Lasgol was the one who was suffering this effect the most. He would have loved to have a giant flying bird to carry him through the clouds to Norghana in a single day. Two at the most. Certainly not weeks. Then he thought better of it, remembering that Egil had once told him of the possible existence of portals, a kind of magic gateway that transported people from one part of Tremia, to another very distant one, in a single moment. He longed with all his heart to have one of those portals to take him to Norghania. Unfortunately, according to Egil, they only existed in theory and in folklore, because nobody had ever found or seen one, and in the tomes there were only vague references to them.
Be that as it may, he wanted to be in Norghania by now to complete the mission, so that he could make the journey back for Astrid. There was also a small problem which nobody had mentioned, which was that they did not know how they would find the realm on their arrival. It might already be in the hands of the hosts of the Frozen Continent, since they had been away on their quest for a long time. Eicewald had told him that he did not believe the frozen hosts had had enough time to cross and descend on Norghania, and he was sure they would get there in time. So was Olsen. Lasgol was less sure about it.
The only thing that cheered him up was watching Camu and Ona trying to help them row. It was both hilarious and endearing. As everyone else was rowing, they too wanted to help. He had explained to them that they could not, but as usual they had their own ideas and took no notice. In addition, Viggo encouraged them, which did not help in the least. He also boasted about the massive muscles he was developing with all that rowing, which (according to him) now rivaled Gerd’s. Ingrid could not stop laughing when she heard him, and even Gerd had to tell him: ‘Keep hoping!’ Nilsa muttered something about ‘not in a million years’. Certainly, their rowing days were never boring.
Lasgol was grateful for one thing, which was that they saw no pirate ship, nor indeed any other kind, so that the journey was uneventful. Eicewald spent the days studying the Star of Sea and Life and making notes on everything he found out about it. He had only previously seen it from a distance, and having it in his hands now was a privilege that would never be repeated, so he wasted no time. Lasgol was grateful that the precious Object of Power had the Mage so much under its spell, because this meant that he had no time to study Camu.
At last, they had their first sight of the coast of Norghana, and the torture of having to endure the endless journey was over. They entered the harbor of the coastal city of Oslenbag in the northwest of the kingdom, their starting-point, and they all cheered enthusiastically.
To their surprise, a cavalry regiment was waiting for them with fresh mounts. Eicewald presented himself to the officer in command, one Captain Enveras.
“King’s Mage,” the Captain said with a respectful nod. “We were waiting for you. Forgive me if I speak directly, but the situation is serious. The King wants you in Norghania.”
“What’s happening?”
“The Hosts of the Frozen Continent, sir. They’ve reached the capital.”
“How many warriors?”
“There are said to be over ten thousand of them.”
“That’s certainly serious.”
“And there’s more …”
“The Frozen Specter? Is it with them?”
“That’s right, sir. Nothing seems capable of killing it. They’ve tried everything, but there’s been no way of doing it. It hasn’t been able to get through the walls yet, but the Wild Ones are trying to find a way of enabling it to. If it manages to …”
“… then Norghania will fall.”
The officer bowed his head.
Lasgol and the team were listening behind the Mage. The news was disastrous.
“Looks as though we’ve arrived just in time to get into another mess,” Gerd said with a snort.
“One with a lot of cursed magic mixed up with it,” Nilsa complained. She had crossed her arms and was looking very unhappy at the thought of what was waiting for them.
“We’ve arrived just in time to win the battle!” Ingrid said energetically.
“This time I have to agree with Blondie,” Viggo said, looking resigned. “We’ve arrived just in time to save the capital and the realm. And that’s what we’re going to do. Massive messes are our specialty. Aren’t they, weirdo?” He winked at Lasgol.
“Yeah, that’s our specialty,” Lasgol agreed. “We’ll get rid of this Specter and kick the hosts of the Frozen Continent out!”
Without wasting a moment, they picked up their gear and mounted the horses which had been readied for them. Lasgol asked for Trotter, who was being taken care of in the stables, and he was fetched immediately.
Lasgol stroked his mane. Trotter, I‘ve missed you so much, he transmitted to him.
Me too. Ona too. Camu transmitted. He was invisible once again, at Lasgol’s side.
Trotter, who appreciated the petting and kind words, moved his head up and down and snorted.
“On we go to the capital!” Eicewald called.
“March on!” Captain Enveras ordered the column of cavalry,
Chapter 34
Lasgol had not wanted to show his worry in front of his companions, but he
