The Key of Ban
Topple knew it would take several days of hard riding to catch up with his friends. Topple, Hilda and the two apprentices had not traveled far from Neverly before a sense of urgency flooded the wizard. From past experience, he knew this sense of anticipation required his immediate attention. The voice of foreknowledge forced Topple to face a choice between leaving Neverly and the need to respond to the mysterious intuition. He decided it would be best to talk with Hilda about his dilemma.
Topple led Hilda and the apprentices into a grove of trees in a deep ravine. Hilda questioned, “Why are we stopping? We need to hurry if we are going to catch up with the group.”
He said, “Hilda, there is something I need to share with you. I feel we are overlooking something. What could it be?”
Hilda had a puzzled expression on her face as she gazed at Topple. She knew it was out-of-character for Topple to be so overly concerned about anything. He was experiencing something unusual for him to be so somber. She finally responded, “Let’s rest here while you deal with your forewarning.”
The four riders dismounted allowing Topple time to reflect on his premonition. Sitting by himself he drifted into an ever deepening state of contemplation. Soon he was oblivious to everything, except for the swirl of fog filling his mind. At first Topple heard an unrecognizable jumble of voices blending into a meaningless noise. It was like listening to all the voices he had ever heard passing before him at high speed. The noise stopped as suddenly as it started, leaving only the sound of one voice. Topple saw himself as a student sitting in the library of the long abandoned City of Mazz. He was listening to words from the Book of Wisdom. The book magically spoke the written words of prophecy to him. He remembered being required to memorize many passages. Later in life he discovered that these verses were important. Shadows of these prophecies often reached into current events to influence his judgment. He learned to pay close attention to his inner voice.
As the vision continued, the center of his attention focused on a single verse. The prophecy stated, “In the City of Neverly, the foul beast of death will be transformed into a new life. As the source of evil sleeps, the escaping beast will step into the future through a door from the past. A strong guiding hand will provide shelter for the trembling, lost child. By prompt action the lost will be found.”
Topple emerged from his vision as if hit by a powerful bolt of electricity. The jolt caused him to shout and give a sudden jerk. Never in his long life had he experienced such a demanding summons. As he looked around, he felt sweat running down his face and his heart rapidly pounding. Topple’s reaction was not only a surprise to himself, but also to his companions.
With a twinkle in her eye, Hilda responded, “You looked utterly silly when you jerked and shouted. Just to think a man of your wisdom and age acting in such a manner. You should be ashamed.”
Before she could say another word, Hilda found herself flopping in the air about 30 strides above the ground. She yelled, “I am afraid of heights! Let me down this very moment!” Hilda realized that she had said the wrong thing when she abruptly fell toward the ground. Her scream violated the quiet of the secluded grove.
Of course Topple stopped her free fall just before she hit the ground. With the tenderness of a new mother, he gently lowered her to the earth.
He then said, “Hilda, you looked so immature screaming. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Hilda was so overcome by the emotions that she could not talk.
Topple laughed saying, “Has the cat got your tongue? For the first time in my life, I have actually found you speechless. Let us celebrate!”
Before Topple could say another word, Hilda jumped to her feet, gave a shout of frustration and tackled Topple. They came to rest in a cloud of dust with Hilda sitting on Topple’s chest. At this point the two apprentices were laughing at the comical performance. It took several moments before their loud roars of laugher died down to a jolly bout of teasing and bantering. Topple’s serious mood had been transformed into a celebration of life. The four companions had found joy in the simple treasure of one another.
After Topple’s encounter with Hilda, he took a moment to collect his thoughts before sharing his vision with Hilda and the two apprentices. He concluded his story by quoting the words of prophecy. He then stated, “I believe the verse has something to do with me.”
Hilda responded, “Yes, I believe you are right. We need to discover the meaning behind the riddle. The verse has something to do with Neverly and a foul beast.
It is important to recognize that the beast goes through a transformation. I have the impression the beast will be freed from the bonds of enslavement. So, let’s get started. Who is the foul beast?”
One of the apprentices answered, “There are only two people in Neverly that I would consider to be beasts, Crossmore and Badda. I do not think that Crossmore will ever be transformed, so I would suggest Badda.”
Topple followed, “Who is Badda?”
Hilda answered, “Do you remember a young man named Bobby who disappeared many years ago? Well, I recently discovered that Crossmore had cast a spell over him and created Badda.”
Topple said, “Yes, I do remember the arrogant young man. He was fascinated with Crossmore’s magic. It looks as if he got more magic than he wanted.”
Hilda continued, “The phrase ‘the source of evil sleeps’ might relate to the spell we cast on Crossmore. If all this is correct, we will need to go back to Neverly to find Badda. He will need our help when he opens his eyes and takes his first new steps.”
Both Hilda and Topple knew it would be dangerous for them to return to Neverly, but this prophecy had now determined their destiny. Returning to their horses, they rode back to Neverly. Leaving the two apprentices to watch the animals in a sheltered area near the river, Topple and Hilda approached the East City Gate. Under the cover of magic they entered the city disguised as two merchants. It did not take long for them find Badda walking around the city in a state of perplexity. They followed him until he hid under a staircase in a pile of garbage. When Topple approached Badda, he could see fear on the man’s face. After Topple talked with Badda, he discovered a transformation had taken place. The man had been changed from Badda to Bobby. Bobby was truly an infant needing protection. He yielded to Topple’s fatherly guidance with trust and relief.
Hilda and Topple wasted no time in leaving the city with Bobby. They rendezvoused with the two apprentices and traveled the rest of the night. After a short break the group decided it was best to travel during the day in order to reach Dooms Ravine as soon as possible. Topple assumed Pacer would camp in the shelter of the narrow gorge. After several hours of hard riding, Topple led the group through a cover of trees and into the ravine. From the evidence left in the area Topple determined the seven travelers had camped for one night in the gorge.
Topple called the group together and explained, “While the group spent the night, they met a dwarf. There was a brief struggle, but then they departed with the dwarf up the ravine.”
At this time Hilda noticed a piece of paper hidden under a rock. After reading it she said, “Coaldon left us a message. It is written in high elf to protect it from being read by anybody else. The message reads, ‘We have met a dwarf from the Hardstone Clan. He has requested our assistance in fighting an army of evil creatures that invaded their tunnels. We have decided to go with the dwarf to his Homekeep. We will travel in the ravine to escape from the beasts occupying the west side of the Sadden Mountains.”
Topple responded, “I remember stories of the Hardstone Clan disappearing from the face of the earth. It was assumed the clan had been destroyed by Doomage the Wizard. This is wonderful news. But, it is bad news to hear about the creatures invading the mountains. This sounds like the work of Crossmore. He has opened the door into the Chamber of Oblivion a little wider, allowing more evil to infect the Empire. We need to make a decision. Do we follow our friends up the canyon, or do we take another route to Rockham?”
Hilda answered, “We have
found ourselves in a difficult situation. We can travel south to Rockham over the plains, but I am afraid we will be detected while moving across open country. Coaldon’s message indicates that if we travel east we will face an unknown enemy. Maybe we should travel around the north end of the Sadden Mountains and take the coastal plains to Rockham. It is much longer, but it might be safer.”
Topple let his thoughts wander as he considered the different possibilities. He knew there was no right answer. Yet, no matter which way they chose to go, the One Presence would use their decision to create the greatest good. He finally said, “I do not know which direction to go. I recommend we rest here until we find an answer.”
Hilda nodded in agreement as she gathered wood to build a fire. It was not long before a fire was burning and a hot meal of meat and roots was cooking in a small pot.
After eating, the wizard found an isolated place in the ravine to clear his mind. As he relaxed, he detected the sound of many feet running toward them from the southeast. He kept hearing loud, gruff voices yelling, “Keep running, you maggots! Run! Run! Run! We must catch them! Faster! Faster!”
Topple abruptly stood up, walked back to the fire and stated, “We must depart immediately. We are in danger.”
The five travelers mounted their horses in haste and set a rapid pace into the dry wastelands of the northeast. They followed an animal trail that steadily climbed into the high hill country overlooking the plains to the south. After many hours of travel, the group stopped in a grassy meadow to rest the horses and eat a cold meal. From this location they could see the outline of the Sadden Mountains in the southeast and the mist shrouded plains to the south and west. The sun was low on the horizon as the five travelers contemplated their next move.
Topple stated, “The horses are tired and hungry. We also need to rest. I believe we have gained a large lead on whoever is following us. I propose we spend the night in the shelter of the grove of trees to our east.”
Everyone was in agreement except Bobby. He responded, “I want to keep traveling. I want to get far away from Crossmore.”
Hilda answered, “We understand your desire to escape, but we must rest.” With his eyes filled with fear, Bobby finally nodded his consent.
The uneventful night passed in peace. The light of day came too soon for the small caravan of travelers. While the sleepy eyed group prepared to leave, the wizard walked up to the crest of a hill to check the area for any unusual activities. He returned in a hurry. He stated, “A large army is about five hours travel behind us.”
Bobby started to shake in panic. He shouted, “They are after me! They are after me!”
Topple soothed, “Relax Bobby. We have fresh horses, a good night’s sleep and a long lead. They will not catch us.”
The group traveled at an easy trot for most of the day. It was important for them not to overwork the horses. Their hairy, four legged friends were the key to escaping the pursuing militia. They took several short breaks to let the horses graze. As their trek turned toward the east, the northern foothills of the Sadden Mountain range slowed their progress. It was necessary for the travelers to climb over ridge after ridge to reach the coastal plain.
Days passed into nights as the group finally conquered the obstacles of the northern foothills. It was midday when the travelers finally rode onto a hill top and viewed the coastal plains. A broad expanse of trees unfolded before them like a green blanket. With a strong sense of accomplishment, they assumed the worst was over. They decided to ride to the forest far below before making camp.
Topple was first to notice a blanket of smoke hugging the tree line. He raised his hand, commanding, “Stop! Something is not right.”
The joy of the group was short lived when they saw movement in a large meadow. Topple guided the group to cover in the rocky shelter. Leaving their horses to graze on fresh spring grass, the five adventurers crawled to the edge of a hill to get a better look at the movement in the forest. As they studied the activities below them, they felt a sense of despair.
Topple quietly said, “Those ugly beasts are called trogs. They are the foot soldiers of Crossmore’s army. We have arrived just in time to find them blocking our way. I wonder if they are part of the army that was following us? Maybe they are waiting for our arrival.”
The other members of group were speechless at this discovery. A steady stream of trogs marched out of an opening in the mountain, joining a large horde already assembled. Topple explained to his companions that the tall hideous creatures directing the activities of the trogs were called geks. From their hiding place, the small group spent the rest of the afternoon watching the massing of the trog army.
Finally, a large drum carried on a cart rolled out of the tunnel entrance. A tall gek standing at the side of the drum held two large clubs in its hands. With a slow, formal motion the gek raised the clubs over its head and began to pound the drum in a slow, steady rhythm. The deep resonating sound of the drum could be heard on the hill where the five companions were watching. At the sound of the drum, the geks used whips to force the trogs to move. The army of trogs formed into units and marched south to the beat of the drum. As the trog army stretched out in a long line, the drum beat faster, forcing the trogs to trot. After the large army disappeared into the forest, wagonloads of supplies pulled by horses followed the advancing force. At nightfall the last of the wagons lumbered into position in the long caravan moving south.
After hours of silent observation, Topple stated, “We need to make camp.” Topple’s comment jarred his companions into facing the reality of their situation. After a short search for a suitable campsite, they settled in a narrow rock crevice.
After setting up camp, Hilda was first to speak, “It seems our enemy is in a hurry. It is obvious the army is not interested in us, but concerned about something much more important. I wonder if the trogs are chasing after the dwarves. ”
Topple responded, “It would be my guess that the dwarves, plus our friends, are fleeing to the south, probably toward Rockham. By the looks and size of the trog army, the dwarves are in trouble. I would suggest we follow the army to determine how we can help.”
Hilda commented, “The trog army may or may not be following the dwarves. We need to determine why the trogs are marching south.”
Bobby looked at his four companions with an agonized expression on his face. He blurted out, “I need to talk with you! As I watched the trogs below us today, I began to experience faint images of the dreadful things I have done for many years. In my youthful conceit, I allowed myself to be trapped into a life of wickedness.”
Bobby’s eyes rapidly darted back and forth with signs of anxiety.
He continued, “I feel a flood of anger and guilt. I do not know what to do. Should I run away and hide? Should I stay with you? How can I deal with my feelings of remorse?”
When Bobby had finished talking, he hung his head. He had been reawakened, but now he needed to confront the consequences of his past life. Bobby was a lost soul with no rudder to guide him into the future.
With a sorrowful face he continued, “I want to do what is right. I want to do penance for my sins. As a youth, I remember the Monks talking about finding forgiveness. Maybe I should turn to the One Presence to discover the purpose for my life.”
For a long time Bobby’s eyes stared into the fire in deliberation. No one in the group said anything to interrupt Bobby’s thoughts. Finally, he looked up with a peaceful expression on his face. He stuttered, “I - I - I feel much better now. I want to stay with you. Somehow, I will find a way to offer my services to the people of the Empire. I will not be a burden to you, but rather I will do what is right and good.” After Bobby’s reconciliation, the group rolled into their sleeping blankets andslept soundly throughout the night. By morning a misty rain cast a mood of despair over the travelers.
As they mounted their horses, a downpour soaked the group. Not having a better alternative, they decided to follow the trog army. Topple assumed
the trogs would not have scouts watching the rear flank. Everybody, except the wizard, was hesitant as they rode off the hill, through the trog campsite and followed the wagon tracks.
In spite of the rain, Topple’s mood had changed from serious to merry. He seemed oblivious to trogs, danger or wet clothes. He whistled, sang and made constant comments about the beauty of the new day. Several times he stopped his horse, looked into the distance and chuckled.
He finally said, “The stupidity of the trogs is no match for the beauty of this fine rainy day. Oh yes, faith in the Source of Life is like standing on the security of a rock; so let us go forth and sing a song of joy. Did you hear the story about the warrior’s mouse who could not find his tail? He forgot to cover his rear. Ah! Ah! Ah! Zippy do, Zippy do, a path to do, to do a step in time. Not to do ahead or hind, but now to do, do in time. Ah! Ah! Ah!”
Topple continued all morning with a constant barrage of songs, verses and stories. Topple’s infectious joy almost made the misery of traveling on a wet day a pleasant experience.
By the end of the day, the rain had decreased and signs of the trog army were increasing. The litter of animal waste and garbage left the foul scent of corruption. The forest was unnaturally quiet and devoid of life. It was as if the birds and other animals were hiding from an unknown predator. The haunting silence added to the aura of gloom dishonoring the beauty of nature.
Topple was the only individual not influenced by the oppressive sense of defilement covering the forest. Over the centuries the wizard had learned to focus his full attention on the Master of Life. His trust in divine providence offered him the peace to face problems with confidence, even joy. Unfortunately, he was alone in this. Not even Topple’s stories and songs could dispel the sense of collective oppression.
The wizard only compounded the distress by stating, “We have been detected. Our presence has penetrated the fog of evil blanketing the area. We have disrupted the vibrations of hatred that energize the trog army. A search party has been sent to find us. It will be easy for them to detect our aura. I have neglected to cover our presence with a shield.”
The negative mood of the group was openly revealed by his revelation. The group’s sense of misery hit Topple like a hard punch. He commented to them, “I have the feeling each of you is being poisoned by Crossmore. Peace is a fruit growing from the stability of faith. You can look to the Tree of Life or be held captive by the power of doubt. What do your choose? Remember, choice determines destiny.”
Screaming voices in the distance interrupted the quiet of the night. Each member of the group suddenly felt like a forest rabbit being hunted by a lion. Topple shouted, “Release the horses and only take what you absolutely need. The chase has begun. I can use magic to hide our goodness from the eyes of evil, but we must use wilderness tricks to hide our physical scent.”
Topple spent the night leading his companions southwest toward the mountains. They walked up the middle of a bubbling stream flowing from the west. Then they went over a rocky ridge top and passed an open meadow into a steep walled channel. The bottom of the gully looked as if a flood had recently washed it clear of everything except a floor of river rocks. Topple led the group up the gully several thousand strides; then they walked back down the middle of the creek flowing through the narrow gorge. The light of the moon helped them find footing in the rugged terrain.
When the sun rose in the east, Topple led the group into a densely forested area. They found shelter under the cover of a thick canopy of trees. The sound of the pursuing trogs had disappeared. The demand for sleep became paramount as each person drifted into a restless slumber.
At midmorning the companions awoke to the sound of Topple’s voice. The wizard said, “We have caused a real stir in the mind of Crossmore. I have decided to confront him as he searches for answers to our mystery.”
Hilda responded, “Come off it, little brother. Crossmore will most certainly discover our location. I do not think this would be wise?”
The wizard smiled, “You under estimate my powers, ancient sister. This will be most entertaining.”
Topple sat on the ground with his back to a small tree. As he shut his eyes, a deep state of calm encompassed his mind. He spoke into the dark void of his thoughts. In a deep solemn voice he said, “Crossmore, someday you will pay for your sins. Your evil ways are injecting hatred into the Empire. Go away!”
Crossmore’s reaching-hand appeared in Topple’s vision. Crossmore, with an enticing voice, said, “You humor me, little jester. Your comedy makes me laugh with the delight of a child at play. You have taken advantage of my good nature for the last time. My generosity has been wounded by your lack of compassion. It is not I who brings wickedness into the Empire, but you. You are creating disharmony by going against the established order. Give up your foolishness. I invite you to combine forces with me. Together we will have great power.”
Topple smiled saying, “The joke is on you. You will be consumed by your counterfeit ideas. The poison of your words will return to you as total barrenness.”
Crossmore answered, “My old friend, you speak with vacant words and tired ideas. My power fills me to the brim with exaltation. We must talk about reality, not philosophical jargon. I have the power. I have the hand of destiny.”
Topple did not answer, but cut off communications with Crossmore. As he ended this encounter, he felt the presence of another person growing in his mind. Through a dense fog he detected Coaldon sitting on a rocky dome in bright sunlight. Topple reached out to touch Coaldon, but only found the emptiness of an impenetrable mist. When anxiety flooded him, he decided to end his reflection.
He opened his eyes to find his companions looking at him in bewilderment. He discovered that both of his visions burst into reality at the same time. To their right, Crossmore stood before them with a troop of trogs. To their left Coaldon sat on the rocky dome looking at them with an inquisitive expression. In disbelief, Topple’s companions pointed at Coaldon in wonderment. The group’s attention quickly shifted to Crossmore as he started to rush toward them. As Topple jumped to his feet he pointed his hand at Crossmore. A blinding flash of light shot out of Topple’s hand, surrounding Crossmore in a raging orange flame. The blaze was so intense Crossmore and the trogs dissolved into thin air. Both visions vanished into the bright sunlight of the afternoon sun.
In sarcasm, Hilda erupted, “Well, great wizard, what did you accomplish? That was stupid. You have made things worse. Next time think before you endanger us.”
In false humility the wizard responded, “You are right. I am sorry, but wasn’t it a grand show.”
He continued, “I used more power than expected. I need to rest, but we cannot wait. We must leave immediately. I believe it best for us to return to the road and follow the army. That will be the last place they will look for us.”
~ ~
Dark Storm Clouds