The Cessation of Karrak_Ascension III

by Robert J Marsters

  Yello had noticed the light in Jared’s eyes. The voice he heard was not that of Borell’s heir apparent, it was the voice of something far more powerful, and dangerous. “And what is it that comes next, Jared? Could you enlighten us?”

  “When the time is right. For now, just know that you are safe,” replied Jared. His reply seemed genuinely caring, but also dismissive. “I think I’ll take a little air,” he continued, “Hannock, would you care to join me?”

  Hannock immediately stood and followed his friend out into the square, closing the door behind him.

  Yello glanced across at Emnor, “I do believe we’ve just been told to mind our own business.”

  Emnor nodded, “The Heart?” he suggested.

  “Without a shadow of a doubt, old friend,” replied Yello. “Did you notice his eyes?”

  Emnor nodded once more, “I’m sure that we need not fear him,” he said confidently. “But I’d be careful what you say from now on. If the Heart is indeed controlling his actions, it may view the slightest sympathy toward our enemy, as a betrayal.”

  “What? You mean he could turn on us as well?” Drake asked.

  “Most unlikely,” Emnor assured him, “but if he feels that we are a hindrance, he may be inclined to… how do I put this? Brush us aside.”

  “Like he did with Barden?” suggested Harley.

  “No!” snapped Yello. “Not like Barden! He was rotten to the core. It wouldn’t take a relic like the Heart of Ziniphar to tell you that. You could hear it in the venomous spite that spewed from him every time he opened his foul mouth.”

  “Alright, I’ll say it as you lot keep dancing around the issue! Can we trust him?” Harley, Yello and Emnor looked across at Drake. His question was a simple one. The answer however, was not.

  “Of course we can,” replied Yello, feigning laughter that fooled no-one.

  “We’ll just keep an eye on him,” suggested Emnor. “If he shows any signs of ill will toward us, removing the staff would break his connection with the Heart and allow his mind to clear.”

  “And what if the Heart doesn’t want to be parted from Jared?” asked Drake, warily.

  “Stop looking on the bleak side of everything, Maddleton. The Heart of Ziniphar is pure, its only purpose to do good. Let’s leave it at that.”

  Yello sniffed and raised his eyebrows. He, for one, was not convinced.

  ***

  Karrak stumbled. He felt weak and his vision was blurred as he leaned on the altar in the great hall. What was happening to him? Even before he had acquired the Elixian Soul, he had never been affected by fatigue. Regaining his balance, he looked around him, he was alone. In his mind, he could see a brilliant light. What was it? Where had it come from? Why did it fill him with dread? Sweeping from the hall, he began to search for the boy who claimed to be the son of Dunbar. A rage began to burn inside him. Two of the undead guards were set ablaze with a wave of his hand, unaware of how or why. Sensing that the boy was near, he turned, heading down the darkened passageways until, with a loud crash, he smashed through a door to face him, “What have you done?” he roared.

  Xarran was sitting behind a desk, peeling an apple with his dagger. He glanced up, unconcerned by the presence of the shadow lord, “You really should work on that temper of yours, you know. You’ll give yourself a heart attack carrying on like that.”

  With a wave of his hand, Karrak threw the desk across the room, splintering it against the wall, “Do not play games with me, boy!” he bellowed, “What have you done?”

  “How rude!” snorted Xarran, “That was my favourite desk, just the right height to rest my feet on.”

  Karrak charged toward him. Xarran held up his hands, “Alright,” he said quickly, “I can see you’re upset, but honestly, I’ve been here most of the day. I haven’t done anything.”

  “No… magic? No… sorcery of any kind?” Karrak asked, menacingly.

  “No. And no necromancy either. Speaking of which, when are you going to do something about those… things? They’re starting to stink the place up a bit now they’re beginning to decay.”

  Karrak turned away, his featureless face not revealing his true concern.

  “Oh, I peeled an apple. Well, I was in the process of peeling an apple…” Xarran paused realising that this was not one of Karrak’s usual rants. This was something far more serious, “Tell me what happened.”

  “A blinding light, something that holds great power,” Karrak replied. “Nothing should be able to harm me now that I possess the Soul.”

  “Ah… yes,” sighed Xarran, “I was meaning to mention that to you. Silly me, how did I forget? Oh I know! Possibly because you’re an annoying despot who never listens to a word I say.”

  Karrak turned to face him, “Do not try my patience, boy…”

  “Yes, I know. Peel the skin from me, roast me alive, string me up for the crows, blah blah blah. Give it a rest! I’m trying to help you!”

  Xarran’s words peaked Karrak’s interest, “What makes you think that I, the shadow lord, could need your help?” he sneered.

  “Shall I have a guess?” smiled Xarran. Not waiting for a reply, he continued, “You were going about your normal stuff, whatever that is, and you suddenly went wonky. Confusion, loss of balance, and strange visions you don’t understand. Am I getting close?”

  Karrak’s eyes flashed red, “How would you know if you were not part of it?” he asked quietly.

  “That’s easy,” replied Xarran, cockily, “It was all in the scroll.” Leaning forward, he pointed at Karrak, “You’ve been found, mate. You’ve been rumbled.”

  “I remain hidden, boy. If anyone had approached this place, I would have sensed them.”

  “It’s not a someone that’s found you though, it’s a something. You see, that pretty little bauble you have embedded in your breastplate has a sister, the Heart of Ziniphar. Problem is, it’s the opposite of the Soul. It was created for good, created to quell the evil of its twin. It wants to find the Elixian Soul, and it’s coming to get whoever possesses it. Trust me, Father, it will find you.”

  ***

  Lawton crept through the tall grass as stealthily as he could. He and Poom had spotted their quarry well before they had begun their approach. Lawton was now within a few yards, ready to pounce on his unsuspecting victims. Planting his feet firmly he sprang forward and roared. Buster reared into the air, throwing Grubb to the ground. Even as he stood, he was beginning to transform. Lodren raised his hammer and screamed at the top of his lungs. Poor Buster charged off into the distance as Lawton, staring at his friends, began to roar with snarling laughter. Until, that was, the Thedarians let themselves be seen. They had completely surrounded him, arrows trained and ready to fire.

  Slipping between them, Faylore appeared, “You could get yourself killed pulling stunts like that, Lawton,” she said dryly. “Where’s the other one?”

  “Right here,” Poom replied. Turning, she could see the points of two spears pressed firmly against the back of two of the Thedarian archer’s necks. “You don’t think we’re that daft, do you?” he asked with a grin.

  Faylore waved her hand, instructing the bows be lowered, “What were you thinking?”

  “Thought it’d be a laugh,” replied Poom. “No harm done.”

  “No harm done!” bellowed Grubb. “Ye stupid pillock, ye could’ve been killed. And look at my Buster, he’s already a mile away.”

  “He’ll be fine, he’s going the right way,” laughed Lawton.

  “Right way, my arse! He’s not safe on ‘is own! You can go an’ fetch ‘im back! I swear, if anythin’ ‘appens to ‘im, I’ll pull yer ‘ead off.”

  “I’m sorry, Grubb,” said Lawton, still trying to stifle his laughter, “but your face when I…”

  “Fetch Buster, NOW!”

  Lawton dashed off.

  “Sorry, Faylore,” said Poom, smiling. “We’ve been bored out of our minds in the village and when we saw you out here we just thought…”
>
  “No, Poom, you didn’t think! You never think! This is no longer a game, it’s time you grew up.”

  Poom became angry, “Now you listen to me, your queenship! We’re here because we chose to be! We’re not in your debt and we’re definitely not under your bloody command! You should remember that next time you feel that you want to start throwing your weight around. You may command these soulless things that follow you everywhere, but you don’t command Lawton and you don’t command me. Is that clear enough for you?” Turning, he grabbed Grubb and threw him onto his shoulders. “I’ll take you to Buster,” he muttered. Looking down to Lodren, he pointed, “The village is that way, you should make it by nightfall,” he advised him, and sprinted away.

  Out of earshot within seconds, Grubb spoke, “Bit strong, wasn’t it?”

  “No! It’s about time you all realised that we aren’t a couple of idiots who can be ordered around. We’ve been in more battles than you lot put together but nobody ever chooses to ask our opinion. You just expect us to follow orders blindly and, quite frankly, I’m sick of it.”

  “It’s only ‘cause they care, Poom.”

  “No, it’s because they don’t have enough soldiers to dictate to, so they think that Lawton and I can fill that void.”

  “Know what? I used to think the same way as you until I got used to ‘em.”

  “I don’t think I’ll be sticking around long enough to get used to them,” said Poom, tersely. “Not after this.”

  “Okay, if that’s what ye want. But imagine if one o’ them Thedarians ‘ad been a bit quicker, or if Lawton ‘ad been a bit slower. It could’ve ended up with ‘im ‘avin an arrow sticking out of ‘im. Wouldn’t be so funny then, would it?”

  “It still doesn’t give Faylore the right to speak to me like that. I’m a grown Gerrowlien, not a cub.”

  “All the more reason why ye should understand ‘ow Faylore feels about the two of ye.”

  “I know exactly how she feels, Grubb! She thinks we’re idiots.”

  “No, she doesn’t” laughed Grubb. “She only thinks you’re an idiot. She likes Lawton just the way he is.”

  CHAPTER 9

  As the tavern door closed, Hannock placed his hand gently on Jared’s arm, “Are you alright?” he asked.

  “I’m fine. Why?” replied Jared, somewhat surprised by Hannock’s enquiry.

  “Why? You just killed a man in cold blood, Jared. Don’t you feel anything at all?”

  “Not really. Why would I? I have removed a symptom of the evil that surrounds us, Hannock. Do you expect me to feel regret or guilt? That man proved himself to be our enemy a long time ago. Who knows what acts he may have performed during his deluded servitude? Who knows how many lives he has taken or victims he has tortured, by order of Karrak?”

  “I don’t want you to think that I’m coming to his defence, Jared, but as you asked yourself, who knows? He may have been nothing more than a lunatic, nothing more than a doomsayer, and you slaughtered him without even allowing him to defend himself.”

  “Not so, my friend. I had witnessed both sides of Barden. When I entered Yello’s mind, there were two apparitions of him; one cold and menacing, issuing threats and singing Karrak’s praises; the other, completely insane, terrified for his life and begging to be left in peace. I merely destroyed the one and allowed the other the peace for which he yearned.”

  “But, be honest, Jared. Does that give you the right to condemn and execute him? We may have been able to cure him, perhaps even turned him against Karrak and learned something that would have aided us.”

  “You do not understand, Hannock,” said Jared. As he turned, Hannock noticed the change in his eyes. “He was evil, there was no way he could have been saved, we could see that.”

  Hannock gazed at his friend. He had said we. Why would he use that term? he thought. He had heard it used by Tamor in many of his royal speeches, but Jared had always hated the pomposity of its use and vowed he would never use it in that context. This was something else… something more. Something… unnatural.

  Jared smiled, “Don’t look so worried, Hannock. I promise not to start setting fire to innocent villagers or destroying buildings simply because they are there. Go back inside and have a drink, I’ll take the air by myself. You can discuss your concerns with the others.”

  “No, I…” began Hannock.

  “It’s alright,” said Jared, interrupting him, “I can see inside your heart, Hannock. I understand your reticence. It will take time for you to understand the purity of what we must do. But be assured, the pure of heart have no reason to fear us.”

  Hannock watched as Jared strolled away. We… us. What was going on? He re-entered the tavern.

  “That was quick,” said Drake. “Where’s Jared?”

  “He preferred to walk alone,” replied Hannock, quietly.

  Furtive glances passed between the four wizards, unnoticed by Hannock as he stared at the floor, frowning.

  “Something the matter?” asked Emnor, attempting to feign ignorance.

  “Erm… not sure, to be honest,” replied Hannock. He shook his head, “No, it’s nothing. Just seeing things that aren’t there,” he smiled weakly. “Being around magic, I suppose. There’s a simple explanation I’m sure.”

  “Explanation for what?” asked Yello, scrutinizing Hannock, who hadn’t looked up from the ground once. “The pale glow in Jared’s eyes, perhaps?”

  Hannock raised his head, “You saw it too then?”

  “We did indeed,” replied Yello.

  “We?” said Hannock, suspiciously, “Why did you say we?”

  “Because I witnessed it as well,” replied Emnor. “Hannock what’s wrong? You have to tell us.”

  Hannock rushed to the bar. Grabbing a brandy bottle, he sloshed some carelessly into a glass. “He was talking to me, Jared, that is. But instead of saying I or me, he was saying we, and us. He also told me that when he entered your mind, Yello, that he saw two separate versions of Barden. Does it mean that the same is happening with him?”

  Harley grinned as he volunteered to help. “Should I explain?” he asked.

  Emnor folded his arms, scowling at their younger member. “Got this all figured out have you, Harley?” Harley nodded confidently. “In that case, please continue,” he said, gesturing for Harley to ‘take the floor’.

  Harley stood and walked to the centre of the room. He looked deep into Hannock’s eyes before he spoke, “You weren’t speaking to Jared,” he said calmly.

  Hannock laughed, “Of course I was talking to Jared, you idiot. He was right in front of me. There was nobody else there.”

  “Precisely,” replied Harley, looking a little smug. “The only body that was there was Jared’s. One body, yes, containing two consciousnesses.”

  “Two what?” blurted out Hannock. “What’s a consinessness, a connisens, what’s one of those?” he asked, struggling to pronounce the word.

  Harley closed his eyes and sighed, “Two consciousnesses,” he repeated. “Two essences, two souls.”

  “Thank you, Harley. Allow me,” said Emnor, quietly. “What Harley is trying to explain, Hannock, is that the Heart of Ziniphar now dwells within Jared. It was not Jared that decided the fate of Barden, the Heart did.”

  Hannock looked shocked, “Well we must remove it!” he exclaimed. “What if it does to him, what the Elixian Soul did to Karrak?”

  “But that is exactly what we need to happen, Hannock. Do you not see? The Heart of Ziniphar is pure, it can only do good.”

  “It made Jared slaughter a defenceless old man! How can that be purity?” shouted Hannock.

  Emnor stroked his beard, he needed to word his next statement very carefully. “What would you do, Hannock,” he began, “if you knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that at some point in the future a child or man that you faced now, would be responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of innocents? Would you kill that person to prevent those deaths? I do not mean suspect, I mean that you
know it as a cast iron fact.”

  “How am I supposed to answer a question like that?” bawled Hannock. “If it were a warlord or someone who had proven himself to be a blight, of course I would.”

  “We are talking about a person who is destined to be such but, as yet, has done no wrong. What then would be your decision?” asked Emnor, pressing the issue.

  “No, why would I murder someone who has done nothing wrong?”

  “But you know that they will. What would you do? Think, Hannock! Jared, all of us, massacred, when if you had had the courage you could have prevented it. Would you be able to take that life?”

  Hannock threw the glass against the wall, “YES!” he screamed, “Yes I would! Satisfied now? I’m a killer, it’s what I do! It’s all I know how to do! I’m a soldier, nothing more! So, judge me, wizard! Am I next to die? Bring in my lifelong friend and have him destroy me, surely I have as much blood on my hands as that pathetic old man!”

  There was a faint whistling sound. Hannock raised his hand to his neck and pulled out the tiny, green-feathered dart, before collapsing in a heap.

  ***

  “I wonder if someone will let me use their kitchen when we get to the village. It would be so nice to use all my pots and pans at the same time again.”

  “We ain’t seen Jared an’ the others for months, an’ all ye care about is findin’ a poxy kitchen ye can use,” snorted Grubb.

  “Well, obviously!” groaned Lodren, “I’ll bet they haven’t had a decent meal since we last saw them. Trust me, they’ll need feeding up!”

  “They’re in a village! There’ll be loads o’ food. They ain’t gonna starve to death just ‘cause you ain’t around to mollycoddle ‘em.”

  “They may be eating,” replied Lodren, haughtily, “but they won’t be eating properly.”

  “What do ye mean, properly? Ye get hungry, ye eat, simple as that!”

  “No, that’s where you’re wrong! You need a balanced diet. Plenty of vegetables and fruit, that’s what you need, not just meat and beer, like some people think.”