Alutar: The Great Demon Read Free Page B

wish?”
    King Arik shook his head. “No, Baron Stikman. I do not presume to hold any control over the forces of Korocca, Zarocca, or anyone else outside Alcea, but I know the hearts of many in this room. I know those from the countries west of the Barrier want their countries back, and I know that the elves will die without the destruction of the Federation. I know that the dwarves of Tarashin have pledged to join us in this battle, as I thought the horse countries had, but I will not force any nation to fight against their will.”
    “You will not shame me into committing my men to a senseless battle,” retorted the baron. “Our castles are built to defend our homeland. That is the way we Occan people fight. Let the Federation send their extra 60,000 men against us. They will not conquer Herinak.”
    “And what of the 175,000 prisoners that Alcea now holds?” asked King Arik. “My word has been given to them that they would be repatriated, and I always honor my word. Where do you suppose they will end up if the Federation is not entirely destroyed? No, Baron, we will destroy the Federation with or without the help of the horse countries. It is the only path to a lasting peace.” King Arik turned to face King Wendal and asked, “Can I persuade the Koroccans to temporarily move the portal here? I need it placed somewhere secure on the ground level.”
    King Wendal looked at the Alcean king with a crease of confusion on his face. “I can see to that,” he replied, “but to what purpose?”
    “The attack on Giza must come from the north,” King Arik explained. “Otherwise we place ourselves between the armies of Giza and Farmin. I plan to bring three thousand Red Swords and their mounts through the portal. The stairs of the castle would be a great impediment for the mounts.”
    “Three thousand?” blustered Baron Stikman. “Are you daft? Those men will be going up against 20,000 Federation troops which are camped in a walled city. Even my promised 20,000 Occan warriors would be hard pressed to win against a fortified city. A walled city always has the edge. Do you so easily send your men off to die? Do their lives mean so little to you?”
    “I will not be sending my men off to die, Baron,” retorted King Arik. “I will be leading them in the attack on Giza.”
    Gasps echoed through the room, and Baron Stikman stared at King Arik in disbelief. Garth seized the moment to speak.
    “King Arik is called the Warrior King for a reason,” Garth explained. “He was born to combat evil and bring peace to the world, and he has won the allegiance of many peoples in doing so. For whatever reason, the gods have bestowed the Warrior King with the gifts needed to conquer evil, and conquer evil he will. I pledge my life to him.”
    The other Knights of Alcea present also pledged their lives, and King Drakarik rose and kneeled before King Arik.
    “We know you as Garala,” the dwarven king said reverently. “While we were not in Alcea for the fulfillment of the Prophecy of the Dwarven Ruby, we are here now. The people of Tarashin are in your service. If you wish us before the walls of Giza, then we shall be there.”
    King Elengal of the Dielderal rose quickly and knelt beside the dwarf. Prince Saratoma was taken by surprise by his grandfather’s quick movement, but he hastily rose and followed the elven king.
    “And we call you Valon,” declared King Elengal. “As with the Elderal and the Sorelderal, the Dielderal are yours to command. Be mindful of our blood, but spend it where you must. If we are needed before the walls of Giza, we will be there waiting for you.”
    King Arik smiled with surprise as he gazed down on the kneeling monarchs. “Your service is noted and warmly received, but there are other tasks awaiting both of your peoples.”
    “Our task lies far in the future,” objected the dwarven king. “There will still be time for us to accomplish what needs to be done.”
    “There is another task that