She expected him to be done for the day, but instead he rose once again and engaged the soldier in another round of attacks and counterattacks. She admired Gavin’s determination. It was one of the traits that made him such a great leader. After a slightly longer sequence of sword work, Gavin was struck once again.
She really didn’t enjoy seeing him lose to anyone, but she knew it would help him continue to improve. Gavin did not like losing, and it would drive him to push himself harder in his practicing. She wanted him to excel in all of his endeavors.
She hoped when the battle commenced east of Candus he wouldn’t have to use his sword fighting skills at all. He should be safely at the rear of the army, far from the front lines, directing the battle from a distance. His leadership ability would be of more worth from a tactical standpoint than from a fighting standpoint on the front line. However, if for some reason he was ever drawn into actual combat, Kalista wanted him to be able to come out of it safely. The better he was with the sword, the better the chance he would escape unscathed. She was pleased he was taking the opportunity to improve his skills now while he had the chance.
She tried not to worry about his safety in the upcoming battle. At least she knew that not only would he have his own fighting skills to protect him, he would also have a contingency of highly skilled guards. They would all give their lives to protect their commander general. The guards who were chosen to protect their commanders would be some of the best soldiers in the army; soldiers who could take on multiple opponents at once, a soldier like Traven.
Another smile flitted across her face at the memory of the young soldier. He could definitely take on multiple opponents at once. She remembered how he had easily disposed of her three kidnappers and later how he had bested multiple thieves when they escaped. He had even held at bay five thieves in his weakened state when guarding the entrance to the cave.
Traven would certainly be someone that she would like near Gavin if he were threatened during battle. She looked back at Gavin as he shook hands with his new sparring partner. Maybe someday Gavin would be good enough with the sword to spar with Traven.
10
Kadrak spread out his arms in wonder. How had the boy done it? He was nowhere to be found. Had he died in the blasted desert? While that would take care of the problem, he somehow doubted the boy, with so much power in the ambience, could have died so easily. Perhaps he had figured out how to block others from seeing him. That would make things more difficult. He would have to trust that Shadow could track him down and take care of him.
Kadrak had been checking on the whereabouts of the boy every few days. For some reason he had headed north by ship instead of heading east with the High King’s Royal Army. The boy had landed on Faldor’s Watch and then set out across the desert. He had been very curious as to what the boy was up to, but now it appeared he might never find out. He knew that the boy still had to be somewhere in the desert, but he couldn’t locate him anymore.
He didn’t like not knowing what the boy was up to but knew that he couldn’t do anything about it for now. He would forget the matter and focus on what he could do. That was part of being a good leader. One had to know what he could change and what he couldn’t and move on.
Preparations were currently underway to move his army towards the pass. The snow was finally beginning to melt and the pass would soon be clear. His first assistant Gilrod had done a good job incorporating the rogue army into the Balthan Army. The army would be ready to march towards Beking by the end of the week.
Kadrak planned to restock supplies there and then continue his army’s march to the mountain pass. By the time they reached the pass, he hoped the snow would be gone. He didn’t want to have to wait any longer to begin his campaign into Kalia.
He knew that the main body of the Kalian Army would be in place at the other side of the pass long before he arrived with his army. What he hoped to avoid, however, was allowing the reinforcements of the opposing army to arrive and supplement the army’s strength. Hopefully he would be able to finish off the main body of the Kalian Army before the reinforcements arrived.
However, before his army marched, there were a few things that Kadrak needed to take care of. He left the dark room where he had been screeing and headed to another part of the dungeon. Two guards straightened visibly when they heard him coming. Both bowed slightly as he passed and followed as he made his way deeper into the dungeon. These guards, like most in the palace, had learned who their new emperor was. A few, though, had chosen to stay loyal to the previous Empress of Balthus.
A week ago, the traitorous guards had helped to smuggle her out of the palace. The empress still hadn’t been found, but he was sure that sooner or later Gilrod’s spies would find her. They had already received a few leads. The former empress would have to be dealt with harshly and in a public manner once she was caught. Kadrak’s subjects must understand that none would be allowed to act against his will.
The guards who had helped her escape had already been identified. They would be dealt with now. Kadrak continued down the dark hall until he reached Gilrod. The cunning man had quickly been able to determine which of the palace guards had helped the former empress flee. Some had initially denied any involvement, but most of them had defiantly expressed their loyalty to the empress and the royal family of Balthus.
“I’ve questioned them all multiple times and believe I have gleaned as much information as I can from them,” Gilrod said. “Several have been in contact with certain factions within the city that are planning to take back power as soon as we leave with the army.”
“How large of a threat is it?” Kadrak asked curtly.
“It appears to be fairly sizeable,” Gilrod replied. “However, if you would like, I believe I can round up most of the leaders of these rebellious factions over the next day or two. From there I can most likely root out some more dissenters before we march to Beking.”
“Please do what you have to,” Kadrak said with a sigh. “You know that you have as many men at your disposal as you need.”
“Yes, Master,” Gilrod said with a bow. “I will clean up as much of this as I can before we leave. I would also suggest leaving a small contingent of some of your more loyal troops here to stop anyone else from getting any ideas.”
Kadrak shook his head in disgust. It was frustrating to have to worry about people trying to take power away from him once he had seized it. He supposed that he would have to become accustomed to it. The more cities and lands he conquered, the more opportunities would arise for others to try to steal power from him. The key to keeping things under control was to carefully select those who would rule under him. He was glad he had chosen Gilrod from the beginning.
“I agree,” Kadrak stated. “I would like you to choose a loyal and capable soldier and elevate him to the level of a governor. He will remain in Rankdra with a few thousand troops to maintain order here.”
“As you wish,” Gilrod replied.
“Now go,” Kadrak said. “I will finish up things here. I want the traitors that are hidden in the city found and disposed of publicly before we march.”
Gilrod made a low bow and quickly walked away down the hall. Kadrak watched him go. The man truly was a valuable asset. He always took care of things just as he was supposed to. Kadrak was glad that he wouldn’t need to worry about Rankdra while he was gone. Gilrod would root out the trouble makers and appoint someone capable to maintain the capitol.
Maintaining a firm hold on Rankdra would be essential when he marched with his army to Kalia. He would need the city’s material support. It would be advantageous to have a steady stream of supplies flowing from the capitol to support his army.
Kadrak turned his thoughts to the real reason for his visit to the dungeons. Punishments needed to be dealt out. He pushed open the cell door that Gilrod had been standing outside of and walked into the dark room. A glowing orb of light appeared in the center of the large cell, bathing the eight prisoners in a
pale blue light. They all rose to their feet and after adjusting to the light, stared back at him defiantly.
The two guards who had followed him stepped into the room behind him and closed the door. He had brought them along to witness the fate of the disloyal guards. He wanted the news spread of what happened to disloyal subjects.
Kadrak smiled at the defiant prisoners. He had no problem with them looking at him the way they were. In fact, he was happy about it. He wanted them attentive for the show he was about to put on. He raised his hands above his head as his eyes tightened. Lightning and fire began to lance near the ceiling of the room, above the treasonous guards’ heads.
They all looked up with wide eyes at the unnatural display. Kadrak could see the fear shining in their faces. Where was their courage now? He was glad the prisoners were all coherent enough to witness the show. It would be the last thing any of them would ever see.
Part Two: Training
11
Traven stood frozen in place with Studell slightly behind him. Studell’s mouth was gaping open. Traven could hardly believe his own eyes. The four men had appeared out of thin air. One second there had been nothing and the next second there were four figures standing in front of them.
All four wore dark brown cloaks with deep hoods that partially hid their faces. The two in the middle were a head taller than the other two and appeared to be slightly taller than Traven. Within the shadows of the two taller men’s hoods, he could make out angular features and piercing, bright green eyes. It also looked like both had a black streak slashing down over their left eyes. There was something strange and slightly off about the two men, but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was.
The other two men had hard jaws and dark eyes. They were of a much stockier build and appeared very solid. Traven noticed that besides the bows and arrows pointed at him, all four men had swords belted at their waists. By how they stood, he was sure they knew how to use their weapons.
He nodded towards the four men and slowly sheathed his sword. The sun glinted off his blade and disappeared into the dark stone at its hilt as he slid the sword into its sheath. One of the men in the middle shifted slightly, and Traven knew that he had noticed the odd phenomenon.
What Traven couldn’t figure out was why four men were out here in the desert and how they had suddenly appeared. He wondered if they also had a map and had beaten Studell and him to any treasures left in the ruins of the keep. After a few more seconds of tense silence, one of the tall men in the middle lowered his bow and took a step forward.
“What business do you have here?” he asked sharply.
Traven detected a hint of a strange accent in the man’s voice but couldn’t place it. He debated what to say to the cloaked men. He didn’t want to say anything about the map and Faldor’s Keep if they didn’t know about the ruins. Then again, their sudden appearance out of thin air led him to believe that they were more than simple travelers hiding out in a hidden valley in the middle of the desert. He suddenly remembered the last line of the map’s riddle; ‘Prepare yourself, for those you will greet.’ It was crazy to think the riddle could have predicted that there would be people here.
He knew that he would be no match for the four armed men. He could make up a story as to why he and the philosopher were here, but he didn’t see how it would help their current situation. Instead, he decided that he might as well be honest as to why they were in the valley.
“We came looking for Faldor’s Keep,” he replied to the cloaked man. A glance passed between the cloaked men, and Traven knew that they recognized the name.
“What makes you worthy to enter the keep?” the tall man asked.
He wasn’t sure how to answer a question like that. What was the man talking about? Why would it matter who entered the ruins of the keep? Behind him, Studell finally recovered from his shock and walked over to Traven’s saddlebags. He fished out the golden chest that contained the two might stones and the jewelry. He then stepped past Traven and held the chest towards the cloaked man.
“We are returning what was taken,” the philosopher stated.
The tall man took the chest and looked inside. Traven wondered what Studell was thinking. What did he mean by handing over the stones to the strangers and saying that they were returning what had been taken? A look of recognition and surprise passed over the sharp face of the tall man as he looked in the chest and then closed it. He handed it back to the philosopher.
“Follow me,” he said. With that, he turned around and disappeared into thin air. Traven and Studell just stood in place staring at where the man had been. The remaining men chuckled.
“Well, get a move on it. We’re not going to stay here all day,” one of them said.
Traven looked at the remaining three and then at the spot where the fourth had disappeared. He took a deep breath and grabbed Pennon’s reins. He walked slowly towards the point where the man had disappeared. The philosopher followed close behind, not wanting to be separated.
When Traven reached the spot, he sensed something directly in front of him. Reaching his hand forward, he felt a chill against his skin and watched as his hand disappeared. He took another deep breath and stepped forward. His entire body was immersed in cold, and then he was through. The tall cloaked man was there waiting for him. Behind him in the distance rose a dark stone structure.
The valley looked the same as it had from the other side of the barrier; the same fine red sand, green foliage, and meandering streams. However, now signs of civilization could be seen as well. Cultivated fields were visible in several areas at the base of the valley and well worn paths radiated from the dark stone keep.
Faldor’s Keep looked nothing like what he had been expecting. Instead of being a bunch of ruins, he was surprised to find it in perfect condition. The keep was positioned in the very center of the valley. Its black stone walls contrasted sharply against the red sand and green foliage surrounding it. The walls rose straight and smooth several stories into the air. The structure appeared to be a precise square with a small tower at each of its four corners. Despite the age of the ancient keep, it appeared brand new.
Traven tore his gaze away from the keep and looked back through the barrier. The barrier itself was faintly visible as a slight shimmering in the air, but he could still see everything on the opposite side of it. He watched as Studell passed through it and gasped from the cold shock. The professor’s eyes grew large as he too saw the keep in the distance. It was obvious that Traven wasn’t the only one feeling a sense of awe.
He wondered how one could see out of the barrier to the cliffs but couldn’t see through it when looking towards the center of the valley from the outside. He asked the tall man about it as the other three cloaked men passed back through the barrier.
“It was set up long ago by Faldor,” he replied curtly. “It was to protect the keep and its defenders from unwanted eyes. Now let’s get a move on it. You can direct any more questions to the keeper.”
The man turned, having said all that he was going to. He began towards the keep as the other tall man hurried to fall in step beside him. The two stockier men took up positions behind Traven and Studell. Traven exchanged a look with the philosopher and followed the two cloaked men towards the keep.
As they drew closer, he couldn’t believe Faldor’s Keep was not only in such good shape but that people were actually living in it. He scanned the vale as they continued on towards the keep. The keep was still a good distance away, but the temperature wasn’t nearly as harsh amongst the green foliage of the valley as it had been in the barren desert. The several streams that meandered across the vale also made the air slightly humid. The change in climate was a welcome relief after the arid desert. He was still amazed that such a valley as this could exist in the middle of the desert.
By the time they reached the keep, the sun had disappeared behind the high cliffs that surrounded the valley. The path they had been following led right up to the south side of th
e keep. A massive portcullis stood at the entrance of the keep, blocking access into it. Through the grate, Traven could see that the path continued through the thick walls of the keep and ended in a large courtyard.
At the portcullis, the two cloaked men in the lead pulled back their hoods and turned to face them. Studell gaped openly at the sight, but Traven managed to appear calm except for a slight widening of his eyes. He had already noticed their eye tattoos and the sharpness of their features from within the dark confines of their hoods, but he hadn’t been prepared for this. They were not human!
As similar as they looked to humans, they were also distinctly not. While their angular features and long flowing hair could pass for human, their ears and eyes couldn’t. Their ears rose to form distinct peaks at the top and their eyes shone slightly with a metallic gleam. What were they?
“Elves,” Studell muttered in awe.
Traven could hardly believe what he was seeing and hearing. Elves? In the stories they were always ugly, mischievous, and deadly creatures. While their appearance was striking, they definitely weren’t ugly. Their appearance was in fact very regal. However, he was sure they were deadly. From the fluid grace of their walks, he could guess at their skill in fighting.
He glanced behind him at the other two cloaked figures. Both had also dropped their hoods and both were clearly just human. The presence of the two men left him feeling slightly more at ease. The elves smirked at the surprise their features had caused.
“Welcome to Faldor’s Keep,” the lead elf said. “Before you enter, you must surrender your weapons.”
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