Chapter 8

The founding of Nulor

It had been two days since Aulor and Mindulas along with his fellow men headed out to destroy the strange creatures which had attacked the camp. Bethol had organised the people and they had moved away from the mountains foot and into the dense wood were they made camp and settled for two days. Scouts were sent out to protect the perimeter they reported back to Bethol that a great army was moving along the border toward their position from the north. A choice was made between the many captains and Bethol herself as they decided to head east along the ridge of the mountains and through the snowy lands but staying close to the borders. The company travelled for many days as they marched through the dense wooded area beneath the looming mountains with snow pouring down on them. The company came to a path and followed it viewing various signposts as they walked marking the areas of the wind tribe. The company came to the same crossroads that Aulor and Mindulas had come across as they headed straight forward marching east and straying away from the wind tribe. The cold of the land was too much for some of the company who fled back to the warmth of the south while many died. The company came out of the snowy forest and came to an open plain filled with snow and about it was dotted a small village near the icy river which was just behind it. Father east behind the river loomed great mountains and green lands as far as the eye could see just to the south the company could see the spine of mount Viscoth the great mountains which they had followed. The company rested just on the border of the forest as they camped for a day for the march to the river was long. Bethol noticed that many of the company had frozen do death during the night and they were running low on food. Two of Mindulas' loyal guard were left as they watched over and protected their queen Bethol. The company headed out that morning marching at a steady pace through the snowy plains, they marched for a while when a great storm covered the land and blinded them from their path. The scouts ordered the company to stop and hold their position for the company could get lost. After a while the storm stopped to reveal a golden sun which rained down on the survivors as Bethol looked about and noticed half of the supplies and people were covered in snow. They marched now and reached the river just to the south of the small village which they did not march near. The river was flowing but felt warm which was strange to the company as they marched through it. They walked up the valley leading away from the river and came to a forest which was green and in the centre of the forest loomed a great mountain surrounded by smaller ones. Bethol looked to the north and felt a strange feeling she could hear her father telling her to march north. The company agreed and headed north staying close to the river then turning inward toward the smaller mountains. A day had passed since they crossed the river and the company rested near an abandoned lumber camp were the mountain tribe looked to have lingered for some time for their symbol was embedded on the equipment.

"I wonder what has happened to the mountain tribe, why do they abandon their tools" Bethol spoke gently to her loyal guards who were left by Mindulas.

"I do not know my lady" the tallest of the two guards spoke softly he had black hair and brown eyes and had a black beard.

"We must be ready to march again Leor" he nodded as the company began to march out.

The company now strode through a forest which led them toward the back of the mountains and north. It took them two days before they reached the other side of the forest where they came to a swamp land and were halted.

"My lady the equipment will not stand the swamp we must turn north away from it" Leor looked to his lady and felt comfort from her.

"You are right we must turn north" she smiled.

The company were hungry for the food had run dry and the scouts were not good hunters. They marched north for another day and came to a beautiful green land filled with hills and forests, beyond the green plain was the sea as the company halted and looked in awe.

"We will settle here Leor, I fear we have travelled too far to turn back or carry on" Leor nodded as they marched across the plain and camped atop a great hill which looked out across the land.

They had travelled for many days and lost many people along the way but they had last found something that reminded them of home as they rejoiced and began to build small houses and establish themselves in these lands.

A year had passed and Bethol had given birth to a boy she named him Naleur and named the new realm they had discovered which was to be named Nulor and would eventually be the future kingdom of Naleur and his kin. Leor became the captain and general of the kingdom for her other loyal guard had died of a strange illness. The people created many buildings and began work on a great hall for Bethol and her son to dwell in. Many more years passed and the people of Nulor became great craftsmen and hunters they also became good fisherman and became very cultured. Bethol often wondered the land in search of her family which was in vain but she felt something missing and began to age very quickly. Naleur had reached half way through his childhood as he became a great lore man and became very close with Leor who taught him many things about the land. Leor had created a great barrier around the small village which they created as he used great spikes to protect the village from wolves which often attacked the village. The people of Nulor began to build a path which led to the river but they dared not cross back into the frozen land. During the winter of that year the people of Nulor noticed a great blackness coming from the sky hovering just to the south of their land.

"What is this black sky Leor?" Naleur was scared he clung to Leor's side as Leor placed his arm around him.

"It is spreading from the south I fear it is the enemy which destroyed our home along ago" he sighed.

"Oh how I wish to see that land for it sounds wonderful" he looked up to Leor who starred at the great black sky which was touching their border.

"Yes it was beautiful once until it was stained with the evil of the land" he looked down to Leor and sighed.

Leor headed to the unfinished hall were Bethol was tending the flowers just outside of it she looked up and smiled to Leor.

"My lady I wish to ride south and find out what is happening at least I can get some news if the enemy has indeed conquered the south" he was frantic as Bethol stood and could see the dark sky to the south.

"Very well but ride light and swiftly do not engage the enemy if indeed you encounter them" she smiled and kissed Leor on the brow as he smiled to his beloved queen.

Leor rode south with two other riders as they headed down the path which led them to the great icy river after a days ride. They camped upon a small hill which looked out over the river as the men could see fires to the west coming from the wind tribes villages. The next morning the men rode further south not crossing the river yet they rode for a while and came the foot of the great mountain but the forest which was in front of it had been cut down and their were many lumber camps about the area.

"Who goes their!" a voice was heard from the mountain as the horses panicked at the men looked about in amazement drawing their swords.

"I am Leor of the moon tribe captain to queen Bethol of Nulor to the north, who goes there?" he spoke softly, squinting his eyes to look for the man.

"Very well Leor I am Dagiou son to king Adageo of the mountain people, what business do have in our realm" the voice of the man was hard but not menacing.

"Hail Dagiou son of Adageo" he paused looking to his men "We have rode south because we seek news from the south for the black sky is looming ever closer" he sighed "Not so many years ago my kingdom to the south was destroyed at the hands of the sun tribe and I only wish to know what is happening, could you help me?" he looked toward the great mountain.

A strange noise was heard as a small but strong looking man with dark red hair emerged from the foot of the mountain out of the dark area near the cut down trees. He had black eyes and seemed fairly young he walked proudly and wore a chain mail skirt with black armour for his upper body he also had a gold crown atop his head with his long hair tied in a black ribbon. He held a great sword almost as big as him and an axe on his back behind him and to either side walked other small but strong looking men also clad in similar attire but many held short bows.

"We too have felt the wrath of the sun tribe for when I was a young boy my fathers realm to the south was attacked by the evil women Caira my father stayed with many of our soldiers to defend the mountains to the south" he paused "Many of our people fled north to here by using our tunnels we have created" he sighed "We have no news from the battle which still continues in the south but we have lost many of our realms to the south. The army which destroyed your realm also enslaved the sun tribe to create their weapons they also placed many of your captured people in the mines beneath mount Viscoth were many say they have changed beyond recognition. It would seem their leader Pertopolis was slain during the siege of Lurinien home of the tree people and their lord" he looked to the looming black sky "It would seem Pailor son of the mighty Kailor struck down the enemy's leader and rode south with King Unor's son Hamler of the tree people noting more has been seen of their passing" he paused.

"Pailor" Leor spoke to himself.

"Yes it would seem he is a great man but the enemy attacked Lurinien again for King Unor passed away for his heart was broken for Viklor his son was slain at the battle of Lurinien by Pertopolis and he never recovered from this loss" he looked to his men "Nothing more is said for my scouts fled and none of us have ever returned to find news, come please enter my mountain and rest" he smiled and walked ahead as Leor followed with his men.

They entered through a small hole in the mountain which was covered up by a great boulder which was pushed by many men who were indeed strong. The men followed a small tunnel lit with many torches as they left their horses near the entrance under the protection of four guards who guarded the entrance.

Dagiou turned to Leor and laughed "Forgive me this is not our main entrance this is more of a secret entrance" he laughed as Leor smiled.

The men emerged into a great cavern were a stream flowed through it and there were many men sitting chatting and eating. The men headed straight through the cavern and headed down stony steps which led them to a hall which had a marble floor with the symbol of the mountain tribe on it. To Leor's right were more stairs leading down and to his left was another set of stairs leading up as he noticed many women and children laughing playing in the hall. Dagiou led them up the left hand stairs which led to a great hall with many pillars and paintings on the wall showing battles from the south. There where also armour, swords, shields etc placed about the wall of great men who had fought and died during the war of the south. Dagious sat atop a stony chair which wasn't high but seated at the same level as the other chairs which were placed in a circle with gaps for the men to walk through. Leor and the men sat on the chairs as a strange noise was heard and the floor beneath them moved upward to reveal a round table as Dagious laughed.

"Well we are the best creators in the land" he laughed.

Leor nodded as servants brought many plates filled with meat atop them still on the bone. Dagious smiled then began to eat at a fast rate along with the other men but Leor and his men sat back and looked to each other.

"Eat it is good" he looked up with meat over his face and he laughed as pieces of the meat spat out of his mouth.

"We already ate Lord Dagious" he nodded as Dagious frowned and continued eating.

After a while the men had finished as servants brought over jugs of ale which the men drank easily.

"Ok down to business then Leor of Nulor" he smiled with his mouth covered in ale.

"Business?" he frowned.

"Yes business I suppose you want an alliance between our peoples, no?" he looked to Leor.

"Yes that would be good and I suppose you would like trade rights?" Dagious smiled.

"I like this man, of course and in exchange we will allow you access to our tunnel system for the time being it leads to the south and to every mountain in the land" he smiled.

"Very well I shall send a rider back to Nulor to tell the peoples of our alliance" Leor stood and spoke to his men who nodded as one of them headed out of the cave escorted by a man from the mountain tribe.

"Very well Leor of Nulor we shall speak of the enemy and you can rest here for as long as you like" he stood and led the men back down the steps and down the lower steps leading into the main halls of the kingdom.

The men entered a mighty hall of white silver were hundreds of people were gathered talking and laughing. The hall had many doors leading to sleeping quarters and other parts of the underground kingdom as Leor and his men were amazements by the structure.

"Magnificent" Leor spoke softly to himself as Dagious turned to him and smiled.

"Yes it is a marvel of sorts my people are indeed great craftsmen" he raised his eyebrows "Perhaps in time we can help with your kingdom and help build a mighty city for you" Dagious and his people seemed very generous as Leor smiled.

For many more days Leor and his men stayed in the kingdom of the mountain people as they explored the many underground halls and tunnels when at last Dagious showed the men his great mine.

"You see Leor my people use the inner rock much better than the outer for it is pure and not touched by nature" he knelt beside rubble of rock as smiled to himself.

Leor and his men were led up a spiral staircase of stone which led to an open courtyard high up the mountain.

"My observation point where we watch the land for movement" he pointed south then westward.

The courtyard was filled with white stone and had archers about it, the courtyard or look out point was built into the rock and could see all over the land for it was high up. The wind was cool and not too cold as Leor looked north could see the realm of Nulor to the north and he looked to the west were the clouds thundered.

"Ah yes the dreaded cloud of the enemy" he sighed and stood beside Leor as he looked up to him "But we will meet them in battle soon enough my friend and when that day comes we will fight side by side" he laughed again a merry laugh "Come, let us drink!" the men left the courtyard and headed back down into the hall.

Another day passed as Leor and his men left the kingdom of Dagious as they mounted their horses and said their farewell to Dagious a the secret exit.

"Ride safely friend from Nulor" Dagious stood looking at Leor and his two men who looked down to him and smiled.

"Thank you for your hospitality and we shall meet again for our trade rights" they laughed "One more thing Dagious what is the name of your realm or should I call it the city of Dagious" he smiled.

"No my friend the city is called Madonia" he waved as the men rode north.

They rode north and to Nulor as the black clouds slowly spread toward their realm and war was coming.

For many years the mountain tribe and the former moon tribe often traded and in return Dagious' men built a great city upon the great hill they had chosen which would be the city of Nulor and a great statue of Bethol was erected in the courtyard of white stone. Dagious adored Bethol as did most man for she was fair and treated everyone with respect. A great path leading from the city was created which led to the great gates of Madonia which were built facing north toward Nulor. The city of Nulor stood high shining in the sun it was square and had mighty towers at each corner with archers posted in them as a path led up the hill to the great marble gates. The city was filled with many houses and a great hall where Bethol resided and there were also barracks and training grounds for the men of Nulor to train for the coming war. Dagious and Leor often rode south to retrieve news of the enemy but the enemy had vanished and could not be tracked but the main force still marched from the realm of the wind tribe but Caira's force had disappeared. Both kingdoms built a great tower looking south which was positioned along side the river which ran south it was manned by both Dagious' royal guards and Leor's personal soldiers. They also erected a great tower of white stone which looked west and stood high above the icy river and beside it they built a great wall which ran along the river but was never completed. Seven years had passed since the first meeting of the two realms and they had created the land into a rich country filled with joy and beauty. Leor and his loyal knights he had now established rode beautiful white horses which roamed the lands of the north. Dagious and his royal guard also rode horses but were brown and much stronger but slower than Leor's horses for they carried more weapons and heavy armour.

Bethol had aged a lot now and she felt weak and often saw visions from the south which worried her as she called the captains of the city to council. Naleur was a young man now and he was strong among the men of the city he had black hair and brown eyes and was very similar to Kronor his late father. He resembled his mother's attitude but often had a temper which disturbed Bethol. Naleur looked to Dagious as a hero figure but respected Leor for he cared for him like a father. Leor accompanied by four other captains of the city stood before the queen in a great hall of white silver were she sat upon a white chair of stone and wore a gold crown which sparkled like her eyes. Naleur sat beside his mother to her left as he wore a chain mail shirt with silver armour pants and silver boots he also had a mighty sword of silver which he sat beside.

"I have called you all here today for the sky's are getting darker" she coughed and felt weary "I have had visions from the south, Caira has almost destroyed Adageo's army and realm which still fights on" she paused "But I fear the reasons she has disappeared is threatening news for she secretly sends a force to attack the north" she collapsed to one knee as Naleur helped her up "I am growing weak as the dark cloud looms closer I lose power I have seen these visions in my dreams" she collapsed as women who stood behind the men quickly tended to her.

The captains walked to the back of the hall and stood in a circle as Naleur ran over to them.

"What does she want us to do march south or west" one of the captains frowned as he spoke.

"I will lead a force south with Dagiou I want you two to lead a force to the tower at the icy river and wait to see if the enemy are indeed that close" Leor spoke firmly as the men left as Naleur ran up to him.

"Let me ride with you" he smiled to Leor.

"No my prince your place is here you have to protect the people of Nulor for no captain is staying they all march to war" he sighed and left the hall as Naleur looked to him.

Leor rode south with fifty riders, twenty archers and thirty footmen who bore spears and mighty shields. The other captains took only fifty men to defend the icy river as Leor rode south for two days to reach Madonia. They reached the great gates as Leor spoke with Dagiou and his captains who agreed to march south with them as Dagious led a company of five hundred riders and a hundred and fifty heavy footman clad in the best armour of the mountain tribe as they marched south toward the tower which looked south. The men marched for three days when they reached the valley leading down between two mountains toward the tower which was burning as the men yelled in fear. Leor decided to camp at the gap of the mountains as he sent a small scouting party to scour the mountain to their left and hopefully sneak upon the enemy. They rested during the night as the scout party returned that morning they were weary and out of breath.

"My lord the tower has been overrun the enemy have placed the men's heads on poles looking out toward the north their seemed to be no survivors my lord" he paused "The enemy are great and have many riders and catapults of fire but they have only few archers and seemed disorganised" he nodded as Leor looked to Dagiou who frowned.

"My spearmen will deal with their cavalry you send your heavy armoured troops through the thick wood to the right and flank the enemy when they ride down the gap toward my spearman" he frowned and looked about at the terrain "I will lead my archers forward and skirmish with the enemy to draw them down the gap toward the spearmen" he paused "We will then dispurse into the wood and hopefully encircle the enemy when your men cut them off" Leor nodded to Dagiou who nodded.

"Very well I will ride with you" Leor turned to him.

"No my friend you must command your force from the wood and wait for my signal" they all nodded as they prepared.

After a long debate and organisation Leor rode forth with his riders who bore an archer each as they rode down the gape between the forest. Dagiou left his horses at the rear as he led a mighty force of heavy footman into the woods to the left of the gap and waited for the signal. The spearman stood blocking the gap as they waited for Leor to return. Leor rode softly but swiftly as they came to the valley leading down to the tower as they could see poles with the heads of their fellow men upon. Leor turned to his men and nodded as they released a barrage of arrows which rained down on the disorganised men who wore black armour as they stood talking by the river and eating. Behind them on the other side of the bank were heavy riders and catapults which suddenly saw the arrows and turned. Many men of the sun tribe fell under the impact but they regrouped and used their shields in a square formation as they marched up the slope toward Leor and his men. The catapults turned and began to aim as Leor looked to his men.

"Retire back to the gap!" the men rode swiftly down the path as they passed Dagiou and Leor nodded slowing down to let his archer's fire from the horses.

The enemy fell for the bait as the main force of footmen marched down the gap and removed the formation of the square and charged Leor and his men. Leor frowned and seemed worried for the riders had not yet followed as he charged with his horses. The riders charged the line of south men who held firm and killed many horses just by standing there with their heavy armour. Leor encircled the men with his riders and slowly closed in as the archers fired at random. Leor could hear a great horn as he looked toward the valley were a great host of riders charged Leor and his men as he ordered the retreat. Leor quickly rode toward the line of his own spearmen who held their spears firmly forward as he ordered the disperse as the men dispersed into the wood as the riders from the south crashed into the line of men.

"Now!" Leor yelled as Dagiou and his men charged out of the wood and cut off the riders from the footmen.

The battle ensued for some time as the spearmen pushed the riders back slowly who were cut down by Dagiou and his men as the footman of the south yelled and retreated down the valley.

"Hold your ground do not follow them" Leor yelled from the wood as he charged with his remaining cavalry and crushed the entire host of riders as from all sides they attacked the riders from the south who were stuck in the middle.

After a while the battle was over the last of riders rode fast through the wood but they were shot down by the archers who stood in the forest.

"Victory!" Dagiou yelled and laughed as he was covered in blood.

"No we must secure the tower come" he ordered the entire force to march down the valley toward the tower.

The men marched steadily down the hill only to see a great host of men chanting and yelling they stood covering the river with catapults aiming at Leor and his men.

"Form a line!" Leor yelled as the men got into position as the riders charged down the slope to meet the enemy.

The great line of riders including Dagiou who rode down the flank with Leor leading the main charge through the centre crashed into the line of men. Many horses were crushed during the impact as Leor managed to jump the first line of men with his riders who then rode on and attacked the catapults. The catapults began firing killing many spearmen who were at the rear as Leor began smashing them with his horses. Dagiou was surrounded on the left flank for more evil men poured out of the forest to meet the horsemen.

"Were are they coming from" Leor spoke to himself and frustration as his men became surrounded on all sides of the river as Leor looked to the tower "To the tower" he charged with his horsemen and secured the base of the tower.

Dagiou and his remaining loyal guard had been pushed down the slope to the river where they fought on the slopes struggling to control their horses. Leor and his knights were surrounded by the base of the tower as the enemies archers began to take aim. The spearmen quickly charged down the valley to meet the enemy as the catapults had been destroyed. Many arrows poured down upon Leor and his knights who quickly used their shields to defend them but many were killed. The battle raged on for some time as the valley began to fill up with the bodies of the dead. The spearmen managed to join with Leor as they fought side by side forming a square with the spearmen defending the outside as Leor noticed his remaining archers forming on the slopes ready to fire. The archers released a devastating rain of arrows which cut many of the enemy soldiers down as they panicked. Leor saw this opportunity and rode forth with his knights as they smashed through the lines of the enemy. Leor managed to link up with his archers and protect them from the oncoming enemy as he then turned his attention to the enemy archers positioned south of the tower along the river. Leor charged the enemy archers as they scattered and fled down across the river and into the forest on the other side. Leor and his knights turned and headed back to the main battle which took place east of the tower by the river. Leor reached the battle and noticed Dagiou and his men were heavily outnumbered. Leor stopped for a moment looking down the slope and he looked back to the battle at the tower and he had to make a decision. The spearmen were holding well but without the archers they were helpless for the archers poured barrages of arrows toward the enemy. He had made his decision quickly and sighed, he then blew his horn as the noise spread throughout the valley as the archers nodded and quickly headed toward him. Leor then charged down the slope with his cavalry of knights as they crashed into the rear of the men from the south who were now surrounded. The battle raged on as the enemy held firm with their thick armour and heavy swords but on the slopes appeared the archers who began to aim just ahead of Leor and his men. A barrage of arrows hit the enemy as many of them fell to the ground as they tried to push Leor back but found no way out for Dagiou had blocked their route across the river for he held firm with his riders. Suddenly as the battle began to go well for Leor he noticed his column of archers being cut down footmen from the south who had broken through the line of spearmen. Dagiou could see this and sent a column of his fastest riders around the enemy and up the slope to reinforce the archers as Leor noticed this and continued the fight. The column of riders managed to cut down the enemy soldiers but noticed that the spearmen had fallen and that the enemy now turned their attention toward the battle which took place at the slopes of the river. Many of the enemy were caught in the river and perished for their armour was heavy as Dagiou had pushed them back across the river toward Leor. Many archers had survived and turned their attention toward the oncoming men who marched from the tower.

"My lord the enemy are heading from the tower" a knight yelled to his captain.

Leor nodded and blew his horn again as he rode back up the slope with his knights as the evil men turned their attention to Dagiou. Leor headed a full charge with his tired knights as they crushed the oncoming forces from the tower with ease. The battle had almost come to a victorious end as Leor turned back and rode down the slope to find that Dagiou had almost defeated the enemy. After a great battle which lasted most of the day the enemy had been wiped out as the tired and bloody men of the north were victorious. Hundreds of bodies covered the river blocking its stream as even more men covered the field which the tower stood upon. A force of seven hundred and twenty had defeated a force little over two thousands as only four hundred of Leor and Dagiou's troops survived. When the final man from the south had fallen the men cheered as the sun fell over the mountains and all became dark as the men made camp near the base of the tower as they set scouts about the land just over the river. The men rested and ate that night talking about the battle as Dagiou drank with the men and cheered through the night as Leor sat alone atop the tower looking out to the south. Leor fell into a deep sleep atop the tower wrapt in his brown blanket he slept as the air was cool throughout the night. That morning the air was thick with fog as Leor awoke and left the tower as he noticed the men clearing the bodies from the field and burying their own soldiers. Leor spoke with his men as he gave them encouragement and they felt safe with him around as he walked among them. Dagiou smiled to Leor who smiled back to him they sighed as both men helped with the bodies of the men who would not return to their homes. The valley for years was named the valley of the dead by many who travelled its path.

"Such a waste of life and for what" Leor sighed.

"My friend we have defeated the enemy for the sake of our homes" Dagiou frowned "Do you think the enemy where going to stop no my friend we have saved our lands for the time being. Yes good men have died today but they died brave and honourable men and songs will be sung of their bravery and courage in the face of evil" he smiled to Leor as horns could be heard from the south.