Death Mages Ascent

by Jon Bender

  Cribble stood stunned, his sword hanging limply by his side from the shock of what he had just seen. Jaxom sympathized with the Captain knowing the effect his magic had. A fire mage would have simply blasted his way through leaving ruin in his wake, but what Jaxom was capable of was far worse in terms of pain and agony. Nudging Cribble with his shoulder the Captain came out of his stupor raising his sword again to meet the remaining prisoners. Surprisingly they stood their ground in the face of what had just happened to their fellows, something must be driving them to fight and ignore the consequences of doing so.

  Cribble was met by two prisoners, one holding a club the other a sharpened piece of stone. Bringing his sword across in a powerful swing the prisoner tried to block with his wooden weapon but it was no match for sharpened steel. Cribble’s blade shattered the makeshift club passing right through to cut a deep rent across the man’s chest. The other prisoner seeing an opening moved to stab Cribble in the ribs, finding only the flaming end of the torch Cribble still carried as it smashed into his face. Blind and screaming in pain, the filthy man fell to the ground rolling away from the veteran guard.

  While the Captain was busy Jaxom had not stood idle facing off against two men of his own, both brandished clubs and worked together to allow the other an opportunity to strike. One of the men feinted trying to draw Jaxom’s sword out in attack but he did not fall for the trick. Kicking out instead Jaxom caught the prisoner in the leg, the heel of his boot grinding into the bone of the knee and sending the man reeling. Bringing his sword to bare on the other, Jaxom slashed downward carving a deep furrow from the man’s right shoulder to his left hip. The dirty prisoner fell away without a word of protest, already dead before he hit the ground.

  A deep roar echoed from behind them and Jaxom knew their time was up, the shadow creature had finished with the risen and was now headed towards them. Casting about him he raised the recently dead inmates who then picked up their improvised weapons, clashing with those who they had just moments before fought alongside. Grabbing Cribble by the shoulder he shoved him past the fighting further down the corridor. Making the turns needed to get back to the guard room, they had almost made it when the roar sounded again right behind them. The iron door was in sight, but by the time they got to it and the guards opened it the shadow creature would be on them. Worse it could force its way past them and into the palace.

  Deciding the risk was too great he pushed Cribble forward. “Get the door open but do not wait for me if you think that thing will make it through.” Cribble looked into his eyes before nodding and running down the hall.

  Turning to face the creature, the shadow issued a deep chuckle, as if it was amused that something as insignificant as a man would dare to face it directly. As the shadow advanced Jaxom brought his sword into a ready fighting position and waited. Halfway to him the shadow raised a clawed hand releasing a bolt of pure darkness at Jaxom. Turning the blade flat he intercepted the bolt, most of the energy being absorbed by the polished metal, the rest splitting around him and shattering the stone of the walls. Well at least that worked Jaxom thought, he had not had the chance to test the enchantment until now. Though admittedly these were not the circumstances he would have chosen for such an experiment. The shadow roared no longer amused by its game and releasing another bolt which was also absorbed by the sword. This time Jaxom was pushed back a few feet by the sheer power of the energy released, and he could feel the strain of his enchantment as it tried to contain that energy.

  Realizing that such attacks where not producing the desired effect of Jaxom’s death the Shadow charged forward, running towards him claws out to the side in preparation of ripping Jaxom into tiny pieces. When the creature was no more than thirty feet away Jaxon pointed his sword at the shadow and released all the energy the weapon had absorbed. The blast was staggering, not only throwing the Shadow back down the hall to crash into the opposite wall, but tossing Jaxom as well to land on his back. He would have to remember to brace himself better next time.

  The creature tried to rise but was unable to and Jaxom wasted no time in retreating to the door which now stood open, where Cribble and his men stared at him slack jawed at what had just transpired. Looking over his shoulder at the creature he saw it begin to dissolve, its shadowy body breaking apart to meld with the shadows around it. Once through the door they slammed it shut and threw the bolt back into place securing the barrier once more.

  “Now,” Cribble said regaining his composure. “What was going on back there?”

  Putting his back to the wall and sliding down to a sitting position, Jaxom shook his head. “I don’t know.”

  Chapter 6

  After leaving Cribble and his men to gather a larger force to sweep the cells, Jaxom headed to one of the small dining areas near the kitchens. Grabbing a plate of roast pork he had just sat down to eat when everyone one in the room stood up. Looking around he saw that Corin had entered with a pair of his personal guard half a step behind him. As he approached Jaxom began to stand and bow as well, but Corin interrupted with a gesture indicating him to remain seated. Sitting down opposite him Corin said nothing, only eyeing the food in front of Jaxom. Deciding on a particularly juicy piece of pork he picked it up with his fingers and began eating, Jaxom giving him a withering glare as he did so. Corin knew that Jaxom hated it when he did that and was probably why his friend continued to do it.

  “Not an hour out of your death bed and you are off fighting nine foot tall monsters in my cellar?” Corin said, never meeting his eyes as he concentrated on Jaxom’s meal. “You know, it would be prudent for a loyal vassal to inform his lord when he intended such things.”

  Jaxom knew he should not take the bait but he could not help it. “It was only seven feet, and it is not like I went looking for the damn thing,” Jaxom said.

  Corin gave a small smile of victory. “That is beside the point, you were only supposed to investigate the shades,” he said, plucking some peas from Jaxom’s plate.

  Moving his meal towards him and out of Corin’s reach, Jaxom gave his friend an evil look. “I did that. It is not my fault that something was there waiting for me.”

  “Waiting for you?” Corin said, leaning back more serious about the matter.

  “Yes, whatever sent the shades was there and I think that when it realized I knew where they had come from it tried to kill me.”

  Looking around Corin recognized this was not the place to have such a discussion, standing he indicated for Jaxom to follow. Lamenting over his unfinished meal, Jaxom followed his friend away from the table. As the King moved out of the dining hall, his personal guard kept an unobtrusive distance allowing them a measure of privacy.

  “What do you mean something was waiting for you?” Corin asked.

  “When I was in the shades memories, something powerful found me,” Jaxom said still feeling shaken from the encounter.

  “Do you have any idea what it was?” he asked turning to look at Jaxom.

  “No, but I think I have a way to find out,” Jaxom said and instantly regretting it. On the trip from the holding cells, Jaxom had thought over what he had seen in the shade’s memories. The man who had been sitting on the throne must have been their leader. He did not think the man had been the source of the voice, but it was likely that he knew who or what the voice belonged to. The shade had shown him they had come from the North, taking nearly two weeks to make the trip which gave Jaxom a good idea of how far they had come. It would mean that they had left from the Teriken Forest. Few people lived that far north and as far as he knew no one actually inhabited the forest itself.

  “How do we go about that?” Corin asked.

  “I need to go to the Teriken Forest. That is where the Shades came from and where whoever is behind all this is.”

  “That is at least a ten day ride from here. Even if they are there that does not help us with the southerners,” Corin said shaking his head. “I do not see how you going north with the Azurian and Dradon armie
s coming from the South helps us now.”

  “It does not matter if we win this war and do not stop whoever started it, they will just try again. We need to find out who we are up against and what they can do,” Jaxom said. Not believing that he was arguing to be sent on a quest that was likely to get him killed.

  Corin had stopped and was now staring at a painting depicting a beautiful blonde woman in a long flowing red dress. Jaxom could see the wheels turning in his friends head, weighing the options of the request. “You’re right, I would like to have you with me when all this starts but my reasons for that are more personal than strategy based.” Breaking his gaze from the picture he looked at Jaxom. “You can be handy in a fight.”

  “So you will allow me to go then?” Jaxom asked.

  “Yes, but I don’t like it. I can’t devote a lot of men to this little… adventure,” Corin said continuing to walk. “But I will not let you go alone. Any idea on who you would take with you?”

  Jaxom had not actually thought about taking anyone with him. He had planned to simply ride out alone, though bringing others was sounding better and better. Besides Corin, Celia, and Nelix he did not have any friends whom he could ask, and they were needed here with the coming invasion. For the first time Jaxom felt the ache at having so few people in his life.

  “You can take three of the guard if you wish,” Corin said, seeing that his friend was having trouble thinking of who to bring.

  “Cribble, and let him pick two more,” Jaxom said taking the lifeline out of the uncomfortable conversation. He did not know why he had picked Cribble, by all accounts the man despised what he was, but the Captain had just proven himself willing to put prejudice aside when needed as he had done down in holding cells.

  “Cribble?” Corin asked just as surprised as Jaxom was. “You’re sure?”

  As Jaxom thought about his decision it became more of the logical choice. He did not like Cribble anyway, and if he was going to risk someone else’s life, why not his? That was a horrible way to think of it, but there it was. He then remembered that two other men he did not know would also be taking the same risks.

  “Yes, but for the other two men have Cribble look for volunteers,” Jaxom said.

  Corin began laughing loudly bringing tears to his eyes. “Oh Captain Cribble is just going to love this. He has no choice but he is to find volunteers.” Corin’s laughter continued for a while before he was able to reduce it to a chuckle “You my friend have a mean sense of humor.”

  Jaxom had not considered the implications when he had said for Cribble to find volunteers, but found that he enjoyed the idea of it. “Do you think he will have a hard time finding anyone willing?”

  “Willing? There are dozens of men who will jump at the chance,” Corin replied.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You truly have no idea what goes on in this palace do you?” His laughter resuming. “You have become quite the hero among the men, even those who were not there last night know what you did. They are aware that had you not acted many more would have died, and possibly even I might not have lived. So no, I do not think he will have any problem finding men to go.”

  Jaxom had not considered that his actions deserved such attention, but it did explain why the Guard of late had been saluting him. “We will need horses, supplies, and money as well.”

  “Of course, whatever you need will be provided. Is there anything else?” Corin said.

  “How strong are your ties to Sarinsha’s temple?” Jaxom asked. Thinking that it would be wise to bring along someone skilled in healing.

  “Strong enough that they will provide a priest for this if I require one. The clergy have as much a vested interest in Ale’adaria winning as we do. Dradon and Azuria do not have the choice of worshipping who they wish in their kingdoms. If they were to take control all would be commanded to worship Trell.”

  “Good, will you send word that we will require the services of Da’san? The priest who healed my wounds,” Jaxom said.

  “I will have a messenger sent to the temple, and I will inform Cribble myself that you requested him.” He began laughing again. “I assume that you will only need four horses for the journey, and you will be taking that… creature that has been frightening my stable staff with you?” Corin said trying to find the proper term for Jaxom’s risen mare.

  In truth he had forgotten about the horse. Looking inward he could still feel the small trickle of magic reanimating the horse. It was surprising that he had not remembered it was there, though it did not require much magic for the horse to stand in a stable.

  “Four will do,” Jaxom said.

  “Alright then, go see the Quarter Master and tell him what you need. He will see to it that it is all waiting for you in the stables when you are ready. I will also have Cribble inform you when he has his volunteers,” another small chuckle. Jaxom nodded to his friend who gave him a pat on the shoulder before moving down the hall, his two guards shadowing every footsteps.

  After visiting the Quarter Master to arrange the supplies they would need for the trip north, Jaxom found Celia in her rooms with Nelix going over battle plans. They, with other lords and officers, were to take a small force to the south in an attempt to harass the invaders while the main army was being assembled by the King. It was hoped that this would also buy the people time to flee north out of harm’s way. Jaxom explained to them what had transpired in the cells and what he was to do, neither liking the idea of him going with so few men. Celia being very vocal about sending twenty of her own soldiers with him. In the end he had gotten her to see that this was just a scouting mission and that so many men would not be able to move freely, after which she had stubbornly agreed to the logic of his argument. Nelix in his usual stoic manner had shaken his hand and wished him good luck.

  Returning to his room Jaxom pulled out a pack from the armoire, loading it with only spare clothing as everything else from food to bed rolls would be waiting for him. Grabbing a dagger from the stand near his bed he secured it to his belt next to a money pouch opposite his sword. The King’s treasurer had given him a hefty sum totaling twenty gold and forty silver pieces.

  With nothing to do now but wait, he pulled a book from his shelf titled The Teriken and sat down in his chair to read. The book had little useful information, mostly covering what types of trees it contained and where its boundaries lay. The forest stretched for hundreds of miles north to the mountains and west to the edge of the ocean. The author had wrote that he had never been deep within the forest himself, explaining that strange animals had been reported near its borders at night. There was also a brief history covering much of what Jaxom already knew. The Forest had not had any known inhabitants since before the mage wars and that the author could not find any information as to why, speculating that any such knowledge must have been lost during the war.

  A loud knock sounded at his door drawing his attention away from the book. Standing, he opened it to find a disgruntled Cribble standing there in full chain armor with sword sheathed at his hip. “Everything is ready Magus…” he said. The title dripping with sarcasm.

  Grabbing his black traveling cloak from the chair where he had laid it, Jaxom followed the Captain out. Reaching the stables he found that all the horses had been saddled and readied, his own mare stood unmoving at a distance from the others. The boy he had left her with was busy securing a stirrup while all the other staff made a point to keep their distance. For his part the boy seemed completely at ease while working with the risen horse.

  Cribble had walked off to join the others of their group who had been standing to the side talking amongst themselves. He could see the priest Da’san in his blue robes and a guard dressed similarly to Cribble in whose back was turned to Jaxom. Next to him stood the third man wearing a light leather jerkin with a recurve bow slung over his shoulder, a quiver of arrows hanging from his right hip and a short sword from the left. The bowman was as young as Da’san, around twenty-one years with sho
rt blonde hair and a bright smile that never quite seemed to leave his face. Walking up the group went quiet when they saw him, all but Cribble watching him expectantly. It dawned on him then that he was responsible for leading these men and they would be looking to him for direction.

  Da’san cleared his throat to break the awkward silence. “Hello again magus, I did not expect it to be seeing you so soon.”

  “Yes it seems I will be needing your help once more, and thank you again for what you did. I do not even notice my leg.” The priest bowed his head in recognition leaving Jaxom gratified that he did not go into how his goddess was the one owed thanks.

  “These here are Brenin,” Da’san said, indicating the bowmen who brought his fist to his chest, the salute bringing a snort from Cribble. “And Jerup.”

  Jerup turned to Jaxom and gave the salute as well, the long cut on the face and the greying bread made him instantly recognizable. The guard who had stopped him after he had first encountered the Shades.

  “You were in the hall last night.” Jaxom said.

  “Yes Magus, I would not be standing here now and my wife and children would be mourning me if you had not been there. So when Captain Cribble said you were looking for volunteers, I knew this is how I would repay you,” he said.

  “You know that this mission will be just as dangerous? They may yet mourn you still,” Jaxom said not meaning it to come out so harsh.

  “Yes I know, but the odds could not be any worse than they were last night, and I owe a debt,” he replied. Jaxom nodded at the response and looked to the bowman who still held the ever present smile.

  “I have never been outside the city before magus, and I thought this would be good way to see the kingdom,” Brenin said.

  Cribble sighed at the man’s comment and looked at Jaxom. “He is young and inexperienced, but he is the best shot with a bow that I know of.”

  “I am sure he will do just fine,” Jaxom said to which the bowman squared his shoulders a little more. “Well let’s get mounted, we only have another three hours of daylight left.”