the rhyme speaks of two of deed?” queried Mr Barnabus.
The rest of the group had not thought of that either and felt a sinking sensation. They did not know that at that very moment Heather readied herself for the battle.
The group had no more time to think of such things for the stags brought the news that the enemy approached. They all scurried to be in place and prepared for the battle.
THE CHARGE TURNED
XVIII
The army of Lipophrenia was heard long before it came into view. They heard much blowing of trumpets and jingling of equipment. The cloud of dust that followed them rose high in the midday heat. Presently, the main army came into view. It was an intimidating sight for them all. The army was flung out into orderly troops with the cavalry in the center with archers on either flank behind ranks of foot soldiers and shieldsmen. The multicolored banners they held fluttered in the breeze and the sun glinted off their weapons. All told it made a grand sight and made the Prince’s army feel somewhat inferior with their ragtag ranks and lack of color. The only banner the Prince’s army had consisted of a bright blue standard with a golden star in the center with the edge trimmed with golden tassels.
The enemy army came to a halt in the sun on the edge of the Plain. Perhaps we should digress and explain the Plain more fully. It was three miles long and one mile wide at its largest width. It formed a sort of semicircle with the forest to Logosian’s back and the open country to Lipophrenia’s army’s back. The sides of the Plain formed a sort of steep slope on one side and a group of high cliffs on the other with the deep, wide River Ripplesway running next to the cliffs. It formed the perfect amphitheater for a battle.
The opposing army stood still for a few minutes and finally sent out a horseman with a white flag. The Prince responded by sending Sir Goodheart out with one as well. Sir Goodheart returned after a few minutes and reported to the Prince.
“They desire a parley with you, Sire. What shall be our reply?” asked Sir Goodheart.
“What is to be the sign for the parley?” asked the Prince.
“We are to merely unfurl a large white flag and wave it,” responded Sir Goodheart.
“Call Lord Edward, Gnome Groundfirm, and Mr Barnabus. I desire some counsel.”
The group gathered to talk.
Groundfirm began, “I dinna trust him, yer Majesty. Methinks it be a trick.”
Edward added, “I think you need to go with an escort at least.”
“And you, Mr Barnabus?” asked Logosian.
“I think it cannot hurt to talk if you take an escort as Lord Edward says,” responded the old tutor.
“Good,” said the Prince. “Then it is decided. We shall go to parley in the center of the Plain. Tell them we will each be allowed three people with us.”
The message went and they prepared to ride out for the parley. The Prince chose Sir Goodheart, Groundfirm, and Mr Barnabus to ride with him. Edward he left behind in charge of the army in case of a trick. King Lipophrenia chose Lord Existention, the Vizier, and his captain of the guard.
The two parties met in the center of the Plain. The King looked ridiculous in his mail with so much belly showing beneath it that it could not protect him. He more or less rolled on his horse and complained bitterly of his discomfort at having to ride and not take a carriage. The Vizier showed the same sour, crafty countenance as always and looked with hate, especially at Groundfirm. The Lord Existention was dressed in a beautiful deep purple cloak over dark, black armour with a jaunty, black helm and purple feather. He sat astride his horse with arrogant confidence and distained to even glance at the other party.
The Vizier began with his whiney voice, “His most merciful, Royal Highness, King Lipophrenia has deigned to offer you, good Prince, safe conduct back to the city of Sanctua, and guarantees the safety of yourself and Lord Edward and Lady Heather.”
“What of the rest of my subjects with me?” demanded the Prince.
“They are to be taken care of by the good Lord Existention,” replied the Vizier.
“And what of my throne Uncle?” asked the Prince. “Will you also return that to me?”
This insolence enraged Lord Existention, “Why, you young popinjay, I’ll finish you now!”
He reached fro the hilt of his sword but Groundfirm saw the movement and slung his bow in a swift blur.
“I dinna think that would be wise, yer lordship. I’d shoot ye like the cur ye are before ye clear the scabbard. Now put yer hand down,” spoke the gnome with deadly steel in his voice.
The Lord Existention obeyed reluctantly and the Vizier squeaked, “Here, here gentleman. Let us not have any bloodshed. We desire peace.”
Mr Barnabus spoke, “You do not know the meaning of the word, and you are a disgrace to the race of man and gnome Falseface, for that is your real name that you have kept secret all these years!”
“Who are you scum, to talk thus to the Vizier of Shadowfall? I’ll see your body. . .screamed Falseface.
“You’ll what, peace loving friend?” answered Mr Barnabus in a sweet voice.
The Prince smiled at this last remark and said, “I think this parley is ended gentlemen. I will not betray my people nor my friends. Prepare for battle.”
The Lord Existention glared at them and flung the words, “You will regret your arrogance, little Prince, and you my little half-man, shall feel the bite of steel this day! We shall give no quarter.”
He wheeled his horse and sped off to his waiting army’s ranks. The King limped along behind, whimpering and rolling, with Falseface in a deadly silence.
The Prince’s group trotted back to their army and readied their troops for the coming charge. They did not have to wait long. The trumpets sounded in the enemy ranks and their lines formed for the rush.
“A most foolish thing Existention is doing,” murmured the Prince. “He is underestimating the enemy and seeking to destroy us by brute force and not maneuver. He shall pay for that indiscretion.”
The Lord Existention took his place in the front of the army and gave the sign to unfurl the banners and start the advance. Logosian’s army could hear the jingle-jangle of armour and weapons. The horses neighed in the distance. The sun glinted off the lances and banner tips in a glittering array. The opposing cavalry moved into position as the horses pawed the ground impatiently. The order to advance was given. The horses began at a walk and moved to a trot. The order to draw swords and bring lances to ready clearly echoed across the Plain. The sound of hundreds of swords unsheathing reached the ears of Logosian’s army.
Logosian held his troops fast. The sweat trickled down his brow and wiped it away nervously.
“Sir Goodheart, you may give the archers the orders to prepare to fire on my command,” said Logosian.
“Yes, sire,” came the reply.
The opposing cavalry advanced at a slow trot.
“Fire three volleys, Sir Goodheart,” commanded the Prince.
One volley went, it landed slightly short. The next two struck horses and riders both, in a hail of iron.
“Prepare the advance, Sir Goodheart,” came the next command.
Meanwhile, Edward received the signal that as soon as the other cavalry moved to a gallop to rush his troops out of hiding at their flank. Logosian and his few knights, centaurs, dryads, and cougars began to walk out. The dryads were amazing creatures that looked extremely frail and a bit like young boys, but on horse back they were fearsome fighters due to their uncanny balance and agility.
Lord Existention gave the command to lower lances and swords for the charge. With a roar, the cavalry line surged forward at a breakneck pace. Edward’s troops rushed out of hiding places and fell on the left flank of the cavalry. There were squeals of surprise and the din of battle. The horsemen tried to wheel and face the attack but only succeeded in crashing into one another. Next, Logosian ordered the charge for his troops. They leapt forward with the centaurs in the lead, shouting for th
e Bright Star. They met the opposing cavalry with a thundering tumult that echoed off the hills. It so startled Heather that she dropped her bow. The shouts, noise, and dust were incredible. The cavalry of Existention’s were totally confused as the little animals poked, bit, and generally annoyed the horses. The rabbits and mice used their swords to jab and stab at horse hocks and men’s calves. The rabbits even went so far as to jump on men and bite their hands. Falseface’s ogres used their huge clubs to mow down horse and man alike and roared in a most terrible way, frightening the horses into a frenzy. Seeing his cavalry routed, Existention fought his way to the bugler and sounded the “retire”. The animals, in their rage, nearly followed him too far, but were called back just in time by Edward’s trumpeter.
Logosian’s troop had wrecked havoc on the cavalry as well, hitting them almost broadside, unseating many of them, and making short work of stragglers. Of his fine cavalry, Existention had lost almost half in the first engagement. They were either dead or unhorsed. He rode back to the ranks in a livid rage.
“I shall slay them all, do you hear me! Everyone, including those blasted beasts!”
ROUT
XIX
“Vizier!” Existention bellowed. “Where are the ghouls and goblins? Loose them for the next attack! We will see how the young miscreant stands under their assault!”
“Away, my beauties, to the battle, ghouls by air and goblins by land. Take the enemy, do not let them stand!” intoned