! You heard the queen. Shed that bloody armour and mud wrestle! The Elves also let loose and joined in the fun wallowing in the mire. Elves were normally a very serious people but even they have their fun and humorous sides; and it came out here today in the mud wallow of Tanais.

Ambassador Demetrius did not join in all of this, but he saw that it had the effect of breaking the ice amongst everyone on the team. He saw that Vong was not participating either and he said, Master Vong, you’ll be my diplomatic representative from the eastern Khans of Midgard. Stay by my side and be dignified as you always are. Master Vong nodded in agreement.

The entire scene was delightful as all of them frolicked in the mud. Molly and Shamus did so as well with the other Leprechauns and soon Molly was laughing and wrestling with her darling Shamus. Shamus pinned her and as she was laughing, Molly felt the tension oozing out of her soul, just as the mud was oozing between her fingers as she smeared it on Shamus head. She grabbed him in a hug and pulled him down to her face and their muddy lips met in a long kiss. Behind them they could hear Fearghal Bronach protesting, No, no laddies! Not me barley stalks! Don’t be muddying up me barley stalks—ye barmy egits! Gladvynn grabbed him up and soon the both of them were tackled and dogpiled by Riona and Argyle! Woodwose rolled around in the mud a moment just enough to muddy his clothing and woolly hair but no more than that. He was not consolable at the moment.

Clovis and Merovinge transformed into small chimpanzees, apes from the jungles of Cushan Midgard and wrestled with the Leprechauns. My, aren’t we having a lot of fun Clovis, laughed Merovinge. Ruairi O’Flannin smeared Clovis in the face with muddy moss and said, Right ye are Merovinge. Clovis said, It seems we’re batting quite a muddy, mossy wicket today. He screeched like a chimp and then with both hands began slinging mud and water into the faces and all down the front of Aonghus and Ruairi saying, Right old boys, seems you’re getting your come-uppins after all!

This was likely to be the last bit of fun and frolics that the Knights of Vitharr would have until their quest was over and the dear ones had been rescued from the nightmare which the empire had inflicted upon them. As the jolly mud frolics finally died down, Demetrius and Vong rode up on their horses and behind them were Yonas and Gleadra. Demetrius said, My queen, methinks we’re ready to proceed. Gwynnalyn let Gedron out of the scissor lock and quickly got up a mud covered and ghastly grungy grimy mess. She and Gedron had not played like that since they were children and the tension in the air was all but gone.

Yonas said to everyone as he and Gleadra exited the wallow, No one here from now on until we embark and leave on the ship, is to call anyone by a title or rank. Do not refer to me ‘Master Wizard or Gleadra ‘Madame Spirit Maiden or Mage nor anything that is close to that—and above all we must never refer to Gwynnalyn as ‘Queen’ or ‘Your Majesty, or even, ‘M’lady.’ We Dwarves are now Gnomes of Agathyrsi. Looking at Eileza he said, I know that’s very distasteful for thee Andavarsdottir but for now it must be for Gnomes are the only people of the smaller races among men which ally themselves with Hister. Eileza nodded her ascent to it but was sore displeased for she hated the Gnomes. This was because she considered them traitors to the race of the Dwarves—a feeling common amongst all of the nations of the Dwarves toward the hostile Nibelungen. The queen said, Thou will just call me Gwynn. That is a common name among our people. Lilia, get back on your horse. Let’s get going mates we’re burning daylight!"

They were soon back on their horses and out onto the main road. The queen and Galorfilinde kept their hoods over their heads as did all of the women and as they neared the city they began passing fields in which were circles after circles of Scythian tents. The encampments of the steppes peoples were referred to as yurts and only much later in history did the word yurt come to refer to an individual’s house or dwelling. Their carts were everywhere and men and boys were training for war and having archery contests. Sigmund saw a large camp of Ogres with wagonloads of snake and dragon hides as well as a variety of other elk and deer hides and a dozen or so Goblins in a small camp. He could not stand these foul creatures and Eileza said, Keep thy nerves Siggy Wiggy. We’ll be away from them soon dear heart. He replied, Just like thou always sayest m’dear, ‘Ogres schmoegers. But now look ye at the Goblin o’er yonder. Eileza replied, Goblin schmoblins Siggy. We’ll be the end of all of ’em. Shlomael and Aubriel were close by Siggy and Eileza as they rode along. In fact Aubriel and Eileza were becoming fast friends. The mud covered Austri and Vestri were not thrilled about having their normally finely groomed beards caked full of mud and Austri said, I feel like a bloody Gnome. The very word incensed Eileza once more and she said, I’m no bloody Gnome and shall box the first waug in face who calls me one!

Demetrius led the way and the Changelings were in the form of two mangy looking Gomerian shepherd dogs that were all but skin and bone. The Scythians looked upon them all with contempt as they passed by and one warrior shouted, Get away from us you filthy Sarmatian brigands! A Scythian woman who was an Amazon Warrior, a very attractive black haired lady with an attractive, shapely and sleekly well-toned figure; a lady of about twenty five years old stopped practicing with her sword closely watching them as they rode by. She saw Gwynn and said to a young Cimmerian Amazon next to her, Would you look at that dirty unbathed she-dog! Hey Demetrius my love! Where did you scrape up these Sarmatian and Gnome Vagabonds? He replied, Good to see you again Malvina, replied Demetrius, I shall visit you soon. Malvina replied, Good Demetri—I don’t want you to keep me waiting—as you have been. The queen wanted to leap from her horse and do battle with Malvina without delay but wisely kept her cool, looking down and not saying a word. But under her breath, Gedron could hear her growling in anger and she said to Demetri, She called thee ‘dear.’ Is there any history betwixed thou and her? He replied, A bit. He elaborated no more and Gwynnalyn felt no need to pry.

As the queen and her people rode on past Malvina, the Amazon looked at the Leprechauns and said, "Even their kinderlings are dogs! Seeing the