Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows

by Robert E. Keller

  "Has the Divine Essence actually grown desperate?" asked Galvia.

  "I believe so," said Jace. "And it is because of Bellis--and perhaps Tenneth Bard, who may be behind all of this. Yes, there are definite signs of desperation, and make no mistake--the Divine Essence is uncertain of Dremlock's survival."

  Aldreya wanted to pay Taris a visit and tell him she would partake in the Trial of Shades. It was a simple choice. According to Jace, if she failed the test then her ability to function as a sorcerer would be impaired. She would have nothing left at Dremlock and would return to Borenthia. And if she passed the test, Taris would extend his vast knowledge to her and she would be better equipped to fight the Deep Shadow. But it was too late to visit Taris, and they were scheduled to abandon Dorok's Hand in the early morning.

  The Trial of Shades would have to wait.

  Chapter 19: Old Hammer Hall

  As Lannon, Aldrek Windspear, and the Blue Knights drew close to Old Hammer Hall, their progress slowed. They left the horses and their Elder Hawk concealed amidst some boulders and proceeded on foot along the mountain path. Thanks to the expert skills of the Blue Knights--and some help from the Eye of Divinity--they were able to avoid being seen by spies along the trail. The spies were mainly watching for a larger invasion force, and that worked to the group's advantage.

  Old Hammer Hall was at a higher elevation than Dorok's Hand, and Lannon found himself a bit short on breath as he trudged through the snow. They used boulders, bushes, and pines for concealment and hurried through the open spaces. Soon they could see the fortress in the moonlight--a huge stone drawbridge flanked by two guard towers carved from the mountain rock, along with some wooden stables near the towers.

  "There will be Elder Hawks circling above," said Shennen. "Too high up even for Aldrek's power to reach. If they see us, they will screech out a warning and our mission will be ruined. We must move swiftly to the fortress gate and hide in one of the guard towers until the drawbridge opens. Then we will enter the keep."

  "If we're spotted," said Lannon, "what should we do?"

  "Flee," said Shennen, "for our mission will be a failure. But we will only be in the open for a few moments, so it's unlikely the Hawks will see us. Now is the time to become invisible. Prepare yourselves!"

  The group broke into a run--shadows racing across the moonlit snow. Fortunately there were many tracks in the snow leading to the keep, so their footprints didn't stand out. The immense power of Aldrek Windspear kept the guards blinded to their presence, and no cries or warning horns sounded.

  Moments later, the grey stone tower loomed over them and they entered into a storage room full of crates and barrels. They ducked down, then began the long wait for the guards to change shifts. They didn't speak.

  At last the drawbridge was lowered, as new guards replaced the old. Lannon and the Blue Knights waited until the new guards had climbed the tower stairs, and then they rushed out into the moonlight--just as the exiting guards were crossing the drawbridge. The move had to be perfectly timed, and the group had to be invisible to potential observers from three places. And if an Elder Hawk had happened along at that moment, they would have been spotted. However, no Hawk appeared and no guards seemed to notice them. As much as it astounded Lannon, the invisibility plan worked and allowed them to slip unseen into the keep.

  Clearly, the secret of invisibility was immensely powerful. Lannon was not surprised that only a few elite sorcerers and Blue Knights could manage it. If he could master the skill, it would elevate him to a new level of power. The ability to walk unseen by his foes held enormous potential.

  Once inside, they found themselves in a large, torch-lit cavern with four thick pillars on either side. They hid behind the pillars, waiting for the Soldiers to exit the hall. Meanwhile, the drawbridge closed with a grinding of chains, leaving them trapped inside Old Hammer Hall. The entrance cavern was watched by ten guards who were playing dice games at tables and two Ogres who'd been turning a crank to raise the drawbridge. The guards glanced up and exchanged some words and laughter with the Soldiers, then went back to playing dice.

  Old Hammer Hall was a monument to Olrog Fire, with the symbol of crossed torch and hammer found throughout the keep. A statue of the Fire God, Benezeta, the Lord of the Forge, stood in the middle of the hall. Benezeta was a Gnome, or a Dark Dwarf--a master of weaponsmithing from an ancient race. His beard was like a twisted root, his nose long and crooked, and his beady eyes were filled with cunning and malice. His spiked war hammer was raised high, as if ready to smash Lannon and the other intruders should they get too close. Crimson torches burned on either side of the statue, flickering shadows dancing upon Benezeta's face. While the Grey Dwarves no longer worshipped Benezeta, the statue remained as a tribute to the days when they had an alliance with Tharnin. This, however, was the Blood Legion's answer to the Divine Essence--a god of smoldering iron and dark sorcery, though Benezeta's spirit had not appeared to them in more than three-hundred years. The statue was breathtaking in its evil, and Lannon found he could not gaze upon it without feeling deeply unsettled.

  Chills creeping along his spine, Lannon glanced up at the torch-lit stone ceiling--which was carved in the form of some sprawling monstrosity. Bulbous eyes gazed down on him, and here and there were curved teeth and claws. This depiction of some horrific beast of Tharnin seemed about to descend on Lannon, and with a shudder, he quickly lowered his gaze. This was the dark heart of the Blood Legion--deeper into enemy territory than Lannon had ever been. This was a keep fit for brutal barbarians, a lair of potential torment and death, and it was the last place Lannon wanted to be. He hoped they would quickly succeed in their mission.

  Shennen signaled Lannon to scan the fortress with the Eye. Lannon swept his gaze out as far as he could, but his range was limited and he detected no sign of Timlin or the Black Flamestone. He shook his head.

  They moved swiftly past the guards--who never so much as glanced their way. They entered a plain tunnel with some storage rooms on either side. Two Jackals were walking towards them on their crooked legs, and Shennen motioned everyone into a storage room where they hid behind some barrels.

  Lannon probed the Jackals with the Eye as they approached, to see what their intent was. The Jackals paused outside the storage room and sniffed the air. They caught scent of the invaders and crept into the storage room, trying to sniff out the source of that scent. They stood before the barrels, their sour stench filling Lannon's nostrils. Muscles rippled over their grey, spotted fur, and drool dripped from their long muzzles. Their claws were raised, ready to shred flesh.

  As they reached for the barrels, Lannon seized the Jackals with the Eye--even as Shennen and another Blue Knight leapt out and cut them down. Two quick Flayer strokes and the Jackals were dead on the floor.

  "I forgot to mention," Shennen whispered to Lannon, "that Jackals can smell us. But there is nothing we can do about it."

  They hid the dead Jackals behind the barrels and crept back into the tunnel. Lannon continued to scan for Timlin or the Black Flamestone, as they crept deeper into the maze of rooms and passageways. They carefully slipped past several more guards--all humans--before encountering an Ogre and another Jackal. Lannon sensed the Goblins well in advance, but they were approaching swiftly.

  They ducked into two storage rooms, on either side of the hall--Lannon and Shennen in one, and Aldrek and the remaining Blue Knights in the other. The Ogre approached with heavy footsteps, while the Jackal sniffed the air.

  Shennen's expression was bitter, for the Ogre could make for noisy combat and give them away. They waited behind some barrels. Lannon watched the Goblins with the Eye as they entered their storage room. Then he seized them with his power, throwing everything he had into containing and silencing the monsters. Meanwhile, he rose and hurled his throwing star at the Jackal. The Glaetherin blade pierced the Jackal's skull and killed it instantly. The Jackal slumped to the floor, knocking over a barrel as it fell.

  Shennen rose
and hurled a dagger into the Ogre's throat. The Ogre made gagging noises, as Lannon drew his sword and speared it through the chest. The giant glowered at him, then went insane and broke Lannon's hold. It grabbed his shoulders and lifted him into the air, trying to crush the life out of him. Lannon fought to keep from being squeezed into pudding, as Shennen drew his short sword and pierced the giant's side near the heart. Lannon thought his bones were about to break, but then the Ogre's hands went limp and the giant dropped to the floor in death.

  Shennen sighed in relief and patted Lannon on the back. "Well done," he whispered. They made an effort to conceal the dead Goblins--though parts of them still showed.

  They entered the storage room across the hall--to find the others had fallen victim to a trap. Apparently, they had ducked behind an iron door and the door had locked itself somehow, leaving them trapped behind it. Lannon probed the lock with the Eye, but found it too complex for him to manipulate.

  "I could try forcing it," Lannon whispered. "But it might be noisy."

  "Fools!" Shennen whispered. "I expected better of them. We can't risk making any loud noises. We shall have to leave them for now."

  Lannon studied the door with the Eye. It was an ancient Dwarven creation, designed to create confusion in the keep in the event of an invasion. It had done its job well in separating them. He could sense the others standing in a tunnel beyond, waiting to be rescued. But he couldn't tell where the tunnel led.

  "We must continue on," Shennen insisted. "Any attempt to force this door open could alert our foes and spoil the mission. We'll have to figure something out later. Right now we need to find that Flamestone!"

  "What about Aldrek Windspear?" asked Lannon. "Don't we need his power to move unseen?"

  "Not necessarily," said Shennen. "I only brought Aldrek to get us into the keep, and he did his job. I can make myself invisible to foes within close range, and I believe you can do the same--if you focus enough."

  Lannon hesitated, his gaze on the iron door. How could they just leave them to their fate? It seemed terribly cruel, but what choice did they have?

  Shennen grabbed Lannon's shoulder and whispered, "Use the Eye. Make yourself invisible!" With that, he practically dragged Lannon out into the tunnel--where they came face to face with Ulmason Deathhand.

  Lannon hadn't had time to attempt invisibility, and Ulmason spotted them instantly. His lips split into a grin beneath his horned helm. He shouted a warning. Moments later, two Legion warriors came running along the tunnel from the opposite direction as Ulmason, their swords drawn--a pair of muscular, bearded barbarians with fire in their eyes.

  "Welcome to my keep," Ulmason said. He raised his battle axe, his huge, armored bulk filling the tunnel. "I awoke from a dream...a dream that fools had come into my lair to die. Turns out it wasn't merely a dream."

  "Kill the two warriors," Shennen said to Lannon, "and leave this one to me!" The Lord of the Blue Knights moved toward Ulmason. He lifted his mask briefly to show his foe who he was.

  Ulmason looked delighted. "Shennen Silverarrow! I've wanted to kill you for years. This will be a true pleasure."

  Lannon faced the barbarians--who were closing in swiftly and bellowing--with his sword held ready. He channeled the Eye into the blade and waited. Behind him, he could hear a clash of weapons between Shennen and Ulmason.

  It was time to fight or die.

  ***

  At Dorok's Hand, there was a change of plans, and everyone was awakened in the middle of the night and ordered to prepare for travel. No explanation was provided as to why they were leaving in the dead of night, before even being allowed breakfast. The ancient fortress was bustling with activity, as Knights and Orange Squires scurried around gathering supplies and filling the wagons. Had they been returning to Dremlock, the mood would have been festive, for no one--with the exception of a few Grey Dwarves--had any love for Dorok's Hand. Instead, the mood was grim and everywhere were somber, tired faces. A feeling of sadness and defeat hung in the air, for they were abandoning a keep that had cost many lives to secure.

  Soon nothing was left but the cold stone hallways, as Dremlock's servants walked from the keep with their heads bowed. They sat on horseback in the chill air in the moonlight, gazing at a fortress that now stood dark and silent.

  At Taris' command, Prince Vannas unleashed the White Flamestone upon the gates, and soon they were ablaze, flames and smoke rising high into the air. The white fire made quick work of the enormous logs, and soon pieces of burning timber came crashing down to the snow. Grim faces, cast in the pale light of the fire, watched until the last of the logs had burned away and only a yawning cavern was left to mark the entrance to Dorok's Hand. The statue of Dorok now looked cold and abandoned, a forgotten monument from another age.

  Then, with heavy hearts, the servants of Dremlock rode off through the mountains to meet their destiny.

  Aldreya rode up alongside Taris. She steadied her nerves and said, "I have decided I am fully loyal to Dremlock, and I would like to undertake the Trial of Shades." She didn't know if it was the appropriate time to bring up the topic, considering they were on such a vital mission, but she was tired of waiting and wanted to let him know what she'd decided. After Aldreya spoke the words, she realized there was no turning back. Honor demanded she proceed.

  Taris sat with his head bowed, dark and silent beneath his hooded cloak as he guided his horse. For a moment, Aldreya wasn't sure he'd heard her, but then Taris gave a slight nod.

  "Good," he said. "I was hoping you would arrive at that decision. If we survive the battle with Bellis, and we have some spare time on our hands, you may partake in the Trial of Shades. For now, however, I want you focused entirely on this mission. If we win, we will send a strong message to Bellis that Dremlock does not yield to tyranny."

  "I will concentrate only on Bellis," Aldreya promised. It wouldn't be difficult, considering what was at stake.

  "Yet I have a specific task for you," said Taris. "With Lannon no longer among us, Prince Vannas is the only one we must protect at all costs. I want you to stay by his side and give him guidance, to keep him from doing anything foolish. As you are now pledged to become my apprentice--having passed the test of loyalty--I trust that you will keep Vannas on the right path."

  Aldreya bowed. "I will guard him closely."

  "Also," said Taris, "I'm putting you in charge of the Squires."

  Aldreya wasn't sure what to make of that. She didn't think Lannon would mind, but Prince Vannas was a different story. She wondered what her duties would be as the leader. "Am I required to give orders?" she asked.

  Taris glanced her way and smiled. "Are you afraid to give orders?"

  "No," she said, "I'm just not sure how they will react."

  "It doesn't matter," said Taris. "I'm placing you in charge, and that's the final word on it. The topic is not open to debate. I believe it will be good for Lannon, Vannas, and Jerret to have another Squire to answer to. Galvia seems humble enough, but she might benefit as well."

  Aldreya nodded, but she couldn't imagine giving Lannon and Vannas orders--and Jerret would simply laugh in her face.

  "Now that you are in charge," said Taris, "I will give you instructions from time to time and you will pass them along to the other Squires. This is the chain of command."

  Aldreya wondered if Taris was serious--if he really expected her to be the leader. Sometimes Knights played games with Squires for their own amusement, and sorcerers were notorious for having hidden agendas. This could simply be another test related to becoming his apprentice. However, it was her duty to take him at his word and carry out his commands.

  "If I may change the subject," she said, "why did we leave in the dead of night?" It made no sense that they should travel when everyone was tired and hadn't had breakfast--especially with Bellis' army still distant.

  "It's a matter of timing," said Taris. "Our Elder Hawks are constantly bringing us information that influence our decisions. We want to catch Bell
is at the right time and in the right place. Our key to victory is to pull off a clever ambush. However, I can say no more about that at this time. Now go and inform the other Squires that you are their leader. Make them respect you."

  Aldreya sighed, then slowed her horse--allowing the others to catch up to her. She rode next to Vannas in silence for a time, then cleared her throat and awkwardly informed the Squires of Taris' decision. Meanwhile, Vannas gazed at her with an expression of amusement and contempt.

  "I'm pleased that Taris has taken an interest in you," said the prince. "I truly am, my cousin. But this business of putting you in charge is completely unnecessary and does not fit with the Sacred Laws governing Divine Shields. Do you know the ways of the White Flamestone better than I? Do you know the Eye of Divinity better than Lannon? No, so how can you give worthy commands? It appears that Taris is either trying to make you feel privileged as his apprentice or just testing you. Regardless, don't take it too seriously."

  "I wasn't planning on it," said Aldreya. "I'm just doing as ordered."

  "I have no issue with it," said Lothrin, "as long as we don't lose our spirit of cooperation, for that is more important than anything else."

  "We won't," Aldreya promised.

  "It's fine by me," said Galvia, with a shrug.

  Jerret chuckled. "I don't have any issue with it--but don't think you're going to boss me around or anything, Aldreya." He grinned. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? To give me orders. Well go ahead then, princess. What's my first command?"

  Aldreya glared at him but didn't reply, refusing to take the bait.

  "It's not her choice, Jerret," said Galvia. "We have to respect Taris' decision."

  "Of course," said Jerret. "And I'm ready to serve." He winked at Aldreya and then bowed. "I await your orders, oh wise leader."

  Aldreya's temper boiled over. "My first order is to be quiet!" She wished Taris had not bestowed this task upon her.