Warfare and Freedom

he great oval door of Duin Hall shivers at the loud bangs at the door, showering them with dust falling from the ceiling. It seems that two battering-rams were beating the door one after another, and at the sound of it and the force of the bashes; it was the giants who were pushing the battering-rams.
   Surely the door of Duin Hall won’t take the force of the battering-rams if not for the tons of wedges holding the door tightly. The dwarves had prepared well their defense, for the door appeared unbreakable even with the giants’ battering-rams. And as minutes passed, the door proved its strength, the dwarves were yelling from behind the door annoying the giants, saying “Is that all ye can do ye stinkin’ giants?! Ye keep ’em comin!”
   Bang after bang it went on, but not for long it was followed by a minute of silence. The dwarves wondered but still they kept on annoying the giants “Are ye tired o’ knockin’ the door ye stinkin’ giants?!” they shouted from behind the door and chuckled.
   Drinn doubted that the Amarashans will give up that easy, they are tireless, and after all, not a single dwarf had fallen from the ground. He knew lots of Amarashans were dying outside from the dwarven weaponries of catapults, giant arrows, and the dwarven archers. They will not stop until all the dwarves fell dead in Duin Hall.
   Drinn stood in front of the door his eyes surveying the door, and noticing that door was moistening; he touched the wooden door and felt strange—the door was cold.
   “To the second chamber!” Drinn shouted as the dwarves who gained his trust started running on the hallway towards the second chamber.
   “What is it Drinn?” Eliour inquired.
   “You go with the dwarves set them ready at the arrow loops,” Drinn answered at once, “I’ll try to lessen their coming, we need more dwarves on this war, the door won’t hold any minute by now.”
   The atmosphere in the chamber was becoming colder and the door was starting to freeze as ice began to crawl and wrapped it. Drinn step back a few feet from the door pulling the blade of Quinlan as Eliour ran towards the second chamber. And then a loud knock hit the door and it was shattered into pieces. Drinn’s speculation was accurate, he quickly learned from the battle in Firolwen. The white dragons froze the door, that in a single blow of the battering-ram, the door was shattered, and even the stone-walls were crushed.
   Seeing that the Blade of Quinlan reveals no mark, Drinn prepared for the orcs rushing on him. Holding the sword tightly with his two hands he swing the blade briskly from the coming foes as dozen of orcs went flying in the air as if they were swept by a giant sword. Although masses of orcs went rushing on Drinn, every single strike of his sword, bunch of orcs was swept in the air that none could go close to him. The retreating dwarves saw how Drinn easily killed a large number of orcs and they gained more respect on Drinn as a dwarf marvelously whispered “He surely is the White Warrior.”
   When the orcs were slowing down, and that all dwarves had safely entered the next chamber, Drinn followed them as well; they closed the second door and wedged it.
   “Go upstairs, to the dwarven weaponries.” Drinn heard a voice as soon as the door was shut. No doubt, it was Quinlan as clearly as his voice as could be.
   “You take the lead from here Eliour!” Drinn said to the Hywelian commander as he ran hastily towards the stairway.

   “Rain them with arrows!” shouted Eliour for in the second chamber the wall was filled with holes of arrow loops. And although arrows lessened the coming of the orcs, still a lot of them managed to go behind the door and start banging it with their axes, battle-hammers and clubs.
   Two giants with a battering-ram came rushing at the door not minding the arrows shooting at them, and it did broke the door for the second door was not as firm as the main door. Sill the advantage was with the dwarves for the door was not wide enough for mass of orcs to enter.
   The archers leave their place and replace their bows with swords, battle-hammers and battle-axes, for they knew that as the enemies enter the chamber it will become a close fight and arrows will become a less-used weapon.
   One giant fell dead from the raining arrows while the other one was in rage waving his huge club at the dwarves that none could go near him as orcs started to enter the broken door.
   Eliour saw that orcs and trolls slowly grew in number inside the second hall as the chamber was filled with clanging sounds and cries and shouts. It is through the giant that the Amarashans gained defense in the chamber. The Hywelian Commander drew his sword and ran furiously towards the giant. A few feet from the giant he jumped and stepped at the back of a dwarf and then kicked his feet up to increase his bound, his sword leading and it drove at the giant’s chest. The giant fell down with its full weight knocking down two orcs behind it.

   Drinn was in haste as he climbed the long stairway of the dwarven hall. The sound of cries and of the roars of dragons and the beasts was clear from where he was, reminding him of the battle in Firolwen. It did confuse him for awhile as his memory took him back to that bloody war. Can we win this battle? It’s a question that rang on his ear, as if he was conversing with his thoughts.
   “You cannot win this war, you’ve been there before and you knew that you’re outnumbered.” said a voice that he thought was his.
   “Many will die if you continue to fight, why not surrender?” the voice continued.
   “Or go back to Hywel and live in peace with the princess. You are safe there from the protection of Amulen. And you have own problems for yourself for the princess is dying, why bother to help the miserable dwarves?”
   “Did they come in aid of Firolwen?”
   “No they didn’t.” the voice continued as if answering its own question. “They just lie down on their couches, eat and drink while the people of Firolwen were in a great peril. Leave them now! Have revenge for the death of Cuauhtémoc!”
   It did stop Drinn from climbing the stairs. His heart was beating faster and his breathe was heavy.
   “There’s an exit at the back of the hall, I’ll be glad to show you if you want.” suggested the voice.
   “Who are you?” Drinn started to ask the voice for he then recognized that it was not his thoughts.
   “Someone who wants to save you out of this war.” replied the voice.
   “You shut your foul lying mouth sorcerer!” Drinn said and the voice vanished instantly.

   There was a vague reddish light gleaming up on the doorway. Drinn reached the area of weaponries finding it burning and the dwarves busy on quenching the flames.
   “What’s the situation here General Paaldriid?” inquired Drinn.
   “The dragons keep’n breathin’ out fire at the weaponries.” answered the general. “There are six o’ ’em en we did killed one.”
   “Only one weapon stood still en the dragons keep’n attackin’.” The dwarven general continued. “We’re findin’ a way to kill those stinkin’ dragons!”
   “If there still is a way.”
   Drinn then walked towards the door as if he was going out to the parapet where it was widely open and was without any defense.
   “Where’re ye goin’ young man?” General Paaldriid curiously asked.
   “To the parapet,” Drinn said, “I’ll see if I can do something.”
   “Are ye out o’ yer mind?!” exclaimed the general. “Ye can do nothing bout it, it’s impossible to kill ’em—dragons with a sword?”
   Drinn looked backed at the general and said “A friend of mine once told me. Impossible is not in Quinlan’s vocabulary.” He then continued as the dwarves at the door pulled the wedges on the door and opened it.
   “Ye’re insane young man! Ye’re not me responsibility if ye die!” warned the general as Drinn slowly stepped out of the door. “Ye shut the door quickly!” the general said to the dwarves.
   The door was quickly shut as Drinn saw the horror outside. The large field was a sea of orcs, and a large number of trolls, and giants dotted that sea like a tall ship's mast. Rumbling from below was the entry hall filled with the unmistakable sounds of battle, echoes of screams and shouts, the clang of metal and the rumble of walls. Above were wyverns and dragons soaring high with dark elves ridding them—some were breathing flames on the middle chambers.
   A black dragon that was about to charge at the last weaponry spotted Drinn and shift its direction towards him. Drinn raised his hand to pull the sword from the sheath hanging at his back—he was a changed man—his hand touched the sword’s hilt and felt more strength rising within him as he drew it slowly. He held the sword tightly with his two hands determined to fight the dragon with a sword. And then the blade gleamed as he saw marks coming out of it shining at the dark night.
   “Dievas skydas!” he read aloud and when the dragon was about a few feet from Drinn to crush him, it bounced furiously as if it did knock on a solid rock. The dragon was thrown up in the air, its neck seems broken and its helpless rider screaming at the top his lungs falling feebly at the ocean of Amarashan army.
   The sword then gleamed again, the marks changing and Drinn read it again. “Ahrxez išeiti!” The sword flashed a golden light and then a great sphere-shaped light came out if it. The radiant light soared freely in the air and when it was up high enough at the clouds it explodes with a great golden light illuminating the whole place in a second. And out of the light came out a great gold dragon magnificently flying, its bright color was metallic gold and its eyes were fierce, its two great wings wide and powerful as it flew towards Drinn.
   “I’m Ahrxez the great gold dragon of Quinlan.” said the dragon flying in front of Drinn.
   “Great!” Drinn said “Kill the remaining dragons and as many Amarashans as you can.”
   “We’ll be a more powerful force if you joined me master Drinn.” said Ahrxez. “You still know a little how powerful the blade is. It is boundless master Drinn. With it in your hands, anything is possible.”
  “Then let’s do it!” said Drinn.  The gold dragon flew away and then swiftly came back, as Drinn leaped on the dragon’s back.

   The wind was on Drinn’s face as they circled in the air, the enemy dragons and wyverns watching him carefully; they all seemed anxious to attack the huge gold dragon now hovering with them in the air. Never had they seen such a huge dragon as Ahrxez, brilliantly ridded by a prophesied warrior.
   But still the enemies settled on their assault, for they knew that if they won’t, it is the gold dragon that will make an initial attack. The three black dragons flew in group, while Drinn’s dragon swift on its flight flew towards their foes. He held at the dragon’s harness with his left hand and in his right hand was the sword raised high in the air. “Dievas skydas!” Drinn recited a memorized enchantment he did on the parapet as the black dragons breathe out flames on them. Drinn felt the heat surrounding them as they passed by at the fire fiercely wrapping them, but the flames didn’t touched them at all as if they were enfolded with an unseen force. Slowly the flames vanished in the air and smoke rising as they soar freely.
   “You did it well master Drinn.” said Ahrxez then the dragon made a quick turn pursuing the three black dragons.
   “Now let’s see how they will stop us.”
   Ahrxez’s roar resounded in the air as he quickly followed the black dragons. Instantly he moved beside a black dragon, Drinn snapped his sword and though the dark elf tried to block it with his weapon, the force of Quinlan’s blade was too much throwing the dark elf in the air vanishing in flash at the back of the black dragon, while Ahrxez in a sudden gnawed the neck of his dragon foe as the two dragons clashed in the air. The gold dragon of Quinlan was powerful and to his size the black dragon was of no equivalent to him. Forcibly Ahrxez sunk his sharp-jagged teeth as the black dragon wailed in pain, and violently the gold dragon threw his rival in the air, as the black dragon fell crushing on the field, killing a large number of Amarashan armies.
   Pursuing the two remaining black dragons, Ahrxez soar in a great speed and with sudden swerves and swoops that leave Drinn breathless for a moment.
  The black dragons veered off direction, leaving them no choice but to pursuit one after another. But that quick turn reduced the speed of their dragon rivals and with a quick dive, Ahrxez huge clawed feet clutch a black dragon grabbing the enemy on its wings. The helpless black dragon tried to get out of the stern grip of Ahrxez’s huge claw, and by the strength of the gold dragon, he carried his enemy on a nearby mountain and then fiercely whacked the black dragon on the rocky face of the mountain. The black dragon weakly crushed on the rocks as Ahrxez leaved it rolling down the mountain.
   “Two dragons down and look master Drinn,” said Ahrxez, “The remaining dragons and wyverns are fleeing.”
   “Those coward dragons left their allies on the ground. Should we pursue them?”
   “No just let them tell Vibac of what they’ve seen here.” Drinn replied. “For now let’s toast some Amarashans below.”
   “I love that proposal!” the gold dragon delightedly answered as he stirred in the air descending and then he sprayed a blazing flame on the sea of Amarashan armies. 
   The field was filled with wails of the beasts; they were helpless as Ahrxez dispersed them with violent flames. Halvene and the dwarves in the upper chamber witnessed how Drinn overpowered the Amarashan dragons and now toasting the enemies on the field. The dwarves were cheered up and their hearts grew stronger knowing that Drinn indeed is the White Warrior.
   “This war is ours!” shouted Halvene for they saw that Amarashans were starting to lose their defense, and a large number of white armies on south were coming. “The Quariumorans are coming to aid Duin Hall!” the elf said gladly.
   Inside Duin Hall, the dwarves gained more defenses and the Amarashans lessened their numbers, while the arrows from the upper chambers came whistling and with a more precise target for the Amarashans had started to get confused. Half were fleeing for their lives but they have nowhere to run for towards west is the towering Mountains of Thuddin-Imal, on east was the Ocean of Quariumora, on north was Duin Hall, and on south were the warriors of Quariumora.
   The battle went on until the crack of dawn, and no single Amarashan was left alive on the battle field. Although many dwarves died and a few Quariumorans— still their hearts were filled with joy for the great victory.
   Coltranthum was peering out of the ocean in east and they burned the dead bodies of Amarashans as the dwarves sang a dwarven hymn. Their deep voices echoed a solemn tone in the open field. And when they finished singing, King Hilran shouted “Long-live Duin Hall!” as the dwarves echoed in chorus.
   “Long live the White Warrior!” the king continued. “Long live Neriwonda!”
   Drinn stood up he pulled his sword and raised it in the air as he shouted “Long live Quinlan!” they all echoed a great cry of victory.

   Two days after, the dwarves started to rebuild their wrecked down halls and the Quariumorans went back on their hidden city. Drinn went at the dungeon with Halvene, for a night before, Quinlan appeared in his dream. A message was delivered to him and it was to rescue Geironul.
   The dungeon appeared the same for it was deep enough and was untouched by the battle.
   “How are we to set Geironul free?” inquired the elf as they walked on the shadowy hallway.
   “The way I was set free.” Drinn answered.
   “I was set free from a dream world, was bound from a deep spell.” He glanced at his elf companion. “Geironul was bound with something although he’s not bound with a sleeping spell. Quinlan told me that I did have the gift of Cuauhtémoc. The ability to enter someone’s dream, and through that I could help Geironul to break free out of Celandine’s power.”
   “That’s why I brought you with me. I need you to put Geironul into sleep.”
   As soon as they were in the prison cell, Halvene pulled his small pipe and hit the aderyn with a needle, as Geironul slowly fell into sleep. They opened the gate and Drinn sat down beside Geironul, his eyes close and his right hand was on Geironul’s forehead. Never had Drinn tried it before, it was a few minutes of silence and Drinn heard a voice saying “Open your eyes.”
   As he opened his eyes he found himself on dark and dreary place. The moon was bright casting shadows on the woods an arrow shoot away from him. Behind him was a cliff and in front of him was Geironul.
   “What are you doing here Drinn?” said Geironul. His eyes were dark and mysterious.
   “I’m here to set you free.” Drinn replied.
   The aderyn slightly shook his head. “You don’t have to, this is my fault Drinn.”
   “No, it’s not you fault Geironul. Quinlan wants to set you free, and I’m here to help.”
   “You’re wasting your time, and your life would be in danger here.” answered Geironul.
   “Saving a friend out of desolation is never a waste of time.” Drinn replied.
   “I have warned you Drinn.” Geironul austerely said as he pulled his big sword.
   “I don’t want to fight you Geironul.” Drinn said.
   “You drew your sword Drinn or you’ll die helplessly.” warned the aderyn.
   “Your heart is good.” Drinn said and the aderyn attacked him with a sidelong swipe as Drinn threw his hips back to avoid being cut half with the aderyns big sword.
   “I have destroy Firolwen, and your telling me that my heart is good?!” furiously the aderyn said. “Enough of your nonsense talk!”
   Geironul pressed forward whipping Drinn with the sword as Drinn turned and ducked, his feet quick-stepping keeping him balance as he backed. Drinn then decided to drew the sword not to fight back but to use the blade as a defense. Geironul’s sword kept on striking once, twice, thrice, while Drinn blocked it with his sword.
   “Your heart is good.” Drinn said as their swords clashed. “And I’m not here without you Geironul.”
   The aderyn moved forward with blows after blows as the sound of the swords clang. Drinn was fast as he moved backwards defending himself from the rage of the huge aderyn.
   “If you die here, your physical body will die too!” Geironul said. “This is your end Chosen One!”
   “If you succeed on killing me,” Drinn answered, their swords still smashing with great blows from the aderyn. “At least I did try to set you free.”
   “Again your heart is good Geironul. Listen to me, your heart is good.”
   Drinn was answered by a tremendous force on his chest for Geironul found an opening and kicked Drinn, as Drinn was thrown back on the ground. If not for a quick roll he was hacked by the aderyn’s sword as it came crushing the stone where Drinn had been just lying. Drinn moved with all speed as he threw himself with a backward roll that put him on his feet once more. The sword of the aderyn swiftly met his, as Drinn stood up. With different angles, their swords continue colliding as the aderyn’s blows turns into a random hit. 
   “Your heart is good, let it sunk in your heart Geironul.” Drinn continued.
   “If not for you, I’m not here. It’s not your fault Geironul. You’re one of those who set me free from a world of lie, out of slavery. You did risk your life saving me, and I’m doing the same for you. You are good.”
   It did stop the aderyn from attacking as if the words released by Drinn finally enlightened his heart. But Geironul’s final blow brought Drinn on the edge of the cliff, and Drinn fell.
   Geironul’s heart was battling with decisions and the words of Drinn echoed in his head “You are good.”
   He came into his senses and he jumped off of the cliff, his wings spread wide open but to his surprise his wings were broken. Still with his vigor wings he managed to soar as he fell swiftly trying to save Drinn. He quickly grabbed Drinn, but his broken wings couldn’t carry both of them.
   “Let me go Geironul you cannot carry us both!” Drinn said.
   With all of the aderyn’s strength he flapped his wings as they rolled in the air pulling Drinn atop him to protect him for they were about to knock on a slanted rock. They smashed and Drinn was out of the aderyns hands for Geironul was seemed unconscious at the bump, but still they were falling fast in the air. Drinn closed his eyes when they were about to hit the ground, and then out of the blue they were snatched by a great huge white eagle.
   “You’re safe Drinn.” said the eagle.
   “It’s you Quinlan.” said Drinn.
   Soon Quinlan brought them on a lawn, as Drinn with all his strength pulled Geironul allowing the unconscious aderyn to lie on the grass.
   “You did it well Drinn.” said Quinlan as he transformed back into his true form. Drinn kneeled down with his left knee to honor the splendid companion.
   “Thank you for saving us again.” Drinn said with full of gratitude.
   “Geironul didn’t make it.” said Quinlan.
   Drinn glanced sadly at the aderyn lying on the ground. Geironul’s face has changed, his face seems merry and his lips have a slight smile.
   “You should worry not Drinn.” continued Quinlan. “He’s been set free. At the very last minute he decided not to think about himself. He believed that his true heart is good.”
   Drinn stood up and then the place turned vague and he found himself again in the dungeon.
   “What happened Drinn?” curiously the elf asked.
   “Geironul didn’t make it.” Drinn said.
   “But he’s finally free. He’ll be with Quinlan in no time.” Drinn smiled at the elf and said “Freedom isn’t bound with death, true freedom and true life starts on the other world, if you decide right.”