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Chapter 39
She awoke with a start in the early hours of the morning. Her lamp had burned out and she asked the guard to relight it. Refreshed, she continued reading.
In the book, she found much information. According to the story, Maica had plotted with Algwad to overthrow the kingdom. They had plotted together to kill King Mayle and succeeded after which they threw the kingdom into war immediately to set aside any opposition to Maica being crowned queen.
The war, however, was not the war they fought now. Algwad had been with Maica all the way. He had not betrayed her. On the contrary, they plotted and succeeded in ruling the kingdom at war for many years. Maica’s hurried coronation which set aside the normal procedure for the coronation of a new ruler became lost in time as the kingdom fought a war begun by Maica and Algwad against an invading army.
There was no invasion from another army as yet as far as Shay was aware. This war should have commenced in the last few d
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WordRealm (Complete) Chapter 40
“There are other ways to the border but they are difficult. Algwad’s men will have taken the easiest route.” “Which is?” Shay asked. “Through the Goblins Claw. It will be closing soon with the approaching winter. It may already be too late. If we don’t get through now we will have to wait until the winter thaw starts.” “What is the Goblin’s Claw?” Shay asked. “It is the only pass through the Ator Mountains. If we cannot get through there now everything on the other side of the pass is open season for Osim if war starts. They will crush everything from the border to the pass and we will be helpless to do anything about it. And the pass itself can be difficult to pass through depending on the time of year. It has always been a goblin stronghold because it represents a holy place in the goblins' history and at certain times of the year the pass is closed while they conduct their ceremonies. They have one such ceremony at the first thaw which means if we
WordRealm (Complete) Chapter 41
When they arrived at the camp Duke Morme requested the captains of the armies to gather inside the command tent. When they were gathered, Morme and Blye told them about the possibility of moving the army through a portal to save time. Shay then demonstrated the portal. The captains looked apprehensive and scared initially but then warmed to the idea. Finally, one captain spoke up to voice an objection. “I have reservations about this plan. It is a fantastic idea. But moving men through like this will be a slow process. We do not know how big an army surrounds the castle. If we are discovered, the men who have passed through the portal face a massacre.” The dukes discussed the captain’s input and eventually chose caution. They did not believe they understood the magic of the book fully and therefore could not trust it. In addition, they agreed that if the army were ambushed on the other side of the portal they would surely be massacred. The portal was one way and ther
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“Have you taken leave of your senses?” Blye asked disbelievingly. “No, my lord. I do not think those men will act unreasonably. They are bound to honor the flag of peace in any event. I in turn must make my way to the castle. I think we had best confront Maica before she escapes the castle as well. I must do it but I will need the support of your men if you will.” Dukes Blye and Morme looked hesitant but then nodded. Duke Blye spoke. “I will cross and meet Algwad’s army. Prepare some men. We will send men with you to go to the castle. How do you propose to gain entry?” “There is a tunnel I used to escape. Fiere used a tunnel to escape as well. I do not believe it will be heavily guarded. We should be able to enter through there. As many men as possible but I suggest a small contingent initially.” The dukes nodded. “Very well. Let’s prepare,” Morme said. Fiere moved down the hill with the soldiers he had chosen, to the ex
WordRealm (Complete) Chapter 43
The Osimian soldiers were surprised. They found two dead archers when they arrived at the place from where they had heard the commotion. The dead archer’s blood was still warm which confirmed that they had just been killed. A tracker found the place from where they were fired upon along with the dead soldier dressed in the uniform of Ethlerry. Tracks from the scene suggested eleven people had fled back the way they had come. The soldiers returned to camp and reported to the prince. “It appears that there were assassins in the hill above your majesty. They appear to have been killed by soldiers from Ethlerry who are making their way back to Ethlerry as we speak. Do we follow?” The prince nodded. “Take some men and follow them but do not engage them. I would like to know who they are and why they run away instead of claiming credit for saving our lives.” A team of Osimians departed trying to catch up with Fiere and his team. Fiere did not stop f
WordRealm (Complete) Chapter 44
Shay made her way through the castle hiding from servants on occasion and having to fight two soldiers along the way until at last, they reached the doors to Maica’s chamber. Maica’s chambers were guarded by two sentries. Shay made a noise where she was and the guards looked at each other before leaving their posts together to investigate the noise. They were nervous from the sounds of battle which could be heard from outside as the armies of the outer realms attacked the keep walls. When the guards were nearly at the corner, Shay and the two soldiers charged without making a sound. The sentries were surprised and stepped back briefly as they tried to take in the scenario they were suddenly faced with. Shay took advantage of their hesitation and dived between them head over heels. She did not look back but made her way for the entrance to Maica’s chambers as sounds of fighting began behind her. Shay opened the door to Maica’s chambers. She paused long enough
WordRealm (Complete) Chapter 45
Galwin watched as the army gathered outside the gates. Overnight Algwad’s army had disappeared. How they had done so was beyond Galwin. It was as if they had disappeared by magic. If the army had marched away his men would surely have heard it yet none of the guards had reported hearing anything. Nevertheless, if they were marching he was sure they would be tracked by the army that now stood just beyond the reach of the catapults. A lone rider had approached on horseback bearing a white flag. He rested within range of the archers on the walls and waited for someone from the castle to meet him. Galwin studied him for a while trying to ascertain whether this man was a ruse to get them to open the gates and make an attack or not. The man waited patiently saying nothing. Finally, Galwin decided he was there under a genuine flag of peace. He turned to his second in command, Jolyph. “You’re in charge. I am going to meet the soldier.” Jolyph looked s
WordRealm (Complete) Chapter 46
When Shay arrived back at her cabin after spending time at her mother’s grave, Fiere was waiting for her. His horse was tethered nearby. He had about twenty soldiers with him. Shay ran to greet Fiere and they embraced for a long time. Then finally she held him at arm’s length. “Is it over? I had no idea you came back.” “Part of it is over. Algwad’s army has surrendered. But Algwad is still free. We believe he is headed into the Ischlo Mountains seeking the jewel that will grant him almost unlimited power. He must be stopped.” “If he has the jewel he may not need an army,” Shay commented feeling unease in her stomach at the thought. “Tell me first, how is your mother? I heard all about the fact that your mother was in the dungeon. I can only imagine how relieved you are that your mother was not Maica after all. I hope you can forgive me for the judgment I made of you believing that your mother was Maica.” Shay looked away trying unsuccessfully
WordRealm (Complete) Chapter 47
Fiere hardened his voice then. “Shay we can argue about this all we like. Nothing will change their thinking. Are you willing to pursue Algwad and try to stop him from getting the power of Dwarveln?” Shay was quiet a moment. “Very well Fiere. But this is the last I want of anything. After this, I am to be left alone. Forever. Grant me that as future king.” Fiere was quiet. “Do it!” Shay shouted but Fiere maintained his silence. “Why can’t you do it Fiere? What? What is the problem? Can I not be free?” “There would be no more reason to need your service after this Shay. It stands to reason that you will be free and left alone.” “Then say it. Decree it. Right here. Right now!” “I can’t do it now! I am not king yet!” Fiere argued. “Then say you will do it when you are king! Give me that much Fiere!” Fiere was silent again. Damn you Fiere. Go to hell!” Shay had had enough. She had done all that she could in
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