The Vlakan King (Book 3)

by Jim Greenfield

  "Brevin, do you think we'll run into goblins?"

  "Not really although it is possible. They haven't been in these parts for generations. There is rumor that Wolfen have come down from the high mountains. That would keep most anything out of the area."

  "Wolfen? They do exist? Wolves as large as ponies as intelligent as men?"

  "Brevin, are you scaring the lad?" asked Loric. "Don't worry about Wolfen, Davan. They are smart enough to be afraid of Kerreth. He can get a bit nasty when irritated." Loric smiled. When Davan turned away Loric scowled at Brevin.

  "Brevin, do you hate me?"

  "Hate you?"

  "I mean, are you blaming me for you having to come on this journey instead of going on to Nantitet?"

  "Well, I'm not pleased by the situation, but I don't blame you. These mages and immortals always seem to pull unsuspecting people into their designs. That is one reason I left the Mage Academy; the way people are viewed as tools or a means to reach some goal. It never felt right to me. I know you are concerned for your father, but coming along on this task is dangerous for you. You are not a mage or a trained warrior. This is a small group and if attacked someone may have to defend you and limit the strength of the group."

  The next day was tedious travel as was the day after that. Davan dozed during most of the day and watched the stars at night. He also watched Blackthorne who never seemed to sleep. Once the sorcerer turned suddenly and stared at Davan. Davan stopped watching him after that. He felt those red eyes upon him from time to time.

  One morning Moria rode ahead at a fast pace.

  "What is it?" asked Davan.

  "Daerlans have senses we do not," said Brevin. "Moria sensed a threat perhaps and rides ahead for a better look."

  Moria disappeared over a rise and the company stopped to wait. Kerreth spoke softly to Loric and Blackthorne, and then moved off into the brush to their left. Davan was amazed by the speed and stealth of the huge man. Once Kerreth forced his way into the brush Davan lost sight of him.

  Davan saw Moria return, riding hard with another figure on her horse. When she had covered half the distance back to the company four figures crested the rise. They did not pause to review the scene before them; they came hard with weapons ready. Moria reached the wagon and the other figure slid off her horse. Dvorak Annis reached him first.

  "Navir! It is you! Where did you come from?"

  "Not now, Dvorak. Celaeri chase me."

  Loric rode out to meet the Celaeri. They paused when they saw him. But they did not sheath their weapons.

  "Loric Greyrawk?" said one. "The half breed dares come between us and our prey."

  "He is under my protection, Sigi," said Loric.

  "Indeed? You have a half-breed Daerlan and a few mages. You cannot defeat us little Loric. Stand aside for your betters."

  They began to move forward and Moria joined Loric, her sword leveled at the Celaeri. Blackthorne watched from the side.

  "Why isn't Blackthorne helping?" asked Davan. "He's more powerful than a mage."

  "He only helps when he wants," said Brevin. "Do not count on Blackthorne's help."

  "Where's Jarius?" asked Davan.

  Brevin looked around and then closed his eyes.

  "He's hiding behind those trees. You better see to his safety."

  "Oh, you are funny."

  Navir drew his sword and stepped next to Loric.

  "We shall show you no mercy," said Sigi.

  "Well, well, I shall do the same," said Kerreth who walked silently behind the Celaeri. His swords were drawn and he moved.

  "Veralier!" cried Sigi. He never spoke again. Kerreth killed two before Loric reached them. Loric fought with one and Kerreth dispatched the third before Moria and Navir could strike a blow. Loric killed his opponent.

  "Wow," said Davan. "I've never seen anyone fight like that."

  "If you hadn't seen Kerreth fight, you would still have never seen anyone fight like that."

  "He's not human," said Berlo.

  "No kidding. He's half Zidar. Old Zidar. Just mind your own business and he'll mind his."

  "Who is the Daerlan?" asked Davan.

  "Navir."

  "Is there only one Daerlan named 'Navir'?"

  "Yes. He's been a member of the Talos Company for centuries. Once he was king of the Daerlans."

  "I know that. Why is he not king anymore?"

  "It's a long story and I'm not the one to tell you."

  "Navir, what brings you here?" asked Kerreth, cleaning his blades on the clothes of the Celaeri.

  "Hello Kerreth. Glad to see you too. I was trailing kidnappers to Erast's tower a day's journey west of here. I was detected and the Celaeri gave chase. I did not expect Celaeri on Anavar."

  "Who was kidnapped?" asked Moria.

  "Aidae, a young Daerlan of the king's house."

  "Tell me about this tower," said Blackthorne. "We are on a quest to the tower where a renegade mage has set up shop."

  "Well, it could be the same one. The tower was sealed by magic and I think I saw the mage, if the one you seek is from Mordyn."

  "The very one," said Kerreth. "Let's camp soon and plan for tomorrow. I daresay you could use some food and rest, Navir."

  "You are correct there."

  A long howl rose from the highlands. It was answered by several others.

  "Wolfen?" asked Vicare Dimont.

  "Possibly," said Loric. "The blood of those Celaeri calls to them. The magic in the Celaeri calls to the Wolfen. Much more tasty than a Man."

  "But they will attack us if they find us," said Kerreth. "Let's move."

  The company moved forward and Davan walked behind the wagon. He looked for Jarius but didn't see him. He ran back to the trees where Brevin said Jarius was hidden and caught a glimpse of Jarius running north. Davan was too far away to call to Brevin. He cursed under his breath and ran after Jarius. The howls of the Wolfen grew louder.

  Chapter 16

  The Altenguds numbered eight and the Jungeguds numbered nine. There is no way of knowing how many still exist on Landermass. Legend has it that the Jungeguds destroyed some of their elder brethren; but are the Altenguds dead or just in another existence? The gods walked the land in Men form or something akin to it. Many were larger than Men and some took strange forms of creatures that never existed. The legends agree that the Altenguds either faded away, becoming so involved in their contemplations that they could no longer be seen. The Jungeguds were more visible and did not fade into history. They took active interest in the peoples of Landermass much to our misfortune.

  From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

  The Wolfen poured down the slopes to where Kerreth waited, twin swords ready for battle. Loric, Moria and Brevin stood in a line with him. Blackthorne and the mages Dimont and Berlo waited just behind them. Navir stepped alongside Kerreth. A dozen of the large creatures broke cover and Berlo gasped at their size. The Wolfen were large as ponies and their shoulders and neck rippled with muscle while they raced over the broken ground. They fanned out in an arc and the leaders roared straight at the company. Blackthorne sent a rain of fire on the Wolfen and some rolled in the dirt to put out the flames but others kept coming. Kerreth ran out to meet them; his first blow beheading the nearest Wolfen. Another was upon him but Loric pierced its eye and it almost jerked the sword from his grasp when it reared in pain. More fire came from the sky. Kerreth and Loric killed five more Wolfen. The swordsmen's speed was unexpected and the swords cut deeply and often stalling the charge. The lead Wolfen's bodies lay bleeding in the dirt and the rest pulled back to the edge of the trees. A large Wolfen stood on a rocky outcrop watching. The fur around its neck was grey. It howled to its brethren. The sound undulated through the trees.

  "There are words in that sound," said Brevin.

  "They aren't leaving," said Berlo. He twisted his staff in his hands.

  "No. They still think we are vulnerable," said Moria. "They won't give up yet."

  "Let's ke
ep moving," said Kerreth, breathing heavy from exertion. "Navir, I need your eyes to keep watch on them. We don't want to run into an ambush with so few of us."

  "I didn't realize they were so big," said Berlo.

  "I knew it," said Dimont in hushed tones. "But seeing them alive is much different. They move so fast."

  "Most Men do not stand a chance," said Brevin. "A squad of soldiers would be killed in minutes. Wolfen will not falter if wounded; they have to be killed to be stopped. If they get past Kerreth and Loric we will have mere seconds to hit them with spells. Have them ready."

  "But the risk of a spell released unguided is great," said Dimont. "It's difficult to hold one very long. We could kill our friends."

  "Better us than the Wolfen. If the spells aren't ready we will die anyway."

  Berlo looked at Dimont who grimly nodded. The three mages began to raise their power. Dvorak Annis created a shielding wall to protect them from attack. Blackthorne sneered at their efforts and sent another rain of fire at the Wolfen keeping them back.

  "Kerreth! They are trying to circle us," said Navir.

  "Keep moving forward. We want to draw their leader closer."

  "There's so many of them," said Moria. "Most of us might be dead before their leader is within your reach."

  "Maybe I should go to him," said Kerreth. His words snapped in the air. Moria could feel his tension and knew that the berserker rage was nearly upon him.

  "Loric! Red rage!" shouted Moria.

  "Ready!" he responded.

  "What did she say?" asked Berlo.

  "Never mind," said Dvorak Annis. "Just concentrate on what you are doing. Don't be surprised by anything Kerreth does. Just focus on your spell."

  The Wolfen closed the gap and drew together for an ordered attack. Their leader kept pace with the pack on the slopes of the hills. Brevin turned the wagon into the flatter terrain drawing the Wolfen with them and their leader came down the slope. The howls rose and the Wolfen attacked. Kerreth bullied through them killing as he went and raced toward the leader. Loric and Moria fought furiously against the overwhelming numbers. Blackthorne rolled black fire over the heads of the Wolfen igniting their fur. Rolling on the ground did not dull the flames and the Wolfen howled in pain and anger. Brevin and Dimont sent blades of ice into the thick fur of the creatures. The Wolfen ran in many directions, colliding with each other and finding Loric's blade.

  Kerreth charged the huge Wolfen leader. The creature hesitated unsure of the threat coming at it, which gave Kerreth time to close the distance. His left sword pierced the side of the beast and he swung down with his right sword onto the thick neck. The Wolfen howled and jerked away from Kerreth and he lost his grip on his left sword. It stuck out of the ribcage of the Wolfen. The painful howls filled the air and before the cry for help was sent to the other Wolfen Kerreth drove his remaining sword into the throat of the Wolfen. It twitched and fell still to the ground.

  Howls from the other Wolfen rose and Kerreth retrieved his weapons. Blackthorne had sent another rain of fire and the Wolfen retreated past Kerreth and their dead leader. Loric stood twenty yards off, blood splattered over his clothes. He grinned at Kerreth who shook his head and trudged back to the wagon.

  "We're clear for now," said Navir. "I do not see any remaining."

  "Where are the boys?" asked Brevin.

  "What?" said Moria. "Davan! Jarius!"

  "They left before the fighting started," said Blackthorne. "Jarius, the coward ran off and Davan ran after him. Those Greyrawk's never know when to leave someone to his fate. Davan is much like you Loric. However the boys appear to still be on the trail of Davan's father."

  "You don't like Jarius?" asked Moria.

  "He's just a boy," said Dimont.

  "Boy? He is half Man and half Wierlun and every inch a sorcerer," said Blackthorne. "His power dwarfs yours, Dimont. Still, he has much to learn."

  "You would have thought his father would have spent time with him," said Navir coolly.

  "Or his grandfather," snapped Blackthorne.

  "Can someone fill me in?" asked Dimont. "I fear I am listening to a story and I don't know the language."

  "Jarius' mother Wynne is Navir's daughter," said Kerreth. "She is half Wierlun and half Daerlan. Jarius is Blackthorne's son. From the parents Jarius received much strength and ability, among other things," he muttered.

  "Your son?" said Brevin. "And you didn't go after him?"

  "He is my offspring, but not my son. Wynne raised him and taught him to be what he is, just as she taught Melian long ago."

  "Are you Melian's father too?" asked Brevin.

  "I fathered them but Wynne did not want me to be part of their lives. I was useful to her and not likely to pursue parenting."

  "How convenient," said Brevin.

  Blackthorne glared at him. "Do not assume to judge me."

  "If anyone is willing to find the boys leave now," said Kerreth. "They have a long start."

  "They are too far ahead," said Navir. "I could not catch them. Perhaps if Wynne assumes her hawk form she could overtake them, but we would lose time getting word to her."

  "They are on their own?" asked Brevin. "Are they prepared for this trial? Davan is a tavern boy, not a warrior."

  "For now they must rely on each other," said Kerreth. "As you say, Jarius has power and Davan is resourceful."

  "And they may find unlikely allies," said Navir.

  "Or enemies," said Blackthorne. "If they survive they will have grown into their destinies. Everyone must and so it is for them. Come, we have our own battle to fight. I have things to do at home and don't want to waste more time in this desolate place."

  "I see what Wynne likes about you," said Loric. "Nothing."

  They stopped on a wooded knoll with a view of the tower. Built long ago by the Daerlans, the structure was surrounded by thick wall with turrets on each corner.

  "The Tower of Erast," said Navir. "It fell to ruins long ago. Erast was dead by the time the Daerlan left Arda."

  "It looks in good shape now," said Kerreth.

  "Yes, the sorcerer has many resources to draw from," said Navir.

  "Do you think the gods are awake?" asked Brevin.

  "Pashar Bei is from Mordyn," said Blackthorne. "Galamog is awake again. I don't know who may be in these lands."

  "Legend says Wulfgeld was seen last in Arda," said Kerreth. "And Warga as well."

  "Excellent. Two of the strongest gods and the dumbest." Blackthorne looked at Navir. "Was the Menaloch as strong as Wulfgeld?"

  "No, but much smarter. Wulfgeld was not evil but he showed little mercy. The Daerlan could have remained in Arda with Wulfgeld instead of the Menaloch." Navir spoke no more, drifting into his own thoughts.

  "They are beyond our strength," said Blackthorne. "Gerrand's unspoken command was for us to end the threat of Pashar Bei before Wulfgeld or Warga are drawn into the conflict."

  "We must also consider the presence of the Celaeri who chased me," said Navir. "What is the connection between Galamog and the Celaeri?"

  "I do not want to be here," said Berlo. "I am just a scholar."

  "Think of it this way Berlo," said Blackthorne. "You are getting the training Dimont requested for the Mage Academy. You will return home the battle expert the Academy needs. I guarantee no one will be as qualified as you. A scholar and a warrior."

  "Then why is the thought not comforting?"

  "The tales of heroes are more glamorous than the reality," said Loric. "Mostly it is mud, sweat and blood and smelling real bad."

  "I was going to say," said Blackthorne. "If you could ride at the end of our group again Loric, it would be appreciated by civilized folk."

  "Blackthorne, you are heartburn incarnate," said Loric.

  "I have to admit it is not as enjoyable to antagonize you as it once was. Perhaps you're developing a thick skin at last?"

  "If I am getting a thick skin don't think it is your doing."

  "Never. I would not want
credit for anything you do."

  "Listen," said Kerreth. "We will try to gain entrance to the tower. Blackthorne, you will force its defenses and Loric and I will try to enter. Moria and Navir will follow us only after we have gotten through. Blackthorne, how much time do you need to prepare?"

  "Give me a quarter hour and I will be ready." He walked to the wagon and pulled out a small chest. Dimont and Berlo followed him. He was aware of their presence and for once held his caustic tongue. Brevin moved closer to see what Blackthorne was preparing. The chest held several small bottles filled with murky liquids. Blackthorne selected two and an empty container.

  Kerreth, Navir and Loric wandered several yards away from the wagon. Moria watched them but did not move. She could read Kerreth's moods.

  "What is it?" asked Loric.

  "I don't like this," said Kerreth. "There are too few of us to take this tower. I can feel the strength of the magic reaching out from the buildings. It is too strong. I fear Pashar Bei has already brought the gods into the battle."

  "Are you sure?" asked Navir. "I can't sense them."

  "Pashar Bei is using Galamog's magic and it is shielding Warga and Wulfgeld. But I can sense Warga's anger at the death of his Wolfen."

  "Do you think Blackthorne can break through the spells?" asked Loric.

  "I think so, but what will be unleashed is another matter. Pashar Bei will know we are here and if he has more Celaeri we may be hard pressed. We may only get inside and run out of options."

  "And we don't know what he wants with Aidae," said Navir. "She may be already dead and her innate magic at his disposal."

  "Okay. Loric and I will go in. Navir, I want you and Moria to wait for us to signal you. If we fail, go back to Toraba."

  Blackthorne's spell rose into the sky, a faint violet shimmer, floating like fog over the Tower of Erast and the attached buildings. There was a green crackle when Blackthorne's spell contacted the protective spell around the tower and the air grew cold.

  Loric and Kerreth enter the tower of Erast. The doors opened easily; they were not locked because of the protection of the spell. They could hear someone shouting and many people running.