The Vlakan King (Book 3)

by Jim Greenfield

  "We are here to discuss the rumors from the Black Heath," said Linna. "As most of you have heard creatures have been seen in the area that haven't been seen since the last Celaeri war. The descriptions most align to Vlakans but no one has caught one or killed one so there is no proof. We do not have the Talos Company to aid us this time. We must be prepared to fight and most importantly we must have a sound strategy to counter the skill of the Celaeri warriors. I will not send a squad to the area without specific direction."

  "What if it is just Vlakan without the Celaeri returning?" asked Beric Mallon. "They need the Celaeri to direct them. They should be no different than a pack of wolves."

  "Then prepare for the Celaeri and be pleased if it is only Vlakan," said Brandalay. He wore his grey hair long and tied behind his neck. His once salt and pepper beard had lost most of its pepper and his companion Alarie Skye's eternal youth contrasted again his appearance more as the years passed. The story of the nearly immortal Celaeri warlord and the Cresida noble was well known in Amloth and as Brandalay aged Alarie held her vitality and appeared no more than twenty summers old despite her 120 years.

  "I have not sensed my people returning from the shadow world," said Alarie Skye. "They may have found a way to shield their approach but we cannot assume the Vlakan to be leaderless even without the Celaeri. There was a wizard who helped the Celaeri return before who escaped at the war's end. He would have the skill and motive to lead the Vlakan."

  "Lockwell was his name," said Colly. "I remember Dvorak Annis of the Talos Company talking about him. If he's still around he could have the Vlakan focused to attack."

  "We still have no proof," said Princess Linna. "I am not going to panic the people of Gornst based on rumors. Beric convene your captains and explain the situation to them, but they must keep it to themselves. Tenta, see to the city supplies. Aran, I may call upon you to lead the defense efforts of the city if the threat is real and our army is in the field. Colly, I want you to go with Tarlac and Alarie and find out how much truth is in the rumors. The reports we've received center around the Black Heath. There have been no reports closer to Gornst."

  "No reports around Greyrawk Mountain either," said Brandalay.

  "They would avoid me," said Alarie. "It's no secret where I live. Ioane would build her strength as long as possible before revealing her plans."

  "And me?" asked Danni.

  "Danni, you have a business to run and a family to raise," said Princess Linna. "Until otherwise requested, you and Aran must not do anything out of the ordinary. If this wizard is behind any Vlakan activity he could have spies in Gornst, or even come here himself to see how prepared we are. We must be discreet."

  "Lockwell is seven feet tall," said Colly. "Thin and pale. Of course he could disguise himself. Or perhaps there is someone else we don't know involved. Ioane Adan plans for the long term. Her plans won't be rushed. If our activity is discovered it may not materially change her plans. She can afford to wait. Except for Alarie we all age. If she waits another ten years I won't be part of the defense."

  "Nor I," said Brandalay. "My knee is already stiffening enough to impair my movement. It won't be long before I'm a liability on the battlefield." Alarie looked at him, her expression unreadable. He did not meet her eyes.

  "I think I will send a messenger to Masina and Eslenda," said Princess Linna. "I do not want them to be caught unaware. I already sent a messenger to the King."

  "I can leave within two hours," said Colly.

  "Good. We will meet you at the tavern," said Brandalay. "It's been some time since you came to Greyrawk Mountain for a visit."

  "Aye and I hope it won't be the last time."

  Chapter 15

  The Mage Council set the guidelines for use of magic. Its members were the strongest mages, wizards and sorcerers in Landermass. For most practioners to be invited to join the Mage Council was an affirmation of skill, hard work and perseverance. Of course some don't wish to join - Blackthorne is an example of that. But the Mage Council kept the misuse of magic to a minimum.

  I established the Mage Council to bring talented individuals together and to promote a responsibility for the use of magic and its ramifications. What I did not realize was how badly it was needed and that I would still be acting as the conscience of the Mage Council so many years later as I approach my dotage.

  From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

  "We seem to have two issues to deal with quickly," said Gerrand. He sat in a chair under the oak tree with Faeya Ryr sitting beside him. Members of the Talos Company sat around him: Kerreth Veralier, Moria Albalen, Loric Greyrawk, and Dvorak Annis. Davan sat between Blackthorne and Brevin while Berlo and Dimont sat apart. Wynne paced on the other side of the tree and Jarius crouched nearby scowling at anyone who glanced in his direction.

  "The first is the renegade mage in Arda." He coughed. "The potential for disaster is great. There is rumor of old gods still dwelling in that place and dark magic will draw them. Kerreth, you should take your people and isolate him. Bring him here if possible. Blackthorne you will be needed." Gerrand took a deep breath.

  "Are you tired?" asked Moria.

  "No more than usual. I wish I were able to go myself. How is it that I am so mortal? All this sorcery will not sustain me forever. Remember that Blackthorne, when your time draws near. Do not make bargains that you cannot pay when due. Kerthon and Macelan learned the truth of that to their eternal sorrow."

  "I have your reminders ever in my mind," said Blackthorne.

  "What about my father?" interrupted Davan.

  Gerrand turned toward the young man. He smiled and nodded.

  "In due time, Davan Greyrawk. Please allow me the illusion of being the elder wise man, despite Kerreth's age being three times my own."

  "You are Men," said Kerreth. "The Zidar blood you have is not enough to change your lifespan. Your magic has done that."

  "Yes, but even without magic you far outstrip my age and are still young and vibrant. As I get closer to the end, my eyes see clearer. Perhaps because I don't have the energy to do anything but think these days. At any rate, the Talos Company should go to Arda and I will send others with you. Vicare and Berlo, you must go."

  "This is foolish," said Jarius. "Who cares what the renegade does? We are safe here and we are strong. Don't send them on a foolish errand."

  Davan looked at Jarius, astonished that he would interrupt Gerrand the Sorcerer. He felt eyes on him and turned back to Gerrand.

  "Young Greyrawk, the woods of Toraba have spoken of a creature skirting the eastern edges of the forest. It traveled in darkness and held power of some kind. Definitely a predator and thankfully it did not enter deep into the forest. I believe it was your father. As the Talos Company will be engaged, I will send Davan, Brevin and Jarius on the trail of this creature."

  "Brevin?" said Dimont, turning to look at the trader.

  "Me?" said Jarius. "I do not want to leave Toraba. I am strong here and I am safe here. Who will look after my mother?"

  "You have got to be kidding!" said Loric. "Your mother?"

  "I think it's sweet," said Moria.

  "I will be fine, Jarius," said Wynne, smiling for the first time since Davan first saw her. It changed her whole face and hinted at what could be. Then her face darkened quickly. "It is time for you to see the world."

  "But Melian never came back after she left. I want to come back."

  "You are a different child than Melian and the world is in a different age. Melian did what was necessary, as I know you will. Someday she may return to us, but I do not think less of my daughter because of it. And I would not think less of my son if he did not return to me. Do not worry; I shall be safe in Toraba."

  "You are Brevin?" asked Dimont. Brevin's face shimmered and revealed his true features. "Brevin? What..?"

  "I am Brevin. Don't start in on the subject Vicare." He glared at Dimont and pointed at Dimont when he started to speak again.

  "Vicare, I would
like you and Berlo to represent the Mage Academy in this endeavor in Arda," said Gerrand. "I have already communicated with Artus and you have his permission. Kerreth, if possible, stay with Davan until he finds his father. If your journeys diverge, follow Davan after the renegade is neutralized."

  "I don't want to go," said Jarius. "I felt the evil of the creature as it neared."

  "Good, then you will be able to track it," said Blackthorne.

  "I do not trust you Blackthorne," said Jarius. "Mother has told me all about your filthy habits. You are as dark as the renegade sorcerer and the Vlakan creature."

  "You have always been a charming fellow," said Blackthorne. "No wonder I never bounced you on my knee. Let us not delay overlong as I fear this renegade and what he may become."

  "Davan and I are ready to depart," said Brevin. "All our supplies are loaded. I've unloaded some Nantitet items that I will return for after this quest is open."

  "Does this renegade sorcerer have a name?" asked Loric.

  "Pashar Bei. He's from Mordyn," said Wynne. "A scion of those who served Galamog."

  "He was accepted by the Mage Academy and worked hard for many years," said Dimont. "This course was unexpected."

  "He's Mordynian!" said Wynne. "You mages should have suspected his motives."

  "Now dear," said Gerrand. "What's done is done."

  "Gerrand, you are wise in many ways but Galamog's influence spans centuries," said Wynne. "She is not gone; the gods never completely die. Her malice curses that land still. I can still feel her touch and it colors my life. The Mage Council must be vigilant!"

  "Who is Galamog?" Davan asked Brevin softly.

  "Natale Galamog is one of the Jungeguds, much like the Menaloch. The moon goddess if you will. Like the Menaloch she seeks dominion over men. Very dangerous. She called Mordyn home. Wynne fought her face to face years ago."

  "Wow. And Jarius is her son?"

  "Yes. Stay clear of him if you can. He has a lot of potential to be a strong sorcerer. However, he is a bit unstable."

  "Wonderful," muttered Davan.

  "Pack up your gear," said Kerreth. "We leave within the hour."

  "I'm not going!" said Jarius. Kerreth grabbed him by the neck and lift him off his feet. Jarius wove his hands in a spell.

  "Kerreth!" cried Wynne. Faeya Ryr held her back.

  "Didn't your mother tell you magic doesn't work against me?" asked Kerreth. Jarius' eyes bulged. "You will follow my orders on this trip. Get ready now." He dropped Jarius and the boy scrambled to his feet and ran off to his house.

  "Don't treat him that way," said Wynne.

  "You pamper him too much. He acts like an eight-year-old. He should at least act like the young man he appears to be. He has too much power to be sent out of Toraba without self-control."

  "Why worry?" snapped Wynne. "The outside world will get what it deserves."

  "I will speak to your father about this," said Kerreth. "You have enclosed yourself in your hate and delusions too long. The spirits of Toraba are restless."

  "You and Navir can go burn," said Wynne. "I know what I know."

  Kerreth raised his arm to backhand her and felt a tiny hand on his forearm. He looked down to the woman who stood on her tiptoes to reach his arm.

  "I will talk to her," offered Faeya Ryr. "We are equals."

  "Thank you," said Kerreth. He exhaled. "Moria, let's walk in the woods for a bit. I need to hear your voice."

  "Of course, my old husband."

  "We never married. I would have remembered that."

  "You are dense Kerreth Veralier. Must be the thickness of that great skull of yours."

  "So I am dense. I am what I am, Moria. After four thousand years I am pretty set in my ways."

  "That's why I love you, Kerreth. You are a rock in this ever-changing world. The lives of mortals' speed by and you travel at your own measured pace. And I am delighted to travel with you."

  "I am working that one out."

  "It's a compliment."

  He put his arm around her. Davan watched them walk out of sight. He turned and noticed Jarius staring at him from the doorway of his house. Davan walked over to the wagon. Gerrand got to his feet and shuffled his way over to Davan and Brevin.

  "Brevin, I need to say some things to you," said Gerrand.

  "Are you going to tell me to go back to the Mage Academy?"

  "No. You'll do that on your own if you wish it. There are other things you need to consider. Only Artus has your skill and he is aging. He is not suited to dealing with heads of state and the stress is killing him. Who can take his place? Garval? He is full of himself and overestimates his skill. He would lead the Mage Academy to its ruin. But on this journey you will have three mages and one sorcerer with you. Dvorak Annis can fend for himself, but Vicare Dimont and Berlo, skilled though they may be, have not used their magic in battle or any life-threatening situation. They will be vulnerable and add little to your defense. Blackthorne will do what he will do and be heedless to the welfare of others. Brevin, you are the conscience of this quest."

  "Which means?"

  "You are to keep the others true to the quest and see to the safety of the others. Kerreth often does not think of the safety of others. He does not think of his durability as unique and may lead others into extreme danger."

  "I will do what I can, Gerrand, but did you not charge me with staying with young Greyrawk? If his path diverges from the rest of the company am I not to stay with him?"

  "Aye," said Gerrand with a sigh. "I fear that may happen too soon for my comfort. Do what you can for as long as you can."

  "You have my word."

  "Good, now it is time for my nap. May the gods give your feet wings, old friend, and the wisdom of Cothos."

  Brevin watched the old man move across the bare dirt to his house. Gerrand opened the door, entered and closed it behind him without a glance behind him. Brevin marveled at the old man's confidence in him and in the Talos Company. Still, Brevin had known Gerrand long enough to suspect the old sorcerer did not tell all he knew or guessed. Gerrand famously allowed his students to make their own mistakes. Brevin did not feel that a mistake would be in their best interests right now.

  About time, Davan thought to himself as the company finally left the houses behind. Only Faeya Ryr saw them off. Gerrand was already asleep and Wynne did not come out, having spoken to Jarius behind closed doors. Kerreth led them briskly, followed by Moria, Vicare Dimont, Berlo and Jarius. Davan rode in the wagon with Brevin. Dvorak Annis drove another wagon and Blackthorne and Loric Greyrawk brought up the rear. Davan felt safe in this company, at least safe from outsiders. He didn't know how long the company could keep from arguing. There were too many past differences to keep things peaceful for long, and Davan didn't understand any of it. And then there was Jarius to consider. He was a keg of powder waiting for a torch. Any size flame would set the young sorcerer into anger and his power was too dangerous for an unsettled mind.

  Davan thought back to the events that brought him to this journey. It was a short period of time that passed since his father's strange fits, and just as he was leaving to find the sorcerer Blackthorne, Brevin announces he can take Davan to Blackthorne's house. At the time it seemed fortuitous but now that Brevin was revealed as a mage, Davan did not trust coincidences quite too much. They just happened to meet Blackthorne, Kerreth Veralier and two mages traveling to Toraba. Another coincidence? In Toraba the rest of the Talos Company waited for them, and among them was Loric Greyrawk, an ancestor and knowledgeable about the plight of Davan's father. Did his mother send some message to the Talos Company? Even though there is a parallel mission to finding his father, it seemed too neat and tidy. He was expected to arrive and had been included in all their plans. How did they know he would come? And how did they surmise the reason? Kerreth was only momentarily taken aback when Davan mentioned 'Vlakan' and no more explanation was needed for anyone. He was not used to spending his time thinking so much; his head began to ache.r />
  Brevin did not care to talk. He had shared stories, ideas and his good humor with Davan on the journey prior to meeting Kerreth. Now Brevin closed off communication. Davan suspected Brevin's thoughts to be in some turmoil but he didn't know how to coax the trader into unburdening himself. Besides, Davan would have no advice to offer his friend.

  Davan watched the land change as the forests gave way to the dusty plains heading north to the sea. Their trail would lead them along the northern edge of the mountains. Somewhere in southern Arda was a tower with a sorcerer who would try to kill them. Davan shook his head for the countless time. What was he doing with these people? He looked up at Jarius who watched him closely.

  "I can still smell the evil. Your father passed this way." The young sorcerer rode off as Loric moved in to send him elsewhere.

  "I am sorry, Davan, that Jarius is so rude," said Loric. "Try to ignore him, as we want to do. He may be useful after all when the magic begins but I am not confident in his abilities. If he cannot use magic, he will be in grave danger as he cannot figure out which end of the sword to hold."

  Davan laughed. Loric smiled

  "Be wary. Although the goblins have been driven from this area they do return from time to time. This Pasha Bei may draw them to him. If the rumors are true of the old gods, they may draw them too."

  "What can we do against the old gods?"

  "You won't be called upon to fight the Jungegud or Altengud I can guarantee that. Blackthorne and Kerreth have dealt with them before. We'll be fine."

  "Easy words for you, Loric," said Brevin. "You just fight. We have to think to use our magic and while some do think faster than others unfortunate events can occur in a battle."

  "True, true. I promise to keep an eye on you Brevin, to keep your wares safe for the market." Loric winked at Davan and dropped back to his rear position.

  Davan tried to enjoy the scenery and the fact that he was on an adventure, far away from cleaning the inn. The air was invigorating and he did not miss the pipe smoke that hung in the air over the bar. He knew his father didn't like the smoke either because he often left Davan in charge while Ian stepped outside to talk with his friends.