Stoc (A New Druids Series Book 3)

by Donald D. Allan

  The council member from Turgany spoke up. "How is the threat from overseas no longer a threat? What proof do you have?"

  Healy suppressed a desire to laugh, Turgany was playing right into his hands. I had never offered proof all those years ago of an overseas threat and the chamber accepted my words without hesitation and now they want proof it was gone? "I'll do better than proof." Healy turned to the exit and nodded to the guard positioned there. They man turned and opened the door and called out.

  The chamber looked questioningly at one another and at Healy. Conversations rose. They looked toward the doors and many leaned forward to get a better look. Footsteps could be heard and then a man emerged into the torch light. The man strode with confidence into the hall looking straight ahead. He wore a strange garb: loose black cloth wrapped about his form and was held in place with brown leather straps. He was adorned with heavy gold jewellery encrusted with precious stones and gems. A naked and glimmering great curved sword hung from his belt. He sported a pointed black beard and his head was covered with a cloth ring hat from which scarves hung and wrapped around his head to disappear behind him.

  Healy beamed at the chamber. "I have the honour to present the emissary from Cian-Oirthear. Sirs, I present the honourable Kamal Sherwami, advisor to Mushir Adham."

  The man bowed deep at the waist to the gasps from the chamber and righted himself. He bowed his head to Healy. "My thanks, Lord Protector, you humble and honour me." He turned to the chamber. "Sirs, I am here as an emissary from the great Mushir Adham himself, leader of our great and vast realm of Cian-Oirthear—a land of rolling sand, sweet figs, beautiful women, and riches beyond imagining. He bade me present myself to you and tell you that we are allies and friends. We do not look upon your land with hunger and greed. I am here to tell you that an agreement of friendship and mutual support is to be signed by my hand at his behest.

  "Mushir Adham is an honourable man. Yet he knows men of power must protect their land and have sworn oaths to defend that land and cannot trust words alone. For this reason, we bring a great gift."

  Kamal turned to the exit and beckoned. The chamber watched as two guards struggled to carry in a large wooden chest. They struggled to carry it across the hall, sweat pouring down their faces from the strain. After a time, they halted near the Lord Protector and lowered the chest to the stone floor with a thud that could be felt throughout the chamber. The guards stood and looked to Healy. Healy nodded, and the men removed the large clasp and lifted the hinged lid. Gasps from the chamber filled the hall, and many rose from their seats to look closer. The chest was filled with gold bars, stacked within and gleaming in the flickering light. It was a fortune in gold, enough to fund the country for decades.

  Kamal waved a hand over the chest. "This gift from Mushir Adham is proof that any threat from our land is no longer. We present the gift of peace."

  Healy stepped forward and stood beside Kamal and placed his arm around his shoulders. "There is more. Kamal has a tale from his land that will strike fear into your hearts. I tell you that on hearing this tale you will understand the need for this alliance. Kamal, if you please."

  Kamal looked out at the council members. "My friends, my tale is a horror and I ask your forgiveness for raising such stories of evil in this respected house of your government. Many decades ago, my land faced a threat unlike any we had ever faced. From within, demons rose throughout our land to strike at us. They tore into the very heart of our people. Fear ruled our land. We were vanquished at every turn. Nothing we could do could stop their insipid advances. Our armies were powerless against them. They used the powers of magic to take us down and render us defenceless. Friends turned into enemies. Wives and children rose with evil in their hearts and eyes.

  "Over many years we fought. We looked once to cross to your lands to escape the threat but then Mushir Adham found the way forward. A way to thwart the evil they represented. I am here to tell you that thanks to Mushir Adham my land has eradicated this threat from within. My people are trained in recognising and defeating this magic and wiping the evil from the land."

  Healy stepped forward and swept his arms out to his sides. "The Revolution revealed this threat to Belkin many years ago. I advised this very chamber of that threat. It revealed itself attempting to take my life and seize control of our government. Thankfully, the Archbishop thwarted it and revealed the demons that lived amongst us. We fought long and hard that night eradicating the threat. Munsten burned for a week. Do you remember?"

  Many of the council nodded their heads in unison. They sat forward in their seats, eyes glancing to the chest of gold. Healy shook his head in sadness.

  "Men, women, and children you knew as friends and family were users of this magic. They could enter your minds and steal your ability to defend yourself. The very same demons that Cian-Oirthear fought for decades are here present in Belkin. I myself witnessed this great horror. I still wake from nightmares. But I tell you, from the ashes grew a great strength. From within the Church a group was established with the skills to defeat this enemy. They have defended this realm for years in humble obedience to the Church. Until today we had thought they had won." Healy looked around the chamber and saw he had the complete attention of everyone. Many sat on the edge of their seats, horror and fear on many of the faces.

  "But there is more," Healy paused and the two guards moved suddenly toward the council member from Turgany. They seized him and carried him forward despite his cries and struggles. The nearby council members moved to distance themselves. "Silence, Turgany!" One of the guards wrapped the crook of his arm over the mouth of the council member. His eyes were wide and afraid and he cried out muffled against the arm. In a moment, he seized his struggles when it became clear he could not escape. His eyes darted fearful to the other council members pleading for help.

  Many of the chamber looked uncomfortable and Healy noted them all before continuing. "Turgany has raised an army that seeks to strike at the heart of our government. They are assisted by the very threat the Church hoped to eradicate. The Church has failed and the number and strength of these demons are greater now than ever."

  Many in the chamber cried out in alarm at these words. Healy waited for calm to return.

  "Sadly, I must also report that the threat has infected our Army and Guard. Many within, despite their oaths, now side with the evil and threaten to conduct such treason it almost takes my heart away. For this reason, I must sentence those treasonous members of the Army and Guard to the dungeons to await trial. As we speak, loyal members of the military are moving against them. Arrests are occurring across our great land. This will leave us in a much weaker state against the threat, I'm afraid, but it cannot be helped. We find ourselves far too weak. Coupled with the insurgence across the realm, I fear for our future.

  "I have; therefore, asked Cian-Oirthear for assistance. My request was answered immediately. The emissary, Kamal, has not only brought us gold to fund this war, but sends us troops trained in striking down this evil and its magic. They arrive within weeks here in Munsten and Jergen. With our loyal remaining Army we will strike down this uprising and secure the port of Jergen from Turgany's treason and secure our capital from this great threat."

  The hall erupted in shouts from the council. Guards poured in from the wings and positioned themselves around the hall. Healy stood in silence and waited in patience. In time, the cries calmed, and the council looked worryingly at the guards. The representative from Turgany was trying to be heard through the arm that covered his mouth. Healy looked at him and shook his head.

  "This is a time of strife and turmoil. We must stand united at this terrible period of our history. We can no longer tolerate weakness, or petty politics. You are the sworn representatives from the counties and people of Belkin. This is a land under a terror threat from within. We can no longer abide those intolerant to change. We are a house divided and I can no longer tolerate it. I am going to call out names of members of the council. When yo
ur name is called, you will stand and quietly leave this great hall, never to return."

  The chamber looked from one to another. Fear filled the faces of many. When the first name was called, the man leapt to his feet and pleaded for mercy. Healy ignored him and when he wouldn't move to the exit, he nodded to a guard who stood along the wall. He moved up and led the man, still protesting his innocence, out of the hall at sword point.

  Over the next several minutes sixteen council members were removed. Some fought and were struck down and dragged unconscious out of the room. Most accepted their fate and chose to leave the hall with dignity. Some chose that moment to start laying down lies of collusion. They shouted and screamed to be heard until they were dragged out of the hall. In time the hall grew quiet. Those that remained looked relieved and looked to Healy with hope. He stood calmly and then he gestured to the council member from Turgany still held by the guards.

  "This man from Turgany is the worst of them all. He knowingly came to these hallowed chambers while the Baron of Turgany, his liege, formed an illegal army and marched against the Realm. I sentence him to death for high treason. Kamal, you may have the honours."

  The guards holding the council member released the man's head and pushed him over a desk until his neck and head were exposed. They held him still despite his aggressive struggles to escape.

  "Healy! You won't get away with this! It's you who is treasonous! There is no internal threat, just..."

  Kamal moved like the wind. He whirled and drew his sword and in one smooth motion he cleanly separated the council member's head from his shoulders. The head landed with a heavy thud and a great arc of blood fountained from the neck, once, twice, and then three times. Each time reaching less and less farther until it abruptly stopped. Those seated in the front row of the chamber looked down in horror at the blood covering their clothes. A few council members were violently ill and threw up the contents of their stomachs.

  Healy looked out to the council members and the Chamber of Representatives. "In these times of great strife we can no longer hold on to the ways of old. Decisive decisions will need to be made. For these reasons, I declare Belkin the New Republic of Belkin and I, its President. I will bring order to the realm. I have spoken."

  A spattering of applause started within the chamber and in moments it rose to a thundering noise. The name Healy chanted over and over.

  Much later that evening, President Healy sat at his table in his private chambers and beckoned to the chair opposite him. Kamal Sherwami bowed his head and sat. On the table was a modest spread of wines and fine cheeses. Healy took a small knife and cut off small pieces and laid them on his side plate. He handed the knife to Kamal, and he took his time to select his own choices. Once the wine was poured Healy sat back and smiled.

  "A good beginning, wouldn't you say?"

  "Yes, most promising. The land is prepared for the arrival of Mushir Adham and his army. Glory be to his name."

  "The gold was a nice touch," Smiling Healy turned and indicated the chest of gold his men had left with him to enjoy before it was deposited in the vault.

  Kamal coughed into his hand. "It is but a ruse, surely you know this?"

  Healy jerked his head to stare at Kamal. "What do you mean a ruse? You promised me gold!"

  "And it is coming, my friend, it comes with Mushir. It rides safe with his army. Fear not!"

  Healy rose and strode over to the chest and yanked the lid open. He reached in and pulled out one of the gleaming bars and straining carried it over to the table. He dropped it next to his plate of cheese and grabbed the knife. With the knife clutched tight in his hand he scored the top of the gold. He stood panting and then collapsed into his seat and draped his arms over the armrests of the chair. He stared morosely at the bar before him. Beneath the deep scratch on the surface the dull shine of lead was revealed.

  "Lead," he said with little strength. "You give me lead painted with gold."

  "Of course, John. What did you expect? You failed to deliver your own gold and so we prepared this for you instead."

  Healy sat staring at the gold for a time before reaching out and grabbing his wine glass. He downed his wine in shuddering gulps and then filled it again. He stared at the full glass and then with a cry threw it across the room. It shattered against the far wall and a bright wet stain of red wine covered the wall, floor and drapes.

  "No, no, no! I will not have it! We had an agreement you and I! A deal! I have risked everything for this venture. You promised me gold, power, men at my disposal and access to the eastern trade routes. Already the deception your country is known to be so capable of rears its ugly head. What do you offer me but lies and treachery?"

  Healy strode over and stood before his fireplace and stared at the burning coals. His left hand rested on the mantle near where his sword hung mounted on the wall. He heard Kamal rise behind him, heard the scrape of the lead bar from the table, and he turned to watch Kamal place the bar back in the chest. Kamal kept his back to Healy.

  "Mushir Adham is a tolerant man, John Healy. He has waited patiently for you to prepare this land for his presence. You would best remember the aid our land has provided you in the past."

  "Aid? You have offered little in the way of support. We had agreements between your country and mine."

  "And that has not changed. We left you alone for all those years. Now you must be patient. The troop ships arrive here in Munsten and in Jergen in one of your fortnights. I trust their landings will be welcomed?"

  Healy glanced at the sword on the wall and then returned to the table. He selected a piece of blue marbled cheese and popped it into his mouth. He grabbed the decanter of wine and poured another glass. "Yes, of course. All will be prepared."

  "And Bairstow? What of him? I have heard he escaped your net."

  "It's true. The former Knight General of my Army, Frederick Bairstow, caught wind of the seizures and fled into hiding within the city with some of his men. The men loyal to me are searching house-to-house for him now. He can't have gotten far. His remaining men loyal to him have been rounded up and culled. He is alone out there and an old man. Fear not. He offers little in the way of threat. I know him. I understand what makes that man tick. His honour will be his undoing. I have someone he wants."

  "So you say, but I have seen men like him achieve great things with less."

  "Such as?" Healy turned to stare at Kamal and found him looking lost in thought. For a moment Healy was sure the image of Kamal had blurred. Healy rubbed his tired eyes. Kamal felt the eyes on him and smiled back.

  "No matter. History has a way of repeating itself, no? We should be celebrating you and I! You are the self-appointed President of the New Republic of Belkin! Never has one man achieved such power in this realm. You are a force to be reckoned with, my friend!"

  Healy smiled and took a large sip of wine. "True. This will be a night of much celebration. This republic nonsense seems ideal. Tell me, where did..."

  A knock sounded at his outer chamber door.

  Healy called out to the other room. "Enter!"

  The outer door opened and female voices could be heard murmuring. In a moment four women entered the private room dressed in little than silks. They were frightened and looked about the room and stared at the shattered wine glass and spilt wine. They refused to make eye contact.

  "Come in, come in! Nothing to fear!" intoned Healy with a smile spread across his face. "You're with the President. All is well."

  The man known as Kamal Sherwami rose from the bed in his chamber. He glanced for a moment at the still figures of the two women who lay huddled under the covers of his bed. Kamal gave them no thought and rose to head over to the chamber next to his. He peered inside and saw Healy passed out with the other two women lying unconscious across the bed.

  Whether they were beaten or worse, Kamal could not tell, and didn't care.

  Healy is becoming too unpredictable. Too fast to anger. Unstable. But for now still valuable.
>
  Kamal shimmered in the room and for a moment a figure made of solid black stood in his place. His body absorbed all light so much that no visible features could be discerned. One of the women on the bed looked up for a moment and her gaze swept past him without focus.

  The creature known as Erebus smiled and shimmered back into the figure of Kamal. Soon Healy would no longer matter. Belkin was the last significant land that continued to resist him. Once it was his he would own this world at long last. The millenniums of fighting were almost over.

  Seven

  Jergen - Cathedral - February 901 A.C.

  BRENT BAIRSTOW CLASPED the extended hand of James Dixon and pulled the man up to his feet. They stood in the back courtyard of the Cathedral. Brent had the tables and chairs removed and converted the area into a small sparring pit. Winter was upon them, but only a light dusting of snow covered the ground. The weather so close to the sea was often mild of temperature, but could often become fierce with gales and sleet. So far, the winter had been mild.

  Brent had insisted the members of the Sect learn new skills other than those of thieves—as he had called them. They had formed an uneasy truce here in Jergen. Over the past months Brent had met with all the remaining Sect members in the region and with the vicar in Jergen. Brent knew they were all men and women of faith but they were stubborn. Years of isolation from the tenants of the Church had changed them. They chose violence as the first course of action and were far removed from teachings of the Church has they could be. Brent pitied them. Especially the vicar Martin Jordan. He was a good man who had suffered with the burden of knowledge of what the Sect had done in God's name. He had believed the druids to be evil with all his heart and was having a hard time believing Brent and James when they related the tales of healing from the druids. Brent met with them frequently and had become a leader of sorts. The events in Jaipers and at the farm had given them enough doubt to accept him. Martin had confided he had a good feeling about him at least.