The Age of Ornan

After they parted ways some of them went to the tower, and began watch, while Modec brought Barram, and Mershapi, to see Gallar. They rejoiced when they saw their old friend, and they told him many stories of all they did in Hodor, which turned out to be a shorter list than they had hoped for. When they had finished Gallar, in his usual grim fashion, told them what he wanted them to do in the battle. “You are precious cargo.” Gallar said, “If the enemy were to take you it could mean the end for Burdep. You must stay out of sight. If I think the enemy has a chance of getting to you, I will break through, and escort you back to Tyran. That is if the king will allow it.” Gallar said as he glanced at Modec. “Your hands will provide far better keeping than mine ever could.” Modec said, “Stay safe, and only use that sword if you absolutely have to. But maybe you will get the chance to wet it before the end.” “I will,” Barram said, “Times will get so desperate that I will be forced to.” “Let’s hope not.” Modec said, “Now you two will stay in your room until you are told what to do. Am I clear on that?” “Yes sir.” The two Mirus said. “Very good then,” Modec said, “I will see you all in time.” When they had finished Gallar, and Modec, climbed the great stair leading up the tower. They came to the top, and found a table seated, and their bedding. They ate a meal before they began to look out. All seemed peaceful, and quiet, but there was a tense feeling in the air that all of them noticed. They knew that at any moment the goblins could appear, and it would all begin. They watched all day, but nothing came. They watched through the night, and still nothing showed itself. Modec was growing excited. He knew that they were bound to come sooner, or later, but each day the goblins waited was another day that Tyran’s Men drew nearer. The following day went without anything as well. Then night fell, and they took rest on their cots as King Tyran kept his eyes open, but in his usual fashion he fell asleep. Then about midnight they all awoke suddenly to the sound of horns blowing. They leapt to their feet, and watched the forest. “I know that sound.” Gallar said, “It is the sound of goblin horns. I have not heard them in ages.” “I did not expect them at night.” Modec said. “That may play to our advantage.” Gwain said, “They intend to scare us using the darkness as a cover. But we can use it to cover as well. If we send out our scouting parties the goblins will have a hard time tracking them.” Modec turned to a servant, “Send out the scouting parties now!” The servant went down the steps to inform the scouts. At the same time the kings, and their advisors, watched the forest. Suddenly torches appeared through the trees. They marched slowly to the loud, pounding, of drums. Modec continued to watch for hours as they continued to pour out. “How many are there?” Modec asked. “I cannot make an accurate guess as long as they continue to come out of that forest.” Gwain said, “I should know later when they are all visible.” They waited a while, and before long the end came. Then Gwain began counting, “They are in groups that appear to be one hundred in size. There seems to be two hundred of those. That means it is roughly twenty thousand!” “And how many Men do we have here?” Gallar asked. “One thousand.” Modec said, “Our archers won’t even make a dent in that.” “That’s nothing.” Tyran said, “It’s only twenty a piece. I can carry my load, and another’s.” “Not all have your strength.” Gwain said, “Those who can fight more skillfully had better make their mark.” “Even still our purpose is not victory on our own.” Gallar said, “We wait for Tyran.” “And how long will it be before your Men arrive?” Modec asked. “I would say that they will come in about three days.” Tyran answered. “That army could finish us in one.” Modec said, “It seems that we will have to make a stand so valiant that we will be sung of forever.” “I have five thousand Men coming.” Tyran said, “They will come on horseback. If we can survive, and take their numbers down to five thousand I think the cavalry should do well against them.” “We have our work ready.” Modec said, “Let us face them with honor, and bravery. May Vashaar receive the glory for what we do on the morrow.” They went back below to meet with the soldiers. Each of them realized that the first arrow of the war would soon be fired. Oruras had made his move. The war of the Seasons had begun upon the fields Aloc-Bohodor. They woke the soldiers from their sleep with the blasting of horns, and the gonging of bells. Before long the Men of Honestia were arrayed for battle, and ready to face the oncoming darkness. Women, and children, were hidden, and all that remained in the city were the warriors with their bows, and swords. Modec surveyed the goblin army as it approached, “If this is where I will meet my end, then so be it. But may Honestia forever live!” he said as he made his way to the outer wall of the city. The stage was set, and the pieces were in motion. Oruras had unvield his power. All that remained was for the battle to begin.