Tales From Thac

by F P Spirit et al.

  Good girl, Alys. Keep him talking, Pallas thought as he stole forward through the waning shadows.

  “Oh, he’ll pay, no doubt,” the young lady continued, “but I hope this ship of yours is fast. Once you’ve collected your bounty, you might not find it so easy to get away from my father.”

  That last statement really got the guard’s attention. He nearly turned around completely as he barked back at her. “Don’t ye worry none, lassie. No one messes with the Arch…”

  Pallas rushed forward the last few yards, sword poised for a fatal blow. Yet the bulky pirate was quicker than he anticipated. A huge hand shot out and clamped like a vice around his neck, effectively cutting off his breath. Abruptly he was lifted into the air, his feet dangling off the ground.

  “Wadda we got here? Looks like ya got a would-be rescuer,” the huge pirate scoffed.

  “Rescuer?” Alys cried through the door. “Who would come to rescue me? No one even knows I’m here!”

  The rush of multiple footsteps sounded in the corridor behind Pallas. “Let him go, pirate!”

  The rest of the ‘blades had come to his rescue. Unfortunately, the huge cutthroat didn’t seem the slightest bit intimidated.

  “Drop yer weapons or I’ll snap ‘is neck.”

  The pirate wasn’t kidding. Pallas felt the huge hand tighten around his throat. He would pass out soon if his neck didn’t actually snap first.

  Pallas had one chance. He reached inward again, desperately seeking his inner spirit. He found it almost immediately, as if it sensed the urgency of his need.

  Pallas called forth the energy, sending it coursing through his limbs. Yet this time he sent it out beyond. Shadows abruptly sprang from his fingertips. They wound around the pirate’s arm, swirling in tight circles, causing the grip on Pallas’ neck to loosen.

  The huge man barked at him, his voice suddenly laced with fear. “Hey! Wadda ya doin’? Cut it out!”

  Pallas paid him no mind, continuing to weave the shadowy tendrils toward the pirate’s thick neck.

  “Cut it out!” the man cried, his voice now wild with fear. He dropped Pallas and backed away against the door.

  Yet Pallas did not relent. He continued sending forth the shadows, wrapping them around the pirate’s neck.

  The huge man slumped to the ground, no longer able to cry out as the tendrils squeezed his throat closed. In seconds, his life faded away and he went still.

  “What’s going on out there?” Alys’ voice sounded through the door.

  Pallas gingerly rubbed his throat as he answered. “Fear not… we’ll have you out… in a moment…”

  There was a short silence as two of the ‘bladesmen moved the heavy body away from the door.

  “Who is that?” Alys asked in a hushed tone.

  One of the other ‘blades handed Pallas a key ring from the fallen guard’s belt. Pallas let his senses pick the right key.

  “An old friend,” he answered as he inserted the key into the lock and twisted. His answer was punctuated with a loud click. Pallas pushed the door open to reveal a well-lit cabin beyond.

  A solitary figure stood in the doorway. Copper tresses framed a fair-skinned face, which was dotted with faint freckles. The deep green dress that clung to the figure attested to the fact that this was no longer a gangly girl. Alys had grown into a rather shapely young woman.

  Emerald green eyes danced with a light of their own as they fixed on him. The corners of her mouth upturned slightly, then suddenly spread into a dazzling smile. “I should have known my rescuer would be none other than Pallas Stealle.”

  Pallas suddenly realized he had been staring. He abruptly broke off his gaze, cleared his throat, and bowed. “Lieutenant Commander Pallas Stealle of the Royal Penwick Navy, at your service.”

  Alys looked him up and down, her tone playful despite the circumstances. “Lieutenant Commander? All things considered, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

  Pallas felt the heat rise to his cheeks. “Yes, well, we can catch up later. Right now, we need to get you out of here.”

  Pallas offered the young woman his hand. She entwined hers with his, with an unexpected result. Pallas felt a gentle warmth shoot up his arm and through his body. It was not unlike when he connected with his own spirit.

  His cheeks felt hot again and he noted a slight blush in Alys’ face. Pallas gave her the briefest of smiles, then led her out into the corridor. The pair moved ahead of the others, whispering back and forth as they went.

  “Was anyone else taken prisoner?”

  Alys’ voice caught. “No… I’m afraid not. Most of the crew were killed—those that didn’t escape to Redune.”

  “The crew of your father’s ship?”

  Alys sighed. “Yes. After five years, I was finally sailing home again.”

  Pallas gave her a sympathetic nod. Alburg had sent Alys away after she was resurrected. None of her friends had seen her since.

  “We had just reached Sentilla Light when the pirates appeared. We couldn’t outrun them, so the captain made for Redune. The crew tried to make a stand on the docks, but the pirates were brutal.” Alys ended with a shudder.

  Pallas could feel the anguish coming off of her in waves. This Alys was a far cry from the spoiled little girl he used to know. “I’m truly sorry, Alys.”

  Alys wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded. “I’m sorry, too.”

  Pallas gave her a warm smile as they reached the top of the stairs. “Alright, we need to be extra cautious from here on. No telling what’s waiting for us out there.”

  The deck of the pirate vessel appeared deserted. Pallas had hoped to escape into the cover of night, but the moon had risen. The docks were now bathed in a silvery sheen. Loud cries and the ring of steel echoed across the harbor as the small band hurried down the gangplank.

  “What’s going on?” Alys whispered anxiously.

  “Our crewmates are routing the pirates from Redune. We best hurry in case any try and make for their ship.”

  No sooner had the words left his mouth than Pallas’ fear came to fruition. A half-dozen figures appeared at the end of the quay, hastening away from the town. The ‘blades fanned out to meet them, weapons readied. The small group pulled up short and stared warily at the line of armed swordsmen. They started to grumble amongst themselves.

  “It’s more o’ dem Penwickers!”

  “How’d they get in front o’ us?”

  One of them noticed Alys.

  “Hey! Whadda ye doin’ with our prize?”

  Pallas placed his arm in front of her. “Stand back. This won’t take long.”

  “Actually, allow me.” Before he could stop her, Alys pushed his arm out of the way and sauntered out in front of the ‘blades.

  Caught by surprise, Pallas hesitated. Yet as he reached for her, a high-pitched wail erupted across the docks. Pallas stumbled, his balance thrown off by the sound. Everyone else, pirate and ‘blade alike, seemed affected—everyone except for Alys.

  His eyes went wide as the truth dawned on him. That noise is coming from her!

  Alys’ wail rose swiftly in power. Thankfully, the brunt of it was directed at the pirates. One by one they fell to their knees until they were all laid out cold. With a dramatic wave of her hand, Alys ended her high-pitched assault. The young lady wore a satisfied expression as she sauntered back past Pallas. “They’re all yours.”

  Pallas eyed her quizzically as the rest of the ‘blades finished off the pirates. “What in Thac was that?”

  Alys dipped her head toward the ground, a demure smile on her lips. “I’m a bard, silly—a diva, in fact. It’s one of my talents.”

  One of Pallas’ eyebrows arched. “I remember you singing all the time, but now you’ve learned to weave magic into your songs?” The corner of his mouth upturned slightly. “Heh, guess I should’ve known.”

  Alys gazed up at him, her eyes sparkling with delight.

  With the pirates out of the way, the ‘blades proceeded down
the dock. Yet Pallas still felt he had missed something—something important. His whispered to Alys. “Tell me, with that voice of yours, how did the pirates catch you?”

  A pained expression crossed Alys’ face. Yet before she could reply, the sound of heavy footfalls echoed down the docks. Another group of figures had appeared at the end of the quay, effectively blocking their path. This new group moved slowly down the pier, not stopping until they were about a dozen yards away.

  As the ‘blades spread out to meet this new threat, a tall, dark-bearded man stepped out in front of the rest. Twin sword hilts jutted from underneath his long coat. The pirate’s hands rested on them comfortably as he addressed his comrades. “More Penwickers? The place is practically crawlin’ with ’em.”

  Dark laughter erupted from the new group of pirates. There were seven in all, each standing there almost too casually. Yet Pallas could not spy an obvious opening in any of their postures. He felt a tug at his arm.

  “That’s the captain and his handpicked men,” Alys whispered into his ear.

  Pallas gave her the briefest of nods as he warned the others. “Careful, men.”

  The well-trained ‘bladesmen reacted immediately, adjusting themselves into guarded stances. Pallas felt the surge of spirit energy as some called forth flames to encircle their blades.

  Despite the display, the pirate captain did not appear impressed. “Watch it, boys. These be more of ‘em fancy blade folk like the ones we met in town.” A smug grin split his lips. “Too bad it didn’t do ‘em no good.”

  Wicked laughter echoed across the pier. Once it died down, the captain drew his blades and motioned his men forward. “Well then, let’s be makin’ this quick.”

  “Steady, men,” Pallas said as he moved to the front of the line. He drew his blade with an air of confidence, but inside he wasn’t quite so sure of himself. If these pirates actually fought through the other wave of spiritblades, then this would not be an easy fight.

  The pirates hadn’t covered half the distance between them when a shrill cry rang out from behind the ‘blades. “No! Not again. You won’t get away with it this time!”

  Pallas glanced over his shoulder to see Alys marching forward. He immediately moved to block her path, but she opened her mouth and let out a high-pitched shriek. Pallas reeled as if he had been struck with a physical blow. It was far worse than when he had been standing behind her.

  Alys cast him an apologetic glance as she brushed past him. Once again, she moved to the forefront of the line, her high-pitched wail growing in power.

  Across the dock, the pirates had begun to crumble. Weapons dropped to the planks below as they desperately tried to cover their ears. A few had already dropped to one knee.

  All of the cutthroats appeared affected except for the captain. Somehow, the tall pirate managed to stand his ground. He fixed Alys with a baleful stare, the corner of his lip twitching into a sneer.

  All of a sudden, Pallas felt a surge of spiritual energy wash over him. It was powerful, but dark like a blackened soul. A moment later, the pirate captain took a step forward—then another.

  Pallas watched the uncanny spectacle with disbelief. Could this pirate be some sort of spiritblade? He’d heard talk of dark ‘blades. The pirate lord, Eboneye, who led the raids on Penwick, was rumored to have been one.

  Alys redoubled her efforts, her cry growing further in power. The rest of the pirates crumbled to the ground.

  The captain halted a moment, then Pallas felt another surge of spiritual energy, this one stronger than the first. Once again, the captain plodded forward.

  Pallas had to do something. He didn’t relish putting himself in the path of that cry, but if he didn’t, Alys would be skewered for sure. Steeling his will, he reached inside and drew on his spirit. He wrapped the energy around himself like a cocoon, then stepped out in front of her.

  The pressure on his ears was immediately unbearable. It was all Pallas could do to stand. Amazingly, the captain continued his advance. How in Thac is he even moving?

  All of a sudden, Alys went silent. The pirate captain lurched forward, barely catching himself before he fell. He righted himself, then stood his ground, a wicked grin on his lips.

  Pallas chanced a glance back at Alys. Her eyes were wide with fear. She grabbed her throat and tried to speak, but no sound came out of her mouth.

  She’s been silenced!

  Pallas grabbed the frantic young lady, his mind racing as he drew her behind the line. The pirates must have a dark mage—someone who could cast a silent spell. It was no wonder they caught her. He swept his eyes around the docks, but saw no sign of a mage.

  Meanwhile, the pirates began to recover behind their waiting captain. Pallas could feel the tension in the air as the ‘blades held their ground.

  “Orders, Sir?” one of them asked Pallas.

  Pallas was torn. The ‘blades were good. He had no doubt they could stand against this group, but the captain was another story. From the power he felt from the man, he could probably take them all—and if he didn’t, that mage just might. Still, it was better to go down fighting.

  “Attack!” Pallas cried against his better judgement. He cast a quick glance at Alys. “Stay here…”

  The young woman wasn’t looking at him. Instead she was pointing frantically back at the pirate vessel. Pallas followed her gaze. A dark-hooded shadow stood behind the ship’s rail. It was weaving its hands in a circular motion.

  A shiver ran up Pallas’s spine. His mother being a wizard, he had seen that type of gesture many times before. It’s casting a spell. He watched in horror as a tiny red sphere ignited between the robed figure’s hands. A ball of fire!

  In the split second before it was launched, Pallas’s mind whirled. The ‘blades could survive the attack, but Alys would not. He shouted out a quick warning, then forced all other thoughts from his mind. The young ‘blade drew from his spirit just as the red ball shot from the mage’s hands. He threw his arms around Alys and envisioned himself someplace else.

  The deadly spell was on them in less than a second. A huge explosion erupted from the ball and a wall of flame came rushing toward them. The intense heat nearly overtook them, but then the world shifted. One moment they stood on the docks, the next they were on the deck of the pirate ship.

  The docks lit up like some huge torch as the flaming wall expanded outward. It completely engulfed everything in its path—both pirates and ‘blades.

  Pallas inwardly winced. He had deserted his men in favor of Alys’ survival. He prayed that he had made the right decision.

  The dark-hooded figure now stood before them, outlined by the light of the explosion. Pallas felt an unabiding anger well up inside him—anger at the pirates, anger at the mage, but mostly anger at himself for not being able to protect everyone.

  Pallas let go of Alys and lunged at the dark figure. Yet somehow it must have sensed his presence.

  A blue light coalesced in the air before it. In one swift motion, the mage leapt over the rail and disappeared into the expanding oval.

  It made a portal!

  An unrelenting rage boiled inside of Pallas. “Oh, no you don’t!”

  He lunged after the mage, just catching it by the robe before it disappeared. As Pallas fell into the light after it, something grabbed him from behind.

  Moments later, they reemerged on the pier. Pallas twisted his head around to see Alys clinging to him, a wan smile on her lips. He mentally chided himself—in his rash attempt to catch the mage, he’d nearly left her behind.

  “Sorry…” Pallas began, but halted when the robe in his hand went slack. A dark-haired woman sprinted agilely away from him, garbed only in a black chemise.

  A gruff laugh echoed across the pier. “Ha, they almost got ye there, lassie.”

  Pallas turned to see the pirate captain standing a few yards down the dock. There was not a mark on him—he was completely unscathed by the fiery blast. His men, on the other hand, had not fared so well. Most
had been laid out by the explosion, their bodies badly burnt. Only a couple still stood, but they looked quite singed.

  Beyond them, Pallas spied the ‘bladesmen. Two had been downed and one looked somewhat charred, but the more seasoned ones had minor burns at best. Pallas felt a twinge of guilt as he called out to his comrades. “Hang on, men. We’ll get you help soon.”

  The pirate captain laughed once more, his tone laced with contempt. “Har, har, har. Laddie, I’m afraid it’s ye who’ll be needin’ help.”

  Pallas glared at the man, then suddenly remembered the mage. He glanced over his shoulder, but she was nowhere to be seen.

  Way to go, Pallas.

  What should have been a quiet rescue had turned into a disaster. His men were hurt, he’d lost track of the mage, and this dangerous cutthroat stood in his way.

  One of the still standing ‘blades called back to him. “Do you need help over there, Commander?”

  Pallas shook his head. He’d already put them in enough danger. “Belay that. Stand your ground and protect your shipmates, sailor.”

  “Yes, Sir!” The standing ‘blades took up defensive positions against the remaining pirates.

  The captain, however, crowed over the exchange. “Commander, be it? One ‘o Penwick’s finest, then? Well, it’s me lucky day. I’ve been wantin’ ta cross swords with one ‘o ye.”

  The dark-bearded pirate fell into a fighting stance, his tone mocking. “Whene’er ye be ready, Commander.”

  Pallas let out a deep sigh. There was no way around this. He’d have to face the captain and watch for the mage as well. His lip curled up to one side. Not exactly a tactical advantage.

  Alys still held onto him. He gently removed her arms and gazed at her. Though she could not speak, he could see the anguish in her eyes.

  Keen sympathy welled up inside him for the ordinarily carefree young woman. He grasped her hands and did his best to smile. “Don’t worry. This will be over quickly. Just promise me you’ll stay put.”