Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows (31 page)

Aldrek
and the other Blue Knights stepped through the doorway, relief on their faces.
"What happened out here?" Aldrek asked.

"No
time to explain," said Shennen. "Now that our foes know we're here,
they will use Jackals to try to sniff us out. We must hurry!"

They
stepped out into the hall, to find six Legion Soldiers running toward them, as
a loud warning horn blew throughout the keep. But the Soldiers didn't even glance
at them. Instead, they checked on the fallen men--then ran right on past.
Aldrek's power had come through for them once again.

Dremlock's
warriors hurried off down the hall, staying close to the walls like shadows, as
more Soldiers rushed past them. Lannon continued to scan for Timlin and the
Black Flamestone. Old Hammer Hall consisted of three levels--the Soldier
Barracks at the top, the Dining Hall, Kitchen, and Library on the middle level,
and the Old Forge on the lowest level--aside from the many tunnels and chambers
that connected these areas. It was a broad expanse, crawling with Legion
Knights, Soldiers, and Goblins. Searching the fortress without getting caught
was extremely difficult and required a bit of good luck--but luck seemed to be
on their side as they managed to avoid being sniffed out by Jackals.

At
one point they overheard a conversation between Soldiers and learned to their
frustration that Timlin had fled the keep before they even arrived--and he'd
taken the Black Flamestone with him. They learned of a second exit from the
fortress that Timlin had used to escape. Their only choice was to leave Old
Hammer Hall through that passageway and set off in pursuit of Timlin, who was
already several hours ahead of them.

The
passageway was located in the Old Forge. The Forge was guarded by a pair of
Jackals, who'd been sent there to sniff out the invisible intruders should they
try to escape by that route, as well as three Soldiers and an enormous Ogre
(the largest Lannon had ever seen). The Forge also contained several
blacksmiths hard at work crafting weapons and armor--muscular men who would be
sure to seize weapons and join in the fight if the intruders tried to overcome
the guards.

Lannon
found this chamber quite bizarre and ugly compared to the Great Forge at
Dremlock. Four pillars stood in the room, carved with evil, leering Gnomes. The
furnaces were molded to look like great iron faces with bloated cheeks and
gaping mouths--waiting to be fed weapons and armor. The evil of the Deep Shadow
hung about the forge. This was an ancient chamber where the Dark Dwarves had
crafted malicious weapons, a forge that remained unchanged for centuries and
still harbored a wicked aura even though the Gnomes were extinct.

The
intruders hid behind pillars, wondering how they were going to get past the
Jackals without a fight. Finally, Shennen shrugged his shoulders, drew his
Flayer, and nodded toward the guards. He signaled to Lannon and the Blue
Knights that they would strike quickly and by surprise.

They
moved as close to the Jackals as they could--until the Jackals began to sniff
the air and growl--and then charged at the guards. Shennen cut down one Legion
Solider before the unlucky fellow knew what hit him. Three of the Blue
Knights--and Aldrek the sorcerer--went for the Ogre, knowing the massive beast
would be very difficult to kill, leaving Lannon, Shennen, and two Blue Knights
to deal with the smaller foes.

Lannon
felt a rush of power as the Eye flooded into his blade. He almost felt
invincible--like he could toy with his foes and dispatch them easily. It was a
feeling Lannon had never experienced before, but he liked it. He beheaded a
Jackal with ease, and the feeling grew stronger.

One
of the Soldiers--a stocky fellow with a thick black mustache and insane
eyes--charged at Lannon, his chest puffed out to show his strength. The
soldier's helmet was shaped like some bird that reminded Lannon of a duck. If
the helmet was supposed to be intimidating, it fell well short of the mark. The
soldier paused, shaking in mock battle fury, and pointed at his helmet while
nodding. Lannon simply stood and stared, unable to comprehend the gesture.

With
a growl of frustration, the Soldier swung his battle axe at Lannon's neck.
Lannon ducked the blow and then hurled the Solider into the cavern wall. The
Soldier slumped to the floor, his battle axe slipping from his fingers. His
precious duck helmet lay next to him, and he pulled it close before passing
out.

Meanwhile,
the massive Ogre managed to grab one of the Blue Knights and crushed the poor
fellow in a bear hug, killing him instantly. The Ogre flung the dead Knight
aside and roared in triumph. But its victory celebration was brief, as a pair
of burning swords pierced its torso.

The
blacksmiths did indeed seize weapons and join the fray, but they were
dispatched quickly (being poorly trained for combat). Shennen killed the
remaining Soldier, and Lannon slew the other Jackal with a sword thrust through
the Goblin's dark heart.

All
that remained was the Ogre, wounded by several sword strikes but still on its
feet. It swung at the Knights with its fists, but was unable to make contact.
Soon the giant was pierced by multiple blades, smoke rising from its scorched
flesh. It staggered and then finally went down.

They
didn't check to make sure it was dead. Instead, they ran for the passageway
that they hoped would lead them out of the keep and to the Black Flamestone.
They could hear shouts coming toward the forge and a clanking of armor. Now
that the Jackals were dead, they became invisible again as they entered the
narrow tunnel--though Aldrek complained that his energy was running low and he
didn't know how long he could sustain the illusion.

Eventually
the tunnel led them to a Glaetherin door with a wheel lock--but the door stood
open. Not far beyond that was the tunnel's end, and they soon found themselves
standing beneath the night sky in the chill air. The scent of some nearby pine
trees filled their nostrils. They stood in silence for a moment, mourning the
Knight the Ogre had crushed, and then Lannon scanned the snow with the Eye in
search of Timlin. He found traces of Timlin having passed that way, and they
set off in pursuit.

A
bit farther along the trail, they found five dead Legion Soldiers--their armor
scorched black and split open by some terrible sorcery. The Eye revealed the
truth: It was the power of the Black Flamestone.

Somehow,
Timlin had unlocked it.

Chapter
20:
 
The Colossus

Dremlock's
army traveled for two days along the shores of the Grey Lake, until they
reached a stretch of rugged hills not far from the Watchman's Keep. They camped
atop a hill and waited, watching for Bellis' army to draw close. They built
fires on the hilltop so the smoke would alert Bellis to their position.
Dremlock had an ambush planned, but it did not involve hiding. Rather, the
Divine Knights expected Bellis to come to them.

At
last they glimpsed Bellis' army advancing through the hill country--over a
thousand Knights on horseback along with three huge siege engines. The largest
of those three siege engines was the pride of Bellis. It was known as The
Colossus, a long, narrow, worm-like monstrosity made of three sections able to
maneuver through forests and mountains, and protruding from the front of it was
a great battering ram molded to look like the head of a golden lion. It was a
massive catapult pulled by twenty Thallites--giants from a dying race. The
Thallites were the largest beings on Gallamerth, standing twelve feet in height
on average and protected by heavy plate armor. They had once been enemies of
the Grey Dwarves and many wars had been fought between the two races in ancient
times. Now only a few hundred Thallites remained, due to a disease that killed
off most of their young. The Thallites were fiercely loyal to Bellis and its
king.

A
wooden platform was constructed atop the hill for Prince Vannas to stand on.
Surrounding the prince was the Divine Shield (minus Shennen and Lannon who were
still seeking the Black Flamestone) and then a wall of about a hundred Knights
on horseback, many of them the Brown class with stout shields. The remaining
Knights--mostly Red--were gathered at the base of the hill, where they would
attempt to distract Bellis' warriors while Vannas targeted the siege engines.
The goal was to keep Vannas alive so he could hurl the White Fire down upon
their foes. Dremlock was putting all its hopes into their gift from the Divine
Essence. They showed strong faith in their god by trusting in its wisdom. It
was that faith that had sustained Dremlock throughout the ages--the unyielding
belief that they had divine power on their side and therefore must surely
prevail.

The
Thallites pulled The Colossus to the top of a nearby hill and then the army
stopped its advance. It was the prince on one hill and the massive catapult on
another. It was a warm spring day and the snow had melted into patches. The sun
shone down on gleaming weapons and armor, and proud banners flapped in the
wind. Knights sat like statues on horseback, waiting patiently for the battle
to begin. The twenty giants stood atop the hill holding crimson hammers and
wearing crimson armor that shone like fire beneath the noon sun. It was a
magnificent scene that was unfortunately destined to turn ugly and brutal.
Bellis was there for one reason only--to eliminate the Divine Knights and lay
claim to the White Flamestone.

"We
will let our foes make the first move," Taris called out from the hilltop.
"Let the burden of this war be on them!"

Cheers
arose from the Divine Knights.

"Aldreya,
stand by my side," said Taris. "Help me shield the prince with your
sorcery."

Aldreya's
ability to generate magical shields was weak, but she vowed to throw everything
she had into protecting her cousin. She took position beside Taris, at the base
of the platform. She knew she would be in grave danger there--as Bellis was
sure to launch a furious attack against the prince. But she wasn't concerned
with her own safety, only that of Vannas. The White Flamestone seemed to be
Dremlock's only hope and she was compelled to guard it with her life.

"Why
are they hesitating?" asked Trenton, his face tense and his sword in hand.
"Shouldn't they be charging at us, or hurling boulders? Or both?"

"I
don't know," said Taris. "Perhaps they're waiting for
us
to
make a move so they can adjust their strategy. If so, they will be waiting a
long time."

"Maybe
we should attack first," said Vannas, fire in his eyes. "I've got a
clear shot at that big siege engine."

Taris
shook his head. "Be patient, young prince."

The
tension grew almost unbearable as they stood and waited for something to
happen. This was not how Aldreya had envisioned the prelude to the battle.
She'd assumed Dremlock was planning some type of surprise assault--instead of
simply standing on a hilltop and in a valley in the open, waiting for boulders
and arrows to start raining down on them. It made no sense, and she could tell
by the confused expressions around her that she wasn't alone in her thoughts.
Only Taris and Furlus seemed confident, an expectant look in their eyes.

"I
wish we would just get on with this," said Jerret, his knuckles white as
he grasped his broadsword.

Galvia
nodded. She stood by Jerret's side, leaning on her war hammer. "This
waiting is taking a toll on my nerves."

"I
agree," said Daledus, his enormous axe slung over his shoulder.
"Standing around like this is maddening."

Jace
lit his pipe and leaned against the platform. "Might as well have a smoke
before the bloodshed begins. I think Bellis is tuning up its oversized toy
there, getting ready to smash us into pudding. Speaking of pudding, I wish I
had some--just in case it would be my last meal. I'd hate to die on an empty
stomach."

Aldreya
gazed at the twenty Thallite giants, shocked by their size. They towered over
the Knights on their hilltop. These men were slightly larger than Ogres--and
vastly more intelligent. They looked like a race of armored gods standing
amongst mortals, engulfed by an aura of invincibility. She couldn't imagine the
carnage they would inflict on Dremlock's Knights once the battle began.

"Quite
a sight, aren't they?" said Jace, motioning with his pipe toward the
giants. "The Thallites were once a widespread race that dwelt in several
sprawling cities. Like the Dwarves, they are great weaponsmiths. They were the
friends of Birlotes and Noracks and a staunch enemy of Tharnin. Now they are
nearly extinct and hopelessly loyal to Bellis. What a shame."

"Too
bad they
aren't totally extinct," muttered Trenton,
"considering how much damage they're likely to do to us."

"I'm
not concerned with the giants," said Taris. "I'm concerned with those
three siege engines--in particular the one on the hill."

"Yes,"
said Jace, "they are amazing devices--crafted by the aforementioned
Thallites, who also forge the armor and weapons for Bellis' Knights. The siege
engines have allowed Bellis to swiftly conquer any kingdom it chooses. There is
simply nothing that can stand against them. Dremlock's own siege engines are
rather pathetic in comparison."

Furlus
frowned. "Ours are much smaller, yes. But nothing to sneer at. And don't
forget, Jace, that the Grey Dwarves forge Glaetherin for Dremlock. The
Thallites lack the ability to mold that metal."

"Yet
Jace is correct," said Taris. "We cannot match the skills of the
Thallites when it comes to crafting siege engines. And if we can't manage to
destroy these ones, we will likely lose this battle."

"The
siege engines will fall," said Prince Vannas. "Hopefully." Even
the prince seemed taken aback by the size of The Colossus on the hill.

A
Knight on horseback, flanked by two Guardians in golden armor that carried
banners bearing the Crest of Bellis, rode down the hill and started toward
Dremlock's army. It was Staldor Darvus--the Lord Knight of Bellis.

"Let
the Lord Knight come to me," Taris called out, and the crowd of Divine
Knights parted to allow the riders through.

Staldor
and his Golden Knights rode up the hill until they confronted Taris, Furlus,
and Trenton. The Lord Knight bowed.

Dremlock's
Knights did not bow in return.

"You
know why we have come," said Staldor. He was a stocky, bald man with a
neatly trimmed reddish beard. He wore green-and-gold armor with the white Crest
of Bellis painted onto the breastplate. "But you should also know that our
great King Verlamer is merciful and will accept your unconditional surrender."

"Of
course," said Taris, looking amused. "Bellis loves to intimidate its
foes into surrender. The best victory is a bloodless one."

Staldor
sighed. "I don't have time for nonsense, Taris. Will you surrender or not?
If not, we'll proceed to kill all of you--down to the last Orange Squire.
You're a logical Birlote, and it's an easy choice to make."

"We
won't surrender," said Taris.

"Never!"
Furlus bellowed, looking like he might try to smash Staldor right off his
horse. But honor held the furious Dwarf in check.

"You
may change your mind," said the Lord Knight, "after half of your
warriors have been hammered into pulp."

"Don't
count on it," said Taris, looking calm. "The Divine Knights are
prepared to die if necessary, but we will not be enslaved."

Staldor
glanced at Vannas, who glared down at the Lord Knight from his wooden platform.
"Consider the prince to be dead already," said Staldor. "You
can't protect him. Surely you realize that, Taris. All these men and
women--such loyal Knights. Is it worth sacrificing them when surrender would be
so easy?"

"Yes,"
said Taris. "They are Divine Knights and Squires--and they will gladly
make the sacrifice to stand against this tyranny."

Staldor
seemed genuinely confused. "I don't understand this. I'm not an evil man,
Taris. I've always worked hard to provide for my family and do what is right.
King Verlamer only seeks to unite all of the kingdoms of Gallamerth under one
peaceful banner. Imagine that, if you can! That is what I'm fighting for. I
don't want to soak these hills in the blood of Dremlock's servants."

"I
have heard of your exploits, Staldor," said Taris. "I believe you're
an honorable man at heart--but terribly misguided. You've somehow convinced
yourself that you serve a noble kingdom, which is pure folly. And you clearly
don't understand what Dremlock is all about. We are bound by our Sacred Laws
and cannot violate them, even to save ourselves from death."

Staldor
motioned to his army of giants and more than a thousand Knights. "This is
a small force that Bellis has sent against you from Brothlor Kingdom. Many more
Knights, Thallites, and siege engines are on the way to Silverland even as I
speak. We've absorbed the resources of several kingdoms. You just don't
understand the size and might of the army you're opposing."

"On
the contrary," said Jace, "I think Dremlock knows quite well what
it's dealing with. Certainly, the Divine Essence knows."

"A
pagan god," said Staldor, scowling. "A bizarre creature that has
tricked you into serving its will." He pointed at the sun. "Those who
fail to serve Ebros are surely doomed."

"Ebros,
the Sun Spirit," mused Jace. "When is the last time he has appeared
to you? Hasn't it been more than a century?"

"No,"
said Staldor. "It was Ebros who ordered King Verlamer to unite all of
Gallamerth--in front of many witnesses."

Jace's
eyes widened. "Ebros...or someone pretending to be your god? Does this
seem like something the peaceful Sun Spirit would command?"

"As
I said," Staldor replied, "this is done for ultimate peace, so why
shouldn't we believe it was Ebros who commanded it?"

"Because
it wasn't!" said Jace. "Of that, I'm thoroughly convinced. I believe
Ebros is unaware of what you fools are doing in his name. In fact, I knew Ebros
when he was still alive--before Bellis adopted his spirit as a deity--and he
wasn't the sort of man to behave this way."

"You
speak nonsense," said Staldor. "Ebros died over one-hundred and fifty
years ago. You could not have known him."

"Wrong,"
said Jace. "I was alive then, too. What you're doing would be viewed an
abomination to your god."

"Enough
of this nonsense," said Furlus, his eyes blazing. "Spirits of
sorcerers are not gods, and Bellis is the real pagan kingdom. It doesn't matter
if Ebros ordered this or not. You wasted your time speaking to us, because
Dremlock does not submit to tyrants. So ride back to your warriors and tell
them to prepare to die!"

Staldor's
eyes widened. "Fools!" With that, he turned his horse around and
galloped back to his army. He signaled to the giants as he rode.

The
Thallites fed logs into the siege engine's furnace, and moments later the
monstrosity shuddered as steam burst out from iron pipes. Suddenly, the great
arm of the catapult started to move downward as the giants pulled on thick
ropes. Several smaller arms moved down on their own, also preparing to fire.

Trenton's
mouth dropped open. "What sort of catapult is that, with steam emerging? I
fear it is going to obliterate us!" Trenton sheathed his sword, a sour
expression on his face. For a moment, he was engulfed in shifting shadows--and
then he was gone, replaced by the hulking, wolf-like beast. The coarse grey fur
bristled on his body, and his muzzle wrinkled in a snarl.

"And
so it begins," said Jace, his face grim.