The Key of Ban
The unprecedented journey of the Hardstone Clan would not be a haphazard event. Every detail of the trip was planned to help assure the success of the clan’s migration. The clan’s first concern was the trog army that controlled the northern sections of the Sadden Mountains. The Clan leaders held long discussions with the seven guests.
At one such meeting, Pacer stated, “Crossmore’s greatest weakness is his tendency to delay. Even though he controls great power, he is basically a coward. His cloak of power compensates for his sense of weakness and vulnerability.’
Coaldon added, “Crossmore enjoys crushing and destroying people, but only from a safe distance. His army acts as his courage. He stays away from direct challenges or confrontations.”
Pacer continued, “I suggest your escape plan needs to be based on Crossmore’s sluggish response to a crisis.”
Earthkin injected, “The wizard’s need to control will limit the ability of the trog army to respond in a concise manner.
After a pause in the conversation, Ripsnout said, “We know that the large part of the trog army is hidden in the valleys on the west side of the mountains. Only a token force is stationed east of the mountains. I suggest we exit from the East Door onto the coastal plains.”
Using these insights, the escape committee decided to follow Ripsnout’s suggestion. The dwarf army would lead the way by making a lightning quick attack on the small garrison of trogs to the east. Once the enemy was eliminated, the Hardstone Clan would travel south to Rockham. It would be necessary to travel quickly because Crossmore would deploy a large army to chase after the fleeing dwarves.
The three days of preparation were a nonstop flurry of activities. Each person including the children was assigned tasks to complete. By the beginning of the third day, the community was ready to begin their march to Rockham. It was essential for the clan members to travel lightly. This meant it was necessary to leave behind many family treasures and heirlooms. Tears were a common sight as the moment for departure arrived. Before leaving, a contingent of dwarf warriors blocked all entrances to the Homekeep, except for the escape route to the east. Few dwarves looked back, as Rolfe led the way into an unsure future.
The dwarf army was successful in clearing out the token force of trogs. The trogs showed little heart in fighting the savage dwarf warriors. The coastal plain was quickly cleared of resistance, allowing the Hardstone Clan to begin its long journey south along the east side of the Sadden Mountains. The planning committee decided the clan would move faster if the community traveled during the day. The coastal plain was a broad expanse of tree covered rolling hills that gradually sloped to the ocean. An ancient road to the South had once carried the commerce for a prosperous economy. After considering different routes, the dwarves decided to take the road because it was the most direct way to Rockham. The old road was so well constructed it could still be used. An advance party of warriors cleared the roadbed of obstructions to allow for a rapid movement of the clan. Scouts fanned out in all directions to provide a constant stream of information about the surrounding area and any possible threats. The Council of Elders did not want to be surprised by any unanticipated problem.
The first two days of travel were slow, but productive. It took several days for the clan to become organized and establish a routine of travel. It was necessary to create a system of making and breaking camp, feeding the clan, providing for the needs of the young and elderly, and finding water. Throughout the journey, the camps were set up in the unsheltered areas to save time. The need for speed was the first consideration. The rapidly moving trog army would soon be in pursuit of the traveling community.
The weather was pleasant for the first few days of the clan’s migration south. The warm days of spring brought a celebration of optimism. The sky was filled with birds flying north to their summer nesting grounds. A joke circulated among the dwarves that the clan was going the wrong direction. It was the time of year to fly north, not flee south. The travelers also observed large war eagles soaring overhead in wide, lazy circles. The eagles would catch the wind currents and soar with the grace of stately dancers. The giant birds often made long, twisting, free fall dives that ended just over the heads of the travelers. At first the dwarves were afraid of being attacked by the birds, but later accepted the eagles with little concern.
Coaldon had a different feeling toward the visitors from the sky. The constant presence of the eagles was more than a coincidence or just a passing event. The war eagle’s voices spoke to Coaldon in a disquieting manner. The eagles talked, yet he could only catch a vague outline of their conversations. Coaldon was determined to find a way to communicate with the mysterious and aloof eagles.
The clan made steady progress. Clan members took turns performing different camp chores. Magee, Norbert and Noel spent most of their time caring for little children who were frightened by the journey. The older children were oblivious to the dangers facing the clan. To them the migration was a grand adventure that demanded a festive response. Each turn in the road was a time to explore and discover something new. Most adults were both irritated and delighted by the energy and excitement of youth. They realized that the clan had become stoic, unmotivated and withdrawn. The history of the Hardstone Clan illustrated how easy it was to hide from the world. The clan was learning the empty satisfaction of hiding in fear and isolation.
The morning of the fifth day started as usual. The roll of drums awoke the camp before dawn to prepare for a long day of hiking. The morning meal was bubbling in cooking pots, while dwarves bustled about stowing supplies in back packs. The watchmen returned after a night of protecting the camp. Their tired faces matched their fatigue. Yet, not a word of complaint was heard from these warriors. The call to duty was stronger than any physical discomfort they might experience.
Each person was required to carry a backpack full of supplies. Warriors carried large, heavy packs while children carried only their clothing. As the long line of dwarves stretched down the narrow road, a light misty rain began to fall. The dwarves in general did not like rain in any shape or form. As the day progressed, the rain increased to a steady downpour. Even though the dwarves wore protective rain gear, they became depressed and irritable. By evening the mood of despair ruled the camp. Tents provided shelter from the rain, but not from the cold that penetrated deep into each body. Few fires could be lit because of the rain soaked wood. After a long, miserable night, the clan wasted no time in beginning the trudge down the deserted road. Walking warmed the cold, aching bodies. By late afternoon on the sixth day, the rain stopped and sunshine flooded the long procession of pilgrims. The necessity for the dwarves to leave the Homekeep did not soften the feelings of being lost, forlorn and lonely. Some dwarves felt a sense of gloom to the point of hopelessness.
To everybody’s happiness, camp guards found a large supply of dry wood in the shelter of a rock overhang. The inviting blaze of fires could be seen in all corners of the campsite. The seven outsiders, like the rest of the travelers, used the fire to dry soggy clothes. After a warm meal of trail food, the seven companions sat in front of a fire with eyes focused on the flickering flames. As they gazed into the fire, the mesmerizing power of the flames created a soothing sense of tranquility. The enchantment of the moment covered the group like a warm blanket.
Coaldon was the first to break the charm engulfing his friends. He said, “I hate to interrupt your thoughts, but I have a few things to share. I am detecting a growing presence of evil behind us. It is not close, but it is drawing nearer. Earthkin, in the morning, would you please share this information with the elders? I expect we will have several days to get ready to fight. Also, how long will it take us to reach Rockham?”
Earthkin responded, “I imagine we are about half way to the city. It should take us at least seven days to reach the door of Rockham.”
Coaldon continued, “Earthkin, do you know of a place in the immediate area we could use as a defensive position?”
Earthkin sunk deep in thought
for several moments before responding, “As a youth, I was viewed as being strange because I enjoyed trekking into the outside world. As a curious child I explored this area. While investigating, I found a deep, narrow canyon about three days’ march south of here. The canyon has steep cliff walls on the north and south sides that would be difficult to climb or pass. The river flowing from the canyon has cut a deep, rocky channel. This time of year the river is full to the banks with the spring thaw. As I remember, the narrow, rocky entrance into the canyon is only 30 or 40 strides wide. The floor of the canyon is covered with large boulders, making it difficult to pass through. If we find it necessary to fight, I would recommend this location.”
Pacer responded, “We will talk with the dwarf commanders about the details of this defensive site. They need to start preparing for a battle with the trogs. I dislike being trapped in a canyon, but if that is the best defensive position we can find, so be it.”
Coaldon concluded, “Tomorrow, it will be necessary for me to spend the day by myself. There are some important things I need to do. I have guard duty tonight so I will not see you until tomorrow night.” As Coaldon disappeared into the darkness, his companions followed him with curious glances.
After Coaldon completed his guard duty far south of the campsite, he slept for several hours. At daybreak he ate a meal of hardbread and walked to a high, rocky dome in the west. He enjoyed strolling through the forest listening to the sounds of life and observing the beauty of spring. Coaldon had been so preoccupied with surviving, he had lost track of his intimate bond with life. He remembered the hours he had spent as a youth enjoying nature.
Coaldon climbed to the top of a rocky dome with relaxed strides. This position offered him a good view of the surrounding area. The haze of the ocean mist formed an outline on the eastern horizon. The snowcapped peaks of the Sadden Mountains to the west stood like giant guardians. In the silence, the mountains commanded, “Do not pass!” The fresh, lush green of spring leaves and grass formed a blanket in all directions from his throne.
Peace crept into every fiber of his body. This was a time for him to forget about Crossmore, trogs and dwarves. He sat with his back leaning against a flat rock facing south, protecting him from a chilly morning breeze. His cold body was slowly warmed by the morning sun. Pushing away the usual surge of thoughts, he dropped into a state of meditation. Free from distractions, his mind became like a pool of still water. This void of thought allowed him to be open to the delicate pulses of energy in the atmosphere. The first mental image to appear to Coaldon was Crossmore having a heated conversation with a subordinate. Crossmore kept yelling, “You must move faster! You must catch them! You must destroy them! Remember, I want the girl unharmed. I will not accept any excuses! If you succeed, your reward will be great power.”
Crossmore suddenly paused in mid sentence as if he had been distracted. Coaldon saw Crossmore’s hand extending towards him across the vast darkness of space. The reaching-hand carried a sword dripping with a black substance. The sword slashed back and forth as it approached him. Coaldon was not concerned until he felt the blade slice through the air near his head. He had to decide quickly if he was going to fight or to remain silent. It was possible Crossmore was only guessing at his location. If he did not attack, Crossmore might continue his search somewhere else. Assuming Crossmore was bluffing, he sat very still. To his delight, the vision of the sword faded away. He heard Crossmore moan in frustration as his presence dissolved into emptiness.
Even though his concentration had been broken by the attack, Coaldon returned to his meditation. He had the feeling that more was to be revealed to him. It was not long before a second vision formed in his mind. He saw the vague image of five people running to escape from an unseen enemy. The five shadows turned towards him with desperate eyes. The five people looked directly at him in disbelief. They pointed at him in wonderment, as if seeing a ghost. Then out of the dark fog many vague images appeared. As the five people turned to face the invaders, a bright light flashed and five images vanished into the haze. The vision was so vivid Coaldon came out of his trance feeling anxiety and fear.
Coaldon felt his body trembling as he opened his eyes. To his satisfaction, he was still sitting on the rocky dome with the warm sunshine caressing his body. As he raised his head, he came face to face with a large bird. The bird’s yellow eyes stared at Coaldon without moving. The bird stood about nine hands high with black body feathers blending into a white crown. A large beak and cold penetrating eyes dominated its majestic face. Without any doubt, Coaldon knew the bird was a black war eagle. The eagle cocked its head to one side as it continued to stare at Coaldon. The bird spread its large wings in a wide sweeping motion, lifting it off the ground several strides. It then settled to the ground and refolded its wings. The eagle spoke, “I am Blackwing, chief of the Northridge family of war eagles. I extend to you greetings and good blessings. It is my privilege to meet with you and offer the assistance of my family. I watched you grow up in Lost Valley. I can trust you to honor the gift of my service. How may I help you?”
At first, Coaldon found it difficult to speak. He finally said, “I am accompanying the Hardstone Clan in their escape from Crossmore’s army. You could help by providing us with information and being a messenger. I need to know how many days journey the trog army is behind us. I also need to send a message to the elders in the dwarf City of Rockham.”
The eagle shifted back and forth on its powerful legs in a nervous manner before it answered, “I will do this for you. You must remember that eagles have no desire to become involved with the problems of people. We watch with great humor and sadness, the stupidity of your kind. Only in unusual circumstances will we intervene in the affairs of people. The reason I offer my assistance is out of respect and obligation to your grandfather. You must agree to certain conditions. First, I will only talk with you. Second, you must be alone when we talk. Last, I will only meet with you in an isolated location.”
Coaldon questioned, “I agree to your terms. I am curious how you know so much about me?”
The eagle laughed in a crackling voice, as it answered, “We have carefully observed you for the last 18 years. You are a person of destiny.”
Coaldon responded, “I never imagined I was the center of attention.” The large eagle nodded its stately head in understanding.
Coaldon followed, “When will you start helping us?”
The eagle paused as it looked into the north. It turned back to Coaldon as it responded, “The trogs are about three days’ march behind you. You will need to find a place to defend yourselves very soon. If you will write a message on paper, I will deliver it to Rockham. I will leave for Rockham as soon as you give me the message. I will meet with you tomorrow afternoon in a location you select.”
Coaldon dug a piece of paper and a pencil from his travel pouch. In the message he explained the current circumstances of the Hardstone Clan, gave their present location and appealed for help. Blackwing carefully tucked the message into a claw, spread his great wings and gracefully flew away into the southern sky.
Coaldon had been so consumed by the events of the day he lost track of time. He realized by the position of the sun it was mid afternoon. He would need to hurry to catch up with the caravan before dark. He hated to leave his perch, but he knew he had duties to fulfill. As he trotted through the shadows of the forest, his mind reviewed every detail of the day. He was especially concerned about the vision of the five individuals being attacked. He wondered if Topple had been a part of the group.
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Topple and Associates