Hal and Kerreth led the riders as they turned back to Rockwood Castle. The road to the plains was quicker from there and Hal was ready to meet the Turucks in battle and worry about Far Greening afterward. If they won, dealing with the Turucks holding his home would be simpler. But there was other urgency in their steps. From what Kerreth had told him, Blackthorne's spell of protection for James and Lan Tagjet could not hold indefinitely. The strength of the Kaliga was growing by the minute. They would need to get into position to wield the spear against the Menaloch before another night arrived.
The sun had set and the sound of a single horseman now changed into many. Hal barked commands and arrows were notched to their bows. James drew his sword and moved forward. Kerreth and Moria's mounts blocked him from advancing further.
Howard Cane rode through the narrow path accompanied by ten Shadow Runners. Dozens of arrows pierced them and soldiers ran to finish them off. Cane turned to scowl at the Shadow Runners and continued riding until he approached Hal. Cane dismounted and dropped to his knee.
"Sire, I am heartened that my plan worked."
"As am I, Sir Howard, as I am. We have much to discuss later. You are fortunate we were prepared to welcome your companions. We are now ready to engage Tag Makk. Your household rides with us." Hal tilted his head toward Margaret and Richard and their cool expressions. Cane's face darkened.
"I see. Will I have the opportunity to voice my side?"
"Of course. I will listen to your words."
A shout from the soldiers brought everyone to readiness. James rode up alongside his father. Cane took notice but said nothing.
"A whole company of Shadow Runners!" shouted the soldier who reached them first.
"Treachery!" shouted Plucker.
"No, I did not know!" cried Cane. "I swear, sire."
"Later," snapped Hal.
Shadows moved quickly over the land as the sun dipped. The sounds of the approach of the Shadow Runners filled the road. The horses of the Talos Company moved ahead of their companions. Kerreth turned to Prince Hal.
"We shall take the first charge. Feel free to mop up what we miss." Kerreth smiled and saluted Hal. James urged his horse forward.
"No," said Hal. "You must help Sena when Tag Makk arrives. Do not risk yourself yet. Let the old-timers fight, it might be a good show."
James hesitated, and settled in his saddle.
"All right. I will watch the Talos Company. My strength is returning quickly and I won't be able to rest my sword for long."
"Patience, my son. Your battle will find you, perhaps earlier than you know. Be watchful ere the battle is not the one you expect."
"You have changed some father," said James with a grin. "I never knew you to be so insightful."
"I don't know whether that is a compliment or an insult."
The Talos Company unsheathed their weapons; Kerreth held both swords and spoke to his horse in a strange language. Taina Talos rode to the front and cried out in Daerlan. The Talos Company thundered down the road, eight against fifty. James shifted in his saddle, uncertain of the odds, but the first contact changed his mind. The Talos Company struck down the Shadow Runners like chaff from the grain. Kerreth's blades flashed and moved in a rhythm James found familiar yet he couldn't name it.
"I've never seen such fighting," said Hal.
"We are watching legend," said Lan Tagjet. "The stories do not bring them to life fully. Our days are full of wonder; I hope we survive it, King Hal."
"So do I, Hunter. I am pleased you have weathered it so far."
"No thanks to Howard Cane," said Lan Tagjet.
"I will not be abused," said Cane.
"Shut up, father," said Richard Cane. "They all know what you have done. They found Roger Diggs."
"You betray your father!"
"Enough," said Hal. "Or I shall pass judgment now, and I do not feel lenient."
Cane turned away, his face flushed.
A few Shadow Runners ran toward Hal's company to escape the merciless blades assailing them. Oswald's men stepped forward and released their quarrels. The Shadow Runners stumbled and Richard Cane's men thundered into them. One Shadow Runner stepped free and notched and released an arrow. Cane ducked and a gasp came from behind him. Elizabeth staggered with the arrow through her chest.
"NO!" cried Hal. He dismounted to his wife's side. Blood spurted from her wound. Hal tried to cover the wound with his hand but he couldn't stop the blood. His bloody hand pushed back Elizabeth's hair from her pale face. Lan Tagjet stood behind him.
"Allow Onyax Lor to treat her, King Hal," he said softly.
Onyax Lor knelt down and examined Elizabeth. He probed gently with his fingers and squeezed moisture from a flower into the wound. Onyax Lor sighed and applied a foul smelling ointment to the wound. Elizabeth looked at Hal then her eyes closed.
The sounds of battle had ceased.
Plucker barked orders to make camp and clear away the dead Turucks. Plucker instructed Charles Oswald to take charge of Howard Cane and keep him out of Hal's sight.
Kerreth watched the proceedings from his seat on a fallen log.
"How will he temper?" asked Moria, nodding at Hal.
"There is iron in him and I sensed it growing when we met. He may become a formidable king in time. Still, his sword arm is to be avoided for the near future."
"You fought well," said Moria.
Kerreth smiled. "Thank you."
"He always fights well, daughter," said Taina.
"Private conversation, mother!"
"Sorry." She winked at Kerreth.
"I'm glad you noticed," said Kerreth. "I looked for you, too. You were cornered for a moment, but that spin surprised the Shadow Runners."
"Please," said Gorm. "Do we have to listen to this lovey-dovey muttering? We are in the middle of a war."
Kerreth stood up and took Moria's hand.
"Let's walk. The company is tedious."
The Eslendians and Nunari passed the night while the Talos Company kept watch. A cool wind rose with the sun. The forces of King Hal would reach the Turuck army before the sun set again.
Chapter 30
The company was subdued. Voices were low and laughter muted. Sena sat enveloped in James' arms as he shook with sobs. Hal stood apart, staring at nothing in the distance. He tied Elizabeth's ring around his neck so he would always feel her closeness. She would stay with Margaret at Rockwood Castle. Her wound was deep and festering. The mage Dvorak Annis had caught up with the Talos Company on foot and offered to care for Elizabeth. Dvorak was at Rockwood Castle with Elizabeth but had no words of comfort for Hal. Elizabeth had slipped into a coma. Hal put all personal thoughts aside. He had been drained of identity. Hal Islen no longer existed; only Henry II, King of Eslenda remained and his enemies would rue this day. Hal only thought of his duty to Eslenda and its people. He placed his emotions in a deep place until Eslenda was secure. The cold detachment cleared his thoughts as he focused on what needed to be done. His army was small but fierce and the addition of the Talos Company brought an aura of immortality to his men. They would fight alongside the deathless ones and draw their power unto themselves. Hal could not have asked for anything better to bolster the confidence of his soldiers.
He turned to Kerreth and Norman Oswald who stood apart from him speaking in hushed tones.
"We have waited long enough. There shall be time enough for mourning afterward. Sir Norman, are your men ready?"
"Yes, Sire."
"Kerreth?"
"Ever ready, King Hal."
"Plucker?"
"Sire, we are ready."
"I am ready," said James, huskily.
"We shall ride directly into the maw of the Menaloch. I shall lead the attack."
"Begging your pardon, King Hal," said Kerreth. "The Talos Company will ride on either side of you. Together, we shall drive into the heart of the Turucks."
Hal bowed. "I am honored once again, Kerreth Veralier. We shall draw swords toget
her and Tag Makk shall know fear."
The company mounted and found their places. They rode the forest road for two miles and then the road opened onto open fields. From their vantage, Hal and Kerreth noted the positions of the Turuck forces. Kerreth pulled the Talos Company tighter around Hal and himself. Jed Turlane and Charles Oswald commanded the remainder of Hal's company. They called out their commands and the soldiers responded.
Jed leads them through the fighting, forcing Turucks out of their path. The Blueswords formed a tight grouping around the Kaliga and its bearers. The banners of Tag Makk could be seen well behind the Turuck lines. Jed shouted commands and the Blueswords doubled their speed and the Turucks would part as the sea before the bow of a ship.
The Talos Company slammed into the enemy lines, driving inward, swords flashing. Elberra Turan opened her blue wings wide and appeared to the Turucks as a demon summoned by sorcery. She shrieked with glee, twisted her spear into the Turuck soldiers. Shadow Runners appeared to the west and the Talos Company veered to meet them. The moon was high and the Talos Company sang for blood.
Per Tagjet hurried forward with the Kaliga. He saw Tag Makk and headed directly there. Sena and James followed close behind him. A Shadow Runner bulled into James, knocking him to the ground. James regained his feet in time to block the Shadow Runner's blade from impaling him. Then another Shadow Runner joined the fight and James is pressed to defend himself. Finally, he found firm footing to support him and his sword increased its speed, forcing the Shadow Runners back.
Sena looks for a weapon to help James and notices Per has continued toward Tag Makk. She gives chase.
The protective spell of Blackthorne's begins to unravel, as the Kaliga gets closer to the Menaloch. The bone piercing vibrations work through the spell and Per Tagjet's forearm begins to throb. The rush of voices starts again like a cold wet slap on the forehead. Per stumbles and puts down a hand to stop him from falling. The Kaliga drops from his hands and he can breathe again. For moment he has forgotten the Kaliga. He breathes deeply to regain his strength. The press of Turucks moves forward and he draws his sword. He has no chance to recover the Kaliga. The rush of Turucks is too great; too many swords trying for his blood. The flow of fighting sweeps him away.
The Kaliga lies in the dirt where Per Tagjet dropped it. It's gem pulses with power. Lan Tagjet looks for his daughter but cannot see her and James is fighting for his life. He has no choice; he reaches down for the accursed spear. Images slam into his brain and he feels the warmth begin to seep out of his body. Focus, he tells himself. Find the Menaloch. The spear resists him with the weight of many men. He staggers forward and feels strong hands grip his shoulder.
"I am here," said Onyax Lor. "I will guide you to the evil creature."
Lan Tagjet leans on Onyax Lor. In his hand in the Kaliga, the protective spell of Blackthorne burned away by the proximity of the Menaloch; Lan Tagjet can feel the spear pulse in his grasp.
"There is Tag Makk," said Onyax Lor. "Fifty paces behind him is the gold casket. There is but one guard. Our chance is nigh. Come, Lan, it is time."
"My strength ebbs, I fear I won't make it."
"Lean on me, old friend. We shall do this together. I have my wards ready to protect you. Let us do what we can."
The two Nunari moved into the sea of swords skirting the main conflicts. Lan Tagjet's eyes fixed upon the gold casket. He moves forward oblivious to all else. His steps become labored and slow. Sena and Jed Turlane hurry in their wake with swords ready.
"Father!" shouts Sena. "It is my task." Jed Turlane holds her back.
"Too late now," gasps Jed Turlane. "I feel the Menaloch's anger." The air crackles with power and Jed feels the heat on his face like the midsummer sun.
Sounds hammer into his head, but Lan Tagjet pushes on. Sweat runs down his face and voices, shrill and mournful, pound behind his eyes. He is mere steps away from the Menaloch and raises the Kaliga. It is surprisingly light after all the struggle to bring it here. A brilliant flash of light burns his flesh. He stumbles, dropping the Kaliga. Again, a wave of energy burns through him and he slumps to the ground. The waves come three more times and the stench of the burning hits the bystanders.
"Father!" screams Sena, but Jed Turlane holds her back. "I was to wield it! Father!"
"No! You can do nothing for him now. Wait, for the Menaloch to pull back its power. Wait for it to rest."
"Father, I just found you again," Sena said hoarsely. "Is my life always to be thus?"
Onyax Lor tried to shield Lan from the Menaloch's power, but his efforts are puny compared to the power he faces. The strain wastes Onyax Lor and he realizes his death is near. He gives one last effort to shield Lan Tagjet but he is hit by the same energy waves. Onyax Lor's thoughts drift back to the northern grotto covered with mists and his spirit is welcomed by Gerta Fine.
Blackthorne senses Onyax Lor's plight, but he is too far away. He tries to touch Onyax Lor's life force and encircled it with his own strength. He cannot find it; Onyax Lor fulfilled his mother's prophecy. Blackthorne fights his way toward the Kaliga but the power of the Kaliga itself pushes him away. Blackthorne tumbles in the dirt and stares in the direction of the Kaliga, his eyes wide.
"Navir!" cried Blackthorne. "What have you unleashed on us?"
James felt the power emanating from Tag Makk. The Menaloch empowered Tag Makk and James knew he would not survive this match if Sena does not destroy the Menaloch. Lan Tagjet already failed. James thought of Sena and steeled himself. He would give everything to this battle. He raised his sword and approached the giant Turuck. A Turuck soldier intercepted him but James dispatched him without hesitation. Two Shadow Runners ran at him. He parried the first blow, killed with his own blow, and blocked the sword of the other Shadow Runner. James feinted low then swung his sword up and through, decapitating the Shadow Runner. Tag Makk waited.
"The great Prince James. I welcome you to the field of glory. Your prowess is heralded and I have witnessed your skill."
"It is time to fight Tag Makk. Will the Menaloch protect you fully?"
"I have not been tested enough to know. Will you test me?" Tag Makk grinned and hefted his hammer.
"I will, and I will bleed you."
"Then try, Prince James. Try."
James came forward striking quickly; Tag Makk nearly moved too slow and stumbled back from the blows.
"Ha! Good start, Prince James."
Tag Makk blocked the next blow and pushed James backward. Tag Makk swung his hammer, denting James' shield. The Prince struck at the Turuck's feet then pulled his sword upward drawing blood.
"First blood to you, Prince James. But that is all."
Tag Makk rushed forward flailing his hammer and James leapt aside, slicing the ribs of Tag Makk. The Turuck howled with rage and increased his speed. James was driven backward relentlessly until he stumbled, nearly losing his balance. He kept moving and the war hammer grazed his shoulder but the force of it knocked his shield from his hand.
Before Tag Makk brought his hammer up again, James had sliced his bicep. Tag Makk nearly dropped the hammer but found the strength to regain control of it. A faint glow illuminated Tag Makk's skin. James attacked again and wounded Tag Makk severely. Or he would have if the Menaloch hadn't entered the fight. Tag Makk felt the power of the Menaloch surge through him and he attacked fiercely. The power of his blows sends James backward. Tag Makk struck the back of James' shoulder sending him spinning to the earth. James tried to regain his feet and ducked the next blow, but he was too slow. The war hammer glanced off the back of his head and James dropped senseless to the ground. Tag Makk raised his hammer for the killing blow but felt a surge of power from the Menaloch. He turned and saw the Kaliga approaching the Menaloch.
"NO!" He began to move toward Sena and the Kaliga. James thrust his sword through Tag Makk's stomach from the back. "Ahhh!" cried Tag Makk seeing James' blade grow from his body. He stumbled and swung his hammer backward knocking James to the ground ag
ain. Tag Makk looked down at the blade sticking out of his body in disbelief. However, the power of the Menaloch still coursed through him.
He felt behind him for the handle of the sword and pulled it out in one swift motion.
"ARRGGGGH!" He raged at the sky.
James was crawling away when Tag Makk caught him in the ribcage with his hammer. James rolled over several times, coughing up blood. He lay still looking up at Tag Makk.
The tip of the Kaliga burned brilliant and the white light seared Sena's eyes. Everywhere she looked spots danced in her sight, but the Kaliga knew where it needed to be. It pulled her along to the glided casket. Sena felt the heat from the Menaloch burning her skin. Her lips cracked and bled. She grasped the Kaliga with both hands, raising it above her head. Suddenly, it was very light. Without another thought she brought it down with all her strength and drove the spear tip clean through the box and the black idol within it. The idol cracked and Sena heard a wail of pain and bewilderment as the Kaliga consumed the Menaloch's spirit. She heard Tag Makk cry out and turned toward him, her own strength ebbing quickly. She staggered to when the Turuck warlord leaned upon his hammer. She made out a form on the ground and stumbled to it, falling upon it. It was James.
"James," Sena whispered hoarsely. He opened his bloodied eyes and smiled, blood seeping from his mouth.
"I am dying. Farewell, my love."
"Wait for me," said Sena. "I no longer can breathe the air; the Kaliga has taken my very soul." With her last breath, she slumped against him. James leaned forward, coughs racking his body, kissed her hair and died.
The death cry of the Menaloch knocked soldiers off their feet and killed small birds nearby. The Shadow Runners froze in their movement and slowly their bodies crack and fell to pieces like rotted logs. The Eslendians drove their swords into the Shadow Runners, breaking them apart with glee.
Blackthorne lighted the sky with fireballs dismaying the Turucks with the bright light. The Turucks are confused, momentarily unsure of their tasks without the guidance of Tag Makk and the Menaloch's power.
The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1) Page 27