The Rogue Knight (35 page)

Callista did not grow it as large as Honor's, but the animal promptly became the second largest of all the mounts. Brushing her palms together, the Grand Shaper gave a satisfied nod. She walked over to Minimus.

“Your changing is amazingly stable,” she said. “You don't require sleep or food, but the changing will prolong your days rather than shorten them. You could live a hundred years in this state. But it all depends on the Rogue Knight. Should he fall, your power would be lost.”

“You speak true,” Minimus said.

“I can seal your altered state,” Callista said. “If so, your changing would endure, even if the Rogue Knight fell, but it would mean never going back to your former life. As your changing now stands, the Rogue Knight could reverse it, release you. If I seal your changing, your armor would become a permanent part of you. No going back.”

“Would I maintain my connection to the Rogue Knight?” Minimus asked.

“No,” Callista said. “That would be the price. You'll lose the sense you have of his location, and he won't sense you either. Your connection to him will no longer sustain you as a knight. But that also means you would remain in your present state even if the Rogue Knight perished or lost his power. The choice is yours.”

“I'll still be free to serve him?” Minimus verified.

“Or to do whatever else you desire,” Callista said.

“Then seal my power to me,” Minimus said. “Perhaps it will free the Rogue Knight to add another follower. I'm his sworn man with or without a connection. My knighthood means everything to me. I would consider this a great favor.”

Callista placed her hands on his shoulders. She swayed in place for a moment, then stepped back. “It is done.”

“I feel no different,” Minimus said. “But I've lost my sense of the Rogue Knight.”

“As promised,” Callista replied.

“Is Morgassa like the Rogue Knight?” Cole asked.

“In what way?” Callista replied.

“If we stop her, would her horde return to normal?” Cole asked.

“The changings are all tied to her power,” Callista said. “Though she now has full ownership of that power, it still came from outside of her. If Morgassa falls, her horde will be released.” Callista whirled. “Buttons! I leave you in charge until my return. See that Gurble keeps out of trouble. And make sure any bold mist grifters understand that I'll be back.”

“Are you coming with us?” Honor asked.

“Sometimes the safest action is to take the offensive,” Callista said. “I'll have a better chance against Morgassa with the rest of you by my side. If you fail to bring her down, there will be no place in Elloweer to hide. For me, leaving Elloweer is impractical. Not only am I committed to its welfare, but without my enchanting to protect me, I would be at the mercy of the High King and his Enforcers.”

“This is more help than I hoped for,” Honor said.

“Not unwelcome, I trust?” Callista checked.

“Beyond welcome,” Honor enthused.

“I can guide you to the Rogue Knight,” Callista said. “Minimus can no longer do so.”

“I feel somewhat adrift,” Minimus admitted.

“I can also guide us to Morgassa,” Callista said. “Our changings should help us press our way through her horde. Morgassa herself will be the biggest challenge. She is a being of tremendous enchanting power. Alone I would be overwhelmed. Perhaps together, we'll find a way.”

“What about our horses?” Mira asked. “The ones you didn't change?”

“They'll follow us out of here,” Callista said. “My figments will help them. The horses will do well. This is fertile country.”

“Should we try on the masks?” Jace asked.

“The time has come,” Callista agreed.

“Don't you have a mask?” Mira asked.

“Darling,” Callista said. “Don't forget who made them.”

Callista immediately transformed, expanding into a sleek, black African buffalo nearly the size of an elephant. Her broad horns looked thick enough to pulverize a building.

“Go ahead,” Callista said, her voice unchanged despite her bulky new form. “Put them on.”

Dalton stood beside Cole, mask in hand. Glancing at his friend, Cole asked, “You ready?”

“Are we really doing this?” Dalton murmured.

“Unless you want to stay at the bottom of this lake.”

“Do you think I'll have an appetite for hay?”

“We're about to find out.”

Cole pressed the mask to his face.

A storm of sensation assailed him. For an instant, he tipped and spun and grew and shrank.

Cole was on all fours, and it felt completely natural. He was suddenly aware of how useless human arms were for purposes of transportation. Sure, his hands could grasp better than these paws, but he had never felt more stable. Humans teetering around on two legs now seemed a little pathetic.

Taking a couple of steps, Cole felt the new strength in his powerful muscles. He yearned to run and leap, to test his new limits. His senses were quickened. Sounds and smells reached him with greater nuance and meaning.

He was big. No regular mountain lion could match his impressive size. Around him, the other animals were large and powerful as well. Each had a different scent.

“This is wild!” Dalton exclaimed. Except it wasn't Dalton. It was a mighty bull nearly the size of Callista.

“I could get used to this,” Skye said, now a massive bear. Rearing up on her hind legs, she pawed the air.

“Follow me,” Callista called, charging away from her home and into the mist.

Cole sprang forward, muscles rejoicing as he accelerated to a thrilling speed. Zooming through the mist, low and fast, his smelling and hearing could track Callista with little problem in spite of the darkness. He had to agree with Skye.

He could get used to this.

C
HAPTER

 36 

KNIGHTS

T
heir haste leaving Fog Lake made the misty depression seem much smaller than it had on the way in. They never slowed. Cole kept waiting for his muscles to get fatigued, for his lungs to become starved of oxygen, but the exhaustion never hit. After the first hour, he began to trust that he could sprint indefinitely.

They made amazing time. Although they'd came from Edgemont on horseback, their mounts had walked or trotted most of the way. A journey that had consumed a few days went by in a matter of hours. For a time, Blackmont Castle became visible, then it fell away behind them. Above them, in his eagle form, Twitch swooped acrobatically through the sky.

“We're nearing the Rogue Knight's camp,” Callista said. “Have you considered whether we want to approach him as animals or in our true forms?”

The question roused Cole. He realized he hadn't been thinking about much of anything besides the primal exhilaration of running.

“What do you think, Minimus?” Honor called from astride her mount.

“The Rogue Knight prefers straightforward dealings,” Minimus said. “He would respect you for coming in your true shapes. Honor could be the exception. He is very familiar with changings that provide added strength and armor.”

When Callista slowed to a stop, the rest of the party followed her lead. After the long run, Cole found it strange to no longer be in motion.

“We're almost to him,” Callista said. “If we're going to shed our changings, now is the time.”

“Minimus gave us good advice,” Honor said. “Remove your masks, but keep them close by, in case the negotiation goes poorly. I'll keep my mask on.”

“I'll lead us into camp,” Minimus said. “It will help show you mean no harm.”

Cole realized that although he had transformed into a completely new form, he remained aware of the mask on his face. He looked down at his paws. They didn't seem capable of grasping the mask.

Should he try? Part of him wanted to leave it on. He would miss the strength and agility. Wouldn't this powerful form be more intimidating than some kid? Why did they have to come before the Rogue Knight as weaklings?

Cole noticed that Dalton and Jace had removed their masks. Through the eyes of a lion, they looked extremely vulnerable.

The instinct to hunt two of his friends jolted Cole into reaching for the mask. His paw grabbed it and lifted it without difficulty. A rush of sensation overcame him as he rose and swayed, his body shifting dramatically.

An instant later, Cole stood on his feet, the mask in his hand. Had all that really happened? His time as a mountain lion already felt hazy and distant, as if he had wakened from a dream. It had been quite a rush—the ability to run so fast for so long, not to mention the heightened senses. But had Dalton and Jace looked like prey for a minute? That was definitely weird and wrong.

Cole examined the simple mask in his hand, feeling a slight temptation to put it back on and feel that strength again. He knew he would wear it again when they faced Morgassa, and the thought was thrilling.

Back in her human form, Callista spoke to an enormous eagle perched nearby. “Twitch, remove the mask. Taking it off is good practice, especially if you feel reluctant. You will get to replace it after we confer with the Rogue Knight.”

Cole noted that the others, besides Honor, had removed their masks and stood watching the exchange. The huge eagle spread its wings. “I'd rather fly,” it said in Twitch's voice.

“Fly later,” Cole encouraged. “Lose the mask for now.”

“While you speak with the Rogue Knight, I can stay in the sky,” Twitch replied. “Keep an eye on things.”

“Don't forget who you are, Twitch,” Cole said. “I felt the pull too. Your village needs you.”

The eagle lowered its head and raised a claw to the beak. A moment later, Twitch stood on the ground, mask in hand.

“Sorry,” Twitch said. “I don't know what came over me. Flying like an eagle just felt so . . . perfect. I didn't want to give it up. I'm better now.”

“To some extent, we were all tempted to remain in our altered states,” Callista said. “Remember how you felt when it came time to remove the mask. You must fight to remain in control, or your alternate persona will claim you.”

The advice left Cole a little shaken. He had definitely felt the urge to leave the mask on. Just like Twitch, he would have to keep his guard up.

“You're all doing well,” Honor encouraged. “I'm grateful to have you with me. Keep your masks handy as we confront the Rogue Knight.”

“I don't get something,” Dalton said. “If enchanting can only change living things, how come Honor's mask gave her armor?”

“An astute question,” Callista said. “As with the Rogue Knight and Minimus, the armor is connected to her new identity. In her changed state, without removing the mask, Honor could no sooner take off her armor than she could take off her skin. It is part of her.”

“What about our clothes?” Cole asked. “You know, when we turn into animals.”

“I've designed the masks to incorporate your clothing into your altered forms,” Callista said. “Your gear too. Hiding your possessions in your new anatomy makes the changing more complicated, but it's useful to change back dressed and equipped.”

“You have my thanks,” Mira said earnestly.

“Are we ready?” Honor asked.

Everyone responded with nods and shrugs.

“This way,” Minimus said, nudging his powerful horse forward. While Minimus and Honor took the lead on horseback, the rest of them fell into step behind them on foot. The two armored knights held their horses to a slow pace, but Cole still had to step quickly to keep up.

Cole ended up walking beside Dalton. “What did you think?” Cole asked.

“Awesome,” Dalton said. “Almost too awesome.”

“You wanted to leave the mask on too?”

“I was so strong,” Dalton said. “It was intense.”

“The running was great,” Cole said. “I felt so . . . alive. And alert. I wanted to hunt something.” He didn't mention what prey had caught his eye toward the end.

“I wanted to fight,” Dalton said. “I wanted something to get in my way so I could ram it. Funny. I remember how I felt, but it's kind of blurry now.”

“We get to do it again,” Cole said. “I think you'll get that fight you wanted.”

After traveling a couple of hundred yards through a grove of trees, they reached a clearing with three large tents and several small ones. The fully armored knights moving around the camp paused to regard the newcomers.

The Rogue Knight emerged from his sizable tent. The last time Cole had seen him, his armor had been scored and dented, but now it was polished and flawless, with both antlers intact on the helm.

“Minimus,” the Rogue Knight greeted in his booming voice. “You brought Miracle back to me. Well done. I did not sense your approach.”

“The Grand Shaper has divided me from your power,” Minimus said. “But I remain your loyal servant.”

“I see,” the Rogue Knight said, clearly displeased. “Who are your new companions?”

“Allow me to introduce Honor Pemberton,” Minimus said, his little voice especially tinny by comparison. “She is under the influence of a changing.”

“So I see,” the Rogue Knight said. He inclined his head, antlers dipping toward her. “Honor, I am pleased to find you well.”

“I understand we have much in common,” Honor said.

“What has Minimus told you?” the Rogue Knight asked.

“He revealed nothing,” Callista clarified. “I am Callista, Grand Shaper of Elloweer, and your relationship to Honor was plain to me, as are the altered states of your knights.”

“Then you possess keen awareness,” the Rogue Knight said. “No others have made these observations. You place me in an awkward position, madam. My secrets must be kept.”

“Make no threats, sir knight,” Honor said. “Before we snap at each other, we have a common foe to fight.”

“Morgassa came into being much as you did,” Callista said. “But her energy derived from a shaper of even greater power. Only those gathered here have a chance to topple her. Any ordinary mortal who dares approach her will be assimilated into her horde. Your changings will protect you and your knights, as will the changings I have provided for this band of heroes.”

“I see mostly children among you,” the Rogue Knight said.

Cole fingered his cougar mask. It wouldn't take much for him to appear a lot more intimidating.

“Do not underestimate the young,” Callista said gravely. “The power behind you and your knights was stolen from a child, as was the power behind Morgassa.”

“I cannot refute that,” the Rogue Knight said, hand on Verity's hilt. “I received Honor's power, though I had no part in stealing it. The power that once belonged to her is not only mine to wield—it has become who I am.”

“That power still belongs to her,” Callista said. “It wants to return. Should Honor perish, you'll be as naked of power as you were before the thievery.”

“I'd be powerless if I survived the trauma,” the Rogue Knight clarified. “I'd more likely be torn asunder.”

“I'm not here to claim my power,” Honor said. “That day may come, but not yet. For the sake of Elloweer, we must stop Morgassa.”

“Why not leave the task to those who created her?” the Rogue Knight proposed.

“If they alone would pay the price for their folly, I would happily agree,” Honor said. “Sadly, those who made her lack the ability to stop her, and they are not the only ones who will suffer. Before long, all of Elloweer will fall under Morgassa's control. She must be stopped. We'll have a better chance if we work together.”

The Rogue Knight turned to his men. “I knew a day of reckoning might come for my borrowed powers. I expect that if we stop Morgassa, that reckoning will follow.”

“We will heed your orders, as ever, regardless of the consequences,” Phillip said, his battle-ax on his shoulder. “Lead on.”

“You have more knights,” Minimus observed.

“Three more,” the Rogue Knight said. “The knights Desmond, Oster, and Raul escaped Edgemont with us and have permanently joined my company. Now that you have returned, Minimus, my knights number eleven and a half.”

When the Rogue Knight named Desmond, Oster, and Raul, he gestured at them. Cole noticed they all now wore full suits of armor like his other knights. They also looked larger.

“What about Joe, Brady, and Sultan?” Mira asked. “They couldn't come with us. Do you know what became of them?”

“Brady and I are here,” Joe said, emerging from a tent, arm in a sling. Brady followed him. Cole felt immense relief at the sight of them. It was great to know that Joe and the little guy were okay.

“What about Sultan?” Skye asked.

Joe frowned. “Sultan succumbed to his injuries a few hours after you left us.”

“He's gone?” Skye asked, anguish in her voice.

Cole's relief turned sour. There had been a lot of blood from the wound to Sultan's shoulder, but the quarrel hadn't been in the heart or anything. Cole had expected the sturdy illusionist to recover.

“I did all I could,” Joe apologized. “Not long after he passed away, Brady and I would have fallen into enemy hands if not for the Rogue Knight. Enforcers ambushed us, but the Rogue Knight and his men arrived and destroyed them.”

“May I see the boy?” Callista asked.

Joe turned to Brady. “Do you want to go to her?”

Brady squinted up at him. “Is she nice?”

“I'm a friend, Brady,” Callista said. “I'm here to help.”

“She's pretty nice,” Cole offered.

Brady crossed to Callista as everyone watched. She placed her hands on his shoulders and looked down at him. He looked small and very young.

“You're far from home,” she said.

“I want to go back,” Brady said. “Can you help me?”