Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows (9 page)

 
Lannon nodded. "But what about
Shennen?"

Taris
shrugged. "I will inform Shennen of my decision after the messengers have
already departed. Meanwhile, you will keep quiet about this whole affair.
Shennen is too obsessed with those bones, and I fear he will share Thrake's
fate. He has become pale and angry. He no longer looks or acts like a Birlote.
Even though his heart remains uncorrupted, the bones have clearly affected him.
I have no idea how he will react to my decision, but better he finds out
later--after the Dragon's remains are gone from sight and mind forever."

"But
what if Shennen blames me?" asked Lannon.

"He
won't," said Taris. "You simply informed me of Thrake's warning.
Shennen will blame
me
for giving the order to bury the bones."

"What
about Thrake's words concerning the fall of Dremlock?" said Lannon.
"I once heard Trenton speak similar words when he was dazed."

"It
may be a sign that Dremlock is in grave danger," said Taris, "but
nothing is certain. Ghosts sometimes possess knowledge beyond that of the
living. And sometimes bits and pieces of the future are revealed to Knights
through dreams that are possibly sent by the Divine Essence. But they are only
observations of what
might
come to pass. I do know that the war against
the Deep Shadow has escalated in the past decade and our foes have grown
stronger."

"But
we slew the Dragon," said Lannon, "and captured Dorok's Hand. Also,
Tenneth Bard is dead and Vorden is gone from our world."

Taris
nodded. "Great accomplishments, certainly, but no guarantee of victory in
this war. Even the acquiring of the White Flamestone and the Eye of Divinity
are not guarantees. We sought you out of desperation, Lannon--in spite of
knowing what had become of the Dark Watchmen. We welcomed you into the kingdom,
even though some on the High Council feared what you could become if the Deep
Shadow found its way into your heart. And the fact that the Divine Essence gave
a piece of itself to foolish mortals like us is a sign of our god's fear for
the future."

 
Lannon was puzzled. "Shennen told me I
need to train as the Dark Watchmen once did--that I will likely end up dead if
I don't. But shouldn't I avoid anything related to the Dark Watchmen?"

"Shennen
has no patience these days," said Taris, his face darkening. "He
tries to push things ahead too quickly. He has grown cynical toward the fate of
our kingdom. But he is correct in his belief that one who uses the Eye of
Divinity properly will learn to focus it as the Dark Watchmen once did. The Eye
is not simply about seeing deeper truths or moving objects. It is a tool designed
to enhance the skills of a Blue Knight. However, learning to control your power
comes through experience, and you must be allowed to grow at your own pace and
not be forced into anything too soon. Shennen doesn't agree with me on that and
seeks to bypass my authority."

"But
Blue Knights are assassins," said Lannon. "Am I expected to sneak up
on people and attack them from behind?"

"Not
all Blue Knights are assassins," said Taris. "Just a few of them.
Shennen is one. But assassination missions are rare and reserved only for
enemies who are deemed hopelessly lost to the Deep Shadow."

"Were
the Dark Watchmen assassins?" asked Lannon.

"In
spite of their skills," said Taris, "the Dark Watchmen did not
partake in assassination missions. They were warriors who preferred to face
their enemy in honorable combat. Therefore, it does not surprise me that you're
opposed to such missions. But bear in mind that if an assassination is done for
noble purposes in a time of war, it is not dishonorable according to the Sacred
Laws."

"Nevertheless,"
said Lannon, "I won't be an assassin for Dremlock. I would rather leave
the kingdom." Lannon didn't feel that Taris was suggesting he become an
assassin, but the Squire wanted to make his intentions clear.

"Would
you like some more tea, my friend?" asked Taris, a hint of amusement in
his eyes. "It really is excellent tea. An old Birlote recipe."

Lannon
hadn't expected that response, but he wasn't about to press the issue. Taris
knew where he stood. "Yes, thank you. It is quite good."

Taris
filled Lannon's cup. "At any rate, you must focus more on your training as
a Blue Squire when you get the chance. Concentrate on learning to be a Knight
for now, and worry about your missions later. Other than that, you're doing
fine and shouldn't worry about what Shennen said."

"But
Thrake almost killed me," said Lannon, his cup trembling a bit in his
hands as he took a sip. "Maybe the path I'm on is a dead end."

"Don't
concern yourself with it," said Taris. "The life of a Divine Knight
is always dangerous. You will never truly be safe as long as you are at war
with the Deep Shadow. In fact, be prepared to die in the service of your
kingdom. You may die young, but to die as a Squire or Knight of Dremlock means
you have lived a good life and deserve your eternal rest."

"Sorry,
Master Taris," said Lannon, "but I don't find that very reassuring. I
understand the truth in it, but I guess I don't
feel
it."

"Fear
of death has no place in the heart of a Knight," said Taris. "All a
Knight should be concerned with is obeying the Sacred Laws, avoiding the
clutches of the Deep Shadow, and helping the people of this land have better
lives. You are very privileged to be a Blue Squire at Dremlock. Few are ever
called upon to serve the Divine Essence and battle the forces of darkness.
Embrace that way of life with passion and vigor and without fear."

"I
will do my best," said Lannon.

Taris
smiled. "When I was your age, though, I too was afraid. I didn't want to
die without experiencing my share of life. I wanted to get married someday and
raise children. Then when I became a Squire, I wanted to survive long enough to
retire from Knighthood and see my dream come to pass. But as I got older, I
lost interest in that dream and came to embrace the life of a Divine Knight
with true passion. If I died tonight, my spirit would have no regrets."

"Thrake
has regrets," said Lannon, his mind wandering back to the haunted shade in
the moonlight.

Taris
nodded. "Because Thrake found a fate
worse
than death. It is the
power of Tharnin--of that foul Dragon--that keeps his restless shade bound to
this world. If you must fear anything, fear the Deep Shadow."

Having
finished his tea, Lannon rose to leave.

"Eventually,"
said Taris, "I will tell you the full story of the Dark Watchmen. It is a
bizarre and sad tale, but you might learn something from it."

Lannon
bowed. "I look forward to it."

"You're
a strange and stubborn lad," said Taris, grinning.

"What
do you mean?" asked Lannon, taken aback by Taris' unexpected assessment of
his character.

"Just
what I said," Taris replied. "You're stubborn and difficult to
understand. I believe your stubbornness could easily be mistaken for arrogance.
Yet you don't insist on doing things your way because you think you know
better. Rather, it's simply your nature to remain true to who you are, and
clearly you have no desire to change. I wonder why the Divine Essence chose
you."

Lannon
was at a loss for words.

"Goodnight,
my young friend," said Taris, still grinning.

Again,
Lannon bowed. "Goodnight, Master Taris." With that, he left the tent,
wondering, as Taris obviously did, why the Divine Essence had blessed him with
his gift when there were plenty of warriors throughout Silverland eager for
bloodshed.

Chapter
6:
 
Goblin Town

The
next day, Lannon did as ordered and said nothing to Jerret about his encounter
with Thrake's shade. He felt guilty for keeping it a secret. Jerret remained
sullen and withdrawn, speaking only when spoken to and giving brief,
angry-sounding replies. Lannon was certain the news of Thrake's attempt to
redeem himself from beyond the grave would improve Jerret's mood, but Lannon
was bound by honor to remain silent on the issue.

It
was a cold and sunny spring morning. As they rode on through the snow, they
caught their first glimpse of the Firepit Mountains in the distance. They
planned to ride around the western end of the mountains rather than attempt to
pass through the rugged, Goblin-infested peaks. The western half of the
mountains was crawling with Ogres and Trolls that were spawned by Dark Mother
Trees deep in stone caverns. The Divine Knights were slowly cleaning out such
breeding dens, but many areas of the Firepit range remained perilous.

 
Taris appointed a new member of the Divine
Shield to replace Thrake--a Dwarven Red Knight named Daledus Oakfist, an overly
cheerful warrior with bushy sideburns and an absurdly wide battle axe that
looked too awkward for effective combat. "Daledus is young," said
Taris, "but he is an extremely talented warrior and well respected. And he
holds the Sacred Laws in high regard."

"I'm
proud to be part of this Divine Shield!" said Daledus, grinning. "A
fine bunch of Knights, Squires, and..." He gazed at Jace with a puzzled
expression. "Yes, a fine bunch of Knights and Squires. I know that I can
never replace Thrake Wolfaxe, but I'll do my best to protect Dremlock's
future."

"Daledus
is an excellent warrior," said Trenton Shadowbane, who rarely gave praise
to anyone. "You Squires will be in good hands."

The
Squires welcomed Daledus--with the exception of Jerret, who gave him one sullen
glance and then ignored him.

"So
what skills do you have?" Daledus asked, his gaze sweeping over the
Squires. "What's your range? I already know what Prince Vannas and Lannon
can do, but what about the rest of you? I fight close range mostly. And medium
range on rare occasions." He patted some throwing daggers that hung from
his belt. "I can also throw the heavy lance, but I don't carry one with
me."

"Sorcery,"
said Aldreya, smiling. "Medium range."

"What
kind of sorcery?" asked Daledus.

"Fire,
mostly," she replied. "I can also shield myself, affect the weight of
objects, and hide myself fairly well in the shadows."

Daledus
raised his eyebrows. "Not bad at all for a Squire your age. Do you think
you could use that weight trick to lift me over your head?"

Aldreya
looked him up and down and then shrugged.

Daledus
patted his bulging belly and laughed. "Maybe not, huh?" He fixed his
gaze on Lothrin. "What about you?"

"Bow
and dagger," said Lothrin. "Mostly bow. Long range, of course.
Hunting, tracking, and survival--basic Ranger skills. I wear a Blue sash, but
I'm really classified as an archer along with my cousin Vannas."

"Close
combat," said Galvia. "I guess I'm supposed to be a Blue Squire now,
but don't let my sash fool you. I'm only trained for Red."

"Is
that all?" said Daledus, leaning toward her with a piercing stare.
"Come on, lass, tell me everything. Brag a bit!"

Galvia
smiled. "Some strong weapon enchanting too--the skill of Fire. But it's
still only good for close-range fighting."

"I
know all about it," said Daledus, "and I envy you for it. Squires,
we're going to be great together! Mark my words!"

Jerret
avoided Daledus' gaze, but that didn't stop the Red Knight from questioning
him. "What about you, Dragonsbane?"

"Sword,"
Jerret said. "It's hanging from my belt for anyone to see."

"And?"
said Daledus. "What's your
range
, lad? We Olrogs always want to
know about range. Very important topic!"

"Close
combat," said Jerret, "obviously. Do you see any bow or dagger?"

"No
need to be rude, Squire," said Daledus. "Just trying to be friendly
and make a bit of conversation. And yes, I did see your little sword."

Jerret's
eyes widened. "
Little
sword?" He yanked it from its sheath.
"This is a broadsword and fairly heavy. Made of Glaetherin."

Daledus
laughed. "Struck a nerve, did I? Lad, it's a tiny blade compared to my
axe. Or didn't you notice?"

Scowling,
Jerret sheathed his sword. "May I speak freely, Master Daledus?"

"Speak
away!" Daledus bellowed, waving his arms. "Always!" He was so
animated it seemed he might topple from his horse.

"That
axe looks too awkward to be useful," said Jerret. "It looks oversized
and poorly balanced--like it's all for show."

"Nonsense,"
said Daledus, raising his weapon. "I've killed more than thirty Goblins
with this axe. Split some of them like blocks of oak. How many have you killed
with that fancy sword?"

"A
few," Jerret mumbled.

"Jerret
has become a fine warrior," said Vannas.

 
Daledus nodded. "I have no doubt about
that, my good prince. The lad looks strong enough, and I've heard talk of his
deeds. Could stand to cheer up a bit, though. I've never seen such a moody
Squire!" Daledus laughed heartily.

 
Jerret glared at the Dwarf. "Glad you're
amused."

"Calm
yourself, Jerret," said Aldreya. "He's just trying to be
friendly."

 
Jace winked at Jerret. "Daledus here
likes to talk."

"So
I've noticed," said Jerret, sighing.

"That's
right," said Daledus. "And get used to it. I don't keep my mouth
shut. I talk, talk, talk--all day long! I'll say anything I please, and those
who don't like what my mouth says can deal with my fist!" He bellowed
laughter. "We're going to be great friends and that's all there is to
it!"

"Wonderful,"
Jerret muttered, rolling his eyes.

Jace
chuckled and saluted Daledus.

Taris
turned about in the saddle, grinning.

Even
Trenton looked amused.

"Talk,
talk, talk!" Daledus went on, slamming his fist into his palm. He exploded
with laughter again. "I'll quit talking when I'm dead!"

***

As
they approached a small town named Elder Oak near the shores of the Grey Lake,
Taris announced, "Our scouts have reported this village is overrun with
Goblins. Elder Oak is built on the ruins of an ancient Olrog city. The earth
beneath the town is full of tunnels for hiding in--meaning there is a strong
possibility that some of the villagers survived the attack."

"And
what of our journey to Blombalk Fortress?" asked Trenton. "Last I
knew, we were in a race with the Blood Legion."

"Should
we abandon the villagers to their fate?" said Taris. "Who knows how
long they have been hiding underground. Perhaps they lack food and water. I
believe it is our duty to help them."

"I
agree," said Trenton, though he looked annoyed. "I was merely
reminding you of the purpose of our journey, as I'm eager to proceed with the
investigation of Blombalk. However, it is indeed our duty to give aid."

"Yes,
we must help the villagers," Shennen agreed. "We will have to act
quickly, though, with a group of our best warriors. I suggest we bring the
Divine Shield into the tunnels along with twenty Knights and the Ranger. Any
more than that would just clog up the tunnels and make combat difficult."

Taris
nodded. "I think that's a good plan. Flund Greenhelm will be in charge in
my absence. If we don't return from the tunnels by evening, another twenty
Knights will be sent down to search for us. If any Goblins flee to the surface
to escape, Flund's warriors will make quick work of them."

The
tall Birlote Blue Knight named Flund bowed. "It shall be done, Master
Taris. No Goblin will escape from this village on my watch."

Taris
called out the names of the twenty Knights who would accompany the Divine
Shield below, and they rode into the village. The snow was stained with blood,
and here and there lay gnawed human bones. The houses and taverns looked
battered, window shutters and doors broken off from hinges and hanging crooked
beneath the cold blue sky. A chill, bitter wind blew along the streets. It was
a lonely, sad little town that had taken quite a beating.

"Our
scouts found an entrance to the tunnels," said Taris, "in the Town
Meeting Hall." He pointed to a long, rectangular building flanked by pine
trees and with a bell tower rising from its roof.

They
swung down from their horses and entered the Meeting Hall through a battered
doorway. Inside, benches had been broken apart and the wood (bearing teeth and
claw marks) was strewn around. Three huge wolves lay dead--guardians of the
village that had fought to the last. Darius sniffed at them and whined. Saranna
stroked his black fur, anger in her eyes.

They
found a trapdoor in a storage room, with a ladder leading down into darkness.
Everyone stepped aside to let Lannon through, and he reached below with the Eye
of Divinity, searching for survivors. The villagers had indeed come this way,
but Lannon couldn't tell if they were still alive or where they might be. He
reported his findings to the others, disappointed that he couldn't be of more
help. The range of the Eye sometimes seemed annoyingly limited.

 
They lit torches and then everyone climbed
down (except for Darius, as the wolf had to be lowered by rope). They found
themselves in a stone tunnel wide enough that three people could walk abreast.
The twenty Knights took the lead, with the Divine Shield and Saranna following.

The
tunnel led them downward into the earth for a time before leveling off and
opening into a large chamber with three more tunnel entrances on the far side.
Four pillars stood in the chamber, adorned with Olrog runes. A musty smell hung
in the air. The dust on the floor had been disturbed near the three tunnels,
and Saranna, Darius, and Trenton investigated the tracks. Lannon also searched
for clues, and the Eye revealed traces of both humans and Goblins having passed
that way.

Moments
later, from out of the middle tunnel emerged five enormous Ogres, marching
single file and holding heavy war clubs. Each wore a thick breastplate of some
strange grey hide that was strapped to the chest. They were humming to
themselves in voices that sounded almost human--a frightful noise to come from
the beastly mouth of an Ogre. Unlike typical Ogres, these possessed blue skin
and yellow eyes and had a shadowy look about them. As soon as they entered the
chamber, they spread out and attacked--charging forward, bellowing, and
swinging their clubs. It was a horrific sight, five giants lumbering along at a
speed faster than most humans could run--with clubs that could crush someone
into pudding with one blow. Their bellowing was so loud it made the Squires
want to clamp their hands over their ears. The servants of Dremlock knew they
in for a vicious fight.

As
if the Ogres weren't trouble enough, from out of the same tunnel bounded a pack
of Goblin Wolves. Like the Ogres, they had a blue tint to their bodies, yellow
eyes, and an odd, shadowy look. They howled and growled as they bounded along,
drool flying from muzzles full of oversized teeth.

One
of the Wolves ran straight for Lannon. He drew his Dragon sword and hurled it
like a spear, using the Eye of Divinity to balance it and speed it along. The
blade drove deep into the Wolf. The creature skidded across the floor,
convulsing. Still grasping the sword with his power, Lannon yanked it back into
his hands. Amazingly, the wounded Wolf rose again and stumbled forward. But
Darius leapt on it and dragged it down, tearing into its throat and finishing
it off.

His
eyes blazing, Jerret hacked at a Wolf with his broadsword and cut a large gash
in its side. Yelping, the Wolf turned and charged at Aldreya. She hurled a
green fireball from her dagger into its face, where it exploded into sparks.
Yet the Wolf--now blinded and burned--kept charging, until Shennen cut it down
with his Flayer and ended its life with two more quick thrusts.

A
Red Knight went down, crushed beneath an Ogre's foot. Another Knight broke his
sword on an Ogre's breastplate, before he was batted into the chamber wall by
the giant's spiked club. Soon the chamber was full of cries of battle and pain,
along with fire and sparks, the stench of burning flesh, and flailing weapons.

As
the Knights battled the Ogres and Wolves, the members of the Divine Shield held
together. They formed a circle around Vannas. Shennen cut down a Wolf that
tried to get to Lannon, and again, it took the Blue Knight multiple strikes to
finish off the beast. Daledus lured an Ogre away that was charging at the
Squires, hacking at it with his oversized axe. The Dwarf ducked as the Ogre
swung its fist at his head, and he taunted the beast. Two Knights raced over to
help him.

 
In frustration, Prince Vannas broke from his
circle of defenders to try to get a clear shot at his foes. He blasted fire
from the White Flamestone and burned a hole through an Ogre's armor and the
heart beneath. The Ogre glanced down in surprise, then toppled over in death.
Vannas cried out in triumph, even as a Wolf barreled into him from behind and
knocked the Flamestone from his hand. The prince was taken down hard to the
floor beneath the beast, and only his training as a Divine Squire allowed him
to withstand the crushing weight on his back.