The Heir of King Meldh, Copyright 2004 by S.J.E. Brainerd
Kriki's Gift, Copyright 2013 by S.J.E. Brainerd

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Kriki's Gift, Chapter XXIX, Reading 24



"Thank you, Captain."  Kalmar focused his attention to listen for the drumbeat but instead felt his mind being drawn to the place Flindra and Gegen were now seeing.  Deep within the heart of the cavern was a central chamber and it was here that the drums were being sounded.  Men and women were running to the summons.  All had grabbed some kind of weapon and moved about in complete frenzy.  All three Champions were shocked to see the numbers present - hundreds of howling monsters were running helter-skelter while they awaited someone to take command.
"It's not going to take long for this howling mob to make it to the surface somewhere," Gegen warned.  "Wouldn't it be easier for us to attack them here and save our forces inevitable casualties?"
"I have an idea, but we need to make sure our forces are well away from the tunnel entrances," Flindra said.
"What's that dearest?" Kalmar asked.
"When I destroyed the evil seed there was a burst of energy that not only hurled Leitho and me back to our own reality, but it weakened the tunnel roof enough that it triggered the cave-in that trapped us.  I believe we can generate a burst of energy, which will collapse the cavern roof.  We can put an end to these monsters in an instant.  It'll save our soldiers from the horror of battling with these maniacs and it will actually be a more merciful end to Valkea's followers.  The risk comes from the fact that we could trigger landslides on the surface."
"It sounds like a good idea.  Let's give it a try," the King agreed.  "Allow me to warn the soldiers so they can pull back to a safer location.  They've been readying to do battle at the tunnel entrance where we fought the Valkea."
Kalmar drew his full focus back to the men gathered around the entrance.  His image had actually vanished during the conference with Flindra and Gegen.  His officers were huddled together in a deep discussion and he could see worry on their faces - no doubt caused from his unexplained disappearance.  "Forgive me for not warning you I was leaving," he said.  "I didn't mean to alarm you."
Pender smiled in relief.  "There is no need to ask forgiveness, Sire.  We were just concerned something bad had happened to you."  Cherok and Boerger smiled and nodded in agreement.
"I heard the drums and joined Flindra and Gegen for they had located the source of the commotion.  The Valkea's forces are gathering and are working themselves into an insane fury," Kalmar reported.  "The three of us are going to attempt to create a cave-in to destroy them all to spare you the risk and effort of defeating them.  Flindra is worried our actions might trigger a landslide here so I want all of you to return to the road and then move into positions where you aren't beneath a cliff face or talus slope.  If we fail in our efforts and the mob escapes, it'll also be an easier battle fighting them on the level.  Choose your positions with that in mind."
"We will, my lord King."
"Good luck, gentlemen."  He held up his hand in parting and let his focus be drawn back to Flindra.

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