Chapter Six - "Trade Routes"
My Dearest Teelana,
I hope this letter finds it's way to you. Things haven't been very stable when it comes to messages.
The war goes on. The Siege of Kreyf goes on. My love for you goes on as well, though, and that's enough to keep me alive for a few days longer. After our initial defeat, we've been able to hold Royal Soldiers along our side of the valley, up on the ridge. We relieve them every twenty-four hours and we keep at least two hundred there at a time.
Battles have been inconsistent. Never as bad as it was that first time two weeks ago, when we first got here. I still can't believe it's been that long. I really can't. The worst part about that is that I don't know how much longer it'll be. We're holding out for now, but without proper back-up, I don't know if we're going to be able to do much more than defend our position.
It's been cold here, but I've found warmth in my thoughts of you and our little boy that's growing inside of you. Oh, how I long to be there with you. To experience this wonderful thing as it happens. Truth be told, sometimes I think about just deserting this whole battle just to see you.
I'll be honest with you. I don't mean to frighten you, but I have barely eaten since I got here. Rations are running low. Randor promised supply lines forty-eight hours after we established base camp. Only once did they arrive and we're starving. Water has luckily not been a problem. Right now, though, I'm eating only before my turn at keeping watch on the ridge. And only eating enough to give me strength and energy to fight.
Two weeks with no rations. That'll be a story to tell the kid, huh? Knowing me, I'll probably exaggerate it or something.
Speaking of which, have you thought of any names? I've been completely devoid of any ideas since the siege started. War does that to you, I guess. Wish there was something else I could say - something that could make things better. But I can't. I'm lonely, and I'm sure you are.
Never forget . . . I love you, Teelana. I love you so very much and I can't wait to see you again.
Yours truly,
Duncan
After their terrible defeat at Avion, Batros and Haramesh were given three commands. Haramesh and the Ilkorts were to hold the eastern shore of the Mystic Mountains, aiding in keeping supplies and troop convoys in movements to Kreyf. All Horde Troopers that had been under the command of Batros were to report to Calyx at Loshor Mountain - where they would be part of an attack force against Insectia.
The final order was that Batros would take a small squad of Bats and hide out in the Vine Jungle, where they would cut off Eternos' supply lines to Kreyf.
Batros was, of course, quite insulted. You expected him not to be? Every three days, as supply convoys made their way into the Vine Jungle, the Bats would come down upon them, kill them, and take the supplies for themselves.
It was moronic work. Not fit for one such as Batros. But it didn't matter and there was no point in arguing. He realized that Hordak was far more powerful than he. And that was a problem that couldn't be solved. So, until Hordak had him in good graces once more, it was this job or no job.
Now that it was late December, snow flurries were quite regular. This did make it a little easier for the Bats stationed in the Vine Jungle. The supply lines would sometimes change, but it was easy to hear the sounds of the movement by way of wind.
"They're coming," whispered Batros' second.
"I know, I hear them. Get ready and . . . now!"
The Bats swooped down, which was the last thing that the armed soldiers that protect the convoy ever saw.
Hordak sat upon his throne of skulls and bones, red eyes piercing the storm that raged on beyond the stone walls of Snake Mountain. Out there . . . a war was being fought in his name. His brother's name, in truth. Horde Prime, a being so old his name is not even known. The high leader of the Horde Empire, taking the position after the death of their father Lord Nova.
Countless worlds under Horde Prime's control, spanning a large portion of the galaxy. And what victory would this be? Where would Eternia place in this vast empire? The wormhole would be quite the valuable resource, but just what did this planet matter in the grand scheme of things?
Hordak had no illusions about his role. He had conquered worlds before. A few them took centuries. Some took weeks. This one . . . Eternia . . . it always held a certain interest to Hordak. Perhaps it was his time as an apprentice to the Elders. Perhaps it was the fact that this was third time the Horde tried at this world. Perhaps it was because it was so black and white regarding its nature.
The natures of the Good and Evil were so evident on this planet. There was no second-guessing, no heavy thinking. The ones that warred for Evil were easy to see. None so much as young Keldor.
Keldor.
The mere thought of his name sent Hordak's mind whirling. The once weak hearted prince of Eternos . . . turning evil. Now apprenticing under Hordak. Such a thing no one could have predicted. In fact . . .
Keldor sat meditating in front of Hordak at that very moment, eyes closed, long black hair draped over his blue shoulders. Twin tendrils of smoke drifted up a pair of candles on either side of the fallen prince.
"Arise, Keldor, my prize pupil, we must speak."
Keldor's eyes opened and Hordak saw a strange shimmer around the young man's face. For the briefest of moments . . . was that a skull he saw?
"What is it?"
Hordak blinked and everything was back to normal. "Your training is incredible, Keldor. You have surpassed me at your age."
"Thank you, Lord Hordak."
"Keldor, there is word of trouble at our post at the Sea of Rakash."
Keldor's eyes silted. "Eternos?"
"No. The Mer-People."
He bowed his head a little. "What am I to do?"
"We can not deal with the Mer-People now. The war has only begun and it is - " He paused, disliking the word. "- fragile. Offer them a deal or threaten them with war."
"I thought you said we couldn't afford to deal with - " Keldor cut himself off after catching the expression on Hordak's face.
"You will know what to do, Keldor. This is a fine test to see what you are made of. Your skills in sorcery are excellent. His fighting abilities are improving every day. Now we'll see you in a situation that requires a little bit of everything."
"Keep those supplies coming, gents!" shouted Lieutenant Tucker as a group of stockers loaded up one of the wagons to head north. "We need to get to - "
Lieutenant Tucker halted his words at what he saw. Coming down the road was a man, battered and beaten. He wore what was once an Eternos armor. As he limped along, Lieutenant Tucker gave a shout.
"Help him!"
Tucker and a group of the stockers ran to the soldier. As soon as they met him, the soldier collapsed into their arms.
"Sir, are you alright?"
"I . . . must speak to the king . . . the supplies line are being . . . being blocked . . ."
"Blocked, you say?"
Randor put his hand to his chin. He looked to Man-At-Arms, then back at Tucker. Outside, a flurry blew hard against the walls of Eternos. Winter was in full swing. It was December, the war waging for over a month now.
"It does confirm with the lack of rations at Kreyf, sire," Man-At-Arms answered.
"Did he say where the supply lines were being cut off at?" asked Randor of Tucker.
"Yes, sire. The Vine Jungle. By Bats."
King Randor nodded and turned once more to Man-At-Arms. "We should send in a unit to weed them out."
"Excellent idea, sire," Man-At-Arms replied. "I'll lead them up there immediately and - "
"No, Rohad. I will go myself."
Rohad stepped forward. "But, sire, we can not - "
"Rohad, I have grown tired of sitting here will my soldiers are attacked and killed. I am soldier just as they are. Don't forget the Orc attack. I can do this."
Man-At-Arms saw that same fiery look in Randor's eyes he saw in Miro's eyes many times before. The pure stubborn strength of the royal family. It bothered Rohad that the king was going to be doing this, but it also made him realize that it would make the Horde harder to defeat him with that strength.
"I'll prepare you a unit, sire."
"Thank you, Rohad."
As Rohad and Lieutenant Tucker left the Throne Room, Randor stood up. He worried about his safety during this battle only for the sake of his kingdom and his wife. Other than that, he was confident. He was worry-free. And it would be refreshing to enter the fray once again. To battle once again.
Randor met with Marlena as he retrieved his Honor Sword from their bedroom.
"Randor, where are you going?"
He raised his shoulders. "The supply lines to Kreyf are being cut-off in the Vine Jungle. I am leading an attack unit on those responsible."
Marlena's eyes widened, followed by a deep frown. "Oh. I . . ."
He rested his hands on her shoulders. "I must do this. For my kingdom and myself."
She nodded, understanding the risks immediately. Understanding that she may lose her own husband. But at the same time, she also under the meaning of risk for ones service. Wasn't she the one that blasted off the Earth with a nuke strapped to her back?
Of course, that wasn't quite what was bothering her, was it?
"I understand," she told him truthfully. "I'll be beside myself with worry, but I'll understand."
Randor kissed her forehead. "It makes me glad. And I will come back. This is not going to be anything very hard."
"You say that like battle is something you do everyday."
He hugged her. "Not everyday, but it's something I've come to accept during wartime. Some battles are easier than others, my love."
"I know." She paused. "Merry Christmas."
"What's that? An Earth holiday?"
"Yes. It's tomorrow on your calendar. I'm missing home."
He kissed her forehead. "I have about two hours before I have to leave. Tell me all about this holiday."
Marlena kissed him. "Well . . . there's this tree . . . a Christmas Tree . . ."
Wind and cold rain struck Keldor as he exited his transport. The small island base was about dead center of the Sea of Rakash. Keldor had only the slightest clue as to where the boarders of the Mer-People's empire were. Apparently, this overlapped with one of them.
"Where are they?" he asked of one of the Horde Troopers.
"The western coast of the island."
Keldor nodded and followed the Horde Trooper. About half a mile away from the Horde compound itself were two Mer-People War-Whales and four dozen Mer-People warriors. Each one was of varying size and shape, but all were covered in green scales with the orange faces and fins at the forehead, ankles and wrists.
"Who here speaks for the underwater civilization?"
"I am the chief warrior!" shouted of medium height and strength. In his hand was a huge trident. "I am the one they call Mer-Man!"
"Mer-Man, eh? I am Keldor and I speak on behalf of the Horde."
"Remove your Troopers and your base! You are in territory!" Mer-Man cried, his voice bubbly and his eyes wide.
"No. Remove yourselves from this area and we shall not attack you."
"Impossible! You are in our boarders!"
Keldor lifted his hand to stop all further argument. "Let us strike a deal, you and I. You are no negotiator. Your people are not reknowed for treaties. Neither is the Horde. Let's you and I duel. If you win, the Horde will abandon this island. If I win, your people will leave this island to us and there shall be a pact of non-aggression between our two empires."
Mer-Man blinked two giant eyelids. "And if I refuse?"
Keldor grew grim. "Remember that we have stronger forces. Remember that we have been here twice before. If you refuse, we invade your underwater utopia."
Mer-Man stared at him, mindlessly it seemed. After a moment, he nodded. "We shall duel."
Keldor unsheathed the Sword of Darkness. Mer-Man held out his trident. The two rushed towards each other.
At that very moment, rolling through the Vine Jungle was a great number of trucks full of supplies. Two medical trucks, three ration trucks, two mechanical supply trucks, four miscellaneous trucks, along with forty Royal Soldiers on horseback, two Battle Tanks, three Attack Jeeps, and a Bashin' Beetle. This was nothing unusual, of course, and Batros (feeling lazy) didn't hesitate as he launched his attack.
The Bats swooped down from the bare trees. As they did, caught in a flurry, Batros realized too late his vital mistake. He should have listened for voices and noises and extra heartbeats. But he didn't. Three out of the four miscellaneous trucks opened up. The entire convoy halted. The three miscellaneous trucks revealed one hundred Royal Soldiers.
Laser fire poured out of the trucks, smashing right into the Bats. Batros squealed, calling in for reinforcements. Forty more Bats came shooting across the area, shrieking their sonic screams. The Royal Soldiers, while shaky from the wild screams, continued to let lose laser beams.
In a matter of seconds, there was pure chaos. The Bats were fighting back, but most of the fighting was now hand-to-hand, which the Royal Soldiers were also prepared.
"BATS! STAND DOWN IN THE NAME OF THE KING AND OF ETERNOS!" roared King Randor, Honor Sword pointing right at Batros.
"Never!" screamed Batros in reply. He dove right towards Randor . . . then stopped mid-air.
King Randor's lips formed into a smile as he watched vines fly out and grab hold of the Bats. Batros' mouth was suddenly stuffed with flower pedals as he desperately attempted to free himself from the strengthened vines.
Moss Man arrived on the road then, grinning. "Those Bats sure do make a lot of noise."
Randor shook Moss Man's hand. "Good to see you again, my friend."
"The same. Thought you could my help. The Horde is something nobody wants on Eternia."
"True. Except . . . him."
Randor lifted his Honor Sword and put it to Batros' neck. A sudden urge filled his body. It would be so easy. It would be very easy. This Bat was traitor, allying himself and his people - selling them out - for a little more power. For a little more respect. Batros here, this traitor, was one of the reasons the Horde had gotten as far as they have.
One of the reasons so many were dead.
It would be so easy. Randor pressed the blade against the flesh of Batros' neck. He searched him deep in the eyes and looked for a reason not to . . .
Mercy.
Simple as that.
Randor lowered his weapon.
Mer-Man leapt forward, the trident striking the Sword of Darkness. Keldor rolled back, landed on both feet and swept in with his blade. Mer-Man dodged it and struck Keldor in the shoulder. A small cut, but nothing Keldor couldn't handle.
"First blood goes to you, Mer-Man."
Mer-Man made an annoyed gurgling sound and went straight on at Keldor, trident straight in front of him. Keldor swerved out of the way - just as Mer-Man was expecting. His trident shot outward, ripping into Keldor's cape. In a flash, though, Keldor had the cape off and it flew over Mer-Man's face.
Mer-Man scrambled back and Keldor slid forward, kicking the high warrior into the gut and chest. Victory seemed near. However, Mer-Man seemed to have other plans. Right as Keldor's last kick was unleashed, Mer-Man jumped up and sent both of his feet right into Keldor's face. The cape now out of his sight, Mer-Man slammed his shoulder into Keldor's stomach.
He then turned around and elbowed him into the face. One more quick shove and Keldor in the water. Though shallow, Keldor was shocked to find that he was having trouble moving. Mer-Man was on top of him and the aquatic warrior dragged him away from the beach and deeper into the freezing cold water.
Mer-Man grabbed Keldor by the leg and yanked under the surface when the former prince tried for air. Much to his shock, Mer-Man was able to get countless kicks, punches, jabs, and other attacks. Blood filled the water, which was bound to attract the oceans beasts.
Keldor acted fast. He spoke magic words, though they were gargled, they did what he wanted. The water around both he and Mer-Man churned - then sent them flying into the air!
They crashed onto the beach. Keldor acted quickly, landing on his feet with another short spell. As soon as he touched down, he kicked the apparently dizzy Mer-Man across the face, and then retrieved the Sword of Darkness and put it to Mer-Man's neck.
It would be so easy. Keldor pressed the blade against the flesh of Mer-Man's neck. He search him deep in the eyes and looked for a reason not to . . .
Mercy.
Simple as that.
Keldor lowered his weapon.
"I will let you live," Keldor told him. "As a gift to you and your people. You will move away from this island, leaving it to us and leaving it with your life. However - " Keldor stretched out his hand and the trident flew to him. He then handed it back to Mer-Man. "- though I have saved your life, I will return for you someday. You are mighty warrior and your services may be needed in some unseen future venture. Do you understand?"
Mer-Man nodded. "I do."
"Then leave here and never come back!"
Mer-Man took the trident, then turned to his people. "Move out!"
Keldor grinned to himself. A success and quite the opposite of what Keldor expected to happen. He wondered what Hordak would think. A small part of him thought that perhaps in another lifetime, his father would have been proud. An even smaller part of him thought the same of his brother.
As the Bats were loaded, Randor stepped over to Batros. "I want him released."
"Sire?" asked Man-At-Arms.
"I want him released so he can give Hordak a message for me." Randor stepped closer to Batros. "You tell your master that Eternia shall never be his. You tell your master that as long as I have one breath left, I shall oppose him. You tell your master that he will be crushed. Understand?"
Batros nodded frantically for he saw that Randor meant every word.
"Good. Man-At-Arms, you and a few soldiers escort him to about five miles west of here and just let him sit there."
Rohad grinned and did so. Randor turned to Moss Man.
"Thanks for your help, Moss Man. You'll help protect our trade route?"
"Oh yes."
"Thank you."
"Is there anything else I can do for you?"
King Randor put his hand to his chin, then smiled. "Well, there is one thing . . ."
Queen Marlena, after a long day of looking at war reports and seeing to her returned husband, entered the royal apartment looking some rest after the stressful day. What she found . . . was a Christmas tree. She gasped, smiled, and her eyes welled up with tears. From behind her, two large and familiar arms engulfed her.
"Figured you could use a slice of home," Randor told her.
"Oh Randor, thank you so much."
He smiled and kissed her on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas."