The Shadows of Starpoint Mountain Page 2

  “I’m saying it’s possible,” the Third Minister glared at him.

  “And they managed something like that with no one noticing it?”

  The Third Minister ground his teeth as his position weakened. His face turned red as the Sixth Minister started to laugh and celebrate his victory.

  “Ok,” the Third Minister said trying to prevent his anger towards the smaller giant from taking over. “Answer me this then. One question for you.”

  “Of course,” the Sixth Minister said with total confidence.

  “Who else would do it?”

  The Sixth Minister stroked his beard again. Then he looked at the Third Minister and simply said, “Things we don’t know.”

  The Third Minister glared at him, but before he could say anything, they were interrupted by the sound of someone clapping. They turned and looked at the Second Minister. He was standing at the top of the stairs, smiling, and clapping loudly. His eyes were bright, and he carried himself with great power. He gave them a crooked smile as he spoke.

  “Perhaps the dragon had something to do with it,” he speculated. “It did return to the mountain before the fall.”

  “Dragon at the mountain?” the Third Minister laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous! There’s been no dragon…” the Third Minister’s protest broke off when he saw the looks on their faces. His mood darkened as he watched them both. “You’re serious?”

  “Yes,” the Second Minister looked at him with great satisfaction. “Even your web of spies didn’t tell you about that, did they?”

  “No, they didn’t,” the Sixth Minister narrowed his eyes and read the Third Minister’s expression.

  “You’re listening to rumors,” the Third Minister hoped his voice sounded more confident than he really was. “It must have been an illusion,” he said to try and bolster his defense. “Some kind of illusion to draw people’s attention away from the real weapon.”

  “So, now not only do the aquilus have the power to bring down a mountain, they can also cast illusions,” the Sixth Minister said with sarcasm slicing his words. “Next thing you know they’ll resurrect the fairies as well.”

  “If only they could,” the Second Minister said.

  “What about you?” the Third Minister asked walking towards the Fifth Minister.

  Even though he was a giant, at that moment, the Fifth Minister seemed quite small. “I’m sure there’s a great deal to be considered,” he said without looking up at them. “My biggest concern is helping those that are injured. I’d be more than willing to lead rescue forces,” he said raising his right hand.

  “Of course,” the Third Minister said with frustration. “But who do you think caused it? Could it have been the aquilus?”

  “It could have been,” the Fifth Minister said.

  “Could you think of anyone else who would want too?”

  “Not immediately.”

  “There,” the Third Minister said and smiled at the Sixth Minister.

  “You’re bullying him to get your point across,” the Sixth Minister protested. “In the royal courts you would be pulled down for this.”

  “So, you say. I wouldn’t know for sure as I have never been pulled down before. Perhaps you could tell me what it’s like,” he offered as politely as he possibly could. It was a tactic he knew would hurt.

  The Sixth Minister’s temper started to break. Being pulled down in a court was much like spanking or in some way disciplining a small child. It happened on occasions when representatives were swept up in the emotion of the case and lost the decorum of the court. Before joining the Circle of Ministers, the Sixth Minister had spent thirty years as a representative to the courts. To this day no other giant was even close to matching his number of times for being pulled down. The Sixth Minister’s mind raced as he searched for the worst insults possible.

  The Fifth Minister sank even further into his chair and even the Second Minister took a step out of the way.

  “Have any of you looked outside?” asked the First Minister in his weak voice.

  It was so calm and unemotional that it shattered the tension between the Ministers. They all stopped what they were doing and sat down in their official chairs.

  “Is this all of us?” the First Minister asked.

  They all looked at the empty fourth and seventh chairs in their respective positions.

  “Yes,” the Second Minister said after a pause. “The Seventh Minister, as you’ll recall, was visiting the farmlands and helping settle some crop issues.”

  “Of course,” the First minister said. “He does so care for the farmlands. The other?” he asked. He did not move or look away from the open wall, yet they were always able to tell who he was expecting an answer from.

  “The Fourth Minister was visiting Atrexia,” the Sixth Minister reminded them.

  “We must send for information on his location as soon as possible. Hopefully he was close enough to give us details.”

  “I’m sure the elite force has already done so,” the Third Minister said. There was a long silence that followed, and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair as if a child who had spoken out of turn.

  “We must immediately take positive action. I’d like you to begin organizing rescue operations. Get as many believers, healers, potions, and natural remedies as possible and start helping the wounded and injured. Take as many people as you need,” the First Minister ordered.

  “I would be honored,” the Fifth Minister said.

  “There will be people coming to the main gates of the capital city before the end of the day. I’d like you to prepare refugee camps, food, and shelters for them. Arcada will assign as many guards as possible to help maintain order without weakening our own defenses.”

  “Of course, we will begin within the hour,” agreed the Second Minister.

  “He will assist in coordination,” the First Minister said. The Eight Minister nodded that he would, and the Second Minister patted him on the shoulder reassuringly.

  “As for you,” the First Minister continued, “you must immediately start scouting the mountain. Set up survey teams with cartographers and scribes.”

  “I will visit the royal records house as well,” the Sixth Minister said to impress the First Minister.

  “Due to the urgency of the situation feel free to use jump casting whenever necessary.”

  The other Ministers shuffled uncomfortably and failed to hide their surprise in the announcement. Though not frowned upon, transport casting was rarely used by the Giant Lords.

  “What would you like me to do?” the Third Minister asked respectfully.

  “I would like you to work with the King and Queen. We must maintain an image. You have helped guide Paleth through sometimes difficult situations in the past and must do so now.”

  The Third Minister relaxed and let out a smile.

  “Where is King Paleth, by the way?” the First Minister asked.

  “I believe he is on his way here,” the Third Minister replied.

  “We shall wait,” the First Minister said.

  They sat in silence for a few moments until they could hear the sound of a party approaching from the floor below.

  King Paleth came marching up the stairs with his entourage behind him. In addition to Captain Arcada he had picked up the Royal Scribe, the Royal Artist and the Royal Dresser along the way. They all came to a stop when they reached the room and saw the remains of what had, until today, been the eternal monument of Starpoint Mountain. The rest of them stopped in place but King Paleth walked forward and stared at the new landscape before them.

  Paleth put his hand on his chest and took several deep breaths. Finally, he turned and faced the Ministers.

  “I have no idea what to do?” he said with a whisper.

  ***

  Now that there was nothing to block the direct sunlight dawn came early to Spring Field on the second morning. While the lands below the level of the Rainbow Mountains stayed dark and covered with floating deb
ris, the inhabitants of the capital city were awake when the first rays of light crested the horizon.

  The magnificent gates, each fifty feet in width, were closed and inside the wall’s teams of giants and their assistants were preparing to venture out of the city. The Fifth Minister had been up most of the night planning rescue parties. Twenty caravans of healers, believers, clothes, and supplies were ready to be moved. The finest horses had been harnessed into powerful teams and the drivers were ready to go.

  Outside the gates almost three hundred people were waiting. They had either been away from their now darkened homes or had been far enough from the center of the mountain not to be threatened. They had come to the city hoping for news or information on what had happened. Many just wanted to be reassured that they were safe from further tragedy. They needed the Giant Lords to tell them they would be okay. An hour after sunrise the doors slowly swung open a few yards and, to everyone’s surprise and relief, King Paleth came to speak to them.

  “My friends welcome, to our beloved city,” he said calmly. His voice was loud enough that they could all easily hear him. “I am very glad to tell you that our city and our royal family are safe and sound.” He paused and smiled as a round of applause swept through the crowd. “Let me assure you that, like all of you, we are concerned about the well being and stability of the land and its citizens. You will be safe.” Again, there was a round of applause from the viewers.

  “I have personally made plans for rescue parties to be dispatched to all areas of the land. Please stand back so they may set out on their missions of mercy,” he cheered and spread his arms wide. On cue the doors opened the rest of the way and the crowd before him separated like a wave. With as much pomp and circumstance as was possible twenty caravans thundered through the gate and immediately split up in several directions. The crowd cheered and waved as each caravan passed and the mood of the crowd was noticeably brightened.

  Once the crowd’s excitement leveled Paleth spoke again.

  “As you have just seen we are already working to keep you safe and happy. We have done so since the Goblin Blood Lords invaded and, sadly, the fairies were lost, and pledge to be worthy of your faith.

  “To do that we will have teams here at the gate for several days helping you register and leave messages or names for anyone you fear may have been injured.” He paused as a gentle round of applause and gratitude came from the populace. “Thank you. Your patience and understanding will be rewarded.

  “Now, to the matters of utmost importance,” he said as he pointed towards the empty eastern sky. The still rolling clouds hung in the air and, from this angle, much of the natural horizon was blocked from view. They could not see the towers that remained, but the absence of Starpoint Mountain itself was unmistakable. “I understand, and share, your despair over the loss of the mighty mountain. I also understand your anger. I have set all of the assets at my disposal to find those who are responsible. There will be justice,” he said with a booming voice and the crowd erupted in cheers and support. He could see their anger just under the surface and pushed forward. “We will prevail. Right now, my agents are tracking down leads and information on the weapons of massive destruction that would have been used. We will find out who is responsible for this attack on our homeland and we will hold them responsible.” As he spoke, he pounded his fists into the air and the crowd gave some supportive cheers.

  “I hear you,” he said and then swept his arms back to draw attention to the capital city and the Palace. “We hear you! And those responsible for this loss will hear all of us soon!” With that all of those watching him stood and applauded. He could feel their unity, he could feel their anger, he could feel their support and loyalty. He applauded robustly and enjoyed the sting in the palm of his hands.

  ***

  On the third day the Third Minister sat working in his office. The room was darkened even this close to noon. Even though there was an open window this wall faced north, and the next building was very close. It allowed him to keep the fresh air coming yet kept what happened inside the office hidden from view.

  He met with several of his agents and had been making plans for the next move. He was at his desk writing on a scroll when there was a light tap at the door. He hid the scroll before getting up and answering.

  Captain Arcada was standing at attention outside the door. “King Paleth wishes to speak with you, Third Minister.”

  “Of course,” the Third Minister responded. “I would be honored.”

  The Third Minister stood back and Captain Arcada entered. He looked around the room as was his usual security check and then walked back outside. He informed the King that the room was secure so Paleth entered and looked at the Third Minister.

  “We have much to discuss,” Paleth said.

  “Yes, your majesty,” the Third Minister agreed. “We must work hard to protect our kingdom.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” the King said to Arcada. The Captain nodded and closed the door leaving the two giants alone.

  “Would you like a smoke, Paleth?” Krove, the Third Minister, asked with a smile. They both relaxed and the pretext of formality disappeared.

  “Of course, I would,” Paleth said with a broad smile.

  Krove went to a small cabinet and retrieved a large bowl of tobacco and several pipes. He lit one for himself and then one for the king.

  “It’s getting difficult to go out there, Krove. They are looking for answers that I don’t have.”

  “Don’t worry, my friend,” Krove said comfortably and took a deep puff. “Things are going well. My agents are at work.”

  “Have they come up with anything definite yet?”

  “No, but we will,” he said and watched Paleth slowly blow out a long stream of smoke. “You did well yesterday. You soothed lots of their fears and even brought some light to them. They loved you.”

  “Yes,” Paleth smiled as he remembered the day. “It was a tough performance.”

  “But,” Krove said as he set back and put his feet on the desk, “you had them eating out of the palm of your hands. Well done.”

  “Thank you,” Paleth said as he started blowing smoke rings.

  “Remember, it’s a start. I’m sorry, my friend, I know how difficult it is, but this is only the beginning. We’ve feared that threats were coming. This was tragic and unexpected, we all grieve the loss of the mountain, but there are other threats we’ll have to face.”

  Paleth took another long puff and thought several moments before speaking. “Is there any news on those other threats? Were there any real signs of druid activity near Primor?”

  “I’m not sure yet,” Krove answered. “One of my agents, Mekon, is on his way here. We aren’t sure what the terrain will be, of course, but he will be here as soon as possible.”

  “What if there is some truth to the stories? What if the druids have returned?”

  “I’m sure we can deal with that problem as well,” Krove said with complete confidence.

  “They are the only people more honored than we are. They left overnight and our ancestors were able to step into the kingdom. What happens if they want it back?” He looked at Krove and saw there was no concern at all on his friend’s face. “You have something planned, don’t you?” Paleth asked with renewed enthusiasm.

  “Of course, I do,” he laughed. “I always have plans. The loss of the mountain is terrible but, right now, we must not show weakness. We must have someone to blame for the tragedy. We can use that fear to keep our leadership strong.”

  “Can you blame the aquilus for bringing down the mountain? “

  “Partially,” Krove puffed some sweet tobacco and blew it out through his mouth. “We can’t put all of the blame on them. We must keep the public’s fear of the elves strong but not that overwhelming. Plus, saying that they managed that big of a feat would be difficult to explain against their evil animal image of the past.”

  “So, you need to have someone else?” Paleth asked and
then his friends plans suddenly became clear. “The druids!”

  “Of course,” Krove said with a hearty laugh.

  “Only you,” Paleth said with true admiration. “This land has faced an unspeakable disaster, something that no one ever even imagined could have happened, and only you could turn it in to a personal victory.”

  “Not just me. Giants, humans, dwarves, everyone will be looking to you for leadership. They will believe anything you say and will do anything you say. Your powers will be unmatched.”

  Paleth drew another breath of tobacco. He smiled and reveled in the thought of the power he would have. Even some of the long-held laws would be unable to stop him with the power of the citizens behind him. Then he stopped and blew out the smoke as the confidence started to fall.

  “What happens if there are no druids?”

  “Leave that to me,” Krove said as he put out his pipe. He tapped the pipe against the bowl and let the tobacco fall clear as he smiled. “If need be there will be others to blame.”

  Paleth cleaned his pipe as well and they waited for the smoke to clear. They opened the door and were met by Captain Arcada and one of the Third Minister’s personal assistants.

  “I’m sorry, Minister,” the assistant said. “There is someone at the main gate who insists on seeing you. I wouldn’t have brought it to your attention, but I thought, in this case, you should know.” The Third Minister’s mind started racing and he wondered which groups or delegates would find it important enough to break tradition and be so insulting. “It’s a human female, a girl, who says you owe her a favor.”

  TWO: THE SLOW DAWN

  Night came early the day the mountain fell. With unimaginable amounts of dirt and rock in the air the dark clouds steadily spread across the land. It consumed two-thirds of the farmlands between the center of the mountain and the southern coastline. The Terra Firla forest was almost completely swallowed by the cloud layer and most of the rolling hills to the north disappeared under the hungry menace. The great city of Dakteria to the west felt, saw, and heard it coming and closed its doors before the dark beast arrived.