His boots sucked into the muck. Barleth swore a few times. Charles heard something. He held the torch aloft. A pair of tiny red eyes stared at them and ran off. Barleth sucked in his breath.
Charles said, "Barleth have courage. I came through this way to get out."
The vermin were everywhere. They hid in alcoves and feasted on the debris of the sewer. Charles saw the red eyes regarding him with fear. The noise was unbearable. He wanted to use his sword to kill a few of these scavengers.
Charles stopped at a large gate. It was locked with a heavy chain. He felt around the edges. It clicked and moved on its hinges. They stepped out of the hole and found themselves along a dark alleyway. Tall buildings flanked them on both sides. Charles extinguished his torch.
Barleth said, "I hope your friend Renoir has some extra clothing that we can use."
The full moon hung high in the clouds. Charles led them across the alleyway into the sleeping city of Hudric. Barleth vomited in the street. The salty sea air mingled with the smell of the sewer. Luckily, no royal soldiers patrolled this area. Charles heard a group of rowdy drunken sailors talking. The taverns were just a few streets over from their vantage point.
Darrin said, "Wait."
They crouched among some crates on the far edge of the street.
Darrin whispered, "Where’s Renoir’s ship?"
Charles pointed to a large vessel docked just a few ships over.
Darrin said, "Something is amiss."
Charles almost moved outside of the shadows. He always trusted Darrin’s instincts. A dozen soldiers moved along the dock leading toward Renoir’s ship.
Barleth hissed, "We need to go back."
Darrin said, "No, we need to help them."
"They will have ships patrolling the harbor," Barleth said.
Darrin said, "Barleth you can leave. They do not know you."
"No, I will stay," Barleth said.
•••
They crept toward the ship. The royal soldiers ran up into the bow of the vessel. Four guards stood attention in front of the ramp.
Charles said, "What is our plan?"
"I need you on top of those old boxes over yonder. That should give you a clear enough room to shoot. Barleth stay with him. When I draw their attention, Charles will shoot the men holding the torches. I will take care of the rest," Darrin said.
Barleth said, "Fine."
Charles crept toward the crates and hoisted himself on top. He sidled closer to the front getting the best vantage point. Shouting ensued from within the ship. Charles placed his bow and arrows next to him. The uproar stopped and several sailors were led outside of the ship. Each of their arms were bound with rope. Charles recognized Florent and Renoir among the prisoners. He looked at his best available shot. It would be tricky. Charles heard somebody singing a sailors jig. He saw Darrin come into view walking unsteadily toward the soldiers. Charles went to a kneeling position and notch an arrow.
Darrin said, "Hey mate, where is the tavern?"
A tall lanky soldier who looked to be the commander said, "Stop sailor. You are not wanted here."
Darrin swayed and said, "Lookee, lookee, what is happening here?"
"Move on," the commander said.
Darrin moved closer to the soldiers.
Another soldier came up to Darrin and said, "Leave now!"
In one fluid movement, Darrin pulled out his sword and struck the soldier.
Barleth said, "Charles!"
He shot four arrows and took out the men holding the lanterns. Charles slid off the crate and ran towards Darrin. His sword was in his hand and he joined the fray. Darrin had already killed several men before he got to him. Charles slashed at the guards. Florent sprang into action taking the fallen soldier’s sword, cutting his own bonds.
Renoir said, "Let’s get on board."
Florent joined Darrin. Charles saw more royal soldiers running toward them.
Darrin said, "Get the ship ready to leave."
He ran up toward the gathering of soldiers and lifted his sword. He took out two soldiers and then four. Darrin was so fast Charles could not see his movements. The soldiers came in a maddening rush. Charles yelled a war cry and joined him. He slashed and kicked at the nearest soldier.
"Arrows!" Darrin said.
They backed toward the gangplank. The shots went wide and missed. Renoir grabbed Darrin and took him on the ship. Charles and Barleth followed. The gangplank crashed into the water while the ship hastily lurched out of the pier.
Renoir’s men yelled, "Hooray!"
•••
Darrin said, "Ha, we made it this far, but I hope this ship is faster than it looks."
Renoir said, "Please follow me. This frigate is not what it appears to be."
Charles watched as the ship glided through the churning waters of the harbor. The captain shouted orders. The sails were still tied to the masts. He wondered how they were moving so quickly. He heard some odd noises. It sounded like metal clicking and grinding. They entered a large room near the rear of the boat. Renoir directed them to a single door. The noise got louder.
"Beyond these doors is a wonder. It is the first of its kind," Renoir said.
He opened the door with a flourish. Charles felt a blast of heat and automatically shielded his eyes. However, the sensation pass and they walked into the room. They saw several men working on a strange metal contraption. The device had round cogs and long spidery appendages that shot to the rear of the ship.
Darrin said, "What is that?"
"It is called a magengine," Renoir said. "It runs by these magical crystals." He opened a large crate next to the men.
Charles said, "Is it safe?"
"Yes, but it can only work for a brief periods of time. The gnomes gave it to me for some rare items I got them," Renoir said.
Charles was relieved to leave the room. He always felt a little uncomfortable with magic of any kind. He wandered to the starboard side to get some fresh air. The sails were finally unfurled. Darrin stood next to him along the railing. The fresh breeze felt great even though their clothes still smelled of the sewer.
"Royal warship dead astern and gaining," a sailor said.
Charles ran toward the back and saw a large royal ship moving swiftly toward them. Charles found the captain behind the ship’s wheel. He looked anxious as he saw the big ship following them.
Charles said, "Can we outrun them?"
The captain said, "No."
Darrin said, "Renoir, do you have some barrels of lamp oil from the Fantaur kingdom?"
Renoir looked puzzled and said, "Yes, I cannot sell that blasted oil because it burns too fast, and if it touches anything it will catch on fire."
"Place some of the oil on a rowboat. I need somebody to help me steer," Darrin said.
Charles said, "I will volunteer."
Renoir said, "You are not serious. Before you even get close to the battle ship, they will shoot you with arrows."
Darrin smiled and said, "Well, we will just have to be careful. Charles get our weapons."
Renoir had his men get the barrels of lamp oil on board of the rowboat. They lowered the boat down toward the water. Darrin sat looking at Charles.
"I hope you are a strong swimmer," Darrin said.
Charles looked out toward the bay. He saw soldiers standing on the warship deck with their swords ready. Darrin’s plan was crazy. However, it might work. He grabbed both oars and started rowing toward the boat. He hoped the Royal soldiers were too intent on chasing Renoir’s ship that they would not see them below. Charles’s senses seem to sharpen. He could hear the sound of the water hitting against the boat and the creaking of the men’s armor on the battleship. The Royal warship loomed in front of them. Darrin produced a small rag and stuffed it into the oil barrel. Darrin struck his stone and flint and lit the rag on fire. The ship was almost on top of them.
"Jump," Darrin said.
Charles dove into the chilly water. He swam with all his m
ight away from the scene. He surfaced. He heard a loud crack as the boat hit the rowboat. The casks spew out its contents. Fire spread up the hull. Soldiers screamed. The flame spread around the ship. Darrin surfaced a few feet from him. The ship’s sails became engulfed in flames. It was an awesome sight.
Darrin yelled, "Swim."
Soldiers jumped from the warship screaming in flames. An explosion from inside the ship blinded his sight. A wave hit him and Charles struggled to keep himself upright. The last thing he could remember was the pieces of the warship hitting the water, falling down into the depths.
CHAPTER 18
The princess sat in a room lined with books and scrolls. She came to the royal library to disappear from the chores of royalty. Except today, her mind was in torment. Ever since her friend, Cyrus, was charged with murder and treason, she could not keep a coherent thought. Narah knew Cyrus was innocent of his crimes, but the emperor differed in his opinion. However, she knew Cyrus was safe, for the moment. The emperor sent all of his soldiers scouring the capital to find him. She wondered why the emperor believed Cyrus was guilty.
"Looking for something?" Barthrow asked.
"You startled me," the princess said while going into a defensive stance.
"Ah, I can tell you have studied the fighting arts," Barthrow said.
"All royalty was taught to defend themselves. What do you want?" the princess said. She smoothed her hair and sleeves.
"I was wondering when you will set a date for the wedding. You have not told the emperor about your plans," Barthrow said.
The princess said, "I hardly know Prince Kraven. I am having second thoughts about the wedding."
Barthrow said, "Why? Do still have feelings for Cyrus."
"No, he was a childhood friend. Nothing more," the princess said feeling a little unnerved.
"It’s odd how the Shade rescued Cyrus," Barthrow said smiling an evil grin.
"The Shade helped him escape?" Narah said.
Barthrow gave Narah a knowing look and said, "Yes, but I wager you knew that already."
He bowed and left the library. She wanted to punch him. He always unnerved her. Her wedding was not on her mind. She grabbed a book and it crashed to the floor. Royal guards ran into the library.
"Sorry, I am fine. You can go back," Narah said.
The guards nodded and went back to their posts in the hallway. She felt like a prisoner, a prisoner of royalty. The emperor explained she had to marry Prince Kraven because her father’s Kingdom needed strong allies to grow. It was her sworn duty as a Rowan princess to marry a prince. Her mind knew this but her heart felt different. When she saw Cyrus a few nights, she wanted him to take her away from the capital. She sighed and looked for another book to read.
•••
Meza sat in a chair next to Cyrus. He felt better and could move his arms and body. He tried to sit up, but fell back down.
He said, "How long have I been asleep?"
"Two days," Meza said.
Cyrus looked around the room. It was large with many wooden shelves and broken tables and chairs. Several crates were stacked neatly against the walls. He lay on a far corner in a makeshift cot away from the casks of ale and foodstuff. The air smelled faintly of cheese and ale.
"I'm famished," he said.
Meza left and came back with a bowl of steaming chicken soup and a crust of bread. He helped Cyrus to get up.
"Do not eat so fast," Meza said. "You're still a little ill."
"What happened to me?" Cyrus said.
"You do not remember. The Shade rescued you," Meza said. "This is the second time the Shade has saved you. This person is rather fond of you."
Cyrus said, "Where am I?"
"You're hidden at Jacob’s tavern in one of his supply rooms," Meza said. "I cannot believe you can even talk. The poison you were given was very powerful."
Cyrus said, "What can I do?"
Meza said, "We need to get you out of the capital. I sent a message to the Resistance. Maybe, they can help us. Now, you need your rest."
•••
Cyrus awoke with a start in the dark. He heard Jacob’s rowdy customers drinking and singing songs. He wanted to join in the revelry, but he could not. The emperor’s spies could be there. Meza told him he had a price on his head—thirty gold coins to anybody who can find him alive.
His mind was thinking back when he was rescued by the Shade. It could not be a coincidence. Surely, he would have been sent to the prison mines or killed, if the Shade did not help him. He placed his hand on his chest and felt the outline of the Rathraka embedded in his chest. For good or evil, he was stuck with this Drakus relic. Somehow, he drifted off into sleep.
"Cyrus wake up!" Meza said.
A cold splash of water shook him from his dream. He saw Meza standing over him holding a bucket.
"Stop! Cyrus," Meza said.
In the middle of the room was a large ball of arcane magic crackling with lighting, fire and water. Meza closed his eyes. Cyrus heard a word of magic escape Meza’s mouth. The arcane forces dispersed into nothing. Meza opened his eyes. He looked worn and tired.
"Your magic was strong," Meza said.
"The Clandestines?" Cyrus said.
"I stopped your magic before those blasted mages felt it," Meza said.
"Sorry, I was having a dream," he said.
"Your dreams are dangerous. You could have destroyed Jacob’s tavern," Meza said while running a hand down his face.
"What did I conjure?"
"I am not sure. Magic is made of the five elements: earth, wind, water, fire and metal. Mages can only conjure one element per spell. You created energy from several different elements," Meza said.
"I don’t know what is happening to me."
Meza said, "Be careful. Do you pray to any gods?"
"No."
"Well, the gods had either blessed you or cursed you," Meza said. "I need to learn more. I need to get into the Wizards Guild archives."
CHAPTER 19
After Cyrus was feeling better, they set out on a plan. Meza could tell from his look that he did not think his idea was going to work. However, they had to try it. Cyrus waited outside hidden in an alleyway dressed in a long dark robe. Meza walked to the front entrance to the Wizards Guild. An invisible barrier stopped him.
"I need to talk to Randall," Meza said.
Erlemano came out from the entrance and looked at him.
He said, "Randall told me not to let you in. You are not welcome here."
"I have some valuable information," Meza said.
"Tell me and I will pass it along to Randall," Erlemano said.
"Please tell Randall I have information on the ancient medallion."
Erlemano left the front entrance for a few minutes. Meza waited and tried some simple spells to pierce the magical shield. The barrier was too strong for him. Erlemano came back. He said, "Come this way."
He ushered Meza inside and went back to his desk. Randall waited for him in the entry hall. They walked up a flight of stairs. Randall led him into a huge room and closed the door behind him. The air shimmered. They stood in a forest on the outskirts of town.
"What is your information?" Randall said.
Meza said, "What do I get if I tell you this information?"
"What do you want?" Randall said.
"First, let’s talk honestly. Why do you want the Rathraka? Is this charm so valuable that you had to transport me out of the city?"
"I want to study it like all good mages would do," Randall said touching his robes.
"Really, I am not so sure about that," he paused and said, "I know who created this medallion."
He saw Randall’s eyes light up. He had to say this right, or his plan would not work.
"Who?" Randall said.
"So, this information is worth something."
"Yes," Randall said while waving his hands, "Knowing who made this Rathraka is just as valuable as actually having it. It is the key. What d
o you want?"
"I want to be reinstated as a member of the Wizards Guild," he said while smiling.
"Never. You would never be reinstated," Randall said shaking his head.
"I didn't think you would reinstate me. I want some gold, instead."
Randall said, "I will give you twenty-five gold coins."
"I thought you wanted this information. I can always go to the thieves guild." he said.
"You wouldn’t. I would never let you leave," Randall said.
"Hah, if you kill me, you will never find out this information."
"Ok, ok, I will give you fifty gold coins," Randall said.
"No, I do not think so."
"I will give you one hundred gold coins," Randall said.
"I need to see the money first."
"I am shocked that you think I would trick you," Randall said.
Randall nodded and a small chest appeared on the floor.
Meza said, "I want you to open it."
Randall looked hurt but bent down and open the chest. Inside, Meza could see glittering gold coins on a red velvet surface.
"Give me one of the coins," he said.
Randall tossed him a coin. Meza inspected it. He enchanted a spell and waved his hand over the money. It shone with a blue light. The gold was not an illusion. It was real.
Randall said, "Are you satisfied?"
"I want to make sure you are giving me real money."
Randall said, "I want the information now."
Meza hesitated and looked around. His magical senses were in high alert. He felt exposed. Any assassin could be hiding in the bushes ready to kill him.
"The Rathraka," he said, "was created by Vondra Merilus."
Randall said, "What? Are you sure?"
"I consulted the Witch Niniane. It is true."
"You shouldn't have consulted that witch," Randall said vehemently.
"I need to know the truth," Meza said. He grabbed the small chest and chanted a spell. The box disappeared.
"You must have the Rathraka. Where is it?" Randall said.
"Somewhere safe."
"I will pay you double to have it," Randall said.
"Maybe," he intoned.
Meza said, "Who is Vondra Merilus?"
"He is a Drakus Vinnikai, the evil ones. He was the worst out of all of them. Their wars nearly destroyed the world. Before they turned to evil, they were once called the Protriats, the guardians," Randall said.
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