The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1)

by Jim Greenfield

  The shapes around him became indistinct and fog floated in his vision. He wasn't conscious of where he was going, just that he needed to continue. He felt someone touch him on the arm. He stumbled and the hands grew tight upon him. He thought someone spoke to him but the words were so far away. The words teased him, dancing just beyond his comprehension then vanishing into the mist surrounding his head. The voices outside his head fought with the voices inside him. He could not shake them, but his frustration twisted his thoughts, as he could not discern the words.

  He did not know how long he continued that way but he knew he had stopped moving just as he knew he no longer carried the Kaliga. He just could not remember when the ground rose up and smacked his face.

  "He's down!" shouted Sena. Jed Turlane came to help roll James over. Sena brushed his face clean of dirt. She checked for bruises and cuts. She put a pack behind his head and kissed him briefly.

  "Might as well rest awhile," said Lan Tagjet as he watched the tenderness his daughter offered James. "James will need to rest before he can move again. Per, are you up to this task? James only carried it a couple hours."

  "I must be," said Per Tagjet. "Prince James and I are the only bearers of the Kaliga. No one else should move it but Sena and she needs to save her strength for that ordeal. I am Nunari. I am equal to my task."

  Per Tagjet saluted his father and went to check on the condition of the others.

  Sena made James comfortable. Jed watched her care for his prince and softened toward her. Sena's life was Jed's responsibility now, just as James' welfare was his task. Jed gave Sena food and water from his stores.

  Lan Tagjet moved the Kaliga out of the path and leaned it against a tree. It was brief but the sucking of his energy started with the first touch. The sensation flowed up his arm, pulling on everything it touched. He felt nauseous and quickly walked away from it. The Kaliga was almost alert; it sensed when Lan was nearby and its jewel glowed dimly. When Lan moved closer the intensity of the glow increased. It troubled him and he went to talk to Onyax Lor.

  "How much further?" Sena asked Jed Turlane.

  "We shall cross the Nunari border tomorrow afternoon," said Jed Turlane. "It won't be long until we hear word of the King and the war."

  "Do you expect good news?" asked Sena.

  "No," said Jed Turlane. "Not good news, but we shall know the situation. I have learned much from James during my service to him. There is always something we can do once we know what we face. No situation is too grim as long as we reserve the right to change our minds."

  "Change your minds? Do you mean throw your plans away?"

  "Yes. James is a master of adapting to the situation. When he was younger, he fought with men to the death and he took the opportunity offered him, he did not try to force his plans to the situation. He adapted, he won. It's always been that way with James."

  "This country has changed so much in ten years. I should know the land but I don't. I have walked this country as a tracker yet it is unknown to me. I am not comfortable here. I don't think I can return to stay."

  "You have seen nothing familiar?" asked Jed.

  "No. It's as if my memory was scraped clean. There is shadows of memories but what should be there is gone."

  "Was it difficult, those years?"

  "At times. Often we just worked, ate and slept but we were not abused, not by the guards. It was Lockwell that brought evil upon us. I do not recall that he did anything to me, but he took a lot of the prisoners away and the ones that returned had changed. But not all returned."

  "Lockwell. I get the chills whenever I am near him. How did King Henry have these prisoners without anyone knowing about it?"

  "You said it yourself," said Sena. "Lockwell."

  "How did the prisoners change?"

  "Can't say for certain, but they seemed disoriented and some could not remember their names. Their eyes looked like they were seeing places not on Landermass. It was as if their souls had been ripped out and then restored but the memory of where the souls went could not be comprehended. I'm afraid the same thing may have happened to me."

  "Lockwell has much to answer for," muttered Jed Turlane.

  Per Tagjet stumbled and dropped the Kaliga. It falls heavy on the turf. His feet shuffle and he trips. He watches the ground rise up to meet him and then he is stopped before he hits the ground. He feels strong hands gripping him. He looks up into Daerlan features.

  "Navir?" he said hoarsely. "You came back?"

  "You are tired," said Navir. "The burden is too much for you. You must rest. I have brought friends."

  The Talos Company stepped from concealment. The blue winged figure of Elberra startled Onyax Lor into action. She rose out of the darkness, winged spread as a harbinger of doom. He had seen such demons in the mists where his mother lived. He knew how to deal with them. He brought out dust from a pouch and hurriedly spoke words of power. A firm hand rested on his wrist. A tall dark mustached man with eyes that flickered red faced him. Onyax Lor sensed the sorcery around them.

  "You are among friends, Wiseman of Nunari," said Blackthorne. "I can shield your spells in a blink and you would feel pain, but we are not enemies. Have no fear and set aside your magic."

  Onyax Lor looked into his eyes and felt himself relax.

  "Should I know you?"

  "No. My name is Blackthorne and I am a sorcerer. I travel with friends. We are here to help you. That man is our leader."

  The thick figure strode out of the darkness, his muscles straining his sleeves as he sheathed his sword. He looked at each one of James's companions measuring them in his mind.

  "I am Kerreth Veralier and we are the Talos Company. We are on your side against the Turucks. We have been looking for you."

  "Thank the gods," muttered James. "We are nearly spent."

  "You are Prince James? Navir has told us your peril and your quest. We are here to guide you to safety. Blackthorne can shield the Kaliga for a time so it may be carried safely. But now, let's rest for a spell; there will be time for questions later."

  The Talos Company set up a camp and provided food for the questers. Taina and Hobart served hot soup while Gorm brought out wine. The Nunari were wary of the Anethean, but Elberra kept her distance. Loric and Darkin Root stood guard.

  Jed Turlane sat next to Sena and James. James leaned on her shoulder, barely able to keep his eyes open.

  "The Talos Company is real?" asked Jed Turlane.

  "It seems so," said James.

  "We are so trusting, James. How can we be sure they are friends? All we know is the children's stories that are generations old. How much truth was in the stories? I can see Daerlan, mixed races of Men and who knows what, plus the blue demon, and the tiny fellow."

  James didn't appear to hear him. Sena nudged him awake. His eyes began to focus on a familiar shape.

  "There's your answer, Jed," said Sena. "See who travels with the immortals?"

  "James?" Several figures walked to them and Elizabeth crouched down and felt his forehead.

  "Mother? Queen Mary? What are you doing here? How fares Far Greening?"

  "It has fallen. Kerreth and his people rescued us and those two warriors who were fighting the Turucks alone." She pointed over her shoulder. "Without Kerreth, we would be dead. And soon you too, it appears."

  Ank Rak sat across from Lan Tagjet, relating his experiences to his leader. Lan Tagjet listened with a solemn face. Teresa Butler sat very close to Ank Rak.

  "Ah, the girl that accompanied Father from Riverdowns. Seems to have found a comfy place to sit."

  "Don't mock her," said Elizabeth. "She is a seasoned fighter. She has taken wounds for Eslenda."

  "And Ank Rak, is a very honorable man," said Sena. "I have known him all my life."

  "Sorry, sorry," said James. "I meant nothing, I am so tired. I am happy for her. It is a wonderful thing in the midst of war. But Far Greening is in Turuck hands. Where is Father?"

  "He was in the field with his so
ldiers. I do not know where he is now." Elizabeth's face was pale and she looked to Mary.

  "We must trust Hal's ability, James," said Mary. "He knows what needs doing. Your mother is now queen of Eslenda, just call me Mary."

  "Yes, so much has happened so quickly," said James. "I scarcely know where I am."

  "You need to rest," said Mary.

  "You found the Kaliga?" asked Elizabeth.

  "Yes and it is very fey. Its power grows daily while it is killing us little by little. If we don't get to the Menaloch soon, we never will."

  "Excuse me, Prince James. I am called Dvorak Annis." The portly figure bowed to the prince. "I am a Mage and am adept at healing. May I examine you?"

  "Of course," said James. He leaned into Sena with a sigh.

  Navir, Kerreth, Blackthorne and Moria stood aside whispering when Dvorak Annis approached.

  "These men are unnaturally exhausted," said Dvorak Annis. "I checked Prince James and Per Tagjet. If they continue like this they will be dead in a few days."

  "It is the Kaliga," said Navir. "Its power is increasing the closer it comes to the Menaloch. The jewel glows constantly."

  "I can feel it too," said Blackthorne.

  "But it is much stronger than it should be. Even when we fought the Menaloch years ago I do not recall such a tremor of power from the Kaliga. I do not understand the change. The very air trembles with anticipation. I am worried that Per Tagjet and Prince James will perish before their journey is ended."

  "Can't anyone else help them carry it?" asked Kerreth.

  "No. When it was created we decided to limit the handlers to three - two to bear it and one to wield it. There are spells woven about it. No one else will be able to move it more than a few feet. The thought was to limit the chance that our enemies could steal it and use it against us, but we were much stronger in those days. I do not think I would fare better than Prince James or Per Tagjet today. The die is cast, it cannot be changed."

  "How long will Per Tagjet last?" asked Kerreth. "James appears unable to carry it without another day of rest."

  Navir shook his head. "It doesn't look promising. However, we have horses and that might make the difference. We will have to separate James, Per and Sena from their companions and some of us must give up their horses. I do not see any alternative. If Blackthorne's shield is effective we may have enough time."

  "I will stay behind with the unhorsed," said Dvorak Annis. "Blackthorne should go with the Kaliga bearers and lend them such strength as he can."

  "We need to travel soon," said Kerreth. "The Turucks will have all of Eslenda in their hands if we delay longer." He signaled to the Talos Company to come forward for their instructions. Along with Dvorak Annis, Loric and Darkin Root, Elberra would remain with the walkers. That would provide horses for James, Per Tagjet and Sena to ride to the Turuck lines. Blackthorne sprinkled crushed stone and blood over the Kaliga, speaking in a harsh language. The jewel glowed brightly and then slowly dimmed until it was barely illuminated. James picked up the Kaliga and smiled. It appeared to be just a spear, for now.

  "We shall ride to Rockwood Castle and then find the Turuck army," said Kerreth. "Follow as you can and fear not, there shall be plenty of Turucks for you to kill."

  Kerreth saluted the walkers and the Talos Company rode hard.

  Chapter 29

  The dawn was quiet around Rockwood Castle. The dark stone overlooked a gully of wildflowers like a forgotten statue reclaimed by nature. Birds sang in the trees and a murmur of activity could be heard within the walls of Cane's castle. Its people woke to their daily tasks. Activity around Hal's camp began hours earlier. Hal checked his gear and counted the nicks on his sword. He felt the weight on his shoulders digging deep into his muscles. He knew he was changing, becoming harder and colder. His focus was saving Eslenda, not avoiding the crown. He could never avoid the crown now. It was his until his last breath and he began to understand his father a little more. Henry had kept his counsel to himself and seldom consulted advisors. When he was younger Hal believed his father arrogant but now he recognized the caution and fear surrounding his father's actions. Trust was invaluable but how could Hal read the hearts of his subjects especially if his own brother courted treason and murder? Hal felt himself harden even more. His life was no longer his own; he belonged to Eslenda now. He looked around at the men around him. Their lives belonged to him and he would use them to gain his victory. To whatever end he led them; they would follow. He would not hesitate to send them to their deaths. He was king. King. He was steward of the realm.

  Oswald's Company stood ready to ride. Hal adverted his gaze from Plucker who struggled to get his stiff leg over the saddle on his horse. Hal rode out slowly, allowing his men to fill in around him. He would lead them toward Far Greening to see if any survivors could be found. Several dozen soldiers had joined them during the night with tales of others wandering in the wilderness. Plucker interviewed them and assigned their duties. Both Oswald's and Cane's captains deferred to Plucker as he placed the newcomers throughout the company. Hal's ragtag troops now matched Oswald's in number and with the soldiers from Rockwood Castle under Richard Cane's command Hal led a sizable company.

  He signaled his captains and they slowly moved west along the road toward Far Greening. The air was crisp and the sun warmed him. He felt excited and focused. He knew the task before him and his personal demons had been quelled for now. He knew no doubts and his arm felt strong.

  They rode for almost two hours when the scouts came back to him.

  "Sire, a company approaches. They appear to be friendly. I saw Nunari as well as Daerlan, but I could not tell who leads them. No Turucks nor any colors I recognized."

  "Very well. We shall await them here." Hal signaled and the captains positioned their men. Plucker drew near and unsheathed his sword.

  "Don't think I can handle myself, Sir John?"

  "Your pardon, sire, but your father said the same thing to me. I shall reply to you as I did to him. I am sworn to the throne of Eslenda and will protect its occupant whether or not he can wield a sword."

  "Very noble. Sterile and detached, much like you, Sir John."

  "I want to defend you! Can you understand that?" Plucker's face was flushed.

  "All right. You should have said so in the first place."

  Hal halted and watched the riders approach. His smile widened as the riders came closer and the tall rider transformed into his son. James carried a long glowing spear and Sena Tagjet rode beside him. Hal recognized Lan Tagjet, Onyax Lor and the others of the questing company. But the others he did not know. The burly man with two long swords at his waist rode forward with his hand raised. The man had tusks!

  "Well met, King Hal. We have brought your travelers back to you and we found other sojourners precious to you as well." He gestured to Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary.

  "Praises! You are alive!" Hal shouted to his wife. They rode to each other and embraced. Hal held Elizabeth for a long while, and then hugged Mary. James clasped forehands with his father. The strain on James' face was obvious but the young man smiled at Hal. Hal patted his shoulder and turned to the apparent leader of the newcomers.

  "Sir, it appears I am in your debt. Tell me your name and how I may repay you."

  "Very gracious, King Hal. But we need no payment other than the chance to fight alongside you against the Turucks. My name is Kerreth Veralier and we are the Talos Company." The others rode to Kerreth's side. They wore dusty gray cloaks and no signal of any kind.

  "Impossible. You don't exist." Hal smiled at Kerreth's jest, for it had to be a jest.

  A Daerlan pushed forward on his horse. His hair had grayed over the centuries and crow's feet accented his eyes. He drew close to Hal.

  "Hardly. I am Gorm Talos and I was present when my brother Altair, founded the Talos Company before Men came to Amloth. Even on Anavar, Men were but a minor tribe in those days."

  "And I am Taina Talos, daughter of Altair Talos. I witnes
sed the beginning of the Talos Company also. Kerreth has been our leader for these two thousand years."

  "Aren't you human?" asked Hal with a frown.

  "I am part Man, part Zidar. Our company includes Tuors, Anethean, Celaeri, sorcerer, mage, Daerlan and one Turuck. We are quite a diverse group and very long lived. We wander about Landermass and never stay in one place too long. Helps to avoid attachments to the short-lived. No unnecessary heartache, if you follow me. We followed the Turucks across the Koberi Desert on Anavar to Masina, to Eslenda. We mean to end this threat to Landermass. If the Turucks destroyed the Daerlan much knowledge would pass from the world. Such knowledge we would never recover before the ending of the world. We aim to destroy the Menaloch, the evil behind Tag Makk.

  "The Talos Company has connections to most kingdoms of Landermass and represents all the people of the world. We are the guardians of those who can't protect themselves. If your war was merely a civil war among nobles you would still believe the Talos Company to be legend for such a cause will not draw us."

  "But here you are," said Hal. He recovered his poise. "We are delighted for your help and guidance in this matter. Legend said Navir travels among you; it was he who sent these people on their quest."

  "Yes. Navir is one of our Company. He is with us now. The struggle against the Menaloch is one he has fought for millennia. We mean to see it ended upon the fields of Eslenda."