middle and the entrance of the Gap. But Ymir made sure the post became vacant and
the forest shrank. Only a few of us are left, trying to do what we can for the forest. It’s a sad tale, lads. And will be a sadder one. But enough of an old landvaetter’s ramblings.
What about you?”
Jorund just grunted. And he still kept his weapon close at hand. Tyler knew he was the
one on the spot. Well, being called “my lord” or “sire” does that.
“We were to keep watch on the army attacking Scarburg. We got trapped and had to
fight our way out.”
“Oho! You humans have got your work cut out for you! I have never seen such an army
since…… you know, I can’t remember! You got out, killed a lot of them along the way.
That’s good, that’s good. But what about now?”
“We have to try to do the most damage we can. One enemy killed here is one enemy less for the town to worry about.”
“True, true. But when you are dead, who gets to sing songs about what you did?
Scarburg will surely fall, then eastern Skaney and finally the rest.”
“But we have to try,” protested Tyler, “We are all dead already anyway.”
“Dead men talking and fighting! That’s a first! No. I think I heard about dead men
talking and fighting before. My cousin said it’s not a pretty sight. Smelled terrible too.”
“Can you help?”
“I can’t fight, boy. If that’s what you are thinking. This here blade is for poking hard-
headed friends.”
“No, not that. Something to enable us to get close to them without being discovered.
For as long as possible. We intend to harass and do as much damage as we can. Night
would be the best time to do it. Like now. It’s starting to get dark. But
the dokkalfr have excellent night eyes and their wolves and other beasts may be able to
smell us.”
“AH! If that’s what you want, I think I may be able to help. But it won’t keep you
hidden forever.”
“We know. Can you also make us a ditch to hide in? A series of connected ones. We
can hit them in one place and then move to another. Make it as difficult as possible for
them to find us.”
“I think these limbs have some magic left in them. So! When do we start?”
“After our companion returns. Anybody else who can help?”
“Nah. They're all hiding or far away. Young ones! I would have thought them to have
stronger backbones! Or bigger balls!”
Rumpr then stopped. His face in an attentive mood.
“Good. My old ears tell me your friend is not far. H e’s coming back. He’ll be here
shortly.”
At that comment, Jorund stood up and went to await Habrok. Tyler was left with
the landvaetter. The gnome-like creature had an impish smile on its face. Funny, he
should smile more, thought Tyler, makes him look a lot younger. More Doopey than Grumpy. But Doopey with a beard.
“So, mage. A young mage. A very powerful young mage. A lot of spells. Some familiar.
Some not. There’s more to you than your tired face shows.”
Tyler just smiled. He remembered to cast a healing spell on himself.
“With a healing spell. Simple spell. Yet……. that spell smells of a forest guardian, mage.
It doesn’t have the tang of metal like those cast through runes. You have the blessing
of one. That’s good. Makes me feel better about helping you. Humans have committed
wrongs too, you know.”
“I know. But humans are also like you, other beings, and the gods. We have our good
and bad sides too.”
“True. At least humans don’t want to tamper with the seasons. Actually, I think you
prefer the warmer months.”
“That we do.”
“I won’t ask you any more about your magic, mage. I have long discovered that often
times, the less one knows, the better. Or is it don’t play with something you don’t
know? Or maybe it should be … awwww…. forget it. My mind is not what it used to be.”
Habrok arrived as Rumpr said. His eyes bulged at the forest creature sitting near Tyler.
Though he had the grace to greet Rumpr. The two went to Tyler. Habrok looked at
Rumpr and then Tyler, obviously wondering if he should report with a stranger in their
midst.
“It’s fine, Habrok. Rumpr is here to help. What’s the situation?”
“Sire, the mountain clearing had been taken by them. It was a good thing we left. They
struck with so many spells, nothing was left of the camp. The ground was even still
warm when I checked. After that, they left. The furthest point the main host had
reached is an area about half a mile from the catapult zone of the town. The first attack
probably failed its objectives as the host had started to camp for the night. Their losses
today must have given them pause. But their encampments range from just before the
destroyed jotnar catapults up to two miles beyond the entrance where we entered the
forest. Lots of wagons and siege equipment. Patrols too. I guess tomorrow will be the
day.”
“Did you see how they are deployed for the night?” Tyler asked, noticing the “sire” in
Habrok’s language. That must be Jorund’s work.
Habrok picked up a small stick and drew in the dirt. The bulk of the fighting groups of the enemy was positioned forward. Wagons and siege towers were kept at the back.
Catapults were kept with the wagons in front of the siege towers. But a
sizable dokkalfr contingent was with them, together with ice elves on giant wolves.
Habrok estimated a force of two thousand. The burned forest was left empty as it was
some distance away from the encamped formations. The jotnar clearly wanted to keep
their formations tight for the night and in preparation for a quick deployment for the
following day’s attack.
“Did you see what the wagons contained?”
“No, Sire. But my guess would be their rations, mantlets, and special ammunition for
the catapults. I have seen mantlets being brought forward.”
“Try to draw how they are deployed.”
Habrok did as told. Fortuitously, they were lined up in a close manner but under heavy
guard. They were not that far off from the entrance to the now desolate forest area.
“Rumpr,
