Necrophobia
Page 26
“We’d better hope Reiner reaches the church. We won’t last long when the dragon heads this way.”
Always the optimist. She saw the mansion guards rushing across the gardens to their aid with their weapons drawn. Though few in number it would be a start at least. “Could the dragon penetrate the barrier?” She knelt down beside Hayley as she tended to the officer. His bleeding staunched and his face pale he stared between them his gaze unfocused.
Hayley bit her lip before responding. “One way or another. If that shield blocks the magic animating them it could take out the towers that project the barrier instead.”
“I thought they were within the barrier limits?”
“They are.” She fastened another bandage and propped the man against a wall. “You see any men out there? Living ones I mean.”
“No. Just them.” Claire waved a hand behind her at the undead horde tearing at the gate.
Hayley clicked her tongue. “Then Pavlovich and his men will be trying to take out the towers. Weaken it enough for the undead and that blasted dragon to get through.”
“Great.” She watched as the mansion guard approached with caution and surveyed the small army outside the gates. “So what options have we got?”
“Go down fighting.” Adrian shrugged and ran his fingers through his soaking wet hair. Overhead thunder rumbled louder drowning out the undead screams for a precious few seconds.
“That’s not an option.” Claire stood up and scanned the gardens. Neatly trimmed rows of hedges and statues lined the path leading to the mansion. Distant figures on the surround walls fired crossbows and flaming arrows into the hordes outside. “We need to find Haures. If this is anything like Caelholm taking out the necromancer kills all his minions.”
“That could work.” Adrian said. “How do we find him?”
She bit her lip and shrugged. That was the difficult part. “He’s looking for something here. Something to do with vampires we reckon. Know anything about that?”
Hayley snorted. “Lord Strigoi holds the forbidden tomes on vampire lore. Rather than burn them as some of his predecessors might he keeps them for study. To find a weapon against those blood-sucking monsters. Veronica’s research is the forefront on that curse.”
“We should start there then.” Claire glanced over her shoulder. The tortured creaks and scraping coming from the gate did not bode well. “And soon.”
Reiner shielded himself as explosive backlash from a misaimed fireball incinerated the undead horrors before him. The heat washing over him quickly dissipated in the furious downpour of rain.
“Sorry!” Came the apology from somewhere behind him.
Reiner focused on clearing a path through swathes of bodies as best he could. The spear allowed him to keep his distance but anything less than dismemberment or impalement failed to grant the dead their rest. They did not feel pain, nor fear. And threw themselves upon them again and again, trying to overwhelm them with sheer numbers. His spear skewered two at a time but three more replaced them before he could even withdraw his weapon. Alvar rushed in to cover him blasting aside the mewling horrors, his magic throwing them into the air like ragdolls and he kicked out at any that remained.
“I’ve got your back Captain.” He offered a meek smile and lashed out again and again into the crowd.
Reiner nodded his thanks. It was clear to him that Alvar wished to make up for his mistakes the previous day and he fought with renewed strength and vigour. Though Reiner couldn’t blame the younger Caelite, three crossbow bolts to the chest would incapacitate most people. Instead he felt it better to indulge him rather than shut down his attempts at redemption reasoning it would be better for his shaky confidence.
“We’re surrounded.” Sevaur shouted between swings, his sword tearing into exposed putrid flesh with ease. “What should we do?”
The Caelite captain couldn’t help but notice the confidence in his voice, Sevaur’s words clear and unwavering. Despite all his excuses and hesitation Reiner had always seen something greater lurking within his brother, yet Sevaur was his own worst enemy. Holding himself back and depreciating himself rather than standing firm and holding true to what he believed in. It was refreshing to see the change emerge from Sevaur. Still, his brother was not wrong — they were surrounded. Reiner glanced around trying to find a gap in their numbers but to no avail. He cursed beneath his breath; though Reiner and Alvar could leap to safety carried by their magics Reiner refused to leave his brother behind. Soaked through from head to toe by the rain he couldn’t risk casting lightning magic without shocking himself.
“I’m open to suggestions.” He conceded through gritted teeth as his spear remained trapped in the ribcage of another zombie, the spectral flames wrapping around his weapon and pulling it tighter. He might be able to carry Sevaur on his shoulders and leap onto the walls surrounding them but they’d never get the chance with hundreds of undead swarming towards them.
“Create a whirlwind!” Sevaur commanded as he pried off the flailing gnashing horror from his sword.
“What?” Alvar asked as panic set into his voice. “This storm not enough for you?”
“Just do it! Channel your magic together. Shield us with a storm!”
“That won’t kill them.” Reiner leapt closer towards them driving his speartip though another undead woman as he landed. The green flames tore free of her body and floated towards the sky dissipating in the wind. The foul magics chilled Reiner as they passed through him.
“Trust me.” Sevaur implored as he swung at the crowd in desperation.
Reiner hesitated until he saw the conviction in his brothers face. “Very well. On three Alvar.” He balled a fist and counted down. Together they focused their aeromancy into a single point between them and expanded it into a swirling vortex of air. The vortex staggered and slowed the undead approach, some lost their footing and flew upwards into the maelstrom others were thrown down the street. The vortex shielded them from the rain at least but the undead remained determined to breach the harrowing winds.
“Now what?” Alvar ducked as loose cobblestones and shards of stone flew past him and merged with the whirlwind.
Sevaur sheathed his sword with a boyish grin and held both hands together. Closing his eyes he muttered beneath his breath until both hands erupted with flame. Real flame, burning bright rather than the unnerving green glow of the undead. He pushed both hands outwards releasing a constant stream of flame rather than a compact fireball. The conjured gouts of flame caught on the winds and trailed around them trapped in the vortex until the entire whirlwind was enveloped in a solid wall of flame. Blinded by the heat and intense light of the flaming tornado Reiner and Alvar looked away from their storm shielding their eyes as best they could. The reflective puddles and surfaces slick with rain didn’t help yet they could hear the dying shrieks of the undead around them burning to a crisp.
“I think it’s working!” Alvar’s voiced wavered with excitement as a charred body fell through the shielding winds and dissolved into ashes that caught in the winds.
“Keep it up and push outwards.”
Tentatively Reiner and Alvar focused their whirlwind outwards expanding inch by inch into the wide open street eliciting a chorus of high-pitched shrieks as the flames consumed the undead around them. Exhaustion began to kick in from the sheer intensity of their spellwork, beside him he could see the other two struggle and sweat to feed the storm.
“That’ll do.” Reiner’s breath came in short sharp gasps. The air rich with the stench of rot and smoke caught his throat and lungs forcing him to cough. Their spell wavered and as they wound it down. Sevaur half-stepped half-stumbled backwards and lowered his hands cancelling the streams of flame from his gauntlets. The whirlwind died down around them as the last cinders of flame were drowned beneath the rain now rushing back towards them. The cold rain was a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat of their combined magic. “Not bad.” He slapped a weary hand on his brother’s back.
Sevaur chuckled and ran his fingers through his slick rain-soaked hair. “It was in a novel I read recently.”
“I’ll have to remember that one.”
Around them they could hear the sounds of frantic battle and shouts between the Night Guard on adjacent streets. Though they’d driven back the undead they’d also forced them to seek alternate routes. A small victory that might result in more Night Guard losses but Reiner remained firm; their mission took precedence. Without the Caelites Valdgeirr could reduce the city to ash and rubble even without the undead.
“Come. Not much further to the Temple.” Reiner urged once his breath returned they resumed their jog downhill towards the towering spires of the Temple leaving their Night Guard allies to fend off the undead horde.
Lightning forked overhead as the howling winds continued. Claire and Hayley dragged the injured Night Guard to the safety of the mansion halls; he’d passed out from shock again slumped against the floor. The interior of the castle-mansion was impressive, designed as a show of wealth and power numerous expensive artworks, statues and banners were draped throughout the entrance hall. Rows of marble statues lined the hall leading towards the main set of double mahogany doors. The floors were pristine marble with deep red carpets leading visitors towards the reception area past the works of art. All around them the Night Guard and Lord Strigoi’s bodyguards busied themselves tending to the injured and preparing a defence. Lord Strigoi and Veronica were nowhere to be seen.
“Impressive.” Adrian gave a low whistle as he surveyed the entrance hall, the floors were slick with rainwater and mud around him. “Very few people ever see this place.”
“Lucky us.” Claire replied though she sounded more sarcastic than she’d intended. It was a beautiful building and a once in a lifetime opportunity. She helped herself to a fresh supply of arrows filling her quiver to bursting point and wiped the gore off her rapier. Seeing Hayley head outside bracing the storm Claire grabbed her weapons and joined the Night Guard officer.
“That gate won’t last long.” She’d removed her helmet briefly to feel the clean air across her face. Her blonde hair stuck to her face and her expression darkened. She flinched as another sub-sonic roar filled the evening air and drowned out the sounds of the storm. In the distance they saw the unmistakable silhouette of the ancient dragon skimming the underside of the storm clouds and heading their way. “Reiner’d better be right about this.”
The dragon drew closer with incredible speed before coming to an abrupt halt. Its wings beating slow and controlled bursts as it surveyed the mansion grounds from just outside the walls. It flew or rather levitated closer before being repelled as though struck by an bolt of lightning. With a snarl the undead dragon’s tail whipped out and struck the barrier surrounding the mansion complex. A faint flash of blue light appeared where the tail crossed the threshold and the dragon recoiled in pain. With a snort of frustration Valdgeirr threw itself back and gained height. Gouts of flame erupted out of its mouth and exploded against the shield causing the barrier to become visible and flicker with each impact. Dissatisfied the dragon jolted upwards into the storm clouds before its wings had even moved. They seemed to stabilise its flight more than actual grant it the ability to fly. Even with its huge wingspan there was no way a creature that large or heavy could fly at all let alone move with the speed and grace Valdgeirr displayed, but dragons were practically gods and possessed unthinkable magics.
“It’ll be back.” Hayley sighed.
They watched the skyline with bated breath, smoke clouds rose from the shattered watchtowers located throughout the city. From where they were standing only the towers protecting the mansion remained intact.
“It’s hard to say but I don’t think they’re attacking the residential districts.” Claire stared at the city below trying to identify each area with her mental map. “Just the noble quarters. And us.”
“That’s a relief at least. There are nearly thirteen thousand people here.” Hayley shielded her eyes from the rain as the wind changed direction spraying water into the open doors of the entrance hall.
“It’s after curfew. With any luck civilian casualties might be minimal.”
“The Night Guard should be so lucky.”
Claire found it hard to disagree. They’d already watched several Night Guard patrols fall victim to the undead hordes swarming throughout the noble district. There had been no way to save them they’d just disappeared — dragged beneath hundreds of undead bodies. Behind them one of the side doors burst open and four people stormed in. Claire immediately recognised the weary face of Razakel, somehow he seemed even older than he had a mere week ago. Beside him another grumpy old man clad in black platemail walked alongside a stern middle-aged woman with jet black hair. She supposed this was the famed Inquisitor Mia Pietas she’d been hearing so much about. Behind all of them a fourth person followed, a dark-skinned and beautiful young mage followed. That she was a practitioner of the arcane arts was obvious, she wore long robes of deep magenta with gold spun trimmings and white buttons. In her hand she carried a staff carved inlaid with glowing runes and with a sculpted Barn Owl atop it. She carried herself like a noble might, with her face held high and avoiding eye-contact, her black hair tied into a neat bun and held in place with a brown-grey feather. The mage was in deep discussion with Razakel though Claire couldn’t make out any words over the sounds of the officers around her. The Inquisitor pulled something out of her brown long coat and flashed it towards the nearest of the mansion guards. Her credentials Claire assumed. With a curt nod she and the grumpy knight waved over the mansion guards and gave her orders. Razakel and the young mage drew closer and surveyed the scene outside. Upon noticing Claire he offered a brief smile.
“I can’t say I’m surprised to see you here.” He took one glance at her uniform and his smile widened. “You’re aware of the situation?”
“We are.” Hayley replied with suspicion. “Alvis Razakel?” The man nodded in response. “I’m—”
“—Detective-Constable Hayley Rosenfeld.” He held up a withered hand to save her the effort. “I’ve heard all about you.”
“Good things I hope.” Her voice suggested that this was unlikely.
Seeing their interest in his companion Razakel waved a polite hand towards her. “This is Alba Salus. The best and brightest of my pupils.”
“A pleasure.” Alba acknowledged them all with a brief nod and held out a black velvet gloved hand and shook. When Claire tried to meet her gaze Alba looked away and busied herself studying the battle raging outside.
“Have you found Haures? We suspect he’s after vampire lore.” Claire turned her attention back to the smiling sorcerer. “If we take him out we can stop his entire army. Just like before.”
Razakel’s smile faltered. “I’m afraid our enemy has evolved. The undead are co-ordinated by multiple thralls used as a conduit. Killing one will only take out fractions of his horde. I cannot sense Haures at all. I do not think he’s controlling the undead personally.” He glanced at Alba who nodded in concurrence.
Damn it. Thought I had something there. She bit her lip in thought.
“We’ve searched the mansion. He’s not here. Yet. Inquisitor Pietas has been thorough.”
Claire and Hayley nodded in acknowledgement. “Any thoughts on the dragon?” Claire thought of Reiner and Sevaur fighting their way towards the church and wished them luck.
“It’s all but immune to magic. Though we do have some ideas.” Razakel conceded and stroked his chin as he watched the skies.
“Ancient dragons fly by altering the air density around them with magic.” Alba spoke suddenly and looked at a point somewhere between them. “We could ground the dragon by negating its aeromancy.” She stopped talking and shied away once all eyes turned on her. Claire could sympa
thise she’d never enjoyed being the centre of attention much either.
“That could work.” Hayley seemed impressed. She’d cheered up after hearing some good news, with no way of knowing how well Reiner’s plan was working she’d assumed the worst. “I don’t fancy going toe-to-toe with that beast though. Even if we clip its wings.”
A crash of metal and stone as the gates ripped out of the walls and collapsed along the gravel path behind them silenced them. Undead spilled through the breach and across the courtyard. In the centre they saw a massive humanoid yet hunched shape stomp towards them. Spikes of bone pointed out from his back, shoulders and chest and its huge eyeless head stared towards them. Gnashing mandibles and mismatched teeth chewed the air as it approached, chains wrapped around its right arm dragged across the floor. Even from a distance they could see burn marks and stab wounds on the abomination smashing its way through its own allies to reach them.
“Reiner said he killed that thing!” Claire shouted in surprise. It was redundant she knew as soon as she’d spoken. Their enemies enjoyed resurrecting the dead; they’d managed to salvage the abomination Reiner slew beneath the city. The hulking blasphemy of stolen body parts and muscle tissue batted aside undead falling over themselves to cross the courtyard faster. Even without eyes Claire could feel the gaze of the creature focused on them.
“Everyone! Brace yourselves!” Hayley shouted trying to rally the men and women around them.
“We need to even the odds.” Alba said out loud almost as if by accident. Grabbing the ends of her robes she hurried over towards the nearest of the stone statues and whispered into the owl-tipped staff. Bands of white light erupted from the owl’s eyes and ensnared the statue before her and burrowed their way into the marble. The statue flashed with a white sheen of light before coming to life and ripping itself from its stand. Its marble features stared down at its creator and flexed its stone hands. With a smile Alba held out an out-stretched hand and a box of weapons slid across the floor towards her. She handed the marble golem a spear and it accepted it without a word.