Riverdowns was visible in the distance as faint light climbed the sky. Kerreth led them on, not wanting to stop to make camp. His goal was in sight and he would not delay. When they came within a league of the city walls, Moria and Loric moved out of concealment and approached.
"What did you find?" asked Kerreth.
"A few Turucks hidden here and there," said Loric. "Again, the majority of the army moved north. The citizens are in hiding and none would speak to us. It is rumored that the Wizard Lockwell is still in the castle evading the Shadow Runners."
"Of course he is," said Blackthorne. "His magic radiates from the castle."
"I am sorry if my Celaeri blood is too impure to have the sensitivity of the great Sorcerer Blackthorne. I am surprised you even consent to ride with us lesser beings."
"Well, it has been trying," said Blackthorne.
"Can we ride clear into the city?" asked Kerreth.
"Yes," said Moria. "We moved safely down the main road. The sun will be up soon. We can wait for that, but I don't think it will be necessary."
"I agree," said Loric.
"Let's go!" said Elberra. "I want to meet one of these Shadow Runners. I haven't had a tough fight in a long time."
"Be patient my dear," said Loric. "We will bloody our blades soon enough. There are enough Turucks around Riverdowns for you to enjoy yourself. And if you can wait a day or two more we shall catch up to the main army."
"I shall look forward to it!" said Elberra. She flapped her wings excitedly.
"Why do you do that?" whispered Moria. "You get her all worked up."
"Keeps her interest," whispered Loric. "It's not good for an Anethean to be bored. Loses her edge."
"Let's move out," said Kerreth. "Hobart, move through the fields to the east and veer toward the city. Blackthorne, Dvorak, shield us."
A faint blue shimmer rolled over them and vanished. Kerreth knew the blue wasn't necessary but Blackthorne wanted Kerreth to know the request was completed. Blackthorne was independent, following his own counsel in most matters, but he would strictly follow any command Kerreth gave him. Kerreth often wondered if Blackthorne was atoning for some transgression from the time before he joined the Talos Company. Blackthorne, as the other members, did not speak of their previous life although from time to time a person from their past would appear. Kerreth especially enjoyed the Calendian noblewoman who chased Loric around Nantitet for a week. Loric was half Celaeri and long-lived but fled from the gray-haired woman as if she was a demon. Apparently there had been a memorable boat ride back when she was a teen. When she appeared in Nantitet, Loric lost his wits, peering behind every door, expecting her to jump out to kiss him. Thankfully, Dvorak had a spell that would keep her from seeing Loric while they were in town. Dvorak would not use a spell to alter someone's memory. Blackthorne would have for he had no such constraints, but he was not with them at the time. Dvorak was very steady in his values. They had a great laugh at Loric's expense, but Moria was not amused. She lectured Loric for weeks about stealing the affections of short-lived creatures and Taina and Elberra took her side. The males resorted to jokes only when the ladies weren't in earshot.
The gates of the city stood open, but on closer inspection the top hinges had been broken and the right hand gate hung crookedly and would not close. The Talos Company rode slowly through the entrance feeling the eyes of the townsfolk watching from their concealed places. Kerreth kept his gaze forward to the gate of the castle. He saw no guards and no people despite the crowing of roosters nearby. The town should be awake and bustling. No one hailed them as they rode down the streets neither did anyone dare leave their homes to watch the newcomers.
The silence was broken by the sound of clapping. Kerreth saw three figures standing at the gate to the castle. An extremely tall man, a squat person and a young man wearing soiled clothes. Kerreth looked to Blackthorne who nodded.
"Well met, Lockwell," said Kerreth. "You have evaded Tag Makk's nets."
"That I have, Kerreth Veralier. What's more, let me present King Kal of Masina, who wishes to join in your pursuit of Tag Makk."
"You are most welcome," said Kerreth. They had reached the gate and dismounted. Lockwell looked at Blackthorne and nodded in greeting. "Who is this patriot?"
"Ah, this is Quink, late the king's jester, first my comrade in rebellion against Edward, now my comrade in intrigue against the Turucks." Lockwell looked the company over, smiling to himself.
"The Talos Company is quite the collection of misfits and half-breeds. Nearly immortal too! Ah, I miss Altair. Gorm! How are you old friend? Taina? Is it really you?"
"Lockwell," said Gorm. "You are a marvel. I thought you died years ago."
"No such luck. I am trapped in this world for eternity it seems. Nothing seems to be able to claim my life."
"You have not faced the Menaloch," said Navir.
"No, I haven't and I mean not to face it. Navir, you are the one trapped," said Lockwell. "You do not wish to live, so why exist?"
"I cannot answer that, only my time is not yet finished. There is more for me to do."
"Ah, the Altenguds still rule us, be they dust or not," said Lockwell.
Navir did not answer. He wandered inside the castle.
"Sour old puss, isn't he?" said Lockwell.
"He'll never change," said Gorm. "Ten thousand years plus he's been that way."
"Is he really that old?" asked Quink.
"Yes, he is," said Kerreth. "Navir is unique in his great age. But there are many with life spans far beyond men. Every one of us has seen at least three hundred summers."
Quink looked at the faces of the Talos Company.
"Some look human."
"Half breeds, as Lockwell indicated," said Blackthorne. "Now why do we waste the daylight?"
"Lockwell, lead us through the corridors and we will remove the Turucks from Riverdowns," said Kerreth. "Then we shall go find Tag Makk."
The Talos Company separated into two groups, one led by Lockwell; one led by Quink, and entered the castle. Lockwell used his magic to search for the Turucks and Blackthorne, in Quink's group, used his sorcery to find their quarry. Dvorak Annis lagged behind with Hobart Hufflen and used his own magic to search. Soon, they were separated from the other groups.
"How do they hide in shadows?" asked Hobart. "I never understood that. They are flesh and blood aren't they?"
"Yes, the Turucks are, but the Shadow Runners are no longer alive," said Dvorak. "The sunlight does something to them, dissolves their physical form so they drift into the dark places. If they were trapped in the sunlight, they would slowly burn away like a puddle in the hot summer sun."
They moved slowly through the corridors, peering into empty rooms until they found themselves in the sitting room where Henry had been killed. The blood still stained the floor.
"Well, it might have been a cozy room," said Hobart after noticing the blood.
"Might as well wait for the others here," said Dvorak. "I cannot sense any Turucks, not that I really know what to look for in these shadows. Blackthorne rarely shares knowledge with me."
"Don't complain. I bet there's stuff in his old head that you don't want to know about. Things have a way of jumping loose out of a sorcerer when he reveals secrets. The damn things piggyback on thoughts and the like. Awful creepy. Are you sure you're not a sorcerer?"
"A mage, Hobart. I am a mage. There is quite a difference you know."
"No, I don't know. I've never been comfortable with magic and traveling with the two of you for years hasn't made my mind easier."
A door swung open and a surprised face stared at them. Before the newcomer could move, Dvorak immobilized him. The man stood stiff, his eyes wide and darting around.
"Who is it?" asked Hobart.
"I don't know but he came through a secret door. I think we better keep him right where he is until Lockwell gets back."
A moan came from the man when Lockwell's name was mentioned.
"Ho,
sounds like he doesn't like that idea," said Hobart. "Wonder what he's done?"
"Done?" said Quink, standing in the doorway. "He's a traitor to Eslenda. He deserves to be hung for that alone."
"Easy, Quink," said Lockwell. "Don't enrage yourself. This type of thing needs to be done carefully."
"Who is it?" asked Kerreth.
"Roger Diggs," said Quink. "A physician and traitor. I believe he killed Henry. Look, he came through a secret door. When Hal left Henry, Diggs came through that door, killed Henry and left again. He framed Hal!"
"I didn't kill Henry," gasped Diggs. "I only took Hal's knife when I bumped into him earlier. Edward ordered me to steal the knife. I didn't kill Henry. I'm a physician, I save lives!"
"Who did you give the knife to?" asked Lockwell.
"Cane! I gave it to Cane!"
"Cane murdered Henry?" asked Quink.
"I don't know. I was already drinking in the great hall when the news came. I only gave him the knife. I didn't ask any questions."
"Is he telling the truth?" asked Kerreth.
"I can find out," said Blackthorne.
"No need," said Lockwell. "I will have time to question him closer after you are on your way. Quink and I will find out everything Diggs knows."
"He's fainted," said Quink.
"No worry, we will revive him."
"You will stay here?" asked Kerreth.
"Yes," said Lockwell. "We must set wards around the castle. I have projects that cannot fall into the wrong hands. I know Blackthorne has sensed them. I am surprised that you did not mention them."
"I was about to," said Blackthorne, "when I saw one for myself. Whatever it is you are working on must be extremely dangerous."
"To certain people, it is very dangerous."
"Lockwell is this something we need to worry about?" asked Kerreth.
"No, Kerreth. Local business only to remain on Amloth."
"Are the Daerlan at risk?" asked Navir.
"No," said Lockwell. "I am trying to re-energize some talismans. But their power is useful to a select few."
"That's good," said Gorm. "Too bad more magic items did not have such limitations."
"Yes, I agree," said Navir. "I would study this technique of yours, Lockwell. It may be useful."
"Begging your pardon, Navir," said Lockwell. "The result is useful, the technique is foul and I will speak no more about it."
"Very well," said Kerreth. "It's time to ride. King Kal, are you ready?"
"Lead on, good Veralier. I shall be one of your company for a little while. May I prove honorable."
"I do like him," said Taina.
"Mother," whispered Moria. "King Kal is mortal. You can't be serious! That's the reason why we have to watch Loric when he's out for an evening. Are you getting the same sickness?"
"Oh, all right."
Kerreth shook his head and saluted Lockwell and Quink. He turned his horse to the northwest and set off at a trot. The Talos Company followed him into the fields. Lockwell and Quink stood watching.
"A curious group," said Quink. "I almost wish there was a place for me with them."
"Yes, a nice thought and you would be welcome. However, you are mortal and would be long dead before they even noticed."
"You are cheery, Lockwell. Thanks."
"I think you look to me for the wrong things, Quink. I am never cheery. Come, we have work to do."
Chapter 25
The Turuck soldiers that left the main host rounded to the west of Far Greening, burning the outlying homes as they approached the walls. The houses had been abandoned in haste; doors hung open, pots still simmered over their fires. A trail of dropped items led to the walled city. Hal was occupied to the south by the main force leaving Bert Kalen's small castle force to stop the west attack. Several dozen Nunari had remained at Far Greening in thanks of James joining Lan Tagjet's quest. They joined the defenders to repel the Turucks. Bert Kalen allowed people to shelter inside the castle but forced the men to pick up arms to defend the city and castle. He knew the Turucks would burn the city if they breached the walls but he had too few to defend both the city and the castle.
Bert Kalen cursed the Turucks for the burning and knew the siege could end badly. He ordered water to be ready and called his sergeants to him.
The people of Far Greening fletched arrows and gathered any tool that could be used as a weapon. Most of the soldiers had gone with Hal. Bert Kalen looked down at the faces of children and their grandparents armed to fight. The castle would not resist long.
"We may slow them if we send a sortie at them," said Bert Kalen. "But we have too few defenders. We cannot send out more than a handful. They must be volunteers. I cannot command a soldier to certain death."
"Then move quickly," said Elizabeth. "Or the chance will be lost. Who will lead the sortie?"
"I will," said Bert Kalen. "They are my men. I cannot ask them to do what I will not."
"No, I'll lead it," said Ank Rak, the Nunari Bearclaw. "You are needed here. I do not know castle warfare. I will only get in the way. On open ground I give my best. I will take whoever volunteers."
"I may not be able to open the gates to let you back in."
"I understand. I am a warrior. I know the odds. Be at peace Eslendian. I will do what I must and so will you." Kalen looked at the strong tanned features of the muscular man- the dark eyes, the determined chin. There was no doubt in Ank Rak.
"So be it." Bert Kalen shouted for volunteers to join Ank Rak.
The Nunari gathered around Ank Rak and listened to the Bearclaw exhort them to fight for Nuneland as well as Eslenda. He noticed a tall Eslendian girl dressed as a guard had joined the Nunari. All the Nunari and a dozen Eslendians rushed through the gates, veering west to meet the enemy. Arrows rained from the walls onto the Turucks then Ank Rak hit them. A bull of a man, his sword cut through shields and armor as the pushed back the point of the Turuck line. The Turucks fought fiercely and Ank Rak could not help but admire their prowess. Still, he gave no quarter and Turuck after Turuck fell to his blade.
Ank Rak drove back his enemies, his onslaught fierce and overpowering. His great strength and stamina overwhelming. His sword struck time and again without respite. The Turucks force was larger but it could not sweep aside the defenders. The Turuck commander ordered his line to lengthen around the defenders and close in around them. The Nunari fought well but the numbers finally began to weigh on them. As they tired fresh Turucks rushed to take their comrades places and the Nunari strength wore down and they began to die.
Amidst the battle, Ank Rak sensed someone fighting back to back with him. His opponent fell and he risked a look behind him. A tall woman hacked the arm off a Turuck and turned to Ank Rak grinning.
"This is why I joined the guard!" cried Teresa Butler.
Ank Rak saluted her and returned to his fighting.
The Turucks fell back drawing the defenders after them, and then hit the defenders with a dozen Shadow Runners. The defenders were overwhelmed, falling back behind Ank Rak and Teresa Butler. Teresa struck first but found the speed of the Shadow Runners put her on the defensive. She blocked, and blocked again, giving ground to her foes. She stumbled, a blade caught her thigh, and she fell. A shadow stood over her and she heard his voice.
"None shall pass!" cried Ank Rak.
His blade was a blur as he held off the Shadow Runners. The defenders took courage and pushed forward to engage the Turucks. The battle went on.
Teresa got to her feet in time to kill the Shadow Runner creeping behind Ank Rak. She pulled her sword out of its neck and engaged the enemy again. Ank Rak smiled as she stood alongside him again. She ignored the pain in her leg, it was a shallow wound and there was no time for it.
The Turucks outnumbered them and cut through their ranks too easily. Many Nunari died in their path. Ank Rak motioned Teresa to a rise and they fought back to back, keeping the Turucks at a disadvantage. But the majority of the Turucks passed them by, heading for the
castle. A dozen Turucks remained around Ank Rak and Teresa. After half of the Turucks lost their lives, the others ran to the company assailing the castle, leaving the two defenders alone.
"We have been cut off. See, more Turucks have come to join the siege," said Ank Rak. "We cannot return to the castle."
"Can we aid them?"
Ank Rak sighed and rested on his bloody sword, tip stuck in the earth. He looked for their fellow defenders but the ground was covered in dead.
"We are only two, fierce thought we may be. We cannot help them, but perhaps we can find help. Prince James and Lan Tagjet headed northward and I hope will be returning soon. They must be warned before they walk into the hands of the Turucks."
"But we are to the southwest of the castle. The Turucks are stationed all around it. We will have to travel up the coast to evade them."
"You are correct, Teresa. We have far to go."
Teresa tried to catch her breath, thinking of their choices. Ank Rak was right: they had to warn Prince James.
"I like your accent. I like the way you say my name." She was still flushed from battle and bounced on the balls of her feet. Ank Rak smiled at her youth.
"I like saying your name. You are a strong warrior, Teresa Butler. I am glad you are with me."
"Me too," she said softly.
Ank Rak grasped her hand and together they scavenged supplies from the dead Turucks and headed north. They moved slowly through the brush into the longer grasses well away from the lines of the Turucks. Far Greening was completely surrounded by the enemy.
"The ground is too open for us to approach the river," said Ank Rak. "We must go further west to the edge of the forest to be able to reach the river without being spotted. If they see us heading for the forest they will assume we are merely escaping. If they catch us on the river it will go ill for us."
The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1) Page 23