The Sceptre of Samnos

The Emerald Oracle - Part 8

     "Tell us, great Oracle," she said, "Where in the world must we go and what actions must we take to find and recover the Sceptre of Samnos and deliver it safely to those who can use it?"

     The Oracle smiled in approval. It loved it when people phrased their questions intelligently. "You must go to the Megran Mountains," it said. "South of Great Lake Megra. There, you must find the peak that men call the Thunderberg." The three wizards closed their eyes and focused on his words, committing them to memory.

     "In the southern slopes of the mountain are many caves," continued the Oracle. "You must find the cave with a Dougi bush growing by it. At the back of that cave is the entrance to the Maze of Samnos, which you must solve to reach the Sceptre. It is patrolled and guarded by undead creatures that you must avoid or destroy, or else they will destroy you and you will join them as guardians. Once you have the Sceptre, you must take it to a priest of Samnos of the rank of Captain or higher, who alone can wield it. I suggest that you take it to the Theocracy of Samnia, where you will find many such people."

     "Thank you, great Oracle," said Diana, when it fell silent. She looked over at Lirenna. "Did you get all that?" she asked. Lirenna and the other two wizards nodded.

     Shaun went forward to stand before the Oracle. "Did you say we can all ask a question?" he asked.

     "Is that your question?" asked the Oracle.

     "NO! NO!" cried Shaun. "By the Gods, no! I spoke without thinking!" He mopped his brow and heard the others sniggering behind him. "What I wanted to ask was, is there really going to be another Shadowwar, and if so, will we win it?"

     "I cannot answer any question about the future," answered the Oracle. "Not even the Gods Themselves know in detail what the future holds. You may ask another question."

     "All right," said Shaun. "What is the exact size and composition of the Shadowarmy?"

     "The Shadowarmy consists of nine hundred and twenty six thousand, one hundred and thirty five humans, five hundred and eighty four thousand, seven hundred and sixteen trogs, two hundred and eighty five thousand, seven hundred and fifty one shologs, two hundred and eighty three thousand and forty three buglins, one hundred and fifty two thousand, six hundred and sixteen goblins, sixty four thousand, two hundred and fifty nine ogres, forty two thousand and twelve hobgoblins, eleven thousand, two hundred and seventy five trolls, three hundred and twenty eight giants and sixty five dragons. Naturally, these numbers are constantly changing as more are born and recruited and others die or desert. On average, however, it is increasing at the rate of four hundred a day.

     "In addition, the Shadowarmy contains four million five hundred and thirty thousand four hundred and thirty four skeletons and zombies, ninety three wraiths, eighty one wights and thirty one ark raks. Plus, of course, the Shadowlord's deputy, who is in overall command. The Shadowlord himself, and others of the same nature as himself but weaker and subservient to him, cannot, as yet, enter this world in person and must instead simply channel through as much of their power as they can, through the portal created by his raks in the dead city of Arnor."

     The six travelers were stunned, and Diana's hand flew to the silver Caroli flower hanging around her neck. "But, but that comes to over two million living shads!" gasped Jerry breathlessly. "We had no idea, no idea at all..."

     "How large is Belthar's army?" asked Shaun, his face suddenly as white as a ghost.

     "I don't know," said Thomas. "About a quarter of a million, I think, and composed almost entirely of humans and trogs. No giants, dragons, raks..."