Chapter 8 The siege of Thrandyl (part two)
Gothmog and Avari quickly ran out of Nathelien. Fortunately, for Gothmog, Avari been forced to stop kissing him due to Mavok awakening from his unconsciousness. Avari decided not to take her brother's war steed with her because she wanted to travel with Gothmog.
"That was close!" Gothmog said in relief.
"I know, Gothmog. Can you imagine what would have happened if Mavok had caught us before we escaped?" Avari said somewhat scared.
"Oh, yes, that was close too, but I wasn't talking about that." Gothmog said rolling his eyes.
Avari frowned and ran on, getting far ahead of him. Gothmog did not understand what he had done to upset her, but he decided to ignore it. He ran after Avari and soon caught up with her. She smiled at Gothmog which filled him with joy. He did not understand how but he felt complete around Avari. As if she was a missing part of his life that had been restored. Now, she was all that mattered to Gothmog. He did not care for anything else except making her happy.
Suddenly Avari did something Gothmog did not expect: she took his crown! Gothmog stopped out of shock and watched Avari run away laughing. She eventually reached the top of a hill and waved the crown at Gothmog as if to mock him.
"What is this? Does she wish to participate in some sort of recreational activity?" Gothmog said to himself in confusion.
He smiled and decided to chase after her. Gothmog knew that there were probably much more important matters to attend to in the war, but he did not care for that at the moment. Gothmog eventually caught Avari and picked her up in his arms. Avari threw her arms around Gothmog's neck and began laughing joyously which was like a chorus of angels to him. Gothmog began running while holding Avari which she seemed to enjoy. Gothmog then took his crown and placed it on Avari's head.
"I believe it looks better on you, Avari, and you deserve it more than I do." Gothmog said smiling.
Avari looked at him with much confusion.
"What? Gothmog, I am no queen! Nor have I done anything to deserve such a position. I am nowhere near as brave or heroic as you are!" Avari said happily.
"Avari, you are the bravest person I know! After all, I failed my people. I'm sure you would have been a much better ruler than I was."
"Gothmog, you did not fail your people. There was nothing you could do! Besides, I'm glad that you were cursed because if you weren't then we wouldn't be together." Avari said as she put Gothmog's crown back on his head.
"Thank you, Avari. You do not understand how much that means to me. To know that you love me for who I am and not what I am is beyond any price!" Gothmog said beginning to cry.
Avari wiped away Gothmog's tears and kissed him which almost made him trip over a rock as he lost concentration of where he was running. The two of them traveled for quite a ways and for some reason Gothmog could not understand, Avari had stopped speaking. He soon realized that she had begun to fall asleep in his arms. He also noticed that the sun was setting behind the horizon.
What have I done, Gothmog thought to himself, I completely forgot that Avari would have to rest and eat to keep her energy!
Gothmog quickly found a safe area on the edge of a forest where he softly laid Avari on the ground. Avari immediately awoke to see Gothmog leaning over her.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Gothmog. I must have fallen asleep." Avari said wearily as she rubbed her eyes.
"No, I should be the one apologizing, Avari. I can't believe that I forgot that about your needs!" Gothmog said ashamed as he began gathering branches for a fire.
He piled the branches together and began striking his sword with a small piece of flint he had found. Avari then struck the wood with the Flame of Balar which caused it to ignite immediately.
"Thank you, Avari. Now, you must be starving. Please, tell me what you want and I will get it for you."
Avari thought for a moment and then spoke.
"I want you, sweetheart." Avari said smiling.
Gothmog was taken aback by her statement.
"What? Well, I suppose you could consume me, Avari, but I doubt I would taste very pleasant." Gothmog uncomfortably.
"No, Gothmog, I don't want to eat you! I just want you to stay here with me!" Avari said laughing.
"Oh... I'm afraid I can't do that either, Avari. I will not let you go to bed hungry." Gothmog said gripping his bow.
"Thank you, Gothmog, but it really doesn't matter what you get me." Avari said happily.
"I will get you some fish. I always enjoyed fish before I was cursed." Gothmog said as he drifted off into memories of his kingdom.
"Thank you, Gothmog. That would be wonderful!" Avari said smiling.
Gothmog immediately ran north until he found the Great River. From there the river flowed into the West until it emptied into the Amroth Sea where Gothmog's city of Belearian once stood. Gothmog walked up to the bank of the river. He then drew his bow and shot three large trout. After that he retrieved the trout and his arrows. Gothmog then gutted and scaled the fish using the end of his sword. He tried to work as quickly as he could. Gothmog had forgotten the sensation of hunger, but he knew that it couldn't be pleasant. He then returned to Avari with the trout. Avari was pleased to see him, as always, and Gothmog could not understand why, as always. He found a long stick and sharpened it with his sword. Gothmog then skewered the fish and held them over the fire to roast. He would have used his sword to skewer the fish, but he feared that the blood from his recently slain enemies would contaminate the fish and make Avari ill. It took quite a long time for the fish to fully cook and so Avari took the time to converse with Gothmog.
"Thank you, Gothmog, but you really didn't have to do this for me. I could have found something to eat on my own." Avari said smiling.
"No, Avari, this is an apology for my ignorance. I will be certain to not forget your needs in the future." Gothmog assured her.
Avari sat quietly for a while and looked down at Mavok's ring on her hand. She had discovered that the ring was quite an odd piece of jewelry. Sure it was nice to look at, but the ring possessed a special power. Avari had found that the ring gave her the power to read the minds of others. It was a strange skill that the ring possessed; however, she was thankful for it. The ring had saved her life while they were fighting Mavok. Avari had used the ring to Mavok's mind so that she would know his next move before he made it. Sure it might be considered cheating, but Mavok should have taken better care of his ring. After all, it was his own fault that Gothmog had stolen it from him. For he did not know that it belonged to anyone. Finally, Avari decided that it could do no harm to read Gothmog's mind. The first thing she noticed was the extraordinary amount of pain he had suffered. Avari grimaced when his experiences began forming mental images before her as if she were re-living his past. She saw Gothmog writhing on the floor of what looked like a prison cell. Though he looked to be in excruciating pain, he did not scream, but cry, and not a cry of pain but of sorrow. Avari could not stand to watch him as he curled up in a corner and tugged on his quills. Suddenly Avari heard on all too familiar voice.
"You know, Gothmog, I could release you if you would only return my ring to me." Mavok said frowning.
"I don't have your insipid ring!" Gothmog said between clenched teeth.
"I am not so certain of that. If you didn't have my ring it would be on my hand right now. You must have stolen it, or had someone else keep it for you if you do not possess it at this moment."
Gothmog did not respond whether because he didn't want to or simply because he could not over the pain he was obviously experiencing. Mavok then knelt down and gripped the bars of Gothmog's cell.
"Listen to me! If you returned my ring we could become allies and slay Agumar! I would then become the Warden of Northank and I could remove your curse before it becomes a... problem." Mavok said desperately.
"Why should I trust you, Mavok? You care for no one but yourself!" Gothmog yelled in fury.
Mavok laughed.
"You know me all too well, Gothmog, King of the Hesbeorn! Though, I'm not sure that that title will be of much significance in the future." Mavok said menacingly.
Gothmog ran up to Mavok and grasped the bars of his cell ferociously. He was obviously afraid of Gothmog and began to back away, but maintained his composure. Gothmog attempted to morph the bars of his cell so that he could get through and attack Mavok, but Agumar had used his sorcery to prevent Gothmog from escaping. He finally gave up and fell to the ground where he began to weep again. Mavok laughed, a cold and malicious sound that echoed throughout Northank.
Avari could not stand to watch any longer. She pulled herself away from the vision and returned to reality where she found herself sweating and breathing deeply. Gothmog noticed her condition and ran to her.
"Avari, are you alright?" He asked concerned putting his hand on her head.
"I'm... I'm fine, Gothmog." Avari said shaken, forcing a smile.
"You must be suffering from malnourishment. Here, eat this and then sleep as long as you like." Gothmog said handing her the skewer of fish.
Avari snatched the fish and ate the first one ravenously. Gothmog's eyes widened and he began to laugh uncontrollably. Avari blushed and suddenly remembered her manners. She then began to take small dainty bites at the second fish. Avari could not help herself for she was very hungry and the fish tasted much better than she had expected.
"It's fine, Avari. You do not have to act ladylike around me. I would rather you be yourself than have to worry about unnecessary etiquette. Trust me, I was a king at one time and all the proper conduct I was forced to follow was very annoying; especially during times of war, but I held to our traditions." Gothmog said still laughing.
Avari smiled at his understanding. She had not realized it, but they actually had a lot in common. They both enjoyed activities such as adventuring and even reading. Avari had yet to find a Lost Follower who could actually read English other than her brother. Even though Gothmog was not actually a Lost follower she still included him in her brother's empire. She also enjoyed Gothmog's classical attitude. Even though Avari really wanted to express her love to Gothmog, she was happy that he resented the idea because it showed how much he respected her. But beyond all else, Avari loved his unrelenting perseverance. Avari knew no other who had suffered as much as Gothmog and was still able to live a normal life. Avari was certain that if she had been in Gothmog's position, she would have committed suicide long ago simply to escape the curse. Actually, there had been no one in history to receive Gothmog's curse and live beyond a month afterward. She had read of many accounts when others would receive the curse and kill themselves within the very week. But Gothmog had lived over seven hundred years with it. It was amazing how he could endure so much and still be the same person that he was prior to his suffering.
Avari quickly ate the remaining fish and hugged Gothmog.
"Thank you for the meal, Gothmog. It was delicious!" Avari said smiling.
"Really? My skill does not abide in the culinary arts, but I did learn survival skills from my father." Gothmog said confused.
"Well, it must have been your love that made it taste so delectable. Perhaps you would have some more for me?" Avari whispered to him.
Gothmog laughed.
"Avari, you never cease to amaze me! You must be exhausted, dear. Please sleep and I will keep watch during your rest." Gothmog said putting his arm around her back.
"Well, Gothmog, if you didn't notice we didn't bring any bedspreads. So, I would like to sleep on you, that is, unless you would rather me sleep on the ground?" Avari asked smiling mischievously.
Gothmog scowled at her in an attempt to make her run away from him so that he would not have to answer her question, but it was to no avail. Avari did not fear Gothmog even when he tried to make her fear him. Gothmog noticed that his plan wasn't working and began looking around as if to ask someone else for advise, but of course no one else was there except Avari. Finally, Gothmog sighed and answered her.
"Alright, Avari, I will let you sleep on me, but do not make any vulgar gestures, lest you wish to experience my wrath." Gothmog said trying to sound threatening but obviously could not.
"Don't worry, Gothmog. You can trust me." Avari said smiling.
Gothmog removed his bow and quiver. He then laid down in the grass. Avari stuck the Flame of Balar in the ground and slowly laid down on Gothmog, placing her head on his chest. Avari surprisingly felt very soft to Gothmog, despite all the heavy armor she wore. He enjoyed Avari's presence more than anything else. For she gave him a purpose in his life that had been, until recently, naught but pain and sorrow. Gothmog placed his hands on Avari's back and ran his fingers through her snow-white hair. Avari then tilted her head up and put her hands under her chin so that she could face Gothmog. She then placed her elbows on his chest.
"Gothmog, I've been wondering. How is it that you managed to live all these years with your curse? There have been others in the past who could not go a single week with it." Avari asked inquisitively.
"Well, isn't it obvious, Avari? It's because of you, dear! Without you I would certainly not be here today. I have loved you ever since the day when you freed me from my imprisonment within Nathelien. You were the only reason I even joined the Lost! Without your love, I would have nothing to live for!" Gothmog said as sincerely as he could manage.
"Sweetheart, you really are one-of-a-kind! You don't understand how fortunate I am to have your love!" Avari said beginning to cry.
"Avari, you deserve far better than me! I still cannot fathom why you love me as you do." Gothmog said wiping a tear from her eye.
"No, Gothmog, I am the one who his undeserving of your love." Avari said and then kissed him.
Gothmog blushed and found himself speechless. He could not believe that Avari actually thought that she wasn't good enough for him when it was obviously the other way around.
"You should sleep Avari and rest for tomorrow." Gothmog finally said.
Avari made no attempt to sleep but simply looked into Gothmog's eyes and smiled.
"You know, Gothmog, this armor I'm wearing isn't exactly comfortable for sleeping. Perhaps if I took it off it would be much easier for me to sleep and no doubt you would feel much more comfortable as well." Avari said as she began to get up.
"No, Avari, I'm perfectly fine with you clothed." Gothmog said as he pulled her back down to him.
Avari frowned at Gothmog in disappointment. She then turned her head and closed her eyes. Though, she was not sleeping as Gothmog thought, but was actually reading his mind again. Avari listened to his thoughts as they began to blend together and form verses of a great song. It was almost like listening to a great symphony that was being played just for her. And all of his thoughts were for her. He was currently thinking about how much he loved her intertwined with thoughts of what a great person she was and the things she had done for him. He would have thoughts such as, I can't believe Avari loves me as much as she does! Or She treats me with more kindness than even my own family would if they were still living!
Avari was shocked at how much he really did love her. In her opinion anyone could just say words, but Gothmog did not know that Avari was reading his mind and therefore, was not just thinking them to please her. Though, she never did question his sincerity when he spoke to her either. Avari really enjoyed listening to Gothmog's thoughts. She felt as though she could lay here and listen to them forever. Avari was surprised when she heard a thought complimenting her appearance. It actually began to sound as if Gothmog had been writing poetry within his mind about her. Avari felt nice to hear all of his compliments. She had been worried that he didn't actually find her attractive with the way he had been acting around her and because the only time he had complimented her appearance was when she first put on her armor. Eventually, Avari found herself too tired to stay awake, and drifted off to the orchestra of Gothmog's mind.
Now, I shall return to Shadow where he was about to face Halbathrawn with Cream and Cheese.
"Halbathrawn, what has happened to you?" Shadow asked in distraught.
"What do you mean, Shadow the Hedgehog? I have not changed in any way. You simply did not know me prior to my enlightenment." Halbathrawn said calmly as he looked from the Northank stone and up to Shadow repeatedly.
"I'm afraid I must acquire that stone from you, Halbathrawn. Your people need you and that artifact has corrupted your mind!" Shadow said as he approached the Angel Chao.
"You do not know of what you speak! My mind has been opened to reality and I now realize that the world is falling apart and only those who will rise up and take control of it will prevail, those such as Mavok!" Halbathrawn said as he drew his sword and prepared to attack Shadow.
"Mavok, who is Mavok?" Shadow asked confused.
Halbathrawn spread his wings and flew at Shadow. He then attempted to decapitate Shadow, but his blow was parried when the hedgehog quickly unsheathed Falathlorn's sword of white flame. Shadow then attempted to sever one of Halbathrawn's wings, but the Chao flipped through the air and smacked Shadow with the hilt of his sword. Shadow stumbled and fell backwards.
"Forget it, Shadow! I have centuries of experience on you! A mere novice like you cannot hope to defeat me alone!" Halbathrawn said laughing as he levitated in the air above Shadow.
"He's not alone!" Cream yelled as she threw Cheese at Halbathrawn.
Cheese slammed into him and sent the Angel Chao flying across the floor. Halbathrawn then lost his grip on the Northank stone and it smashed through a glass window and plummeted to the ground.
"No!" Halbathrawn yelled as he attempted to jump out the window.
Shadow quickly ran to him and grabbed him by the legs. Shadow then slammed Halbathrawn against the wall and held him there.
"Your efforts are useless," Halbathrawn said gasping for air, "Soon the darkness of Northank will take you and you shall all perish without hope or love! They will be gone from this world never to remain!" Halbathrawn said and then closed his eyes never to be opened again.
"Is he... dead?" Cream asked sadly.
"Yes, it had to be done, Cream. We could not risk him starting a revolution. His words could have created a civil war amongst the Chao and that is the last thing we need in this desperate time." Shadow said as he laid Halbathrawn's body on the ground.
"I know, Shadow, but I only wish that it could have been avoided." Cream sighed.
"Cream, you must promise me that you will stay here until someone returns to get you! Maria and I don't want you fighting in this war and it will be over by tomorrow." Shadow assured her putting his hand on her shoulder.
"Alright, Shadow. I'll stay here, but I want to here all about want happened when you return!" Cream said happily.
"Agreed, Cream." Shadow said laughing.
He then hugged Cream and left the throne room. When he left the throne room he found that Agumar's army of the dead was already surrounding Thrandyl and was preparing to break open the gate with a rather large battering ram. Several wights and vile Agmarians charged at the gate with the ram, but they were all shot with arrows by the Chao posted in the city towers. In fact, so many had been slain that their bodies had formed a barricade around the gate that made it even more difficult for them to charge with the next ram. Shadow quickly ran down the city levels until he returned to the gate where Maria stood with a legion of around one hundred fifty Chao. Shadow also found that Maria was now wearing shining steel armor with a skirt of chain mail.
"Did you find Cream, Shadow?" Maria asked worried.
"I did, and I... killed Halbathrawn as well." Shadow said ashamed.
The Chao all resounding in unison with a loud cheer.
"It turns out that Halbathrawn was the one who stole the Cornerstone of Northank. I believe it corrupted his mind, though I'm fairly certain that he was allied with Northank all along. Why else would he steal the Northank stone?" Shadow explained.
"That fiend! I cannot believe he would betray his own people! Did he speak of anything else?" Maria asked.
"He said something about working for someone named Mavok. Do you know of this person, Maria?"
"Mavok? No, I can't say I have. He sounds like someone with a severe mental disability if he thinks he can take over the world all by himself." Maria said laughing.
Shadow paused and watched as arrows flew from the towers above.
"You seem to be having much success in your defense." Shadow said proudly.
"Yes, the wights seem to be very anxious to throw themselves on our blades." Maria said smiling.
All of sudden the gate exploded in a great blazing storm. The chao all braced their spears for the enemy to swarm through. Shadow drew Falathlorn's sword as well, but Maria made no attempt to unsheathe Dyrnwyn. From out of the smoke a lone figured appeared clothed in black armor. It was Agumar and he looked very agitated. His hands were still sizzling from conjuring the fire that destroyed the gate. He brandished his sword, Soulless and slowly walked up to Maria who stood as calmly as ever. Shadow began to charge Agumar, but Maria held her hand to stop him. All the Chao stood smirking at Agumar for they already knew what Maria was doing. Agumar did not speak a word but approached Maria and slowly pulled his sword over his head to strike her. Maria silently glared at him with no fear in her eyes. Suddenly as he began to swing his sword at her a great horn blasted throughout the city and the surrounding area. Agumar quickly ran back outside the gate to see a vast host of nearly eight thousand Chao from Rathadur appearing over the horizon upon horseback. Suddenly the darkness of Northank broke and the sun shone again upon Thrandyl. King Caradhras and his army then charged at Agumar and the battle that would decide the fate of the world began.
SHADOW CREAM, AND CHEESE ARE COPYRIGHT BY SEGA
I realize that this chapter was hardly epic in any way, but I promise the next one will be epic enough for both of them.