CHAPTER 13

THE RETURN TO KEVA

Shamar retuned to that secret hidden land controlled by his home city-state of Keva and was welcomed warmly by thousands of hearty and joyous green men and women. All were happy to see their king alive and brought back to them again—and returning to them on such a wonderful flying ship. Shamar could easily see what a popular leader he had become to his people, but he also saw how they all marveled at the stolen Vognar airship that he had arrived in. Aron The Eldest was the most happy to see that wonderful airship. It was impressive and he knew it held secrets that even now the wily Kevans were breaking down, copying, and putting to use in their own weapons.

“One might think you are more happy to see this flying ship, than you are to see your own king,” Shamar told wily Aron with a wink as they inspected the enemy vessel.

“Nonsense, my lad, you are our good king,” Aron told him with a wry grin, “and I am happy to have you back alive and safe with us again. But I would be lying to you if I did not admit I was even more happy to have this amazing Vognar ship.”

“Hah! Overjoyed to have it, is more like it!”

Aron gave a sly smile, “Yes, overjoyed is a good word for it, for I am thrilled to unlock the secrets that it holds. This ship is important to the survival of our city and our people. You have done well, my king.”

Shamar gloried in that simple praise from the great Aron.

The king of Keva was next met by the full Great Council of Old Ones, and under Aron and Olar’s instructions they set about examining the workings of the Vognar airship and the workings of its secret devices in detail. The information they took from the ship proved to be a treasure trove. Soon they were making their plans for the battle to come. They must work fast now for they knew the Vognar air fleet was on the way and time was precious.

“What news of Tarcos?” Shamar asked Aron once they had some time alone. “I have returned Jon Kirk and Zaor to that city, and I saw that it stood safe when I was there last evening, but does the city yet stand?”

“Yes, it stands as yet, by what we have been able to determine from our mind-to-mind searches—so far it does stand safe from the enemy,” Aron replied tensely. “However, time is precious for them as well.”

Shamar nodded, and he could see that the elder had a lot of problems preying upon his mind—deep dark fears were there— none saw them all clearer than Aron. Shamar was glad that he was not one of the Old Ones, he did not want to be able to see all the darkness and evil that they saw. It was too disturbing, so unsettling.

They walked on, examining the ship and making notes, comments, things to be done. So much to be done.

Finally Aron smiled and said, “A mind-search has just told us of an impending attack upon the Winged-men camp surrounding Tarcos, and that Grusus, the leader of the winged horde seems to be the target. The plan is to assassinate him in his own headquarters. If it works, this may stall the attack on Tarcos and throw the enemy into chaos for the moment. How long that lasts we can not know.”

Shamar allowed a grim smile with a hint of hope, “That is good news indeed. I see the hand of Jon Kirk in that I am sure.”

Aron nodded, hopeful such an attack might work, “My thoughts exactly. I wish Jon Kirk well, but we have a more serious problem now. The battle fleet of Lord Mentep of the Vognars has already landed upon the eastern continent and he plans to join forces with the winged horde to destroy Tarcos. It is as I feared, but it is even far worse. After they destroy Tarcos his mission is to seek us here in Keva and destroy this city and all the people in it.”

“Then Lord Mentep’s fleet must be stopped or destroyed,” Shamar demanded. Then he added, “and just as important is that these Winged-men must be routed from their attack upon Tarcos.” “That is exactly what we shall do now,” Aron said with a grim smile.

“But how can we do that?” Shamar asked, dubious of how it would be accomplished.

“We have ways, my king. We need to get to work right away.” Aron The Eldest told him. Then he stood up and got everyone’s attention and began to outline the plan that he had formulated for the war. A plan which he hoped would save Keva.

The Old Ones of the Great Council all turned to listen to their revered leader with firm determination and not a little fear. This was grim business now. They were embarking upon dangerous ground in waging this war. They knew that. They also knew that failure meant death and extermination.

Aron continued speaking to the gathered leaders in a firm and serious tone, “Nothing but a lack of speed on our part can cause this plan to fail. It all depends upon the amount of time we have to get ready and the speed with which our action is carried out. Already, even before you set foot back in Keva, King Shamar, certain forces have been put into play by us. The Great Council is ready and we have been busy while you have been gone. We now have four small airships built and ready. It was done using the old knowledge of the Ancients, but now we need to make all haste to include the Vognar wonder weapons inside these ships so we can get them set for battle. We may even be able to augment those weapons. Improve them. Then we will be ready. Once the battle is joined, we must all await the results. It will either be victory or death, life or utter annihilation, there is no third way for us now.”