The Garnet Dagger

by Andrea R. Cooper

  They straightened the bench, and Nivel sat back down. With a wink at me, he glanced down at my trencher, and then sopped up his stew with another piece of bread. Empty. Nivel had switched the trenchers during the distraction.

  One of the monks, who had helped Nivel up, returned to his seat. I noticed a coin tied around his neck. Must have slipped from his robes when he leaned down.

  The copper blank side kept winking from the candle light at me.

  “What an interesting necklace.”

  From the corner of my vision, I saw Nivel glare at me.

  “May I see it?” I ignored his stare. It looked familiar. But was just an old coin.

  The monk slipped the cord past his hook nose and handed it to me.

  When I turned the coin over, the image of the woman with a fishtail stared back at me. My hand shook in anger. He had stolen this medallion from the man I sought.

  “Such detail. Did you make this?”

  “Brother Carry picks up trinkets from our prisoners.”

  I handed back the medallion. “And the prisoner?” I pretended to take a sip of the ale.

  “A fool.” Brother Carry replaced the necklace, tucking the medallion beneath the collar of his robes. “All but him is dead. They should’ve given up their lies and confessed.”

  “Confessed?” Nivel slurped up his stew.

  “Aye.” Brother Carry’s eyes narrowed. “Said they were on a quest to find a dragon that nearly wiped out their village.” His laughter brought my rage to a roaring boil. “Everyone knows dragons guard great treasure.” He fingered the medallion through his wool robe. “Probably where they took this. But when our soldiers spotted them, then they left everything behind. Hoping they could bide their time to get back. But all treasure belongs to the service of our Lord.”

  After three more bites, Nivel pushed back from the table. “Thank you for the meal. My son and I’ve eaten our fill.”

  The monks stood up and each gave a bow.

  My legs shook from wanting to fight as I rose and followed behind Nivel. “When may Father Morgan expect word from you?” the ruddy faced monk asked.

  “Within a fortnight.” Nivel’s cloak flapped behind him. “We’d like to visit the prisoner. The one with illusions of dragons. I’ve had to deal with enemies in my own land and know ways of extracting secrets.”

  “Excellent.” Brother Carry turned back to the dining chamber. “I will escort you.”

  The monk swept forward and shuffled down the hall.

  As we walked behind him, Nivel frowned at me. “Hope the cost of this isn’t our lives.”

  “Don’t worry. Last time I was here, I almost died. Things are going much better than that.”

  He gave me a look like I was insane, but I smiled and followed after the monk.

  Instead of taking the chambers to the tower, he led us down through a stairwell. An iron ring of keys rattled as he walked. I was glad I did not have to revisit the tower chambers.

  Memory of my escape with Celeste from there would haunt me — from the torture devices to the iron chain that had kept her bound.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Inside the dark chamber, Brother Carry’s torch lit the area around us as we approached a door. “Careful, his lies are almost believable.”

  “May I see the necklace?” Nivel asked.

  His hook nose appeared to elongate with his frown. “I don’t think you would be wise to take this in with him. Had to break his fingers to take it from him.”

  Nivel nodded and stepped aside.

  The monk slipped one of the iron keys into the lock. With a creak the door opened.

  “Is he alone?” I asked.

  “Aye. Took the bodies of his friends out when they stank up the place.” He jammed the torch into a holder. “Burned them in a funeral pyre like heathens.”

  I grimaced. But perhaps they would have wanted to die in flames as their loved ones had done. Before us, just outside of the reach of the torch, was a man chained to a chair. If not for my elf sight, I’d have thought him part of the wall.

  Stones were piled up around him.

  “His chains?”

  “Foolish if you unchain him.”

  “Let me worry about it.” Nivel drew his height up and peered down into the monk’s face. “Do you want your treasure or not?”

  “It’s on your heads then.” He unhinged the keys from his rope belt and tossed them to Nivel.

  “Forgive me.” Nivel fumbled the keys and they clanked against the stone floor. “I can’t grasp the keys, my leprosy.”

  The man in chains groaned. His dark hair hung in tangles around his face. Beard and moustache covered the lower half. So covered in dirt and grime, I could not tell the color of his skin or hair.

  “I’ll get them.” Brother Carry leaned over and snatched up the keys.

  With a shuffle, he bent to unlock the chains. One of the locks sprung open. The chain rattled against the floor.

  The man sprung to life and wrapped the loose chain around the monk’s neck. “Let me go or I’ll kill him.”

  Nivel held up his hands as if showing he had no weapons. The chain tightened against Brother Carry’s throat. His face flushed purple.

  “Please,” the monk wheezed, “help me.”

  “Take one step and he’s dead.” The man towered over the monk.

  “Do what you will. We’ll not stop you.” I answered. One less monk to worry about.

  Brother Carry’s eyes bulged as the chain squeaked tighter, and then his neck snapped.

  His body fell to the floor in a heap.

  “Who are you?” His hair matted. He wore no tunic, but grime covered his chest. Trousers were frayed.

  “Friends.” I gestured to Brother Carry on the floor. “He has your medallion.”

  “I know.” His eyes narrowed. “How do I know to trust you? This isn’t some trick.”

  In answer I slid out the coin pouch Nivel gave me from my boot and dug inside for the engraved medallion.

  While I searched, the man snatched the necklace from the dead body.

  “Your father sent me to deliver a message.” I clasped the medallion identical to his in my fist.

  “My father?” Still chained he took a step toward us as if he wished we were closer so he could strangle us as well.

  “Aye. Said for you to return home. Leave behind the quest to slay the dragon.” I approached him with my fist held out. Didn’t fear his touch. If he touched me, he’d die.

  He held up his palm and I noticed his fingers were green. Reminded of Celeste’s bruised fingers when I helped her escape this place.

  I opened my fist and let the medallion fall.

  Before I could breathe, he snatched up the coin and squinted at the engraving. He rubbed over the medallion with dirty fingers as though it was some saving token of the gods.

  “We don’t have much time.” I stepped forward and unlocked the remaining chains, careful not to touch his flesh. “If I distract the monks, can you escape through the back? The kitchens have a door leading to the hog trough. The stables are to the right.”

  “Thank you both.” He smiled. “I’m Gillespie.”

  “Brock and Nivel,” I answered.

  The final chain was loosened.

  “Go with him, Brock, just in case.”

  “Good idea.”

  “Change into the monk’s robes,” Nivel ordered Gillespie. Then to me he said, “With the hood of his robes up, he can pretend to be Brother Carry. You’ll need to drain the stablehand of his kajh. After Gillespie has a horse, bring our horses out front. Then meet me in the dining chambers.”

  “I am grateful,” Gillespie said. “But I can make it from here on my own.”

  “Nonsense. Let me help you until we reach the woods at least. This was my promise to your father. I’d rather leave you knowing you had indeed escaped in case I ever cross his path again.”

  “May the gods speed you on your journey,” Nivel said as he clasped Gillespie
on his shoulder.

  Nivel nodded and left.

  “What did he mean, drain his kajh?” Gillespie asked as he removed the robe off the dead monk’s body.

  “It’s my curse.” I waited at the foot of the stairs for him to change. My atrocity, I thought.

  Moments later he rushed past me to the stairwell. I chased him up the stairs and into the corridor.

  “Which way?” His hood covered his head. To avoid suspicion, he hunched down, for he was taller than the dead monk.

  “Left, down the hall. Two more lefts then a right and we’ll be in the kitchens.”

  Thankfully, Nivel must have corralled all the monks in the dining chambers, for none blocked our path. Rather we get out of here soon. I was anxious to find Celeste again and I worried about this Warloc getting his hands on her. My temper faltered. But was she any safer with me? I, who had to kill her?

  Busy with cleaning from the meal, the cook and monks did not even notice us pass.

  Outside, I saw the stables yards away. Before I could blink, a monk towered over us.

  “Where are you going?” he slurred and I smelled the liquor on his breath.

  “Brother Carry escorts me to ready our horses.”

  “Did Father Morgan give you permission to leave?”

  Gillespie nodded.

  “What’s wrong with your tongue Brother Carry?” His finger’s brushed back the hood. Bloodshot eyes blinked, as if at first not believing the sight.

  Gillespie’s hand shot out. The blow hit the monk in the throat.

  Tears watered in his eyes as he sunk to the grass. His hands over his neck as his mouth worked, but no sound came.

  “Help me get him inside the stables before someone sees us.” He replaced his hood and grabbed one of the monk’s arms.

  I grabbed the other arm. Tingling flooded into pain. My power wanted to devour this man, but his clothes protected him for now. And I staggered ahead, dizzy from the denial.

  Inside, I dropped the monk’s arm and backed away.

  “Watch where you step,” a grovel voice called out.

  I spun around. Another monk sat before me. His back was to the door as he worked loose a mare’s shoe.

  Before I could call out a warning, he turned and then gasped.

  “What happened to him?” Then as if seeing Gillespie, his face paled. His voice traveled on the wind as he screamed.

  “Quiet him — take his kajh. Whatever, just shut him up.” Gillespie was holding the wheezing monk.

  The stable monk stumbled back, his face red from screaming.

  Never did I ask for this curse. With wild eyes the man watched me approach. I held out my hand and felt the tugging behind my flesh.

  “No,” he screamed. “You’re the demon from before. The one who attacked Father Morgan.”

  But I didn’t recognize the man. Obviously, he was one of the monks present when I was brought here and met Celeste.

  He scooted into the corner of a stall. Then Gillespie removed the stallion stomping his hooves against the screaming intruder.

  After the horse was moved, I stretched out my hand, and clamped down upon the monk’s bare leg.

  In an instant, his screaming stopped. My power licked him as if my thirst would never quench. Smelled the hay and horses around me and the scent of tobacco on his robes.

  Then I knew him. Saw as he coddled young boys, then hushed their cries while he perverted them. Since he knew he would be found out, he then killed them. Buried their bodies underneath the boards of the stable floor.

  My stomach rolled at the sights, but I could not stop. This monster was more dangerous than I.

  “Time for your judgment,” I said into his pale face. My power quickened, but I fought to slow the devouring. Wanted him to feel each draw from his kajh until he was no more.

  Too soon blood poured from his eyes, nose and mouth, and still I drank him in.

  If not for Gillespie’s words shouting in my ear, I’d watch him rot.

  “Leave him be, he is dead. We have no time for this.”

  I flung my arm away from the monk. Then stood up: I was fed. But I knew the fullness of his kajh would not last long. I noticed Gillespie already had the stallion saddled.

  “Thank you for your help.” He mounted. “If anything comes in which I may repay the favor, just ask.”

  “First, we wait for Nivel by the river.” I wiped the sweat from my brow. Was it just my imagination, or did the monk’s corpse seem to smell as if days old?

  Gillespie clicked his tongue, and the horse galloped out of the stable. He had saddled our horses already. No doubt he knew which ones were ours, for all the others were a muted brown color.

  Hopefully Nivel kept the monks amused for a while longer.

  Chapter Thirty

  Nivel swept from the dining room when he saw me approach. The monks laughed as they sat at the tables, at some story he finished.

  “Ah, I see my son has returned and our horses are ready. I wish you farewell while I return to my estate to prepare for my son’s return with our fortune.”

  Like roaches scurrying after food, they rushed closer.

  “Allow us to walk with you to your horses.” The red-faced monk smiled.

  Nivel nodded.

  As we walked, Nivel chatted with them. Any moment someone may spot Gillespie galloping away. It was miles to the forest. Or check on Father Morgan and call out the alarm.

  The stone floor seemed to stretch before us. Counted the stones along the floor until we reached our escape.

  Did they notice Brother Carry did not return with us? What if they led us into a trap? Make us think we were safe and free. An ambush, perhaps they were just waiting for soldiers. I’d fight until I had no breath left. At least then I wouldn’t have to kill Celeste. Was there no other way to rid myself of this curse and help my people?

  One of the monks opened the door for us.

  Outside, Nivel dipped into a bow, which the monks returned. Relieved to leave this vile place, I clambered onto my horse. Waited while the monk and Nivel whispered to each other.

  “After my possessions are sold,” Nivel’s voice floated on the wind, “then my son, and I if I’m still alive, will return. At that time, he will begin his studies.”

  The ruddy monk seemed pleased with this, for his smile broke his face.

  Beneath me, my horse pawed at the ground, as though sensing my desire to leave.

  Nivel waved at the monks who lined inside the tower door. Then he mounted and set his horse to a saunter.

  When we’d traveled out of ear shot, I edged closer to him. “They’ll check on Father Morgan soon.”

  “Yes.”

  “Then they’ll send men after us.”

  He nodded.

  “Shouldn’t we move faster? Or would you rather have a battle now after all the time you spent avoiding one?”

  “Guilty men run.”

  “Withered roots,” I cursed and he glared at me. “We are guilty. Need to put as much distance between us and them.”

  “The tower stretches above the trees. Two monks watch us now.”

  My head turned partway, before his words stopped me.

  “Don’t. Trust me, they’re there.”

  I shrugged.

  “Over the next hill, then they’ll not see us anymore. And Gillespie will be safe.”

  As we dipped over the second hill, we led our horses into a gallop.

  At least if I couldn’t kill Celeste, one of my tasks was done. Never thought I’d fulfill my promise to the man in the village who swore dragons flew.

  Then I saw a flash of something ahead of us. Gillepsie’s horse. As we approached, I saw him waiting for us in the bushes.

  “Were you followed?”

  “Nay.” I answered.

  “How did you do that?” He mounted his horse and rode with us. “Killed that monk back there. You barely touched him.”

  How many more times would I have to explain my curse? I paused. Until Cel
este was dead by demands of the prophecy. Then I would be healed on the outside, but on the inside, I’d be the one dead.

  “My stain, if you will. I have been given this disease to drain the life of anyone I touch.”

  “If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, or you, Elvin, I would not believe either was possible.”

  “Pray that you never have to feel my curse for yourself.”

  He nodded.

  We rode through the rest of the afternoon and into night. The next day, Gillespie bid us farewell and left. I hid his trail just in case the monks followed. Rather they stumble upon us than an unarmed man.

  • • •

  Two days passed before Nivel held up his hand for us to stop. Until then, we walked the horses when they tired. We must have thrown the men chasing us off the trail, for there had been no sign of anyone.

  After I dismounted I eased the saddle off my horse. Brushed her down and scratched her underneath her chin.

  When my horse and Nivel’s mount drank up water from a nearby stream, I dug a fire pit. Started a fire while Nivel chewed on the bread I gave him from the monks. After emptying all the bread stuffed inside his pouch, he crawled beside the fire.

  Then when he had eaten, he bathed while I scouted the area to ensure no one followed us.

  “Wake me at dawn.” His silver hair was wet and dripped down his fresh robes. Didn’t he have any other clothing besides robes? This one was a dark green and if not for his hair, he’d have blended into the forest around us.

  I nodded, then took my own bath in the stream. Undressed, the water set my teeth to chatter even though I was only up to my knees. Clean, I dried off and dressed for tomorrow’s ride.

  Since I needed no sleep, I washed our clothes from the journey and hung them over branches to dry.

  Nivel’s snores rang through the trees. If anyone followed us, they’d hear him for miles. But perhaps they’d fear what beast could make such a sound and leave us be. A smile curled my lips at the thought.

  In the distance, mountains rippled like land waves. I had no idea where this Bramad was. But my heart quickened at the thought; we were close. Closer to Celeste.

  Hours passed as I watched the clouds drift overhead while Nivel slept. Prayed Celeste was safe. And perhaps in another life she would forgive me.