Chapter III
Achil of the Dragon People
Achil was sitting in a meadow the sun shone down so brightly that their shadows hid beneath their feet, cotton clouds danced across the sky. A cool breeze crept down from nearby Grand Mountain carrying with it the smell of pine. Achil was a tall man with flowing blond hair which was braided ceremonially at the sides, as was the custom with the men of the Dragon People. He had been amongst them for several years, in that time they had come to look at him as one of their own; he had fought by their side, helped instruct their youth, and had even spoken at council on such grave issues as the defence of Osgaroth. When he had first appeared, they had regarded him as one who had been prophesied to arrive, as told in their ancient scrolls. He had proven well worthy of their trust, not just because of his fighting prowess, but because he was also a man of thought, a scholar. It was because of Achil that first trade, and then a stronger relationship than commerce had grown up between Findolin and the Dragon people.
Achil seated on a small rock, with his hands clasped together hanging loosely over his legs, had been recounting some of his many adventures to an attentive group of eager listeners, some of which had remained standing rather than test the morning due that still lay on the long grasses.
“So Stephan there is no greater foe than an individuals own fears,” said Achil. “When I recently went to visit your Kin the Underlings, on the way, in the woods of Wormwood I fought against the Ajatar, I was afraid but I controlled my fear. In any battle the one who conquers fear, usually conquers his opponent. And the reason is that you need courage and not just strength to be successful, you need to keep your wits about you, especially when faced with a cunning evil spirited creature like the Ajatar.”
“Surely if I recall that story correctly, that you're so fond of telling and of retelling,” said Stephan. "Wasn't there more to both courage and strength?"
Everyone laughed at that point, this certainly was a story they had all heard before.
“Didn't it also have something to do with the fact that Ulador was with you, and that you overcame the creature together,” continued Stephan.
“Come to think of it," said Achil. “I do remember that Ulador might have had some small part to play in the battle with that creature, but to be serious he showed true courage in coming to the aid of a friend and not abandoning him when things were in the balance. And one of the reasons for him doing that is the great sense of community in your society. You have all grown up in a land where the people themselves choose who is to be ‘First among Equals’ as you call it, known as ‘the Prefect’ who rules with the help of a 'Council of Ministers'. And in your world all are considered equal. In such a place there are no political machinations, and no one is vying for power, as everyone knows that their duty is to the community and not to themselves. In Dragon City there are no particular factions, people don't plot surreptitiously to gain power or prestige or wealth, and the reason is that all know that deceit, division, and duplicity have destroyed many a realm. So there is a strong belief in the right rule of law. But also think on this, it is easy to know how you will behave when the sun shines, when there is warmth and shelter and there is plenty of food on your table. However how much honour and mercy is shown when people are deprived of such simple things as these; let us not forget those days when first I arrived, and the shadow of the Furies and the Dragon rested on the entire community. How easy it is to give in to fear when we are threatened by calamity.
Remember how people were blaming each other for what was happening, and how you sought sanctuary in old rites and beliefs, thinking that you needed to appease the Gods. And in those times of despair remember also how people looked for their salvation in the unnatural rather than the natural. You see the only way to understand ourselves is to question the world we live in, and the part we play in that world. That is how we learn to progress as a people.”
Nicholas who was standing next to Achil shook his head imperceptibly before beginning to speak. “Achil if one always questions, how can anything ever get done?”
“That’s why we have learning,” replied Achil. “Teaching and our experiences help us to decide what decisions are the right ones, and these are learnt in two ways, firstly by a natural understanding of the world around us and secondly by the scribes who speak to us and show us the way of things. It is then hoped that through our practices and confidence gained over time, we and our children, will be led to the right path, and that way we don’t question as much, but instead we adopt what the philosophers call 'natural right action'.”
From up the valley could be heard horses swiftly approaching. The group turned as one to see riders of the Vangarian Guard. Achil recognised Ulador out front, even with his helmet on he was unmistakeable. They were in full battle armour, swords at their sides, shields hanging down from their saddles. One of the front riders held the banner proudly aloft, a Green dragon inset a mountain with the sun behind it.
They halted close to where Achil had been seated; Ulador urged his horse forward and spoke his voice was strong and purposeful.
“Achil we have grave news,” said Ulador. “The Mandrake Imperial army has crossed from the lands of Mead and laid siege to the city of Findolin. A council of war has convened; you are to report to the Prefect at once.”
Achil jumped up immediately and mounted his horse, stoic resolve immediately written across his face, as the hour they had all been dreading had finally arrived.
“Tell me what you know Ulador?” asked Achil stirring his horse into action.
Nicholas quietly watched Achil leave, and took charge of the group. “We should also head back to the city. If a council of ministers is to meet, then we must all prepare ourselves.”
Dragon City in the lands of Osgaroth was unusual in one main respect, it had no walls, nor did it need any, being surrounded by natural defences, it was built at the foot of the horse shoe shaped Grand Mountain which was connected at both ends by a large loch, the only way to cross the loch was by ferryboat.
When they returned to the City, Achil made straight for the Chamber of equals. A magnificent looking building; built with hundreds of thick marble pillars; internally the cold stone walls were given warmth by the many frescos depicting ancient gods and heroes. To the front of the building on a plinth was a large statue of the founder of the city his arm outstretched in greeting. Achil strode up the steps, entered beneath the archway and went through the great ornately carved doors that led into a large atrium; then through to the chamber of equals. On either side of the chamber were wooden framed benches all occupied, and to the rear was a large wooden carved seat where sat the Prefect.
A hurried session had been called to which all had attended. Andreas stood addressing the assembly as Achil entered.
“To answer Greadin, we will be protecting our own borders by sending an army to fight the Mandrake,” said Andreas. “All know that should Findolin fall; it would not be long after that the Mandrake’s desire to expand, led them to us, or do some of you expect naively that they will simply stop there."
The Prefect had listened intently to the points being made, leaning forward on his chair as first one opinion for helping the Finns, and another for looking to protect their own borders was given.
“Thank you for your thoughts Andreas but we all know you and Achil are close friends and with good reason,” he said. “So I feel that you may have some bias toward helping him that may affect your understanding of this matter. Andreas please sit back down; I would like to hear from the Alchemist, what can you tell us of the Mandrake, what type of people are they?”
The Alchemist stood up, as Andreas retreated sullenly back to his seat. As he rose to speak the whisperings and murmurings that had been occurring fell silent, all gazed upon him. He wore a brown cloak clasped at the shoulder by a golden leaf shaped brooch. His sword hung loosely at his side, the hilt of which had the appearance of a Dragon. A tall imposing man, of which age did not seem to cow
er, his dark eyes pierced the air, his voice was clear, confident. He paused a moment to regard the assembly, before speaking out.
“The Mandrake Imperium is a ravenous flame; a relentless foe that strives with a single will to dominate and enslave others. At their head as far as we know is the most foul pollutant creature this world has ever known, Jin. His lust for power can only be matched by his ruthless need to commit every act of unscrupulous devilry. For them to have come so far so quickly is disturbing enough. But not to go to the aid of our closest friends and allies, the Finns, would send a message to the Mandrake inviting them to strike at us and be not mistaken, strike they will. They will not cease until they dominate all. Now they are unleashed they will be like a plague of locusts that consume everything in their path. To do nothing is to invite misfortune; it would be madness, so I say we fight. Fight for our children, fight for our lands, fight for our way of life and drive this evil plague from us.”
A clamour broke out in agreement.
“How do you propose we defeat such an enemy, if he is as powerful as you say?” asked the Prefect, who impassively sat listening.
“He is not just as powerful as I say,” replied the Alchemist. “He is more powerful than I can say. When first Achil came to us with news of the Mandrake, years ago now, as you are aware we sent spies east to test the truth of this threat that might one day move against us. The accounts brought back were frightening. Jin has built an army out of many conquered peoples, over many years; all are united under his banner. He also has allies that are beasts, Dragons that have been corrupted and forced to obey his will. You all have heard of the Wrath, a race of wild Wolves from the steppe now through some dark arts made into men, and men made into Wolves. An army of Wolfmen at the service of Jin, inflicting death and destruction on all that would oppose him. Then there are the Vendigo, people held in his thrall by some powerful enchantment, and we do not know what other foul creatures he may conceal. So we can only defeat him, by uniting against him.”
Andreas jumped up, “I say it is time to act, if those fiendish creatures are at the gates of Findolin there maybe nothing left by the time the Dragon People get there. I for one fear not these locusts. We must call all to arms, not just because Achil is my friend, but for the very security and freedom of Osgaroth, to arms. Let it be proclaimed that in seven days all should meet at the lowlands of Dunne in readiness for battle, for Osgaroth.”
The Prefect stood up and looked around at the aroused assembly.
“So be it,” he cried. “Send riders out to all in our lands in seven days we meet at the Plane of Dunne and on the eighth day we ride to Findolin and to battle.”
As the assembly started to leave the Prefect beckoned Andreas and Achil forward.
“There is something I would ask of you,” said the Prefect.
Andreas and Achil stared curiously back at him.
“Anything,” replied Achil.
“You are to go to the Haven Mountains,” he continued. “And seek out the Queen of Askalon: her city is hidden in the pass of Aska under the shadow of that Great Mountain. Tell her that all peoples are in danger of falling foul to the Mandrake. What I am about to say, you must tell no one.” The Prefect pulled them to one side, opened a door to an antechamber and ushered the two of them in. Closing the door behind him he quietly continued. “You see, as the Alchemist reported, since the threat of the Mandrake was first known, spies were sent out into the Kingdom of Jin, it was there that we ascertained his true origins. Although at best our information is murky, from what we understand he was once from Askalon but was banished from that long lived race many years ago."
This was dark news indeed thought Achil, while Andreas looked on pensively shaking his head, as if not truly believing what he had just heard.
“But so much beauty comes from those that dwell in Askalon, how can such a thing be?” said Achil.
“I’m afraid long ago the lord of the Mandrake, Jin was apparently a force for good. Or that’s what the rumours say, but his quest for wisdom, understanding and knowledge, to make himself better, greater, was such a burning desire that it had no limits. One day at the height of his powers, he thought he could master all. He wished to understand and have dominion over all the arts, both good and evil, but in his attempts to conquer the darkness, he in turn became Dark.”
Achil’s hand turned white as his grip fastened tightly on his sword.
“Tell me,” he said warily. “Do you feel that the Queen of Askalon will aid us?”
“Yes, she must help us or all maybe lost and you two must see to it that she recognises the peril we are all in, perhaps if he is one of her people she might desire to redeem him, though I feel he is driven by unearthly passions; by the unnatural and the other worldly that there is no absolution for one such as he. All he has left is a will dominated by a lust for power, and his attack on Findolin may be a ruse, it could be Askalon he is after. There is no greater motivator than that of revenge; it is obsessive, resolute. It conjures images of injustice where none might exist, and consequently continually fuels itself. It never fades with time, but gets more twisted and like a convulsing storm left over from some volcanic eruption, spews out a sulphurous poisonous rain of hate upon all it infects.”
Achil and Andreas listened with a sombre silence.
“I do not know whether the Askalon’s will wish to aid us,” said Achil. “In what must be done, but we will go to them anyway and plead our circumstance. But remember this; the Askalon’s have for a long time kept their own council, they seldom leave their gilded halls. They may wish to leave us to our fate while sitting tight waiting for theirs. I‘m sure their pride will tell them that whatever power Jin has got, they‘ve got more of it.”
The Prefect folded his arms looked at Achil and half smiled, “You may be right but in this instance they will have more than a passing interest, and if they wish to be left on their own then so be it. Though I very much doubt that when you meet with the Queen of Askalon, that will be the result of your meeting.”
Andreas turned to Achil, “It would be wise to take Nicholas with us. He has proven himself capable before, and will not fear the journey. Also we could use the Krakon, his eyes would spy out paths that would keep us safe from the prying machinations of our enemies, and lead us by unknown ways to the halls of Askalon.”
Andreas's eyes fixed firmly on the Prefect, “Is there anything else you wish before we leave.”
“Take these words with you,” said the Prefect. “Though we are in need of haste be calm, do not act rashly, this is the hour for cool heads and mighty deeds, where a single act may dictate all. Remember the bite from the small Stade Viper and how it can bring down a man as quickly and as easily as a mighty army can defeat a nation. So the smallest action or inaction may have the gravest consequences.”
The two nodded and departed.
“I hope the Prefect trusts us with this mission,” whispered Andreas as they left. “It is not often he feels the need to stress the importance of something.”
"It is understandable, these are unusual times after all," replied Achil.
The Prefect stood watching them as they passed through the great hall. He quietly contemplated the days of turmoil to come, daylight was sent streaming through the many arched openings of the hall; all was now quiet, as the sun laid a thousand golden cloaks at his feet. These were in sharp contrast to the storm ahead, beneath his breath he spoke quietly to himself.
“And it is also the consequence of man’s inactions that leads to his actions, this is our history, the days to come will be filled with dictated acts and we shall be tossed as a boat is in savage seas, where all we can do is be directed by uncontrollable currents, these are our fears, do we sink to unknown depths or with courage scramble to survive atop them. We now enter a world away from this world. And fear will be once more our great companion, but if fear then also courage and with courage comes hope. If we do not aid Findolin then she will surely fall and so too perhaps that
would spell our doom. What madness can it be, where a single individual can believe that it is right, by force of arms to bend others to his will? But then are not all men blinded by such power, if such power be great? The only true strength of any people is not that they are subject to one, but that they are beholden to all. We shall show this Mighty Lord of the Mandrake that the courage of the many is greater than the fear bred by the one.”
Outside the hall there was a frenzied excitement as news was quickly spreading of what had been said in the Chamber of Equals. Andreas and Achil were standing beneath the statue of the founder of Dragon City, its shadow protecting them from the uncomfortable glare of an overbearing sun.
“I will inform Nicholas,” said Andreas. “You had better make sure the Krakon is ready, get provisions enough, but remember we must ride light and swift. So we'll meet at my home, and ride out this day for Askalon.”