Chapter Fourteen: "Evergreen Forest Operations"

Randor awoke to the sound of wind chimes and the smell of a warm breakfast. His eyes slowly opened and took in his surroundings. He was in a bed in a small, empty room. Beside the bed were his clothes, completely washed and sitting with his polished Honor Sword and crown; he was wearing a pair of long johns. On the other side were pancakes, syrup, eggs, sausage, juice, and coffee. A gentle morning light shined brightly through the window.

And, most all, Randor wasn't dead.

Randor didn't feel like standing up, though. Not yet. He was surprised at just how hungry he was. A small note next to the food suddenly came to his attention.

'King Randor,

You are safe. You are in Castle Grayskull. I have saved you and you have been here for three full days and three nights. Eat and you will have the energy to depart. Your wife misses you and there has been much happening with the Horde War that requires your stalwart attention. Do not try and find me because you will only fail. At the end of the hall, there are stairs. Go down them and you will reach the Throne Room. The doors to the foyer will be open and beyond that, the drawbridge. A horse is waiting for you - consider him a gift to you.

Good journey,

Sorceress'

"Good enough for me," Randor replied to the note.

He gobbled down the food quickly. Like the note said, he felt immediately better. After the food was completed, he neatly stacked the food on the small tray he had found it on. He then got dressed, glad to be out of the long johns.

Following the notes instructions to the 't' Randor exited his room. A feeling of guilt once more washed over. Keldor had been right. If Randor and his family had just listened to Keldor, then none of this would have happened. The Sorceress had been able to stop Randor's poison - perhaps she could have helped Keldor's heart.

"Mom would have listened," he muttered as he left the throne room.

Outside Castle Grayskull was perhaps the most beautiful horse King Randor had ever seen. It was a tall, strong creature with a pure white fur and long, flowing mane. The saddle was quite ordinary, with no markings or symbols.

Randor hoped onto the saddle and started off. Before he left the field that surrounded Castle Grayskull, he shouted out to the resident within.

"Thank you! Thank you so very much! I owe you my life!"

It was a sound that Randor would never forget. A gasp, a cry, and then a shout.

"RANDOR!"

Marlena came rushing out of the Palace just as King Randor left his horse. The two embraced, holding the other strongly and firmly.

"Oh my love," he whispered to her as she sobbed in his arms.

"I was so worried for you. Where were being held? How did you escape?"

"It's a long story, dearest."

Duncan was soon by their side. "Good to see you again, your highness."

Randor swung his arms around his best friend. "You too, Duncan."

"There have been a lot of developments since you were captured, sire. The Horde apparently attempted to attack Darksmoke Mountain. They failed."

Randor halted. "Wait a minute. The Horde tried to conquer one of the most formidable places on the entire planet? Just like that?"

"Yes sire."

"The Horde paid for it, too," Marlena continued on for Duncan, hugging on Randor's arm.

Duncan nodded. "The Dragons retaliated. The Horde bases along the coastline have been destroyed. The Ilkorts have gone into hiding in the Mystic Mountains and the Bats have retreated back to the Santalucia Mountains."

Randor smiled. "That changes things. Have we heard anything else from the Dragons?"

"We were given a message yesterday saying they had done all they were going to do," Marlena replied.

"Still . . . this means that the Horde forces in the Evergreen Forest are separated from strong supply lines. Duncan, as soon as I get myself fully caught-up here, we're going to contact some of our allies and figure out what we're going to do from here. This is a big deal."

"I'm just happy to have you back," Marlena told her husband and gave him another kiss.

"Your wife here has done a great job handling things in your absence," Duncan added.

"She sure has!" came the shout of Randor's brother Stephan.

"Stephan!" Randor yelled, and hugged his brother.

"We've missed you," Johanna said then and hugging Randor as well. "I'm thinking we need to have a chat."

"Agreed."

"We told Marlena about him," Stephan told Randor.

Randor slowly nodded, then looked over to his wife. "I think a chat is exactly what we need."

The call went out and those who answered it made for Eternos as fast as possible. Prince Paw, King Jade, King Stratos, and General Buzz-Off rushed to the capital of the kingdom of the same name with a full entourage. With the sudden loss of military backing from the coast of the Mystic Mountains, it had suddenly become less of a security risk to travel.

"We must destroy the Horde," Randor said earnestly to the group before him. Three days had passed since his return and he was filled with a new feeling of determination and strength. Current developments had suddenly shifted in the favor of those opposing the Horde. He was full of life and stamina in the aftermath of his capture.

Duncan had a strong feeling it was denial and deep feelings of shock regarding the fate of Keldor.

"With the Mystic Mountains now completely clear of the Horde, I recommend we make the next step," Randor told his comrades. "The Horde must be rooted from the Evergreen Forest and the Desert. I would like to know what kind of support Eternos can count on."

"The Bears will help you until the Evergreen Forest is cleared," Jade said. "But in the aftermath, you will receive no more assistance. Our people have suffered hard for our part in the Horde War."

Paw bared his teeth a little. "The Cats will aid in a few small military efforts, but we suffered losses and - "

"Prince Paw," interrupted Buzz-Off, "we have all suffered losses. The Horde War has been harsh. Its end must be accomplished. Your sitting on the sidelines is only hurting us."

Before Paw could respond, Randor cut in. "Buzz-Off, please. We must respect the wishes of our allies. This war is also not going to be won by bickering. Prince Paw, any assistance will be greatly appreciated. The Horde is almost on the run."

"Avion can assist in the Desert battles, Randor," Stratos volunteered.

"So will we," Buzz-Off added.

"That's what I needed to hear. Man-At-Arms? I understand you have word on some new activity going on in the Evergreen Forest?"

Rohad nodded. "That is correct, sire. There are two main bases. One in the northern area of the region, near the Cliff of Emca. The second one is at the Cram. Cram base is the main headquarters."

Stratos rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If we hit the secondary base at Emca, that will scatter their forces in that region. The Horde will gather its Troopers at Cram. They won't be expecting an immediate attack on Cram for some time. If we hit them hard right after the battle at Emca . . ."

"We may just take them off guard long enough to be blasted out of the Evergreen Forest," Buzz-Off concluded.

Randor turned to Man-At-Arms and Duncan. "I want you two to lead an assault group into the Evergreen Forest. Captain, continue to push along in Desert."

"What is the status of the war there?" questioned Paw.

"The Horde is getting vicious," Dekker answered. "They still have three main compounds in the Desert and the Sands of Time. Our soldiers are getting tired and hot out there. It's the middle of August and many of them have been there since March."

"I'm afraid we can't help you, then," Paw stated matter-of-factly. "Our people will overheat with all of our fur."

Jade said nothing, but Buzz-Off nearly flew out of his chair in outrage.

"We'll find a way," Randor assured Paw condescendingly. "Don't worry about it."

"It's all falling apart," Keldor whispered, looking out upon the Valley of Storms from the mouth of Snake Mountain. A nearby volcano thundered in activity, spilling even more lava into its huge pool. Beast-Man covered his noise, sick the smell of ash and soot.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Beast-Man.

"The Horde War, Beast-Man. Hordak is beginning to slip. I can feel it. The Three, Prahvus, the alliance with Ilkorts and Bats . . . each one gone in a matter of weeks. Calyx is still holding onto the Evergreen Forest, but who knows just how long that will last?"

Beast-Man snorted. "Not very long?"

Keldor sighed heavily. "I'm curious just how long Horde Prime plans on keeping the Horde here on Eternia."

"Keldor, what if they leave? Will we go with them?"

Keldor grinned. "If the Horde truly does fail, then I shall take its place. I plan on conquering Eternia, Beast-Man. Do you understand that?"

"Yep."

"Will you aid me in this endeavor?"

"Yep."

"Excellent."

Keldor, much to his surprise, laughed deeply and darkly. The feeling of even close to victory . . . to having all of Eternia bow at its knees before him . . . it felt greater than anything else in the world. He would remember this feeling during all of his schemes.

Dear Teelana,

I'm not really sure where to start. Everyone thinks your dead. It pains me to lie; pains me to be helped in the process of 'moving on' when there's nothing to move on from! I want to tell them everything, my love, everything. Were it not for the vow I pledged to you, I would.

It breaks my heart to even think of Teela being raised without a mother. I'm not even sure if I'll survive the Horde War. If I do, though, I know that it will be because of her. I must survive for her - I need to survive for her.

There's no need to rehash everything, though. I can't do it anymore. I'm just trying my best to deal with the here and now. Teela is doing just fine. Barely a few months old and she already reminds me of you. You both have the same laugh.

I haven't seen her in nearly two weeks, though. I've been in the field. The Evergreen Forest, as you surely know, if currently filled with Horde Troopers. We've had several engagements - at least three along the River Eternia and four small other ones of varying sizes. I just grit my teeth, lay down and jump right in, laser blazing.

I suppose you're wondering what I'm doing, writing you this letter. It's not like we're lovers anymore. I haven't even seen you in months. But, I know you're still in there, still the same old Teelana. You rescued my best friend and the leader of Eternos - not to mention the best hope for this planet in this time of crisis. You do still care . . . at least in some ways.

And I still care about you. This is one of about eleven similar letters I've written in the past few weeks. I've got them in my pack. We'll be passing near Castle Grayskull after we take out the base at Emca. I suppose I'll give you the letters then.

With love,

Duncan

Duncan slipped the letter in his pack, making sure it was securely bound with the rest of his letters. He then zipped up his pack, buttoned it, and swung it onto his back. He then slowly and quietly walked over to Man-At-Arms.

Rohad was sitting on a log, looking out in the forest. He looked tired and worn out. He wasn't much older than sixty, but in a war like this, sixty can feel more like ninety

"The base is about three miles away," Rohad said to Duncan.

"We'll head out when?"

"An hour after sundown - before Org rises to full. We'll move in, hit hard, and then pull out. Attack and withdraw. The Bears will be coming in tomorrow to finish the job. We're just to weaken them up."

"Right." Duncan put his hand on Rohad's shoulder. "You doing okay?"

"Just fine, kid."

Duncan nodded understandingly. It would do - for now. But the Man-At-Arms was getting old and despite the tough-as-nails exterior, he certainly wasn't what he used to be. It saddened Duncan to no end, of course. Rohad had been far more than just another Man-At-Arms to the kingdom - to many people, he was a mentor and Duncan was one of those people.

Vaguely, Duncan wondered just who would take his place as the next Man-At-Arms . . .

A few hours later and it was battle time. Loaded up with two lasers and a dagger, Commander Duncan prepared for the engagement to come. As with each battle before, his heart was racing and his body was being pumping with pure adrenaline. Muscles were tense, eyes were sharp, and the fifty others that stood with Duncan and Rohad were on edge.

As soon as the sunset, they all quietly walked through the early September air, avoiding any possible problem with making an extra sound or noise. Weapons locked and loaded, ready for bear. Ready for battle. Ready for war.

"There it is," Rohad said quietly to Duncan as they reached the outer perimeter of the base.

"How do you want to do this?" asked Duncan.

Rohad smiled at his subordinate. "What do you think we should do?"

Duncan looked out at the base and took it in. It was really just two bunkers connected with a small tower in the center. It was well armed, but not something they would have to content with at close-range.

"We move in. Fast and strong. Right for the door. Take out as much as we can, then get out. You agree?"

Rohad nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. One my mark, then."

The rest was a blur. Duncan went running out from the trees and into the field where the base sat. His shield was raised as he and Rohad led the fifty other Royal Soldiers into battle. Lasers pelted the shields and they made a strong effort to return fire, which resulted in the destruction of number of Horde Troopers.

After the rush of heading towards the left bunker, Duncan pushed himself right up against the huge main door. He pried the wall panel off as a number of his fellow soldiers protected him. Wires and panels were revealed to him and Duncan - in the heat of battle - went to work, short circuiting and redirecting the commands for the door.

A few seconds later, the door slid open. Armed and ready the group went inside and went on a firing spree. Two of Duncan's men, Jason and Ral, pulled out explosive charges and sent them rolling across the floor. Guarded just as Duncan had been from on-coming Horde Troopers, the pair put the charges everywhere they could.

"That's all of them," Ral cried. A second later, he fell to the ground with a smoldering hole in his chest.

Duncan's mouth dropped as the Horde Troopers continued to surge forward. Jason hefted Ral's body over his shoulder and all of the Royal Soldiers pulled out of the base. Once they had retreated to the perimeter, Duncan pressed a small activation key on his belt.

The charges within the base exploded furiously. The entire left bunker was obliterated. Man-At-Arms and his forces went west, seeking escape from the on-coming Horde Troopers.

Two hours before dawn, the now forty-nine-member squad found small refuge in a large out-cropping of tall rocks and stones. Duncan kept looking west, to the location of Castle Grayskull. It was no more than two miles from here and he could make it back by dawn if he made his visit fast.

"Rohad," Duncan stated, approaching the Man-At-Arms who had been laying up against one of the rocks.

"Yes?" asked Rohad sleepily.

"Sir, Castle Grayskull is about two miles from here. I would like permission to go there. I can be back by dawn."

Rohad hesitated before answering, then slowly nodded. "Granted, Commander. Be back by dawn, though."

Duncan smiled, grabbed his pack, and walked northwest. He soon found that familiar path that he had Rusher had traveled that one March morning. The same path he followed when chasing Keldor. His path of destiny. The path to Castle Grayskull.

After half an hour, Duncan came to the large clearing that surrounded Castle Grayskull. Sitting in the center of the Abyss was Castle Grayskull itself. Dawn had yet to arrive and touch it with its light, but it was still quite visible.

"Teelana!" he shouted instinctively, rushing the Abyss. The drawbridge did not open. Perking an eyebrow, he tried again. "Sorceress! It's me! Duncan!"

Nothing. It was as if the castle was empty. But it couldn't be. She was in there - he knew it. She had to be . . .

"I . . . I brought you these letters." He pulled out the packet and set them on the ground. "I've been writing them for the past few weeks. I wanted to give you them."

Still no answer. Duncan felt frustration budding.

"Don't do this, Teelana," he stated. "Don't. Don't shut me out! Damn it, I still love you! Don't you love me? Don't you want to see me?"

A cold wind crossed over him and he had a chill run up his spine. Eyes closed, he turned right around and walked away.

"I just wanted to see you again," he muttered. "I need to."

But there was no answer for Duncan, son of Stephan from Castle Grayskull and its lone occupant. None at all.