But Prince Vannas' face was contorted with a fanatical expression, and his eyes had taken on a white hue. The energy from the Flamestone became blinding, and fire spread everywhere over The Colossus. Huge, burning beams came crashing down on Bellis' Knights. Soon the entire catapult was a raging fireball.
Cheers arose from the Divine Knights. The battle had turned in their favor in multiple ways, as Bellis' warriors were running out of explosive arrows or were having troubling firing them in close combat. Sorcery began to prevail over technology, as blazing weapons and energy-charged Knights took a massive toll on Bellis' army. With the destruction of The Colossus, the Divine Knights were flooded with confidence and fought all the harder--sensing victory was close. And Vannas continued to hammer their foes with white fire.
At last, the Lord Knight of Bellis blew of a Horn of Peace, indicating that he wished to cease the battle. The fighting paused, and Dremlock's Knights looked to Taris for a signal. Taris held up an open palm--a signal that they would accept the Lord Knight's proposed end to the warfare.
Their heads bowed in defeat, Bellis' warriors collected their dead and wounded and began a retreat through the hills. As Dremlock tended to its own, The Colossus continued to burn on the hilltop, until all that remained was a worm-shaped, drooping, iron skeleton that would stand there for centuries gathering rust.
Chapter 21: The Heart of Shadows
Lannon and the Blue Knights had gotten lucky, for the dead Soldiers' horses were nearby and loaded with provisions for traveling. Then for three days they had tracked Timlin through the mountains and into some forestlands beyond. The going had been difficult, with travel slow in the rugged peaks and very tiring. They barely slept, and at times Lannon was so weary he thought he might topple from his horse. Lannon knew that the Blood Legion was also searching for the Black Flamestone and was somewhere ahead of them. Lannon could sense they were closing in on Timlin, which was why Shennen insisted on such a relentless pace.
As evening approached on the third day of the chase, they set up camp and cooked some rabbit meat in an iron skillet. They found a stream nearby that contained delicious, icy water. Sometimes streams in certain areas of Silverland were contaminated by the Deep Shadow, but Divine Knights were able to spot such dangerous waters easily.
It was a good meal and a badly needed rest. The rabbit meat was seasoned and fried to perfection by Shennen, who seemed to have excellent cooking skills for someone who rarely prepared his own meals. Lannon took a moment to simply enjoy the meat and put everything else out of his mind. He was weary to the core and just wanted a bit of relaxation before they resumed their grim journey.
Lannon drank deeply from his flask, savoring every icy drop. It was so delicious it almost tasted like water blessed by the Divine Essence. He closed his eyes for a moment, imagining he was back at Dremlock in front of a warm fire in the East Tower Library and away from all this madness, and he almost drifted off to sleep.
"No time for slumber, lad," said Shennen.
Lannon yawned and nodded. "Just relaxing a bit." He took another large drink from his flask.
"Amazing water, isn't it?" said Shennen. "This is surely a blessed forest steam, from ancient times. The water relaxes the soul."
"I need it," Lannon mumbled. Again, he yawned. He looked around at the ancient tree trunks--the mossy oaks and twisted beech trees beneath sprawling branches that were like huge arms holding up the forest roof. He wondered what terrible darkness lay hidden behind all that beauty. Timlin was lurking in here somewhere like a deadly viper waiting to strike, and until he was dealt with, Lannon wouldn't be allowed any rest.
"What are we going to do when we catch him?" asked Aldrek, speaking Lannon's thoughts. The sorcerer peered at Shennen from beneath his wide-brimmed black hat. "If Timlin actually wields the power of that Flamestone, he'll kill us all."
"Not if we can sneak up on him," said Shennen. "And that's where you come in, Aldrek. You must get us close to him, so I can run my Flayer through his heart before he realizes we're even there. Timlin is still mortal and can die from a single thrust."
"It's a good plan," said Aldrek, "though I wonder if we'll be able to fool him. Who knows what powers of sorcery are his to command?"
Shennen didn't answer.
Aldrek toyed with the brim of his black hat, looking thoughtful. "I wonder how Timlin was able to learn to wield the Flamestone so quickly. It must have been his link to the Hand of Tharnin--the fact that Timlin was infested with evil from the device. After all, it was Vorden who corrupted Timlin's soul. Thus, the Black Flamestone was probably drawn to Timlin's evil."
"Perhaps," said Shennen. "But I'll leave it to you sorcerers to ponder such things. To me, all that matters is that he has found some way to wield it."
"Yet what this could mean," said Aldrek, "is that Timlin may be able to gain immense power from the stone--perhaps beyond even what Prince Vannas is capable of. It's a frightening thought, yet very possible."
"Timlin will still die," said Shennen, "if a blade finds his heart." He drew his Flayer and skewered a piece of rabbit meat in the pan. He popped it into his mouth and ate it. "Make no mistake about that, sorcerer. He is still a mortal man."
"Timlin could be almost a god at this point," said Aldrek, frowning. "Imagine the power of Taris Warhawk--only ten times greater. Who could possibly challenge such power? With all due respect, not even you, Lannon."
Lannon knew Aldrek was right. Timlin could destroy them all. But he was too tired to worry about dying and had grown quite weary of fretting over his potential demise. He was just going to take things one moment at a time and hope for the best.
"Mere speculation, Aldrek," said Shennen.
Aldrek didn't reply, but continued to appear deep in thought.
Lannon wondered how the battle with Bellis was going--and if it was over yet. "If Dremlock lost," he said, "then Bellis has the White Flamestone."
"Exactly," said Shennen. "In which case this mission is even more important. We can't afford to have two Flamestones working against us."
Aldrek shook his head and sighed. "If Dremlock lost, then Taris and Furlus are either dead or imprisoned. I shudder to think of it."
Lannon shared Aldrek's fears.
"It would be a devastating blow," said Shennen, "but Dremlock Kingdom is still intact regardless, and our Lord Knight is still in command. Anyway, we don't know the outcome of the battle and there is no point in fretting over it. We must stay focused on our mission. The Black Flamestone is too powerful and too evil to remain in the hands of mortals. It must be returned to the Divine Essence, or I fear that great suffering could be unleashed upon this land."
"I agree," said Aldrek.
"We've rested enough," said Shennen. "Get the torches ready, for we will ride on through the night."
Lannon groaned, wondering how he would stay awake in the saddle. The Eye of Divinity and his Knightly training weren't helping him resist the black curtain of sleep that wanted to settle over his mind. In fact, the more he tried to force himself to stay awake, the more drained he felt.
The night turned out very dark, with a blanket of clouds blocking out moon and stars. Only their torchlight--and the Eye of Divinity--was there to guide them along the winding trail through the forest. Even the stout horses were beginning to show signs of wearing down, and the riders were forced to slow the pace a bit. Lannon could sense Timlin's presence very strongly and knew they were soon to catch up to him. Timlin was on foot, but somehow he was moving along swiftly and tirelessly toward some destination that only he knew of.
As they rounded a corner, they encountered Omharal and Ethella and six Legion Soldiers. Also present was a pair of Jackal Goblins, two Golden Knights of Bellis, and the two Goblin Lords that always accompanied Ethella. Due to the presence of the Jackals, there was no point in Aldrek trying to conceal them.
Omharal appeared to be deeply injured, with a thick layer of bandages around his midsection. His face was pale and his breathi
ng was labored. He held his colorful, bladed staff loosely in one hand, as if he might lose his grip on it. His green robe was charred and hung in tatters.
"Blue Knights of Dremlock," said Omharal, in a shaky voice. "Masters of invisibility. We were expecting you, which is why we brought these vile Jackals along."
Shennen nodded. "The Poison Claw of Bellis--though you don't look so menacing now. It appears Timlin got to you already."
"Yes," said Omharal, with a grimace. The lean, sour-faced Birlote shifted in the saddle and winced in pain. "I'm finished on this journey. Not much left to keep me going. But I assure you, Ethella will take the Black Flamestone to Bellis."
Ethella bowed. "The traitor Timlin will die, my lord, and Bellis will have what it seeks." Her silver hair had come undone and hung in tangles, and her white face paint was streaked with dirt. Her black robe, adorned with red Legion symbols, was also shredded and charred, and she had an ugly wound in her forehead that looked like a mix between a gash and a burn. She held her crystal staff, and blue fire shimmered along the length of it, sparkling upon the leering, demonic engravings. Her eyes were filled with hatred as she gazed at Dremlock's warriors.
"You fools should turn back," said Omharal. "We have no quarrel with you at this time. If you proceed on, you will be destroyed. You have no idea how to defeat Timlin and his Flamestone. He has become a demon--like nothing this world has ever seen. No weapon can harm him. You Blue Knights don't stand a chance."
Lannon's mask concealed his identity, and he liked the feeling of being hidden from the prying eyes of the Deep Shadow. It gave him a sense of power--the confidence that he could strike from the shadows. This was another unusual feeling for him, yet once again he found himself enjoying it.
Shennen shrugged. "We'll do our best."
Omharal smirked, then ordered the Soldiers and Jackals to continue after Timlin. The Soldiers hesitated, then rode off down the trail with the Jackals bounding along after them. Ethella motioned to her Goblin Lords, who were on horseback, and they too rode off in pursuit of Timlin--leaving only Omharal, Ethella, and the two Golden Knights.
Ethella raised her shimmering staff. "Turn back, fools!"
Shennen turned to Aldrek. "Take the others and get the Black Flamestone. Execute the plan we discussed. I will deal with these foes."
Lannon started to ride away with Aldrek (though he hated the notion of leaving Shennen to fend for himself), but Shennen ordered him to halt. "Not you. I will need your help." Shennen was careful not to speak Lannon's name.
The two warriors dismounted and stood together, their blades drawn.
Ethella laughed. "Two Blue Knights against me? This should be a pathetic duel. I take it you don't know who you're dealing with."
"Ethella the Heartless," said Shennen. "Isn't that what many call you? Who did you have to murder to claim power?"
"Hoytus Shadowblood," she replied, looking amused. "Omharal killed his fool of a brother at a Council meeting, and Hoytus wanted revenge. So I slew him in his bedchamber when he was alone, so he wouldn't be able to oppose voting me as the Legion Commander or try to order Omharal's execution. With both Dwarven brothers dead, and Timlin now a mindless monster running aimlessly through the forest, that leaves me in charge."
"You did well, my dear," said Omharal, smiling at Ethella. "You have earned high praise from Bellis. The Blood Legion has redeemed itself."
"Is your hunger for power now satisfied?" asked Shennen.
For a moment Ethella's grin vanished and her face looked haunted. "It will never be satisfied." Then she shrugged. "But this is what I've always wanted. Who am I talking to, anyway? Is that you under that mask, Shennen Silverarrow? I would guess the Lord of the Blue Knights would be on this mission."
Shennen didn't reply.
"It doesn't matter," said Ethella. "When you're dead, I'll remove your mask and see for myself." She started toward them.
Lannon summoned the Eye and channeled it into his sword.
"Wait!" said Omharal, raising a trembling hand. "Something isn't right here. I sense...something about that one." He pointed at Lannon. "That one harbors great power and is not what he appears to be. I believe he is a sorcerer--perhaps Taris Warhawk himself in disguise. Let my Guardians deal with them. You're too important to put at risk, and I need you to save your energy to protect me."
Ethella looked disappointed, but she bowed and stepped close to the High Wizard. "I will defend you with my life."
Omharal nodded. "I know you will, but it won't come to that. The Guardians of Bellis are not easily defeated."
The two Golden Knights drew their swords.
"We'll fight them one on one," Shennen whispered in Lannon's ear. "Their armor cannot be breached by blade or sorcery, so it must be removed--preferably the helms. Look for three latches."
"Weird," Lannon mumbled. "The armor, that is."
"Yes," Shennen agreed. "A creation of the Thallite giants."
Shennen moved away from Lannon, and the two swordsmen waited. The Golden Knights casually strode toward them, seemingly in no hurry. Lannon was mesmerized by their armor. It was crafted in stunning detail, with various rune patterns that seemed to draw in the Eye and weaken it. Lannon had never seen armor molded and etched in such intricate detail. It fitted their bodies like impenetrable golden shells, yet moved fluidly with them.
Shennen suddenly dashed off into the woods, and his torch went dark. The Guardians glanced at each other, and then one of them ran after Shennen into the shadows, leaving Lannon alone to face the remaining Knight. Lannon knew that Shennen stood a better chance of winning by using the concealment of the forest, for Shennen was a master at fighting in the shadows and crowded areas where a short blade had an advantage. Lannon, however, lacked such highly developed skills and the woods offered him no edge over his foe.
The Guardian thrust his sword at Lannon's chest. It was an incredibly swift strike--faster even than a Divine Knight could have managed. Lannon deflected it with his own sword, and then hacked at the Guardian's neck to test the golden armor. His sword glanced away without leaving a scratch.
The Guardian swung at Lannon's legs, and Lannon leapt over the blade on instinct. This time Lannon attacked the Guardian's sword to sever it. But the golden sword was as stout as the golden armor.
Lannon blocked a flurry of attacks that drove him backwards. He almost stumbled and went down, which could have cost him his life. Instead, he twisted around his foe, catching the Golden Knight from behind. He sheathed his sword and leapt on the Guardian's back, trying to pry open the latches that secured the helm. He managed to open one of the latches before the Guardian threw Lannon off him.
Lannon did a somersault and then jumped to his feet, drawing his blade. Calmly, the Guardian closed the open latch and then charged at Lannon. Another flurry of sword strokes drove Lannon backwards again. Lannon was at a severe disadvantage, for he couldn't harm his foe at all but a single blow from the Guardian could kill him.
Lannon tried to drive his sword into the thin creases between the armor plates, but each time the blade encountered something impenetrable. Even the creases were staunchly defended, yet still allowed for fluid movements. Lannon thought this Thallite armor might end up being the death of him. He hoped Shennen would return to assist him, but aside from some crashing noises in the woods, there was no sign of his presence.
The duel of swords wasn't working, and Lannon was confronted by the Golden Knight's sinister will. The Guardian was using some kind of mind power on him, trying to make him falter and surrender to fear. Lannon struggled to resist, because most of the Eye's power was being channeled into combat. Lannon realized he wasn't fighting a human foe. The Golden Knight was simply too swift and powerful to be human. Yet Bellis refused to directly use Goblins as warriors, so Lannon had no clue what sort of creature lurked beneath that armor. Whatever it was, it was more powerful than any Goblin.
As the Guardian drove against Lannon with blade and will, Lannon's legs began t
o weaken beneath him. He withdrew the Eye from his blade and channeled it into his body. Then he seized the Golden Knight's arm and ripped the sword from his hand. Lannon flung the sword aside and then sheathed his own blade.
The Golden Knight had another weapon: his golden fist. He slammed the metal gauntlet down at Lannon's skull, but Lannon caught his arm and, summoning all the strength he could muster, hurled the Guardian into a nearby oak tree. The Knight struck the tree so hard that its branches shook, and then he slumped to the ground, stunned.
Lannon ran to him, lifted him, and again slammed him into the tree. Lannon's body was now charged with the full power of the Eye, giving him the strength of a giant. The second blow was more devastating than the first, and the Knight simply lay with his back to the tree trunk, his head sagging forehead.
Lannon glanced at Ethella, but she was still close to Omharal, her eyes wide with shock. Omharal too looked amazed at what Lannon had done. Lannon quickly opened the three latches and yanked off the Guardian's helm. He stepped back in surprise, and the helm dropped from his fingers.
Lannon was staring at a greenish-blue reptilian face. There was no doubt the creature was some form of man-shaped reptile. Its snake-like eyes gazed at Lannon and seemed to be trying to hypnotize him. Lannon shuddered, sensing some great conspiracy would be revealed if he dared look closer with the Eye. He tried to hold his power in check, not wanting to glimpse things he didn't feel he was ready for, but a few images slipped through. What Lannon saw was a banner of four stars, in a diamond pattern, that was raised above the land and that represented four mighty kingdoms. In that time of the darkest darkness and the brightest light, the Tower King would rule with a scaly fist and a scepter bound in starlight, and he would fear a sleeping warrior who dwelt across a sea of blackness.
Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows Page 29