The Warder of Hotash Slay
A fan fiction written by Tom Cummins
Based on characters created by Stephen R. Donaldson.
Additional rights held by others.
Not intended for publication or mass consumption.

Prelude:

Upon learning that the Despiser's minions had abducted a Seareach Giant, High Lord Kevin immediately dispatched a rescue mission led by his most capable and trusted friend, Lord Jeroth. Ramen scouts had raced to Revelstone and informed the Lord's Council that a mortally wounded Giant named Windwatcher had been discovered on the Northern fringes of the Plains of Ra. She had warned the Ramen of Fangthane's treachery before she died. Windwatcher had explained to the scouts that she and her brother Tallwalker had departed Seareach on a journey to Revelstone but were ambushed by a large party of Cavewights and Ur-Viles soon after they had ascended Landsdrop. Though they had fought to the limit of their strength, the Giants were eventually overwhelmed and were bound with heavy iron chains and taken south beyond Mount Thunder toward Ridjeck Thome. Sometime before the party had reached Hotash Slay, the lava fields that surround the Despiser's home, Tallwalker managed to free himself. He was able to hold the Cavewights at bay with broken lengths of chain from his bonds, but instead of risking themselves, the cunning creatures threatened to kill his helpless sister if Tallwalker did not surrender. Windwatcher pleaded with her brother to leave her and make good his escape but Tallwalker could not. The moment Tallwalker dropped his weapons; the Cavewights surged forward and recaptured him. As punishment for his disobedience the Cavewights forced Tallwalker to watch as they mercilessly bludgeoned Windwatcher until she lay bloodied and motionless. Tallwalker howled and struggled until the Cavewights beat him into unconsciousness. The party moved on leaving Windwatcher bleeding and dying upon the hot, blasted earth near the Slay. Though both of her arms were broken and the side of her head had been crushed, Windwatcher found the strength to struggle up the cliff of Landsdrop and along the River Landrider until she finally collapsed where the Ramen had found her. The Council was horrified by the news and wasting no time, Kevin commanded Lord Jeroth, Lord Vincent, Lord Kollias and fifteen Bloodguard to ride to Tallwalker's aid. The Ranyhyn faithfully answered the call and the company immediately sped away leaving High Lord Kevin and the remainder of the council to plan for whatever ill the Despiser intended.

Chapter One

Lord Jeroth's mission swiftly crossed the center plains and plunged down Landsdrop as if the Ranyhyn they rode were impervious to fatigue or mortal restraint. Once the company was within sight of the fires of Hotash Slay, Jeroth commanded Lord Kollias, over the protests of Lord Vincent, to take his five Bloodguard and circle around from the northeast in the hope that his smaller force might find some clandestine way through the Despiser's defenses and into his demesne. Kollias amiably agreed and having noticed Vincent's reaction, took a moment to reassure the troubled Lord before he and the Haruchai departed.
   “Fear not, brother. If I am successful you may be spared the burden of combat. I will not shy from causing this Despiser harm.” Lord Kollias grinned through his thick black beard and raised one burly arm in salute as he led his group away. The remainder of the mission continued on directly toward the shimmering heat in the distance.
   “We should be wary, brother Jeroth. I have trust in the Ranyhyn but I do not trust this Despiser. We may ride full gallop into a wily snare.” Lord Vincent rode near Jeroth but was forced to shout to be heard over the steady rumble of the galloping Ranyhyn. His demeanor was plagued by an obvious sense of apprehension. His bright emerald-green eyes darted back and forth from one suspicious shadow to another. His shoulder length, blonde hair spun and fluttered with every abrupt movement of his head. Though Vincent was capable and lore wise he was also among the youngest and inexperienced members of High Lord Kevin's council.
   “Peace, Vincent.” Jeroth snarled at his companion. “Our mission requires unbridled haste not incessant warbling.” After a moment Jeroth diverted his attention from the path ahead and deliberately glared into Vincent's eyes. “Have trust in your lore brother for you deplete my patience at an alarming rate.” Jeroth sat unusually tall upon his Ranyhyn and seemed to cast his dominating presence down from above like a lofty monarch. Though he was known to have seen over seventy more years than any of his fellow lords, Jeroth appeared as hale and strong as any man in his prime. The only suggestion of his age was evident in the long spiral of his full, white beard and long white flowing mane. Vincent appeared unmoved by Jeroth's jibe. “I still do not understand you, Jeroth. Sending Kollias and his Bloodguard off on such a perilous task has weakened our force and diminished my expectation of success. I find myself wondering if the High Lord would approve of your tactics.”
   Jeroth shrugged slightly. “Kevin above all others would not gainsay my choices, young Lord. You would do well to set aside your doubt and follow his example.”
   Vincent reluctantly swallowed his response and both he and Jeroth remained silent as the company neared a large outcropping of black rock that rose up from the dry earth several hundred feet from outer edge of the lava fields. Jeroth had sent two Bloodguard ahead to investigate and as the company drew closer the scouts seemed to suddenly appear as if they had been part of the scorched stone upon which they silently stood. Stin and Cate deftly descended from the jagged rock and met the remainder of the company where their Ranyhyn stood quietly waiting. The heat from such close proximity to the Slay was almost unbearable but the Haruchai seemed unaffected.
   “Lord Jeroth, we have found no sign of the enemy's presence or that of Tallwalker. Though this approach to Ridjeck Thome appears unguarded we believe it to be warded none the less.” Stin appeared not to notice that he and his companion were covered with dark ashes. While Stin spoke Cate continued to scan the bleak and barren terrain as if he expected the earth itself to suddenly attack.
   Jeroth held Stin's gaze for a moment then peered out over the blank horizon. “You must share what gives you pause my friend.” Stin remained silent as if considering his response. Then the ground beneath their feet began to vibrate. The Ranyhyn began to prance and stamp at the ashen earth. Jeroth led the company out beyond the outcropping. Stin and Cate gracefully leapt upon their mounts and followed.
   “This does not bode well.” Vincent gasped as the full scope of Hotash Slay came into view. Out in the distance beyond the edge of the Slay began a monstrous fountain of bubbling lava. It spewed dozens of feet into the air in bright flashes of molten rock and flame. The company silently watched as the fountain slowly began to crackle with power. Vincent urged that the company withdraw but Jeroth was apparently transfixed by what he witnessed and did not respond.
   The fountain continued to crackle with bright red tendrils of power reaching down from the top of the geyser and plunging back into the moiling river of lava with dazzling ferocity. The fiery column began to slowly rotate and there were several bright bursts of energy producing shockwaves of heat that tried to force the company backward but Jeroth held his ground and the Haruchai were as immovable as stone. Only Vincent appeared daunted by what he saw. After a few moments the fountain began to change, it grew dark as if the fires that fed it were cooling and its rotation slowed. By degrees its shape began to change, pulse and bubble as if huge invisible hands were molding the molten rock like potters clay into a new form.
   When the transformation was complete, Vincent shouted his recognition and his fears into the air with all of the outrage his scorched lungs could muster. “Melenkurion! What have they done?”
   All at once the fountain was gone and in its place stood a creature. It towered twice as high as a normal man and had thick muscular arms and legs that it flexed as if it had never before used its limbs. Its skin was as black as the ashen shores of the Slay and bubbled as if it reflected the molten rock from which it was born. Its head and neck sprouted from the top of its thick, broad chest, which heaved as the creature inhaled the flaming brimstone as if it were precious. Its baleful eyes were two perfect sockets of pure flame that stared down at the company with unconcealed abhorrence.
   Lord Jeroth's lips quivered as he spoke his heart for all to hear. His head bowed as he uttered the words that no one else could speak. “It is he who we seek. We have come too late. Forgive us Rockbrother. We have failed you.”

Chapter 2

After leaving the rest of the mission, Lord Kollias led Tal, Jenn, Gann, Vin and Sorr of the Bloodguard in a wide arc to the northeast along the fringes of the lava field until they found a section of Hotash Slay that was narrow enough to form a bridge. Wasting no time Kollias leapt from the back of his Ranyhyn and immediately plunged one end of his staff into the ashen earth while firmly gripping the other end with both hands. All five of the Bloodguard lightly dropped from their mounts and silently waited alongside their Ranyhyn. Kollias bowed his head, closed his eyes and then began to murmur a chant under his breath. While he concentrated his thoughts, Kollias slowly rotated his staff, twisting it with both of his thick, powerful hands until the wood suddenly erupted in bright blue flame all along its length. The Haruchai silently looked on as Kollias abruptly released his staff and spread his arms wide. With a flash of power, a thick sheet of blue force nearly five feet wide arced outward from the base of the staff, a dozen feet high over the lava, and then downward to the black shore beyond. Without a word the Haruchai began to sprint out onto the Lord's bridge. Kollias turned to the Ranyhyn and asked them to remain and wait for the company's return then he snatched up his staff and quickly followed the Bloodguard over the bridge. Without Lord Kollias or his staff to strengthen it, the bridge slowly began to dissipate as the company hurried on toward the Despiser's lair.
   The company arrived at the entrance to the Enemy's Crèche without encountering any of the Despiser's minions. Tal reported he had discovered signs that there had been a very large creature on guard a short time earlier but its whereabouts were unknown. Kollias received the information with a look of concern but finally decided there was no choice but to proceed with haste. The Despiser's home sat perched on the black cliffs at the edge of the sea like dark predator waiting to pounce. Two massive, black spires towered into the smoke leaden sky from the top of the Crèche. Each was tall enough to provide an effective vantage for lookouts to detect the approach of any intruder yet there was no evidence that the Enemy's lair had been alerted. The company cautiously moved forward with the Bloodguard arrayed in a defensive arc around the Lord. The huge entrance opened into a vast, dimly lit chamber that was as dark and still as a crypt. Lord Kollias lifted his staff and with a thought the wood suddenly burst with lord's fire illuminating the far corners of the huge vault that lay beyond reach of the light from the open entry. After glancing around at the tall misshapen walls, Kollias turned and moved swiftly toward the stone to his left with Tal at his side and the rest of the Haruchai arrayed nearby keeping watch. Before the Lord had covered half the distance to the wall, several hidden doors suddenly swung open all around the room and dozens of cavewights began to spill outward. Kollias roared a curse. The Haruchai were vastly outnumbered but they instantly reacted and arranged themselves to meet the charge. The first creatures slavered with glee as they advanced upon the comparatively small humans but soon found their prey was far from helpless. Each Bloodguard leapt expertly into action, spinning and kicking sending one attacker after another tumbling to the ground either unconscious or dying. Kollias knew they were badly overmatched and sooner or later the sheer numbers of the enemy would overwhelm them. More and more creatures emerged from the doors and began to fill the room. It swiftly became more difficult for the Haruchai to be effective as they were forced to fend off attacks from almost every direction. Kollias could wait no longer and his powerful command resonated throughout the chamber.
   “Prepare!”
The Bloodguard knew and understood Kollias' intent and readied themselves to disengage from the enemy. All at once the Haruchai suddenly leapt out of reach of the nearest cavewights leaving the gangly creatures stumbling awkwardly after them. With the Bloodguard effectively out of harms way, Lord Kollias finally unleashed his might upon the ravenous hoard. Whirling his flaming staff above his head Kollias confidently lunged forward shouting with all the power he possessed.
   “Melenkurion abatha! Duroc minas mill khabaal!” The words were so potent and charged with passion that several Cavewights staggered where they stood.
   Kollias suddenly brought his staff down before him and a blinding burst of blue power exploded from the end of the wood. A score of the nearest creatures were blasted off their feet and were flung away like leaves in a storm to crash heavily against the distant walls. Kollias whirled around growling like a tiger and leveled another blast of power at the astonished creatures. The shockwave pounded forward with such unbridled force that a third of the would be attackers were instantly killed as the flesh within their bodies was nearly liquefied by Kollias' fervor. Again and again the Lord's staff channeled such power that the wood nearly became transparent.
   Suddenly there was a deafening sound that sent tremors through the ground. The massive metal door of the entrance lurched downward with the shriek of iron breaking free of its stone moorings. The Haruchai quickly searched for a way to prevent the door from closing but there were no gears to jam, no mechanism to destroy. The company's only escape route was about to be fatally blocked and a seemingly endless stream of Cavewights continued to gush into the hall in spite of Lord Kollias' success. As the monstrous door drove its weight into the stone at the base of the entry the Bloodguard turned in the darkness and raced toward the bright flashes of blue power as Lord Kollias franticly battled for all of their lives.

Chapter 3

Lord Jeroth dismounted and strode to within only a few yards of the edge of the bubbling lava. A hot wind blew across the scorched earth that seemed to feed the nearly unbearable heat. Jeroth withstood the assault as if his ancient body were as impervious to flame as that of a Giant. Cate, who was assigned the duty of protecting Lord Jeroth by High Lord Kevin himself, stubbornly stood at Jeroth's side in spite of the Lord's request that he remain with the rest of the company. Jeroth stood with his arms folded across his chest and his long white staff balanced in the crook of his left arm, daring the huge creature that loomed above to move against him.
   “Jeroth this is folly!”
Vincent dismounted and strode forward. He held his staff before him as he walked and kept a steady eye on the towering monster only daring to glance down at Jeroth for a moment.
    “There is nothing to be gained here. You have said it yourself. Tallwalker is no more. This abomination is no longer a Giant.” Vincent halted unwilling to advance further. Sweat poured down his face like tears and when it interfered with his vision he quickly swatted at his eyes with the sleeve of his robe.
   “No, brother Vincent.” Jeroth calmly spoke into the air. ”We are not powerless here. Though we have failed to prevent this atrocity, we must strive to the limit of our strength to undo this great evil.”
   A retort was stricken from Vincent's lips as the dark giant suddenly lurched forward. Before either Jeroth or Cate could react, the creature reached out with both of its thick, black hands and snatched Lord Jeroth off his feet. In spite of his Haruchai strength, Cate was slapped backward into the air to land heavily upon the ashen shore in a smoldering heap of pain. Vincent instantly leapt forward with a curse on his lips and his staff alight with blue Lord's fire but the monster had already withdrawn beyond reach with Jeroth clutched in his hands like a prize. All of the Bloodguard immediately surged forward. Stin moved to help Cate who had been badly burned but was able to slowly regain his feet.
   “Jeroth!”
Vincent was frantic. He strained his senses to detect any sign that Lord Jeroth still lived and he was answered almost at once. From between the clenched fingers of the giant there flashed a bright blue light. Lord Jeroth fought back. Slowly the creature was forced to grudgingly open its fingers as Jeroth wrapped himself in a cocoon of irresistible power. The whole company was able to see the struggle between the dark giant and the Lord. Finally Jeroth was able to leverage enough space to kneel but he was unable to break free. The creature again and again tried to squeeze and crush him but Jeroth's cocoon held.
   “We must act.” Stin strode to Vincent's side. “Lord Jeroth cannot endure.”
Vincent spun around to face Stin. His face was stretched into a wild grimace that was enhanced by the red glow of the Slay. Stin read the indecision in Vincent's eyes and cocked an eyebrow.
   As if on cue, Cate leapt out over the lava.
The giant had turned as it lumbered from one foot to the other, which brought its arms within only a few feet of the shore. In a perfect arc, Cate slammed into the giant's outstretched hands forcing them apart. The giant growled and rolled Jeroth in its right hand and as Cate ricocheted up and back toward the shore, the creature lashed out with its left and snared him by the leg. Cate howled in pain as the flesh where the giant held his ankle was instantly melted to the bone. His body suddenly went slack as he lost consciousness and hung limp and defenseless dangling above the river of boiling rock.
Vincent realized that at any moment the giant might drop Cate to his death and though Jeroth now only struggled against one mighty hand he was so exhausted from the heat that he was barely able to maintain his defense. Though he struggled against paralyzing fear, Vincent was a Lord of Revelstone. He was a master of earthpower and possessed the mightiest lore the Land had ever known. Vincent suddenly turned to Stin with dark clarity written upon his face.
   “Stand ready.”
Stin did not respond. He merely nodded once and backed away.
   In the Space of a heartbeat Lord Vincent erupted. He was suddenly engulfed in pulsating aura of earthpower. He radiated bright flames of passion that pounded the dry ground and fought the heat of Hotash Slay for supremacy. The urgency of the moment was upon him. The lives of two men hung in the balance and there was no time for indecision.
   As Lord Vincent turned to utter one final command to the Bloodguard he noticed movement in the distance. What he saw almost made him falter. Emerging from behind a large stone outcropping was Lord Kollias and his five Bloodguard. They moved slowly, haggardly as if they had survived something terrible and walking at the rear of the group, supported on either side by Ranyhyn, was a Giant. Realization crashed through Vincent like a tidalwave.
   “We have been deceived!”
It was too late. There was no time. Vincent quickly spun back toward his destiny and embraced it. Only seconds had passed. Cate dangled helplessly from the cruel, burning grip of the monster. Lord Jeroth's mystic defense appeared to be moments away from collapse. The time had come. Vincent's power suddenly flared as he launched himself out over the Slay. The earthpower sustained and propelled him forward until Vincent crashed into the dark creature, catching it unaware. He instantly plunged his staff into its molten chest. Both Lord Jeroth and Cate were suddenly set free. Vincent gambled that Jeroth retained enough strength to save himself and concentrated his effort toward Cate. With a wave of his arm, Vincent extended his power and was able to drive the unconscious Haruchai through the air above the molten rock and into Stin's waiting grasp. Lord Jeroth began to fall toward the bubbling lava but was able to call up an inner reserve of strength that allowed him to re direct his fall toward the ashen shore.
   Vincent was left alone against the Despiser's servant. With his attention diverted by the rescue, Vincent did not see his doom rear up before him. With both of its arms held high over its head the creature brought it's huge, smoldering fists down upon the Lord. At the same moment Vincent channeled all of his strength, through his staff, into one massive blast of power. As Lord Vincent's head was fatally driven into his shoulders, a blast of irresistible force detonated within the monster's chest. Both the creature and Vincent's limp form were consumed in a massive, flaming conflagration. The Warder of Hotash Slay was no more.
   The Bloodguard rushed to Lord Jeroth who was kneeling in the ash with tears streaming down his cheeks.
   “Vincent.”
Lord Kollias stood aghast. He and the rest of his party had witnessed Lord Vincent's end from afar. There were no words. Nothing that could assuage the deep pain and loss of their fallen brother. They had no other choice but to tend to their wounded and begin the journey back home.
   Lord Jeroth took the tale of Lord Vincent's end to High Lord Kevin who openly wept before the council of Revelstone.
   “The Enemy, this Despiser will one day reap the final reward for his evil deeds.” Kevin fell silent as he fought to contain his sorrow.
   Lord Jeroth silently marched out of the Close, down through the great halls and passageways of Revelstone and out into the waiting open air beyond the great keep's gates. He stood facing the noonday sun with a wry grin upon his ancient lips.
   “Farewell, Vincent.” He rasped under his breath. “Farewell indeed.”

END

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