Chapter 9
The Torment of Aulor
A year had passed since Aulor, Mindulas and their two companions had been captured by Eerma the evil queen of ice. Aulor and his two companions were locked in a dungeon while Mindulas was kept with Eerma up in her tower. Aulor had grown a beard and his hair was long and dirty as his armour had rotted and his clothes were shredded. The other two men were in similar condition and very weak for they were fed only a few times a week. One morning Aulor was awoken by the screams of one of the men who had been dragged out of the dungeon by one of the servants who beat Aulor to the ground as he tried to help. Aulor and his other companion quickly attacked the servant using pieces of rock which were about the floor for their swords were rusty but Aulor felt strength again for his bracelet he had found began to shine as did his crown which on the floor beside him. The servant fell to the ground motionless as the three men headed through the door and up the spiral stony staircase, Aulor took his crown with him. The men found themselves in the hall way they had first came in as they squinted their eyes for the light from outside shone through the windows. Aulor headed toward the door and managed to open it only to be met by ravage wolves which dived at him tearing his clothing as he fell back into the hall.
"Run!" he yelled to the two men who quickly ran over to him and slammed the door.
The wolves had changed and grown bigger as two managed to enter the hall as the men helped Aulor to his feet and starred at the wolves. Aulor pointed as the men quickly ran up the staircase and headed down the same corridor they had stayed in a year before.
"Mindulas" Aulor remembered his friend as they headed up the staircase and found themselves in the chamber of the queen of ice.
The doors behind the men slammed shut as Eerma sat looking at them in her chair she was youthful and beautiful.
"It was just a matter of time before you escaped" she smiled then rubbed her stomach "You see I am carrying a child in fact it is Mindulas' child" she smiled.
Mindulas walked from behind the pillar to the right as the men smiled but he had changed he was darker his eyes were gleaming and he had a sinister smile. One of the men ran over to greet him only to be struck down by his sword as he crashed to the ground in a pool of blood. Aulor gasped as Mindulas charged both of the men as they quickly dived aside as he crashed into a table.
"Mindulas you are not yourself!" Aulor yelled to his friend as Mindulas paused.
Aulor noticed a broken window just behind Eerma as did the other man as they quickly ran over to the window. Two wolves from behind Eerma dived out and attacked both men as they fell to the ground and struggled to fight the wolves. Aulor noticed his companion was not moving and his neck was bleeding as he flung the wolf of him and grabbed Mindulas wrestling for his sword. Aulor managed to over power Mindulas and strike the wolf down with one blow of his mighty sword he had found in the caves of the mountain. Mindulas shook his head he seemed dazed as Aulor grabbed him and charged through the window falling from the tower of the castle. They fell down into a cold lake as the impact winded both men as Aulor struggled to keep Mindulas a float for he was not moving. Aulor felt his strength again as he pulled Mindulas and swam to the nearby shore as he struggled up the snowy slope. He fell next to Mindulas as he could barley open his eyes to the sun which shone bright and warm as he noticed half of the land was flooded for the ice had melted. Aulor then tilted his head to the south were he saw a great black sky covering the lands.
"That is why everything is melting it is the sun tribe" he sighed and looked to Mindulas who coughed up water.
Aulor placed the sword next to Mindulas who sat up and shook his head looking to Aulor who he did not recognise.
"It is I Aulor do you not recognise me?" Mindulas frowned then fell into a deep sleep.
Aulor managed to drag him up the slope and toward the forest where he laid Mindulas against a tree and collapsed next to him. Aulor awoke and could smell something horrid as he opened his eyes and could see four wolves glaring at him with flesh in their mouth. Mindulas stood beside Aulor and lifted his mighty sword up as the wolves attacked him. The four wolves dived towards him only to be struck down by his sword as Aulor grabbed him and they headed quickly through the forest. The men ran for a time and felt very weak they managed to come to the village they had escaped from a year earlier as they rested near the border of the forest. The village seemed deserted save for a few farmers and women, Aulor noticed food being cooked from a small hut as both men quickly headed to the hut. Aulor placed Mindulas beside the hut as he quickly peaked through a shutter in the hut where he grabbed a handful of food and water. Aulor grabbed Mindulas as he struggled to carry the food and pull him as they managed to reach the wooded area not far from the village where they rested.
"We will rest here for a while and eat" Aulor panted and gave Mindulas some food which was bread and salty meats.
The men ate the food quickly then walked farther into the forest then rested themselves against trees.
"Thank goodness the cold is mild otherwise we would surely die" Aulor smiled to his friend who seemed different and weak "Why don't you speak?" Mindulas looked up to him his eyes where filled with sorrow.
"I am a broken man" he sighed "I attacked you and my fellow friends, I also led you to this dreadful land and have failed our quest in protecting Bethol" he wept as Aulor frowned and comforted him.
"Mindulas you have succeeded for you and I are alive we have beaten all evils and survived that is surely something" he smiled as Mindulas looked up to him.
"You have the look of your father before he went mad" he smiled now as both men stood as the night drew on.
"We should head back to the crossroads by the cave entrance, we shall march slow" Aulor smiled to his friend as they marched through the soggy earth.
The men stumbled across a fire which was lit in the distance it seemed to be a small camp as the men halted and looked about. Both men slowly walked up around the fire and hid themselves by using the trees for cover as they noticed five men dressed in rags. The men were ragged and had beards which were filled with dirt they also had rotting teeth and had many scars. About the fire were bones and many treasures as the men drank ale and spoke fiercely with each other.
"Bandits" Mindulas spoke softly to Aulor as he frowned.
"We have only one sword your one" Aulor sighed as the men began to argue and push eachother.
"Their savages they will surely eat us if they catch us" he pointed "Look at the bones they have probably ate some of the villagers" Mindulas sighed.
"Perhaps we can mingle with them for now?" Aulor looked to Mindulas who raised his eyes brows.
"Very well but remember they are savages so act like one" Mindulas led the way stumbling into the area around the fire followed by Aulor.
Mindulas crashed into one of the men and laughed as did Aulor who was in rags with a tattered beard as did Mindulas. The savages stood and glared at the men then laughed and drew their swords.
"Seems dinner is served" the tallest of the men spoke and wiped his mouth.
"You don't want to eat us we know of a food supply cave not far from here with shelter, clothing and food" Mindulas looked to the men with his blazing eyes.
"Why should we believe you" he looked to his other men "You could be assassins from the village" he walked closer as Mindulas drew his mighty sword and placed it beneath the man's chin.
"Well I guess you have no choice but to trust us for we have travelled far and wide but I promise you food if you help us for the road is dangerous" the men nodded as Mindulas smiled.
"Very well I am Wulver leader of these men we have also travelled far and wide and originate from the south" he sighed "We haven't always been savages but were driven from our homes many years ago and many of us headed north but many died along the way and we are the only ones left" Mindulas released his sword as Wulver sighed.
"I am Mindulas captain of the guard to Bethol queen of the former moon tribe, this is Aulor prince of the moon tribe son of Kronor" he placed his hand upon Wulver's shoulder "We have also fled our homes" Wulver stood back.
"Do not think you are my friend for we trust no one" he turned his back and sat among his men.
Aulor sat beside Mindulas and they watched the men who were laughing and often glanced over to Aulor and Mindulas who sat silent. Aulor felt the warmth of the sun on his face as he was awoken by Wulver who kicked him.
"It is time to leave" the morning sun was blazing ever the hotter now as Mindulas and Aulor rose to their feet.
"I must have fallen asleep" Aulor looked to Mindulas.
"It would seem so as did I" he paused as Wulver wlaked over to his men "I do not trust these men but they may server a true purpose in our quest" Mindulas sighed and glanced at his sword.
The company marched for a long time as they encountered many wolves as the scavengers defended themselves very well which pleased Aulor and Mindulas who were very weak and tired of battle. The men came to an open space in the wood which was filled with water and many supply wagons and horses which were laying about the area.
"Watch your step men from the south for the mud can consume even the strongest of men now that is has water" Wulver smiled to Aulor and Mindulas as the men clung to the trees about the muddy water.
Wulver climbed into the mud as he was attached to a rope which many of the men held as he brought back many treasures from the supplies.
"It would seem these supply wagons bear your realms sign" Wulver showed Aulor a crescent moon which was covered in mud and seemed to be a necklace "It was in the box I found as where many other treasures which we will be keeping" he smiled.
Aulor's eyes became like a child as tears began to pour down his face as he clutched the pendant and placed it about his neck with the silver chain which was still attached to it.
Mindulas sighed and put his arm around his friend as Wulver looked at them strangely as Mindulas gave him an evil look. The men marched out as Wulver kept a closer eye on the two men from the south who walked to the rear of the column often speaking of their home. The company of scavengers stopped near a road which was filled with bodies of men from the wind tribe and the sun tribe, there where also many horses and equipment scattered about the road.
"A great battle was fought here" Wulver spoke softly as all the men where crouched using the trees for cover.
The men looked up the road which led to the capital city and villages of the wind tribe where they could see nothing. The men began to walk along the road as they looked to the fallen men and noticed many women among the dead which surprised the men. The women where clad in black skirts and similar armour to the men from the sun tribe. The women looked to be great warriors as Wulver turned to Aulor and Mindulas and frowned as the men halted.
"Gather what you can I will speak with these two exiles" the other scavengers began to search for weapons and equipment among the dead.
Aulor stood beside a great flag which spouted out of the muddy ground and bore the symbol of the sun tribe as he sighed.
"What army could breach the frozen lands" he sighed then leant on a spear which rose from the ground.
"Yes this army from the south is mighty they originate from the east and are known as the sun tribe" he paused "Their army's are well organised I should know for I battled them once and saw their hatred" he sighed as Mindulas walked beside him.
"Yes they are well organised and I fear they will cover the land with darkness" he confronted Wulver now "We must warn the nearby peoples" he was interrupted as Wulver laughed.
"I care not, you promised us great treasures in this cave not far from here" he sighed "But we have found many treasures on our road east" he laughed "Maybe this war will benefit me and my men in the long term" he laughed.
Mindulas pushed Wulver to the ground and grabbed the spear from the ground which Wulver leant on he then held it to Wulver's chest.
"You are no man" he glanced to the other scavengers who halted and drew their swords "I have lost my home, my people and my queen to the enemy from the south and you mock this war" he laughed "You must not understand war for you do not respect it" he sighed.
"If you do not kill me now then I will hunt you to the ends of this earth. I have seen war yes but I do not respect it for my entire family and village where destroyed long ago so don't talk to me about respect" he looked Mindulas in the eye "Go Mindulas but do not feel safe for I will find you" Mindulas stood back as Aulor grabbed him.
Both men headed through the woods as Wulver laughed and his laugh could be heard throughout the wood. The two men managed to find the crossroads as they noticed more supply wagons which had been destroyed. The two men entered the cave which they entered long ago as they collapsed inside it.
"You are right my friend to understand war you must respect it but those scavengers will surely find us" Aulor glanced about the cave which hand not changed.
Mindulas nodded and smiled he then pointed to the corner where many clothes were placed. Hung on poles where many brown and black robes with many boots which were made of fur. The men changed into their new attire as Mindulas wore a black robe and tied his mighty sword onto his brown belt which he had found on the table. Aulor wore a brown robe and found a short sword which he took as both men headed out of the cave.
"We must find food" Aulor looked to Mindulas who pointed to a deer which stood beside the road eating grass.
Mindulas slowly crept by the road and threw Aulor's short sword which pierced and killed the deer. The men brought the deer back to the cave and began to cook it using various twigs and wood to make a fire. The men ate their food and left during the night as they followed the road east toward the frozen river. The men came to a battle which was taking place on the road ahead it involved many horses as Aulor could see it was riders from the south battling riders from the wind tribe who began to retreat up the road which led north as the evil riders followed.
"Quickly into the wood" Mindulas urged Aulor into the forest as both men carried on east.
The men came to the road which led north as they could see a village atop a hill in the distance. The evil riders seemed to join with another force which came west along the hills toward the village which was partly burnt.
"We must find Bethol and the company which went with her if we are ever going to reorganise and counter this evil which spreads like a decease" Aulor sighed as the men headed across the road and headed east.
As morning dawned the men decided to rest as they slumped down against the tree line which opened up into an open valley. Beyond the valley was the lake which now flowed just before the lake where more forests. To the north atop great mountains ridges was a great city of snow it gleamed in the sun.
"The kingdom of the wind tribe" Aulor smiled "Long have I desired to look upon it, it is indeed beautiful" he laughed.
"Yes but for how long look Aulor to the west the enemy are almost to the mountain slopes" Mindulas pointed to the villages beneath the mountain which where burning.
"We must help them Mindulas for our queen I feel is safe across the river I can feel it" he sighed and looked across the river and to the lands beyond which would soon be called Nulor.
The men rested for a time as they watched to their amazement many animals fleeing toward the river from the lands to the north. Mindulas frowned as he looked north with the sun blazing in his eyes Aulor also noticed this and stood quickly to his feet.
"Look!" Aulor pointed west of where the animals fled from as both men saw a great host of men marching out of the white city to the north.
"The last gamble for the wind tribe it looks like they are led by their king once more" Mindulas pointed out Mandelis who led the men which consisted of mighty tall men and few riders.
Aulor nodded as he felt a great pain running from his head as he fell to the ground and his vision became a blur. Mindulas drew his sword and struck the scavenger who attacked Aulor as he fell to the ground dead. Mindulas then fought on as Aulor could only see a blurred image as he could hear screams and the crashing of steel. Aulor fell into darkness as he dreamt of home and of his friend Palor.
"Aulor!" Mindulas spoke loudly as Aulor opened his eyes to see Mindulas looking down at him with blood across his face.
Mindulas smiled and helped his friend to his feet as Aulor clung to Mindulas as he rose only to see Wulver standing beside Mindulas.
"A nasty cut you have on the back of your head but I have bandaged it up for you, forgive me if I was too late" he smiled to Aulor as the rest of the scavengers lay about the area dead.
"Why are you helping us?" Aulor was confused as Wulver smiled.
"Your words were that of a king and it made me think about what I was doing and where my honour was. Well I have proven where my honour stands for I have helped slain the rest of the scavengers who did not see what I could see, I believe there is still hope" he pointed to where the army led by Mandelis rode from.
"A great battle is to take place north of here Wulver spoke to me while you were dreaming it will no doubt decide the fate of the wind tribe" Mindulas held his sword still which was covered in blood but shined still.
"Yes a great battle indeed and this area will be very dangerous soon for the army will have to travel this way south" he looked south "I also know of another army which moves south it is led by one they call Caira a great general of the sun army. It is said they have destroyed the mountain peoples and now set their attention north to help the northern army" he paused and looked to Mindulas.
"Yes they have named their land Malor and have named these battles the Malorian wars for they think they are unbeatable but Wulver spoke of Pertopolis the leader of northern army of Malor who was defeated by a great man from the moon tribe" he smiled as Aulor also smiled "Yes I believe it is Pailor as do you it is said he helped the tree tribe defend Lurinien" he looked across the river.
"Well I thank you Wulver but what do we do now shall we head across the river in search of our queen or help with the battle which is about to take place?" he stood now gleaming in the sun which seemed to fade as the army from the north rode south.
"Yes battle it is in my heart to redeem myself and restore my honour" Wulver smiled as his rotting teeth where seen as Aulor laughed.
Mindulas nodded looking to Aulor who lifted his crown from his head and looked at it smiling he then placed it atop his head again.
"Yes I am sure Bethol is safe and that her own journey begins now as does ours" Aulor smiled and began to walk northward to the looming battle he then turned to the two men "But tell me what of the great army we saw that year ago Mindulas?" he looked to Mindulas.
"Yes they where defeated as Mandelis withdrew leaving his forces to battle on the borders as he rallied his main army which now rides south over a year it took as Wulver says to assemble his army" he frowned.
The men marched for another day as they rested at a crossroad as they rested beside the road using the trees for cover. That morning the men could hear hooves and trumpets as the wind tribe army marched down the road from the north. The three companions hid behind the trees as the army marched along the east path. The army took a while to pass as dust was left behind them, the three men quickly followed the path east hoping to join the army and help in whatever way they could. The men caught sight of the army down a sloping valley as they could see the army was being ambushed for the valley was thin covered by woods. The three men noticed hundreds of arrows and many spears being thrown from the nearby woods as the column of soldiers where trapped in the middle of the valley helpless.
"This way quickly" Wulver urged the companions into the wood to their left as they raced down the muddy slopes through the thick wood.
As the men got closer they could see that the men who were being ambushed where not the main army they seemed to be a small column of foot soldiers who had no armour only peasant clothing. Aulor noticed that their where many heavily armoured men near the front of the column who where battling men from Malor who blocked their exit from the valley.
"Where is the king and his main army?" Wulver looked to Aulor as he spoke soflty.
Mindulas pointed and drew his sword as he could see many men from Malor firing arrows they seemed to have light armour on and where scattered about the wood. Many of the arrows which they fired hit the trees for the wood was thick but many arrows managed to pass the trees and kill the men in the valley. Mindulas charged down the slope and crashed his body weight into the archer who fell over the edge of a small rock and crashed down a hill. Mindulas then attacked the other archers nearby who did not notice the fall. Aulor and Wulver followed closely killing many of the archers who noticed this loss and fled through the wood. Mindulas and Aulor gave great roars as they charged killing the archers. The three men turned to their right and noticed many hundreds of men lying dead between the two woods as the heavy footman came walking back to the fallen. The battle was over very quickly but the casualties for the wind tribe where many as the three companions crept closer to the fallen men. Mindulas noticed that only sixteen of the footman survived and the majority of the non armoured soldiers had fallen.
"This is your chance Aulor Prince of the moon tribe" he paused "Or should I say King" he smiled to Aulor.
Aulor emerged from the wood as the footman turned to him drawing their swords which where covered in blood.
"I wish you know harm I am Aulor King of the moon tribe I have come with my two companions to aid you in your struggle against the Malorians" he stood smiling to the men who laughed.
The men had long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes they wore grey armour and held silver swords and shields.
"Struggle?" the leader of the men walked forward he had a cut across his face and an arrow in his right shoulder "This is no struggle this is merely a set back, this column I led was merley a decoy as the main army have attacked from the south road they cut across country and are heading to the Malorians main camp" he smiled then walked off as the column followed, he then turned and shouted to the three men "You may follow if you desire death for to the west of here lie a terrible and mighty army ready to meet us" he smiled and walked on.
Aulor, Mindulas and Wulver followed the column keeping to the rear of it as they marched quickly up the valley and into an open plain. The column marched across a muddy plain as they marched for a time. The column marched for two days and reached a desert plain which once was the border camp to the tree tribe.
"This was once the border to the south west but the enemy pushed us back from here" the leader walked on.
The men came to an area filled with burnt equipment and it seemed to be the enemy's camped for the sun flag was standing in the centre of the camp. There where bodies pilled up near the start of the camp as the column noticed the king and his knights talking near the bodies. The surrounding trees had been cut and it left a barren land which seemed similar to the Malorians home land. Mandelis noticed the column as many soldiers quickly ran over and helped the injured from the battle which took place two days earlier. The leader of the column pointed to the king as Aulor, Mindulas and Wulver headed over to the king who looked at them and frowned.
"My lord Mandelis I am Aulor king of the moon tribe and have come to aid you in your battle if you will abide by this" he bowed to the king who laughed as did his men.
"Aid? No master Aulor we do not need aid for we have the enemy on the run they are fleeing back to their pit from whence they came" the king was proud as he spoke and looked to his men who laughed falsely.
Aulor sighed and looked about the destroyed camp he then turned his back on the king and walked away followed by Mindulas and Wulver. The king became angry now and his face turned red as he followed Aulor and grabbed his shoulder.
"Do not turn your back on me" Aulor glared into the king's eyes as he turned to meet him.
"I wish only to defeat the enemy's of Malor who destroyed my home and my people" he sighed as the king nodded.
"I understand Aulor" he paused "Very well you can march with us speak to my captains they will provide armour and such for you, now I must go to my men" he smiled his face became younger now.
The king was old his face was scared and had seen better days, he also had a grey beard with hints of brown in it. His eyes were blue and shone bright as his hair was also grey but had many parts coloured with brown. The king wore a silver crown atop his head it was thin and had only a front part with no back as it balanced on his head. Aulor and his two companions followed the captains and where suited out in battle armour which was silver and bore the symbol of the wind tribe they where also given weapons and shields as Mindulas used his own sword he had found in the caves of the mountain. A day passed as the men camped down the hill from the enemy's destroyed camp. The army was great indeed as Aulor looked among the many ranks of soldiers, the army camped in a great open plain which had many small ponds and was surrounded by trees save for the path leading south to the border. King Mandelis rode to Aulor who sat with Mindulas and Wulver beside a small fire near the border of the forest as he looked down to the men.
"The enemy are led by a captain called Ruven he was promoted after Pertopolis was slain at the siege of Lurinien, we ride south to meet the enemy as my scouts report they have amassed at the destroyed tower guarding the border" he nodded and rode along the lines of men who stood and many riders followed him.
"It is a trap and this battle will go ill indeed" Mindulas stood gazing out at the soldiers he then turned to Aulor and Wulver.
"Yes I also feel it the enemy is cunning indeed" Wulver spoke softly then frowned.
The army marched south road which led to an open plain with a small river flowing through it. To the left of the field was the spine of the mountain which loomed over the field and to the right where great forests and beyond that the great sea. The soldiers halted and formed a line across the field looking out across the river to the tower where thousands of Malorian soldiers where camped chanting to the wind tribe soldiers. The army waited for a time as Aulor, Mindulas and Wulver formed to the left of the line near the mountain among many rocks as Wulver sat atop a rock smiling to himself. King Mandelis rode firth with five of his captains who met Ruven and his two captains at the river which separated the two armies. Aulor squinted his eyes and could see the king rasing his arms and arguing with Ruven who sat atop his black horse very calm. Ruven had a black robe and black boots and pants he also had at his side a mighty black sword with a red circle in the centre of it. He also had black hair which was long and hit his shoulders as he also had a black beard with silver streaks running through it. Ruven had green eyes, which was uncommon for the sun tribe peoples and he was very tall. The captains spoke for a while as the soldiers became restless and where eager for battle. The sky was turning dark as black clouds appeared overhead and rain began to fall with thunder following.
"It is the work of Mailock he aids the Malorians" Mindulas spoke sharply to Aulor who nodded and focused his attention on the captains.
Aulor noticed Mandelis' captains drawing swords and striking their king to the ground as Ruven rode his horse over the fallen king who fell from his horse to the ground. The wind tribe army began to roar and charged down the field toward their king as the three companions slowly followed.
"This is ill my friend how can the kings own captains turn on him?" Aulor spoke to Mindulas who was running beside him and shook his head.
Ruven lifted his sword and rallied his soldiers who charged to meet the wind tribe army as they headed for the river. The armies met at the river as the Malorians used their archers to cripple the wind tribe who where in disarray for they where leaderless. Aulor quickly headed toward the kings body as he sighed and mounted the king's horse which was still standing beside him.
"Men of the north stay with me and we will have victory!" Aulor became a mighty man as he charged across the river cutting down many archers.
Mindulas smiled and became proud as Wulver laughed as they crashed into the river following Aulor. Ruven saw this and yelled as he charged the king of the moon tribe, Aulor fought bravely but became outnumbered as Mindulas and Wulver began to fight beside his horse. The wind tribe army followed but they had been crippled beyond repair as the Malorians fought fiercely. Ruven crashed his horse into Aulor knocking him to the ground and knocking Wulver into the river. Ruven was a mighty man he stood over Aulor who lay on a rock as he could not move.
"I cannot feel my back" he spoke to himself.
"I will ease your pain" Ruven laughed and lifted his sword up.
Mindulas swung his sword at Ruven but was hit with an arrow as he crashed into Ruven as both men fell to the ground. Ruven stood holding his face as it was cut by Mindulas' blade and he laughed. Mindulas charged the captain of the Malorians as they fought fiercely. Wulver crawled beside Aulor and helped him to his feet as Aulor coughed up blood.
"You are strong indeed" Ruven fought Mindulas as he spoke calmly to him.
Ruven came close to Mindulas and head butted him knocking him to his knees as he laughed. Mindulas blocked his blow with his sword as Ruven kicked him in the face knocking him to the ground. Mindulas began to bleed and stabbed Ruven in the stomach with his sword as Ruven fell back in pain yelling. Ruven stood laughing as Mindulas gasped, he then noticed Ruven was bleeding but the wound was not deep as Ruven smashed his sword into Mindulas' head as he fell to the ground. Wulver helped Aulor down the river toward the forest only to be arrowed three times in the back as he fell into the mud as Aulor fell beside him and both fell into darkness. Aulor awoke to hear screams as he could not move and looked about what seemed to be a dungeon of sorts. He sighed and looked to his left to see Wulver hung on the wall next to him he was not moving. On the floor were many men some dead and some were moaning in pain. There where also men on the walls chained and in pain, Aulor also noticed Mindulas among the men in the centre of the floor he was not moving.
"Mindulas can you hear me?" Aulor called out and his voice was low for his throat was dry.
Mindulas never replied as other men looked up at Aulor and moaned in pain pleading for help as they rolled about the damp cold floor. Aulor looked to his left and right struggling to move his arms which where locked in chains and stuck to the wall. Aulor struggled for a while then sighed and he felt weak once more and struggled to breath for his chest was stretched because of the chains on his arms. There seemed to be foul fumes coming from the centre of the room under a gate as Aulor frowned as the men breathed in the foul fumes. The door to the dungeon was wooden and it swung open revealing four Malorians who laughed and kicked the men on the floor as they removed Aulor from the wall.
"Lord Ruven wishes to speak with you scum" he spat at Aulor as he ordered the three men to drag him as they pulled him out of the dungeon.
Aulor was dragged up a spiral stony staircase as his bones crashed against the stone, he then emerged in a corridor with many cells and more prisoners where moaning in pain in these cells. The men dragged him to the end of the corridor and into a small room as they closed the door behind them leaving him alone in the room. Aulor coughed up blood and sat against the wooden door breathing heavily. Out of the dark corner in the room emerged Ruven with his black robe for attire he strode slowly smiling at Aulor.
"Aulor son of Kronor heir to the throne of the moon tribe, it is a pleasure to meet with you" he smiled then sat on a wooden chair about a wooden table with a jug of water and a bowl of bread and soup.
Ruven pointed to another chair opposite his at the other end of the table as he took a bite of the bread and offered it in gesture to Aulor. Aulor struggled to his feet and sat on the chair looking at the food his eyes craving them but his honour still stood.
"You will not eat?" Ruven offered him the food and water one more time before he pushed it onto the floor "Very well enough with the pleasantries" he smiled then folded his arms.
Aulor raised his head and his eyes were fierce now as he looked in disgust at Ruven who had a scar running down his face across his eye and cheek which Mindulas had done during the battle.
"A man of few words I see" he looked about the room "I must admit I am sorry for the way you have been treated if I had knew it was you I would have assigned you to my main camp south" he smiled as Aulor looked him in the eye "Now please tell me why where you fighting alongside Mandelis and his ragged army? The last I heard you fled from us when we wiped out your homeland" he leaned forward across the table.
"I wished for revenge against your people" Aulor's voice had changed he became evil in his speech and his face became older.
"I see" he sat back in his chair again and frowned thinking to himself "We found some interesting items on you and your friend. It seems these belong to my master Mailock" he placed the crown, bracelet, chain mail shirt and sword on the table which Aulor and Mindulas had found during their travels through the spine of the mountain "These are sacred items from the halls of Linderon my masters home, tell me why did you and your companion have them? And how did you get them?" he stared Aulor in the eye and became menacing as he spoke.
"I will not tell you but they are not Mailocks they are Kailor's" he stood knocking back the chair and grabbed the sword from the table holding it toward Ruven.
"Excellent" Ruven stood to his feet smiling towering over Aulor "Your hatred for me and my people is obvious, go on strike me down but then what? This tower is full of my guards and my army is not far from here how will you escape?" he laughed and grabbed the sword from Aulor who fell to his knees in agony "You may be useful but you are weak I will give you time and teach you how to use your mind as well as your presence" he smiled as he left the room and Aulor fell into darkness once more.
More many more days months Aulor was held captive in the dark tower of Ruven and his army he was held in the cells above the dungeon and given food regularly he now became strong again. Many men where taken and never returned as Aulor sat in his cell thinking of his companions held in the dungeon probably rotting to death. Aulor was awoken by a guard smiling at him as he was dragged from his cell and pushed forward toward a staircase near the end of the corridor beside the room Ruven had questioned him many months before. Aulor found himself atop the staircase where two guards opened a steel door revealing sun light as he placed his hands over his eyes and fell to his knees. Aulor was pushed out of the doorway and fell into a puddle of mud as the door slammed shut behind him. Aulor stood looking at the sun and breathing in the air as he smiled but his eyes hurt him still. On a black horse sat Ruven his eyes focused on Aulor who stood to his feet looking at the dark captain.
"You look well Aulor" Ruven's eyes never moved as he spoke always focusing on Aulor.
There where many other riders behind Ruven and behind them where woods and to his right the field and the river which he had fought on many months before stood.
"You see Aulor I have many of these prison camps all over the lands we have conquered" he paused "And we train each of the men we capture as our own the temptation of power always pleases them" he laughed.
Ruven pointed to Aulor's feet as on the ground in front of Aulor was Mindulas' sword, Aulor's bracelet and crown where also laid on the ground in front of him.
"Now I ask one final thing for you to do battle" Ruven nodded to his men who revealed Wulver and Mindulas who where covered in blood and thrown to the ground in front of Ruven, they where thin and looked weak "Strike them down and join me as my second in command" Ruven kicked both men who stood looking at their friend Aulor.
Aulor shook his head and smiled to his friends "I will do no such thing Ruven dark captain of Malor" Ruven sighed.
"You disappoint me Aulor, just imagine the power you could have the lands we could conquer together" he frowned "What has this life given you? Only death and suffering look at your so called friend Pailor where is he in this dark hour?" he looked to his men who laughed "You see Aulor no one is going to save you or your people they have abandoned you but I offer you this life line this one chance to seek revenge" Aulor's eyes looked straight at Ruven as he felt strange.
Ruven was still frowning as Aulor looked about the area and picked his sword up as he looked at Ruven. Aulor slowly walked toward Mindulas and Wulver who where given swords and where wavering. Mindulas had aged beyond recognition he looked into Aulor's eyes and could see the hatred and torment.
"Aulor, my friend we have been through so much but I shall never hate you for I believed in you I believed that you could unite our people" he sighed and wept "Even the great Kailor came to me in a vision and spoke of your courage and leadership uniting our people" Aulor laughed.
"You are indeed weak Mindulas, I always thought you where strong but look I have saved you over and over but this path I have chosen had got me nowhere" Aulor lifted his sword and struck Wulver to the ground slicing his sword through his shoulder and into his chest.
Wulver fell to the ground as Mindulas fell back dropping his sword as Aulor felt an urge of power flow through his body he felt powerful and respected.
"Aulor the terrible" Ruven laughed "Finish it!" he spoke louder and evil flowed through his speech.
Mindulas closed his eyes and thought of his homeland as Aulor lifted his sword and struck his sword down but Mindulas kicked him in the leg as Aulor reeled and fell to the ground. Mindulas fled toward the wood as Ruven smiled lifting his arm halting the men.
"Let him go he will not get far" Ruven dismounted from his horse as Aulor knelt looking at the ground smiling his eyes where bloodshot and he seemed older now "It feels good doesn't it, the fear from your enemy the power as you deliver your deathblow you feel almost like a god" he smiled looking down at Aulor "These are the teachings of Lord Mailock, you will be given a horse and attire my men will guide you to the front lines for I must go now" he mounted his horse "Follow me in two days" he smiled and rode off with a host of riders.
Aulor stood his presence had changed it was darker now and his speech became more aggressive for a terrible thing had happened that day Aulor had changed and would become the menace to haunt the peoples of Mia for a long time.