Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows

by Robert E. Keller

  "Well?" said Taris.

  "It was strange," said Aldreya. "I was told there is something wrong with the world--a flaw in the design. It was a very dark vision."

  "I meant the tea," said Taris, winking. "Do you like it?"

  Aldreya realized she'd been too nervous to taste it. She did so now, and found it was delicious. "Tastes like blackberries."

  Taris smiled. "It's the best tea recipe I know of, my fine apprentice."

  "Master Taris," she said, "is the world deeply flawed somehow?"

  "The answer is in your teacup," he replied.

  She gazed into the teacup. "I see nothing but...tea."

  "Then perhaps you can taste the answer," said Taris.

  Aldreya savored the tea. "It just tastes like a cup of excellent tea."

  "And there is your answer," said Taris.

  Chapter 23: The Path to Knighthood

  A week had passed since Lannon's battle with Timlin, while Dremlock's army remained camped in the hills. Lannon, Shennen, and Aldrek had found their way to the campsite and had given the Black Flamestone to Taris for safekeeping. Funerals were held for the slain Knights, though not all of the bodies had been recovered. It was a time of sadness for Dremlock because of the fallen, but also a time of great triumph. They had defeated a powerful army from Bellis and captured the Hand of Tharnin and the Black Flamestone. A message had been sent to the people of Gallamerth--that Dremlock would endure.

  It was a fine spring day, the snow having melted away. The weather was warm and sunny, with Dremlock's proud banners flapping in the breeze throughout the campsite. Now that the dead had been laid to rest, it was time to call a celebration feast and look to the future. Orange Squires were busy cooking food over several fires and setting up wooden tables and chairs, while an archery contest was held for Dremlock's finest.

  Shennen and Aldrek had recovered from their wounds, and Aldrek had faded into the background once again--as the hired sorcerer preferred to stay out of sight. Shennen remained saddened by the deaths of his Blue Knights and didn't talk much. He stayed busy with various tasks, however, and expressed interest in again joining the High Council (though Cordus Landsaver's presence was required before a vote could be taken).

  The Divine Shield sat at one of the tables, minus Taris and Furlus who were elsewhere in the camp on business. With Jace present, the smell of pipe smoke was in the air.

  "What does the future hold for you, Squires?" asked Jace.

  "The same as always," said Lannon. "We're hoping to reach Knighthood."

  Jace winked at them. "It could take years of training and struggle, and even then you might never make it. Are you sure it's worth all the trouble?"

  "We'll make it, Uncle Jace," said Aldreya, punching him in the shoulder. Then she added, "So what does your future hold?"

  Jace shrugged. "If my work at Dremlock is done, I'll go off and wander some. It's what I do, Squires, and the war against Tharnin goes on."

  "Yet all the excitement is here," said Daledus, grinning, "with the Divine Knights. Why would you ever want to leave?"

  "It's not excitement that motivates me," said Jace.

  "I'm considering retirement myself," said Trenton, with a shrug. He touched his grey hair. I'm getting old, and I've accomplished everything I've wanted to at Dremlock. I would like to retreat to some remote keep to study sorcery in solitude. I have so much to learn yet, but so little time for study. And, to be honest, I'm not well liked here."

  Jace nodded. "Your demeanor is not a pleasant one, which makes people forget your great deeds. But I know better, Trenton. You're a fantastic sorcerer who has done great things for Dremlock. You've earned the right to retire in peace."

  Trenton's face broke into a rare smile. "Thank you, Jace, for the kind words. I've come to discover you're quite a fine sorcerer yourself--in your own way. And a wise man."

  The two of them shook hands for the first time.

  "Are you really going to retire, Trenton?" asked Lannon, surprised. He'd always been under the impression that Trenton loved being the Investigator of Dremlock.

  "I can't say for sure," said Trenton. "The thought crosses my mind on occasion. Now that Bellis is defeated and we have the Black Flamestone--not to mention the severe weakening of the Blood Legion--we could be on the verge of an era of peace. If so, I would have no problem stepping down from the High Council."

  "I considered retirement recently," admitted Shennen, "right after Thrake's death. But then I began to think things over, and I decided I want to punish the Deep Shadow for all the harm it has done. Thus, I shall be a Divine Knight until I'm too old to fight. I intend to join the High Council and remain loyal to Dremlock."

  "Loyalty is a wonderful thing," said Jace, puffing at his pipe. "However, I hate to be tied down by laws and politics. I prefer to roam free...even in places I'm not wanted. I'm not done with old Tharnin yet. You see, it's personal for me."

  "How so, Uncle Jace?" asked Aldreya, gazing at him with a curious look.

  "It's a long story," said Jace. The giant looked suddenly uncomfortable, his bony fingers drumming on the tabletop. "It might bore you. Perhaps I'll feel up to revealing it sometime. Maybe in a hundred years or so."

  Aldreya rolled her eyes. "So after I'm dead?"

  Jace smiled and patted her on the back. "If you weren't still around in a mere hundred years, my dear, I would be quite surprised."

  Aldreya looked confused, but said nothing.

  The smell of cooking food was making everyone hungry. Bazil Bearpaw, the Bard, did a few tricks and then played some songs for the crowd. He was dressed in a flamboyant purple-and-white outfit, including a wide purple hat and purple boots, and even his long black hair and beard were streaked with purple. He was so animated in his antics that he inspired roaring laughter and cheers from the crowd.

  "Have any of you ever seen an Elder Hawk's nest?" Bazil asked, waving his hat toward the crowd. "Anyone? If so, raise your hand."

  No one responded.

  Bazil pointed at Daledus. "Why, there's one right there!"

  Daledus looked confused for a moment. Then he caught on, roared laughter, and shook his beard. Bazil threw his voice so it sounded like a Hawk was hidden in Daledus' beard.

  And the celebration and laughter continued for a time.

  At last Taris and Furlus returned with a crate and stood before the Squires. "It is time to give out some promotions," said Taris. "Who wants to go first?"

  Prince Vannas nodded to Lannon. "I think it should be you."

  Lannon shook his head. "I wouldn't dream of going first."

  "I will," Jerret said eagerly, jumping up to cheers from the onlookers.

  "Actually," said Taris, "why don't you and Galvia both come over here."

  The two Squires went to the Tower Masters.

  "Give me your sashes," said Furlus.

  They removed their color sashes and handed them over. Furlus inspected them, and then tossed them into a nearby fire pit. "Good riddance!" he muttered.

  Everyone waited in tense silence, as Taris opened the crate and took out two Red sashes. They were Knightly sashes.

  Taris touched his stone dagger to each of their foreheads. "I now name you Master Galvia and Master Jerret, Red Knights of Dremlock!"

  They bowed, and the crowd roared with approval. Lannon was stunned. He hadn't expected Knighthood to be bestowed on them this quickly. However, considering all the combat they had endured and the fact that they had been part of the Divine Shield, he realized he shouldn't have been surprised. Yet he was astonished and thoroughly delighted, though he wondered if all of them were going to receive the same honor.

  "Aldreya Silverhawk," said Taris. "My apprentice...come forward!"

  Beaming, Aldreya hurried over and Taris touched her forehead with his dagger. Then Furlus presented her with a Grey sash. "I name you Master Aldreya."

  Aldreya bowed and stood by the other two.

  "Prince Vannas and Lothrin Windbow, come forward!"
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br />   The two Birlotes hurried over and were presented with Blue sashes. "I name you Master Vannas and Master Lothrin. Also, Prince Vannas now bears the last name of Dragonslayer, and henceforth no other Squire will be allowed to adopt that name."

  The crowd rose and cheered.

  Lothrin looked confused. "We're not highly skilled in the ways of this color class--not that I would turn down this promotion, of course."

  "You and your cousin are fully trained archers, correct?" said Taris. "Some Blue Knights are primarily archers, just as some are mainly swordsmen. It is a versatile color class with different warriors assigned different tasks. You two have been promoted based on one exceptional skill. However, it is expected that both of you will continue to learn and improve in other areas over time."

  Lothrin bowed. "Of course, Master Taris. I should have realized that. I think I'm in need of a good night of sleep."

  Taris smiled. "As we all are."

  Lannon wondered why he was last. Was it possible he wasn't going to be promoted to Knighthood after all he'd done for Dremlock?

  "Lannon Sunshield, come forward!" Taris said.

  Lannon approached them.

  Furlus handed him a Blue sash and nodded with approval.

  "I name you Master Lannon," said Taris, touching his forehead with the stone dagger.

  Lannon bowed, then noticed that his Blue sash was adorned with a small, silver eye symbol. "What is this?" he asked.

  Taris' face was somber. "You have earned the rank of a Dark Watchman, Lannon, by the will of the Sacred Laws of Dremlock."

  "But what does that mean?" asked Lannon, wondering if he should be pleased by this or wary of it.

  "It grants you special privileges," said Taris. "It means you will be looked to for guidance--more so than ever--and your opinion will carry much weight."

  Again Lannon bowed, and the crowd cheered louder than ever.

  "You are all Knights," said Taris, "but ranked at the very bottom of your color class. You still have much to learn. Now go and visit your old friend, who is doing quite well, before the food is done cooking. And enjoy yourselves!"

  Vannas, Lothrin, and Galvia returned to their table. They had never really known Vorden like the others and didn't want to intrude.

  The three young Knights paid a visit to Vorden, who was seated in the back of a wagon (still in irons). Vorden had progressed better than expected, a testament to his strong will--though he still had a long road to recovery ahead of him. He gazed at them with an expression of curiosity as they approached the wagon. His eyes still had a yellow tint, though it had faded some. He seemed relaxed and didn't appear to hold any malice toward the Squires.

  "Greetings," said Lannon. "How are you feeling?"

  Vorden shrugged. "It's a fine day. I like the warm weather." He shook his long black hair from his eyes and gazed up at the sun for a moment, squinting. "Yes, a fine day indeed."

  "I trust you'll be brought some food from the feast?" said Lannon.

  Vorden nodded. "I am kept well fed by my captors."

  "You look healthy enough," said Jerret. "Strong as a bull."

  "I feel strong," said Vorden. He gazed at Lannon. "Tell me--whatever became of Timlin?"

  Lannon sighed. He'd been hoping to avoid that topic for a while.

  "He's dead, right?" said Vorden. "You killed him."

  Lannon bowed his head. "He left me no choice."

  For a moment, Vorden's face showed a hint of sadness. Then his yellow eyes narrowed. "He got what he deserved, the fool. I won't miss him."

  "He can be at peace now," said Aldreya, "something he has never known."

  "I hope he suffers eternal torment," said Vorden, a shadow settling over his face. But then he shook his head, looking confused. "No, I don't hope that... I hope his soul finds rest. I don't know what I'm talking about sometimes. I think I'm evil."

  "You're not evil," Lannon insisted. "Far from it, Vorden. You're doing much better than the last time I talked to you. It's amazing!"

  "Maybe someday..." Vorden shook his head. "Never mind."

  "What?" asked Lannon.

  Vorden sighed. "Maybe someday I can be free from these irons."

  "Certainly," said Lannon. "Someday soon, I would guess. Then you can go back to training and become the great Knight you were meant to be."

  "I would just like to walk free again," said Vorden. "It's all I think about. Furlus said I was getting closer by the day, and Furlus is a wise Dwarf."

  Jerret chuckled. "Yes, he is. And I want you to know something, Vorden. I forgive you for taking control of my mind. I really do."

  "I know you do," said Vorden, "because you're weak and pathetic."

  Jerret's face darkened. Then he smiled. "You don't mean that."

  "You're right, I don't," said Vorden, looking ashamed.

  "We're Knights now," said Lannon, unable to hide his grin.

  "Well done," said Vorden. "You made it. If I can clear my mind of this...darkness, maybe I'll get there too."

  "You will," said Aldreya. "In fact, you might be the Lord Knight someday. You've always had the talent for it."

  Vorden laughed. "Not likely." He gazed up at the sun again and smiled. "But if I can be free, I think that's enough. Isn't freedom enough?"

  Lannon nodded. "There is nothing better, old friend."

  The End.