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

  “Or so I’ve been briefed,” he added. “Does that about sum it up? Are you really here to recruit the Tryads for some supernatural war mentioned only in the most ancient of scrolls?”

  This time Kelus’s eyes hardened as he sat forward in his chair. “Do you truly believe we would have risked so much if this request were not important?”

  “No, I don’t,” Rheldon replied softly, eyes narrowing suspiciously. He leaned back even further in his chair. “Which is why I’m so intrigued by this visit. I am a businessman after all, and learned long ago that sometimes it’s better to trust my gut than to trust my eyes.” He smiled, that air of confidence wrapping around him like a blanket. “That said, what do you think my eyes are showing me right now?”

  “I know we must seem insane,” said Jacob, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. He had been so concerned with forcing them to help that he nearly forgot how ludicrous their reasons must seem. He had been living in this chaos for so long that he forgot that there were still people who didn’t believe a word about the prophecies. “But one of your own men has seen the Gate Keeper with his own eyes. If you won’t believe us then at least take the word of one of your own. Surely he has already given you a firsthand account?”

  “Indeed he did,” said Rheldon, fingering his chin in thought. “And that is precisely why I am so intrigued. My men failed to take out the intended target. That simply doesn’t happen.” He rose, clasped his hands behind his back, then began to pace around the room, gazing at the ceiling while rationalizing it out loud.

  “All I can do is look at the facts, then let my intuition decide what’s real and what is not,” he continued. “The target turned out to be far more powerful than any of us imagined. Only one of my men returned, the other fled. After what he witnessed, it was clear he could no longer live this lifestyle.”

  Rheldon stopped pacing and turned to face Jacob. “So my man returns, blathering about how the target was the real Shantie Rhoe and that empress Moki was mistaken in her assessment. Has my man gone completely insane? Possibly.” He jabbed a stiff finger into Jacob’s chest. “And am I to take the word of some outsider who washes up on our shores from some foreign land overseas? Your word means nothing to me. I would be a fool to trust your story, even if it does match the reports of my own man.”

  Jacob scowled but said nothing. It was true enough that he was a foreigner to these lands, and trust was something that needed to be earned. Rheldon held his eyes a moment longer before shifting over to Kelus.

  “Now, that brings me to you,” he whispered, towering over Kelus. “You had much to lose by coming here. That alone shows me your level of commitment. Now, have you lost your mind as well? Improbable that all three of you have gone mad at once. You say these claims are all true, that the man your clan has been protecting is indeed the true Shantie Rhoe? That the end of days is upon us and you want to hire the Tryads to fight for you against this coming evil?”

  Kelus paused a long while, reading Rheldon’s eyes, trying to judge the man’s sincerity. “Yes,” he answered softly. “I wouldn’t have believed it either, but I’ve seen things you can’t possibly imagine. Are you unaware of what happened at the Mountain of Dreams? How do you interpret such a thing? The Shantie Rhoe has been named. The end of days is upon us, and our only option now is to prepare for war.”

  Rheldon turned away, tapping a finger against his lower lip. He spun about before falling back into his soft chair, sinking in so far he almost looked like a normal-sized man. “The events that took place at the Mountain of Dreams were indeed reported to me. In fact, news of that occurrence has already spread far and wide.” There came another long, awkward silence as he continued to think. “Forgive me, but I cannot help you,” he said at length.

  “What?!” Jacob shrieked, leaping up from his chair. “What do you mean you can’t help us?”

  Rheldon shrugged. “I admit that something strange is going on in our world, but ultimately it’s not my problem. If this darkness, as you call it, finds its way to the Tryads’ doorstep, then the Tryads will deal with it. Now, against all protocol I’ve taken the time to hear you out, now consider the contract denied. My men will escort you back to—”

  “Takareechi,” Kelus interrupted. After uttering only that single word, he sat there solemnly, eyes lowering to the floor. Jacob glanced at him in confusion, but understood this was not the time for questioning.

  Leaning forward in his chair, Rheldon raised an eyebrow, suddenly looking very interested. “Takareechi?” he repeated slowly. “Do you understand what you’re—”

  “Of course I understand!” Kelus barked back, displaying an unusual amount of emotion. “If greed and power is all the Tryads understand, then you’ve left me no choice. Besides, the Tryads have nothing to lose. If I am correct—as I know that I am—then there will be nothing left of our world anyway.”

  A wide, triumphant grin split Rheldon’s face. “Very well,” he said softly, barely even a whisper. “Terms?”

  Kelus sighed, head hung low like a man who knew he was beaten. “Ten years,” he muttered, his voice even softer than Rheldon’s.

  “Twenty,” Rheldon snapped back, eyes wide, clearly enjoying the bartering. Having no idea what was going on, all Jacob could do was look on helplessly. The only thing he knew for sure was that this probably wasn’t good for Kelus.

  “Fifteen,” Kelus replied, shoulders slumping even lower. He dropped his face down into his hands, and stared at the floor through his parted fingers.

  With a gleam in his eyes Rheldon grinned wide, perfect teeth spread out like an eager shark with its prey in sight. “Agreed,” he said. “Well then,” he clapped his hands, rubbing them together, “it seems as though I have a few preparations to make regarding this war of yours. That is, if anything actually happens at all. But don’t worry, I am a man of my word. If necessary, the Tryads will be ready at a moment’s notice.”

  Suddenly, his face hardened and he glared towards Kelus. “Even if nothing happens, which is what I suspect, you have already agreed to terms regarding Takareechi. Attempt to flee, or back out in any way, and not only shall you be hunted down like a dog, but one by one we shall begin capturing members of the Takeri Clan until you are found. Ultimately, their fate will be decided by your actions, but I assure you it won’t be pleasant.”

  “You need not concern yourself with me,” Kelus said, voice muffled through his fingers. “I too am a man of my word. You just make sure you hold up your end. I can only assume a promise from the Tryad’s commander is worth something.”

  “Kelus, what have you done?” Jacob gasped under his breath. Part of him knew he should be ecstatic that the Tryads had actually agreed to aid them, but at what cost?

  “Quiet, boy,” Kelus muttered.

  “Excellent,” said Rheldon, snapping his fingers, glancing towards the door. Immediately, four men entered the room, two holding white cloths. “We shall prepare, as should you,” he said, tapping Kelus on the shoulder just before a cloth wrapped down over his eyes. “No matter what lady fate has in store for us, my friend, I will be seeing you soon enough.” Blindfolded, Kelus and Jacob were led from the room. “My men shall escort you back to where they originally found you,” Rheldon called, before they heard a door slam.

  Through several rooms and out the front, down the same flight of steps they went, stumbling back the way they came. Eventually, feeling soft grass underneath their feet, they began marching at a steadier pace. They heard the men mumbling amongst themselves, the phrase “Takareechi” uttered more than once, usually accompanied by a snicker or two. Aside from that the journey was painfully quiet.

  “Halt,” called one of the men after a time. A moment later the blindfolds were lifted off. He motioned to the men, having their horses returned to them. “Sounds like you got what you wanted,” he said, failing at hiding a sarcastic smirk. “The two of you best be on your way now.” Twirling his finger in the air, the others turned around and began heading back the
other way.

  Kelus silently climbed up on his horse, seemingly doing everything he could to avoid eye contact with Jacob. “They’re gone now,” said Jacob, approaching Kelus, who just kept staring straight ahead. “It’s just you and me now.” He paused, as if there should be nothing else for him to add.

  Kelus glanced down, forcing a weak smile. “You did it, my boy. Possibly the most feared fighting unit in all of Shangti will stand at our side when the time comes, and you made that possi—”

  “Kelus!” Jacob barked, growing tired of this stalling. Regretting his outburst immediately, he softened his tone. “Kelus, what is the Takareechi? I was already willing to die for this cause, but why do I have the feeling the price you paid was ever higher than that?”

  Kelus sighed before managing another weak smile, although this one looked sincere. “I assure you I didn’t pay a higher price. Considering what’s at stake, I would say the price was minimal. The Takareechi is an ancient system of surrender used between warring kingdoms. In this case, it was little more than me groveling for the Tryads’ aid. As the leader of the Takeri Clan, I basically threw myself at their feet in exchange for what we came for.”

  “Fifteen years,” Jacob repeated softly to himself, the realization slowly sinking in. “You’re their slave, aren’t you? You offered yourself, and the contract is fifteen years long!”

  Kelus lowered his eyes. “‘Prize’ would be a more accurate description than slave, but yes, I will live amongst them for fifteen years. The leader of the Takeri Clan must do whatever they ask of me, though I doubt I’ll be used for labor,” he rubbed his skinny arms, “but I’ll surely be shown off as their personal trophy. I know you’re from a different land, and this might be hard for you to understand. What I did is considered honorless, far worse than surrender. I will forever be remembered as a begging coward. Even if I survive the full fifteen years of constant humiliation, my title as clan leader will be stripped. I’ll have no home to go back to.”

  Jacob just stared, eyes wide in disbelief. “No,” he said at length. “Your people will understand why you did it. They’ll see your sacrifice was for the greater good and restore your title. They’ll take you back. I know they will.”

  Kelus shrugged. “Does it even matter? We needed their help and now we have it. If I do end up serving this sentence, it only means the world has survived the darkness. When I think of it that way, I regret nothing.”

  Jacob nodded, seeing his point. “Everything you say is true. Given the big picture, I don’t suppose any of this matters. And you’re right, I’m not from your lands and I don’t understand many of your customs. But I do know this: from where I’m standing what you did was one of the most honorable things I’ve ever witnessed. I’ll never forget the sacrifice you made for all of us.” He patted Kelus’s knee. “Come on then. Let’s get back and inform the circle. What’s done is done, and it’s time to make our own preparations.”

  * * *

  Shantis sat across from Addel while Nima and Amoshi stood nearby. The mood had been tense for a while now. Now and then Shantis would eye the tent where Jade was resting, wondering if the poor girl would ever be the same. It had been days now and she had hardly eaten, slept, or spoken with anyone. Lying there on her cot with her eyes open, she just stared at the ceiling most of the day. Shantis couldn’t help but feel empathy for Jade, remembering how she too was recently in a similar state of mind.

  “Don’t worry about Jade,” said Addel, following Shantis’s gaze towards the tent. “She’s going to bounce back just like she always does. Just give her a little more time to sort things out.”

  “Time isss a preciousss resssource, I’m afraid,” Shantis replied. “I love her asss a sssister, but we can wait no longer. If she needsss to ssstay behind then ssso be it, but Taron mussst be liberated from that tyrant.” And I must have my revenge.

  “Each passing day I’m away from the city, the risk of Filista discovering my absence grows,” Addel added, sounding more than a little concerned. “Berkeni is doing all he can to keep her distracted while Azek fights for his life in the arena. I’m afraid you’re correct. We’ve simply run out of time.”

  “Then we will fight by your side,” said Nima, stepping closer to the table and placing her hands down. “It is understandable if Jade is unable to march with us. It’s probably best if we let her stay behind. After all, why risk Taron’s future queen on the field of battle? Hasn’t she risked enough already?” Amoshi stepped closer, placing his hand on her shoulder; his stern, battle-ready look spoke a thousand words.

  “Then it isss sssettled,” said Shantis, rising to her feet, her hard expression matching Amoshi’s. “We march in the morning.” She looked around the circle, meeting each person’s gaze one at a time. “The crytonsss have lost the trussst of humansss, and rightfully so. Thisss shattered bond will take yearsss if not centuriesss to repair. I accept the consequencesss of our actionsss, but the healing must start somewhere. I am honored to fight beside the humansss, and hope that by taking back your city, a fraction of the debt might be repaid.”

  “The crytons owe nothing to the humans,” came a voice from behind. They never even heard Jade approach. “A portion of your flock strayed, choosing to follow a wolf. That was their decision, not yours. Do not apologize on the behalf of an entire race because of the betrayal of a few. Soon...they will pay for their mistakes. Not as crytons, but as individuals who shall be held accountable.”

  Shantis managed a weak smile for her old friend. “It’sss good to sssee you on your feet. Are you alright? Of courssse we underssstand if you are not ready to—”

  “The time for excuses is over,” Jade said firmly. “I’m done letting others bear my burdens while I turn away, feeling as though I am unable to face these challenges. Never again will I pass the torch of responsibility to others. My lack of conviction... my lack of strength when it was needed most, has caused the suffering of those closest to me. I vow to never again show such weakness.”

  “Jade,” said Shantis, reaching out and taking her friend by the hand. “You are many thingsss. Passionate, caring, fiery and noble, but weak...you are not.”

  “It would seem I have one last chance to prove you right,” Jade replied before turning back towards her tent. “Gather your men at first light, and meet me at the center of camp. Don’t think for one minute you’re going without me. You’re not the only one with a score to settle.” They watched her march off, then disappear into her tent.

  * * *

  It was early morning and the sun remained hidden below the horizon. Addel tossed and turned to the clanking of tent spikes and the whooshing sounds of fabric being rolled. Metal items jangled about, accompanied by the muffled sounds of hushed muttering. What is going on out there? she thought, opening her eye and seeing it was still dark yet. Somewhat alarmed, she rolled from her cot and sleepily stumbled towards the tent flap.

  Peeking out, she watched as crytons scrambled about, their arms loaded with cooking utensils and broken-down tents. I don’t know what’s happening, but I better investigate. Still in her small clothes, Addel fumbled about in the low light searching for her dress. She held it up, giving it a shake when suddenly a loud whoosh came from outside, nearly sending her right to the floor. Dancing orange light illuminated the entire camp, sending its glow right into her tent. Fire! By the gods what is going on?

  She threw on her dress and ran outside. Flames from the open fire at the center of camp shot ten feet in the air, crytons continuing to feed it with tents, benches, and anything else they could find. Addel tried to flag down a cryton as he ran past, but he ignored her, running straight to the fire to throw his bundle into the flame.

  Nima and Amoshi came running up to her, each wearing sleepy expressions of confusion. “What’s happening?” asked Nima, eyeing the bonfire as thick, oily smoke funneled up beyond the roaring flames. “Who told them to destroy everything?”

  “I was going to ask you the same question,” Addel replie
d, looking around frantically. She spotted Shantis off in the distance, watching the chaos calmly with her arms crossed over her chest. She didn’t appear to be the least bit concerned. “Why would she give such an order?” Addel muttered under her breath.

  “Shantis,” Addel shouted, trying to get her attention as they made their way over. “Why are you letting your people do this?” Another cryton ran past her, carrying one of the last remaining benches. “Why did you give the order to—”

  Shantis turned and raised her hand, silencing Addel in midsentence. “I never told my soldiersss to dessstroy the camp,” she said calmly, not looking angry or irritated, just accepting and unquestioning of what was going on around her. “If you want answersss,” she pointed with her chin to a spot just beyond the fire, “then I sssuggest you ssspeak with your queen.”

  They followed her gaze, and there stood Jade off in the distance. Still as a statue, her arms tucked beneath her robe with the hood drawn low over her face, she seemed to give off a ghostly aura. With only the lower portion of her face visible, the flickering light from the fire danced off her chin, reflecting off her teeth. Was she smiling? Grimacing? Suddenly, the three of them weren’t quite so eager to approach her. Whatever her reasons, they could wait for now.

  Addel glanced over her shoulder and watched them tear down the tent she had slept in. Quick and efficient, within seconds all that was left was a brown square of dead grass. It was dragged across the camp and thrown onto the fire. The hungry flames licked the fabric, momentarily turning the flame a bluish green.

  Staring directly at the fire, she could still make out some items that hadn’t yet burned. “Pots. Bedrolls. Pillows. All but the most personal of possessions,” she mumbled, thinking out loud. “I know what’s she’s doing.”