| 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 |
| 1 | 22 | 45 | 67 | 89 |
|
www.freeclassicebooks.com
"
They have defied the great Ak, and threaten the life of our adopted son," said
beautiful Queen Zurline. "We must destroy them."
The Master Woodsman smiled.
"
You speak well," said he. "These Awgwas we know to be a powerful race, and
they will fight desperately; yet the outcome is certain. For we who live can
never die, even though conquered by our enemies, while every Awgwa who is
struck down is one foe the less to oppose us. Prepare, then, for battle, and let
us resolve to show no mercy to the wicked!"
Thus arose that terrible war between the immortals and the spirits of evil
which is sung of in Fairyland to this very day.
The King Awgwa and his band determined to carry out the threat to destroy
Claus. They now hated him for two reasons: he made children happy and was
a friend of the Master Woodsman. But since Ak's visit they had reason to fear
the opposition of the immortals, and they dreaded defeat. So the King sent
swift messengers to all parts of the world to summon every evil creature to his
aid.
And on the third day after the declaration of war a mighty army was at the
command of the King Awgwa. There were three hundred Asiatic Dragons,
breathing fire that consumed everything it touched. These hated mankind
and all good spirits. And there were the three-eyed Giants of Tatary, a host in
themselves, who liked nothing better than to fight. And next came the Black
Demons from Patalonia, with great spreading wings like those of a bat, which
swept terror and misery through the world as they beat upon the air. And
joined to these were the Goozzle-Goblins, with long talons as sharp as swords,
with which they clawed the flesh from their foes. Finally, every mountain
Awgwa in the world had come to participate in the great battle with the
immortals.
The King Awgwa looked around upon this vast army and his heart beat high
with wicked pride, for he believed he would surely triumph over his gentle
enemies, who had never before been known to fight. But the Master
Woodsman had not been idle. None of his people was used to warfare, yet
now that they were called upon to face the hosts of evil they willingly prepared
for the fray.
5
1
Page
Quick Jump
|