The Blood of Kings (Book 4)

by Robert E. Keller

  Father and daughter dwelt in the back of the store, and Lannon was led to a comfortable couch in the living room. He took off his boots and rested his feet on a soft bearskin rug, as he chatted with Dallsa while her father cooked dinner. He wanted to simply rest and enjoy a good meal, but his concern over Bellis' plans ran too deep for that to happen. He remained anxious and wanting to move on to Kalamede immediately.

  It wasn't a great surprise to Lannon that Bellis was planning an attack. However, the revelation that Bellis had apparently weeded out all of Dremlock's spies--and that they had set some kind of trap in Kalamede--made it a dire and unexpected situation. He was certain Taris would immediately lead his battalion to Dremlock to help fortify the kingdom--if the sorcerer could learn the truth in time. If not, Taris might get bogged down in Kalamede in a struggle for survival, leaving Dremlock without the protection of the White Flamestone.

  "You seem worried about something," Dallsa pointed out. She was seated in a chair across from him, clutching a pillow in her lap. She seemed just as tense as he was. The scent of cooking stew soon drifted out from the kitchen.

  Lannon shrugged. "I'm fine. The stew smells delicious."

  "My father does all the cooking," she said. "He's great at it. However, I get stuck with the dishes. I guess that's the price I must pay for good food."

  Lannon nodded. He gazed at a shelf on the wall--one of several--which held jars of tobacco and a row of books flanked by small Goblin statues. This home was clean and organized--unlike the shoddy cabin he'd grown up in. There were no ale jugs scattered about the floor or rats gnawing at stuff. There were no angry feelings or shouting. This was a peaceful and pleasant home, with beautiful paintings on the walls, fine dishes in glass cupboards, and fur rugs, and Lannon was envious of Dallsa. He thought of his parents and wondered how they were doing--if the cabin was now clean and things were peaceful. He hated to imagine they still lived in the wretched conditions he'd known. It seemed like madness that they had ever lived that way. He decided he would write them again when he got the chance.

  The stew and biscuits were excellent, and Lannon ate his fill. When the meal was finished Dalton lit a pipe and offered Lannon some. Although the tobacco smelled sweet, Lannon declined. He considered alcohol and tobacco to be unhealthy--ever associating the two substances with his father's poor health.

  "Before you ride off for Kalamede," said Dalton, "I would like to discuss the issue concerning my daughter. She told me you're a Blue Knight of Dremlock, and I feel this might be a good opportunity for her. She definitely has a healer's touch, and such a gift could lead her to a life of prosperity. But more importantly, she would be helping the sick and injured of this land. She has such a caring soul. It is only proper that she get a chance to do some good in this world."

  Dallsa looked uncomfortable, her gaze focused on the pillow she was holding. Her face was red from embarrassment over the praise.

  "I agree," said Lannon, sipping at a mug of milk. "With Dremlock at war with the Blood Legion and Bellis, healers are in great demand. I will gladly ask Dremlock to send someone to test her--if she is willing."

  Dallsa didn't reply. She looked almost sad.

  "It has long been a dream of mine," said Dalton, "that she be recruited as a Squire of Dremlock. I would give just about anything to make it happen. If she could leave tonight, I would let her go--though I would miss her terribly. She needs something more than working in a shop with her father--a chance to grow and become someone that others love and respect. She needs a chance to earn a living doing something she loves. I want this for her more than I want anything, Lannon."

  "I understand," said Lannon, impressed by the shopkeeper's love for his daughter. "I'll do my best, but I can't promise anything." Dalton's passion for Dallsa becoming a Squire reminded Lannon of his father and his unshakable faith that Lannon would become a great Knight. Yet there was nothing exceptional about it. It was common throughout Silverland for parents to dream of their children becoming Divine Knights. Yet many of those children lacked the talent for it, and it was entirely possible that Dalton was simply being optimistic about his daughter's chances.

  "Of course not," said Dalton, bowing his head. "Yet I know you're an honorable man true to his word, and that you will indeed try your best."

  "Lannon, will you take a walk with me?" asked Dallsa. "I have something to show you that you might find interesting."

  "I really should be going," said Lannon, the anxiety rising within him again. "My business in Kalamede is quite urgent."

  "It will only take a little bit of your time," said Dallsa, "and I'm certain you won't regret it." She rose and extended her hand. "Will you please walk with me in the forest?" Her face held a pleading expression.

  With a sigh, Lannon took her hand and rose.

  They left the shop and wandered into the misty woods along a trail, until they came to a winding river. On the river bank was a massive oak tree, its dark roots snaking down into the water and its mighty branches looming above Lannon and Dallsa. Its branches were as thick as most fully grown trees--with one being so heavy it had split from the tree, leaving a gaping wound in the trunk. In spite of being centuries old, spring buds had formed all over its branches. It was indeed an impressive tree, but Lannon wondered why it required his time.

  Dallsa paused beneath the oak. "Is this not a beautiful tree? I've always loved it. Yet it is a dark and suffering tree. If you fall asleep beneath it, you will have cold dreams. My touch offers it comfort." She placed her hand on the mossy trunk. "I can sense the relief I bring it--freedom from the dark sorcery that infests it."

  Lannon thought back to the apple tree at the Watchmen's Keep. Perhaps he'd found his healer who could free the tower from the clutches of the Deep Shadow. Of course, she wasn't even a Squire yet, but it was something for him to consider. It all depended on her talent level and character.

  "If I become a White Knight," said Dallsa, "perhaps I could return and free this tree from the Deep Shadow. And there are other trees in these woods that need attention. Isn't that a noble goal?"

  "You would do much more than help ancient trees," said Lannon. "You would be helping people sickened by the Deep Shadow."

  Dallsa bowed her head. "I'm not fooled, Lannon. If you leave, I know that no one will ever return to test me."

  "If not," said Lannon, "you could always journey to one of the major cities and get tested there. If you have the gift, you will likely become a Squire."

  "No," she said, a look of certainty on her face. "If I don't do something now, my opportunity will vanish. I will continue working in the shop and perhaps meet someone to marry and raise children with. My dream will be ended."

  "You don't know that," said Lannon, glancing back along the trail and feeling overcome by the urge to ride on to Kalamede.

  "I do know it," she said, "with all my heart. That's why I want to journey with you--this very day--and start my new life."

  Lannon considered the request. The Eye of Divinity revealed her strong talent for healing sorcery, and he was certain Dremlock would accept her. But taking her to Kalamede could put her in grave danger. "There will be trouble there, Dallsa. I think it's too risky. Anything could happen."

  "I will stay out of danger," she said, "in the background somewhere. And there is risk everywhere in this land. Rogue Haven isn't the safest place on Gallamerth. There are bandits in this region, too--and slave owners who force people to fight for the crowds. I'm certain my father is hoping you will take me with you."

  "Wouldn't it be too sudden for him?" asked Lannon. "Wouldn't he want time to prepare? After all, you help him run the shop."

  "No, he wants me to go," she said, certainty in her eyes. "This is the opportunity he has been waiting for. He knows if I go with you, I am guaranteed a place at Dremlock. If I go and ask his permission right now, I will come back with a horse and all that I will need for the journey."

  Lannon hesitated, unsure of what to do. She seemed to feel so stron
gly that she should go with him that he hated to refuse her. And Dremlock was in need of as many White Knights as could be found. There were never enough of them. It could be a wise move to get her started on her training as soon as possible.

  "Very well, ask your father's permission," he said. "But remind him of the dangers in Kalamede when you do so. He should make a careful decision."

  "I will," said Dallsa, beaming with excitement. "This is my destiny, Lannon! I already know what his decision will be."

  He nodded. "Then let's go."

  "You should wait for me here," she said. "I want time alone with my father while I pack my things. Then I will bring the horse."

  Lannon sighed. "Please try to hurry. I really need that horse as quickly as possible. Dremlock depends on it."

  "I'm on my way," she said, still grinning with excitement. She ran off down the trail, leaving Lannon to wonder how long he would have to wait.

  Almost an hour passed, as Lannon stood beside the cursed oak tree watching the river flow through the woods. At this point, he didn't care if Dallsa stayed in Rogue Haven or rode with him, for his single burning desire was to warn Taris of what the Eye of Dreams had revealed. He paced about impatiently, wondering what had become of her. He considering racing back to the shop and demanding the horse he'd been promised.

  But then Dallsa returned at last, leading a horse laden with packs. Her face was somber, and Lannon assumed that meant her father had refused.

  "I brought food and other supplies for both of us," she said, proving him wrong. "My father is sad, and so am I, but we're also both very happy. He wanted to speak to you again, but I told him you were in too big of a hurry. He extends his thanks to you and wants me to write to him as often as possible."

  "Let's move on, then," Lannon said, swinging onto the horse. He extended his hand to Dallsa. "I can't afford any more delays."

  With that, the two riders departed for Kalamede.

  Chapter 13: Kalamede

  The remaining journey to Kalamede was uneventful for Taris Warhawk's battalion, with good weather for traveling and no further attacks from Dremlock's foes. Prince Vannas seemed to fully recover from whatever was troubling him, and he demanded the White Flamestone be returned. Lothrin reluctantly complied, and the two cousins seemed to be getting along. The prince appeared to harbor a newfound inner strength and regain all of his old confidence. Aldreya was greatly relieved, and she began to think Vannas could overcome the drawbacks of wielding the Flamestone and perhaps even grow stronger as a result.

  Kalamede was the most dangerous city in Silverland, ravaged with crime and corruption. It had one of the highest murder rates on the entire continent of Gallamerth, coupled with one of the highest poverty levels. A shadow of despair always seemed to hang over the city, beneath which lay battered, abandoned houses and failing businesses. It had once been a prosperous place stoutly defended by Dremlock Kingdom, but when the City Council had repeatedly violated the Sacred Laws in allowing what Dremlock considered to be immoral business practices, the Divine Knights had withdrawn much of their support--leaving the streets poorly protected against gangs of bandits and other dangers.

  After that, Kalamede had gone from being a shining, noble city to one where people feared to leave their homes. Dremlock still did much business there and still defended Kalamede from larger threats, but the kingdom banner was not allowed to be flown from the roof of the Council Hall (as it was in Silverland's other cities) and Kalamede received the least Knights, monetary assistance, and healing services. Kalamede was last on the list for everything, as Dremlock sought to pressure the City Council into changing its ways.

  Nevertheless, Dremlock's Knights were always given a warm welcome there, and so when Taris' battalion rode into the streets on a sunny spring day, it did so to cheers from crowds of onlookers. The City Guard was also present to greet them--warriors on horseback who wore green uniforms and bore slender swords and shields--along with the City Council. Guardsmen on foot lined the streets, blowing horns as the Divine Knights rode by. In spite of Dremlock's snubbing of Kalamede, the welcoming was magnificent. It was a day when thieves and cutthroats hid trembling in the shadows and for once the streets were safe.

  "Quite the gathering," said Prince Vannas, who rode next to Aldreya. He waved and smiled at some of the onlookers. "This is how Divine Knights should be greeted." The prince sat tall in the saddle, looking strong and healthy. He wore colorful Birlote silk and carried a banner bearing the Crest of Dremlock.

  "We've come to save their city," said Aldreya, beaming with pride. "This is what Dremlock is all about--helping the weak. Look at the joy and gratitude on the faces of the people! They have suffered long enough." If only Lannon were here to see this, she thought, and for a moment she was overcome by sadness and worry. She wondered if she would ever see him again.

  The City Lord, a tall, grey-haired man named Vanaxe, bowed before them and instructed Taris to follow him to his mansion where they could talk in private. First they were led to a stable where they left their horses, and then Taris and the Divine Shield followed Vanaxe to his home. The mansion was near the Council Hall in the richest area of the city--an area that greatly contrasted most of Kalamede. All around were beautiful fountains, towering buildings and statues, clean cobblestone streets lined by lampposts, and well-dressed men and women moving about. The presence of the City Guard was strong here.

  Taris instructed his Knights to seek food and drink at the inns, and then the Divine Shield followed Vanaxe up some stone steps that led between marble pillars to the mansion's polished oaken front door. A guard pulled the door open, and they entered a large dining hall adorned with marble floor tiles, suits of armor, huge paintings on the walls, and a brick fireplace. They seated themselves at a long table and were served drinks. Vanaxe disappeared for a time while they waited for food to arrive, leaving his servants to look after them. At last the Knights were provided with a large meal of meat, bread, and fruit.

  Vorden had seemed uncertain of what to do, so he'd followed the Divine Shield and sat beside the young Knights. Finally he asked, "Should I be here, Master Taris? Or should I leave?"

  "A fine question," said Trenton, "when you are already halfway through your meal." He nodded to Vorden's platter of food.

  "Sorry," Vorden mumbled, even as he dipped some buttered bread in gravy and hurriedly gobbled it up. "I was hungry."

  Taris gazed at him thoughtfully. "You fought well in the battle with the Blood Legion. Considering you are already a Grey Keeper, I see no reason you shouldn't be included in the Divine Shield. Does anyone protest?"

  "Is Vorden truly well enough for such a position?" asked Trenton. "It is quite risky to place someone recently contaminated by Tharnin near the White Flamestone. You seem awfully sure of yourself in this matter, Taris."

  "I am," said Taris. "But then again, I have earned the right to speak with confidence on matters like these. And the White Knights agree with me. Vorden is a strong fighter and a dear friend of Lannon and Aldreya. Also, he has already been in the company of Prince Vannas for sometime now."

  "Yet he is not a Knight," said Daledus. The Dwarf had been chewing on a large turkey drumstick, which he pointed at Vorden. "Is it proper for a Squire to be added to the Divine Shield, to have a say in important matters?"

  "We were all Squires not long ago," Aldreya pointed out. "And Vorden is as skilled as any Knight. Maybe he should be a Knight."

  "I have no objection to Vorden serving as a member," said Shennen. "I trust your word on it, Taris. However, Vorden must earn his Knighthood. I am opposed to any effort to simply hand it to him. He must pay his dues."

  "Vorden has paid many dues," said Taris, "and he will pay many more in the future. Make no mistake about that. But none of it is his fault. He was a victim of Tharnin and he has fought back bravely, surprising us all. His spirit is strong and noble and his mind is sharp. Yet I agree that he will have to earn Knighthood by proving himself--by not letting the shadows of hi
s past drag him down. I only wish to appoint him to the Divine Shield as a matter of convenience. It would allow us to more easily watch over him. I also believe his skills make him an extremely valuable Knight and a worthy protector for Prince Vannas."

  "I trust Vorden to guard my back," said the prince. "At first I didn't want him near me, but I have come to respect him. I know his heart is free of Tharnin. I agree that he should be with the Divine Shield."

  "Thank you, Prince Vannas," said Vorden.

  "Yet no one can know Vorden's intentions," said Trenton, "except him. To put it bluntly--he might still be plotting our downfall."

  "The Deep Shadow still haunts me," Vorden admitted. "But my mind is clear and I know right from wrong. If I felt I was a danger to anyone around me--even slightly--I would ask to be put back in irons. I am not a danger."

  Trenton frowned. "I won't oppose him being added to the Divine Shield, but I do think he should be carefully watched." He fixed his icy gaze on Vorden. "In fact, I intend to do some of the watching myself."

  Vorden nodded. "Investigate me all you like, Trenton. I would expect no less from you, considering it is your job to be suspicious. And you will find I am true to my word."

  "We shall see," said Trenton, a gleam in his eye. "The Deep Shadow knows many disguises and will strike when it's least expected."

  The look on Trenton's face, and his tone of voice, chilled Aldreya. "Don't worry," she said in an effort to appease the Investigator, "I'll be watching Vorden day and night and will report anything out of the ordinary."