The Eternal Darkness (The Jake Thomas Trilogy - Book 3)

by Steven A. Tolle

  Focused on the battle below, Marcus started when Reiden called out a command for the archers to shift their fire. The enemy archers, advancing behind infantry carrying heavy shields, were now within their range and began to loft arrows at the infantry. Men began to fall to the attacks, even as Marcus’ archers tried to drive the enemy archers back.

  With the thunder of hooves shaking the ground, the knights charged in, striking the flanks of the enemy and attacking the enemy archers. They surged in, cutting a large wedge into the enemy formation, and then wheeled away. As they broke off their attack, Marcus saw some empty saddles and bodies in shining armor lying on the ground.

  The sheer size of the enemy army began to force the infantry back, inch by inch. Reiden call the reserve forces forward, trying to strengthen the lines. The fresh soldiers brought a new surge in the line and the infantry was able to regain some ground.

  “Where are the demons?” Marcus asked suddenly, looking at the battlefield. He had been so caught up in the fighting that their absence had slipped his mind.

  Before anyone could respond, his question was answered as the demons appeared from behind the small hills on their flanks. There were hundreds of them, running forward, their forms cloaked in their dark power.

  Demon fire enveloped the cavalry closest to the charging horde, burning horses and men, their screams reaching Marcus. The clerics with the cavalry tried to respond, but were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of demons. The demons began to attack the knights and the edges of the infantry line.

  “Archers, target the demons!” Reiden shouted as Trence began to organize his clerics to respond. The archers’ attacks succeed in driving the demons back, but their dark fire was still killing soldiers.

  With the archers occupied, the enemy bowmen came forward again, striking at the infantry. With the new attack, the line began to give way. The enemy, sensing their advantage, pushed forward, driving the soldiers back.

  “Sound retreat!” Reiden ordered his bannerman as he saw his advantage failing. “Send the knights in to disrupt the enemy, and then have the archers cover the infantry as they withdraw,” he told his commanders. “We will fall back to the camp and form defensive lines. We will have some protection on our flanks and can prevent the enemy from encircling us. Go!” The officers ran towards the line, calling out orders.

  “Go, Highness,” Reiden said, his sword now in his hand, pointing back towards the camp. “There is nothing for you to do here. I will oversee the retreat and try to keep the enemy at bay long enough for most of our forces to make it back to the barricades.”

  “Yes, Prince Marcus,” Nathen said forcefully. He and Daen had their shields on their arms and swords out as well. “You gave your word to the queen to avoid the battle. Commander Reiden is correct. You must fall back.”

  Marcus’ frustration was like a physical pain gripping his chest, as he briefly considered overruling them all. However, with the nobles gathered here, he was not going to be seen as defying Keria and breaking his promise.

  “Very well,” he growled. “I will await you at the command area in the camp.”

  Reiden nodded and turned his attention back towards the battle. Biting off curses, Marcus wheeled his horse and raced back towards the barriers, Daen and Nathen right behind him.

  Once he passed through the opening in the camp’s defenses, he turned back towards the battle. He could only watch as the infantry began to stream back to the camp. The archers followed, with the knights and mounted clerics providing a costly rearguard action to delay the enemy.

  The soldiers, wounded or not, immediately began to take up positions along the perimeter of the camp. The infantry officers began to organize the defense of the camp, as the archers formed up behind the infantry again while runners gathered fresh quivers of arrows. The cavalry rode in and quickly abandoned their horses to take up positions with the other soldiers.

  Marcus watched as the knights and clerics began to race back to the camp, surrounding the nobles and commanders. He saw the enemy forces gain the hilltop they had just occupied. The enemy infantry reformed into units as the demons gathered together. He could hear their cold voices calling out jeers and curses.

  He grabbed his shield and strapped it to his arm. Sliding off his horse, he drew his sword and prepared to defend the camp, promise or no. He glanced as Dean and Nathen, silently challenging them to say something. What he got in return were grim nods as they took up positions next to him. They would fight together.

  As he looked back across the field towards the enemy, he was surprised to see that they were not pressing the attack. In fact, they seemed to be digging in, setting up defensive positions. What are they doing?

  He looked over when he heard Helgrant call his name. He expected to hear some comment on his promise to remain out of the fighting, but he saw a look of grief on the man’s face as he came over to him. It was clear that he had participated in the fighting, as there was blood on his uniform and rents in his armor. “My prince, I am sorry to report that Commander Reiden fell while trying to secure the retreat. We were unable to recover his body.”

  The news stunned Marcus. He had liked the man and trusted his judgment in military matters. However, he saw the other commanders and the nobles looking at him, expecting him to make a decision. Shaking off his sadness and shock, he faced Helgrant. “Commander, you now have military command over the army,” he stated in a steady voice. “You have my complete trust and support.”

  “I will try to honor that trust, Your Highness,” Helgrant replied with a bow. He was a soldier and understood the need for order and command. “First, we must strengthen our defenses while we try to determine the enemy’s next move.”

  Marcus nodded as they went over to the command tent, though his gaze was still on the enemy, which was making no moves towards the camp. What are they waiting for?

  …

  Far to the south, deep in the Gray Ridges, a group of four men made their way through the tall pines along a narrow stone path. Martis huddled against the chill as he followed behind his guide. Despite warm temperatures in the lower elevations, the air had turned cold as they navigated the high mountain passes. Ranech was directly behind him, with another guide bringing up the rear.

  They had escaped in the chaos that followed the demon attack in Danelias. Stealing coin from the dead as they made their way to the city gates, they had taken some horses that they found wandering the streets. In a brief moment of sheer terror, he had caught a glimpse of the warrior Dominic with the Aletonian, Moshanna, on the streets as he rode towards freedom. He knew what would have happened if that man had caught them. He is a walking nightmare, Martis thought with a shudder that had nothing to do with the cold.

  Free of the city, he and Ranech had ridden straight for the Gray Ridges. They followed the foothills south, avoiding people as much as possible. Knowing that there was a reward for his capture, he kept his head down while Ranech gathered supplies. His goal was to cross the mountains and head to the city-states in the south, where he still had some resources and anonymity could be bought.

  In the end, they were forced to hire the guides to lead them over the mountains. It was a risk, but the alternatives were to continue to ride south and attempt the Southern Wilds or flounder about in the mountains, hoping that they got lucky. Neither was an appealing prospect. My luck ended when I crossed paths with that cursed boy, he thought bitterly.

  The guide in front of him, a short wiry man named Tekan Foreststrider, his dark face weathered from years in the elements, brought the party to a halt. He motioned Martis forward. “This is the top of the pass, friend,” he said proudly. “As I said, I have brought you safely over the mountains. You can follow the path west and you will eventually find yourself in southern Morisan.”

  “You have been a trusted guide, friend Tekan,” Martis replied, sharing a quick glance with Ranech.

  “Now, as we agreed, you will pay the other half of my fee,” Taken said, holdi
ng out his hand.

  “Of course, Tekan,” Martis said pleasantly as he reached for his coin purse. He saw the man’s eyes follow his hand and used that momentary distraction to draw his dagger and ram it into the man’s chest. Tekan staggered back, clutching at the wound, and then collapsed, writhing on the ground.

  From behind him, Martis heard a gurgling sound. He turned and saw Ranech had the other man in a chokehold, squeezing the life from him. With a sudden wrench, Ranech broke the man’s neck. As the body fell to the ground, Martis pointed to Tekan. “Finish him off and collect his water, food and coin. We will leave the bodies here.”

  As Ranech moved towards Tekan, Martis knelt down next to the other man’s body. As he reached to search for valuables, he saw that his hands were shaking. Grimacing, he forced himself to continue. I never wanted any of this; I was happy with my life. I curse the day I met Jake Thomas. Suppressing a sob, he began to rummage through the dead man’s pockets.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Far to the west, where the sun still shone from behind the puffy white clouds that filled the sky, Jake stood at the bow of the ship, leaning against the rail and gazing out over the sea. He could see nothing but water stretching in all directions to the horizon. The sea was calm, with low gentle swells making soft splashes against the bow as the ship slowly moved forward. The sails fluttered behind him, filling and collapsing as the flow of the wind strengthened and ebbed. I think I can swim faster, he thought grumpily.

  They had made good time for the first few days after leaving port, moving rapidly thanks to a strong tailwind. Since then, though, the wind came and went, almost becalming them on several occasions. The temperature had fallen as well, as the ocean seemed to absorb the heat of the day, leading to chilly and damp nights.

  As he straightened to stretch, the sword on his back shifted as well, the leather-covered hilt pressing gently against his head. He felt soft warmth radiating from it. Pulling on the leather strap that crossed his chest, he shrugged his shoulders and readjusted it. It had become such a familiar part of him that he often forgot about it.

  After they had left dock, he had given it to Jonas to study, after sharing Tomaris’ warning with him. His eyes burning with curiosity, Jonas had reverently taken it. For the better part of two days, other than when he was eating or sleeping, he had simply sat on his bunk with the sword, still in its protective leather case, across his lap. Resting his hands on it with his eyes closed, his face calm and relaxed, he had drawn in his power, his body shining brightly, his might magnified by the sword’s presence.

  When Jake had asked him what he was doing, Jonas smiled and said, “This was created by the One Himself; it came from His eternal kingdom. To be able to hold it, even wrapped in leather, is such a blessing. It may sound fanciful, but I wondered if the sword would bring me closer to Him. So, I simply held my power and drifted into the quiet of my mind.”

  “Did it work?” Jake asked, curious.

  “I did not hear His voice directly, Jake, if that is what you are asking,” Jonas said with a laugh. “I don’t believe that is His way. There is a mystery to His purpose, revealed only when we need it.”

  The next day, Jonas had given the sword back to Jake. When Jake protested, knowing Jonas’ affinity with the sword, Jonas had insisted. “You recovered the sword and it was entrusted to you by Tomaris,” the cleric told him. “I have come to trust his judgment.” With a smile, he had pushed it into Jake’s hands. “Also, you need it more than I. I have my staff and Hailyn has her bracelet to enhance our power. The sword is your only option.” The smile had fallen. “I believe that we will all need as much power as we can wield in the days to come.”

  Without anything to do on the ship, Jake and Hailyn took whatever opportunity was presented to find a private place so they could have time alone with each other. However, no matter where they went, privacy never seemed to last for long, as a sailor would always appear shortly after they settled in. Whenever they returned to the deck, Norai would have a deliberately uninterested look on his face. Hailyn grumbled about it and confronted Norai, but the man smiled and claimed that he had no idea what she was talking about.

  By the third day at sea, Jake had begun to leave the sword in his room, along with his armor and weapons. At dinner the night before, Norai, with an appraising look on his face, had suggested that he learn some basic seamanship by working with the crew and the armor and weapons would get in the way. Hailyn had pointedly challenged Norai regarding his true intentions, but the man had laughed and claimed that he was simply teaching Jake some useful skills. Jake was anxious to leave a good impression with Hailyn’s uncle, so he agreed.

  When they had returned to the cabin they shared, he had asked Dominic if he had any qualms about it. The warrior had shrugged his shoulders and said, “Just don’t make me have to fish you out of the sea, boy.”

  So, for several days, Jake was set to work. He helped mop the deck, pull sails and tighten ropes. He had stood watch in the crows’ nest and climbed into the rigging near the top of the masts to help adjust them. There was something both scary and exciting being that far above the deck and water that Jake enjoyed. He began to make friends with the other crew members, feeling part of a team. The work was hard, but it made the days go by.

  But all of that had come to an abrupt end when they were a week out from port. The watch called down that they had spotted a sail on the horizon. Jake had scrambled below decks to get his armor and weapons while the crew took up positions to defend the ship. There were a few tense hours while they waited to see if the ship had been noticed.

  When Norai had declared an all clear and sent the crew back to their posts, Dominic had come over to Jake. “Playtime is over,” he said firmly. “We have a mission to accomplish. You will wear your armor and weapons, as well as the sword, from now on. We must be ready to react if a threat appears.”

  Shaking his head at that memory, he sighed and turned away from the rail. Bored, he slowly walked towards the stern of the ship, where Hailyn was standing next to Norai on the bridge. He gazed wistfully up at the rigging and crows’ nest on the main mast. I wish I could be up there or at least doing something, he thought sourly.

  Responding to their greetings, he spoke with the sailors as he made his way to the bridge. As he reached the stairs to the bridge, Jonas and Dominic appeared from below decks. Jonas had a calm and determined look on his face, while Dominic’s radiated disapproval. They stopped Jake.

  “Jake, I have come to a decision,” Jonas said. “I wish to understand this new power you discovered.”

  “I’ve told you everything I know about it, Jonas,” Jake replied.

  “I know that,” Jonas stated, then paused for a moment. “What I seek is for you to use this power on me.”

  “Why do you want me to do that?” Jake exclaimed.

  “I agree with Tomaris that you may have no other choice but to use it, but I cannot in good conscious have you use this power on others without knowing what it does,” Jonas said calmly. “I simply want to experience what someone would see and feel if you were to use it on them.”

  “I don’t know,” Jake said, wary. “What if I hurt you or something?”

  “I know that you would not harm me deliberately, Jake,” Jonas replied soothingly.

  “And if he does, even unintentionally?” Dominic demanded, anger in his voice. “This seems a silly risk for you to take, Jonas. You do remember what happened the last time you experienced this power? It could have easily killed you. We will need your strength for what lies ahead.”

  “We have discussed this, Dom,” Jonas stated calmly. “I do see the same risk that you do, but remember that Jake did it unconsciously last time. He had no control over what happened. In this, he will be in control. Further, Jake was subjected to this power by the other one from his world and he has suffered no lasting effects. Besides, Hailyn is close to render assistance in the unlikely event that any harm occurs.”

  Dominic did not see
m satisfied with that answer, but he gave a sharp nod. “It’s your neck, but don’t expect me to nurse you back to health if something goes wrong.”

  Jonas smiled at that and turned back to Jake. “Well, Jake?” he asked. “Will you do this for me?”

  Jake wrestled with it for a time, but could not think of a good reason to say no. “If you really want to do this, Jonas, then I will try.”

  “Let’s go to the stern where we will have some privacy,” Jonas said. He called to Hailyn to join them as they went to the small area behind the bridge that overlooked the stern of the ship. On the other side of the wooden railing, the white wake of the ship on the water did not extend far since it was moving so slowly.

  “What are we doing?” Hailyn asked Jake quietly when she joined them.

  “Jonas wants to have me try my power on him, so he can understand what it does” Jake said. “You are here to heal him if something goes wrong.”

  Hailyn frowned at that, but only said, “I trust Jonas knows what he is doing.”

  There was a small bench built into the wall of the bridge structure. Jonas sat down on the bench and rested his hands on his knees, his face calm and relaxed. Jake faced him while Hailyn and Dominic took up positions on either side of Jake. “I am ready whenever you are, Jake,” Jonas said with a confident smile.

  Jake nodded and took a deep, calming breath. He reached out with his mind to locate that point of energy radiating from Jonas. When he found it, he was surprised that it radiated more strongly than he had felt on anyone else.

  Gently, he began to pull on that energy, feeling it surge into his body. Jonas’ eyes became slightly unfocused as Jake drew on his life force. It was enticing, that sensation, Jake thought. It made him feel more alive. He had to resist pulling in more.