The Talons of Tallus: Innisfail, #5

By John Schettler

ABOUT TALONS OF TALLUS:
The war against the Dreadlords has now entered its third year. Duke Morgin's men are threatened in Cartimandua by an undermining attack from below. The Dreadlords make another effort to enter Innisfail but Duke Morgin again enlists the support of the Imperial Army. This time the plan is to take the fight to the enemy, in the heart of his own realm--Dark Mornaland, but things do not go as planned...
The last strength of free men is supported by troops from the far east. They will now confront the combined strength of all three Dreadlords, but for this climactic battle, Morwenna has summoned Demons from the Abyss, and their legions of Marauders and Fiends. And Sonderin brings a strange new host of icy beings from the far north, The Ancient race known as the Archons.
Now, from the author of the long running Kirov Series, comes an epic Fantasy series as broad and detailed as J.R.R.Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. The great war reaches its terrifying and bloody conclusion. Will light prevail over the darkness, or will the world fall into perpetual blackness beneath Morwenna's heel?
This is mythic military fiction at its best.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Schettler
• Release date: Jan 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215984659

John Schettler

A prolific writer with 75 books, John Schettler achieved early recognition in winning the Silver Medal for Science Fiction in Foreword Magazine's annual competion, and scoring a 9.5/10 with Reader's Digest for his 5-book Time Travel series opener, Meridian. He went on to author the longest story ever written, the massive 64 volume Kirov Series, also a Time travel Military Fiction and alternate history of WWII. John's latest work is a new Epic Fantasy series, The Chronicles of Innisfail, released April of 2022.

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Kirov Saga:

The Chronicles

of Innisfail

Volume V: The Talons of Tallus

By

John Schettler

Dramatis Personae

The Characters

A brief note on pronouncing names and places: pronounce every syllable, and vowels are often long. See examples below in (brackets).

THE HOUSE OF GRENFELL:

Morgin Grenfell, Duke of Rhaingoll – Strongest of the Outlords of the Empire, Morgin finds himself at odds with the Emperor in a border dispute involving the Falconbridge. He is the leader and organizer of the White Company, a loose confederation of five outland provinces west of Innisfail. Characters serving the House of Grenfell include:

Magister Athelward – Librarian of Dinorwick.

Lady Carolyn – Wife of Duke Morgin

Lord Gunnick, A master of arms in Rhaingoll

Lord Halgerd, A master of Arms in Rhaingoll

Lord Harding, A minister of the House of Grenfell.

Lord Rachlin: (Rake-lin, not Rach-lin) 1st Mark of Rhaingoll, a chief advisor and closest friend of Duke Morgin.

Lord Reginald, Chosen to serve in Rachlin’s place as 1st Mark

Captains Symon, Hudd, and Drystan of the House Guard

ANTAGONISTS:

Lord Morfa – Baron of Garlingwark and unaffiliated with the House of Grenfell, Morfa is shunned by Morgin and not invited to join the White Company. A jealous rival of Duke Morgin who becomes a pawn of the Emperor.

Lord Habrock (Hay-brock) of Gwimalden– A dissident and troublesome Lord, with divided loyalties.

Lord Baldrick – A pawn of the Empire, Baldrick is sent to contest the ownership of the Falconbridge, and test Duke Morgin’s resolve.

Lord Sonderin – Formerly Lord Erkenwald of Nefalia, slain in battle in the first age and carried off to the Underworld by the Morlich. There he was returned to life by the Witch Queen, and renamed Sonderin, the ever burning fire. He fled from the Underworld to the distant lands of the south and now seeks his vengeance on the ancestors of those who first killed him.

Luthgondriel or more simply Luth – another High Dreadlord, Brother to Sonderin, thought to be a survivor of Old Mindemoya, Alboradin by name at that time, and now a practitioner of Dark arts.

Morwenna – Witch Queen of the Underworld, a powerful Necromancer, and keeper of the dead.

THE MEMBERS OF THE WHITE COMPANY:

King Erik of Bomark, leader of the high plateau that shields Rhaingoll and other provinces from invasion, Bomark is instrumental to the defense and a central member of the White Company.

Lord Gorling of Penfro, one of the first outland provinces to come under pressure from the invading Khazar barbarian hordes.

Lord Gondmir, Son of Gorling.

Morgin Grenfell – Duke of Rhaingoll – founder leader of the White Company.

Lord Halkin of Haerlaw, a smaller province bordering Rhaingoll.

Lord Weymund of Pendryl Ivanfelling, a rich outland province.

THE DWARROWKIN: A hardy people skilled in mining, masonry metal working. Called Dwarves by other men because of their short stature, they were sundered in the kinstrife of ages past, where Lord Hornbori quarreled with his brother, Lord Gherin, over which should ascend to the leadership of all the clans. Hornbori left, taking half the Dwarrowkin south to found Delling, while Lord Gherin remained in the far north at Irondale. Dwarrowkin characters include:

Frey son of Frost, adopted son of Lord Hornbori & appointed Lord of Irondale upon Gherin’s death.

Lord Gherin of Irondale (Deceased)

Lord Hornbori, of Delling

Grisnir, adopted son of Lord Hornbori appointed heir of Delling

Lothar the Brave – who took the scepter of Irondale to the Underworld. (Now called Lothar the foolish).

Olif, Lori, and Tobin, traveling companions with Frey

CLAN LEADERS OF IRONDALE:

Alestar – Magister of Irondale, presiding over official matters and rites of ascension.

Alegog, Mith, Dunnu, Kep and Finn, and others, Clan leaders of Irondale, the latter a cousin to Frey.

Faelgir, (Fail-gear)- Steward of Irondale

Rinngale, a faithless rival of Frey who believes he was passed over for the throne of Irondale.

TRADERS & MERCHANTS:

Kaspar Jakhad (Ja-khad) – A caravan trader caught up in the impending Khazari invasion.

Sachi – Kaspar’s trail scout and chief of security.

Argo – The porter master of Kaspar’s caravan.

Ari – a train boy in Kaspar’s employ, serving as a runner and messenger.

William (Wilem) Doran – A stranger taken in by Kaspar’s train in Old Mindemoya.

Captain Orophen – master of riverboat Lilibeth

Captain Miche Ryal – hired by Kaspar to captain his ship, Starseed.

Lieutenant Jimmal Rheen – 1st officer on the ship Starseed, a Brig.

Torbach (Tor) – First Mate on river boat Lilibeth.

––––––––

THE BARBARIANS: of Gorgessa and the Khazars

The Shon Malak, aka The Jade – leader of the Khazari Horde invading at Lyndra and Glynwood

The Shon Ganem – Leader of the tribes of Gorgessa invading Elcanar, Druim-Fadah, Penfro and Rhainnith.

General Alisander – A General commanding troops in the city of Salonketh, a reserve Khazari force.

Prince Asfan Murad, of the Gorgessen Muharib Veterans.

LORDS OF THE EMPIRE OF INNISFAIL & OTHER MINOR PROVINCES:

Emperor Alcandryn II (Al-can-drin)– Emperor of Innisfail in the capital city of Rammath-Innis. (Assassinated)

Lord General Aldridge - Commander of 2nd Legion of Innisfail

Captain Arbane – Commanding a squadron of Frigates

Emperor Malo de Bere – named to follow Alcandryn II

Baron Vlad Balorak- Lord of Wyddfallen, an inner province in fealty to Innisfail. (Mentioned but not appearing)

Lord Baldrick - Commander of 3rd Legion of Innisfail (Deceased)

Lord Bregund - Lord of Elcanar Province.

Lord Brondir – Of Druim-Fadah, a traitor to the realm, he had supplicated himself to the Shon Ganem of Gorgessa.

General Scion Cross – Commander In Chief, Army of Innisfail.

Lord Durward of Ermenrich, a wealthy outland province unaffiliated with the White Company.

Commodore Ellinore – Commanding Concord, a ship of the line.

General Embergrim – General Engineer in the Imperial Army.

Lord Arken Glynn – Of the Tamargyn Island Marines.

Lord General Gunnar – Commander of 1st Legion of Innisfail.

Lord Haldane – Brother by blood to Duke Morgin and Lord of Rhainnith, an inner province in fealty to Innisfail. Haldane is not affiliated with the House of Grenfell or the White Company at the outset of this tale, but joins his brother later. (Deceased)

Lord Huldra of Rhainnith, The Mayor of the city of Caithness, capital of Rhainnith. (Deceased)

Lord Landon of Ivinghelm Province, unaffiliated with the White Company

Lord Loring – New Commander, 3rd Legion of Innisfail

Chanson De Rail – Knight Commander, Army of Innisfail

Lord Rathinwilde – Imperial Ambassador

Admiral Rhayd (Raid) – Commander of the Navy of Innisfail.

Lord Rogmar – Commander of the 2nd Legion of Innisfail.

Colonel Sigmit Roland – Commander, Imperial Guard of Innisfail

Commodore Alyster Rolland, Imperial Cloud Ship Fleet

Lord Weymund, 2nd Mark and Lord of Pendryl Ivanfelling.

LORDS OF BOMARK:

Lord Dolfa – Master of Dragonwyk Tower

Captain Dylan - Captain of the Frontier Scouts and Guard of Gallion

King Erik (Deceased in the battle of North Innis)

Lord Ettrick – A Bannerman of Bomark

King Thirning – Killed by Luth in the Battle of Ravenswood

Lord Fenmark – A Bannerman of Bomark

Lord Hard – (Hay-erd) Builder of Hard’s Hold.

Colonel Theo Koal – Of Gallion Tower, Bomark

Sion Thorpe – Alderman and gatekeeper of Gallion Tower

Lord Thrand – appointed King in Bomark on Thirning’s death

THE HIGH MAGES of the ALDERENH:

Each bearing one of the ten Gemswords

Cathbad Ravenson

Cedrin the Woodland Mage

Huldra the Owl

Maelgrinn – Water Elemental

Sencha Windweaver – Wind Elemental

Tal – Fire Elemental

Vortigern – Archmage & Seer

THE GODS and MONTHS OF THE ALDERENH:

Each of the 12 months is named for the gods below.

Donn Rhy (pronounced Don Ree) is the All-Father of the cosmos, sometimes called the Lord of ten thousand lights. First month.

1)  Donn Rhy, The All-Father

2)  Anbiorn, the Sky Father, God of the clouds and sky

3)  Vedar – The Trickster, God of Deception

4)  Lune, The Moon Goddess, also Goddess of Madness

5)  Hemdon, God of Dreams

6)  Hexel, God of Darkness and Night

7)  Angatyr, The God of anger, war, and battle

8)  Tallus, the God of Vengeance, the act of revenge often referred to as The Talons of Tallus.

9)  Aneyar – God of Work, harvest, friend of discovery

10)  Waldir – God of Seas, Storms, and Shadows

11)  Telhar – God of Commerce

12)  Issyl – God of Winter cold and frost

There are twelve months of 30 days each, all named for those Gods in the order above. Each month has three weeks of ten days each. The first week is governed by the new Moon, the second week by the fat moon, the third week by the waning or crescent moon. The last five days of the year are the days of feasting. This calendar dates to the time of Old Mindemoya, the empire destroyed in the first age by the Starfall.

The first day of any month is dedicated to offering and prayers made to that god. The last day is called the day of thanks, where thanksgiving is made to the god of that month for all that was given.

UNITS OF MEASURE:

Mark, (about 1 kilometer) Each hex on the main map is 2.5 Marks.

Kapel (The currency of the realm, pressed in either gold or silver. Gems and pearls are also accepted means of payment)

Coil: A measure of length the distance of a single coil of a rope, about three feet in our system, or one meter.

THE GEMSWORDS:

Powerful enchanted swords, each bearing a gem that designates their ranking. Listed here with their last known bearer.

Starseed – Vortigern (Archmage)

Starseed – Gift from Dwarrowkin to Sachi

(Sometimes wielded by Tal)

Starseed – Cathbad Ravenson, given him by Vortigern

Diamond – Luthgondriel

Diamond – Duke Morgin Grenfell

Ruby – Sonderin, brother to Luth

Sapphire – Maelgrinn, a High Mage

Emerald – Huldra the Owl

Zircon – Sencha Windweaver

Topaz – Tal, a High Mage (Shattered by Luth)

Amethyst – Duke Morgin Grenfell (Shattered by Luth & Reforged with a Kyanite Gem. Given to General Scion Cross by Duke Morgin when the Dwarrowkin forged him a new Diamond Gemsword.

Kyanite – Scion Cross, Reforged Amethyst sword with a new Gem

Jasper – The Dreadlord Tyrannis

Onyx – The Dreadlord Drava

Moonstone – The Dreadlord Esus (Lost)

On the Starseed Gemswords:

The hardest and most powerful gem in this world is Starseed, relics of the great stone that fell on Old Mindemoya at Starfall, and found only near the remnant of that crater. Kaspar had obtained three egg sized Starseed Gems of great value. One was used to purchase the brig he then named Starseed. The other two were given so the Dwarrowkin could forge two additional Starseed Gemswords, one given to Sachi, Train guard and chief scout for Kaspar’s caravans. The second Starseed sword was made at the request of Vortigern, which he then gave to the High Mage Cathbad.

When such swords are made, half the Gem is fragmented and made part of the Alloy that forms the Wolfram and steel blade, and the remainder is then mounted on the pommel and charmed with magic, which it will store indefinitely until the blade is used in anger.

Maps can be found on the web site Here:

https://www.writingshop.ws/html/map_room.html

The Chronicles of Innisfail

Volume V: The Talons of Tallus

––––––––

Revenge is a dish that is best served cold...

—Klingon maxim

The Chronicles of Innisfail

Volume V, The Talons of Tallus

By

John Schettler

Part I – The Talons of Tallus

Part II – The Threat Below

Part III – Lilibeth

Part IV – Grannus Morgonus

Part V – Demonic

Part VI – The Archons

Part VII – The Rage of Hell

Part VIII – Shadow and Ice

Part IX – A Meeting Engagement

Part X– Maneuvers

Part XI – Clash of Titans

Part XII – The Voyage

Epilogue

Part I

The Talons of Tallus

"Upon him I will visit famine and a fire,

Till all around him desolation rings

And all the demons in the outer dark

Look on amazed ."

― Patrick Rothfuss

Chapter 1

Shocked by the collapse of the Dharmans and the near complete destruction of her Bone Riders, Morwenna fled. That Luth too had been felled and seen his dark essence blown off on the winds of a rising storm had shaken her. Her only thought was to salvage as much of their host as possible, and above all, to find the spirit of Luth and see him safely to a new host form. She had told him to seek a wild beast, and he had entered the body of a hoary grey mountain bear, a massive beast, easily over nine feet when rearing up on its hind legs.

Morwenna reached the Upper Mirkland Wood, and that was where Luth found her again. The grey beast approached, and the Dharmans and Bonesmen around the Witch Queen were alarmed at first, until they perceived the mind and will of Luthgondriel.

My son, said Morwenna, greatly relieved. Shall I find suitable armor for you again?

The old was not strong enough, Mother, and the new must be charmed.

That will take time, and we have need of great haste now. Come as you are then. Art thee hungry?

Yes, and I thirst.

We march to Sheroken, where you may eat all you like, then on to the Ice Wash, where you may drink deep. Thankfully, we are not pursued, but news of our defeat will soon spread far and wide. I must reach the Underworld, where many Bonesmen still wait, and along the way, I will raise more. We will slaughter all we find in Sheroken, and then I will raise them up to swell our ranks.

What of your Morlich. Can they not bear you quickly?

They might, but I wish to stay here with what remains of this army. You are in no condition now to lead.

Very well, Mother.

Into the mind of the Dharmans Morwenna put the knowledge that this creature was their Lord and master, Luthgondriel, and that they should protect him from any harm. It was not that she feared this great bear might be slain, for in that instance she could still raise its form and it would remain a suitable vessel for Luth. It was a matter of honor. Luth was King of all the lands of Dark Mornaland, Magamord, and Dharma. Mind your King! she told the Dharmans.

Of the 20 Battalions that Luth led east, only five remained in this column, and they were all diminished to amount to no more than 800 Dharmans now. Morwenna had collected stray Bone Riders and so about 500 were clustered about her in the vanguard. That was all she commanded at that moment, less than 1500. There had been no time to try and raise the fallen on the field of Longwood. She had to flee with all that remained active, though it burned her with shame to do so.

As the column fled, she cast pestilence behind it to dissuade pursuit. Now, to commune with her son, she came down off her pale mount and the bearish form of Luth took her to ride upon his broad back. Then off they went, finding the road from Balorak’s Bridge to Sheroken. There Morwenna planned to roust the entire population out of their homes and put every last one to the sword. The children she would give to her Woodwicca to select out the best and most wholesome for milking. It was to be a night of terror and death for Sheroken Township, and soon the men of the town would be shambling along in the wake of her column, Undead, raised up by Morwenna’s necromancy to serve her ever thereafter. Luth feasted on some he cornered, and their flesh and blood restored the strength of the beast he now inhabited.

Only one raven found its way back to Rammath-Innis from the slaughter of Sheroken. It read: Help us, for the sake of the Gods. We are butchered by the Witch Queen!

General Cross took a long breath. He knew that by the time he arrived there with any force, the Witch Queen would have moved on, so all he could do was send word ahead to Shanidar to warn the people of Rinnith-Koth that danger was near. But Morwenna was not bound for that city, even though it would have provided her with many Undead.

She was heading for Garlingwark, the province of Baron Morfa.

Cartimandua 29th Day of Aneyar, 789

With the skies slowly clearing in places to admit sunlight, Ravens began to fly again and messages of what had happened eventually reached Duke Morgin in Cartimandua.

So, he said, quite heartened to hear the news of the victory at Longwood. General Cross has pulled one off. He writes that what remains of the enemy host, a quarter of what it once was, now marches west again. My, how the talons of Tallus bite deep!  You know what that means, Gunny. They’ll come to Soregor, and then go beneath it to The Witch Queen’s Underworld. I’m told the Dharmans have been sorely weakened! This is now a great opportunity. We must not allow them to escape into the Underworld unfought.

You mean to sortie, M’Lord?

Of course, how else can I fight them? We have the strength to finish them off, and by the Gods, if they somehow manage to evade me and get into the Underworld, I’ll clear the Undergate and go there myself again, only this time with every man who will muster the courage to follow me. I’ll not have this Witch Queen sit and slowly muster yet another army to come and plague us when winter comes. Now is our great chance to destroy the might of the Dreadlords, at long last. Get the word out to the Captains. We leave Cartimandua in the next 48 hours and march against anything that the Queen leads west. I will destroy them, and the Witch with them. I swear it!

Three hours later, a raven came with news of the slaughter in Sheroken. Duke Morgin knew what the Witch Queen was doing. She seeks to replace her losses by reanimating the dead there, a curse be upon her.

Careful Lord, said Gunny. That one makes curses as well, and hers are likely to stick more than yours.

Well, this sword will stick her good if I can get close. We must hasten. Send word that we use the eastern sally port as before. We will see if we can stop her somewhere along the Elcanar. Send word of this to Bomark should they wish to help us hunt this Queen. I wonder how things will go with the Baron Morfa in Garlingwark? Might she make a fat undead squawker of that man soon?

Gunnick laughed at that. Something we might roast over a good fire if we catch him. Then it was off to business. The men were arming; Pages were grooming and feeding the war horses of the knights. Food and water was being packed away and spears and swords were sharpening.

Mithertap Keep, Garlingwark

Night, 29 Aneyar, 789

The Baron Morfa also got word of what had happened to Sheroken, and the obvious thought that Mithertap was next on the road filled him with fear.

What do we do, Habrock? Should I take all my men and flee west?

And go where? said Habrock. To Morgin Grenfell? Do you think he will be quick to open his gates and see you safely into Cartimandua? I think not. You will be spurned if you try that.

Then what else? What of Irondale? The Dwarrowkin have abandoned the place. Yes?

The place is infested with Vaarks by now. Honestly, Baron, you overlook the one solution that might save your skin as well as this keep and the lands all about it.

And what is that?

Join her, you fool! The Dreadlords will be looking for any others who might fight for them now. Join her! In that you gain her protection, and you might bargain for the safety of Mithertap and Wolfshag as well. And we also gain a powerful ally against the House of Grenfell. What else? Would you flee like a dog, and have her Dharmans and Dreadhounds hunt you and your men down?

Morfa thought about all this. Becoming a servant of the Witch Queen was no small matter. Yes, it might save his skin, but what would that servitude entail?

And if the Dreadlords fall? What then?

Then you are free of your bondage to the queen. Yes? You see. Either way you look at it, joining Morwenna becomes your best option.

The night was cold and dark, and the entire prospect of what he was now considering also chilled Morfa to the bone. His scouts soon rode in, flustered, saying the Witch Queen approached Mithertap, riding on the back of a massive grey bear.

Morfa climbed up to the top of Mithertap Tower and looked for the Queen’s column. He soon saw shadowy soldiers marching on the road that led into the twisting bend in the Icewash River. The Dread Queen of the underworld was coming.

Stand up the Guard! Morfa shouted. All men to arms. Man every wall of the Keep, and heed my commands well.

Morfa felt his chills become an almost uncontrollable shuddering. Now he peered gingerly over the edge of the tower battlements. He heard a deep growl below and saw a shadow. He could hear men marching behind it, the tramp of booted feet on the stone laid road.

The wind rustled through the green ivy climbing the tower walls, and the wan moon illuminated the courtyard beyond. It had been many days since the Baron had last seen the moon. The darkness that had enfolded the north was slowly ebbing, though the skies were still charred grey with the ruin of Zorakonduel. But light was returning, and that meant he was now considering joining forces with a wounded enemy, and one whose powers might be waning. Was he hitching his wagon to a dying horse?

There below he saw the Witch Queen and shirked in fear. She entered his mind at once.

Why so pale, Baron? Why do you shiver? I come here but to parley, and unless you are unwise, you will have naught to fear. Speak!

Are you not the Queen of Night? Morfa managed.

That I am, Lord Morfa, and wilt thou serve me? Bend the knee, for in so doing I will spare thee and all the men I see here. If they will join my host, all the better. If not, I must slay them, and then they will join me as Undead. Which shall it be?

You would spare this city, and Wolfshag?

That I would, if you and your men will serve me.

Then I bend the knee, my Queen. We will open our gates, and after your column has passed through Mithertap, we will form up and follow where you lead.

And will you and your men fight for me? Obey my commands?

We will, my Queen. I am your loyal retainer. I swear it!

So be it!

Morfa did as Lord Habrock had advised, though he was trembling over what he had done.

Follow Baron, for I have a task for thee. She had read the desires of his mind and now she dangled one before him. Cartimandua must soon fall into my hands, and there you will become its minister and Governor.

Hearing this in his mind, Morfa was much gratified. The Baron sent down orders to unbar and open his gates, and in came Morwenna and Luth, the gatekeepers shirking back from them when they saw that massive bear. Behind them came the shadows, who might have just as easily walked right through that gate, which was no more than a heavy wooden door. Mithertap was built more for style and comfort than for real defense. Yet now Morfa was realizing he would have to lead his men after that column, and ride off from the comfort of his keep, where his vintage wines and artwork were all stored again.

Where is Lord Habrock? he asked, but no one had seen him. He was no longer found in the great hall, or in the kitchen or dining room. Baron Morfa frowned, realizing that Habrock was faithless, as always, only looking out for his own good. He argued that Morfa should bend in service to the Witch Queen, but cared nothing of that for himself. Morfa thought he was either on the road north to Wolfshag, or riding south to Gunnison Tor. No matter, he thought. But see what happens if he shows his hungry face here again!

* * *

Lord Habrock, if he could still be called that, knew better than to flee north or west. He wanted to get well behind this shadowy column and head east into the Empire; east towards the victorious army of Innisfail. Morfa had little real choice here, and no time to flee, so now the Baron made his decision, and he would have to live with it. Habrock would instead embrace his freedom, but in doing so, make a powerful enemy he might have to face one day, and he was not thinking of the Baron.

But not today, he thought. I’m off to some good mischief in the night. What to do? I might send a raven to the Lord High Duke of Rhaingoll, and seed him with bad intelligence. That at least seems appropriate for the way he treated with me. As for Morfa, let the fool follow the Witch Queen to perdition.

Chapter 2

Duke Morgin had to decide how much of his remaining force to sortie with. He would take all the knights, that was a given, though they numbered little more than 350 men. The Maelkeep Guard would march with its three battalions,