Apollo's Apprentice: The Trials of Fidel Austempes, #2

To Mom and Dad

Forever in my thoughts. I love you.

Table of Contents

Chapter I

Plight of the Dwarf

Chapter II

Journey to the Woodlands

Chapter III

The City of Fairies

Chapter IV

Methvas The Mighty

Chapter V

Flostium

Chapter VI

A Dwarven Thief

Chapter VII

Journey to the Citadel

Chapter VIII

Rallying the Mountain Men

Chapter IX

Darkness Rising

Chapter X

March on Deeder's Pass

Chapter XI

Death of a King

Chapter XII

A Dubious Curse

Chapter XIII

The Hall of Knowledge

Chapter XIV

City of Wizards

Chapter XV

An Unbroken Man

Chapter XVI

A Father's Gift

Chapter XVII

Calling in a Favor

Chapter XVIII

Poseidon's Parapet

Chapter XIX

A Treasure Returned

Bibliography

About the Author

Chapter I

Plight of the Dwarf

The orange eyes of the short and stocky dwarf peered from behind the reddish-brown boulder of one of the escape tunnels. He could hear shouts and clangs of metal echo through the tunnels of rock, a reminder of the battle for his homeland, a battle he was losing confidence in winning. He heard the loud foot falls of his pursuer, a dark-skinned dwarf from the southern lands of Mirater. He clenched his double-headed axe tightly and raised his shield high.

The dark-skinned dwarf skidded to a halt as a flicker of light from behind a boulder caught his attention. He raised his mace and shield as he approached the giant stone. His earth honed muscles flexed as he inched closer to his target.

The orange-eyed dwarf jumped out from behind the boulder, giving away his location and initiating the confrontation. The mace wielding dwarf took a couple of steps backwards, raising his shield to block the sidelong swipe of the orange-eyed dwarf's double-headed axe. Sparks erupted as a loud clang of metal boomed off the cavern walls. The dark-skinned dwarf countered with an attack of his own, his mace starting high and angling down toward the orange-eyed defender.

The orange-eyed defender raised his shield high, blocking the blunted blow. The two dwarves continued their dance for several heartbeats, each using their respective one-handed weapon and shield combos to both attack and parry. Each weapon slamming into a shield produced red-hot embers of splintered metal, a sure sign of the power behind every blow.

The orange-eyed defender dodged to his right and brought his shield-arm up to block the sidelong swipe of the mace wielding attacker. The blow hit the shield hard enough to knock the defender off-balance and sent the defender to the ground, releasing his double-headed axe in the process. The dark-skinned dwarf casually approached, his broken-toothed smile expanding with every step.

The mace descended hard and fast several times as the defender kept his shield above him, blocking the intended killing blows with deafening clangs. The defender's mind took him back to a training ground a few weeks prior. A place where a human companion and he battled an elf of great ability. Recalling the battles on that training ground showed the defender his way out. A move a dwarf of his nature would never think of. The orange-eyed defender grinned devilishly.

The defender waited for the dark-skinned dwarf to set both feet. The mace slammed into his shield again, the clangs even louder as the mace wielding dwarf used both hands, showing he intended to dig through the defender's shield if he had to. The defender saw his opportunity. The defender positioned the soles of his boots toward the attacker's ankles. Clang! Another blow landed on the defender's disc. The defender pushed out, launching himself backwards, using the attacker's ankles as his platform.

The short and stocky legs of the dwarf proved powerful as the defender slid several feet across the granite floor, landing him within arm's reach of his axe. The attacker was not as fortunate. The force of the sidelong jump off his shins knocked the attacker from his feet, forcing him to fall face first and busting his nose on the stone floor. The defender grabbed his axe and jumped to his feet, taking full advantage of the attacker's unfortunate situation.

As the attacker rose to his feet, the orange-eyed defender charged and smashed the dark-skinned dwarf with his shield. The dark-skinned dwarf bounced across the stone chamber, dropping his shield in the powerful exchange. He tried to rise back to his feet but the defender moved just as quick, coming on furiously with his double-headed axe with chops and swings. The dark-skinned dwarf only held his mace.

The attacker parried the killing blow of the defender, refusing death so quickly. The defender grunted at the attacker's denial, then kicked the attacker in the ribs. The attacker rolled away from the kick, trying to gain distance between the unrelenting defender. The orange-eyed dwarf slammed his axe down again, the dark-skinned dwarf blocked.

The defender taunted, Would ye die already!? The dark-skinned dwarf grunted, either unable or unwilling to answer the orange-eyed dwarf's question.

The orange-eyed dwarf kicked the grounded attacker again, forcing him to roll. He placed his shield on his back, deciding to use both hands for his killing blow. The orange-eyed dwarf chopped over and over, demonstrating to the attacker that it was easier to chop through a mace than a shield. The attacker put up his best defense but his mace was no match for the double-headed axe of Noxater Praeli, Knight of Deeder's Pass. Within moments, the double-headed axe found its home through the chest plate of the dark-skinned attacker.

Noxater searched his latest kill attempting to find any further information regarding the attackers of his homeland. He couldn't help but notice that his last attacker was extremely skilled, very different from the first days of the fighting, when he could drop an attacker within moments. His recent assailant wore thicker armor, carried a shield and helmet, and demonstrated trained fighting skills. He scratched his beard as he pulled a folded piece of parchment from the folds of the dead dwarf's armor. He unfolded the parchment and read it:

Baramoenian Order

It is hereby declared the Kingdom of Deeder's Pass is property of Baramoenia.

You are hereby ordered to report to duty immediately or suffer penalty of treason.

Noxater noticed the order was not signed like most would be. He folded the parchment and placed it in his pack, then made his way toward the King of Deeder's Pass' chambers.

The sounds of battle continued to ring through the halls of the dwarven kingdom. Clangs of metal on metal followed by screams of defeat and victory echoed through the stone halls. Noxater made his way quickly through the twisting tunnels of the kingdom, passing by several of his fellow knights as they patrolled the inner sanctum of the vast mountain home. He walked toward a large wall of granite. To an outsider, the wall would appear a dead-end to the tunnels. But to Noxater, the wall was the door to his king's throne room. Three quiet thuds could be heard as Noxater pounded on the door of the chamber.

The stone shifted after the third knock, small lines of silver seemed to appear out of nowhere as the doorway to the king's throne room started to define itself. The face of the granite brightened a golden hue then faded away, exposing a lever in which the dwarf pulled. Loud clanking sounds could be heard as the pistons withdrew from the stone frame. The dwarf pushed hard on the door and it gave way to his advance. Noxater entered the chambers of his king to deliver his news. An unpromising report.

Chapter II

Journey to the Woodlands

A rough voice declared over the metallic bands worn by two of the three mounted travelers, Deeder's Pass hath fallen!

The travelers, a tall and slender elf with a pair of humans, an older male and younger female, looked to each other as the news dissipated into the warm desert breeze. Their faces carried an expression of dismay. They had begun their current journey to aid in preventing such a disaster from occurring. The elf raised his hand to his mouth to respond to the statement, his black hair flickering in the desert breeze.

The elf called over the magically linked communication network, Dragon Rider, please confirm your statement.

Aye, Dwarf Beater, Deeder's Pass 'is no more, the rough voice returned. Me king is under control o' thee kingdom o' Baramoenia from thee south. Me king instructed me to flee to deliver thee news o' our surrender to thee north.

The travelers stopped and dismounted their steeds. They planted a stake in the ground then tied their horses to the makeshift hitching post. A large shadow flew above the travelers. Its silhouette blocked out the light-emitting stars with each pass. The winged lizard glided to the ground creating a loud thump as the large beast landed in the desert sands. The horses protested the would-be predator within the camp.

The elf questioned the nine-foot tall black dragon before him. Hello Pravas, I take it you heard the news as well? The dragon nodded its head in affirmation.

The elf directed his question at the human and dragon group before him. Do any of you have previous knowledge of this land known as Baramoenia?

The older male human, Methvas, spoke first, I do.

By his appearance, any onlooker would suspect the older man had dressed for a formal dinner with the local king instead of a journey to the fiery mountains of Deeder's Pass. Methvas sported a long blue robe and was quite burdened with jewelry of all sorts. Rings adorned every finger. Bracelets of various shapes and sizes wrapped around his wrists and forearms. Necklaces appeared to shine from under the folds of his robe over his chest, appearing to reflect an unseen magical light.

The younger human woman smiled as she spoke, Of course you do, Methvas! The scar on the left side of her face stretched and enhanced her beautiful features. The old man returned the smile as he understood the meaning behind the jest, a sign of respect for the old man's extensive knowledge of the many realms of Mirater.

The Kingdom of Baramoenia, ruled by Malor Navorex, resides in the south. the older male said, his bright red hair dancing in the increasing warm wind. Unlike our fellow stubby friend of Deeder's Pass, the dwarves of Baramoenia follow the teachings of Ares and have become disfigured over time. Their hearts always desire to expand their domain, usually at the costs of others. The old man continued with his assessment. With Deeder's Pass conquered, they have taken position to take over control of the Sureflow River separating our northern homeland from the south.

As Methvas finished informing the group of the strategical meaning behind Baramoenia's movements, the elf found he was nodding in admiration at the old man's vast knowledge. He respected his father, Methvas. While the elf and his father were not of the same blood, the skills taught to him over twenty-five years by the powerful wizard of Harlow's Hovel created common ground between Methvas and himself.

Noxater, what is your next destination? the elf called over the magical ring, not realizing he used his dwarven friend's real name instead of their agreed upon code name of Dragon Rider.

Aye, Fidel, glad to see we're usin' our normal names! came Noxater's voice in return. "I am more 'an happy to drop thee name of Dwarf Beater in return!"

The elf's face turned slightly pink in color as he realized the error of his last transmission. My apologies, Dragon Rider. Dwarf Beater here, the elf was sure to emphasize the term Dwarf Beater in his response. What is your next destination?

The group heard a chuckle as the dwarf began his response. I'll be headin' to Flostium to inform thee local folks of their new threat. I'll be arriving in five days.

Understood, Fidel said in response. Please stay until we arrive.

Aye, the dwarf said, confirming the elf's request.

Methvas gave a sideways glance and a smile to Fidel, Perhaps we should warn the kingdom of Aphrodite's Woodlands on our way to Flostium?

Fidel returned a look of confusion to his father, I didn't see much in the forest when we passed through a few weeks ago. Is there even a kingdom in there to warn?

The black dragon roared oddly, as-if the creature just heard a joke and attempted to laugh. Methvas looked to the black dragon and smiled as he nodded his head.

Yes, Pravas. He must not have seen the kingdom within the sacred trees. A good sign the enchantments remain and the kingdom is secure, Methvas said as he approached the dragon and looked closely at her frame. He scratched a spot under her wing.

Methvas had always been fascinated by the wonderful winged beasts of Maserun. His interest even greater in one created from some sort of wicked magic. The dragon welcomed Methvas' touch, always unable to reach the spot he had targeted. Fidel stood confused before the dragon and his father, waiting for his father to explain the kingdom of Aphrodite's Woodlands.

The scarred woman spoke up. I heard of the magic of Aphrodite's Woodlands, but I didn't know the forest contained the creatures of legend.

Yes Abby, Methvas said as he continued to scratch under the dragon's wing and looked at the scarred woman. The magic of the woodlands are true. The people inhabiting the forested area probably match all the legends you have heard.

Abby's eyes widened in disbelief as she remembered a story from her childhood regarding winged humans with magical abilities, also known as fairies. So the winged people exist? Abby questioned excitedly.

Methvas shook his head, No, they are not winged fairies as the tales have spread. I should have considered that before making my previous statement. The people of Aphrodite's Woodlands are elves with the ability to fly without the support of physical appendages, Methvas slapped Pravas' wing to emphasize his statement. They are truly blessed by the gods of Maserun. Methvas looked to the bewildered human and elf before him. So, shall we visit the famed Woodlands and take in their wonders? Methvas smiled widely with his last statement.

Fidel and Abby nodded their heads earnestly. The black dragon shook her head, her head and eyes scanning her body, indicating her form would not be permitted in the city.

Fidel watched as the dragon apparently felt sorrow at the thoughts of never being welcomed in a city ever again. Someday, Pravas, we will free you from this curse. Fidel walked over to Pravas and placed his hand on the dragon's head. Someday.

The dragon's appearance perked up slightly at the promise of hope. Pravas knew that if anybody could free her from her curse, it would be Fidel or Methvas, the two most powerful wizards she had met in a long time.

We will meet you south of Aphrodite's Woodlands in five days time, on the road to Flostium, Fidel said, finishing his conversation with the black dragon.

The dragon bowed her head low and flapped her wings, raising up high into the dark sky. Her winged features blocked out the thousands of distant and flickering lights in the late night sky. The travelers watched as the dragon headed toward the southeast.

South and then east! Methvas said with some excitement, the thought of visiting the Woodlands apparently held some interest to the old man. The group unhitched their horses and climbed into the saddles. Let us see if you can keep pace with an old man!

The group rode hard throughout the night. The desert winds slapped their faces hard with heat and sand. The sun rose to their left as they reached the southern edge of the Rivolus Desert, a great plain opening before them.

We can make the edge of the woodlands by mid-day, Methvas called to the group as the sands of the desert abandoned the hooves of their steeds. Then a one day march to the center, where the fairies live! Methvas smiled at his reference to the magical winged creatures of yore. Shall we continue our ride?

Fidel shouted back at the blue robed man behind him, To the east! And try to keep up, old man!

Methvas peered hard at Fidel, a fictitious glower toward his overconfident son. He leaned forward to drive his steed faster. Fidel didn't know it, but the old man was proud of the warrior his son had become. The young adult, by elven standards, was stronger than the more powerful human wizards of the realms of Mirater.

With just a group of three, his son played a pivotal role in conquering the growing threat of Pravas Medeis. Fidel saved his childhood friend and used his intellect to save the soul of the sorceress-turned-dragon, creating a powerful ally and showing his mercy in the process. Methvas' smile grew as he considered all his son had done in his first year as an adventurer.

His smile faded away as he considered the one day which would inevitably change his son's trusting nature. Methvas was a decade younger than his elven son, yet the old man was much more worldly and experienced in the workings of the people of Mirater. He knew Fidel's nature was trusting and passionate, quite the opposite of most elves in the realms and exactly how most humans raise their own offspring.

He considered the nature of Fidel's action in the final battle with Pravas, his forgiveness of the black dragon's actions and sparing of the dragon's life. How many people in the realms would consider such an act as one of weakness and use it to drive a sword through his son's backside? The thought disturbed the human wizard, his parenting instincts kicked in.

Methvas pushed his steed harder, channeling spells of healing into his steed to give the creature greater stamina. The blue robed wizard drove his steed harder and faster, closing the gap between himself and his child. To Methvas, the race was no longer one of pride. It was a race to protect his child from the cruelty of the world.

The edges of the woodlands came into view as the sun crested the highest point in the sky and started its wane. Methvas had caught up to Fidel and the father and son pair matched each others strides. Fidel's horse was glimmering with sweat as he tried his hardest to beat his father to the edge of the woodlands. Fidel couldn't understand why Methvas' horse was not covered in sweat like his own steed. A few moments later, it became clear as Fidel witnessed a translucent light making its way around Methvas' galloping horse.

Father, you cheat! Fidel shouted toward the blue robed wizard. Methvas returned a look of innocence to his son, as-if he didn't know what Fidel was talking about. Fidel's face turned up in astonishment as his father denied the actions. You swindler! Fidel yelled out to the blue robed man, who was beginning to take the lead as Fidel's horse showed signs of exhaustion. Fidel started chanting while pushing his steed harder, enacting the same healing spells upon his own stallion.

A few moments later, Fidel's stallion whinnied and exploded into a sprint with its newfound energy. Fidel grinned widely as he passed his father quickly, easily gaining several lengths over Methvas. Methvas' face once again beamed with pride as his son did what it took to win the race to the edge of the forest.

As he trotted up to his son's victory spot, Methvas thought to himself, Perhaps you already have what it takes, Son.

Many moments later, Abby trotted up to the half-prepared camp. She led her horse to join the others at the watering hole. Fidel and Methvas watched as Abby approached the camp from the watering hole, her arms outstretched and her shoulders held high.

It's nice to know I travel with such fine gentlemen, Abby called out to the two men before her, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I'm sure if I came under attack, you would have been available to come to my rescue!

Fidel let out a long laugh, Oh come on Abby, you are more than capable of handling yourself! It is you who would rescue us if such a situation should occur!

Abby's face changed to a look of feigned disappointment then a smile crossed her lips at the compliment from the elf. Do we need some meat for this evening's dinner? Abby questioned the men.

Yes, Fidel responded.

Abby nodded and pulled out her bow to go for the hunt. Fidel watched as Abby departed into the woods to hunt for the evening meal. Fidel couldn't take his eyes off her female frame as she walked away. The black leather of her outfit hugged her frame tightly, leaving little to imagine what was underneath. Apparently, he stared too long at his departing friend.

She is quite attractive, Methvas commented. The elf barely heard his father's words. Once Abby disappeared into the woods, Fidel turned back to his duties to set up camp, shaking his head as if returning from some type of trance.

Did you hear me, Son? Methvas questioned Fidel.

No, what were you saying Father? Fidel responded. Methvas chuckled at his son's apparent distraction.

I was simply stating what you were thinking, Son. Methvas started his reply. Abigail, she is quite attractive, is she not? Fidel's face turned up in a fake look of disgust at his father's remark. Oh, don't feign your interest in her, Son. I know the look you place upon her. It is very similar to the look I gave your own mother years ago, and the same look I give to her today.

Okay, now you are just being disgusting, Father, Fidel responded at Methvas' reference to his mother, not wanting to picture the two elderly humans in such a light.

Methvas smiled at his son. The old man knew the emotions his son was feeling. Fidel continued to work, doing what he could to fill his mind with a distraction to avoid the subject his father was trying to address. He turned to his father only to meet a brown-eyed accusatory stare from the old man.

What is it, Father? Fidel let out a long sigh, showing his annoyance with the line of questioning.

Methvas' grin widened as he continued the apparently uncomfortable conversation with his son. Do you deny your interest in this woman? Methvas questioned as he took a couple of steps toward Fidel. Well, do you? Methvas pressed his son harder.

Fidel looked straight ahead, toward the forest, his thoughts being turned back to Abby's petite frame disappearing into the trees. His mind formed her image, even as he tried to deny his desires. Her deep black eyes always caught Fidel's attention, stealing his ability to refuse her in any way. His heart skipped a beat as he thought about how nice it would be to run his fingers through her long black hair. Fidel shook his head quickly, trying to remove the image of Abigail Lapillus from his mind. He looked back to his father and responded.

I don't think so, Father. Humans and elves are not meant to be together in such a way.

Methvas chuckled again. That does not answer the question, Fidel. The question was whether or not Abby interests you. It wasn't whether or not the kingdoms would permit such an interest, Methvas concluded his statement in his diplomatic tone, a tone he reserved for arguments of ethical, moral, or political debate.

Fidel glanced back to his father as he dropped a couple of stones in place for their fire pit. Yes, I deny any interest in Abby, Fidel lied with a tone of finality.

Methvas' face changed to a look of disappointment. He always knew when his son was lying to him. He felt a little betrayed at his son's dishonesty toward the situation. He had to remind himself his son was only being defensive and the subject matter was uncomfortable. Methvas put a smile on his face and strolled over to his son, then slapped Fidel on the back.

Very good, Son. I was not very interested in grandchildren anyway, Methvas said, returning a lie of his own.

A few moments later, the duo saw a group of riders in the distance. The riders, ten in number, quickly made their way to the traveler's camp, surrounding the pair of wizards. The riders drew their swords and Fidel started to raise his hands, a sure sign of the wizard preparing a spell intended to blast the bandits from their steeds. Methvas pushed Fidel's hands down, showing his son he would prefer resolving the situation using diplomatic means.

If we can save lives, let us save them, Methvas whispered to Fidel.

Give us all your valuables! the black-haired bandit leader declared. Fidel stared at the man's broken teeth and cringed as he followed the several scars running along the man's face.

Methvas pulled up the sleeves of his arms, exposing the many bracelets he wore. He then pulled the chains surrounding his neck from under the folds of his blue robe.

Do you mean to take the valuables such as these? I am sorry good sir, but I am not willing to depart with my trinkets. Methvas stood squarely with the mounted bandit leader, smiling with confidence as he completed his sentence.

There is only one person in this realm who would willingly travel with such wealth readily available for the taking, the bandit leader declared. We leave you in peace, Methvas of Harlow's Hovel. Let's go! the bandit leader called out to his group as he turned his horse to depart.

All the members of the group sighed but complied with the leader's request, all but one. A younger man, barely cresting two decades in age, sat tall on his horse, refusing to comply.

It's just two of them! the younger man declared as he ordered his horse to spring into action.

He raised his sword high as he closed the gap between himself and Methvas. His face contorted with surprise as he saw the blue robed wizard raise his hand, a transparent bubble surrounding the horse and himself. The rest of the bandits stopped their departure as the mounted bandit rose a dozen feet into the air.

Hold! Let Joseph learn this lesson! the bandit leader called out to the group. The bandits looked to each other as they watched the wizard do his work on their comrade.

The bubble around the bandit and his horse split into two, separating the rider from the horse. Methvas maintained his concentration as he set the horse down easy on the ground while raising the rider higher into the sky. Within a few heartbeats, the rider was easily one hundred feet in the air.

Methvas let go of the bubble and let the bandit fall freely toward the ground. The bandit screamed as the ground rushed toward him, his legs and arms flailed about wildly. A couple of feet from the ground, another bubble appeared and caught the criminal before he made impact. Methvas wasn't done.

The bubble raised into the sky and split several times, each split carrying a piece of the bandits clothing with it. Within moments, a half-dozen bubbles were hovering a few dozen feet above the bandits. Methvas let go of the bubbles containing the clothing and the bandits watched as their comrade's wardrobe fell to the ground, scattered among the roadway.

Fidel, go fetch this thief's clothing, Methvas instructed.

The remaining bandits watched as the elf collected their comrade's clothing. Not one made a move toward the green-eyed elf or his father.

When Fidel finished collecting the bandit's belongings, Methvas moved the bandit over his horse and placed him gently in the saddle. The naked man looked to the wizard, his eyes showing a newfound respect for the old man.

Now you know why your leader warned you to stay your hand, Methvas declared to the group of bandits as Fidel handed the clothing of the naked man to his father. Methvas tossed the newly acquired garbs into the freshly lit fire of their camp.

The bandit leader smiled at the expense of his follower's ridicule. I warn you all now, this is the kindness of Methvas The Mighty! The bandit leader shouted to his group while pointing at the naked man on the horse. Do not bother these good folks again! The bandits spurred their horses into action and rode away quickly, not one turning back to watch the wizards of Harlow's Hovel fade from view.

Well, it's not every day a naked man dangles in the sky before you, Abby said as she approached the camp, a magnificent deer flung over her shoulders. It was quite a distraction to this kill, Abby slapped the rear of the kill on her shoulders and smiled. She dropped the deer in front of Fidel, I believe it's your turn now. I kill it, you cook it.

Fidel returned Abby's smile and began the gruesome workings of preparing the animal for consumption. As he started to do his work, Fidel questioned Abby. Did you see the whole thing?

Abby shook her head, I don't believe I did. I just saw a man raise up into the sky and his clothing magically disappearing before my eyes. What happened?

Fidel and Methvas told the tale of the bandits and their hot-headed companion. Abby giggled several times during the story, a laughter she never freely offered except for the past few days.

The travelers settled in for the evening to a fine meal under the light canopy provided by the edge of Aphrodite's Woodlands. Slightly obstructed by the trees swaying in the breeze, the stars above were many and bright. The group talked late into the evening, enjoying each others company and telling stories of their past. Fidel glanced at Abby more often than usual, his father's words echoing in his mind: Abigail, she is quite attractive, is she not?

Chapter III

The City of Fairies

The sun broke the eastern sky. Only a trickle of the suns rays reached the adventurers due to the trees of the woodlands to the east. The group stirred as the flickering light reached their eyes. The adventurers packed their camp and made their way into the forest of Aphrodite's Woodlands.

The group rode their horses at a brisk pace under the forest canopy. They followed the one road that led to a place only Methvas knew. Large oaks and spruces spread out wide above them as the road twisted and turned around the heavily populated timbers. The forest darkened quickly as the sun settled in the western sky. A few moments after the sun dipped below the horizon, Methvas stopped the group and announced their arrival. Abby and Fidel looked around, noting no evidence of a city within the area.

Do not be fooled by your sight, stated Methvas, peering into the canopy above. There are plenty of eyes upon us. The old man held up his left hand. The emerald inlaid ring on his middle finger glowed as an invisible force awakened from within. The green glow expanded outwards toward the trees, taking on a gaseous form no larger than one of the stallions the group sat upon. As the gas appeared to