Chapter 16 The Great Wizard-King
Marinae stood before the gates of Castle Avernus. This was the home of the great Wizard-King Azalin, Lord of all Darkon, the largest and most powerful domain in the Core. The grand castle befitted such a Lord. Marinae had seen many towers rising up out of the Forest of Shadows when she was slowly riding up the steep sided hill and she thought that there must have been many castles at the top, but when she turned the last corner she saw that they were all part of the sprawling Castle Avernus. The high walls of the castle could enclose a village, maybe even one the size of Neblus. Marinae felt nervous but also honored to receive the privilege of an audience with Azalin.
The drawbridge lowered and the gates lifted and Marinae gasped as she saw the size of the courtyard. It was large enough to hold an army and that's exactly what Marinae found inside. Marinae looked around her in amazement as she entered. To her left were soldiers, Darkon's mighty defenders sent from cities and villages all across the domain. They were drilling and practicing, always keeping ready for Drakov's next attack. She saw elves, dwarves, and halflings sparring alongside of the many humans, and they were not divided up according to race. The soldiers were a brotherhood of all races with no signs of prejudice or hatred. To her right were knights on horseback competing in a jousting contest. She watched as the brave knights, their horses and armor adorned with bright colors and Azalin's standard, rode towards each other and clashed with the sound of thunder. The crowd let out a cheer as one of the knights was unseated, only to be helped to his feet by the victor.
Now Marinae knew for certain that all those stories about an army of the dead defending Darkon were just vicious rumors. Here were the true heroes of Darkon, the champions of the great nation, who had faced down and defeated Drakov's army many times before and were prepared to do it again whenever it was required of them. Marinae felt a sense of pride about her homeland for the first time.
"Wow.", Marinae said absently, then let out a little giggle.
"Welcome to Castle Avernus, Lady Marinae.", a handsome and well dressed human said graciously as he met the sorceress at the gate.
Marinae curtseyed and replied, "It is an honor dear sir. To whom do I have the pleasure?"
"Bartholomew Narwuisse.", the man replied. "Humble servant of Lord Azalin. You have been expected. Come, and I shall lead you to his Majesty's court."
The man offered his arm and Marinae took it. As the man led her towards the towering palace Marinae couldn't help but wonder if the castle was in need of a sorceress, or at least a tavern owner.
"When all these soldiers are finished for the day they would surely be in need of a drink or two.", Marinae thought to herself. Then she told herself to mention that when she saw King Azalin.
The two went into the main palace, up a long flight of steps, and then through a great hall. Marinae marveled at the polished marble tiles on the floor and the ivory pillars which stretched up to the arched ceiling. Scenes of great battles and heroic paintings of Azalin were everywhere and about the hall were murals depicting each city in Darkon at its most glorious. Marinae looked around for the one depicting Neblus and just managed to find it before she was taken into Azalin's court.
It all looked familiar to Marinae. It looked like Baron Vyssulte's Court. Only Azalin's made the Baron's court look like a cheap imitation. Diplomats from both Darkon and other domains were seated comfortably in several rows of benches that rose away from the throne like theater seating. The walls were lined with Azalin's standard and more murals depicting the greatness of Darkon. The far wall was tiled with windows facing northward and Marinae could just make out the sprawling city of Il Aluk in the distance. And the throne upon which the great Wizard-King Azalin sat was a perfect balance of majesty and modesty. It wasn't gaudy and pretentious like the thrones of insecure rulers, Baron Vyssulte included. Azalin's throne merely projected the power and confidence of the King himself, which made him look like the Lord of the entire world.
"Your majesty.", Bartholomew announced with a bow as all heads turned towards the new arrivals.
Marinae curtseyed graciously as her guide announced her.
"May I present Marinae, the special envoy from Neblus.", Bartholomew said as he lifted Marinae's hand.
Marinae rose and looked at the Wizard-King. He was not what Marinae was expecting. Marinae didn't really know what she was expecting, maybe someone old with a long white beard like Aselid or a man dressed all in purple with a crown decorated with stars and moons. Instead she saw a handsome, middle aged man who was powerfully built and dressed in golden armor. Azalin didn't look like he belonged in a chair, he looked as if he belonged on the battlefield leading his soldiers against the forces of evil.
"Please, approach the throne.", Azalin said with a soothing and gentle voice.
Marinae did so, curtseying once more as she stood before the Wizard-King and holding it until he gave her permission to rise.
"Marinae, there is no need for such courtesy in my court.", Azalin explained. "I understand that the Baron desires that his subjects grovel before him." He paused for a moment and then continued. "Perhaps he has lost something on the floor and he hopes that you will find it for him."
Light laughter echoed throughout the hall.
"Perhaps it is his sense of humor.", Azalin said with a smile which brought more laughter with it. Marinae giggled politely and stood before her King.
"Still, it is important that you serve him in any way that he desires, Marinae.", Azalin explained in all seriousness. "Give him the respect that you would give unto me."
Marinae nodded. She liked King Azalin already.
"I have been told that you have traveled afar and bring news of a great danger to our land.", Azalin spoke, his gentle voice filling the hall.
"Yes, m'Lord.", Marinae answered. "A danger that we do not have to face if we act at once."
Then Marinae told the King the story of her trip into Falkovnia, of the rescue of her father, and of the horrors that they witnessed in the tower. As she told the tale Azalin kept interrupting her to compliment her on her heroism and her loyalty to her father. The King's compliments made Marinae feel warm inside, and for the first time she felt as if she was truly a hero for what she had done.
Then Marinae told Azalin of the trip to Kendra's castle and the deal that she and her friends had made with the Drow sorceress in order to save Eliza's life. She told him of the Hands of Balican and how she believed that Kendra was going to sell them to Drakov. She told him of how powerful having the Hands would make Drakov and how she worried that he could then lead his army against Darkon and be victorious. Azalin nodded quietly as he listened to Marinae's tale. When she was finished he thought for a while, considering the threat carefully, then he spoke once more.
"You were correct to bring this to my attention and the people of Darkon are greatly in your debt for returning to your homeland and telling us of this threat.", Azalin began. "Indeed the Falkovnian front has been quiet for quite some time. And the lands to the south have seen this as a sign that Drakov has decided that war and conquest is futile. I should add that there are many in Darkon who feel the same way, Baron Vyssulte included. And although I suspected that Drakov was experimenting with the vilest of magicks, my agents could never find any proof of my suspicions. But then, they never bothered to look in the prison towers of Silbervas as you did."
Marinae felt so proud of herself. She had fretted and worried about what would happened to her when she returned to Darkon with her news. She had expected something horrible. Never did she believe that she would be telling her story to Azalin himself and that he would be so impressed with her. She calmed herself and waited to hear what the Wizard-King was going to say next.
"Yes, the Hands will make Drakov a more formidable foe.", Azalin conceded. "But I cannot blame you for doing what you did to save your friend Eliza. It is our ties to each other that make us strong. It is our love for one another that will help Darkon endure forever."
The audience erupted in spontaneous applause. Azalin paused before continuing.
"But Kendra is an enemy of the people of Darkon.", Azalin began. Marinae was startled at first, but it confirmed something that she had felt ever since she first met the dark woman. "And she would not hesitate to strengthen Drakov since she knows that he would use whatever power she gave him to strike at the heart of our glorious land. She would like nothing more than to sit in this throne and rule Darkon herself, and so we must be ever watchful of her evil scheming."
The court room grew deathly silent.
"Marinae, have you heard the stories about Darkon, about the dead who walk among the living?", Azalin asked. "Have you seen the destruction of Il Aluk and heard the tales of what befell its many citizens?"
Marinae nodded. She was about to say something but then she realized where Azalin was leading.
"Kendra is a powerful necromancer. You have been to her castle and you have that seen for yourself.", Azalin said, the weight of his words pressing down upon the sorceress. "From out of her castle flows a great evil, an evil which is spreading across Darkon, and which is causing death and destruction in its path. She was the one who placed her black hand over Il Aluk and spread a plague to all its inhabitants, a rotting sickness that no one could stop."
Marinae looked at the Wizard-King in horror. She couldn't believe her ears.
"This is the truth, for I was there. I saw it all, Marinae. I saw thousands of my beloved subjects die horrible deaths.", Azalin said, his eyes taking on an expression of pain and regret. "I used my magic to turn back the plague, using all of my strength to save as many as I could, but that insidious necromancer took advantage of me in a moment of weakness and cast a spell which has kept me from returning to my full strength. And although I am growing stronger with each day, I have still not overcome Kendra's evil magic, and Darkon suffers as a result."
It all made sense. Marinae was kicking herself. "Why didn't I trust my feelings?", she asked herself. "Why did I hand the Hands of Balican over to that evil woman."
"But I am not so weak that I cannot ride into battle once more against Drakov.", Azalin said, the strength returning to his voice. Many in the audience gasped as he spoke those words. "Drakov does not expect us to attack and thus we will take him by surprise. We shall rout his armies and force him to surrender and make sure that he never threatens Darkon again."
Once more the audience erupted in spontaneous applause, this time much louder than before. Marinae joined in, overjoyed at Azalin's words.
"And I would like you, Marinae, to ride into battle at my side.", Azalin added.
Marinae nearly passed out.
A week later Azalin's army stood at the border of Falkovnia, and true to his word Marinae sat by Azalin's side. She had received a crash course in castle sieges and hoped that she could do her part without letting her fellow Darkonians down. Well, that and she hoped that she wouldn't get killed in battle. But when she was with Azalin she felt safe, as though nothing could harm her, and the rest of the soldiers felt that way too. Proudly they had marched out of Castle Avernus, singing as they strode, and confident that they would win the day. Their banners had flown proudly in the wind, bold and colorful, and the Darkonians who watched them pass by waved and cheered.
Across the border was the walled city of Stangengrad, one of Falkovnia's three largest cities. The Zapadnost river made for a fearsome obstacle with only a single heavily guarded bridge connecting Falkovnia and Darkon. Marinae worried at the sight of scores of archers lining the walls of the city, ready to rain arrows down upon the knights and soldiers who tried to cross it. But Azalin raised his hands and spoke an incantation and rising up out of the river came a series of fords across which the Darkonian army marched. Quickly they surrounded the fortress city, leaving only the rear exit unguarded so that those who wished to flee had a way to do so, for Azalin did not want to kill anyone who was not willing to die fighting. Even with the hated Falkovnians the great Wizard-King was merciful and when Marinae asked why he told her that one cannot defeat evil by doing evil. And so a trail of peasants and a few deserters soon came streaming out of the city, knowing that Azalin's army was too powerful to be stopped.
At dawn the following day Azalin gave the order and his men launched the attack. Azalin's catapults hurled great boulders at the walls, giving cover for the archers to approach and fire burning arrows into the city. As smoke rose from the roofs of many houses within, Azalin signaled for the next wave of attacks. The fighting was fierce as the Darkonian soldiers stormed the walls and the Falkovnian defenders rained arrows and burning oil down upon them. Marinae took her position just outside the fray and launched her eldritch bolts at the men on the walls before they could do harm to her fellow Darkonians. It was exhilarating for Marinae, casting her spells, being a part of all the chaos, and doing her best to aid her side to victory. Before long the brave soldiers who stormed the walls had fought their way to the main gates and open the doors for the knights to ride into the city.
The battle did not last much longer as the Falcons were no match for Azalin's cavalry. Only a few of the Falcons surrendered, the rest preferring to fight to the death rather than being subject to Drakov's wrath for their failure. Azalin was merciful with the captured fighters, allowing them to lay down their arms and make new lives for themselves in Darkon, which many of them did.
That night there was celebration in the streets of Stangengrad. The Darkonian army reveled in their victory, but did not indulge in the excesses that one might expect from soldiers. Instead they respected the townsfolk who remained, paying for their food and drink like gentlemen, and offering each Falkovnian the chance to live in Darkon if they no longer wanted to live in Falkovnia. From atop the walls of Stangengrad Azalin spoke to all of his soldiers and told them that the war was not over, but that it had only just begun. He told them that in the morning they would march on Draccipetri, Drakov's supposedly invincible castle. His men cheered when they heard the news believing that with Azalin on their side, nothing could stand in their way.
Marinae believed it as well and she cheered along with them, but she drank only one glass of ale to commemorate the liberation of Stangengrad for she had much to do that night. It pleased her deeply to go to the houses where slaves were being kept or had been left behind and set the poor wretches free. She basked in their joy and appreciation and Marinae looked forward to the day on which the whole country would be free from Drakov's rule.
The next morning one of the men sounded the alarm. Their patrols had discovered that a full division of Talons, Drakov's elite army, had marched all night from Rigirov to block the road to Drakov's castle. Upon hearing the news Azalin's commanders advised that they attack the Talons at once while they were worn out from the long journey, but Azalin refused, insisting that a victory against a weakened foe was no victory at all. His advisors eventually agreed and the Talons were given a full day to rest.
The next morning the Darkonian army marched out of Stangengrad and into the fields to the south where the Talons were waiting for them at the top of a steep hill. Marinae looked up at the Falkovnians, their dark cloaks and black shining armor made them look like the Dark Powers themselves had created an army of pure death and destruction. Azalin told his soldiers that the Talons were the bravest and most fearless fighters in all of the Core with a reputation for cruelty, ferociousness, and cunning in battle. He told them that this would be the hardest battle that they would ever fight, and that the casualties would be high. But he also told his knights and soldiers that they would be regarded as the greatest army in the history of the world to have defeated such a foe and that they would be seen as heroes by all the men and women in Darkon and all the oppressed citizens of Falkovnia. The men cheered as Azalin's words filled them with a sense of purpose.
Then Azalin looked out across the battlefield and frowned as he saw the defenses that the Talons had prepared. The Talons had dug trenches, piled up lumber to use as barricades, and set vicious traps of every kind. Azalin's commanders pointed out to him that such preparations were what they had expected: that the Talons would take advantage of the Wizard-King's kindness. But Azalin told them not to worry. He raised his hands once more and caused the very earth itself to shake at the Talons' feet. Marinae watched in awe as the trenches filled up with dirt, the barricades collapsed, and the very hill itself sunk into the ground leaving only a level field on which they would fight. The Darkonian army let out a loud cheer and Azalin gave the order to attack.
A wave of knights charged the Talons, their colors flying as they closed in on the black army. The Talons stood their ground bracing for the onslaught and the two sides clashed with harrowing force. Talons fell and knights were slain but when the dust cleared the Darkonians had split the Falkovnian line in two. With a spirited battle cry the Darkonian foot soldiers charged at their foes. Marinae raced into combat behind them riding to and fro on Maelstrom, casting spells, and fending off Talons who wished to do her ill. As Azalin had predicted the battle was long and hard, but as the sun set that day the Darkonian army stood victorious.
Marinae rode about the battlefield, looking for wounded soldiers that she could help. She had learned from Azalin's merciful example and pledged to help everyone she could, friend or foe. But she saw that each and every one of the Talons had either died in battle or killed themselves when they found that they could no longer fight. She was shocked at how committed they had been to someone so horrid as Lord Drakov and wished that they had been given the chance to fight for her king instead. Marinae asked Azalin about the Talons and he told her that they were loyal to Lord Drakov because Drakov lavished everything in his kingdom upon them. He told her that the elite guard were like lords themselves and were permitted to do anything that they wished to the commoners of Falkovnia. But Azalin also told her that although the Talons were strong, that Darkonians were stronger and would always be because Darkon was a land where the people were united. Marinae understood.
The next day the wounded were sent back to Darkon and Azalin pressed on to Draccipetri castle. For two days they marched until they came to a wide spot in the mighty river. In the middle of the river there was an island and on that island there was a castle with high, thick walls and a bridge with many drawbridges across it. The castle looked impenetrable, and the only way that anyone could reach it was if those inside the castle allowed them to do so. Within Draccipetri castle's walls was Vlad Drakov himself with another division of Talons ready to fight to the death for their Lord. Also within those walls the wizard, Meech, was hard at work putting his magic to horrid and nefarious tasks. The Darkonian soldiers marveled at the castle's defenses and wondered how they would ever overcome them. Marinae wondered herself, and all eyes turned towards Azalin.
Once more Azalin raised his mighty hands and four more fords rose out of the flowing waters of the Zapadnost. His soldiers marched out upon them but as they did so a great serpent emerged from the waters before them. The monster attacked the soldiers, eating many of them alive and driving them back. The men returned and told their King that they would not be able to pass. But Azalin did not punish them for he saw that there was nothing that they could do. Instead the great Wizard-King turned to one of his brave knights and called for a lance. The knight surrendered his lance and Azalin nudged his horse towards the bridge at a strong gallop. As he rode towards the castle, he commanded the drawbridges along the span to lower, which they did one by one beneath his horse's pounding hooves. But the final gate did not descend and Azalin could see the serpent rising out of the river in his path. It raised its head high above the water and then struck at the charging rider.
Marinae couldn't believe her eyes. Azalin kept riding straight towards the serpent and as it lunged towards him the Wizard-King leaped from his horse and aimed his lance straight at the serpents maw. In horror Marinae and the rest of the Darkonian army watched as their leader disappeared into the mouth of the serpent. But soon they saw that that the serpent was thrashing wildly from the blow and quickly grew weaker and weaker. With a crash the mighty serpent collapsed upon the bridge, and it was then that they saw that Azalin's lance was sticking out through the serpent's skull. The creature was dead. Azalin had slain it.
Silence fell over the scene. Was Azalin dead? Everyone wondered. But then they saw the serpent's head moving once more and out of the mouth emerged the heroic Wizard-King, Azalin. His men gave three mighty cheers and then charged across the fords to be with their leader. Marinae charged behind them knowing that she would finally get her wish, to see Drakov defeated.
But this siege was much harder than Stangengrad. The Darkonians had no way of getting their catapults close enough to the castle and the Talons put up a much harder fight than the Falcons had. Still the mighty Darkonian army kept storming the walls and a breakthrough looked imminent. But then Drakov's magician, Meech, appeared atop the wall and began to cast spells against the solders climbing up. Marinae watched as the fat man launched flames out of his hands, burning soldiers off the walls and sending their bodies and ladders crashing down upon their fellow fighters.
But Azalin saw Meech too and the great Wizard-King raised one hand towards the magician and invoked a powerful spell. In the air around Meech a glowing hand appeared which grabbed his rotund body and plucked him off of the wall. Azalin held the magician high above the masses of soldiers below who held their swords and spears aloft, hoping to catch him as he fell. And although Azalin was merciful, he knew that Meech was irredeemable, and so he let him fall.
Now the time of victory was near. The Darkonians had mounted the high walls of the castle and it was only a matter of time before they reached the gate. Marinae boldly rode out to the end of the bridge wanting to follow her king into the castle and confront Drakov at his side. She didn't have to wait long. Soon the final drawbridge was opening and she could see into the courtyard of Draccipetri castle. Azalin and a score of his soldiers climbed onto the bridge, and with Marinae leading Azalin's glorious knights, the Darkonian army strode triumphantly into the castle where Drakov and his Talons awaited them.
The two Lords took a few steps towards each other. Azalin offered to let Drakov surrender but Drakov proudly refused. Then Azalin offered to fight Drakov in single combat with the castle as the prize. Vlad could not believe his ears. He thought that surely Azalin was a fool since no man could defeat him in single combat. Drakov agreed and the two Lords squared off against each other with their soldiers forming a ring around them.
Drakov tossed aside his weapons and held out both of his hands towards his opponent. Azalin did likewise. The Wizard-King wasn't going to use a weapon if Drakov didn't have one since it wasn't honorable. But one of Drakov's hands was a deadly weapon, and as he circled around Azalin, Azalin desperately tried to figure out which one it was. Drakov charged and the two Lords clashed leaving Azalin kneeling on the ground grasping both of Drakov's forearms. The two men were equally strong but Azalin was at a disadvantage. He struggled to keep both of Drakov's hands away.
Marinae gritted her teeth as she watched. She wished that she could help, but Azalin wouldn't allow her to do anything to hurt Drakov. Then it dawned on her that she could help.
"The left hand!", Marinae cried out. "The left hand is the one that brings death!"
Azalin, trusting his faithful servant, immediately dropped Drakov's right hand. Then, grabbing his left arm with both hands he rolled backwards and flipped Drakov over his shoulder. Drakov cursed and gained his feet. He called for a sword and one of his men handed him one. He grasped it in his right hand as Azalin took a sword offered to him by a Darkonian soldier. Then the two Lords clashed again and Marinae bit her lip, praying to whatever gods she could think of in the hopes that one of them would help Azalin defeat the enemy of all non-humans.
The battle seemed to last forever, with either man landing painful blows upon his foe. Marinae could barely watch, fearing for the life of her King, and wondering what would become of her if he were to die. Then she saw Azalin beat Drakov back and with one powerful swing knock the sword from his hand. Marinae gasped in excitement. But the glory was short lived as Drakov seized upon the opportunity and grabbed Azalin with his deadly left hand.
"No!", Marinae cried out. Every fiber of her being wanted to rush to Azalin's side but her loyalty to him was strong and she obeyed his request that no one interfere.
Azalin was dying, but as always the Wizard-King had a plan. Grimacing from the pain as his life was drained out of him he reached out and grasped Drakov's life giving hand and held it tightly. The pain went away as the life being drained from the Wizard-King by Drakov's left hand was now being restored to him by Drakov's right. Drakov cursed loudly and tried to pull his right hand away from Azalin, but Azalin would not let go. Then Azalin, the great Wizard-King of Darkon, brought his sword sharply down on Drakov's left wrist, severing the hand of death from his arm. Drakov cried out in pain and tried to pull away but Azalin was not finished with him. Marinae let out a loud cry of relief and joy as Azalin brought his sword down across Drakov's right hand, severing it as well.
Beaten, Drakov dropped to his knees before the Wizard-King, and doubled over with pain he crawled towards his hands. But Azalin stood in his way and held his sword at Drakov's neck.
"You've won.", Drakov spat. "Go ahead. Kill me."
"Vlad Drakov, enslaver of thousands because they committed the crime of not being human, murderer of tens of thousands because of your lust for war, and torturer of countless others simply for your own amusement.", Azalin began. "Surely you deserve to die."
Marinae's heart jumped into her throat. Drakov was going to die and she was beside herself with joy.
"But all warriors begin life as ambitious young men, full of anger and hatred, who bring pain and suffering to those who stand in their way.", Azalin continued. "Until one day they learn their place in the world and become civilized men."
Azalin looked down at Drakov who looked back into his eyes. In a fatherly tone Azalin passed judgment on the fallen warrior.
"Drakov, I have shown you your place in the world. It is up to you whether you wish to accept it.", the great Wizard-King said. "But the Hands will be returned to their rightful owner since you lack the wisdom to use them as they should be used. If you wish I will have one of my healers attend to your wounds."
Drakov sat for a long time, slowly bleeding as he considered the offer. The Talons stood around him, awaiting his next order, whatever it would be.
"We would rather die fighting, than live under another's rule.", Drakov hissed.
"So be it.", Azalin said calmly, and sliced the warrior's head from his neck.
The remaining Talons followed their leader to their doom. The fighting was fierce and many brave Darkonian soldiers died, but in the end Azalin was victorious and a great evil had been purged from the world. With the Hands of Balican safely in her possession, Marinae rode away from Draccipetri castle with Azalin and the rest of his mighty army. Marinae turned back one last time and watched the flames rising from the dark castle knowing that this time neither Meech, nor Drakov, would ever rise again. She and Azalin had made sure of that.
Marinae indulged herself with wine and song when they returned to Castle Avernus. It was a glorious day in Darkon and indeed in all the world. The soldiers and knights celebrated not only the defeat of a ruthless enemy, but the freedom bestowed upon the people of Falkovnia, and Azalin himself raised his chalice in honor of the fallen heroes and the great deeds that they had done.
In the weeks that followed Azalin and a number of his bravest knights rode with Marinae across the seemingly endless land of Darkon to the Mountains of Misery. They found the tomb of Balican once more and placed the hands where Marinae had first found them. Then they sealed the tomb so that the ancient King could rest forever in peace. As they returned to Castle Avernus, Azalin turned to Marinae and told her that she must to return to Neblus.
"Marinae, my faithful servant, to whom I owe so much, I must ask you to return home and face the punishment for violating your exile.", Azalin said in his fatherly tone.
"But Azalin…", Marinae protested. But Azalin seemed to know what exactly what she was thinking.
"Yes, you did a great deed by returning, but the law of Baron Vyssulte is also my law.", Azalin explained. "And I wish you to obey it as you would obey my command."
Marinae thought about that, but she knew what she had to do.
"I shall.", Marinae replied and she turned Maelstrom towards Neblus, proud to do her duty for her King.
And as she sat in her cell, with Rambis purring in her lap, Marinae fondly remembered the days when she rode with her King. She knew that no matter what evil befell Darkon, and no matter what trouble she got herself into in Azalin's glorious kingdom, that the Wizard-King would return and make everything right again. The words rolled off her tongue as if she had said them a hundred times before…
"Azalin will save us."