by L. EE
Just as Andy wondered if he could continue, the King finally squeaked out, “Fearing for my wife’s safety, I sent her away.” Tears washed down his face in torrents. He made no attempt to dry them. “It was only supposed to be temporary until the situation quieted down.”
“Maybe we should continue later,” Andy suggested, after waiting several minutes for the King to compose himself.
The King became more impassioned. “I was furious—furious for the truth being revealed, furious for losing my wife, and incredibly frustrated by my helplessness to change the situation.”
The King’s breathing sounded even more labored after that outburst.
“Sir, let me get Hans.”
The King nodded slowly, seeming to understand his narrative needed to end for now.
Only after Hans promised to send someone to get Andy if the King’s condition changed did Andy take his leave.
Wandering down the corridor, Andy felt lost. This man who he loved more than his own father, who understood him better than anyone he knew, who treated him with respect, who had just confided his deepest secrets in him, lay dying, all because of a stone. If only I could get it back, the King and Mermin would be saved. Then, trying to process what the King had divulged, his thoughts turned to: Is that dagger in my trunk the one? Why would it be in my attic? This is crazy! I don’t get it. And what changed him?
Andy headed downstairs to find Alden. He needed to talk to someone who might understand.
Arriving at the dining room, he found all the servants assembled. Razen addressed them from his perch atop a chair.
“There will be a thorough investigation of how that creature got onto the island,” Razen squeaked in his nasally voice.
“But what was it?” one servant shouted.
“How’s Andy doing?” interrupted another.
Razen waved his hands, attempting to quiet the murmurings. “I don’t know what that creature was, but I can assure you we will find out. I’ve asked that additional troops be positioned around the castle in case it returns. As for Andy—”
“I’m fine,” Andy finished the sentence, walking toward where Razen stood.
“Oh, Andy! I was so worried.”
“You’re okay. What a relief.”
These and similar exclamations filled the room as servants surrounded and hugged him, trying to reassure themselves as much as him.
“How are the King and Mermin? Hans told us what happened,” another servant asked over the noise.
Everyone quieted.
“I just left the King. He’s not well,” Andy replied slowly, shaking his head.
“I think we’d best let Hans keep us informed of their conditions, rather than—” interrupted Razen.
A hush fell over the group. Several people shot dirty looks at the vulture-man.
“Okay, everyone get back to work. We still have a castle to run,” Razen dismissed them.
Andy found Alden in the mix. “Come on, let’s find someplace to talk.”
They headed up to Mermin’s library figuring no one would be there to listen in. After receiving Alden’s assurances that he would not tell a soul, Andy filled him in on what the King had shared.
“Wait, the King told you he killed his sister?” Alden was incredulous.
Andy nodded.
“No way!”
“Way.”
“And you think that creature stole the stone that gives him eternal life?”
Andy nodded. “It wore a pendant with a clear pyramid around its neck.”
“Do you think Razen was involved in some way?” Alden asked. “It’s what some people are wondering.”
“Razen?”
“Yeah, with no heir to the throne, rumor has it that the King appointed Razen to succeed him if something were to happen to him.”
“Really?”
Alden nodded.
“Well, I think it might be Abaddon at work.”
Andy shared the details of his dream with Alden who sat spellbound. “So, unless Razen has some connection with Abaddon,” he finished.
“Look, I don’t know if he does or doesn’t, but I saw Razen acting suspiciously earlier today.”
“What do you mean?” asked Andy.
“Well, this afternoon I took Optimistic on a ride over the castle. We were circling the wall. Then, just for fun, I decided to buzz the kappas sunning themselves. It’s always entertaining!” Alden added with a laugh.
“Wait a minute! Am I the only one who didn’t know about the kappas?” Andy interrupted.
“’Fraid so,” Alden replied with a grin.
Andy shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“As I was saying, I decided to buzz the kappas. As we rode over the grove of trees where the Stone of Athanasia is sheltered—or I guess I should say was sheltered—I saw Razen. We startled him. He looked up at me and got the nastiest expression. He was not happy that I’d seen him.”
“Why would Razen have been out there?” Andy queried.
“That’s what I’d like to know.”
CHAPTER NINE
Sword Fighting Lessons
Sleep came quickly for Andy that night. He was exhausted. No sooner did his head hit the pillow than dreams overwhelmed him once again.
He walked along a path through a heavily wooded forest at dusk. Birds and other creatures sounded off in discordant calls. The atmosphere felt anxious and uneasy. He heard scuffling behind him and dove for the cover of a thick tree trunk just off the path. No sooner had he hidden than the black creature—the cross between a man and a panther—bolted past. Andy quietly and quickly followed, curious to know where the beast was heading. He did not have long to wait, for within minutes a nerve-jarring roar went up.
From between thick undergrowth, he peered into a clearing. The beast stood before a seven-headed dragon. Taking off a gold necklace from around its neck, it presented it to the dragon. Andy saw the glint of a crystal in the sun’s final rays.
“Well done!” the dragon bellowed and began laughing greedily. “I knew you would not fail me.”
“Not fail you?” a woman standing near the dragon protested. “Your creature did not kill the boy! It failed miserably!”
The bellicose rounded on the lady, lunging at her form. Surprised, she let out a scream as it passed through her.
“Get it away from me!” she demanded.
The dragon paced toward the upstart girl and, ignoring her command, held up the clear stone to examine it. She couldn’t help looking as well. The Stone of Athanasia was mesmerizing.
“The secret of the King’s eternal life is now mine. Now I will live forever,” he said in a low growl.
At this, a vulture-man flew down and landed in the clearing. “My lord, King Hercalon is down. I just received word from one of our informants.”
“Very good. Yes, very good indeed,” the dragon replied, a smile forming on each of its seven heads.
The girl let out a gasp loud enough for him to hear.
“Surprised?”
The young lady did not respond but glanced between the dragon and his foul messenger. It appeared she was trying to think quickly. The bellicose slunk close to her.
“Do you mind? Why don’t you send that beast after the boy instead of annoying me!”
The dragon laughed. “This is better than I could have anticipated. If Hercalon is down, his kingdom is ripe for plunder.”
The girl turned to the messenger and asked, “You said Hercalon is down. Is he dead?”
“My informant indicated he has not yet passed on, but he is incapacitated.”
“Problems?” the dragon taunted as it sauntered by. “It seems you need me more than ever now that I’ve got the stone.”
“You may have the stone, but it has not bonded to you. It is still bonded to my brother. You do not yet have eternal life!” the girl replied curtly.
The dragon stopped strolling and all seven heads quickly looked down at her. “What are you saying?” two of his mou
ths vocalized in stereo.
Recognizing she had the dragon’s attention, the girl replied, “My brother bonded with the stone when it first appeared. You must get it to change its loyalties before you will have eternal life. And if my brother dies, the loyalty of the stone will be forever fixed with him.”
“Why do you care so much for your brother? I thought you sought revenge.”
“I am after revenge, make no mistake. I’m not about to let him die and get out of his punishment!” the girl snarled.
“Fine, we can play your little game.”
The young lady gave the dragon a cutting look. “What? You don’t believe me when I say you need to bond with the stone to have eternal life?”
The dragon continued its pacing, ignoring her remark. Several minutes later it asked, “How do you propose we get the Stone of Athanasia to change its loyalties?”
“We?”
“Yes, we. You need me to kill the boy, for you cannot wield a weapon since you are a spirit.” It was a taunt, and the dragon let one of its mouths chuckle.
The lady scowled before adding, “Fine, you send your bellicose after the boy and we can work on your loyalty problem.”
In an instant, the bellicose ran toward where Andy hid in the thick foliage. As it passed, he awoke with a start.
As usual, Andy was drenched in sweat. Eyes wide, he quickly scanned the dark recesses of his room. Finding nothing, he let out a long breath and wiped his brow. If this thing’s coming after me, I’ve got to learn to fight better!
The gray light told him it was early morning. He tossed and turned, racking his brain for someone to help bolster his fighting skills. Maybe Sir Kay or Sir Gawain would help me.
As foggy sunlight struggled to make its way through the window, Andy decided to get up and dressed though the rooster had not yet crowed. He headed up to the King’s chambers to see how he and Mermin were faring and met Hans in the hallway outside. The healer looked more scruffy than usual and his eyes had bags under them.
“They’re both stable, neither better nor worse. They’re sleeping, so best let them be,” he reported.
With this reassurance, Andy felt some sense of relief knowing they were getting no worse. But his stomach felt tense as he mulled over his belief he would soon be face-to-face with the bellicose again. Better ask the knights to teach me sooner rather than later. He headed down to the kitchen in search of Alden. As he entered, he found Marta and she gave him a big hug.
“Sleep well?”
“Not exactly.”
The servants preparing breakfast paused and looked up anxiously.
Sensing their question, Andy reported, “I just saw Hans. He said they’re both sleeping, and neither improving nor getting worse.” He hoped to allay some of their concerns, but when he received more worried looks, he knew he had failed. They went back to their work.
“Alden went into the city with Trevig to buy firewood. I don’t expect him back until this afternoon,” Marta mentioned.
That being the case, and with time before breakfast, Andy headed down to the dungeon.
Other than Sir Kay and Sir Gawain, no one was in the dungeon when he arrived, save a few stray rats that scattered at his approach. After greetings were exchanged, he reported every detail of his fight with the bellicose and then hazarded his request. They were flattered and excited that Andy asked them to teach him how to fight.
“You guys do know how to fight, right?” Andy queried, trying to reassure himself he spoke with competent instructors.
“Why, of course!” exclaimed Sir Gawain. “What do you think we’ve been doing all these years? I haven’t been staring at his ugly mug for my health.”
“Likewise!” interjected Sir Kay.
Sir Gawain gave a dirty look but continued, “No, sir. We’ve been practicing. Sir Kay is good.”
“Well, thank you, Sir Gawain, and same to you!”
Andy raised his eyebrows. “Well, I’ve always seen you two battling each other when you’re statues but I wasn’t sure if that was just how you were made or if you actually know how to fight.”
Sir Kay placed a supportive hand on Andy’s shoulder and said, “Rest assured, we will teach you all we know. We’ll need complete focus and dedication from you, though.”
Andy nodded. “I’d like to wait for Alden before we start training, if that’s okay with you.”
“As you wish,” Sir Gawain replied. “You know where you can find us when you’re ready.”
“Thanks.”
With that settled, Andy headed back upstairs. I’ve got to find a way to get that stone back, he resolved. Where would I find Abaddon? I know he’s got it.
Andy headed up to Mermin’s library.
He stood at the table studying the map of Oomladee that still lay open. He located Castle Avalon, his current location, and Sometimes Island that he remembered Mermin pointing out earlier. Mermin said Abaddon had recently taken control of it, but the probability that he would actually be there seemed remote. He’d more likely send troops to hold it, he reasoned.
“Okay, where’s Abaddon?” Andy questioned the map.
His eyes went to the top of the drawing. That’s the land of Hadession, Abaddon’s kingdom. Memories of the barren wasteland and jagged mountains he and Alden had traversed sprang to his consciousness.
The King said Abaddon’s conquered Carta and Cromlech. He ran his finger across the two lands on the right side of the map. Andy continued studying the territories of the dwarfs, trolls, gnomes, ogres, herewolves and therewolves—I’m still not sure what they’re all about. Pixies! I know all about them! Karkadann. Giants’ Ring. Lake Nimue. Abaddon could be anywhere. Where do I even start?
Making no progress on locating Abaddon, his thoughts returned to the dagger and the scrolls in the trunk back home. To say that the King’s revelation had been upsetting was an understatement. But speculating that the murder weapon might be sitting in Andy’s attic…well, that was just creepy. Why would all that stuff be in my attic? I’ve got to figure out what those scrolls say, which means I’ve got to get to the library on Sometimes Island.
Alden still wasn’t back by mid-morning. Wanting to get started on training as soon as possible, Andy headed back down to the dungeon.
“Back so soon. Where’s Alden?” Sir Kay inquired.
Andy explained his thinking, after which Sir Gawain replied, “Then let’s begin. We’ll catch Alden up later.”
Andy reached in his pouch for Methuselah, but Sir Gawain held up a hand, motioning for him to stop.
“Before you draw your blade, let me reveal to you some secrets that determine fifty percent of the outcome of any battle,” he began.
“Okay.” Sounds promising.
“First, relax. If you’re tense, you can’t act quickly. Take a few deep breaths and let them out slowly.”
Andy did so.
“Can you feel your body relaxing?” Sir Kay asked.
“Yes.”
“Okay, next, adjust your feet so they are shoulder-width apart.”
This reminds me of that book I got from the library, Andy recalled.
“Maintaining your balance is critical. It allows you to strike your opponent without being hit. Slide your feet on the ground as much as possible; don’t take steps, as this gives your adversary the opportunity to knock you over.”
“Show us,” requested Sir Kay.
Andy slid across the space several times, trying his best to always stay balanced.
“Okay, now faster, and look at me, not your feet,” instructed Sir Gawain.
Andy worked up quite a sweat by the time Sir Kay told him to stop. “Keep working on that.”
“The next lesson,” Sir Gawain began, “is to be aware of your surroundings. Assess what advantages you have to help you win and what liabilities can thwart you. Pay attention to the terrain and environment. For example, note where the sun is shining and try to position your opponent so it blinds him. Also, assess how your opponent fights. Is
he brave or cautious? Experienced or a beginner? Everyone has a weakness. Small opponents can be overpowered, tall people have a longer reach—”
“—but often they leave their legs unprotected,” Sir Kay interjected.
“But how will I know how good my opponent is?” Andy queried.
“Did you need help figuring out how experienced that creature was last night?” queried Sir Gawain.
“No!”
Both knights laughed.
“Exactly.”
Wow, these guys know what they’re talking about!
Sir Kay stepped in. “Next point, if you charge in recklessly, especially against an experienced opponent, he will notice and probably let you impale yourself on his sword. Engage carefully. Remember, you want to maintain control and focus at all times.”
“When you made the first move last night, you opened yourself up and were unprotected. A split second is all it takes to get yourself killed. That bellicose is skillful enough to know it only needed to wait you out and let you make the first move,” instructed Sir Gawain. “You’re lucky the situation turned out as it did.”
Sir Kay nodded his agreement, adding, “Best not to dwell on the past. I dare say you won’t make that mistake again.”
Andy nodded. I had no idea that move could have gotten me killed. Then what would have happened?
The lesson went on this way for quite some time. Andy listened in rapt attention, taking in their every word.
The sound of scuffling feet interrupted the lesson some time later.
The three exchanged glances.
Without a word, Sir Kay and Sir Gawain leapt back onto their horses and pedestal, resuming their statue form, and Andy hid in an empty cell. Peering out between the bars, he watched a vulture-man waddle into view. Where’d that guy come from? I never heard the dungeon door.
The vulture-man shuffled down the row of cells and disappeared around the corner. Andy chanced to follow. He tiptoed, looking for clues that might tell him what was going on. He stopped short at the corner and, hugging the wall, slowly peered around. Nothing. Where’d he go?