The Legend of the Gate Keeper Anthology: The Shadow, Land of Shadows, Siege of Night, Lost Empire, Reborn, The Trials of Ashbarn, End of Days

by Jeff Gunzel

  “Their lives were wasted. Wasted on the foreign devils,” came a female voice from the crowd.

  Kelus went on, ignoring the outburst. “My heart is broken this day. My soul cries out in agony, but I recognize my pain for what it really is. Our shared agony is born of greed, for our fathers, mothers, and friends are all in a better place now. Never again will they know sadness. Never again will they know hunger, thirst, loneliness or pain, yet still we grieve. In reality, we grieve for ourselves. We grieve because we can no longer speak with them, hug them or hold them. We can no longer lean on them when we need a shoulder to cry on. But make no mistake, my brothers and sisters: They are perfect now. Perfect, as all of us will be when the gods, in their infinite wisdom, decide it is our time.”

  An old woman cradling an infant approached the platform. Her long, flowing dress was gleaming white, just as many of the others. Her baby was wrapped in brown cloth, with his face painted in white. The black outline around his eyes and mouth again gave the appearance of a skull, the traditional way of mourning the dead.

  The old woman’s voice was raspy, yet still carried well. “So where were the gods when my grandchild lost his mother and father? I’m old, and my years remaining in this world are numbered. How am I supposed to care for him, to ensure he still has a future? Tell me, oh great Kelus, was all this suffering part of some great divine plan? Have the gods decided this act of evil will somehow change all our lives for the better?” Shouts of agreement began to ring out— slowly at first, then picking up in strength. Each person was now speaking out what they had been feeling the whole time, now feeding off each other’s negative energy.

  “How dare you keep them alive?” shouted a thin man also dressed in white, but his face was unpainted, revealing his high cheekbones and bushy eyebrows. He pointed directly at the adventurers, who still remained walled up inside the human shield, a shield that was quickly beginning to resent their orders. “I lost my whole family because of them, and still you protect these foreigners. You also protect them from the Hoshito family, and any others who wish them harm, I suppose. Well, I’m now one of those who wish them harm.” He stopped a moment to wipe the spittle running from his mouth. “I say we hand them over, then let the gods decide their fate.”

  Similar shouts began to echo about as the contagious bravery spread through the crowd like a plague. One after another turned toward Eric, pointing and shouting for the demon’s head. “We know who you are, and we know what you’ve done,” came another shout. “Your description is clear throughout the land. We know it is you.”

  Kelus tried to plead with the mob, but his voice was easily drowned out by the growing shouts. The soldiers surrounding the four friends began to grow even more restless now, gripping their weapons and pivoting them back and forth. They did their best to keep themselves between the adventurers and the ever-growing threat, but that threat was now coming from many directions at once, as the mob continued to grow bolder. The agitators advanced, some stopping now and then to look to the man next to them, reassuring themselves they were not going in alone.

  “By—by order of our—Kelus has commanded that you must not—” the poor soldier stuttered, all the while shifting the end of his spear from one threat to another. “Please! By order of—” he felt a strong hand on his shoulder before it turned him to the side gently, but effortlessly.

  “You’ve done your job and we thank you for it, but I’ll take it from here,” said Eric. He stepped through the line of soldiers, his full height suddenly very apparent, especially given the smallish stature of these folk. This alone slowed the mob’s forward movement, but when he unsheathed Spark, they instantly retreated. Deep red flames erupted from the blade, making everyone gasp at once. He marched methodically through the crowd as folk scrambled desperately to get out of his way.

  He approached the platform and hopped up, angry red flames still pulsing down the dark blade. With a nod toward Kelus, he turned to face the mob who looked on, wide-eyed with shock.

  “We have to stop the demon or he’ll kill us all,” came another shout from the crowd.

  “Is that what you wish to believe?” said Eric, looking right at the man who made the comment. His booming voice rang loud and true. He pointed Spark at the man, whose eyes seemed to triple in size. Flames pulsed angrily down its shaft as Eric felt its passion, felt its pleading for blood. “Then let me allow you the honor of being the first.” The man looked as if he would faint. Eric dropped the sword from the platform and watched it land harmlessly in the grass below. Flames instantly extinguished, with not a single blade of grass scorched, evidence it never retained a bit of heat.

  Eric pulled a dagger from inside his shirt and sat down on the platform with his feet hanging off the edge. Holding the point to his neck, he said, “Since you seem to be so sure I’m the cause of all your pain, I will give you one chance to seek the revenge you lust for.” He smiled at the man. “I give you my word, I will not move. Come now, do your people a service and obtain the blood you seek.” The man just lowered his head, unable to say a word through his trembling lips.

  Eric looked to the old woman holding the baby. He raised his head, still holding the dagger point to his throat, then pushed it in deeper as a trickle of blood ran from the small cut. “You say you lost your family, that your grandchild will never be able lead a normal life. I’m truly sorry for your loss, and I humbly offer my life in return. Someday you will be able to tell him you singlehandedly smote the evil that took his parents from this world.” Eric made a clicking noise with his tongue. “Come now, I promise you it will be easy. All you have to do is push, and justice will be done.” He jiggled the handle a couple of times, making the line of blood flow a bit faster. The old woman began to sob, nuzzling her cheek against the infant’s stomach.

  “I see,” Eric whispered. He jumped to his feet then threw the dagger to the ground. There it stuck, quivering like an arrow shot from a bow. He slowly walked across the platform, his eyes meeting those in the front row one set at a time, each one looking away when their turn came. “Is there no one here who wants the honor of slaying the demon who has taken so much from your people? Is there no one who wants to go into the history books as the one who avenged the Takeri Clan?”

  Women cried while men hung their heads, their gazes frozen on the ground. Not a single person stepped forward. “Even though I stand before you unarmed and helpless, no one will answer the call. Why is that?” Eric said with his hands held out to his sides. “It’s because you are not sure. No one wants the blood of an innocent man on their hands, but this is not weakness I see. It shows me the strength of your people, your honor, and by the gods, the human side we all share, no matter what corner of the world we come from.”

  Kelus walked over and stood by Eric’s side, a silent show of support.

  “I know nothing of this monster I’ve heard so much about,” said Eric, “a man who walks through gateways and brings death wherever he goes, but I swear on my life, I am not this demon you fear.”

  “He speaks the truth,” came a shrill female voice from the back. As soon as the crowd turned to see where the voice came from, they all dropped to their knees. The three members of the Circle moved slow and with purpose as they marched their way to the front. All three were dressed in white, like so many others. The twins, in their usual shared voice, said, “Everyone, please rise.”

  It was a long time before anyone stood, seeing as no one wanted to be the first. After a few brave souls finally did, the rest quickly followed their example.

  “I have spoken with the spirits,” said Wara. “This man from a far-off land is not the bringer of death many of us have branded him. He is not the man who wipes entire villages off the map, leaving none alive to tell the tale.” She turned her gaze directly on Eric. “The spirits seem to think he is even more dangerous.” Eric met her gaze as panicked murmurs moved through the crowd like fire. “Even the spirits themselves can be wrong, and I pray they are. They believe
this man to be the Shantie Rhoe.” Wara then turned to Eric’s friends, still surrounded by guards. “We suspect you already knew who this man was. The old world refers to him as...the Gate Keeper.”

  Chapter 8

  After the chaotic event had ended, the four companions were quickly escorted back to their living quarters. The soldiers seemed more than content to get them back and be done with this unusual assignment.

  As soon as the soldiers left, Jade went on an instant tirade. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she screamed, banging two fists down on Eric’s chest. “Do you have a death wish or something? You know these people hate us, yet you graciously give them the chance to kill you. How could you be so sure one of them wouldn’t jump at the chance to slip cold steel into your neck?” After slamming his chest one last time, she threw herself at Eric, nearly crushing the life from him. She held him tight with her face buried in his chest. “I’d rather die than live without you,” she whispered.

  After a time, he gently pushed her back. Holding her shoulders firmly, he looked into her crystal- blue eyes, now filled with tears. “I promise you, I don’t have a death wish,” he said softly. “I just choose to believe that people are genuinely good. No one was going to try and hurt me today, because most could never live with that guilt. I know in my heart that people are all the same, regardless of their culture, homeland, or race. I believe that mankind still has a chance, and will rise up, uniting as one when the time comes.” He sighed, reluctantly letting her go. “If I didn’t believe that, then what’s the point? What in the world am I fighting for?”

  The door snapped opened behind them and Nima walked in. “That was quite the display you put on today, Eric. If you were trying to stay low key, I’d say you failed quite miserably. Perhaps try setting yourself on fire next time. That’s sure to draw less attention.”

  Eric scowled with irritation. “I’m really not in the mood right now, so whatever it is you want, please—”

  “Oh, don’t worry, Eric, I’m not here to bother you; I was simply making an observation. I’m actually here for her,” she pointed to Jade.

  “Me?” Jade said, apparently as shocked as the rest. “Why are you here to see me?”

  “Well, it seems that Eric has created quite a stir throughout the village. Between the Circle and Kelus, it will be some time before they figure out what to do next.” She smiled widely as she rubbed her hands together. “I see this as an opportunity.”

  “An opportunity for what?” said Jade, looking rather confused.

  Nima’s smile only deepened as she walked over, then cupped Jade’s cheeks in her hands, drawing her in close. “Today we start your training.”

  * * *

  “I don’t know about this,” said Jade nervously, walking next to Nima. “I’ve never had any desire to learn the arts. Besides, I already have a purpose; my place is by Eric’s side. I’m sworn to protect him to the best of my abilities, even giving my life if necessary. I’ve no time for anything else, and I definitely don’t need any distractions.”

  Nima turned on her so fast, it made Jade flinch. “And do you somehow think that tapping into that astonishing ability of yours will somehow hinder your commitment to him?” Nima said, exasperated. “It seems the gods themselves have blessed you with a rare gift, a level of talent that has not been seen in centuries, and you contemplate wasting it because harnessing it seems inconvenient? You are a master with blades, that much I cannot deny. I would put you up against any of our best without hesitation, but what happens when steel is no longer the answer? You say you are committed to protecting Eric, yet you place limitations on your own potential, limit yourself in the ways you can defend him. Tell me, then, do you think your way of thinking can be defined as true dedication to your duty? A complete and total commitment to protect the man you love, as you seem to believe?”

  Jade’s eyes glazed over as she contemplated Nima’s carefully chosen words. She wouldn’t even hesitate to give her life for Eric, but it never occurred to her how limited she really might be, at least in some ways. There wasn’t a bladesmaster in any corner of the world that wouldn’t find her formidable, but those few heavily trained in the arts could easily make short work of her. Nima herself could toy with Jade at will, at least from a distance. There was no telling what sort of foes Eric would face before their journey ended. It was her right—no, her obligation—to be as prepared as possible, to transform herself into a tool of death using all channels available to her. She was a weapon that lived only to serve one purpose: to protect the Gate Keeper.

  Jade never said a word, but it didn’t matter. Nima recognized the look of acceptance in her eyes. “Funny, isn’t it?” said Nima. “How easily we put the needs of others before our own? Our instincts of self-preservation have limits, and will only go so far, but when it comes to protecting our loved ones,” she spared a quick glance over Jade’s shoulder, “we will run through fire.”

  Jade tried not to be obvious when following Nima’s revealing glance. She saw Amoshi off in the distance, firing off arrows into a tree one at a time. Unleashing shot after shot, he didn’t seem to notice anyone was watching, but Jade’s instincts were sharp. She noticed the slight break in his rhythm and the subtle turn of his head, before his rapid stream of endless arrows continued pummeling the tree again. Jade’s expression betrayed her as a knowing smile flashed across her face. With a twinkle in her eye, she said, “Lead the way, I’m ready.”

  “Oh, no—I didn’t mean...” Nima’s face went crimson as she fumbled with her words—a rare display for the ever-confident woman. She cleared her throat, suddenly looking around in every direction except toward Amoshi. “Um, we’re almost there. It’s just around that corner,” Nima said. With a bright-red face and hasty steps, she hurried on ahead.

  * * *

  The sturdy building they approached was easily the largest in the village, looking more like a warehouse than any sort of training facility. The fine green double doors were bordered with painted yellow vines, making the rest of the faded wooden structure look rather plain.

  Strangely, the first thing Jade noticed upon entering was how thick and soft the gray carpet was. Her feet seemed to sink in with every step, to the point where it altered her smooth walk. Her warrior instincts seemed to cry out with each step. This terrain could easily cripple anyone’s footwork when engaged in sparring, but she shook away the illogical thought. After all, these were not swordsmen here, and she needed to remember that. Her expertise with steel meant nothing within these walls. Here, she was just a novice, and would likely be treated as such.

  The large room was practically empty, save for three small tables, each with a single drawer. There were five separate doors that probably lead to some sort of sleeping quarters, but she couldn’t be sure. Yellow oil lamps, too numerous to count at a glance, hung from varying heights across all the dark green walls. They released that same spicy scent Jade was now growing accustomed to.

  Around two-dozen men and women sat on the floor with their legs crossed, eyes closed, and palms facing up. It looked as though the women outnumbered the men by at least a four-to-one ratio. They sat motionless while Jade wandered about. Finally, the girl sitting out in front of the others opened her eyes and rose from the floor. She drifted across the room as if she were weightless, the thick carpet proving to be no hindrance at all.

  The smiling woman was rather plump, with curly brown hair draped down over her green eyes, partially hiding her round face. Like the others, she wore a red robe that hung loosely around her large frame. “Hello, Nima,” she said cheerfully. “I see you’ve brought the girl I’ve heard so much about.” She looked at Jade, still smiling widely. “My name is Mise. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Jade started to hold out her hand, but retracted it as Mise bent into a bow.

  “A pleasure,” said Jade as she bowed, smoothly covering her minor blunder in etiquette. She always made it a point to learn the ins and outs of any new culture, starting first wit
h proper greetings.

  Mise’s dimpled cheeks shook with excitement. “Nima has told me all about your exceptional talent. I must say, I can hardly wait to get started.” Jade had to concentrate on every word in order to understand the woman. Even though they spoke Common here, their words sounded quick and rushed. This woman was clearly very excited, which only made it that much harder to understand her speech. “We must get started right away.”

  “Mise,” said Nima.

  “Oh, this is so exciting. I think we’ll begin with—”

  “Mise!” Nima barked.

  The plump woman’s cheeks rattled as she shook her head, then looked at Nima as if only now realizing she was there. “Oh...uh...yes, Nima?”

  Nima rolled her eyes in exasperation before looking back to Jade. “Mise here is one of our top instructors. Her expertise in training has helped produce many of our finest palins. We owe her a great debt.”

  “Oh, I only bring out what is already inside each and every one of my students. However, I must say, this one will be my greatest challenge yet. So much untapped potential that needs to be—”

  “Needs to be left in my hands,” interrupted Nima.

  “Wait...what?” said Mise, the smile slowly melting from her face.

  “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you in between your childlike cooing. Jade here is going to be my special project, so there is no need for you to fuss over her. I’m only showing her around, getting her acquainted before we get started.”

  “Oh, I see,” the plump woman sniffed, tilting her head so far back she could almost look at the ceiling. “Very well then. I must get back to the other students anyway.” Her warm smile returned when she looked back to Jade. “It was nice to finally meet you. If you have any questions or are just seeking a different perspective, please don’t hesitate to seek my instruction.” Her gaze flashed toward Nima. “I’m easy enough to find.”

  “Thank you so much. It was nice meeting you too,” said Jade.