The Dragons of South Hill - Part 2 - The Battle for Ithaca College E-Book

Joseph P Hradisky Jr

• Herausgeber: BookRix
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

This is book 3 of the first Ithaca Saga Trilogy – In this book several key members join the team – the remaining dragons return to reunite a long lost alliance as well as an enemy joining the team because of the loss of a loved one, encroachment by the demons on his illegal businesses, and the finding of a real love he never thought existed -–it is also the first major battle to take back the world and create a stable base of operations in which to launch ongoing assaults against the demons

Leseprobe

Joseph P Hradisky Jr

The Dragons of South Hill - Part 2 - The Battle for Ithaca College

The Ithaca Saga - Book 3

As always, I dedicate this book to my loving wife, Terri, for all her wonderful support as well as for all her terrific hugs, kisses, and nibbles The cover picture is of the Twin Towers at Ithaca CollegeBookRix GmbH & Co. KG80331 Munich

Dragons of South Hill

The Ithaca Saga

Book 3

Part 2 – The Battle for Ithaca College

This ends the first trilogy

By Joseph P Hradisky Jr

- Iron Tooth to his wife Air Stream -

my tongue aches for the taste of your sweet nectar

flowing from your wet lips so tender

I inhale the scent of the ages for which man

has always known the beauty of a woman

It is by scent we live, by scent we touch

by scent we recognize those who we are connected to

It is a scent which the fingers know

for which the tongue does desire

for the lips to kiss as the nose breathes deeply of

it is about who we are and how we feel for each other

throughout eternity there is nothing but the scent of our beings

from the beginning of time till it ends

it is all that we shall know

INFO

This is book 3 of the first Ithaca Saga Trilogy – In this book several key members join the team – the remaining dragons return to reunite a long lost alliance as well as an enemy joining the team because of the loss of a loved one, encroachment by the demons on his illegal businesses, and the finding of a real love he never thought existed -–it is also the first major battle to take back the world and create a stable base of operations in which to launch ongoing assaults against the demons

Book Rights

This is a work of fiction – any resemblance to persons living, or dead, is purely coincidental – all rights are reserved

Thank you for taking the time to read my book – I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it

Have a wonderful life full of hugs and kisses everyone

Dedication

As always, I dedicate this book to my loving wife, Terri, for all her wonderful support as well as for all her terrific hugs, kisses, and nibbles

To save the hatchlings

On the morning of the fourth day, after the end of the battle at Milliken Station, Jon Tom gathered everyone in a large open area just north of the intersections of Milliken Station Road, Cayuga Drive, and Milliken Power Plant Access Road. In order for everyone to see him he was atop the largest tarantula. “As you know we are at war with the demon king in the dark tower. All sorts of foul beasts have sided with this mad creature. One of them has taken control of the main fortress at Ithaca College. A great man, and his partner, died not knowing who was friend or foe. Princess Sara still grieves their loss but knows we will regain control of this place so that the light of freedom can shine from it again. We do have a big problem now.”

Jon Tom waited for them to settle down before continuing. “They know we are strong and that we are heading to the Ithaca College Campus. Before they thought we were unable to not only defend ourselves but be able to defeat the armies that we have. Our enemy will no longer underestimate us. Normally we would head to the college in one of three ways. Either we follow 34b to 34 and then to 96b or we go across Cayuga Lake to route 89 south then to 96b, or we travel under the waters of Cayuga Lake to go up the Cayuga Inlet to the bridge crossing on Cliff Street and then onto 96b. Personally I know we could make it those ways, but we will not make our road tougher than it already is. Instead we are going to a circuitous route to our destination. So the plan is to head south on route 34b to route 107. This we will take over to route 120, McClean Road, which will take us to route 13 south at Munsons Corners. From Munsons Corners we will travel south on route 13 to route 366, then to Pine Tree Road, Mitchell Street, Cornell Street, Giles Street, up Hudson Street to Columbia Street and then over to route 96b and Ithaca College main entrance where the main gate of the fortress is.

There are two reasons why we are doing this. First, and most importantly, are the hatching grounds of the last dragon clan. If we do not save them, before those who hold the fort, figure out they are there then all will be lost for the dragons. By the time they can make a new place safely it will be too late for anymore eggs to be laid. The second reason is the fortress was built on the blood of good people to protect the earth realm from the dark invaders. We are going to avenge all those who died trying to defend it. (Jon Tom looked at Sara) They, and their souls, will never survive when we take the fortress.”

Jon Tom jumped off the giant spider to land softly on his feet, so he could run to Sara to kiss her tears away. “We will make them pay.” He then turned to Jeremy. “Do you think there will be any problems with the route?”

Jeremy thought about this for a bit before answering. “Some but not as much as the other ways in. Mainly it will be providing food, shelter, clothing, armor, etc. for those traveling with us. We have such a variety it will be almost impossible to take care of them all properly…”

Just as he was finishing speaking a mountain troll walked up to them. Then he just stood there. Finally Jeremy spoke. “You are among friends and can say whatever it is you need to say.”

The mountain troll just nodded but said nothing for a while longer. Finally it spoke. “I am Ebhudla, this is my partner Uqhwithela, and I have thought about this problem for a while now. I wasn’t sure…”

Another mountain troll moved close to him and laid her hand on his shoulder. “It will be alright to tell them.”

Ebhudla smiled at the warmth of her hand and voice. He turned to kiss her before speaking again. “There are very few of us left. Maybe a few hundred at the most. We have been traveling in search of a safer place to stay so we do not get killed off by the dark army. It has been useless. There really is no safe place so I think it is time we go back to bring them here. If we have to die, then let it be trying to live.”

Jeremy understood the dilemma they were going through. So many have died believing the demons would keep them around if they were on their side. It was not going to happen. Those who figured this out were the ones still alive now. Those who didn’t...he really didn’t want to think of this loss of such precious life. “We can get them here safely if that is what you are worried about. Yet I have the feeling there is more.”

“There is but I am not sure it is possible…” Ebhudla went silent.

Jeremy waited until he was sure the mountain troll was not going to say more. “Anything is possible, let me decide what can be done. Fair enough?”

“Yes.” This was from the female mountain troll Uqhwithela. “Tell him my sweet.”

“I am trying.” Ebhudla fell silent again.

By now Jon Tom had left to talk with Sara but was back again. “What…” He began when Jeremy held his hand up to keep quiet.

Nothing was said as they waited for the troll to come to grips with the new reality. Those, who had been enemies, were now friends. All for the simple reason the last mountain troll clan wanted to live. They didn’t like the demons and this hatred was the reason why there was only one clan left. The others had trusted them saying they would live when all the humans were dead. No sooner had they agreed then the demons unleashed a vicious band of dark creatures from a distant realm no one had heard of. Now, here he was, deciding the fate of all his clan. All this could be seen plainly on the troll’s face. The pain, with which this decision was causing, had to be great. So they waited. Finally Ebhudla looked Jeremy in the eye. “We need to go to Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Under the resort the clan has taken refuge in a long lost kingdom. It took years to locate this in case we had to go there to hide…”

“There is still more, right?” Jeremy nudged.

“Yes. Our ancestors did not like each other so there are things there I am not proud of.” Ebhudla hung his head in shame.

“Eyes up!” Jeremy was almost growling as he said the words. Ebhudla physically jumped before looking at the human. “You do not need to be ashamed of what has happened in the past. What we do now will more than make up for it. I take it there is a lot of stuff we could use?”

The mountain troll just shook his head. Uqhwithela hugged her husband before turning to Jeremy. “There are things there which could benefit all in our army. The wars of long ago were fought among so many of our ancestors the treasure room, which has a holding spell upon it, is quite full. In return for your help we offer this and our people to fight along side you…”

“NO!” Jeremy shouted at her. The amount of anger in his voice made both trolls take a step backward. “The only way you can help our army is by choice. It has to be what you want to do. No pressure, no need, no obligation. Strictly by your choice and your choice alone.”

“So be it.” Ebhudla said. “When we get to our clan we will discuss what we are going to do. What other restrictions are there?”

“When you discuss this make sure to tell them if they do not want to fight they do not have to and there will be nothing said as to that choice. Understood?” Jon Tom spoke a little more softly to the mountain trolls.

Ebhudla nodded he did before the pair left to get ready for the trip. Jon Tom looked at Jeremy. “Why didn’t you tell him we knew they were there and were going to see if they wanted to join?”

Jeremy smiled. “Because, if anything shows they want to be here of their own choice, that just showed it. Yes it took them a bit, but they came to us. That is what will make us stronger. I feel for him intensely, the amount of pain he went through to speak to us about his clan was great.”

“Yes…you could plainly see it on his face.” Jon Tom said softly. “Now go get everyone ready to go.”

*************

It took almost 4 days for the army to march to Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Time had been gained by finding farm wagons, along the way, to use as transportation for the ones who were the slowest. When they got there Uqhwithela, and Ebhudla, made their way to a maintenance shed. There were all sorts of vehicles here, but it was clear none were useable. At some point, for whatever reason, someone or something came through and destroyed them all. It was too bad for the bus, and a few others, could have been used for more transportation. Ebhudla didn’t even glance at this. Instead he headed right for the building itself.

As they entered, the darkness inside, made all but the two mountain trolls to stop until they could see better. The trolls had not stopped moving. Once Jon Tom could see he found them at the other end, of the building, near a car lift. Both trolls took hold, of the lift, and moved it to the other side of the building. By the time they had finished this the rest were there to stare down into a dark pit. Jon Tom reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a very black bag. This he opened to pull out some things. As he did he handed one to Dianne, Sara, Air Stream, Jeremy, and Iron Tooth. The dragons had to use human form because of the space limitations. Once they all got theirs Jon Tom put on a pair of owls, night vision glasses. Now he could see it just wasn’t a hole but a carved opening with wide, circular, stairs winding down to the room below. From where he stood he got a good idea the room, down there, was very large.

Ebhudla, followed by Uqhwithela, made his way down the stairs to the room below. When all were there he headed for a doorway straight across from the stairs. Jon Tom looked around to see there were at least a half dozen doors in each wall. This gave him a good idea how big the room was. Somewhere in the vicinity of 300 feet by 300 feet. Looking up he could see there were no light fixtures. Which made a lot of sense for the mountain trolls had little, if any, need for lighting. Ebhudla was halfway to the other side when a voice spoke.

“I wouldn’t go any farther.”

“You would be more effective if you used a deeper voice like I taught you Tinishi Danisenya.” Ebhudla was almost laughing as he continued to the other side. “In fact I should not have gotten down this far before being challenged. What’s going on?”

Jon Tom didn’t like the note in Ebhudla’s voice. “Glasses off.” He said just before he cast three light spells at the ceiling. As soon as the room was light enough Jon Tom looked around. When he first had looked over the room he thought there were tables all over the place but where they were walking. He wasn’t even close. The tables turned out to be Rock Dwarves. At least a dozen of them. He was about to attack when Ebhudla held his hand up to keep anyone from doing anything.

“So, Tamnel Mudbottom, what do you here?” It seemed Ebhudla was not surprised to see them. In fact, it seemed to Jon Tom, he had expected them.

“So you have returned in time to swear allegiance to the demon king.” Tamnel replied.

“No. I told you I would find a way to free my people.” Ebhudla turned to Jon Tom. “I should have told you, but I needed wisdom not fight.”

Jon Tom nodded. “What wisdom is it?”

“I think they have no clue as to the lies of the demon king or all the other dark creatures. They think, like so many others, the demons will allow them to live if they side with the dark army. I told them it was a lie but, being dwarves, they don’t believe anyone but another dwarf.”

“You’re not saying something, what?” Jon Tom asked the mountain troll.

“I think I know a way, but I don’t have the skill to do it.” Ebhudla shook his head sadly.

“So tell me…” Jon Tom started when the largest rock dwarf moved away from the others.

“How can you stand there with those vile, lying, humans?” The dwarf asked. “All they want to do is kill us.”

“Is that what the demons have told you?” Asked Ebhudla.

“Yes, and I believe them more than any human…”

Ebhudla didn’t let him finish. “Have they, the demons, healed your king?”

The challenge was very evident in Ebhudla’s voice. When no answer came the mountain troll went on. “Would you change your mind if my friends could?”

“Would you bet your life on it?” Asked Tamnel.

“Don’t.” Jeremy said as he moved to stand next to Ebhudla. “This is undoubtedly a trick.”

“It is but I am sure of what the result will be.” Ebhudla answered Jeremy before turning back to Tamnel. “Yes.”

“Good. Then let them try for the king is almost dead and I will be the new king. Under my rule you will be the first to die.” Tamnel sounded way to cocky for Jon Tom to take it anymore.

“Enough! Here is our deal. You will have one of three choices to choose from. And they will be your choices. Once the king is saved you will either leave this place to never return, or you become the guards to defend it from any who try to take it, or you decide among yourselves to join our side. And it has to be your choice only. Any questions?” Jon Tom had moved to stand in front of the rock dwarf.

“I have one, mage, how can you be so certain?”

Jon Tom looked long at Tamnel before answering.

“I’m not.” Was all he said before yelling up the stairs. “Get me Nancy and now!”

Ten minutes later Nancy Owens came down the stairs. As usual she was prepared with a pair of owls on. “You rang?”

Jon Tom smiled. “We need a healer.” He then turned to Tamnel. “Where is the king?”

“I will show you.” Tamnel replied.

“Jeremy, if we are not back in half an hour with some kind of report you need to make sure everyone is safe. There will be no restrictions.” Jon Tom turned to follow the dwarf but ran into it.

“What do you mean ‘no restrictions’?” The dwarf asked.

Jon Tom smiled. “He is a fighter mage. If something happens to us, you will not have to worry about the demon king keeping his promise. You won’t live to see that happen. And what he will do will be so bad that even your soul will be destroyed forever.”

The three left without another word.

*************

The door, the three went through, opened onto a structurally sound tunnel. There were lights here, so it must have been made by humans or some other creature who could not see well in the dark. And it was old. Like five, or six, thousand years old. Some of the designs, on the walls, he knew. Only a few though. The rest were incredibly beautiful with intricate designs. A mosaic depicting something only the original builders understood. One day, when he had the chance, he was going to find out what this meant. For whatever reason he had the feeling it was very important. Tamnel had the lead and was setting a brisk pace. Jon Tom knew the why. He was trying to tire them out before they got to the king. It wouldn’t work.

Unsure of how long they had been traveling Jon Tom looked at his watch. Almost 25 minutes had passed since they had left what was apparently the main reception hall. Jon Tom stopped and waited. Soon the dwarf realized the mage was not with them.

“Too weak to go on human?” Tamnel sounded smug.

“No.” Jon Tom replied as he produced a dragonfly, whispered in its ear, before sending the small messenger on its way. Once the dragonfly was out of sight, with nothing happening to it, he caught up to the dwarf. “Well? What are we waiting for.”

The dwarf didn’t reply as he set off again. This time the pace was quicker than before. Neither Nancy, nor Jon Tom, seemed to notice or care about this fact. They just kept moving. Both knew there was a lot riding on the outcome of their mini adventure. Almost 40 minutes had gone by without any indication of them stopping. Now, a normal person, would have been lost by now. For the tunnel did not lead straight. It seemed to be going in a direction like a circular stair or a ramp for a car garage exit. Which meant they were going deeper into the ground. Soon there were puddles on the ground indicating there was water nearby. So, wherever they were it had to be somewhere near Gridley Creek. Moments later they were crossing an underground connection to the creek above. This stream wasn’t very deep, but it was moving very fast.

On the other side, of the bridge, they came to a large door or a small gate. In front of it were two guards. Both were rock dwarves. As the three drew near they immediately opened the door. On the other side was a large room filled with more dwarves. Of these a female came to greet them by grabbing hold of Tamnel and fiercely kissing him. For a moment it seemed the dwarf wanted to keep this from happening but quickly gave in with a sigh he could not hold back.

“Where the hell have you been?” she demanded.

“Trying to save our people.” Reluctantly the dwarf turned to the two humans. “This is my wife the princess Bemiyaherawi Shibeti. My sweet this is the mage Jon Tom and…”

“Nancy Owens.” Nancy said. “It is good to meet you.”

The princess stared at the humans. “What are they doing here? I thought it was unsafe to keep them alive so why did you take them prisoner?”

“He didn’t.” Jon Tom said before Tamnel could. “We are here to offer aid in making your king get better.”

“That is not possible. We have tried everything, and nothing has worked. I can’t see how a human could help him.” Bemiyaherawi tried to sound angry but Nancy could hear a little note of hope in her voice.