Twisted World

Harri grew fond of his rescuers and their friends the centaurs. The Shaggies as they called themselves were not quite men, but were far from apes also. And they spoke of others who lived in the tree tops with them in peace. The Falconii were more bird like but also with speech.

They had all been pleasantly surprised at their ‘guests’, all the men they had known previously had done nothing more than try to kill them for food and did not want to know that the ‘prey’ were intelligent creatures as well. Harri had no doubts. He alone of the prisoners had known ‘talking horses’ and seen small fairy like creatures in the dark as he had wandered looking at the stars.

There had been a meeting in the centaurs clearing of these peoples and one other - the Needlers, who were short armed and legged dwarven folk; their skin of ‘fur’ hid long needles that they could shoot as weapons in need. Yes, they admitted, they were a mutant race that had been known as porcupines many millennia ago. If they were to follow the men, then they would join. It had been man’s chemical weapons that had turned them into what they were now.

Harri discovered that all the peoples had rights of vengeance on his captors and were so incensed they were willing to move against the place known as Hadstown. Now, some insisted.

Of course, nothing could be done for moon cycles as all parties needed time to recover from the fight. And to put a strategy together. The land between the sheltering forest and the outlying fields of the ‘town’ was bare. They did not have enough force of their own to attack.

Harri thought long and hard. He was both gratified and amazed as his ideas were seriously considered. They may not be able to attack, but they could infiltrate and disable, slowly. He did not know whether to be delighted or frightened when he was voted Commander of the strange force being assembled.

Several of the captives went on quickly to scout and report back. Things looked hopeful as the first returned saying things were quiet and that plans seemed to be in hand to move the force to the Dead Land that was the island north of Pear Isle. What the eventual purpose was remained unknown. Men only knew so much, even if they talked too freely. More came back with much the same tidings, the men were being moved to boats that waited offshore in sight of the castle. The place would be poorly defended indeed and they urged that the force travel now whilst they stood a chance.

Harri was not so sure, he would have liked to scout himself but the others had refused to let him go. Their commander must remain in safety! And all but he agreed that they should strike. Now. They would not get another chance like this in cycles.

As the force finally moved off, Harri could not help but think they were on a doomed course but forced himself to face up to it and rode proudly on the back of the Prime Centaur, Flame.

His apprehension rose with the others as they had to rest far out into the Wasted land, in view of those with high powered seeing sticks. No movement was noted, and no lights shone over the distance.

They slept uneasily and approached in clouds of choking dust that would confuse the enemy. Only a small force met them, and they were mainly young or older men. The town was quickly taken, but the castle was locked and defended. Impregnable.

A smirking Jacs looked down with Hadad and agreed what a sorry looking sight the ‘invaders’ were. If Harri wished to rescue his sisters, he had a painful shock awaiting him.