Ancient Prophecy

by 

Richard S. Tuttle

Copyright © 1997 by
Richard
S. Tuttle

All rights reserved.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious.

Any resemblance to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

Alexander Tork, a fifteen year old lumberman, is thrust into a position of leading his village to safety before an advancing attack of Yaki, a fierce race of large fox-like creatures. His strength, courage, and leadership skills, soon draw him into the Red Swords of Targa, an elite military group, where his loyalty and skills mark him for rapid advancement. Along his path, he befriends Jenneva, a young orphaned girl destined to become one the world’s most powerful magicians, and Oscar Dalek, a poor border town boy destined to become the nation’s richest man. The three young Targan’s paths intertwine to save the Kingdom from an evil sorcerer and his huge host of goblins and Yaki.

In the end, Jenneva manages to use the Origin Scroll to banish Sarac, the evil sorcerer, into another Universe, while Alex, with the help of Oscar’s vast fortune, marshals the forces of the Red Swords to vanquish the goblin army.

At the beginning of The Dark Quest, Mordac, Sarac’s assistant, has spent two years trying to find the knowledge to bring his banished Master back home. Mordac assembles a large army of Black Devils and pillages the world’s temples in search of the Book of the Beginning. With the help of his eager devotees, Aurora and Dalgar, Mordac manages to seize the Targan Throne and sets upon a plan to engage the country in war with its two neighbors, while his private army continues to collect books. His plan is discovered and thwarted by the heroic trio and results in Mordac’s death. Unfortunately, Aurora and Dalgar escape the destruction of the Black Devils.

Dalgar and Aurora stood on the hill watching the great battle below. Although the castle had a greater number of men, the Kingdom forces were slaughtering Mordac’s magicians.

“How did the Army react so swiftly?” asked Aurora. “We only told them yesterday where they could find Mordac.”

“That is not the regular Kingdom Army,” answered Dalgar. “Look at the uniforms. Those are Targa Rangers. They must have found Mordac’s castle on their own. It is a good thing we got out of there when we did.”

“There are not that many Rangers,” mused Aurora, “and yet they seem to be receiving very little resistance.”

“The Black Devils must have been surprised by the Rangers,” concluded Dalgar. “There is a lesson to be learned here, Aurora. We must remember that magic does not always win. If those forces met on a battlefield, the Rangers would not stand a chance.”

“Well, at least we know that Mordac will not be searching for Sarac,” stated Aurora. “We will have no competition for the rewards of finding Sarac.”

“I wish we had brought the Book of the Beginning with us,” lamented Dalgar. “Now it will end up in Targan hands. I think we had better be on our way. We need to find the Junction to Sarac’s Universe before Jenneva or Egam does. Where should we start looking?”

“On the plains in the Gordo Region where Sarac left this Universe,” explained Aurora. “I passed the spot on my way to Mordac’s initial meeting. There is a little pile of stones there to mark the spot. I suggest we get moving before the Rangers decide to search the surrounding hills for more Black Devils.”

The two magicians picked up their bags and set out for the Tor Pass, which would take them into the Northlands and towards the monument to Sarac.

Alex crouched in the bushes, straining his ears to pick up the tiniest sound. He knew the elf patrol was fairly close, but he had not been able to see them yet. Within moments he saw the patrol marching down the narrow forest path, yet he still could not hear them walking. He waited patiently as the six elves passed his hidden spot and soundlessly crept out of the bushes and followed the small group. Alex had to balance his need for speed with the requirement for silence as he hurried to catch up with the last elf in the patrol. The slightest sound would give him away before he had the chance to attack.

Alex was right behind the last elf as the patrol rounded a bend in the trail. He reached out and clasped one hand over the elf’s mouth as his other hand went for the elf’s bow to keep it from falling. The elf tried to turn and Alex lifted him off the ground and held him quietly until the patrol was well ahead. He leaned close to the struggling elf and whispered, “You’re dead.”

Alex released his hold on the elf and turned him around. The Ranger Colonel held a finger to his lips and pointed to the ground. The elf scowled as he sat down on the path and Alex took off down an intersecting path. He could not hope to race after the patrol without being detected, but he could take a different path and hope to ambush the elves in another spot. Their patrols were too consistent and Alex knew the route they would be taking, but he would have little time to get into position.

Alex found the second spot he planned on using and slid under cover just moments before the elf patrol came into view. They did not seem to be aware that one of their team was missing and passed by. Alex crept out and followed the group again. Once again he grabbed the last elf in line, but the elf’s foot hit a bush as Alex was lifting him off his feet. The entire patrol turned as one with their bows leveled at Alex.

Alex lowered the captured elf as Prince Rigal came marching back from the front of the patrol. The elf Prince stood there a while looking back down the trail for the sixth elf that was supposed to be in the patrol.

“He’s back over where the trail bends to the south,” Alex declared.

“Incredible,” complimented the Prince. “I would not have believed that a human could be so silent. You are a very extraordinary human, Alex.”

“Thank you, Prince Rigal,” Alex said. “I have had an excellent teacher. Your methods are indeed silent.”

Prince Elgorn came down the path with the sixth member of the elf patrol.

“Even still,” stated the Prince, “I have never known a human who could utilize them. I must admit that it worries me some. We have grown to believe that we would hear anyone who entered our forest. If you can learn these methods, other humans may learn them as well. How are we to stop humans from sneaking into Glendor if these methods are spread?”

“Very easily, Prince Rigal,” Alex offered. “Your patrols are too consistent. I knew where you would be and where I could hide. Vary the patrols and I could not repeat my attack. Also, as your men are marching and checking left and right, have them turn their heads just enough to detect the next man in the patrol. That way if the last man is taken, you will know it immediately.”

Prince Rigal nodded to Alex and embraced his brother, Prince Elgorn. “I see that your scouting mission is complete, Elgorn. What news do you bring?”

“The goblins are not making any moves southward as was suspected,” reported Prince Elgorn. “They do not appear to be making any preparations to move anywhere. I guess the reports were wrong. I am pleased to be back home and to see Alex visiting again. Are you trying to make an elf out of him?”

“Indeed, he is learning to move like one of us,” answered Prince Rigal. “I am glad for him, but concerned with a human’s ability to move like us.”

Prince Elgorn laughed. “Do not be concerned, brother. Alexander Tork is no longer human. Come, I require food after my journey. Let us retire to the village and talk.”

Alex and Prince Rigal exchanged quizzical glances and joined Prince Elgorn on the path to the village. Alex prepared three plates of food while the two Princes reported to King Gondoral. Jenneva and Galdan came and joined Alex for the midday meal. Alex kissed Jenneva and asked, “So, how is my favorite magician doing in her studies?”

“Galdan is a wealth of information,” answered Jenneva. “I have learned much about healing and the traditions of the elves. How do your forest games go?”

“Very well,” responded Alex. “Prince Rigal is a good commander and a good teacher. He has me doing things that I never thought I would be able to do. You certainly have a strange idea of a honeymoon, but I must admit that I am enjoying it immensely. Prince Elgorn has returned from his scouting mission.”

“Good,” declared Jenneva. “As soon as Egam arrives, we can begin talking about the rest of our honeymoon.”

“What do you mean, the rest of our honeymoon?” asked Alex. “I should be returning to Tagaret soon.”

“You have no need to return to Tagaret yet,” answered Jenneva. “Mitar and David have the Rangers and Red Swords under control. Besides, I asked King Byron to excuse you for an extended period of time and he was very accommodating.”

“Even still,” asked Alex, “what does that have to do with Prince Elgorn and Egam?”

“Egam will be going with us,” responded Jenneva. “King Gondoral also wanted us to wait until Prince Elgorn returned before we left because Prince Rigal will be going with us.”

“An elf Prince and your Master are going with us on our honeymoon?” asked Alex. “Why is this beginning to bother me?”

Jenneva laughed as the two elf Princes joined the discussion. Prince Rigal sat with a frown upon his face. “Don’t worry, Alex,” he stated. “It bothers me, as well. I have heard that we are going to have to suffer a dwarf with us.”

“Prince Rigal,” Galdan offered, “this trip is being made to promote dwarf-elf harmony as well as other reasons. If we are to live in peace with our neighbors, you must make an effort to understand the dwarves.”

“I understand dwarves just fine,” the dark Prince spat. “They are warlike and evil and desire for themselves what is ours. I would wager that only one of us returns.”

Galdan frowned and Alex asked, “Why is it that everyone knows where we are going except me? Are we going to visit the dwarves?”

“Perhaps,” Galdan replied. “We hope that you are going to visit the elves, but maybe you will find dwarves instead.”

“There has been no reason to discuss the trip yet,” interrupted Jenneva. “We are going to try to reach the Universe of Elderal, land of the elves. Egam is out now, searching for the entrance to the Universe. He will be leading us on this expedition. Prince Rigal is going as the representative of the elves. The dwarves are sending a representative because we do not know what Universe we will actually be going to. Egam and I have theories about where we will end up, but nobody really knows.”

Alex was stunned. He looked around the table to see if they were playing a joke on him, but everyone appeared serious. “I have to believe that going to another Universe entails a certain amount of risk. Why would King Gondoral send one of his sons on such a dangerous mission? Couldn’t we just tell him if we found this Elderal?”

“This trip is really for the benefit of the elves,” answered Galdan. “The Medallion of Prince Geltim is to be taken as proof that his descendants still live. Only those of royal blood can carry the medallion. Prince Rigal or Prince Elgorn must be part of the expedition and Prince Rigal volunteered.”

“That was before I knew a dwarf was going,” conceded Prince Rigal. “Still, elves are not afraid of danger. Were the expedition canceled, I would still go alone.”

“Egam and I would not let this opportunity pass,” added Jenneva. “We welcome the company of Prince Rigal. I hope that you will come also, Alex. I do not wish to part from you, but this is something I cannot miss. I need to understand what I have read in the Book of the Beginning so that I can determine the threat of Sarac returning. I have explored the histories of the elves and the dwarves and I believe we have discovered their origins in this Universe. Our expedition will prove or disprove my theory. Do you understand?”

Alex remained silent and everyone’s attention was riveted on him. Alex finally reached out and held Jenneva’s hand. “I cannot let you go without me, but from now on I want to know everything that is going on. No more leaving me in the dark. I want to know about your theory and what we expect to find in this other Universe. Will they speak the same language that Prince Rigal has been teaching me?”