The Blood of Kings (Book 4)

by Robert E. Keller

  Jerret's eyes widened. "You know of my family?"

  "You talk in your sleep, Jerret," said Aldreya. "We know you have a little brother named Anthor who is quite undisciplined and breaks things."

  Jerret grinned. "Anthor is quite a terror. He already thinks he's a Knight--if beating up everything with sticks qualifies. I have never seen such a strong and determined lad. He takes after my father. He's only my half brother, though. My mother died shortly after giving birth to me."

  "I'm guessing your father is quite stubborn," said Galvia, "and bold. Are you sure you're not part Dwarf?"

  Jerret rubbed his chin, which bore only stubble. "My beard grows too slowly and too thin for that. Also, my mother was definitely Norack like me. Oh, and everyone knows a Dwarf and Norack marriage produces no children."

  "Are you certain of that?" said Jace.

  "Yes, I am," said Jerret, frowning. "Have you ever met an Olrog who wasn't fully an Olrog? I've never heard of such a thing."

  "I have to agree with Jerret," said Daledus. "Olrog blood cannot be mixed with the other races. We were altered by Tharnin long ago."

  But Jace only smiled and said nothing.

  "Dwarf or not," said Galvia, "you are one of the best fighters I've ever met, Jerret. I am proud to go into this battle with you."

  "I agree," said Vorden. "Yet you were lazy when I first met you, Jerret. It seemed you barely wanted to be a Knight. What happened? The truth is you had me beaten in that duel. It really hurt my pride, though I didn't show it."

  Lannon wondered how Vorden felt about their last duel. He was certain Vorden must hold some resentment toward him, but the Squire never showed it.

  Jerret shrugged. "I had to find myself. I have done so."

  Vorden patted Jerret on the back. "Truthfully, you have surpassed my expectations and become a great Knight."

  "Excellent," said Taris, looking amused. "I am always glad to hear when a Knight has discovered what he or she was meant to be. And if we survive this, Jerret, perhaps you can bring young Anthor to Dremlock so we can recruit him. It sounds as if he is Knightly material all the way."

  "Oh, he is," said Jerret, nodding. "He really is like a Grey Dwarf. Loves to fight with his fists. That's why he has no friends."

  The Knights chuckled.

  Then the mood grew somber again.

  "If we fail to liberate Dremlock," said Taris, "those who remain behind will be the last hope for our kingdom. You will ride to Borenthia and tell them that Prince Vannas has been captured by Bellis and possibly even killed. That may be enough to persuade the Birlotes to go to war."

  "Do I have to stay behind, Lannon?" asked Dallsa. "No offense to these other warriors, but I feel safest by your side."

  "Don't worry," Lannon said, "these Knights will look after you. They are all highly respected at Dremlock. And this mission is far too dangerous for you to be involved in. This is for the fate of our kingdom."

  She nodded. "I understand."

  The Knights who were chosen to stay with the wagons bowed to Taris. Dallsa did the same. And then the two groups parted ways.

  ***

  Moving as quietly as possible, the Knights made their way up the mountainside. It was a long, slow, and perilous journey. They carried lanterns that emitted only a small amount of light to minimize the risk of discovery. At times the terrain was steep, with loose boulders and logs here and there and plenty of gnarled roots for tripping over. They held formation around Prince Vannas, who kept the black pouch that contained the White Flamestone in hand. Lannon scanned for enemies, while Shennen and Lothrin slipped off into the darkness periodically to do some scouting around.

  They were ready for war, knowing that thousands of soldiers could swarm on them at any time. They were certain Bellis would either attempt to kill Prince Vannas by means of an ambush, or King Verlamer's warriors would simply charge down on them and try to take them by force of numbers.

  Lothrin had taken off his boots, and he raced silently along logs and up tree trunks, searching for enemies. He was like a fleeting shadow in the woods, his climbing skills and speed astonishing even for a Birlote.

  The Blue Knights and sorcerers moved silently. Even Jace, in spite of his huge size, somehow navigated the forest with quiet precision.

  The Dwarves and Red Knights, however, made plenty of noise--crashing through underbrush, panting, and grunting. Their armor and weapons clanked, and whenever one stumbled or bumped something curses were muttered.

  Daledus slipped on a loose rock and lost his grip on his axe. He grumbled as Galvia tripped over him and crashed into Aldreya, who caught her.

  "Sorry," Daledus muttered.

  The Dark Knights did not fare much better. They were so heavily armored that stealth was impossible. In spite of their best efforts, they were like squat boulders crashing through the woods.

  "I'm expecting an ambush," Jace whispered to Taris, after they had climbed about halfway to their goal. "I highly doubt they'll try to overpower us here in the forest."

  "Why do you think that?" asked Taris.

  Lannon also wondered why Jace believed that. In fact, Lannon was amazed that Bellis hadn't been waiting for them right at the base of the mountain. King Verlamer had a massive army to throw against them, so why not use it?

  "Because of what happened last time," Jace explained. "The White Flamestone brutalized them. They found out just how powerful it is on the battlefield. They fear it. King Verlamer is no fool. He knows he only has to kill Prince Vannas to end the threat. And that knowledge heavily favors a quiet ambush."

  "Does it?" Taris whispered back. "Thousands of warriors charging at the prince might be a better way to end the threat."

  Jace paused for breath, leaning his huge form against a pine. "I disagree. Thousands of warriors can burn in White Fire, too. Remember, they tried to get to the prince the last time and failed. Even their Thallite giants couldn't manage it. That sort of thing sticks with a leader. Verlamer won't use that strategy again. You see--I happen to know how he thinks."

  "Are you related to him?" asked Taris, with a wry smile.

  "In a manner of speaking, yes," Jace replied. "I share his bloodline. However, I am not recognized as royalty by any means. Nor would the king do anything but sneer at my ancestry. It is rather complicated."

  Taris raised his eyebrows. "So you too are a descendant of Althustus the Dragonforged. That's explains a lot about you, right down to the madness. That's quite a powerful bloodline of sorcery."

  "There are a few of us still around these days," said Jace. He frowned. "Madness? Nonsense! Althustus was a genius with a sober mind. And most of my sorcery is actually self-taught, unlike that of King Verlamer--although it certainly helps to have an affinity for it that goes beyond that of most Noracks. Like Verlamer, I am a descendant of Althustus--and certainly my great physical stature tells the tale--but I assure you in many ways I am quite different from the King of Bellis. His inherited gifts are more powerful and much closer to the source."

  "I think I understand," said Taris. "At least, to a small degree."

  Jace shrugged. "As I said, it is complicated. But I do know that Verlamer is more of a sorcerer by bloodline than anything else. His power was there from birth, whereas I had to work hard to develop mine. That, and I don't rule over most of Gallamerth either. But I do have a few unique traits and talents that you won't find in anyone else."

  Taris smiled. "I'm sure you do. And I'm assuming those talents have nothing to do with smoke rings or a taste for good pipe tobacco."

  "Nothing at all," Jace agreed.

  "I can't believe what I'm hearing," said Aldreya. "You're actually related to the King of Bellis? That's astounding, Uncle Jace!"

  Jace sighed. "Very distantly. And as I said, it wouldn't even be officially recognized by Bellis. In fact, it's quite amazing that I inherited some of the same gifts as Verlamer. The odds are very much against it. Also, I was born in poverty and I've had to struggle to earn my way in the world." />
  Shennen materialized from the shadows, his grim mood having momentarily given way to a look of amusement. "Maybe you could convince Verlamer you're his long lost brother. You look like him, minus the beard."

  Jace grinned. "And with that plan, it would soon be minus my head. I think not. I like the plan we've already decided upon."

  "This is no joke, though," said Taris. "The descendants of Althustus the Dragonforged are a strange lot capable of amazing feats. I knew you were a powerful sorcerer, Jace, but I didn't realize you were on that level."

  Jace waved dismissively. "Think nothing of it. As I said, the bloodline has all but vanished from the land. There are only a few of us left who possess the gifts, and those gifts are diminished since the age of Althustus. Verlamer is the exception--a true warrior with the Blood of Kings in his veins. If you want to look upon a talented sorcerer, look no further than yourself or Trenton here."

  "I'm not that talented," said Trenton.

  "Hmm..." said Jace. "Not that talented, you say? Yet you've unlocked an ability that only the greatest sorcerers have unlocked--sorcerers who were all much older than yourself. That tells me something about you."

  "And what does it tell you?" asked Trenton.

  "It tells me," said Jace, "that you dedicated your life to one type of sorcery. You narrowed your focus in order to access it."

  Trenton nodded, his eyes shining in the lantern light. "You are correct. In many ways, I am a weak sorcerer. But I worked very hard to possess this one great power, which has served me well. It is really the only sorcery I have use of, aside from the typical Knightly fire. Now, I've heard this talk before about my supposed talent, and it makes me uncomfortable. I prefer to view it as hard work. And I wish only to be known as a great Knight and a great Investigator."

  "Only that?" mused Shennen, and the others laughed. After that, Shennen vanished silently into the shadows again.

  To the surprise of the Divine Knights, they encountered no ambush on the journey up the mountain. In fact, they saw no sign of Bells' warriors. The woods seemed eerily empty as they climbed.

  "This is quite perplexing," said Jace.

  "Perhaps the ambush awaits us in the mines," said Taris, "or in the kingdom itself. Or perhaps they simply lost sight of us. We did manage to elude their winged spies, and the wooded slopes are quite dense and hard to climb."

  "I find that difficult to believe," said Trenton. "King Verlamer has enough warriors that they should be wandering all over the mountainside searching for us. Yet we see none of them. No, there is something else going on here."

  "I agree," said Jace. "Something is odd."

  "Not much we can do about it," said Daledus, "other than to keep moving. We'll find out soon enough."

  "I don't see any danger," said Lannon. "Just a few harmless forest animals prowling about. Of course, my range is limited."

  "Keep searching, Lannon," said Taris. "If there is a trap, you will be the one to discover it. You must try to look deeper with the Eye than ever before, to glimpse anything that will give us an advantage."

  "I'll do my best," said Lannon. He intensified his gaze, but there was still only the rocks, trees, and animals to greet him.

  ***

  At last they came to the cavern entrance in the mountain wall. Not far along the tunnel were bars of Glaetherin protected by a Wheel Lock. The shadowy mouth of the cavern seemed gloomy in the lantern light, promising a path to the dreary mines and the curse of the Deep Shadow. Overhead, an ocean of stars burned in the night sky, with a few of the great pines outlined darkly against it. A strong breeze reached them here, and the pines swayed and creaked. This was their last taste of fresh air for a while, and they paused for a moment to savor it.

  "I can't believe this," said Valedos. "We made it here unscathed. I had expected a bitter battle on the mountainside, to say the least."

  Prince Vannas nodded. "During the entire journey up the slopes, I was ready for war to break out." He wiggled his fingers and grimaced. "My hand hurts from clutching the Flamestone so tightly."

  "Relax, cousin," said Lothrin. "You will wear yourself out before the battle even begins."

  "I'm fine," said Vannas, glaring at him. "I know my limits."

  "Are you sure?" said Lothrin, giving him a piercing gaze.

  "As sure as can be," said Vannas. "So stop worrying about me constantly and pretending to be so wise. You're just a Ranger, and you don't know everything. It gets overbearing at times. You're like an annoying older brother."

  "Yet you are a Prince of Borenthia," said Lothrin, "and a friend and relative. Of course I'm going to worry about you. One of my duties is to look after you. And I never said I was wise."

  "I don't need it!" Vannas snarled, his frustration boiling over. "I only ask for your protection in battle. Otherwise, I can look after myself."

  Vorden stepped between them, pushing them apart. "Enough of this nonsense. This isn't the time for bickering."

  Lothrin shoved Vorden's arm away. "This is between me and the prince, so I must ask that you not interfere."

  His eyes narrowing, Vorden pushed close to Lothrin and the two stared each other down, their hands knotted into fists.

  The Dwarves watched them intently, anticipating a fight.

  "That's enough!" said Lannon. Seeing his friends quarrel left him feeling weary. There was too much at stake for such petty disputes.

  Taris gazed purposefully at Aldreya, and she quickly seized Lothrin's shoulder. "All of you--stop talking to each other. Act like Knights!"

  They bowed and moved away from each other--though Vorden and Lothrin exchanged another angry glance.

  "The mountainside lies barren," said Shennen, who'd ignored the dispute and stood in thoughtful silence. "As if King Verlamer doesn't care that the White Flamestone is approaching. That is very strange."

  "Yes," said Jace, peering into the tunnel. "It is quite troubling."

  "Or it could simply be good fortune," said Trenton.

  "I highly doubt it," said Jace.

  "Either we were very lucky," said Shennen, "or the ambush will occur in the mines. Bellis has had plenty of time to prepare for our arrival. Regardless, we're just a Wheel Lock away from home."

  That was Lannon's cue to act. He walked into the cavern, a silent shadow beneath his hooded cloak. A thrill surged through him. The last of the Dark Watchman had come home to Dremlock, his sword at his side. This was the gateway to war and bloodshed--something his predecessors in their corruption might have relished. To Lannon, it was a path into a darkness that he wanted no part of. But duty demanded he push on. He hesitated and then spun the wheel until it clicked. Then, knowing there was no turning back, he pulled open the gate.

  "So it begins," Shennen whispered, his deadly Flayer in one hand and his short sword in the other. The look in his eyes was frightening--like that of a predator stalking its prey. The elite assassin was on the hunt.

  The others were glad they were not foes of the Blue Knight.

  "Now our enemies will know fear!" growled Daledus. "They dared to invade our kingdom and plant their banner upon our soil. And for that crime they will feel the bitter sting of our blades, delivered without mercy!"

  Valedos and the Nine Axes mumbled their approval.

  Lannon had nothing to say. The Dwarves were who they were, and he wasn't going to change their thinking. They had come for bloodshed and nothing would satisfy them except brutal warfare.

  Jace gazed up at the stars and took a deep breath of the fresh, crisp mountain air. Then he strode into the cave.

  The others followed.

  Lannon hesitated beyond the gate.

  "Close it," Taris commanded, once everyone had passed through. "If Bellis' warriors pick up our trail, they will come in after us. We could end up being squeezed from two directions."

  "Yet if Lannon dies or is captured," said Trenton, "we'll have no easy way out. Are you sure this is a wise decision?"

  Taris said nothing, his gaze fixed on L
annon.

  Lannon bowed and then sealed the gate.

  They left their lanterns behind and instead produced brighter Birlote torches. The time for stealth was ended. They had come to cleanse Dremlock of Bellis' warriors and had no need to hide themselves.

  They followed the tunnel until they reached the Temple of Oracles. The tunnel ended at an iron door, which was engraved with an image of a wolf's head with moonlight shining upon it. The wolf's tongue hung out, displaying three Dwarven runes that signified prophecy. The door was unlocked. Before they entered, Lannon scanned the interior with the Eye. He glimpsed six of Bellis' Golden Knights standing within by the altar, their swords drawn. These warriors were engulfed in mighty armor from head to toe, their helms secured by latches.

  "Six Guardians!" Lannon whispered. "Waiting to ambush us!"

  "Only six?" said Daledus. "Why do we hesitate?"

  "Guardians are deadly foes," said Taris. "They must be waiting to attack Prince Vannas. It seems King Verlamer knows of these passageways through the mines. He must have studied the books in the Deep Forge. The king has wasted no time in unlocking our secrets."

  "We should leave the prince out here," said Jace, "guarded by the Knights. The rest of the Divine Shield can take care of these foes."

  "Let the Nine Axes deal with them," said Valedos.

  But Taris shook his head. "Your time will come, Valedos. But these armored warriors will not easily yield even to your weapons. This is a task for sorcerers and agile Blue Knights."

  "To leave me out of the fight is folly!" said Vannas. "Their armor cannot withstand the White Flamestone."

  "Don't be a fool," Taris muttered. "The trap waits for you, young prince. Will you then blunder into it?"

  "Stay behind, my friend," said Lannon, seizing his shoulder. "We need to keep you alive and unharmed for when the greater battle begins."

  Vannas nodded, but still looked unhappy.

  The Divine Shield and three Blue Knights gathered by the door. They were tightly packed into the tunnel, the sounds of their breathing loud in the still air as they waited for Taris to make his move. Lannon felt closed in, wishing there was more space around him. Jace stood next to him and all Lannon could see was a wall of purple cloak that seemed to smother him.