The Broken Key (02) - Hunter of the Horde

by Brian S. Pratt

  First he cleared his mind of all thoughts, then stilled all emotions. When he felt he was ready, he pictured Bart in his mind’s eye. For some reason the vision of Bart he dredged up from memory happened to be the one when he was washing himself in the pool located within the Ruins of Algoth. The time following when Bart had opened the door and had been deluged with gallons of lamp oil.

  Trying not to let his amusement of the image break his concentration, he began speaking the words of the spell. As before, when the last word had been uttered, color and light danced above the mixture.

  He could tell there was an image, but it was dark. A shadow moved across the darkened surface of the mixture which had to be Bart. He must be somewhere where there was little or no light. Kevik maintained the image as he watched the shadow continue its progress. Then all of a sudden the image flared with light. The unexpectedness of the illumination surprised him to such an extent that it almost caused him to lose the spell.

  Kevik gasped when he saw that the light illuminated several men surrounding Bart, one of whom held the point of a sword to his throat. Bart stood immobile while one of the other men took his pack from him. Then another man came up from behind and struck him on the back of the head. Bart fell to the floor unconscious.

  Unable to look away at the events unfolding, Kevik watched as Bart was picked up and slung over the shoulder of one of the men. They took him through what looked to be a hallway and then through a door to the outside. Another man was waiting outside for the men with several horses. This man was older than the others and had a hard look to him.

  While the man who carried Bart from the building tied him across the back of one of the horses, the other men mounted. Once the man had Bart’s hands and feet secured and tied together by a rope passing beneath the stomach of the horse, he mounted the remaining horse.

  Kevik watched them as the men worked their way through town. All the while, the image remained centered on the unconscious Bart. Before the spell ran its course, the horse carrying Bart turned so the side against which his head and arms lay was shown in the image. A flash of gold reflected off of the ring Bart still wore on his hand, the twin of the one which sat on the table next to him.

  Kevik was in a state of fear for Bart. He was fairly sure who the men were that had captured him, or at least who they worked for. And if he was right, then they were heading towards Durik’s estate. A shiver ran through him as he remembered Bart’s recollection of the room beneath Durik’s estate, the one with the table, manacles, and inquisitor tools.

  Letting the spell go, he took only a second to decide on a course of action. There was no way he would be able to free Bart by himself, he was going to need help. Grabbing the ring from off the table, he slipped it on his finger and hurried downstairs.

  Once out of the tower, he went to the stables and quickly saddled three horses. He tied two in tandem behind the third then mounted. Riding quickly, he led the horses towards Gilbeth. Riyan and Chad were Bart’s only hope. Between the three of them, he was sure they could affect his escape. The only problem was that it wasn’t Riyan and Chad’s ten-day. How were they to get out of the Guild?

  Riding hard, he headed into town.

  Chapter Sixteen

  _______________________

  Arriving at the Warriors Guild, Kevik tied the lead horse to the post outside and hurried through the front door. The foyer was abuzz with conversation as the evening crowd had already gathered. Spying one of the runners, he made his way through the foyer toward him. Along the way, he heard snippets of several different conversations.

  All of which were on the happenings to the south concerning the Moran Tribes and the possibility of an escalation in the conflict.

  When the runner noticed Kevik crossing the room toward him, he moved to intercept.

  “Can I help you?” he asked when he had come close enough for Kevik to hear him over the noise.

  The worry he felt over the situation Bart was in caused his voice to be a bit strained as he replied. “Yes. I would like to talk with Chad Kelon and Riyan Borenson.” The runner nodded understanding. “If you would wait a moment sir,” he said, “I’ll let them know you’re here.”

  “Just hurry,” Kevik said as the runner turned and moved toward the entrance of one of the hallways leading from the foyer.

  While the runner was delivering his message, Kevik found himself absentmindedly playing with the ring on his finger. Bart. Speaking internally, he said Bart’s name as he concentrated on him. Bart, are you alright? No reply. Either he’s still unconscious or the ring has been removed from his finger. Just before Chad arrived with the runner, he wondered what would happen if he tried to contact Bart through the ring and someone else was wearing it. Probably nothing as he wouldn’t be concentrating on the person who was wearing it.

  Chad emerged from the hallway and thanked the runner before crossing over to where Kevik awaited him. The smile on his face slowly died when he saw the expression on Kevik’s face. “Something wrong?” he asked.

  Kevik glanced around to those conversing at the tables nearby. Taking hold of Chad’s tunic, he drew him closer to the wall. In a voice barely above a whisper he said, “They took Bart.”

  “What?” exclaimed Chad a little too loudly. Glancing around he saw that several heads had turned in their direction. “Who took him?” he asked in a much quieter voice.

  “I’m not sure,” he said. “There were at least five armed men.” He then gave a brief explanation of how he had been practicing his spell and had seen what happened. “I think they were taking him south.” When Chad didn’t react he added, “Kemmet is to the south.”

  “Durik?” he breathed.

  Kevik nodded. “I believe so.” He laid a hand on Chad’s arm. “I can’t rescue him alone.”

  Chad immediately understood what he was implying, that he needed his and Riyan’s help. “Riyan is up in the Archives,” he explained. “Wait here.”

  “Don’t take too long,” Kevik warned him. Visions of Bart being questioned on the table beneath Durik’s estate kept crossing his mind.

  “I will,” Chad assured him. Turning around, he hurried from the room and practically raced to the stairs leading to the third floor. Hitting them at a run, he took them two at a time. At the third floor landing he left the stairwell and ran down to the Archive’s door.

  It was open and when he came to it saw Riyan bent over at the table transcribing.

  “Riyan!” he cried out.

  Glancing over his shoulder toward the doorway, Riyan saw his friend rush into the room.

  “Durik took Bart!” Chad blurted out.

  Riyan’s eyes widened at the news, then put a finger to his lips and nodded to the back of the Archives. Just then, a snore came from the back announcing Stryntner’s presence.

  Chad nodded understanding. “Kevik’s downstairs,” he replied. Then explained that he had come seeking their help in rescuing Bart.

  It took Riyan all but a second to realize the ramifications of what he must do. He couldn’t leave Bart to the tender mercies of Durik. After wiping off his quill and capping the inkwell, he stood up. “Let’s go.” He only took a step before Chad grabbed his arm.

  “If we leave the Guild, it could mean being removed from the Guild permanently,” warned Chad.

  “I think we both understand that,” replied Riyan.

  Together they went down to their barrack first to gather their winter clothes. If they were going to be riding at night, they’ll need them. Hurrying down the stairs they quickly reached their barrack and began changing their boots to the warmer, wintry boots they wore outside. Then grabbing their jackets and cloaks, they headed for the door.

  As luck would have it, they ran into Seth and Soth on the other side. They came to a quick stop. “What are you two doing?” Seth asked. He and Soth took a look at the way they were dressed and the fact that they were carrying their jackets and cloaks.

  In a quiet voice Soth asked, “You’re lea
ving the Guild?” Riyan nodded. “Yes.”

  “You’ll be kicked out,” stated Seth.

  “We know,” replied Riyan.

  “A friend of ours is in danger,” Chad explained to the twins.

  At that Seth’s eyes lit up. “You’re going to rescue him?” When Riyan nodded he asked, “Where?”

  “Kemmet,” answered Chad.

  “Sorry, but we don’t have time to talk,” Riyan explained.

  Seth and Soth glanced to one another, then Seth nodded. Turning back to Riyan he said, “We’re coming too.”

  Somewhat taken aback by the offer, Riyan said, “We can’t let you jeopardize your standing in the Guild.”

  “Our father would understand,” Seth replied.

  “Besides, it’ll be good practice for us,” Soth said with a grin.

  “What would be good practice?” a voice asked from behind Riyan.

  Riyan about jumped a foot off the ground when Chyfe appeared and voiced that question.

  Seth gestured to Riyan and Chad. “A friend of theirs is in mortal danger and we’re going to rescue him,” he explained.

  “And you didn’t invite me?” he asked, feigning indignation.

  Riyan could see this was getting out of hand. If he didn’t nip it in the bud he would have every Recruit coming along. “Look,” he said to his three friends, “Chad and I can handle this by ourselves. We don’t want you three to get into trouble on our account.” Seth got a stubborn look on his face that said he wasn’t about to be swayed.

  “Maybe we could sneak out?” asked Soth. The others turned toward him. “Kemmet isn’t all that far on horseback. We could be out and back before anyone was the wiser.” Riyan was about to protest when Chad asked, “How?”

  “Most nights the courtyard is empty,” he explained. “We could hop over the wall and be back before morning drills.”

  Chad felt foolish for not thinking of that. After all, wasn’t that the exact plan he had suggested as a way for Bart to enter the Guild?

  “Sounds like a good idea to me,” Chyfe said.

  Chad turned and could see the opposition building in Riyan’s eyes. “We could use the help,” he said.

  Riyan glanced to his friends and could see they were set to accompany them. “You understand the risks?” he asked.

  They nodded and Seth said, “Glory and honor.”

  “Or death and disgrace,” he countered.

  Chyfe gave him a grin. “So what are we waiting for?” Riyan sighed and then turned to Chad. “Leave your stuff on your bed, then go tell Kevik to meet us out back by the courtyard’s gate. If you’re seen out there with that in hand, someone’s going to ask questions.”

  “Right,” he said. Returning within the barrack, he dumped his jacket and cloak on his bed.

  As Chad was hurrying to the foyer, Riyan said to the others. “Get your stuff.”

  “Yes!” exclaimed Seth and Soth in unison.

  By the time the others were suitably attired, Chad had returned and told them Kevik had brought three horses and would wait for them out back of the courtyard. Riyan took point as they worked their way through the Guild by back passages toward the courtyard.

  The route Riyan took would find them entering the courtyard as close to the gate as was possible.

  Along the way, they had to duck down side hallways, and once into a storeroom, to avoid detection by other Recruits and Guild members. When they finally made it to the courtyard, they discovered that it was indeed empty. Riyan paused there at the entrance for a few seconds as he worked out a plan.

  The gate itself was ten feet high. He took note of a stack of old boxes sitting against the wall ten feet further down from the gate. They were high enough to allow them to reach the top of the wall. After pointing out the boxes to the others, he turned to the twins and said, “You two first, then Chyfe and Chad. I’ll follow once you’re all over the wall.” The twins made ready and after another look to make sure the courtyard remained empty, they raced for the boxes. Riyan held his breath, hoping no one would take this moment to enter the courtyard. He let out the pent up breath when Seth and Soth reached the boxes and began climbing. Seth reached the uppermost box first, and with a helping boost from Soth, made it to the top of the wall. In a moment, Soth was up there beside him. Then they both disappeared as they dropped to the ground on the other side.

  “Okay, now you two,” he said to Chyfe and Chad.

  “Piece of cake,” Chyfe said with a grin. Then after a quick glance to be sure the courtyard remained empty, he and Chad sprinted towards the boxes. First Chad, then Chyfe reached the top of the wall. After Chad had dropped to the other side, Chyfe remained on top of the wall to assist Riyan. He turned his attention to Riyan and motioned for him to come.

  A split second before Riyan left the hallway and entered the courtyard, two men appeared from out of one of the side entrances on the other side of the courtyard. Riyan glanced up to where Chyfe was lying atop the wall, sure that one glance by either of the two men in Chyfe’s direction would quickly end this venture. Instead, they went to the rack of wooden swords and each removed one. Then they squared off and commenced fencing.

  The men weren’t exactly close to where Riyan and Chyfe were. With their attention fixated on the fencing, Riyan hoped they wouldn’t notice him moving to the wall. He glanced to Chyfe and could barely see the worried look his friend had. Riyan took a settling breath then stepped out from the hallway and into the courtyard.

  He kept against the wall as he moved toward the stack of boxes. All the while, he kept his attention fixed on the dueling pair at the other end of the courtyard.

  “Hurry up man,” Chyfe’s whispered voice came from his position atop the wall.

  Riyan glanced up at him and nodded. Quickening his pace, he reached the boxes and began climbing up. He continuously cast glances at the dueling pair and thus far, it looked as if they hadn’t taken notice of him. Once he stood upon the top box, he reached up and Chyfe took his hand. Then with his friend’s help, he made it to the top of the wall.

  He looked over to the other side and saw the others standing there with Kevik by the three horses. First Chyfe slid over and landed with the others, then with a last glance to the pair still dueling, Riyan followed.

  “Let’s get mounted,” he said.

  After a quick round of introduction with Kevik, they mounted their horses. They were forced to ride double as there were six of them and but three horses. Riyan had Seth with him, Chad and Soth rode together, which left Chyfe with Kevik.

  “How much of a lead do they have on us?” Riyan asked.

  “A little less than an hour,” replied Kevik.

  “Then let’s not waste any more time,” he said. Kicking his horse in the sides, he started to head down the street passing along the wall of the courtyard when a shadow disengaged from the darkness and moved to block his way.

  “Now, where do you all think you’re going?” The shadow moved into the light and they saw that it was Swordmaster Tad. He had his hands on his hips and a rather unpleasant expression on his face.

  “Swordmaster Tad?” said Chad in surprise. The others came to an abrupt halt and remained quiet.

  “Would any of you wish to tell me why Recruits are out of the Guild?” he asked.

  The others looked to Riyan who moved ahead of the others a short ways. “A friend of mine and Chad’s is in trouble,” he explained. “He was taken by men who have it out for him and is at this very moment on his way to torture and death.” He looked Tad in the eye with as much courage as he could muster. “We aren’t going to allow it.” Swordmaster Tad stared at them and could see the others behind Riyan nodding agreement. “You felt saving your friend was worth the possibility of being removed from the Guild?” he asked.

  “Yes,” replied Riyan. “What sort of man would I be if I let my hopes and dreams stand in the way of saving a friend’s life?”

  Tad’s gaze met each of theirs for a brief moment before moving on t
o the next. He could see the determination in Riyan and Chad’s, the others held more trepidation than anything else. “Wait a moment,” he said then turned and disappeared into the shadows from which he had come. A moment later he reappeared on horseback. “If my Recruits are leaving the Guild without authorization, then I best go along to make sure they don’t get into mischief.”

  Riyan couldn’t believe what he just heard. Then he saw Tad flash him a grin.

  “When you stand before the Drillmaster over this matter,” he said, “suggest that he explain Code fifty seven to you.”

  “Fifty seven?” asked Seth.

  Tad turned his head to Seth and nodded. Returning his attention to Riyan he asked,

  “So, where are we off to?”

  They kept a brisk pace as they raced down the road to Kemmet. Along the way Riyan filled Tad in on the overall situation. He made sure to leave out the parts dealing with the King’s Horde, as well as who and what Durik was. The cover story was that Bart’s enemies had captured him and were taking him to their hideout for torture and death. For the most part, that was true.

  Throughout the ride Kevik would attempt to contact Bart via the ring. When they had been on the road an hour and a half he got through.

  Kevik?

  Bart? Thank heavens.

  Durik has me. He’s taking me to his estate in Kemmet.

  We know. We’re on the road behind you. At most half an hour. They had kept a fast pace and were sure to have closed the gap to some extent.

  Kevik received images in his mind from Bart. Darkness broken by glimpses of the underside of a horse and the occasional hoof. He must still be tied across the horse’s back.

  Did you say we?

  Chad and Riyan are with me, and they brought friends.

  That’s good to know. Durik has five men with him.