The Hammer's Fall

by Summers, Derick

  “How pathetic, to come all this way just to die anyway.”

  Logan pushed himself back up to one knee.

  “You … should … know …” his voice came with ragged breaths as he used the desk to steady himself while he pushed up to one foot.

  “… that … I’m … not …”

  A force of will got him to his feet.

  “… that easy to kill,” he finished defiantly, standing straight before the stunned man.

  Logan reached back and tore the blade free from his back and dropped it to the floor. Determinedly, he stepped toward the general. The general bellowed in rage and threw a sweeping punch at Logan’s head. Logan blocked the blow easily, catching the general’s wrist in his own massive hand. He pulled the arm down as he drove his other hand up into the general’s elbow. The general screamed in pain as his elbow snapped.

  “That is for my father.”

  The general’s arm hung limply at his side and his face was contorted with a mixture of rage and pain. He lashed out with his other hand and Logan ducked the blow. Logan drove his closed fist into the side of the general’s knee. The kneecap shattered and the general collapsed in agony while Logan closed on his opponent.

  “That was for my mother.”

  The general howled in pain, both knee and elbow bending at incorrect angles. Logan stepped up and caught the screaming man by the hair. Logan looked into his face as he spoke.

  “And this …”

  He raised his right foot from the ground.

  “This is for my sister.”

  Logan stomped down hard on the man’s groin. He pressed until his foot touched floor. The general’s scream was nearly ear shattering and Logan finally pushed the man away. His own body screamed at him as he stepped away from his opponent and allowed the rage to leave him. El ran up to him and threw her arms around him. His body cried out at the abuse and he whispered roughly.

  “Easy.”

  El released him and started worrying at his wounds. The general’s screaming suddenly stopped, Logan whirled around prepared to defend himself if needed. He stopped in his tracks and let his guard down.

  Kneeling over the general was Tanel. She still clung to the dagger she had just plunged through the general’s throat. She did not look up, merely whispered to herself.

  “And that … that is for everyone you hurt, you sick bastard.”

  Chapter Sixty-Seven: One Final Surprise

  Logan went to his sister and gently helped her to her feet. She seemed stunned and allowed Logan to lead her from the general’s corpse. She suddenly turned and hugged him fiercely, her body racked with sobs. Logan held her and gently smoothed her hair as he spoke softly.

  “Shh. It’s okay sis. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

  Her sobbing eventually slowed and she pulled back from Logan, her eyes puffy and red from her crying. Logan smiled gently at her, as she wiped the remaining tears from her face.

  “It’s all over sis.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that.”

  The voice came from behind, near the door. El saw movement from the corner of her eye as she whirled around. Neither of them was fast enough. Before Logan could turn to face this new adversary, he felt the razor edge of a sword slice through the skin, tendons and muscles of his back. The weapon was pushed forward until the hilt rested against Logan’s back and the tip of the blade protruded more than foot in front of him.

  Slowly, Logan collapsed to his knees and as the weapon was withdrawn from his body he fell the rest of the way to the floor. El and Tanel faced the new attacker too stunned with shock to move as Laird Sonin, the captain of the guard, studied them and the room around them. As his gaze fell on the body of the general, something resembling a smile crossed his lips.

  “Looks like Tael will need new leadership,” he grinned. “And, I may be just the man for the job.”

  The captain’s face turned to a rictis of pain, a fine edged sword slipping through the man’s throat.

  “I think not.”

  Lan’thor’s voice held an icy chill as the blood bubbled from the captain’s mouth. With a sudden snap of the wrist, Lan ripped the sword free of the captain’s neck, nearly severing the head in the process. The remains collapsed in a heap on the floor, while Lan stared down at the still form of his friend. A tear rolled down the elf’s face as he watched El and Tanel rushed to Logan’s body.

  “I’m sorry El,” he said quietly, the guilt nearly overwhelming him. “If I’d gotten here a few minutes sooner.”

  El slowly got to her feet, her face a mask of torment and agony, as she approached the elf. He didn’t know what to expect, but stood stoically, waiting. Suddenly, El threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

  “Oh, gods, Lan. He’s gone,” she sobbed. “He’s really gone. I can’t feel him anymore … I feel so empty.”

  Lan tried to comfort her, but what could he say. He knew how close the two had become. Hades, he could barely accept his friend’s death himself, how much worse must it be for her.

  While El cried, Tanel desperately tried to revive her brother. The bed linens were pressed against the wound and she had done everything she could think of to bring him back. It was no use, as she struggled the healer in her knew that it was too late.

  Logan awoke in a dark chamber. As he sat up, he could see a light flickering in the distance. Slowly, he got to his feet and moved toward the flickering light. For some reason, this seemed very familiar.

  As he neared the light, Logan heard the distinctive sound of hammer on metal. He grinned widely as he stepped into the light of the large smithy of Hephaestus. The god of the blacksmiths had his back to him and kept up the steady rhythm of hammering.

  “So, you’re back again,” the deep, gravely voice said.

  The hammering stopped and the god turned to face him. This time, Logan didn’t stare or flinch at the god’s deformities, he’d seen too much since last they met. Hephaestus eyed him up and down before finally snorting derisively.

  “Boy, you look like you’ve gone to Hades and back.”

  Logan grinned wider as he answered.

  “Strong words coming from you, great one.”

  The skin at the right of Hephaestus’ mouth threatened to pull back into a smile, but the god managed to stop it in time.

  “Don’t you get smart with me, lad.”

  Logan didn’t even try to restrain the smile that covered his face.

  “So, am I dead again?”

  The god shook his head from side-to-side and snorted in frustration.

  “By all rights, you should have been dead so many times by now that I’ve lost count. Touch reckless aren’t you?”

  “It’s the way I was made,” Logan deadpanned and this time the god was unable to keep the smile from his lips.

  “So you accept what I told you then?”

  Logan laughed out loud as he replied.

  “How could I even try to deny it, at this point?”

  “True. I knew you’d come around eventually,” the god paused and looked Logan over again. “Well, for your information you should be dead, but between your bodies own healing powers and the force your sister poured into you, you’re going to pull through. Though, if I might make a suggestion, don’t let anyone else run large, sharp metal objects through your chest.”

  “Oh, come on,” Logan laughed as he argued. “As though I could’ve seen that coming.”

  Hephaestus sighed and shook his head.

  “Incorrigible,” the god finally announced.

  Logan only laughed louder and after a few moments the god continued.

  “On a serious note Logan, you’ve done well in Tael and I’m proud of you. Take some time and rest. Just remember, overthrowing a city means you’ve drawn the attention of all the gods and not all of them will be pleased with things.”

  Logan felt a strange pulling sensation and looked questioningly at Hephaestus, who merely smiled back at him.

  “Time to go l
ad. Be careful.”

  Chapter Sixty-Eight: Without The Head The Body Will Die

  Logan came too in a pool of blood.

  Probably my own, he thought.

  As he painfully pushed himself to his feet he felt hands on either side of him helping him up. He turned his head slowly to the right and saw his sister Tanel, she looked worn out and exhausted. He tried to smile for her but even that hurt. To his left he saw El. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. He must have really scared her. He tried to force his smile again hoping to reassure her.

  “Give it up, they know better.”

  Logan looked up and saw Lan for the first time. He tried to speak but nothing came at first, he tried again.

  “Okay, okay, would you believe … ow?”

  Lan’thor laughed out loud and Logan couldn’t help chuckling himself. That was a mistake, his entire body screamed in pain and despite the women’s assistance he nearly fell to the floor. Lan rushed forward and caught hold of him just in time. It took all three to steady him. Logan gasped for air and tried to control his breathing. He spoke in halting tones.

  “Alright, laughing is definitely out for the time being.”

  Lan shook his head in mock frustration.

  “Not the brightest torch in the night, are you?”

  Logan managed to look up at the tall elf and stuck his tongue out at him. The elf snorted derisively. El spoke sharply to both of them.

  “Enough fooling around you two, in case you forgot there is a revolt taking place and we just killed the general and captain of the military.”

  “Don’t forget the king,” came a voice from the door.

  They all turned to see El stepping through the general’s chamber door. Lan’thor’s mouth dropped open and El stared at herself in total shock. She was so surprised that she let go of Logan and he nearly stumbled to the floor. He managed to catch himself. His body was already working to recover from the damage he had suffered. He straightened out and looked at the new El who had just walked in. He chuckled.

  “Um, Raeth,” he asked. “Did you forget something?”

  The El standing at the door cast him a questioning look and as Logan returned it with a pointed stare she looked down at herself. She blushed crimson.

  “OH! I’m sorry, I forgot.”

  El’s features blurred and were replaced by Raeth’s. Pulling her cloak tightly around her, she looked from Lan to El then back at Lan. She spoke to both of them, but it was clear she spoke for Lan.

  “In case you haven’t guessed yet, I’m a shape shifter. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. It’s just that, we’re not always accepted by those around us and I was afraid. At first I didn’t know you and then when I did I was afraid I’d lose you,” the assassin’s eyes were pleading as she looked at Lan, the tears brimming. “I’ll understand if you don’t want anything to do with me”

  Lan was silent and a tear rolled down Raeth’s face. Shaking his head, Lan stepped forward and hugged the assassin close.

  “You silly girl, I don’t care who you look like or what you are. It’s you I’ve fallen in love with and that’s all that matters.”

  Raeth hugged him tightly and El and Logan found themselves smiling at their friends. A slight tug from his right drew Logan’s attention to his sister.

  “Shouldn’t we be getting out of here?”

  Logan nodded. He hated to do it but his sister was right.

  “Okay you two, time for that later. Let’s get out of here. This room is starting to smell.”

  Lan and Raeth pulled away from each other and both nodded sharply to Logan. Raeth made for the door while Lan stepped up and pulled Leveller free from the desk and handed her to Logan before following the assassin. Tanel followed the two companions while El helped Logan to the door.

  Leaving the general’s chamber, they made there way down the hall. As they neared what Lan had earlier suspected was the mage’s chambers, they heard the sounds of heavy footfalls from the hallway ahead of them. Lan held up his hand, calling for the companions to stop while Raeth moved silently forward to investigate.

  She was gone for less than a minute, she returned, a grim look on her face. Logan raised a questioning brow to her and she nodded sharply. Logan sighed deeply, he really wasn’t up for this but there wasn’t really an alternative. Back just led to the general’s chamber and they already knew that was a dead end. Besides, none of them were in any state to lead the local military on a chase through the palace, hefting his axe as he stepped away from El.

  Unsteady on his feet, with the wound in his chest still seeping, he forced himself to walk up the hall toward the oncoming soldiers.

  “How many?” he asked Raeth as he passed.

  She shook her head slightly.

  “Too many,” came her answer.

  He studied his friend for a moment before nodding reluctantly.

  “Can you get them out of here?” he asked.

  El’s voice rose in defiance even as he posed his question to the assassin.

  “I’m not going anywhere without you, so you can just get that thought out of your head right now!”

  Logan turned to face his companions. Grim faces greeted him. They were in this together come what may. Lan’thor stepped up beside him, unsheathing his sword in one fluid movement. Logan smiled.

  “You’ve been practising.”

  Lan’thor smiled back as he took up a fighting position to the right of his friend.

  “I got tired of being shown up by a dwarf wan’na be.”

  Logan chuckled before stepping a little further to the left. He’d need room to swing Leveller. Raeth slipped back behind the boys finding a vantage point to make the best use of her throwing knives, while El began the soft chanting that made her more receptive to her magic.

  Tanel watched as the companions moved into position and really wasn’t sure what to do. Raeth tapped her shoulder lightly and motioned her to follow. The assassin spoke softly as she led the girl toward a large statue placed against the wall.

  “Best stay out of the way. When the boys start swinging they’ll need room. Stay by me for now.”

  Tanel nodded at the assassin and did as she was told.

  From her position behind the statue, she could see her brother’s back as he swung his great battle-axe, stretching for the coming fight. It seemed like just yesterday she was helping to nurse him back to health after the town boys had nearly killed him and here he was preparing to take on gods knew how many soldiers. And the others, they were willing to follow him to their deaths if it came to it. What did it say about him that he could inspire that kind of loyalty from those around him? So many emotions swirled within her. All she wanted was the chance to get to know him again, to get to know his companions. As her reverie was interrupted by the clatter of metal armour, she realized she might never get that chance.

  As it always did for Logan before a battle, time seemed to slow as the soldiers rounded the corner of the hall. They drew up short as they caught sight of the companions and the hall quickly filled with troops. Raeth was right, Logan counted at least twenty-five men, all armed and armoured. Even if they could defeat the swordsmen, the five holding crossbows would make short work of the companions. Things did not look good. Taking a deep breath, he set his shoulders, they might not win the fight but they would make it cost the soldiers dearly.

  An officer in gold plate stepped to the front. He carried a heavy broadsword and his features were hidden behind the faceplate of the helm he wore. His voice was deep and commanding as he called out to them.

  “Throw down your weapons, you are under arrest.”

  Logan snorted at the man. The officer seemed more than a little surprised by his adversary’s reaction and his voice had lost some of the authority when he called out again.

  “We will kill you if we have to. Throw down your weapons and come quietly, we have you out numbered.”

  “Are you sure about that m’boy?”

  All eyes turned,
as a small figure stepped out of the shadows midway between the two groups. Logan’s eyes went wide as he recognized the diminutive figure.

  Rimple smiled and waved at Logan, six cloaked men stepped out of the shadows to join him. Each held a crossbow levelled at the opposing soldiers.

  “See I told you my people would help,” the little man said cheerfully.

  Logan couldn’t help but smile as he nodded at the gnome. The officer at the end of the hall did not look amused. He seemed stiffer in his armour and his voice had lost nearly all of its edge as he spoke.

  “We still have you outnumbered. I say again throw down your weapons.”

  “Actually lad, you’re the one who’s outnumbered”

  The soldiers whirled as Magnus and a dozen of his heavily armed dwarves came into sight behind them. The merchant-dwarf spoke again.

  “And, I’m thinking it would be in your best interest to yield.”

  The officer swallowed hard and a moment passed before his broadsword finally clattered to the floor. Moments later, his troops followed suit. The dwarves wasted no time in removing the troops and their weapons, while Magnus stepped forward to speak with Logan and his companions.

  “It’s good to see you alive my friends.”

  “And you. I take this to mean the city is ours?” asked Logan.

  Magnus nodded enthusiastically.

  “Aye it is. And, a man by the name of Jarod is desperate to find you,” a smile crept across the dwarfs lips. “Though, that might have something to do with the troll that’s threatening to come looking for you himself.”

  Logan laughed at the image this brought to mind. As he noticed the confused stares of Lan’thor and El’dreathia he said, “Long story, I’ll explain later. I promise.”

  Turning back to Magnus, he continued.

  “Well, let’s not keep the future King of Tael waiting.”