Asim's Extraordinary Journeys: Book 2. The Rogue Elephants of Ghant

By Tommy Lee Davis

 It was a magical time of wicked kings and monsters. This second book takes Asim and his brave warriors on an epic journey, as they cross the lands to help those less fortunate, those not able to help themselves. This time, they are on a journey to Ghant to help two tribes; plagued by robbers; who kill not only elephants to steal their ivor

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tommy lee Davis
• Release date: Jan 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869103727

Tommy Lee Davis

Tommy Lee Davis was born in Hertfordshire, England, where he first become interested in writing poems and short stories. He later moved to the United States. He lived in Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio before stopping in Nevada. Tommy and his wife, April, now reside in Las Vegas. This is his fourth book.

Book preview

Asim’s Extraordinary

Journeys:

Book 2: The Rogue

Elephants of Ghant

Tommy Lee Davis

Copyright © 2023 Tommy Lee Davis

All Rights Reserved.

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

About the author

TOMMY LEE DAVIS was born in Hertfordshire, England, where he first became interested in writing poems and short stories. He later moved to the United States. He lived in Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio before stopping in Nevada. Tommy and his wife, April, now reside in Las Vegas. This is his second book.

Contents

About the author

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 Heading West

CHAPTER 2 Wizard on the Way

CHAPTER 3 Rixo.

CHAPTER 4 Meeting the Oryx.

CHAPTER 5. The Houses are Empty.

CHAPTER 6. Things that Happen in the Night

CHAPTER 7. A Strange Old Man

CHAPTER 8 A Pit Stop.

CHAPTER 9 Bad Day at the Village.

CHAPTER 10 A Strange Old Man (Again).

CHAPTER 11 Dragons and Elephants.

CHAPTER 12 What’s a Madmont

CHAPTER 13 No Fun and Games

CHAPTER. 14. The Reunion.

CHAPTER 15 All the Boys are Here

CHAPTER 16 An Elephant Puts His Foot Down

CHAPTER 17 Dark Dwarfs

CHAPTER 18. Acting like Children

CHAPTER 19 Taken with a Pinch of Salt

CHAPTER 20 No Peese by the Sea

CHAPTER 21 Looking for Toya

CHAPTER 22 A Bump in the Night

CHAPTER 23 That’s a Big Foot.

CHAPTER 24 Back on the Track

CHAPTER 25 What’s for Dinner?

CHAPTER 26 You are the Sister

CHAPTER 27 Any Cave Dwellers

CHAPTER 28 Strange Things

CHAPTER 29 Lair and Back

CHAPTER 30 It’s Empty in Here

CHAPTER 31 Journey to Dranoon

CHAPTER 32 The Way to Xaralto

CHAPTER 33 You Have a Choice

CHAPTER 34 Blinded by the Light

CHAPTER 35 Flying High

Introduction

On a hot, dusty day, the winds were blowing hard from the south, looking at the bending trees, leaves, and small branches pushed backward by the stiffer gusts.

The school was back in session in the village of Mallo. Teacher Saon Jestin sat firmly on his seat in front of a whole classroom. A large book clasped in his hand while he tried to calm down the hot and fidgety young boys and girls between the ages of six and sixteen. Is everyone ready for a story? He spoke louder than usual to grab their attention. An excited and resounding Yes was a shrill shout from them all.

Asim, shouted one, then another shouted, Yes, Asim.

Asim, their shouting becomes louder.

Wait … quiet, having to shout. You must be quiet. Let me see what happened to Asim when we left off last time. He opened the pages. The book now sprawled across his lap.

Ah yes, Asim had rescued the children from the Nordak castle and was heading westward with a band of newly formed friends, Stone, Lube, Zollo, Lanee, Toya, Jubly, Radel, Tyron, Wilt, Duf, Anson, and Benson.

Where are they going? An excited child shouted.

Hold that thought, spoke Saon, We are ready to find out. Looking down at the book with both hands, he pulled it closer. Let your minds drift back in time …

CHAPTER 1 Heading West

The forest seemed a little thicker that day. The darkened brown trees bunched together in between the lush green bushes grew wide and high, almost blocking their vision while they continued their trek. Like an orb in the sky, the sun shone bright, dazzling in a cloudless blue sky. 

Asim’s conscience was clear, and his broad smile showed happiness. The thoughts of their last journey were still in his head while they trekked through the vast forests of Magnola in the West. 

He sent Wilt and Anson ahead to scout, ensuring the threat of dwarfs would not arise. Asim was strolling, talking, and laughing with Lanee when he felt a sudden hard slap on the back. Tyron swiftly asked, Are you sure we are heading in the right direction? 

I believe so, Asim said, shaking his head. We are heading across to the village of Garon, staying west; it will take us closer to the lands of Ghant. That is what I understood, anyway.  

Have you ever traveled to this village?  

We could have. Asim thought hard. After a while, they all seem alike, he laughed. 

Why Garon then?  

It was a short while ago on one of our last journeys, as we passed through some villages, when I found a man. Or should I say, he found me in a tavern. His name was Rixo. What he told me grabbed my attention. He told me about a region named Ghant, high in the Western Hills, close to the Sea of Bisqe.  

A ship arrived every two full moons on the shore of Peese in the region of Ganza to load up with stolen ivory tusks, taking them to a castle far away, close to a sea village called Belede. Stealing the ivory from the rogue elephants in Ghant, robbers kill them for their tusks. The robbers live in Dranoon. It is a village in the foothills of the Great Mountains close to Belede. 

Rixo told me the king pays robbers in gold for the tusks. These robbers were not only killing the elephants but also killing tribespeople sworn to protect them. These are peaceful tribes that need help to stop these killings from continuing.  

Is that where we enter? Tyron asked. 

I believe so, Asim replied. It’s a little more confusing because it’s a long way from Dranoon to Ghant; that’s why I want to find out for ourselves.  

So, by stopping the robbers, we will find out, asked Lanee, who had listened to them talk.

Yes, he agreed. We are about four or five days from Garon, so it shouldn’t take too long. He laughed. 

For a few days, they stayed on a monotonous trek. On the fourth day, it was close to dusk; they hoped to reach the village before nightfall.  

Should we walk faster, Tyron quipped, snickering to himself. 

Both agreed on one thing: their journey through the forest had been uneventful, making them feel strange and happy. No dwarfs, hunters, or robbers. Lanee was thankful that she did not have to cross any river.

They had been looking closely for hunter’s holes, not wanting to fall prey to one.  The hunters in small packs can be visible throughout the forests in these regions, while the robbers stay much closer to the villages. 

Asim had been thinking ahead, wanting to make sure everyone stayed more aware of their surroundings, asking each one to keep a watchful eye. Darkness was rolling in when he saw the brightness in the sky, knowing it was the fire burning bright in the Garon village.  

Stone and Zollo scouted all day and patiently waited for everyone to catch up with them. Both rested close to the village entrance. We have been here a while. Let’s look around, Stone yawned. They noticed no movement in the village; it seemed unusual to be this quiet.  

Tyron looked at Asim. Are you thinking we will find this Rixo person here?   

It’s possible. Although it could be another village further away. Asim gave it a close look, blurting out. It must be the next one because it doesn’t look familiar.  

That includes the people, Lanee asked.  

Asim looked and smiled. His expression reddened her cheeks. She knew she had stated the obvious.  

Meeting up with Stone and Zollo, they took their time to stroll through the village. This place seems too quiet, said Stone.

Do you think they all could be in the tavern? Tyron smiled.

Only one way to find out. Asim smiled back.

I’m with you, said Lanee, and she grabbed both their arms.  

Anson pulled on Asim’s shirt before they entered. Benson and I will scout around to see you there later.  

Sounds good. Let me know if you find anything strange.  

The first thing Asim noticed when they entered the bar was that it was empty. They only saw three older villagers, not a single young person, sitting at a table in the corner. They found a place to sit down with no problem, seeing plenty of open tables they could choose. The bar wench greeted them as they sat. Asim watched the owner behind the bar; he looked a little apprehensive.  

Ale for everyone, he told the wench, still looking around for anyone else in the bar. Waiting for her return, he watched her. She was a neatly dressed, pleasant-featured lady in her forties. Tell me, he asked on her return. Why does the village seem so empty?  

Well, she answered. Most of the young village men have traveled west.  

For what purpose? 

There has been trouble in the village of Baras, she replied.  

And that is where? Tyron asked. 

The next village west of here, maybe a journey of a day or more.  

Do you know of what trouble? Asim asked. 

I must go back to work, she turned and left.  

I can help you, came a voice from behind them.  

Asim turned his head, seeing a youth dressed in a red jacket with green pants, set off by his long curly ginger hair, having an impish-looking face, a slim body, standing five feet and four inches tall, strange-looking at first sight, you might say.

They are helping with a battle, he spoke, looking at Asim.  

A battle?   

Yes, the youth replied, with the Oryx.

The Oryx, Asim repeated slowly, with no idea what he was saying to him.

Seeing his blank expression, Toby explained, They are a tribe that lives in the lands beyond Baras. They are not a fierce tribe. They always come to the village to steal in winter, just small stuff to eat. This time, they took more than food; they took their women and horses and killed some of the villagers, so I heard.  

Hmm, Asim thought. They sound like a heartless bunch; they only do this when?  

In the winter. I hope the villagers can stop them.

But, It’s not winter.

That’s what makes it strange.

Who are you? Tyron looked straight at the youth.  

He paused. I’m Toby, he smiled, Most call me Toby the Tinker. They left me here.  

Are you good with a sword, Toby? Lanee asked, seeing one strapped to his side.  

No, he said with a gloomy expression. I try not to fight with a sword.  

Tyron was now more curious. What do you do then?

I’m a wizard, he said proudly. Well, a wizard in training, anyway. I do a few jobs here and there. That’s why they gave me the name Tinker.  

A wizard, Lanee smiled.  

In training, he added. I try to do good, but sometimes my spells seem to go wrong or don’t work. I practice a lot, and I know I will do better.  

It cannot be that bad, can it? Lanee smiled again.  

Toby just looked at her with a sheepish grin on his face.  

Well, Asim announced. Tomorrow, we will travel to Baras. If you want to go with us, you can.  

Do you mean it? Toby’s face lit up.  

Yes, Asim looked him up and down again, smiling.

The others would not let me go with them.   

Asim thought for a second … Well, we will.  

They continued their drinking, laughing, and telling stories amongst themselves. Anson and Benson joined them with nothing new to report. 

CHAPTER 2 Wizard on the Way

The morning arrived, and the sun began the ascent, painting the landscape with its warm glow. A magnificent shadow stretched across the party, signaling the time for their departure on the upcoming trek. Asim ensured to include Toby the Tinker. Their destination was the village of Baras, beckoning them with a promise of adventure and endangerment.

Asim had sent Zollo and Jubly ahead to scout. He led the others over and around the hills, staying as close to the forest as possible. 

Absorbed in conversation, Wilt recounted the tale to Toby, vividly describing the encounters with the Warlock and the challenging spells that awaited them within the ancient walls of Nordak Castle.

That is extraordinary. Toby was in awe. But I’m sure that he used dark magic.  

How did you become a wizard? Wilt asked eagerly.

Toby shrugged. I’m still finding that out. When I was a young boy, I found my magic was a gift; I came across an old blind wizard who had retired. He helped me for a while, but then he died while sleepwalking. Fell over a castle wall, of all things. I kept some of his papers and have been practicing by myself ever since.  

So, your spells will become stronger as you go? Wilt asked.  

I hope so. Sometimes things go wrong. I have potions and charts in my pouch.

Wilt nodded at the bag hanging over Toby’s shoulder. 

Could you do things like that, Warlock? Radel asked as she joined them. 

Well, I wouldn’t want to do that, but I can do some things, he said confidently. 

Can you make things bigger or smaller? She asked.

I have been practicing, but sometimes my spells go wrong.  

Radel pointed at a rat scurrying on the ground ahead of them. Can you make it smaller?

I can try. He opened his pouch, pulled out a small bunch of papers, and shuffled through them. Then, with an eye on the scurrying rat, he uttered some words and made a sign with his fingers.  

The rat froze, looking straight at them. The band of warriors stopped to gaze back. It rolled over and then back again; the rat grew larger.

That’s not good, mumbled Toby, looking again at his papers. Now, it had grown to the size of a dog. 

Oh, Radel sighed. You will have to stop it.  

That’s not good, Toby again examined his papers. Now, the rat has grown to the size of a pig.

Oh, Radel sighed, You must stop it.

He rifled through his papers again, this time with a mystified look about him. What have I done?

The rat grew at a massive rate, reaching the size of a cow, and kept going.

Oh my, Radel sighed again. Can you please stop it?  

Toby was still thumbing through his papers with a panicked look. The rat now reached the size of an elephant and continued to grow.

Asim looked up to check on the noise, not believing his eyes. He grasped Tyron and Lanee’s arms as they looked in disbelief. The three rushed back to where Toby and the others were standing. 

In a panic, Toby squealed, My spell went wrong.

You think? Tyron’s sarcasm was obvious. The rat had now grown to the size of a small dragon. 

Can you stop this spell? Asim shouted.

The rat was poised to attack them. Its large mouth was open, and six-foot-tall razor-sharp teeth glistened white in the sunlight.

I’m trying, he whimpered. I’m trying. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.  

Please try harder, Lanee shrieked.  

Its large black eyes were staring at them, two fangs dripping with saliva, as the beast crept closer with massive claws.  

Swords out. We will fight this thing, Asim shouted. Form a circle around the rat. Its teeth clinked as its mouth opened wide to hiss at them. 

Duf made a move towards the beast, club in hand. The rat darted forward to grab him in its mouth. Duf swung his club with a lightning-fast blow. He caught the end of its nose, which reared up just as Duf jumped back.

Both Asim and Wilt struck the rat with two hard blows when their swords struck high on its elongated foot, both blades digging deep into its skin. With a sharp and loud squeal, it reared up again when Lanee and Toya plunged their blades deep into its other foot.

The rat raised both feet, squealing, hissing, and snapping its large teeth at them. 

Duf lurched forward away from the beast’s mouth when it swung its long tail around, knocking everyone off their feet and sending them sprawling.  

The force of the wind from the lashing tail caused Toby to lose his grip on his papers. He scrambled when they flew everywhere. 

Oh my, Radel peered at Toby from between her legs as she scrambled to stand up again. That’s not good.  

Nooo … Toby ran about, grabbing at his scattered spells.

Duf had somehow grabbed hold of the rat’s large tail and dug his fingers into its skin, holding tight while he swung around. He tried to hold on but was thrown a distance into the bushes, where he slammed his head on the hard ground. 

The rest of the party climbed to their feet, only for another swing of the rat’s tail to knock them back to the ground. Asim leaped up, grabbed the hair on the beast’s back, and started climbing. Lanee ran up and jumped for his outstretched hand, and with one motion, he pulled her up alongside him.  

Tyron and Wilt moved to the rat’s side. Anson, Benson, Stone, and Zollo all maneuvered to the front while Lube, Toya, Jubly, and Radel tried to keep the oversized tail from swinging. The beast twisted and turned its head, trying to bite Asim and Lanee as they continued to climb; they grabbed its hair to keep their grip.  

Tyron plunged his sword into the rat’s side. It squealed while its body spun fast. Asim and Lanee held on for dear life at the top of its hairy legs, their bodies dangling in rotation, trying not to slip. Its nose hit Wilt and knocked him back to the ground.  

In an instant, the rat’s body abruptly stopped, causing those gripping its tail to be violently thrown off. Some landed perilously near Duf, still nursing his sore head, desperately attempting to catch them in mid-air. The sheer force of their weight overwhelmed him, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Climbing using the long hair on its back, Asim reached the top. He thrust his sword into the rat’s head. It shrieked and reared up on its back legs. 

Tyron held tight to a raised leg. He shouted for Wilt to move when a giant foot dropped close to him. He rolled across the ground, and it missed him by a hair.  

Asim and Lanee both lost their grip as they slid down the rats back. Desperately, they grabbed the long hairs to slow their fall. Asim stopped right before they fell off. He gripped Lanee’s arm tight.  

Toby clasped a bunch of papers in hand. He cast one more spell with a word and a sign with his fingers. The rat dug its large claws into the ground and started to shrink.

Asim and Lanee slid down next to Tyron, watching almost breathlessly as it returned to its natural size. The rat stopped and turned to look at them before disappearing into a hole in the ground.  

The rest of the warriors picked themselves up, straightening and brushing the dirt from their clothes; everything was quiet.  

What was all that about? Stone shouted.  

Toby mumbled, I made a mess of my spell.

Tyron rubbed his chin and stared with a blank expression. We know you did!

Just glad everyone is all right, Asim sounded relieved it was over. Everyone is all right?  

Radel moved to Toby and put her arm around the panic-stricken lad. It was my fault, she admitted. I shouldn’t have let him do it. 

Well, Asim said, still brushing himself off. We know now what you mean by spells going wrong.  

Or working too well. Tyron smiled and shook his head.   

We are lucky only to have a few bruises. Asim gathered them together. Everyone looks good. But no more spells without warning.  

And maybe not even with one. Tyron laughed. He slapped Toby on the back, shouting, Watch out, we have a wizard on the way. He laughed hysterically. 

We will need to up our pace, Asim knew it slowed them down.  

Duf still rubbed the large knot on his head. He walked with Stone behind the others, just in case.

I would like to arrive at Baras before nightfall.  

They started to quicken their pace across the hills and through the forest to make good time. Soon, they reached the outskirts of the village. A few drifting smokestacks came into view.  

Zollo and Jubly sat waiting. What happened? We thought of returning, but we wandered the village outskirts instead.  

We had to handle a rat problem, Asim smiled while Zollo’s puzzled face just stared at him.

CHAPTER 3 Rixo.

Well… Zollo scratched his head, thinking of Rats for a second, then shrugged. It feels strange here, so we looked around. The sky grew darker as he walked with them a short distance and pointed towards a burial site.  

I see, Asim looked down at all the plots. 

No, over here. There were over forty recently dug graves.  

What do you think happened? Zollo asked, looking at Toby.  

They were having a small problem with the Oryx, Toby replied.

I would say it grew much larger, Asim looked at the new graves. 

They have their entrances blocked and guarded. We never entered, said Jubly. 

We need to find out what is going on here. 

Six villagers met them at the first gate, each carrying a massive sword. Steady, spoke Asim. We come in peace.  

What are you doing here? Asked a villager. Are you here to help?  

No, just passing through and need a place to stay for the night.  

You don’t want to stay here, spoke another man as the sky darkened.  

Oryx attacked two nights in a row. Many of our people are dead. I am not sure you want to stay here.  

Well, Asim thought for a second. I would feel much safer inside the village at night than outside. We are fourteen warriors deep; it would benefit you for us to stay in case they attack again.  

I see what you mean. The villager scratched his chin. We have lost a lot of our friends. I will let you meet Berk, the man in charge. They followed him to the village square, where they could see the flames flittering up from the strong burning wood fire. Several people stood close in a circle when they approached.  

Asim first noticed a large man in his late thirties, standing six feet tall and with a muscular build and shortish brown hair. Must be Berk, he thought as they moved closer.  

Who are you? The man stared at Asim and the others.  

My name is Asim, and these are my friends, he gestured at his warriors.  

Berk. He held out his hand that Asim shook. I’m the leader here. Wait, I think I have heard of you. They say you are a great warrior.  

As are my friends, Asim smiled.  

Have you come to help us? His eager eyes pled for an answer.  

We are on another quest, but we will gladly help you while we’re here.  

I will thank you for even that much, said Berk, We lost many of our people.

Now tell us what happened here, asked Asim.

The Oryx tribe attacked two nights in a row, killed and stole from us. I have forty men dead, and they captured five of our women and eight horses. We believe they would return.

We will help guard your barriers tonight; how many men do you have?  

Around fifty of our own, with twenty more from the other villages.  

We will help to make your village safe tonight, Asim assured him. Show us your weak entry points, and we will help. 

We have no wealth, moaned Berk.  

If you know of me, you should know I do not seek money. When we help, there is no cost.  

Then please come eat and drink with us if the danger has passed. 

We will accept your offer. They all followed Berk and his man to the entry points. Oh, do you know a man named Rixo?  

Why, yes, we will find him at one of our barriers. 

Berk took Asim to four different entries. At each barrier, he left two of his warriors. We will come and rest you through the night, he told each one as they left them.  

Where is Toby? He asked, noticing he was not with them. 

I believe Radel took him along with Jubly, said Lanee, trying to think about where they could have gone.

Any reason? 

No, I don’t think so? Asim turned and smiled at her. 

What is the plan? Tyron asked.  

We will find Rixo and see if he has any more information on the ivory, noticing Lanee looking hesitant.  

And help them bring their women and horses back. You have a plan? Tyron smiled.  

Not yet, but I will, said Asim.

They stopped at each barrier, looking for Rixo, walking around the edge of the camp. It seemed a peaceful night to them. The only noise heard was from the crackle of wood on the village fire as the logs continued spitting and burning, throwing flames high in the air. Asim did not feel an attack was imminent, thinking they would meet the Oryx again, figuring they had returned to the mountains with their captives.  

Asim the warrior, shouted Rixo on seeing him. Did you ever go to Ghant?   

Not yet. Asim shook his head. I’m surprised you recognized me.  

Who could forget your face? They both laughed. Are you here to help the village?   

Rixo, a man thirty-five years of age, standing five feet nine inches tall, with a slim figure, no fat on his body, brown wispy neck-length hair tucked under a small hat, a work-worn-looking face with a short beard wrapped around his chin. 

We are on our way to Ghant. And yes, I’m thinking about the Oryx. So, tell me, along with my friends, about the ivory and what is happening there. Tyron and Lanee moved up closer to them. 

Rixo sighed. As far as I know, it has not stopped. Like I told you, the robbers from Dranoon are out searching for the elephants. They even battle with the hunters in that area. They told me they would kill the elephants, and tribespeople, too, if they stood in the way of stealing the ivory to send back to Bisqe, and then by ship, to the Belede Castle, for the king. If when you leave here, you can follow the Oryx trail close to the mountain before you head west, and you will end up on the foothills of Dranoon. You will be where all the robbers and hunters live.  

How far from Ghant? Tyron looked puzzled.  

Yes, something strange is going on there. It’s a distance. So, we don’t know how the robbers trek to Ghant, travel with the ivory, and return in the time they take. Asim, Tyron, and Lanee listened intently to Rixo. He thanked him again, telling him it would give him more to think about, as they went back and joined Berk for supper. Later they took their turn at guard duty throughout the night.  

The sun rose early the following day, casting a shadow over most of the village. The night was silent. Asim knew the Oryx had returned to the mountains.  

Berk had gathered everyone around the village square. Asim and the others assembled behind the villagers to hear what he had to say.  

It seems they have returned to the mountain, he shouted. I need a hunting party of volunteers to bring the women back. I want to thank the villages of Garon, Matoo, and Falo for all their help, and we will understand if you need to return to your homes. He paused, then added, We are sorry for losing your friends. Some made ready to go home. Berk looked at the villagers that stayed and thanked them again.  

What do we do now? Lanee asked Asim, Shall we go with them?  

No, we will not go with them, replied Asim as Lanee looked puzzled. 

Berk came over to Asim and thanked everyone for helping to protect them through the night. We wish you well on your quest. He returned to the villagers, ready to embark on their rescue mission. Asim watched as they all left the village; there were thirty-eight able bodied men and two women. He shook his head as Lanee stared at him. 

You know they don’t stand a chance, she stood, staring.  

I was thinking the same thing, Tyron added, who stared at them both.  

They are heading to battle with a murderous tribe that knows the lands. Asim replied, A foolish trek, as he shook his head.  Yes, said Lanee. And we will let them do it.

CHAPTER 4 Meeting the Oryx.

Not quite as you think, Asim smiled. But to do this right, we need a little surprise. Let them take the straight route to the Oryx Mountain; we will leave soon.  

Rixo had stayed behind. I would like to travel with you.  

How would you know about our plans? Asim smiled.  

My head tells me you’re going through the Oryx camp. I know you, Asim; you won’t let those villagers walk into a trap where they will die.  

I Kind of figured you would stay. You want to tell me more about the Oryx and where they live? 

"We will find them against the sheer mountain wall where they live in a cutout part of the rock, with