The Attack on Gulin's Forest

The noise in the tavern was above a roar but Tolwen and Luther made their way to the counter, there were no tables open and the bar itself was nearly full. The last few hours of walking had built a deep thirst in the two travelers. Tolwen the wizard considered using his many powers to clear the tavern but he had learned long ago that there was a time and place to use his powers and this was not one of them. While being bumped and jolted by other patrons Tolwen and Luther motioned for the bar maid and ordered two mugs of ale. Tolwen was used to being looked down on by other men due to his height but Luther didn’t like it much for he knew well since traveling with his five foot friend there was more to being a man then the height of a man or the way they dress, the way they talk or even the size of his sword in battle. Luther considered himself lucky to know Tolwen and to be considered his friend. So when a loud mouth soldier made a comment about Tolwen being too short to be in a man’s tavern Luther took offense to it and short of drawing a sword against a professional fighting man Luther was prepared to defend his friend.

The soldier yelled over the crowd, “I said little man you don’t belong in this tavern with real men.” The soldier’s laughed and took another swig of his ale.

Luther stepped between the soldier and Tolwen, “My friend belongs here as much as you do.”

The soldier’s face went sober, “Do you know who I am?”

Luther stood his ground, “No, I don’t believe I do.”

The soldier straightened himself, “I am Sloan, Captain Sloan of the king’s army and I am not used to back talk.”

Luther steadied himself suddenly seeing four more men wearing armor and tunic the same color and style as that of Captain Sloan as they stood behind their captain. Before Luther could do or say anything Tolwen stepped around in front Luther.

Tolwen said, “Friend we just came in for a sip of ale to wash the dust from our throats. Let us buy you and your men a fresh pint and we’ll be on our way.” Tolwen smiled at the captain.

Sloan replied, “I guess you didn’t hear me little man, my men and I don’t want you and your friend in here.”

“This is a public place we can come and go as we please, “Luther said.

Sloan said, “You are going.”

Luther replied, “We are staying.”

Before another word could be said a bright light appeared outside the door to the tavern, the light grew brighter and brighter catching the attention of everyone in the tavern. Then the door blew open as a strong wind blew through the tavern nearly knocking people to the ground. Several men drew their swords and stood at the ready to fight whatever came through the door. Luther and Tolwen drew their swords too as much for the soldiers as the new threat. The light faded to nothingness and through the door walked Gulin the wizard.

Sloan stepped forward, “Wizards are not wanted here, be gone with ya!”

Gulin smiled at Luther and Tolwen then turned to face Sloan, “Soldier I have no fight with you but if you insist then I will defend myself and I can defend myself very well.”

Sloan stood his ground, “You’re not wanted here leave.”

Gulin waved his arm in Sloan’s direction and Sloan and his men were forced back as if a great fist had hit them all at once. Luther grabbed Tolwen’s hand, “Time to leave my friend.”

Luther and Tolwen stepped quickly to Gulin’s side, just as Sloan and his men righted themselves.

Sloan said, “Should have known you three were in this together.”

Sloan raised his sword and took a step towards Gulin and Gulin lifted one finger and Sloan’s sword turned into a hissing snake which Sloan quickly dropped to the tavern floor.

Tolwen said, “Allow me.”

Gulin gestured his offer was accepted. Tolwen produced some yellow powder then, threw it into the air. The powder produced a flash of yellow light the three were gone. Sloan and the other soldiers stood there with confusion and bewilderment on their faces. Meanwhile a few feet hundred feet away Gulin, Tolwen and Luther reappeared. The three looked at each other then began laughing at their actions and look on the faces of the soldiers.

Gulin reached an arm out to each of his friends, “It’s good to see you my friends.”

Luther shook Gulin’s hand, “Good timing on your part, Gulin.”

“Yes, Gulin how did you know we were trouble?”

Gulin smiled down at Tolwen, “Trouble always seems to find you my wizard friend. Besides I was looking for you to help me!”

Luther asked, “Trouble in your kingdom, Gulin?”

Yes, I’m afraid so there is a huge army has taken camp at my bounders and they damage my forest daily for their fires and building shelters.”

Tolwen added, “With your power you surely can send them packing?”

“Not this many I need the help of another wizard to back me up.”

Tolwen smiled, “It would be a pleasure. Whose army is invading your forest?”

Gulin frowned, “Your loud mouth friend in the tavern is their captain, and they must have a thousand men.”

Tolwen frowned too, “This will be a challenge.” Tolwen’s frown turned to a smile, “I love a good challenge, especially for a good cause.”

Luther added, “Well I don’t know what good a mortal will be in a wizard attack but I dedicate my sword to your defense in any way you see fit.”

Gulin smiled, “I welcome both of you at my side, I have a special job for you Luther, I would have you protect Lady Larrena.

Tolwen and Luther agreed to help Gulin in his quest to protect his forest and his fondest procession the fair lady Larrena. With the wave of his arms the three were transported to Gulin’s forest to the small castle that sat in the middle of the forest. Standing nearby was the lovely Lady Larrena in all her radiate beauty, wearing a long flowing blue gown and smiling at her king and the two travelers.

Larrena reached out to her king and the two embraced for a moment before directing their attention on their guests.

Gulin said, “My Dear Larrena as we thought the travelers have agreed to help us in our quest.”

Lady Larrena smiled of the two travelers, “Thank you my friends it is wonderful see you again.”

Tolwen stepped forward and kissed Lady Lareena’s out reached hand, “It our pleasure to see you and King Gulin again.”

Luther followed Tolwen and kissed Lady Larrena’s hand, “It is our pleasure to leaned sword and heart to protect you and your kingdom. I understand I will be watching over you during this time of unrest!”

Tolwen still smiling at Lady Larrena, being a man that was attracted to fine boned ladies found himself lost in her beauty. Luther noticing that lost stare nudged Tolwen who quickly corrected himself and turned to Gulin.

Tolwen asked, “So King Gulin what is the plan?”

Gulin smiled, “Simple enough we split up and attack guard outposts using our abilities to convince the soldiers that the forest is haunted, they are very superstitious lot.”

Tolwen rubbed his hands together, “Let’s get to it then.”

Tolwen using the travel stone transported himself to the edge on the forest near a small camp with several tents setup and five soldiers sitting around an open fire. Tolwen studied them for a minute trying to decide on how to punish them for being in the forest where they were not wanted. A childish smiled crossed Tolwen’s face as he began to recite an incantation. Suddenly the campfire roared ten feet into the air for a moment or two before returning to normal. The soldiers all jumped back from the blazing fire. Once the fire returned to normal the soldiers all looked at each other in shock. Tolwen giggled to himself then recited another incantation and all the spears lined up fall down causing the soldiers to all get to their feet. With the wave of his hand the soldier’s horse all bolt and run off with the soldiers running after them.

Meanwhile at another camp Gulin is watching the group of soldiers when he recites an incantation and one of the soldiers walking from the horses to the fire place suddenly falls to the ground. The other soldiers laugh at him until it become apparent that he can’t get to his feet. First one soldier goes to help him then another. Between the two soldiers that cannot lift the fallen soldier. Now the other soldiers all gather around the fallen soldier and begin offering suggestions as to the cause. Gulin listens with great interest and as soon as one soldier mentions magic, Gulin waves his hand and the fallen soldier suddenly goes flying into the tree branches directly above him. Now the discussions all go toward magic or the fact that the forest was haunted. Now, Gulin whispers an incantation and the soldier falls to the ground again. The soldier scrambles to his feet and runs to his horse and rides off away from the camp. Soon the other soldiers do the same and the camp is soon abandoned.

Tolwen moves on to another camp and watches the activities for a while before reciting an incantation and watches as tree roots suddenly come out of the ground in the middle of the camp and start grabbing soldiers by the feet and begins to pull them into the nearby forest. The soldiers fought back stabbing and swinging wildly at the roots with swords. Tolwen waves his arms and tree branches descend and grab the weapons from the soldiers. Just a fast as it started the roots suddenly releases the soldiers. The soldiers scramble to their feet and some run to the horses others flee on foot, screaming as they run away. Tolwen laughs to himself and says, “I haven’t had this much fun in ages.”

On the other side of the forest Gulin appears in a tree over looking another camp, watching the soldiers beginning to settle down for the night. Gulin sees one of the lookouts in a nearby tree. Gulin waves his arms and the soldier falls from the tree catching his foot in a crook of the tree and is left hanging up-side-down screaming for help. The camp is in an up roar as every soldier goes on alert. Several soldiers run towards the soldier hanging in the tree. Gulin waves his arms again and the soldiers appear to run into an invisible wall and are knocked to the ground. Gulin cups his mouth and lets out a deep moan that echoes through the camp. The soldiers were all running about some mounting horses other fleeing on foot, still other stood their ground swords at the ready but fear had gripped the camp and control of the men was lost. Soldiers stood back to back waiting for the attack but they didn’t know where it would come from or even what to expect.

Gulin moaned again and this time the few remaining soldiers decided that retreat was called for and they let their camp site and fled into the night. Gulin watched with delight as the last soldiers disappeared from his sight. Left behind was the soldier stuck in the tree. Gulin snapped his fingers and disappeared; in his place was a blue cloud. The cloud floated towards the soldier in the tree. Just before the cloud enveloped the soldier it stopped. The soldier’s face showed the fear inside the soldier’s heart.

Gulin spoke in a deep throaty tone, “Leave my forest or all will pay.”

With that the soldier fell to the ground. As quickly as he could the soldier got to his feet and ran off into the darkness following his companions.

An hour later Tolwen stood in a tree overlooking a huge camp, suddenly Gulin appeared beside him, the two looked down at the camp and watched as soldiers from the other camps they had visited arrived and reported to Captain Sloan. While they couldn’t hear what was said it was easy to see Captain Sloan’s reaction to the reports. Captain Sloan slapped the soldier that was reporting to him about the attack on the smaller camp. Captain Sloan motioned for his horse and several other soldiers mounted their horses to accompany the Captain but the group didn’t make it too far. Gulin whispered an incantation and the horses all reared up and began bucking their riders into the air and to the ground. While other soldiers tried to grab the horse most the horse ran off into the darkness.

Captain Sloan picked himself up from the ground and was seen pointing to some other horses and giving an order. Soldiers were scrambling to get fresh horses to replace those that were run off. Gulin then whispered another incantation and the horses that were tied up began acting up bucking and rearing up most of them ran off too. Soon Captain Sloan was seen ordering the soldiers to move on foot to fall into formation to march to the Captain’s orders. The soldiers looked about the camp but nervously moved into formation.

Tolwen told Gulin, “Allow me.”

Tolwen made large gesture with his arms and Captain Sloan and first 6 rows of soldiers were brushed aside as if a huge hand had swatted at them causing them to fall to the ground. Sloan rushed to his feet and quickly looked about the area. Holding his sword high in the air with one hand he shook his fist in the air with the other.

Tolwen flicked his finger toward Captain Sloan and Sloan’s sword turned into a hissing snake, which Sloan quickly dropped to the ground then he grabbed a soldier’s sword near him and stabbed the snake before it could slither away. Holding the sword in his hand Captain Sloan stood ready for the next trick.   

Gulin smiled at Tolwen, “You think we rattled his cage enough for one night?”

Tolwen looked back at Gulin, “I think he is so stirred up he could stab his own foot.”

“I would like to see that. Meanwhile we can let him stew for the rest of the night.”

“Sounds good to me, let’s get back to Luther and Lady Larrena make sure they are ok.”

Back at King Gulin’s castle Luther and Larrena sit at a large wooden table talking.

Luther said, “They should be back soon.”

“My King and Tolwen are very brave to take on an army.”

“Yes, they are brave but they are both powerful wizards and that’s a match for any army.”

Just as Luther completed his statement a flash of light appeared and Gulin and Tolwen stepped from light. Larrena rushed to Gulin’s side, “My King you have returned.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Tolwen smiled as the two embraced, “Captain Sloan has been rattled and his troops are running around like crazy men.”

Luther smiled as he approached Tolwen, “I can only imagine what you two did to those soldiers.”

Just as the four were moving to the table to have bite to eat Gulin stopped in his steps, “Something is wrong.” Gulin rushed to a nearby window and looked out over the forest. Against the dark blue night sky Gulin saw the gray shadow of smoke.

“No, no they have started the forest on fire.”

Tolwen rushed to the window with Luther and Larrena close behind him. Sure enough through the trees they could see a line of bright orange glow that was unmistakable.

Gulin said with a raised voice, “Tolwen we have to go.”

Tolwen said, “Of course.”

Gulin made a circle motion with his hands and a bright light appeared out of thin air. Tolwen and Gulin stepped into the light and the light grew smaller and smaller then disappeared along with the two wizards.

In the forest the bright light reappeared and the two wizards stepped from the light moments before the light flickered out. Straight ahead of them just twenty feet in front of them the fire was rushing through the trees. Gulin and Tolwen moved apart and when they were in position them recited an incantation and blew towards the furious fire. Suddenly the fire begins to stop its forward motion and moments later the fire was just a smolding reminisce of a fire. Through the remaining smoke the two wizards could see the soldiers and Captain Sloan with their mouths hanging open and torches in hand.

Gulin said, “Enough playing with these invaders, time to show them who the king is around here.”

Gulin and Tolwen steadied themselves and pointed their hands towards the soldiers and lightning begin flying from their finger tips. The lightning bolts struck the ground in front of the soldiers. The soldiers begin to scatter in all directions. Captain Sloan held his ground for a moment but then he too turned and headed away from the wizards. Gulin and Tolwen walked forward through the burnt forest line still firing lightning bolts in the direction of the fleeing army. They walked until they approached the edge of the forest and there wasn’t a soldier in sight.

Finally, the two wizards stood still and the area was silent.

Tolwen said, “That should take care of the army for a long time, they know now that this forest is protected.”

“I hope so.”, Gulin said.

Tolwen pointed off in the distance, “They will be running for hours.”

The two wizards looked at each other and then laughed at the events of the night. Soon the two wizards traveled back to the castle in the wink of an eye they again stood before Lady Larrena and Luther. Larrena greeted her king with a passionate hug then gave Tolwen a hug too. Tolwen turned red from the gesture of affection by the lovely Lady Larrena. Luther shook hands with the two wizards and pat on the shoulder of each one.

Luther said, “I take it the soldiers are all gone?”

Gulin answered, “Indeed they are and the fire is out as well.”

Larrena gestured towards the large table in the middle of the room, “We have prepared a feast for the victors.”

The party of four sat at the table and enjoyed the feast set before them. They talked for hours about the recent events and of friendship and of the future.