“All that can be done, will be done,” interrupted Selena. “There is no way to include him. We must follow the plan and pray for good fortune.”
There was a long silence. Linis stood up and began pacing back and forth, at the same time shooting disapproving glances at both Selena and Dina. Weila looked to be no more pleased with the situation than he. Nahali was conspicuously quiet.
“There are many things that could go wrong,” Weila eventually said. “But if Melek truly is more powerful than Darshan, then we must even the odds. He has spoken of his trust for the people here, and you in particular, High Lady. And though I dislike deceiving a friend, I will do what it takes to save him. Please say what you wish of me.”
Everyone’s eyes fell on Linis, who was continuing with his pacing.
“We only await you,” Selena told him. “Are you with us?”
Linis grumbled with dissatisfaction before answering. “Very well. I will do what you ask.”
Selena’s features relaxed and she unfolded her hands. “Then let us go over the details.”
Chapter 25
A wagon might not have been the quickest way to travel, but it was considerably more comfortable than horseback. And for Lee, comfort was now the priority - though the cold weather would most likely have a say in the matter as well. Still, with no reason for him to hide his presence from the enemy any longer, he intended to make full use of the inns they came across along the way.
Penelope was in high spirits, spending most days telling him of day-to-day life in Hazrah and of Jacob growing up. He never tired of her stories, even when she grew weary of talking.
Once they were beyond the borders of Baltria he steered the wagon northeast onto some of the lesser traveled roads and trails. Though not hiding, he had no desire to see Sharpstone again, and that’s where a direct road north would take them. The village would only serve to remind him of the life he had left behind and the friends he’d abandoned.
News of Angrääl’s defeat at Baltria was already spreading, though none of the people thought for a moment that the war was now over. But seeing as how the Reborn King had recalled all soldiers from Eastland outposts, including the smaller ports along the southern borders, they were quick to take advantage of this respite from occupation and conflict. Trade was resuming, albeit slowly and on a limited basis.
The road east was crowded most days with refugees from the west: mostly the elderly, mothers with their children, and those either unwilling or unable to fight. Camps were beginning to spring up close to the larger cities, straining their already diminished supplies. But thus far the kings and queens had not turned anyone away. Likely they would soon be looking to Baltria for aid, and Lee was certain that Millet would ensure they received whatever was needed.
So far, the four weeks of their journey had passed completely without incident. However, Lee had become increasingly aware that Penelope’s demeanor was changing. She seemed anxious and distracted. He had suggested that they find a trade caravan that was going to Dantory, or at least a borderland town, but Penelope rejected the idea outright.
“I just don’t feel like being around so many people,” she explained. Her expression was strained, but it relaxed as soon as she saw the look of concern in Lee’s eyes. “You are enough for me. I would rather it was just the two of us.”
Lee smiled and pulled her close.
As the east road curved south, the snow began to disappear and the days grew warmer. Most nights they were able to find accommodation easily enough, but every now and then the towns were spread too far apart or the inns were full. At such times they were forced to camp under the stars, and it was on these nights that Lee became aware they were being followed. Whoever it was, they were just at the limit of his senses and would fall back the moment he moved toward them. He knew it must be an agent of the Dark Knight, but whether they were there simply to ensure his compliance or had some other more sinister purpose, there was no way of knowing. He had decided not to mention it to Penelope. It was likely that she knew anyway, and as she had not said anything, there was no point pressing the issue. He was committed, and whatever was going to happen would happen regardless.
They had just turned south toward a small trading post on a narrow, seldom-used trail when Penelope asked to stop.
“I think I would prefer not to spend any more nights in a smelly hovel,” she said, injecting a tinge of humor in her voice. “At least here we’ll have a fire to keep us warm, and the fresh air is far better than the stench of unwashed brutes.”
Lee was happy to comply and soon found a small clearing not far from the road. The thin forests on either side provided little cover for anyone with ill intent – not that he had anything to fear from the riff-raff that roamed the eastern highways. The few they’d encountered had taken one look at Lee and decided it would be best to wait for easier prey.
He built a small fire and began heating some stew and roast lamb they’d purchased at an inn the day before. Though the days were considerably warmer of late, the nights still carried a chill. Soon Penelope was huddled close. He draped his arm around her shoulders and wrapped a wool blanket around both of them.
He had put away their dishes and was just laying out their bedrolls when he felt the foul presence of five Vrykol approaching from the west. Penelope looked at him in alarm as he retrieved his sword from the wagon, but he placed a finger to her lips before she could speak.
When about one hundred yards away, the Vrykol began to spread out in order to surround them. Lee pointed to the wagon and signaled for her to hide, but she remained motionless.
“Get under the wagon,” he pleaded. “I can’t protect you if you’re in the open.”
It was then that he felt another presence approaching. But this was not a Vrykol - it was a human. He walked casually toward them without drawing steel. If he thinks being unarmed will save him, he is sorely mistaken, Lee thought with cold resolve.
He gripped his sword, ready to attack.
The man drew closer and with a rush, Lee recognized the face of Captain Lanmore. His strides were confident, his countenance like stone. He halted ten yards away from their fire and surveyed the small camp site.
“Lord Starfinder,” he said. “I hoped we would see each other again.” His icy gaze fell on Penelope crouching low beside the wagon. “And you…you have failed, Lady Penelope.”
Penelope rose up on unsteady legs. “I have brought my husband as I was told. The master has nothing more to fear from him.”
Lanmore shook his head and clicked his tongue. “And where is your son?”
“You will leave my son alone, snake!” roared Lee. “He is no concern of yours - or of your bloody master.”
Lanmore chuckled. “The Reborn King decides what is or is not his concern. The end is nearly upon us, and all the pieces must be in place.” He turned to Penelope. “Your task was simple. Bring your husband and your son to the desert and await the arrival of our lord.”
“Your lord has me,” said Lee, his fury rising. “And that is all he shall have.”
Lanmore cocked his head. “Does your wife’s betrayal not bother you? She journeyed to Baltria solely with the intent of delivering you into the hands of your enemy, yet you seem unmoved by this.”
Lee glanced across at Penelope, but she was unable to look him in the eye.
“I knew,” he replied. “I knew from the moment she arrived. There was no way for her to hide her allegiance, nor did she attempt to do so. I had hoped that I would be enough to satisfy your master, but I was not fooled as to his intent.” He reached over and took his wife’s hand.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
He tightened his grip slightly. “There is no need. I knew this would come. I just hoped for a little more time.”
“Then you know what comes next,” said Lanmore darkly. He stepped back just as the snap of a bowstring cut through the air.
Time slowed as Lee instantly focused, bringing all his years of
training and experience to the fore. He could see the arrow streaking toward him from just over Lanmore’s shoulder. After pushing Penelope to the ground as roughly as he dared, he twisted hard to his left. The steel tip of the deadly missile flew past where his heart had been only a fraction of a second before, ripping through his shirt and slicing across his chest.
All of the Vrykol apart from one began moving in. The creature holding the bow was notching another arrow. The sight of this sent a chill running through Lee. Unable to leave his wife unprotected, he would be forced to avoid both arrows and blades simultaneously.
Lanmore backed further away. It was clear that he intended for the Vrykol to do the fighting. The creatures paused just long enough for a second arrow to be loosed. This one was aimed, not at Lee, but at Penelope. With a swipe of his blade, he cut the arrow in half just before it reached her. The tip spun and buried itself in the ground only inches away from her leg.
But there was no time to ponder on this near miss. Lee brought up his sword just in time to deflect the first Vrykol blade. He tried to counter, but the rest were already upon him. Steel found the flesh of his arm and shoulder. Only Lee’s half-man reflexes allowed him to step back in time to avoid another two swords sinking in. Parrying furiously to fend off the continuous stream of attacks, he sought desperately to hold ground. But all the time he was being forced further and further away from where Penelope still lay.
Growling with anger, he made an immense effort to fight his way back toward his wife, but this only resulted in him receiving two more deep gashes in his chest. He was left with no other choice but to spin right and then to the rear in order to gain a better position. This took him several feet further away from Penelope, but at least caused the Vrykol to bunch up and slow their attack.
Lee roared as he took his first head. His rage burned but his heart was desperate, knowing that enough time had passed for the Vrykol archer to notch another arrow.
Ignoring all peril, he drove forward again. Blood soaked his clothing and sprayed his enemy as he ducked and pushed his sword into the gullet of the nearest Vrykol. Tearing the blade free, he slashed into yet another. Such wounds weren’t fatal to the foul beasts, but they were enough to slow them down a bit.
“Drop your weapon, Starfinder!” shouted the voice of Lanmore.
Lee looked in horror at the captain. He was standing over Penelope. Beside him was the Vrykol archer, its bow pointed at her head.
Lee froze and the other Vrykol backed away from him. After only a moment of hesitation he allowed his sword to slip from his grasp onto the ground. Tears were streaming down Penelope’s face, though she did not make a sound.
Lanmore went over to their wagon and found a coil of rope. He looked to the Vrykol standing a few feet away from Lee and tossed it over. “Bind his hands,” he instructed.
Lee’s skin crawled at the touch of the creature’s dead flesh as it followed Lanmore's order. The binding was tight and expertly knotted. There would be no way to escape. He looked at Penelope with an apology in his eyes before turning back to Lanmore.
“I ask only that you kill me first,” he said. His tone, though pleading, remained steady and proud. “I beg you not to make me watch her die again.”
Lanmore smirked and shook his head. “If I wanted you dead, why would I bother to tie you?” He reached into his belt pouch and retrieved a small piece of folded cloth.
“Don’t do this,” begged Penelope, struggling to her knees.
“You brought this on yourself,” Lanmore snapped. “Now you will suffer the consequences.” He unfolded the cloth. Inside was a thin piece of gleaming metal that resembled a small nail.
He turned his attention back to Lee. “Hold him tight,” he ordered.
The Vrykol tightened their grip on Lee. As Lanmore drew closer Lee could see more clearly what it was he carried. His heart raced. He had seen something nearly identical when they had encountered the corrupted half-man in the Xenex Valley.
“So you intend to turn me into a monster,” he snarled.
“That depends on you,” replied Lanmore. “And your loving wife.” He held the tip of the shard just above Lee’s heart. “Brace yourself, Starfinder. I’ve never seen this done before, but the stories I've heard…”
Lee glared defiantly. “Get it over with.”
With a sharp nod, Lanmore pushed firmly. A wave of searing pain instantly shot through Lee’s entire body. The muscles in his arms and legs convulsed so violently that the Vrykol lost their hold on him completely. He jerked and rolled, sucking in gasping breaths through clenched teeth. He could feel himself losing consciousness…and for that at least he was grateful.
Just as his eyes closed he saw Penelope running toward him. She was screaming out his name.
* * * * *
Lee woke with a dull pain throbbing in his chest. The sun was well over the horizon, blinding him for a moment.
He shielded his eyes and saw Penelope sitting on the ground a few feet away staring at a small medallion that was now hanging around her neck. She had cleaned and dressed his wounds, and placed a blanket under his head. He touched his chest above his heart. His fingers immediately came into contact with the small round head of the metal spike that was now invading his body.
He gave a groan and sat up, the movement sending pain from his injuries shooting through his body. Penelope didn’t take her eyes off the medallion, nor even appear to notice him after he’d crawled over to sit beside her.
“Are you hurt?” he asked. His tongue was dry and swollen.
Her gaze still did not shift and her reply was almost inaudible. “How can you speak to me after what I have done? I have ruined us.”
Lee took her by the shoulders, forcing her to meet his eyes. “You did not choose this. The Dark Knight did it to you. I knew what could happen when I left Baltria, and that’s why I could not allow Jacob to come with us - even if he had chosen to do so.”
“I was ordered to persuade you both to come,” she confessed. “But I swear I was promised that neither of you would be harmed.”
Lee smiled. “Had it been any other way, he knew you would not agree to go through with it. Even with the hold he has on your spirit, your love was still able to fight back.” He pulled her into a firm embrace, ignoring the pain it caused him. She resisted at first, but after a moment allowed herself to melt into his arms.
They stayed like this for several minutes. Reluctantly, Lee then he eased her away. “You must leave me. This thing Lanmore has put into my chest will turn me into a monster.” He touched the round head with the tip of his finger. “And I doubt I can simply remove it.”
Penelope held up the medallion she was wearing for Lee to inspect closer. It looked as if it had been crafted from silver - the broken scales sigil was engraved on both sides. “This will hold the change at bay,” she told him. “Lanmore put it on me while you were unconscious. He said that as long as you remain near to me it will keep you as you are. But should we be parted you will become a mad feral beast.”
Lee examined the medallion carefully. “Can you take it off?”
Penelope shook her head. “If I do I will perish and the medallion will lose its power. You will then change.”
Lee thought on this for a time before struggling to his feet. He offered Penelope his hand to help her up. “It would seem that the Reborn King has plans for us.” She looked at him with confusion, but he smiled and shrugged. “If he wanted me dead, I would be already. If he wanted me dragged before him so he could enslave my spirit, he could have done that too.”
Penelope looked even more confused. “What could he want? Why do all this? What purpose does it serve?”
“I don’t know his ultimate design,” admitted Lee. “But for now he is aware of exactly where I am and knows that I can only travel as quickly as you are able.”
“Then how did Jacob fit in?” she wondered.
“I’m not sure,” Lee replied. “But I hope whatever it was, he remains far remo
ved from it.”
Seeing that their wagon and horses had been left undisturbed, Lee began preparing to depart.
“Where are we going?” asked Penelope.
“There is only one place I can think to go,” he answered. “We should continue to the desert. There is somewhere I know of where we might be safe.” He walked up to Penelope and took her hand. “It will take many weeks to get there, so we first need to head to Dantory for supplies.”
“So you know a way that we can be free?” she asked, hope springing into her voice.
“Perhaps - perhaps not,” he said. “But I certainly can’t think of anything better.”
* * * * *
Captain Lanmore approached the camp where his men were waiting. The handful of trusted soldiers he had selected to accompany him were not happy about the presence of the Vrykol. The beasts may well have been the creation of the king, but in the past they had been known to be unpredictable and volatile. They also carried the foul stench of death and decay – a smell that every soldier knew only too well.
But now that their mission was over, the Vrykol would be departing their company. Lanmore was to return to Angrääl and make ready for an invasion by the enemy. The thought still bewildered his mind. Word had reached Kratis that the western armies were annihilated and that Baltria had been lost.
Despite all of this, the Reborn King seemed unconcerned. He’d made no move to retake the city, or to reinforce the west. Talk of losing the war had begun to spring up among the ranks. And though the officers would never dare to say such things themselves, it was obvious that the idea was taking hold with them as well. Lanmore reviled such cowardice and made no secret of this when among his peers. On several occasions he had openly berated his own commanders for questioning the wisdom and power of the king.
Not so long ago such behavior would have got him demoted…or worse. But since the escape of Lee Starfinder, Lanmore had been afforded a certain amount of trust among the upper echelon. His master must have recognized his talents, because those closest to the king had begun to call upon him quite frequently. He was even allowed to take part in high-level councils to give his opinion on strategy. This was completely unexpected. He had thought that his failure to recognize Starfinder as a spy would have doomed him, but instead of punishment he seemed to be receiving one reward after another.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 61