When Twins War: Book I

Chapter Twenty-Six

With great haste, Turrik and Poiternium rode to the Maghtani Fort, north-north-east from the Meadow. Their hope was that they would arrive before the Ben-Kiêrre bombardment and rescue Arsheen and his soldiers.

Fortunately, the fort was only a thirty minute ride on horseback. The road was easy, despite the many wheeling dunes of the desert. As they neared the fort they became aware of flashes of light much further west, just beyond a few tall dunes. They stopped on a higher dune to observe it. Below they could see the Maghtani Fort, a sizeable fort, built in a square shape, with many layers of high walls.

"That is strange," Turrik said as they studied the flashes. A deep rumble thundered through the gulleys of the dunes and they could hear shouting in the distance.

"Indeed," added Poiternium. "It seems to me that the Ben-Kiêrre legions have found an enemy in the desert."

"Do you think Arsheen made a barrage against them?" Turrik asked, looking at Poiternium with a clear frown.

"A brave man if that is so," replied Poiternium.

Turrik kicked his horse. Both leaped into another gallop and as they approached the fort the sound of a horn spurted through the sky.

"Such is the sound of goblins!" Turrik cried.

"Goblins?" Poiternium said, as they continued to ride. "Could Ben-Kiêrre be fighting goblins?"

Remembering instructions to approach the southern side of the fort, they turned towards it and announced to the guards of the walls of their arrival. Once they found themselves at the south walls they waited for a response. Eventually they were approached by three men on horseback carrying torches.

"This way," was all they said, leading them into a small pathway intertwined closely to the walls. It entered into a narrow passageway that winded in many directions; a maze. They were eventually led through a postern that entered into the main court of the fort. Arsheen came rushing to them immediately, showing his elation. He wore a sharp pointed beard with slanted sideburns, and had a deep and impressive composure which was aided by his commanding voice.

"Outlanders, what do you seek?" he asked. "I pray you come to aid us?"

"Indeed, we do," answered Turrik quickly. "Our leader, Tarkanyon, has met with the High Chancellor of Ben-Kiêrre this night."

"Sephobwe," Arsheen said.

"He has informed us of his plans to take your fort tonight."

"That is indeed what I expected," said Arsheen. "For our northern wall is weak and their catapults are strong. They are close by, but they have not begun their bombardment yet."

"We see so," said Turrik. "And that gives us a glimmer of hope. We observed that there is a battle not far from here, do you have news of it?"

"Goblins," said Arsheen with a sneer. "They have engaged Ben-Kiêrre in battle, before they could engage us. The Ben-Kiêrre chancellor has had the armies stationed north of here for some time, but they had to draw back before being fully mobilised as the goblins attacked them from their northern side."

"I have not heard of goblins engaging entire armies." Turrik's eyes widened. "This seems unusual."

"It is unusual," said Arsheen. "We have seen the hordes mobilise and organise, forming larger clans. They have begun to be more daring and this is proof of so."

Poiternium and Turrik looked at each other.

"Tarkanyon suggests you abandon the fort and come with us," said Poiternium to Arsheen. "We camp at The Meadow. We are safe there from Ben-Kiêrre, and we are also with those of Dernium. Tarkanyon has negotiated their safe passage with Sephobwe and feels confident that if you journey with us Sephobwe shall not attack you."