Author's Note: Wow! This chapter was a lot more challenging to write than I thought it would be. Since I haven't written anything for two years I was feeling really rusty while creating this chapter, so if it seems a little sub-par, I'm blaming it on my long absence.
Anyways, sorry it took me so long to get this done, I've had a lot to worry about recently, plus the chapter ended up being longer than I thought it would be, not that, that's a bad thing.
Also, Sorry, but there's no Link this time, so you'll have to wait till the following chapter before you get to see what's going on with him and Zelda. All right everyone, here it is, two years in the making... chapter seven.
Chapter Seven: The Demons' Snare
"Kaltek, morik nar!" Ormek cursed in Ulrian as he raced back and forth across the ridge of the ice encrusted canyon. "I was so close!" he continued in the common tongue. "There's got to be a way across this blasted chasm." The general said as he finally dismounted his horse and drew one of his swords. He then walked up to a tall tree near the canyon's edge and began hacking away at it with his blade. Once he made a large enough notch, Ormek took one of the grenades attached to his belt, activated it and placed it in the cut. He then quickly placed a safe distance between himself and the tree. Seconds later the grenade detonated with a force strong enough to break through the remainder of the tree's base, causing it to come crashing down. The tree was just long enough that when it fell it reached the other rim of the canyon, forming a makeshift bridge.
Ormek again mounted his horse and was about to cross the gap when he heard a familiar voice. "Mygar!"
"What is it, Ulgor?" Ormek replied, though there was no one near him.
"Where have you been?" Ulgor's voice said. "I've been trying to contact you for two hours, now."
"I didn't have the ring on," Ormek replied.
"What?!" Ulgor growled, "Why in the world would you do that?! You know how critical it is to have good communication during a war! Especially when were about to make such a crucial move. What were you doing with the ring off?!"
"I needed some time by myself to refine the plan for the rest of the siege," Ormek growled, "It's impossible to come up with anything useful with you and Torqin keep bothering every five seconds with your moronic comments!"
"I don't believe you!" Ulgor barked.
"Well that's hardly my problem, is it?" Mygar said emotionlessly.
Ulgor replied by muttering to himself for a second and then said in a much calmer tone, "Word of our recent capture of the two Tyfirians has reached Ulron-Chi. Vilamaros and his brother have left the fortress with ten thousand men following them. They will arrive at the appointed place in another few hours."
"Ten thousand," Ormek said in amazement, "That's impossible. How could they have readied so many men so quickly?"
"You seem concerned," The voice of Ulgor said calmly. "Are you worried that you won't be able to handle so many warriors? Or, is it something…else?"
"I am not worried," Ormek answered sternly. "My plan will not fail. Ulron-Chi will fall, along with Anthros's ten thousand."
"I'm glad to hear it," Ulgor said with a slight chuckle. "Now get back to base as quickly as possible. You wouldn't want miss the fruition of your own plan would you?"
"Don't you ever get tired of taunting me, Ulgor?" Ormek recoiled.
"What's the matter, hylian?" Ulgor said with a mocking tone. "Don't you look forward to killing thousands of members of your own race? As well as hundreds who belong to who knows what other races. It will be a glorious day indeed.
"Yes it will be," Ormek replied.
"If it actually works that is," Ulgor laughed. "I'm certain it won't though. And once you fail, you'll be off the high council in a matter of seconds. Then all of Siragoth will see how useless you…"
"Be silent!" Ormek growled as he pulled the steel ring from his finger. As soon as he did the voice of Ulgor faded. The general turned his horse towards the canyon. He paused for a moment and contemplated following after his prey. He groaned with dissatisfaction and turned in the opposite direction and kicked his horse's side. "Another time, Link," Ormek thought to himself.
"The Siragons retreated through this pass only a few hours ago," the goron, Magmus, stated as he pointed towards the snow covered path that cut through the mountain.
"This is impossible," Prince Anthros said in frustration. "The Siragons have remained still for months, never making a move and then they suddenly attack the one supply convoy that happens to have the two of the only men in the world with any understanding of their weaponry.
"This was no coincidence," Anthros said turning to his brother, "We have a spy in our ranks, Vilamaros."
"Don't be ridiculous," Vilamaros chuckled. "No demon could blend in with our men."
"I'm not talking about a demon," Anthros countered. "One of our own men must be helping the Siragons, maybe even one of the higher ranking officers. After all, the journey of Syrus and Ekrin to Ulron-Chi was kept secret from everyone, but the captains."
"Those tricky demons have other ways of getting information," Vilamaros offered. "Besides, what man of ours would be far enough out of his mind to help these destructive creatures? They all know the Siragons will never rest until every last civilized race is destroyed."
"I've suspected we've had a traitor in our midst for quite sometime now," Anthros replied. "Our enemies seem to know how to counter every strategy we come up with, well before we even set our plans in motion. We definitely have some kind of information leak.
"If we do have a spy problem," Vilmaros said with a faint smile, "I'm sure you'll find out who it is soon enough."
"I appreciate your confidence in me," Anthros said as he smiled back.
The two brothers, along with the goron and the ten thousand troops then proceeded to make their way through the mountain pass. Many of the men, such as the two princes rode atop their horses, making it easier for them to plow through the white powder, while Magmus and several other gorons used their powerful limbs to clear a path for the rest of the legion through snow.
"I must say," Magmus interjected as the troops slowly made their way through the mountains, "I'm impressed how quickly you were able assemble an army this large. How on earth did you do it?
"My men are always ready for battle," Anthros answered, "regardless of the season, or time of day, or anything else."
"Why did you even bring so many men with you?" the zoran warrior Targas asked, "If it were up to me, I would have brought fewer men, every one of them on horse back. That way we could travel faster, catch up to our foes, and liberate their pathetic captives."
"I don't just intend on retaking the captives, Targas," Anthros retorted, "We're going to follow the Siragons' trail to their base and flush them out of the mountains and rid ourselves of their loathsome presence."
"And you think ten thousand is enough to do that?" Gilthas inquired. "I can promise you there are far more demons than that in these mountains."
"We have to do something to put the Siragons on the defensive." Vilamaros interjected. "There is no way to win a war if we never get an opportunity to attack."
"Still," Gilthas said, "This doesn't seem like a sound strategy to me. We could be walking into a slaughter."
"Then why are you even following us?" Magmus said in frustration, "All you and your brother have done during this march, is complain about the princes' strategies. If you don't think it's going to work, why don't you two just leave.
"Because I want those slaves to realize that they still need the help of Cyntir to survive," Gilthas answered calmly.
"Based on the way you talk about the Tyfirians," Magmus replied, "It would seem as though Cyntir was country that was wronged and enslaved. How can you possibly be so angry at the Tyfirians for fighting for their freedom?"
"Don't be so naïve," Targas snapped, "The Tyfirians have been harassing us ever since they obtained their liberty. Thousands of our people have been killed by them even after Cyntir let them all go. They're the ones who are keeping the war going."
"Well, at least this war with the Siragons is bringing some level of peace between the two nations," Anthros chimed in.
"A temporary truce is all it is and nothing more," Gilthas responded. With that, no more comments were exchanged between the zoras and those around them. The two brothers remained silent for the rest of the march.
The army continued to advance for another two hours before they were met with couple of Asrean scouts coming from the other direction.
"Sires!" one of the scouts called out as they were approaching the two princes. "We've located the Siragon encampment not two miles from here. We also located the two Tyfirian captives."
"They're still alive?" Anthros asked anxiously.
"Yes your highness," the scout replied, "For the moment at least."
Anthros then turned his horse around to face the men behind him and shouted, "Pick up the pace men. The Siragon encampment is close. We're going to engage the enemy before nightfall. Now move!" The officers placed through out ranks immediately began to relay the order to the men. Within a minute, the army picked up speed and was quickly approaching their destination.
Anthros remained at the head of the troops as they emerged from the mountain pass and came into a large snow covered field. Not far off, Anthros spotted hundreds of tents and smoke coming from several fires that were being maintained across the Siragon camp.
"Men, draw your weapons!" Anthros commanded as he drew his sword. The Asrean soldiers immediately obeyed and readied their various arms.
"For years have these loathsome creatures ravaged our lands and destroyed our farms! They've murdered thousands of our countrymen, our fathers, our brothers, our sons! They've even stolen the very soul of our king!
"Ever have we lived in the shadow of Siragoth. Wherever they have attacked we have retreated, but no longer. For once the knights of Asrenath will be the first to strike and we will be victorious!" Anthros then let out a ferocious cry and charged the Siragon camp. His men then all courageously followed with the exception of Vilamaros who took the opportunity to separate himself from the army. His departure was relatively unnoticed except by, Targas.
The zora quickly grabbed the attention of his brother and the two of them followed the prince intently for several minutes. They were sure to keep their distance to avoid detection. It was not long before Vilamaros was greeted by two ulgeron foot-soldiers.
"Prince Vilamaros," one of the ulgerons said with a raspy voice. "General Mygar sends his condolences."
"For what?" Vilamaros asked confused.
"For the death of your brother," The other ulgeron laughed.
Vilamaros scowled at the two demons for a moment and said, "Just get me out of here."
"Of course, sire," The first ulgeron said mockingly as he bowed in an exaggerated manner. An ulgeron that had concealed himself in the nearby mountain rocks then sprung from his cover knocking the prince off his horse. The three demons then drew their swords, pointing them at the fallen hylian.
"What is the meaning of this?" Vilamaros asked in confusion.
"Just following orders," one of the Ulegerons answered. The demon then circled around his new captive and whacked him in the back of head with the hilt of his sword knocking Vilamaros out. One of the demons then grabbed Vilamaros's arms and lifted the prince on his back. The ulgerons carried him along the base of one of the mountains at the edge of the ice-field. They went several hundred feet before the Ulgerons took Vilamaros through one of the illusionary walls they had set up.
"Gilthas, let's get out of here. Quick, we've got to tell the Asreans!" Targas gasped after witnessing the event. The two zoras then darted toward the ulgeron encampment. At the same time Anthros was charging into the camp. He fully expected to be met with many swords and arrows, but as the Asreans rode in they were not met with any resistance.
"The camp is abandoned sir," One of the Asrean officers said.
"No," the scout replied, "It was swarming with demons an hour ago."
"It's a trap," Anthros whispered to himself. "It's a trap!" He then yelled out. "Get back to the pass!" The soldiers all then frantically turned around and started to retreat, but before they could get back to the cover of the mountains they heard a tremendous explosion. The Asreans could only watch in horror as the snow on the mountains on either side of the pass fell from the peaks, sealing off the path. As the noise from the avalanche cleared the Asreans could hear the distinct chanting of hundreds of voice.
"Moritak dashu! Moritak dashu!" The voices cried. Soon the Ulgerons revealed themselves from on the rock formations on the mountainside with weapons drawn.
"Anthros, how in the world did you manage to mobilize so many men in such a short amount of time?" Ormek shouted as he stepped out onto a cliff hundreds of feet above his foes. His face was completely covered as usual. He was also accompanied by Ulgor and Troqin who stood on either side of him. The formation of the rocks amplified the general's voice allowing all of the Asreans to hear him. Anthros remained silent, refusing to respond, and tensed his grip on his sword.
"You have been a worthy opponent, prince Anthros," Ormek continued. "I will consider your death a great loss. There are few men left in this world with you sense of duty. But you have been a thorn in Siragoth's side for far too long.
"You over estimate you strength!" Anthros shouted back. "You may have the high ground, but we have you hopelessly out-numbered.
"This isn't a matter of numbers, your highness," Ormek retorted. "We do not intend on engaging you in battle this day. The elements are going to do our fighting for us." Ormek then lifted his clenched fist in the air and shouted something in the ulgeron tongue. With in seconds the sound of dozens of explosions echoed across the vale, snow soon began to sliding of the mountain slopes. The Asrean ranks instantaneously erupted into chaos. Every soldier and horseman turned to run from the avalanche to try to find some kind of cover.
Gilthas and Targas had just made their way back to the army when this pandemonium began.
"Ah, hell," Gilthas said as he saw the falling snow drifts tearing their way through the valley. "Targas, let's go back and follow the Siragons through that fake wall of theirs." He said almost too quickly for his brother to understand. The two zoras then began to retrace their steps until Targas spotted Anthros.
"Prince Anthros!" the scaly warrior yelled. "We've found cover! Follow me!" But the prince was too concerned with trying to find an escape for his men to listen. After he failed to grab Anthros's attention he plunged his hands into the snow at his feet. He quickly packed the snow into a ball and threw it at the prince. He missed his target and instead hit Magmus who was about five feet from Anthros. The goron turned towards Targas to discover the snowball's origin.
"Magmus!" Targas screamed, "Bring Anthros, we've found cover." Magmus quickly turned to the Asrean to relay the message, but he was too focused on rescuing the army to pay any attention. In frustration, the massive goron knocked Anthros off his horse with a forceful punch. He quickly helped his ally up, grabbed his wrist, and then started running after the zora brothers dragging Anthros behind him.
The four of them made it back to the hidden Ulgeron tunnel only seconds before the avalanche tore its way past. Snow quickly blocked up the hidden door way separating them from the rest of the army. On the other side, thousands of Asrean soldiers cried out as they were enveloped by the white clouds of the avalanche. Within minutes, the entire Asrean army had been obliterated, without a single ulgeron death.
"It appears as though we are victorious," General Ulgor said to Ormek, as they held their position on the mountain cliffs. "I still don't think the rest of your plan to capture Ulron-Chi will work. You were only lucky today."
Ormek didn't respond, instead he continued to stare down at the recently formed graveyard. He saw not only snow, but hundreds of broken weapons and shields and other various debris sticking out from the ice.
"It's almost as if you were saddened by the death of these Asreans," Ulgor said after a couple more minutes.
"What's that," Ormek replied, "I'm sorry, I have a strange condition that prevents me from hearing the comments of idiots." Ulgor snarled at his nemesis, but before he could respond Ormek turned to Torqin, who was standing beside Ulgor.
"Torqin, do your soldiers have Vilamaros?" Ormek asked.
"Yes sir," Torqin replied.
"See that he is brought to the armory," Ormek commanded, "I need to speak with him.
"Of course," Torqin answered with the slight nod of his head. He then departed to carry out his orders. Ormek remained only for a moment longer before he began to make his way back to the Ulgeron base. As he left, he and Ulgor exchanged angry glances, but neither of them spoke a word.
Before long all of the ulgerons had returned to their base and Ormek had made his way to the armory to find a frightened Vilamaros, bound, gagged and, blindfolded, lying on the ground. The general motioned to the guards who quickly cut the bands and removed the gag and blindfold.
"What is the meaning of this," Vilamaros said angrily as he rose to his feet.
"It was just a precautionary measure," Ormek said as he removed his helmet and uncovered his face. "With so many of your fellow Asreans close by, we didn't want to risk you being spotted willingly following any Ulgerons.
"You could have warned me," Vilamaros said in frustration.
"I didn't even think of that," Ormek chuckled. "In any case, you are free now and with the death of your brother, that effectively makes you the ruler of Asrenath."
"Finally!" the Asrean muttered under his breath.
"And now that I have upheld my part of the bargain," Ormek continued, "It's time for you to do your part. How long will it take you to empty out Ulron-Chi?"
"I could have my troops out in three days," Vilamaros answered, "As far as the troops from the other nations I'd say, about two weeks."
"Very well," Ormek said, "the ulgerons will begin their assault on the fortress three weeks from now. You have till then to make sure you and your men are out. When you set sail, stay as close to the western sore as you can. Admiral Forraeos and his fleet will be waiting to ambush any ship that leaves Ulron-Chi. If you take any other course you will be met with ulgeron navy."
"I understand," Vilamaros nodded.
"Do you have any questions about the rest of your assignment?" Ormek inquired. Vilamaros simply shook his head to imply that he did not. "The rest of what I must do is clear," he said.
"All right then," Ormek continued, "these guards will take you to the surface. Good luck." Vilamaros then turned to follow the ulgerons out of the room, but before he could leave, Ormek drew a small knife from his belt and slashed it across the back of the prince's neck.
Vilamaros grunted with pain and grabbed the back of his neck. "What was that for?" he cried.
"I don't know for certain," Ormek laughed. "I just felt like giving you a reminder that your are still alive."
"You're one demented hylian," Vilamaros hissed.
"Quit your whining," Ormek said with a raised voice, "I barely even scratched you. Now get back to the fortress."
Vilamaros mumbled something inaudiably as he left, still stroking his own neck. Ormek waited for a few seconds after the prince left before he covered his face again and replaced his helmet and then left the armory himself. He made his way through the demonic caverns swiftly until he came to his next destination, the dungeon. He soon located the cell that contained two Tyfirian captives.
"I hope that my troops didn't mistreat you on your way here," Ormek said as he walked up to his old colleagues.
"What do you want Mygar?" Syrus said with a harsh voice.
"You know who I am without an introduction, eh?" Ormek asked.
"You are well known in my country," Syrus responded. "After all, the designs for your weapons came from Tyfiria."
"Not quite," Ormek refuted. "I was in truth the one who created those marvelous pieces of equipment."
"Don't try to fool me," Syrus shot back. "I saw the plans for those things long before you demons ever came to these lands. They are the designs of general Ormek.
"Indeed," Ormek said with a hint of amusement. "So Syrus, I hear you were promoted to the rank of general shortly after Ormek's passing."
"How… do you know who I am?" Syrus asked with a stutter.
"You also are well known to me," Ormek responded. "I would wager I know more about you then even Ekrin here."
"Syrus of Tyfiria, born as a slave Boccar Cyntir, you were sold to a wealthy farmer at the age of six. You worked on the farm, growing and harvesting wheat until the age of twelve, when the Tyfirian rebels attacked the farm and freed you. Ormek, who was only a captain at the time, took you in as his adopted brother. He trained you in the art of war and at the age of twenty-four you achieved the rank of colonel.
"During the brief Cyntir-Tyfirian war you sided with the king of Tyfiria and were one of the key people in defeating Ormek and you have been the caretaker of the good general's inventions from that time."
"How do you know this? Why are you here?" Syrus asked frantically as Ekrin looked at the supposed ulgeron in amazement.
"I am here, to set the two of you free," Ormek answered, but you will have to do a favor for me."
"What makes you think we'll help you," Syrus snapped. At that comment, Ormek did not say a word, but simply removed his helmet and pulled the cloth from his face.
"General?" Ekrin said in disbelief, "How… but you're dead."
"No," Ormek shook his head, "I merely faked my death to avoid being hunted by enemies."
"Ormek, you tricky serpent," Syrus said with a smile on his face. "I was completely fooled by your disguise."
"It is not a disguise," Ormek said hesitantly. "I am general Mygar."
"What?" Syrus said as the smile faded from his face.
"I am the one who has been leading the Siragons in their conquest." Ormek continued. "It was I that awoke the ulgerons of Siragoth. I taught them how to make their weapons and led them into battle. I am the cause of this war that is being fought, and it has all been done with the aid of the Triforce of Knowledge." Ormek then removed his gauntlet and showed his old friends the symbol on the back of is hand."
"But the Triforce was returned to the Sacred Realm," Syrus protested.
"That was another fakery on my part," Ormek replied.
"You lie!" Syrus shouted, "You're not the real Ormek. He would never have aided the Siragons! You must be the product of some demonic illusion!"
"No," Ormek said somberly, "I am Ormek. Though you are right, my old self never would have aided these fowl creatures. It's the Triforce of Knowledge. It has been filling my mind with lies. It has driven me mad. Even now it tries to consume my mind."
"Then why don't you rid yourself of it? Cast it away, be done with its evil," Syrus said, recalling the change the he had seen come over the general when he first obtained his piece of the Triforce. He remembered how after he obtained the relic, Ormek became far more vengeful and obsessed with his goal to destroy Cyntir. It was this same obsession which caused the former Tyfirian general to betray his country and imprison his own king.
"I will not lay it aside now," Ormek answered, "I can now see through the lies that once blinded me. I can finally see these demons for who they really are. I need the Triforce to defeat the ulgerons and put an end to their invasion of this world."
"If you want to defeat the ulgerons, why do you march ahead of them into war?" Syrus inquired sincerely.
"I can do more to hinder them on this side of the canon," said Ormek.
"No," Syrus said, "If you were true you would defect and share you weapons and wealth of knowledge with the races of this world and lead us to victory."
"No country would allow me to live if I returned." Ormek disputed. "Even king Talrid would seek my life if he knew I was yet alive. Especially if he knew of the crimes I have committed as Mygar. No, I will be more useful where I am, but I am in need of your help."
Syrus was still distrusting of his old mentor at this point, but he decided to listen to see how genuine Ormek was. "What do you need me to do?" Syrus asked after a short period of silence.
"Before I can tell you, I must reveal the plot of the Siragons to capture Ulron-Chi. They not gathered an army in Lorshimnen large enough to conquer the fortress. There are only about thirty-five thousand of the demons on the island at the present time.
"Earlier today, an army of ten thousand Asreans headed by prince Anthros, marched from Ulron-chi in hopes of rescuing you and Ekrin. The Siragons expected a desperate move such as that, for that the whole purpose of capturing you two was to draw them out. They were ambushed not two hours ago. The Asreans were cornered and then they were all destroyed, with the exception of prince Vilamaros. He was taken away from the rest of the army before the ambush.
"Vilamaros has been acting as a sort of spy for Siragoth for several months now, in exchange for the Asrean crown. Vilamaros was released only a few minutes ago. His next task is to return to Ulron-Chi. Once there he will tell the armies of the various lands of the Siragon troops. He will tell them he and his men were ambushed by a tremendous army made up of not only Siragons, but of Lorshimnenites, Cyntirians, and Tyfirians."
"What?" Syrus exclaimed, "That's absurd, no Tyfirian would aid Siragoth. No one will believe that!"
"No one needs to believe it," Ormek replied. "He will use his claim as grounds to pull the rest of the Asreans out of Ulron-Chi. From there, the rest of the union stationed at the fortress will crumble. One by one the different nations will leave Lorshimnen and before long the ancient structure will be left without a garrison. This is the aim of the demons. They do not have enough soldiers to take it by force, but they desire to capture Ulron-Chi above all else."
"Why?" Syrus questioned, "In all of this, I can't figure out the Siragons are so obsessed with taking the fortress."
"There is an ancient artifact of immense power somewhere within the structure that the Siragons need to complete their conquest." Ormek said.
"The Asreans have already searched the fortress" Syrus argued, "not just once, but several times. They have found nothing."
"Because they don't know what there looking for," Ormek countered.
"Well, what sort of artifact is it?" questioned Syrus.
"Of that I am not sure myself," Ormek answered, "Nor do I know what sort of power it contains, but this I do know, that the ulgerons, will never rest until they obtain it."
"How can you not know what it is?" Syrus asked. "I thought you were these demons' ruler."
"I am merely a military commander," Ormek replied, "The demons have not told me what exactly they seek here. Most of the Siragons do not even know what there looking for, only that there is something here they need to enslave the races of this world. And for this reason we can allow them to be victorious here. That is why I must have your assistance, Syrus.
"I need you and Ekrin to return to Ulron-Chi and dispute the claims of Vilamaros. Reveal him as a traitor to his country if you can. Get as many troops to remain at the fortress as you can. It does not have to be many. the defenses of Ulron-Chi will keep you well protected. The Siragons are relatively few in number in this part of the land. Do this and I will lead the demons under my command to their utter destruction. A defeat here will be a tremendous loss to Siragoth. It will buy you enough time to gather together another garrison, one large enough that you will be able to defend the fortress forever if you must."
Ormek then fell silent, giving his former allies a chance to ponder his words. Syrus didn't know how to react. He was still having trouble grasping the fact that Ormek was still alive, not to mention that his old friend was in fact the Siragon who was responsible for all the destruction the demons had caused. He could barely even think about the other things Ormek had told him.
"I understand that would be distrusting of me," Ormek finally said after more than two minutes of silence, "If you still do not believe my words, than go. Return to Ulron-Chi and see if Vilamaros does not do exactly as I have said. When he does, you will know all the things I have told you are true." Syrus simply nodded at this statement.
"That's right," Ormek said seeming very pleased as he pulled a key from his belt and handed it to Ekrin. "Do not open your cell for at least another hour. I am being watched very closely by some of the demons here. Once you make you escape, follow these directions back to Ulron-Chi," he said as he handed Ekrin a folded piece of paper. "Stay out of the open. I will create a diversion for you, so that the Siragons will search for you in the wrong places.
"Syrus, I am counting on you," Ormek said as he slid his left hand through the bars of the cell and placed it on Syrus's shoulder. "You need to understand that I realize I have done many terrible things as general Mygar. I am simply trying to set things right." Syrus was at a loss for how to respond, he could only give a half smile to the man he once regarded as a brother.
"Syrus, there is something else I need you to do," Ormek whispered so that Ekrin could not hear him, as he drew a cylindrical object from his belt and placed it Syrus's hand. "This is one of the seven dark stones of Malikar that was recovered from king of Carthor. All seven stones are required in order to utilize the treasure found at Ulron-Chi. The ulgerons posses six of the stones including this one. The seventh eludes them for the time being, but always are the ulgerons drawn to their power. They can sense when one of them is near. However, the canister I have placed it in is able to absorb the energy that constantly emanates from the stone.
"Whatever you do, do not open the canister. As long as it remains sealed the demons will be unable to detect its presence. Regardless of whether or not Ulron-Chi falls, the ulgerons can not enslave the other races without this stone. I place this critical task upon you my old friend, to keep this stone away from our enemies, until the end of the world if necessary.
"Do not reveal its existence to anyone, not even to Talrid. Do not even mention it to me if our paths should ever cross again. Do you understand?
"Yes," Syrus answered hesitantly. "I will mention this to no one."
"I knew I could count on you general," Ormek smiled. "Be careful as you make your escape. These halls are crawling with demons. You may find it useful to disguise yourselves as you exit."
Ormek then stepped away from the cell and again donned his helmet. "Farewell Syrus," He said with a somber tone, "I hope than one day I will be able to tell you the whole story." Ormek then saluted his brother in arms and promptly left.
"I don't know if I can trust him," Ekrin whispered once Ormek was gone.
"Neither do I," Syrus agreed, "but one thing I do know. We have to get out of here." He then took the key from Ekrin and used it to unlock the cell door, but he did not open it. Instead he laid himself on the ground, with his feet against the door and his knees bent and closed his eyes. Ekrin likewise placed himself on the ground and closed his eyes as the two of them waited for their chance to make a run for it. They did not have to wait long, only until a couple of ulgerons came down into the dungeon with a pail full of what seemed to be some sort of petrified stew.
"Supper time," one of the ulgerons shouted has he approached the Tyfirians. "You dogs are in luck tonight. The cook made you my favorite dish. Wild wolfos brains with ground centipedes." Neither of the men reacted to the comment, but instead pretended to be asleep.
"Hey!" the ulgeron shouted, "Didn't you maggots hear me? Wake up!" The two men continued to feign sleep, until both ulgerons stood outside their cell. Syrus then took his chance by pushing on the cell door with all his might, using his legs. The door swung open violently, knocking both of the demons over. One hit his head on the ground as he fell, knocking him unconscious. Syrus quickly sprang to his feet, rushed out of the cell and tackled the other ulgeron as he attempted to get back on his feet. The two of them began wrestling with each other. Before long, the muscular demon started to gain the advantage over his hylian attacker. Within ten seconds he had Syrus pinned.
"I just thought of another dish that I like better," the ulgeron laughed cruelly, "fresh hylian meat." The demon then opened his mouth to take a bite out of his opponent, but before he could, Ekrin came up behind him and smacked him in the back of the head with the dinner pail, knocking him out cold as well.
"Thanks," Syrus said as Ekrin helped him up off the ground. The two Tyfirians wasted no time in stripping their captors of their clothing, using it to cover themselves in hopes that they'd be able to blend in with the ulgerons as they made their way to the surface. Once they were done they dragged the demons into their old cell and locked them in. Unfortunately, neither of the demons wore anything to cover their faces, but as they exited out of the dungeon they discovered two ulgeron helmets sitting by the door.
"It looks like Ormek left us a parting gift," Ekrin said as picked up one of the helmets and placed it over his head. Syrus followed his example as Ekrin unfolded the map Ormek had given him. With the help of the map and their new clothing, the two hylians easily made there way through the cavernous corridors all the way to the surface on the western side of the ulgeron base. When they arrived they discovered the sun had already gone down and the temperature had dropped significantly.
"I am so sick of the weather on this island," Ekrin said with his teeth chattering. Syrus did not respond, he simply took the map from Ekrin's hand and followed the directions to a large near by rock. Leaning up against the boulder's side was a small deposit of provisions, including thick ulrian clothing lined with fur. They also found two weeks worth of rations for two people and a small tent.
"It looks like ol' Ormek has us covered," Ekrin said with a grin.
"Yeah…," Syrus said still suspicious of his old friend. "I don't know. This seems too easy. None of this seems to be adding up to me. We should be wary off all of this."
"I agree," Ekrin responded, "but let's make the best of this situation and get as far away from the ulgerons as possible." Syrus simply nodded and the two of them continued to follow the map into a grove of pine trees and away from their prison.
Meanwhile, back in the ulrian base, Ormek had been busy furthering his plans. He had made his way to the stables of the Rimgard, carefully knocked out the ulgerons guards there without being noticed, and took two of the horses and saddled them. He then guided them to the surface on the northeastern side of the base. Once there he smacked the thighs of both horses and sent them galloping off ,riderless, into the night. The general then returned to his quarters.
He was not there an hour before an ulgeron officer knocked on his door. "Enter," Ormek said casually. A nervous looking demon then entered the room.
"What is it, colonel?" Ormek asked, with a hint of anger in his voice.
"Sir," the ulgeron gulped, "The two Tyfirian prisoners have escaped."
"What!" Ormek yelled as though he didn't already know. "How?!"
"We don't sir," the demon answered, "We recently found two of the guards locked in their cell, with the captives nowhere to be found. We also discovered that two of the Rimgards' horses have been stolen. We have checked many of the entrances to the base and located fresh horse tracks at the northeastern door.
"Have you sent search parties after them yet?" Ormek inquired.
"Yes sir," the ulgeron answered. "We have already dispatched three teams.
"We need more!" Ormek barked, "Send out all available units to look for them. Send an advance group of Rimgard riders to the mountains just north of Ulron-Chi. They are to make certain the no hylian makes it back to the fortress. We can't afford to have these prisoners inform our enemies of the location of our base!" The ulgeron saluted and was about to leave to carry out his orders before Ormek stopped him.
"Colonel," Ormek called out, "When you captured the two Tyfirians earlier today, did you take any other prisoners?"
"We imprisoned a few Asrean officers," the demon replied.
"Where are they?" Ormek asked anxiously.
"The southern dungeon on the third level," the ulgeron divulged. "Why do you ask?"
Ormek smiled and then said confidently, "Because I have thought of a way to use them to capture my prey."