The Wretched

by Brad Carsten

  “Thank you, Thomwyn,” she said, “But that isn't the reason I came to Norindale.” She placed the goblet down on the table and glanced over the map. It covered most of the table, and appeared to be a layout of the city, but Liam couldn't be sure from where he was standing. He had stayed at the entrance to the tent and so far, everyone had ignored him. “I think I know how to end the war.”

  Prince Thomwyn frowned. “While I would never take you for a fool, Kaylyn, we have the best officers in the kingdom, and all we've managed in ten years is to hold them back, and still they pound the walls day and night. Sometimes they get through, most times they don't. I am willing to listen to anyone with a plan, but I fear I may have heard them all before.”

  The other men returned to studying the map as though they had lost interest in the conversation.

  Kaylyn drew the amulet out of her coat. “Do you know what this is?”

  “It was father's, but what does that have to do with—”

  “Did you know that there was a knight in the Blackstone tower?”

  “The Blackstone tower? A knight wouldn't be sent to the tower.”

  “His name was Sir Crotus Garin, and he wasn't sent, he went there on his own, eleven years ago after the battle of Almswick.”

  Two of the other men were now looking up at Kaylyn. That had certainly piqued their interest.

  “Do you know of this Sir Garin?” Prince Thomwyn asked his men.

  Sir Tannon nodded. “He was one of the knights at Almswick, but he was killed, as were the rest of them.”

  “He survived,” Kaylyn said, “and he's in Talondeor. I spoke to him myself, and would have brought him if I thought he'd be strong enough to travel, but it's going to take a while before that's possible. The tower has all but destroyed his body.”

  “It would destroy his mind as well I'd imagine.

  Kaylyn, I wouldn't doubt your word, but how do you know it was him and not some pretender?”

  “Because he told me what happened in Almswick. He knew things, details that others wouldn't, including what happened to father and his men.” By this time, every eye was on her.

  “Go on,” Prince Thomwyn said.

  “Father took an arrow to his chest. We know this already, but how were over a hundred knights killed that day?”

  “It was the nightspawn,” one of the men said. “They can move in and out of this reality.”

  “That doesn't explain how the knights died,” Prince Thomwyn said.

  “They killed themselves.”

  Prince Thomwyn snorted, as did a few of the other men. “Kaylyn, I don't think the knights would—”

  “Listen to me,” Kaylyn said, impatiently. “Did you ever wonder why father's wound never healed? In over a year, it didn't heal.”

  “He took an arrow to his chest. That's a serious wound, Kaylyn.”

  “No, when father was injured, the knights drew a hunter through. You've seen what they can do. How they can undo threads of time. They used that to keep him alive until he could find an heir.”

  Thomwyn’s face grew dark. “I've about had enough of this. Aldwin, escort her to her own tent. Make sure she is taken care of, and then see to it personally that she gets back to Lunthorton safely.”

  Kaylyn clutched the pendant with one hand and grabbed her brother's with the other. Liam felt the flash of power, and then Prince Thomwyn appeared halfway across the tent, stumbling back, his eyes wide with surprise.

  “What in the light happened,” he stammered.

  “That's what I've been trying to tell you. This isn't just an amulet, it's taken from the heart of a hunter. It stops time, which is how they kept father from dying.”

  The other men had reached for their weapons. They all saw what happened.

  “I think you need to start from the beginning,” prince Thomwyn said, shakily.

  “We met some scribes. I won't go into that now, but I was going through their journals on the way over here, and it suddenly all made sense. What they discovered is that there are two ways into Gaharah, maybe more, but we know of two: casting, and death. When someone dies, a doorway is opened. Now the nightspawn can't survive for long away from Gaharah, and the only way through again is to kill someone, and then move through that gateway behind them. They don't go all the way through or they wouldn't be able to get back, and so they stay just beneath the surface, in what the scribes call a pocket—like a pocket of air under a frozen lake.”

  “We know they use death to hide,” prince Thomwyn said. “We've seen enough of that over the last ten years. That's what makes the swine so difficult to track down and kill. You can surround it, but let it kill one of your men and they disappear before you can reach them.”

  “In a place like this,” one of the other men said, “there's a lot of death to hide in.” He was short but stout with a nose that had been broken more than once.

  Kaylyn nodded. “Well, the scribes seem to think that those pockets can remain there for a while because they've seen the nightspawn entering the same place for more than one night. The most they could track was three nights before being discovered, but the Sage believes if the nightspawn hold the soul of the dead back, they can remain there almost indefinitely.”

  The short man's mouth twisted in distaste. “Grout. Once this is over, that's going to make them a nuisance to track down.”

  “Indeed,” Prince Thomwyn said. “So how does this tie in with the king?”

  “He was dying. The gateway was already open. They had to use the amulet to keep him from passing through until he could—” she hesitated, “until he could sort out his affairs.” Prince Thomwyn hadn't reacted well to talk of another heir. It would be difficult for a man to give up the throne to a stranger, no matter what the assessment said about him. Despite what Kaylyn said about her brother, Liam didn't think Thomwyn would go quietly. Perhaps Dunlyn Fletcher realized this and that's why he was already moving.

  “You said that the knights killed themselves?” Sir Tannon said.

  Kaylyn nodded grimly. “Father was exposed on that side of the gateway. It was the only way to protect him.”

  “She's telling the truth,” Prince Thomwyn said. “I saw—something.”

  Liam didn't know what the Prince meant by that, but he was frowning as though he wished he hadn't.

  “He saw prince Kael,” Kaylyn said.

  The other men exchanged looks.

  “I don't know what I saw,” Prince Thomwyn said. “So, you said you had a way to end the war?”

  “We need to close the gateway. It will be in father's chambers. If I can get there, I'll be able to figure out what”—she glanced at the other men—“let's just say I'll be able to see what they did.”

  “Kaylyn, the palace is the heart of their power. Even if we gathered every soldier and pushed through, we'd never reach the palace.”

  “We don't need to reach the palace. There's a flower shop here.” She pressed a finger to the map. “It's only a few blocks past the gate, but from there, there's a passage that leads straight into the palace.” At the look on her brother's face, she added, “We used it the night the palace fell. Once inside, I can get to the royal chambers through the other hidden passages.”

  Prince Thomwyn studied the map closely. I knew of a tunnel, but I never knew where it came out. If we hit from these three gates, we'll be able to drive them back past this flower shop, assuming that's really where it is. Using the buildings, we can hold them here, here, here and here”—he tapped his finger to the map—“until our men can get in and out again, but I don't want you going in. It's too dangerous.”

  “Can I speak to you.” She drew her brother aside and they exchanged a flurry of words. She was the only one who'd be able to see the threads, and he knew it.

  “Alright,” the Prince said, reluctantly. “But you're going in with my best knights.”

  “Begging your pardon, Your Royal Highness; I wish to go with her too,” Liam said, and every eye snapped back to him, as thou
gh they had forgotten he was there.

  “Who is this?” Prince Thomwyn said.

  “Oh, I'm sorry, this is Liam.” Kaylyn came over and slipped her arm through his. “He saved my life more than once, and he's the best tracker I know.”

  “Well, then the kingdom owes you a debt of gratitude. You’ll be well rewarded.” He frowned as though wondering what Kaylyn was doing with him.

  Liam bowed. “Your Highness, All I want is to make sure that Princess Kaylyn is safe.”

  The Prince came to stand in front of Liam, looking at him with those piercing eyes. A hard man. “Is there anything more honorable than giving our lives for the royal line? but tell me, have you served on the front?”

  “I haven't, but—”

  “Then you have no idea what's beyond the wall. The nightspawn are there in their thousands. They cover the place like cursed lice. I can't have someone who is inexperienced going in.”

  “He found me after my escort was attacked, and carried me to his village,” Kaylyn said, indignantly. “He took down four dughounds on his own. He helped me get into the tower and fought a ten-foot warden. He killed Lord Bowen's soldiers when they came after me. I trust him more than any one of your knights, and he's better with a bow than any of them, hands down, but,” Kaylyn took Liam's hand. “He's right. I can't let you go with me. If anything happens to you...”

  “Kaylyn, we're in this together. I will scale the wall if I need to, but I'm going with you.”

  Prince Thomwyn was studying Liam closely. He had seen the way Kaylyn had touched him. The man had to know that something was happening between them—between his sister, the princess of the realm, and a commoner. Liam suddenly saw how ludicrous it was.

  Prince Thomwyn scratched his chin in thought. “I believe I've changed my mind. War is a furnace that tests your mettle. It separates the weak from the strong. Let's see if your mettle can stand the heat.”

  “Thank you, Your Highness.” Liam inclined his head, wondering if the prince was sending him out there to die. That was a chilling thought.

  “Right.” The prince spun on his heel. “Let's find a way to get you to that tunnel.”

  ***

  Prince Kael covered the distance to Norindale in a single step. Sir Hadrian spun, his sword in hand but he relaxed when he saw who it was. “Sir Kael. It's been a while.”

  From here, they had a good view of the palace. Kael hadn't seen it up close for a long time, yet he couldn't say how long. Time moved differently here. In between the thousands of nightspawn waiting to cross the gateway into the palace were the wandering souls of both soldiers and citizens trapped halfway between this world and the world of the living. Those poor souls were bound like prisoners, to allow the armies of darkness to remain in the Kingdom.

  “I've had no reason to return.” Once the king died and a way was opened into Gaharah, the nightspawn arrived in their thousands. Even the hundred couldn't hold them back indefinitely. “I see you haven't left.”

  Sir Hadrian held out his hand and the ground swirled beneath it. A pillar of stone broke through the soil, and sir Hadrian took a seat on it. “How can I, while they're still streaming into the kingdom. I can't imagine what it must look like by now.”

  “It's still standing.”

  “Thank Fate. So, what brings you here now?”

  “I want you to gather the men.”

  “What's this about?”

  “The amulet has returned, and they're making their final push.”

  A grin spread across Sir Hadrian’s face. “And we're going to pierce the enemy's lines, and cut off their reinforcements.”

  Kael grabbed Sir Hadrian’s wrist, like the brothers in arms that they were. “I don't know who's left, but it's time to get the word out. The Knights of the Fallen will ride again.”

  ***

  Prince Thomwyn led them onto the battlements overlooking the city. They should have been able to see for miles, but Liam could barely make out more than the outline of the buildings beneath them.

  “It's quiet,” Kaylyn whispered.

  “Don't fool yourself.” Prince Thomwyn nodded to a soldier who lit an arrow and fired it into the city. It passed over a sea of black shapes, covering the ground like maggots.

  Kaylyn jolted back in surprise.

  “That, Kaylyn, is what we're going up against. I hope to Fate you're ready.”

  Below, men were gathering at the gates in their thousands.

  Many wore the red and gold surcoat of Thamaria, but there were others as well, from Mercenaries from Tarmidia with their bell-shaped pants and curved swords, to the Igonians in their conical helms. There must have been ten thousand men at least, with that many at each of the other two gates.

  Knights walked between them—those legends among men, each one a giant in their own right—a hero from a story book.

  Thousands of archers were pouring onto the battlements.

  Sir Tannon stepped out of the command tent, accompanied by a string of generals in their red plumed helms. “It’s time to take our places,” Prince Thomwyn said.

  Below the wall, no one spoke, but the sound of so much moving armour was like water pouring onto a rock. There was no way to mask the sound of that many men.

  Prince Thomwyn reached Sir Tannon, and they clasped wrists. “The men are ready,” the knight said. By now, they’ll realise that something is happening, but they won't be expecting a push, not into the city. If we drive that advantage, we should be able to take the Pendalon square without too many casualties.”

  “Fate hope it's so. We've lost enough men already.” Turning to Kaylyn, he said, “are you sure you want to do this?”

  She looked back at the wall nervously. “I don't think we have much of a choice anymore. Whatever happens, it ends tonight.”

  “Be careful out there and stick to the plan. I've put ten of my best men on you. You'll be able to move quietly, as long as we can take the square. We'll be able to hold the streets long enough for you to get in and get out again, but don't tarry. Every spare breath you take could mean another soldier killed out there.”

  “I understand,” she said, in a small voice.

  “Fate be with you.”

  Sir Tannon clapped Liam's shoulder. “That's my bow you carry. It's wood brought in from Galbrok.”

  “It's a magnificent bow.” He had fired a few practice shots, and it took him a few tries to get used to the weight, but it could outdistance any of the bows he'd ever used, and up close, Liam imagined, it was strong enough to pierce a warden's armour.

  “The Princess speaks highly of you. Show me that you're worthy.” Liam didn't know if he meant worthy of the bow or Kaylyn, but he would fight to be worthy of both. He was taken back to the years when he longed to prove himself to the kingdom. He thought he had moved past that, but now those old feelings had returned, and he longed to make a good impression, not only to the Knights, but to the brother of the woman he loved.

  He wouldn't let that distract him though. He focused that energy above the fear that was swirling beneath the surface of his mind.

  Chapter 32

  Prince Thomwyn gave the order. A trumpet sounded, and fire spread along the battlements. At the second bellow, thousands of bows cracked, and an unholy chorus rose from the other side of the wall.

  Prince Thomwyn shouted for the gates to be opened. The trumpet changed, and a ripple went through the men as they straightened their shields and spears, preparing to advance.

  This was it. Kaylyn felt for Liam's hand and gripped it. He didn't say anything. He was too busy trying to control his breathing. He could do this.

  The doors, three stories high, split apart, and the sea of men flooded through. Fire licked the buildings beyond the gate, and more arrows were raining down in front of them. In the light, Liam could see the black shapes darting past. Battle cries went up, mixed with the sounds of men screaming, dying.

  Kaylyn drew a deep breath. Liam could feel the power rising inside of her. “Hold it
back,” he said. “You're going to need every bit of strength once we're in those tunnels.” She swallowed, and while the power subsided, he could still feel it bubbling just below the surface.

  The ten knights gathered around them. Sir Tannon would be leading them, but there were others as well: Sir Irwin with his thin moustache. He had once skewered chickens onto his blades to unbalance them so that his opponents would stand a better chance, and once the fight was over, he hung the blades over the fire and had enough food to last him two days. That may have just been a tavern yarn though. There was Sir Exalon, a quiet man who kept to himself. He wasn't comfortable in the presence of others, but according to legend, he too was a gifted tracker who could speak to birds, and Sir Garrett, Liam hadn't heard of him. He was younger than Liam, with unkempt hair and a mischievous grin. He must have been among the last to be assessed, but if he was part of the ten, then he was just as capable as any of the others.

  “It's almost time,” Sir Tannon said. “Stick together. It's going to be easy to be separated in this lot. We'll go after the second wave of soldiers, and break off at the mill. Once we're inside, we're on our own. I just hope that they haven't discovered the tunnels yet or this could get messy. Are you ready?”

  Kaylyn nodded, her hand tightening on Liam's.

  Sir Tannon shut his visor with his spear.

  They had given Liam a helmet and fitted him with leather armour and an iron breastplate and backplate. He would have needed months to get used to any more weight, but even so, it weighed him down. He wondered how anyone could fight for more than a few seconds in full armour.

  The second wave of soldiers poured into the gate, like sand running through an hourglass, and then Liam and the others were running. His fear lasted to the gate, and then his instincts took over. He glanced up at the giant stone arch as he passed beneath it, taking courage from the fact that he was on the side of the men who built that, and then he was through into enemy territory and was running.

  Fire burned around them, mixed with the garbled cries of men. The last time Liam saw the city, it was burning, and now ten years later, and it was like he had never left. Large, ornate buildings loomed overhead, with broken doors and tiles scattered across the street.