Lily Pond: Legacy of the Scrolls

By Howard A.W. Carson

After forging an alliance through the efforts of the frogs, the five domains of Lily Pond vow to meet the common threat. A threat that had been long forgotten through the passage of time. With the aid of ancient scrolls that had been discovered in the city of Granstone, the true nature of the threat is finally revealed; their total destruction.

It is with this knowledge that the frogs, Croaker, Webber and Gribit, along with newfound friends from the domains and their leaders find themselves battling to save the realm of Lily Pond from the goblin king, Lord DeMonas, his armies of imps and his minions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662476327

Book preview

Chapter 1

The g reat hall of Granstone was bathed in the blue-white light of Elgin Fire radiating from the many globes of the large chandelier above the group gathered around the meeting table and the crowns of the sculptured fairies at the entrances in the back of the hall as Croaker and Link wearily tread across the well-worn granite floor through an arch and to the awaiting heated pool in the depths of the city.

Your Majesty, Gribit said, turning to Arklan after watching the two disappear from the great hall, we must send a message to the frogs at Lily Pond to inform them of this new army that we will be forming. I want them ready for training as soon as Croaker and Link arrive there.

I will send a messenger at once, Sire Gribit, Arklan replied in agreement.

Your Majesty, if you will forgive my interruption, sire, would it not be quicker to use your signaling system to the Weavertown outpost and have the message carried from there? the Granstone ambassador blurted out.

All eyes watched as Arklan’s head snapped around to face the ambassador, a glare in his eyes at the thought of having been betrayed by the statement. A moment later, the look faded, and Arklan calmly replied, Yes, Sire Ambassador, you are correct.

In your message, would you inform my citizens to assist the frogs in any way they feel necessary? Isalia asked, reaching up and without thought lightly brushing her raven hair behind her ear. Then with an afterthought, she added, And instruct them to prepare the training grounds for the frogs’ use.

Thank you, Your Majesty. That will save much valuable time. Gribit acknowledged the queen’s suggestion, nodding his approval.

May I suggest the arms in the chamber be transported for their use as soon as possible, Isalia quickly added.

Turning to Arklan, Gribit asked, Sire, how soon can a caravan be readied?

I will see to it at once. Arklan nodded and, with a wave of his hand, motioned a runner to him. Inform the sergeant of the guard that the arms in the chamber are to be carried out and an escorted caravan is to be readied to transport them to Lily Pond. This is by my order!

I will return with the caravan to Lily Pond and continue on to the forest. My citizens must be informed of the agreement that we have reached here, Fernon said, looking at the others, expecting them to do the same.

General Broadstem will have to be advised of this as well. Airlein nodded. I will depart with my guard for Loamis as soon as we have completed our talks.

My guard and I will return with the caravan and Fernon, Isalia said as a matter of fact and then asked Arklan, May the patrol that assisted Croaker and Link stay until those two depart?

Of course, they may. They will be treated as honored guests, Your Majesty, Arklan said, as if nothing less was to be expected.

Webber, will you travel with me to the Rolling Hills? Puck asked his friend. I will need the authority of the frogs to aid me in bringing the militias together to form an army. Some will resist me.

I will travel with you as well, Sire Puck! the Rolling Hills ambassador proclaimed. They will heed what you have to say and follow it, if I have anything to do with it!

After a chorus of approval for the ambassador’s comments from the other members of the delegation, Gribit spoke deliberately. Now that these things have been settled…I will return to the vault and study the scrolls. I would like to have some readers to assist. We have barely peered into the past, and I feel that there is much more we can learn from the ancients.

Do you wish frogs or fairies? Arklan asked.

Either…both. Any that can recognize a passage of importance! Gribit said thoughtfully.

Then you will have what you require, sire! Arklan pledged.

*****

The moist heat of the scrub room began to wash away some of the ache in Croaker’s muscles as the fairy attendant removed his tunic. Sire Croaker, it is good to see you once again. I see that your tunic needs repair. I will have it sent to the seamstress, she said in a casual yet job-like manner.

Thank you, I suppose the seamstress is getting tired of me going through all these tunics. Croaker smiled as he removed his mail.

No, sire, I am sure she is not. It is plain to see that you have been in battle again! the fairy said, not seeing Croaker’s smile as she folded his garment while facing away from him, and then turning around and seeing Croaker’s face, she continued with a chuckle as she began to scrub him. Then again, she just might be!

He enjoyed the feel of the damp moss as she moved it gently across his skin, being careful not to put much pressure on the many bruises on his arms and the one big bruise on his chest.

It must have been fierce, sire, she said with admiration for this young frog.

I had much help! Croaker said in an almost whisper as he thought about how Cloud Whisper maneuvered him away from the rat’s attack, Link’s actions killing the imp that was over him when he was knocked to the ground, the nymph patrol that arrived just in time, and General Longhopper’s mail that had foiled the imp blows.

Croaker graciously thanked the attendant when she informed him that he could now go to the pool and met Link emerging from his scrub.

Entering the room of the pool, they noticed that there were no others and that they had it to themselves this time.

I need this soak even more than the last time we were here! Croaker told Link, lightly touching some of the bruises and then arching his back as he stretched his shoulders backward while they walked across the warm damp granite to the pool’s edge.

As do I, Link said, testing the water with his toes before stepping in and then settling in. "Ah, the heat is marvelous."

Croaker’s thoughts went to wispy clouds racing through a bright blue sky over the Lily Pond waters and the sounds of playful laughter of Lily and Lotus as he lay in the warmth of the pool with his eyes closed. How long has it been…it seems almost a lifetime ago…I.

I have given some thought to who I would like to have help with the training. Link broke into Croaker’s thought. I would like to have the nymph sergeant as my second-in-command. She has impressed me in each of our meetings!

I will speak to Isalia. Is there anyone else? Croaker asked, opening his eyes, an expectant look in them for Link’s response.

No…I will give thought to some of those that I know from Granstone and will take offerings from Fernon and Airlein, Link said thoughtfully and then adding, And Puck as well. There might be some pixies he feels would be good instructors.

I expect that he will need them to bring the militias together as a single army, Croaker surmised, dipping his wipe cloth in the pool and then squeezing out the hot fluid over his head and feeling the heat flow down in rivulets to his shoulders and back. I think he might have as much, if not more, trouble bringing all those towns together as it was bringing the domains together to form this alliance!

Nonetheless, I will give him the opportunity, Link said, a note of agreement in his voice as he unconsciously dipped his wipe cloth following Croaker’s lead.

Neither spoke for a long while as they sat in the heat of the pool, and Link’s thoughts went back over the time in the great hall, and a slight smile formed across his face. Airlein had made it a point to speak to me and not in a tone of a queen to a subject!

*****

Lord Noma’s eyes opened full as he sprang to a sitting position on the cot he had been sleeping on at the loud crackling and pops of the burning fire near him when a toad threw new fuel on. The red and yellow glowing ashes launched themselves high into the blackness of the deep cavern as the firelight brightly flickered, leaping after the escaping ashes before settling back to a steady glow as it danced in the constant darkness.

Angrily he glared at the toad. He still needed to vent his frustration after having received the report of the failure of the rat riders to kill that frog that he wanted eliminated, that frog that had cost him his general and caused him to seek the enlistment of Kallose’s loyalty. O’Dias had been a great general, and now Noma wondered if Kallose could be as great. He will have to prove himself in battle… Can he make the right decisions for what is at hand in the moment? Will he stay loyal to me? I must trust that he will…at least as long as it is to his advantage!

Forgive me, Lord! the toad begged, cowering before Noma. I only intended to freshen your fire, sire!

Leave my sight! Noma scowled, waving the toad away with the back of his hand and turning his back as he swung his legs over the far side of the cot, and the toad quickly disappeared into the darkness of the cavern, somewhere between the glows of the many other fires.

Sitting there, Noma turned his head at the sound of oncoming footsteps. He could make out two figures approaching his place of rest against the glimmer of his fire as they emerged from the darkness.

Lord, would you care for food and refreshments? General Kallose asked, an imp aide at his side, and then without waiting for a response, he ordered the aide, Have a toad bring Lord Noma fruit and grubs and some of that berry brew taken from the city.

General, is there anything new? Noma asked, rising from the cot and walking to meet Kallose.

No further reports have come in, Lord. I have looked over the plans Lord DeMonas has sent and I am making preparations as instructed, Kallose informed him, gesturing toward the darkness and the shadow figures, specters, of troops passing close to the fires in the distance behind him while they scurried about organizing their battle equipment. You will follow his instructions until I say otherwise. Is that understood?" Noma said, his gold cat eyes peering intensely and his needle-sharp canines menacingly exposed—a reminder to Kallose that he had sworn loyalty to him and no other.

Yes, Lord, Kallose quickly responded with what he hoped was just enough fear in his voice to sate Noma’s need to exert dominance over him.

Keep watch for that frog warrior. I want his body delivered to me, so send troops that can succeed next time, Noma demanded. "I will not tolerate failure again!"

I will see to it, Lord, Kallose said resolutely.

*****

The urgent clanging of the alarm bell filled the air of the town and the surrounding hills. Pixies hurried to retrieve their weapons and gather at the town square to confront whatever threat had presented itself.

A group of two dozen fairies came to a stop on the border road, just outside Limonite, at the sounding of the bell.

With his hand still upraised, the leader of the group turned to the others and said, I think that I should approach alone. Wait here until I summon you.

Sprig, be careful! They may not wait to hear you out! the fairy next to him cautioned.

I will be all right! I have the letter of safe passage throughout the realm, Sprig reassured his friend. We will accomplish the task given us.

The alarm fell silent only to be replaced with the hurried sounds of many feet echoing down from the town and then the sight of pixies emerging from a side street and forming ranks across the road near the smith’s stables. In the front stood the Limonite mayor, watching to see what action the fairies might take.

May I approach? Sprig called out. We are on an urgent mission, Sire Pixie. I carry a letter of safe passage from our regent on behalf of our king and the warrior frog, Croaker, liaison to the sage.

Come ahead…just you! the mayor shouted back. I will see this letter of yours.

Sire, we have come in search of certain minerals required to fill the need of the warrior frog, Sprig advised the mayor of their purpose after traversing the distance between them. I have that list for you as well!

What need of these minerals does this frog have and why should he want you to retrieve them when that is a job for the frogs? the mayor asked, a note of suspicion in his voice.

We were not given the reasons for the frog’s needs, sire. We were sent to retrieve these minerals instead of the usual trade delegation because of the urgency of need. We can travel much faster than the frogs, Sprig informed the mayor with his explanation.

If you are truly on a trade mission, Sire Fairy, then why are you and your companions so armed? the mayor asked, taking the letter and list with one hand and indicating Sprig’s weapon hanging from his belt with the other.

There have been attacks on our citizens by slithers, sire. We would have been foolish to not be so armed! Sprig replied, amazed that the pixie should even ask such a question. We were informed that attacks have also taken place in your own domain.

So I have been advised, though I have not seen directly, the mayor answered, a hint of skepticism in his voice, and then turned and ordered, Stand down! There is no threat here.

Sprig waited a moment as the pixies broke their ranks and began to disperse, going back to their daily activities, before speaking, Sire Pixie, my companions and I are weary from our trip…

Yes, yes, the mayor interrupted Sprig, have them join us. I will show you the way to the inn. I will have someone fill your order of minerals while you refresh yourselves with food and rest, while thinking, What are things coming to? First frogs telling us who will be in charge and what we must do! Now fairies! Guests…in our town…and we are to have direct trade with them!

The chatter of the pixies, who had returned from the muster, fell silent when the mayor and the fairies entered the inn. All heads had turned toward the entrance, and suspicious eyes followed the fairies across the room to the tables that the mayor led them toward.

Sire Fairy, there are old grievances here. Take care that you do not inflame them during your stay, the mayor cautioned.

It will be as you advise, Sire Pixie, Sprig acknowledged, scanning his companions to make sure they understood as well. You will have no trouble from us.

Then accept our hospitality and enjoy your stay, the mayor said in his best diplomatic tone. I must return to my duties as mayor of this town. Good day, sires.

Suddenly stopping halfway to the entrance, the mayor turned toward the pixies that were gathered at the inn. I expect no less from the citizens of this town. Remember, these fairies are our guests. Treat them as such!

*****

The Pellucere smith stood, scratching his head, just inside the glassworks’ main door. Here are the brass rings that you ordered, Musco, though I cannot imagine what you will do with them and that long tapered tube you ordered from the forest fairies.

Good, good. They are just as I need them. You see these two pieces of glass? Well, I am going to mount them at either end of the tube with the rings you made for me, the pixie glassworker said excitedly.

Why would you do that? the smith asked, puzzled as to what good a tube that was closed at both ends would be.

It is something that I discovered by chance. I was making some bobbles of various sizes to give to my wife. She thought they might sparkle up our home if they were hung near our wall sconces. I had two of them propped on edge when I noticed that if I looked through the smaller one into the larger, what was beyond them appeared much larger. I got the idea for the tube to hold them in place so I could hold them up to my eye, Musco explained as he secured the glass pieces to either end of the tube with the brass rings.

Let me see! the smith said, taking the finished tube from Musco and placing it to his eye. This thing does not work. It is just a big blur, Musco!

I do not understand, the glassworker said, taking the tube and putting it up to his own eye. "Perhaps we should take it outside. It will be lighter out there, and maybe that will help. I know this works!"

All right, Musco. The smith began chuckling at the glassworker’s insistence as the two stepped out the door.

Looking to the north-northwest, Musco gave out a shout. Yes! I know that bend in the trade road. It is a third of the way to Millville!

This I have to see, the smith said, grabbing the tube away from Musco and putting it to his eye.

It really is! You have done it, Musco. I cannot believe it, but you really have done it!

I know what I will call this device. I will call it a distance viewer, the glassworker said, beaming from ear to ear.

We should tell everyone in town about this. Your name will be known from now on throughout the domains, just as the fairy Elgin’s is! the smith surmised, a note of pride that he was there when the glassworker assembled the device.

Chapter 2

In the city square, the mayor of Hillside began speaking to the pixies that had gathered for his instructions. Above, the midday sun poured hot rays down from the clear sky on all those not sheltered by roof or tree while he spoke.

We must keep a close watch. We could be the next in line for an attack, the mayor began. The warrior frog was right about the trade caravan, our scouts found the burned-out ruins of the wagons and other signs of an ambush. The mayor’s voice was dropping low and cracking a bit as his eyes looked to the ground in front of him. Looking up again after a long moment’s pause, he continued, his voice strong again, It is good that the attackers did not continue on to Hillside. We may not have been prepared well enough because we did not know that threat existed.

Sire Mayor, a voice in the crowd called out, do you think that they did not attack us because the frog killed their leader?

That may be! I do not know, but we can be sure that another will take his place, and when that happens, we could be next, the mayor answered, apprehension and uncertainty tingeing his voice, threatening the self-assurance he needed to project as their leader. "That is why we must be vigilant at all times."

Sire, I have posted sentries in concealed locations overlooking all potential avenues of attack and scheduled a changing of the guard every two hours, the pixie at his right side informed him. We will always have fresh eyes and ears, sire!

Well done. The mayor gave a nod of approval, acknowledging the pixie’s initiative.

As he was scanning the gathered citizens as he returned his attention to them, the mayor’s thoughts were of Feldspar and the caravan. He felt chilled, though he was exposed to the sun’s heat in the moments that passed before speaking again. Go now. Prepare your weapons and keep them close! Their use may be needed at a moment’s notice.

*****

I tell you, I cannot speak of it. I have given my word! The smith’s voice rose above the din of conversations in the inn. At least not until… He caught himself midsentence.

Until what? the master cooper demanded, and then looking around the room, he said, Am I the only one that wants to know about the warrior frog and his friend and what they wanted here in Raven’s Roost and why they sought out Heddle?

Tell us, Sire Smith! one of the fairies, having his midday at The Perch, called out.

I have nothing to tell any of you at this time. If they wanted you to know, they would not have asked me to keep it to myself! The smith’s frustration was beginning to show. He added as he scanned the inn, "Would you not keep your word?"

There are rumors that it has something to do with the slithers! Another fairy spoke up. If there is something that threatens my family, I want to know about it!

A chorus of Yes, we need to know rippled through the room as the fairies looked to one another, nodding their heads.

I am sure we will not have to wait very long to hear the full story. The smith tried to reassure the group at the inn. That is all I can say about this!

That is enough! See to your meals and trouble my brother no more, the innkeeper admonished his patron. You should be ashamed to ask him to dishonor himself!

The room fell quiet. For long moments, the only sound that could be heard were those of utensils clanking against the plates as the guests of the inn followed the innkeeper’s instruction.

"Now as to your business, Sire Cooper. As I was saying before you stirred everyone up, you grow too large. It is not in harmony with nature, and that is not the way of things, and you ask others to follow your lead?" the smith quietly pointed out as he posed the question.

It is more efficient! I will not be berated for improving production, sire! the master cooper retorted as quietly as possible.

There is a reason that we have done things the way we have since time recorded! the smith argued, still keeping his voice low. We must be in balance with nature for the sake of ourselves and the generations to come after us!

It is apparent that you and I will never agree on this, so let us end this line of conversation and enjoy our midday while we are still friends, the master cooper suggested, feeling that he was losing moral ground.

Very well, I agree on this subject we are at opposites. The smith sighed, plunging his fork into his mushroom steak and then calling out to his brother, I will have some more of that stuff you pass off as ale!

If you do not like it, then why do you order it? the smith’s brother asked jokingly.

To cover the taste of your cooking! The smith chuckled in reply.

*****

The sentry at the Weavertown outpost watched the signal flags intently as a message from Granstone was being relayed to his tower. Carefully, he scribed the message and then handed it to a runner that was stationed with him.

Quickly flying down to the command center of the outpost, the runner entered and reported, Commander, this message was just relayed from Granstone, sir! handing the message over.

Looking up from his desk and reaching out his hand, the commander accepted the message and read while the runner waited for his next orders.

Have a messenger come in here, the commander ordered, and return to your post.

Yes, sir, the runner acknowledged, spinning on his heel and hurrying out the door.

A few moments later, a messenger entered. You sent for me, sir?

Yes, I want you to take this message to Lily Pond, the commander said, reaching out with the now sealed message.

Lily Pond, sir? the messenger asked, not quite believing what the commander had ordered.

Yes. Present it to the nymph guard there and inform her that it is urgent. It comes from the members of the summit at Granstone, he expounded, making sure the messenger was clear about his task. Do so with great haste!

Yes, sir! the messenger answered, acknowledging his understanding. It was my belief that the frogs were supposed to go between with messages, he thought as he turned to exit. Things are getting really strange around here lately!

Once outside, the messenger recalled the commander’s last words to him, and by taking flight over the fields in a direct line to the Lily Pond stables, he would avoid the longer route the road would offer.

Returning to the tower, the runner saw that the sentry was looking toward Lily Pond and slowly shaking his head as if in disbelief.

What troubles you? he asked the sentry.

I probably should not even be mentioning this, but there is going to be a frog army! the sentry said, and then the realization that he had violated the confidentiality of the message hit. Not a word to anyone that I have said anything. We could both be in trouble.

A frog army! Go on, you are pulling my leg. The runner chuckled before realizing the sentry had been serious. Why would the frogs form an army?

*****

Beams of sunshine found their way through the tall grasses of the field where a concealed slither watched nymph warriors and workers going about their assigned tasks at the Lily Pond stables. He had stationed himself for the best view of the stables and where he was sure to receive the warm sunshine for most of the day and still be hidden from those he watched.

The drone of wings approaching from behind caught his attention, and he was testing the air with his tongue for scent when a fairy passed almost directly overhead and then landed next to a guard at the stable gate.

I must get to the rendezvous and have the toads report this to the imps, he hissed to himself as he watched the nymph take a letter from the fairy after a brief exchange of words and then motioned another nymph to hurry over.

Without hesitation, the second nymph sped off toward the water’s edge after accepting the letter, while the fairy quickly turned around and took flight back in the direction he had come.

When the drone of the fairy’s wings had faded away completely, the slither quietly left his place of concealment to make his report.

*****

The first wispy clouds began to appear over the Rolling Hills to the northwest, harbingers of the rain that was soon to come with the cool front approaching from that direction, as Airlein and her escort turned east on the trade road to Loamis.

As she was gazing out the carriage window at the waving grasses that lined the road, her thoughts were far removed from the threat that the domains were faced with. She found herself thinking of the fairy warrior, Link, and how his new position now allowed her to imagine him as a possible mate. At their first meeting in Lily Pond, she had been taken by his looks and self-assuredness, but he was just a messenger and well beneath the station suitable