The Warden and the Shadow Queen: The Warden Saga Book 3

by Paul Summerhayes

  “You could have mentioned this earlier.”

  “Well, he was drunk at the time and I thought it might have been one of his stories.”

  “But we came in here anyway.”

  “I just came in for a quick drink...”

  Finn glared at his companion. Many dwarves had a deserved reputation for being stubborn, quick-tempered and unforgiving. And Karok was all of these things and more. But despite these things, Finn genuinely felt a friendship and a warrior’s bond with this gruff dwarf. He was turning out to be a loyal friend. Not many people would go to the lengths he had to help Finn. He was risking his life to save Anna, who was someone he hadn’t even met.

  He placed his hand on the dwarf’s broad shoulder and looked down at his friend. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Right you are, lad. Lead on.”

  Finn took Karok’s candle and descended the stairs into a dark tunnel that ran toward the palace. The tunnel was clean and its floor, walls and ceiling were covered in large white tiles which reflected the candlelight. After thirty yards, they climbed steep stairs that ended at a door. Finn noted that there was no light shining from under the door. With his ear on the door, he listened, but could hear nothing. No one is home. I hope.

  Axe in hand, Karok looked ready for whatever they would face. His bearded face was emotionless and his eyes steely. Finn wished he was half as confident as Karok looked. Finn blew out the candle and waited a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dark. Then slowly he turned the handle and pushed opened the door.

  The kitchen was massive. Three wide fireplaces and several stoves dominated one wall. Two of the fireplaces were little more that smouldering coals, while small flames flickered over a charred log in the third. Cutting boards, pots, knives and ladles stood on two long timber tables that filled the centre of the room. Everything was clean and in its proper place.

  Finn breathed a sigh of relief, the kitchen was empty. I guess it is after midnight by now. He was happy that no one was cooking up a midnight feast as he didn’t want to face any dangers, with or without the black sword. He was comforted with the thought of Karok at his back, with his ever-sharp axe.

  Finn sheathed his sword and padded silently across the kitchen as only an eldon could. He moved past the long tables to an internal door, where he pressed his ear against the wood. He couldn’t hear anything.

  Not as quiet, Karok’s armour clinked as he moved to the back door and tried the handle. The key was still in the lock, but it was secure. The dwarf joined Finn. “Where to, lad?”

  “We should start by checking the palace’s dungeons,” said Finn softly.

  “Lead on.”

  Finn open the door and stared out in to a dimly lit corridor. Lamps were positioned every few yards along the walls, but only every second one was lit. His blood pulsed in his ears as he stepped out into the corridor onto a thick carpet. After orientating himself, he moved toward where he thought the dungeons were. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, but didn’t draw it, hoping bloodshed would not be necessary. Karok followed several paces behind, his axe still in his hand.

  Surprisingly, it wasn’t long before Finn found the door that led down to dungeons. He pushed the thick door partially open, before Karok’s strong hand stopped him.

  “There’s no guards,” whispered the dwarf. “I don’t like it.”

  He’s right. The palace is quiet. Too quiet. “There was no guards on this door the last time I was here.”

  “We must be careful. Even at night there will be servants moving around...”

  Finn opened the door and stared down a flight of worn stone stairs leading down into darkness. Who knew how many people met their doom in one the cells below. After lighting the candle, Finn drew his sword and descended the stairs. This sword didn’t feel as natural in his hands as the black sword did. It didn’t feel quite right, it was heavy and the balance felt wrong. He had no choice, it would have to do. If the opportunity arose, he would take back his sword from Wolfgang. That scum doesn’t deserve such a weapon.

  After a short distance, the stairs levelled out into a corridor that ran away into the distant gloom. Finn knew from his previous jaunt down here that the corridor eventually led to the sea via a door above a small beach.

  “They’re not big on lights down here. Maybe I should take the lead.” Karok pushed past Finn and marched down the corridor. “If we get into a fight, drop the candle,” he said over his shoulder.

  “I thought dwarves couldn’t see in total darkness.”

  “Aye, that’s true, but neither can humans. I’ve spent half a lifetime fighting some monstrosity to defend dwarfdom in one dark hole or another.”

  That’s good, but I will be blind, too. Not that I’m much of a fighter without the black sword.

  The flickering candle made the dwarf’s shadow larger than life as they continued their journey in silence. Finn pointed out that they should turn and after a short distance, he stopped Karok at a solid looking door. The corridor they were on continued into the darkness.

  “This is the door to the dungeons. And if you follow this corridor down yonder, it will lead to the sea.”

  “The door is unlocked.” Karok pushed the door open without effort. “Not a good sign for a prison.”

  Another dark corridor led off from the door. The candle revealed cells on each side, but there were no guards. The dungeon was silent as a tomb. Moving to the first cell door, Karok pushed it open. It was empty and so were all the others.

  “There is no one here, lad.” Karok relaxed his grip on his axe, resting it on his shoulder. He stroked his long plaited beard with his free hand. “She’s gone or was never here...”

  Finn slumped against the wall and dropped his sword. It clanged loudly on the stone floor, amplified by the narrow corridor. What if I am too late? What if she is dead already? Still leaning against the wall, he slid down onto is haunches. He placed the candle on the floor as weariness overwhelmed him and he dropped his head into his hands. When does this end?

  “Don’t despair, lad.” The dwarf patted Finn’s shoulder. “She’s here somewhere.”

  “She’s dead.”

  “We don’t know that.”

  “She’s not here. Anna is gone.”

  Karok was lost for words. He was sympathetic, but didn’t know what to say. Suddenly, he scooped up the candle and took a few paces down the corridor. Finn was oblivious to the dwarf’s action.

  “That’s odd.” Karok studied something on the floor. “Blood.”

  “What?” Finn lifted his head slowly, glancing at what the dwarf was doing.

  “There’s blood here...and here.” Karok pointed at a few locations on the floor. “It’s fresh, too.”

  Chapter 18

  A meal on a small table in the dark bedroom had long gone cold. The night breeze stirred the curtains at the open balcony doors and brought with it the taste of the sea. The room’s sole occupant lay exhausted on a large four-poster bed designed for a princess, but Anna was not a princess.

  The breeze tugged gently at her black hair, moving a few stray strands away from her face. She had cried herself to sleep as she had done many times before. But despite the dry tears on her cheeks, Anna looked peaceful in her slumber, resembling a fairy tale princess from a child’s story book. But unlike a book, there was no prince here to save her.

  A thin shadow crept over the balcony rail and in a blink of an eye, entered through the open doors. It moved with animal caution and stealth across the spacious room, moving from cover to cover. Its claws made no sound as it approached the sleeping woman on the bed. Pausing, it sniffed the air, trying to detect the smallest scent of danger. Satisfied, it scurried forward.

  The creature leant over the bed, its shadow falling on the young sleeping woman’s cheek, and she stirred at its invisible touch. Suddenly afraid, the creature scurried back several paces and crouched low.

  “Pretty missstresss,” said the creature, almost purring. “Your F
lea isss here.”

  The evil little goblin licked its lips and surveyed the room. It was hungry. Again.

  Dropping on all fours, it crawled animal-like along the floor and slipped under the bed. Several moments later, it appeared on the other side so close to Anna that it could reach out and touch her flesh. But she was his mistress and not for eating. The Lord Shadow said she was to be obeyed at all times and when He spoke, Flea felt his blood freeze and he shook uncontrollably with fear. His Lord could not be denied.

  Flea grabbed a piece of meat from the plate resting on a small table. He sniffed it. It was cold, but it smelt good. His tongue flicked out and sampled the morsel and he liked its rich taste. In two bites, his sharp teeth ripped the meat apart and he gulped it down without chewing it. Feeling pleased with himself, Flea licked the juices from his dirty fingers. He enjoyed this human food, but he would have preferred raw rabbit.

  He stood to his full height and studied the plate’s contents before grabbing a baked potato. It was a light brown colour and looked a little dry. Flea preferred his food still living, but the roast meat was good, maybe this would be as well. Bringing it to his nose, he took a long sniff. Cautiously, his tongue flicked out and licked the potato’s dry skin. His face showed his displeasure and he dropped it back onto the plate.

  “How is it?”

  Flea jumped into the air, bumping into the table and knocking its contents onto the floor with a crash. In a heartbeat, the brown goblin darted under the bed and sprinted across the room toward the open balcony doors.

  “Stop!”

  Flea came to a sliding stop. “The missstresss must be obeyed,” he whispered to himself.

  “Don’t be scared,” said Anna. Sitting on the bed, she looked kindly at the goblin crouching fearfully in the balcony doorway. In the moonlight he looked scared, like a rabbit ready to bolt from a predator. “I won’t hurt you.”

  The door to the bedroom burst open and two red-uniformed soldiers stomped in with swords in their hands. Without acknowledging her, they moved into the room and looked for any intruders. Their bodies were tense and ready for action.

  “What are you doing?” said Anna, surprised but recovering quickly. The soldiers ignored her and continued their search. “I was about to relieve myself...are you spying on me?!”

  “No, milady.” They didn’t appear too concerned and their faces displayed little emotion to what she said.

  “Tollis will hear of this!” One moved to her bed and the other walked to the balcony. “And so will Eichmann!” The nearest guard glanced at her before continuing on with his search. So they work for the old mage...or fear him.

  “Sorry, milady.” Not seeing anything out of place apart from the food on the floor, the two men seemed satisfied and retreated back outside into the corridor and closed the door.

  Anna turned back to the balcony doors, but the doorway was empty. Flea was gone. “Flea...come back.”

  “Yesss, missstresss.” Flea’s sharp features appeared at the edge of the bed where he had taken cover when the soldiers entered. He grinned wickedly up at her.

  “Good.” Anna smiled and genuinely was happy to see the ugly little creature. “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in days.”

  “Ssswimming. Missstresss.”

  “I guess you have...” She studied the goblin. He looked thinner than before, if that was possible. Anna indicated the spilt food on the floor. “I’m sorry that was all I had. If you are hungry, please eat.”

  Flea glanced at the roasted vegetables on the floor and then back to Anna. “That’sss not food.”

  He’s right.

  Anna raised her manacled hands and shook the chain. “Are you here to rescue me?”

  “No, missstresss,” said Flea. “But the ssshadow ordered me to tell you that hisss ssservantsss are clossse and will help sssoon. Your time isss sssoon.”

  “Shadow? Servants? What are you talking about?”

  “Flea doesssn’t know.” The goblin looked at the ground and almost looked embarrassed.

  Maybe he is just repeating something he was told...or imagined. He’s not the brightest...

  “It doesn’t matter, Flea. I am just happy to see a friendly face. Will you stay with me this time? Or will you sneak off when I turn my back?”

  “I...mussst obey the missstresss.”

  “In that case, you must stay.” She was pleased to finally have some company, even if it was a goblin. Flea was the only person in this palace that meant her no harm. “You must hide if anyone comes.”

  “Yesss, missstresss.”

  Chapter 19

  It was early morning and the palace slept as Finn crept down a long corridor. He stopped at a corner and peeked around. He gazed into the main entrance foyer where a dozen armed soldiers stood alert. He quickly pulled his head back hoping he wasn’t spotted. There was no way he could sneak past that number of guards unnoticed.

  Anna wasn’t in the dungeons, so she should be under guard upstairs. This was Princess Maria’s official residence so she should be here somewhere as well...possibly a prisoner herself.

  Finn padded silently back to Karok, who waited further down the corridor. The dwarf carried his axe and waited patiently for Finn’s report.

  “A dozen men guard the front door and access to the throne room. They block the stairs to the second floor as well. We can’t pass unseen.”

  “Is fighting to Anna out the question?” asked the dwarf seriously.

  “Yes, it’s out of the question.” They moved down the corridor to the door that led to the dungeons. Silently they passed through the door and down the flight of stairs into the darkness. Finn felt more relaxed away from prying eyes. “We won’t get far without being spotted and cut down as assassins. Maybe we should wait until nightfall and then make our move under the cover of darkness.”

  “Are you scared, lad?”

  “Yes, I’m scared. Aren’t you?”

  “No.” Karok lit a candle and handed it to Finn. “We have no control when our time is up, so why worry about it?” The dwarf’s face looked grim in the candlelight. “Come on. We’re better off waiting in the dungeon than up here. I don’t think anyone will go looking down there for a while.”

  Finn knew the dwarf was right, but didn’t respond. After they entered the dungeon and closed the thick door, Finn asked, “Do you think there were any prisoners down here?”

  “Every palace, castle or court has prisoners. Most are innocent people that foolishly spoke out against the authorities.”

  “There are no prisoners here...but there is blood.”

  “My guess,” said the dwarf, “is the prisoners are now part of Tollis’s army.”

  “Zombies?”

  “He needs corpses for his army, it might as well be people he doesn’t like. Maybe even the king has been turned...”

  “You think he would do that?”

  “And more, no doubt.” Karok pulled a loaf of flat bread from beneath his armour and ripped it in half. He gave one half to Finn and took a bite out of the other.

  “Where did you get that?” asked Finn.

  “I took it from the store room.”

  “Did you take anything else? Something to wash it down with?”

  “No,” said the dwarf. “But I would have if I knew we were going to be here this long.”

  Finn blew out the candle and they ate in silence, thankful the darkness gave him the opportunity to be alone with his thoughts.

  The day passed slowly. Finn dozed on and off several times as they waited for nightfall and the opportunity to search for Anna under the cover of darkness. And if they couldn’t find her, he hoped they would find the princess and he would plead with her to give them aid.

  “It feels like early evening,” said Karok from across the room. “We should wait until midnight before we look around.”

  Finn stood and stretched out his stiff limbs. He was feeling impatient, knowing they had to wait longer. He lit the candle and the sudden l
ight caused him to blink. The dwarf sat near the dungeon door watching him, his axe across his knees.

  “I’m going for a walk,” said Finn.

  “Be careful.”

  “I needed to do something. I’ll just walk down the corridor to the door that leads to the beach and no further.” Holding the candle, Finn opened the dungeon’s door and walked in the direction of the exit.

  Things played through his mind as he walked. They were in an unfamiliar palace, guarded by who knew how many guards. A crazy person wanted to be the king and had raised an undead army—an army which was somewhere within the palace grounds. And mages aided the want-to-be king with his insane plan. And to cap it off, he had no idea where they were holding Anna or even if she was still alive. Could it get any worse?

  Feeling overwhelmed by his circumstances, Finn almost bumped into the exterior door. Absentmindedly, he turned the handle but it was locked. The last time he and Severus opened this door it was unlocked. Someone had been here recently. Who?

  It was time to go back. He turned—Crap! He fumbled with the candle and dropped it. The candle rolled along the dusty floor and stopped against a black leather boot. Finn's sight travelled up a tall, dark-robed man with a pale, colourless face. Finn sucked in his breath.

  Where did he come from?!

  And then the light went out, throwing the corridor into an impenetrable inky blackness. A chill ran down Finn’s spine and he took an involuntary step backward, throwing his arms up in front for protection. His back thumped against the door and he stopped. His ragged breaths came hard and fast.

  “What, mortal, no greeting?” said a cold, accented voice that sounded like steel scraping over stone.

  Finn’s heart pounded in his chest. It was the alp!

  “Well? Have you lost your voice?”

  Finn’s eyes were wide with panic—trying in vain to see the alp in blackness. He had been close to Mordan a few times and he didn’t enjoy the experience.