“Eventually,” said Jace, “I suspect you will change your mind about that. As I said before, only the Flamestones can stop Bellis now.”
“Prince Vannas has been blessed,” said Aldreya, “not cursed. And I have heard enough of this. Do not speak ill of our god again, Lothrin.”
“Can we just wait in silence?” asked Lannon, not liking the tension in the air. “I need to heal my cracked ribs.”
“Good idea,” said Jace. “I need to heal my cracked skull.”
“Sorry,” Lannon mumbled.
***
After the others had escaped their bonds (with Jerret and Daledus expressing disappointment that they had missed the battle), they searched the fortress for their horses. Ghouls were still lurking about, so they moved cautiously, leading Prince Vannas along. Beyond the Dining Room was a wide hallway lined with thick pillars that ended at an iron door that looked like it could withstand a tree-trunk sized battering ram. The door was secured by another extremely complex Olrog lock that Lannon couldn’t open (which was yet another blow to his confidence as far as opening locks was concerned). Had Prince Vannas been his normal self, he could have blasted through the door with white fire, but his condition remained unchanged.
They quickly gave up, instead taking a narrow tunnel that led through some storage rooms filled with barrels of grain and other food items. This area of the keep seemed to awaken Jace’s memories, and he told them he thought this route led through a stable and out of the fortress.
Jace was correct. After getting past another locked iron door (this one less secure than the last), they soon came to a large, rugged cavern that served as the stable, complete with stalls and feed for the horses. Not only were the Greywinds there, but several other horses as well. A pair of Ghouls that were guarding the horses fled into the rain at the sight of them.
“The storm has ended,” said Lannon, pointing at the cave mouth that led outside. “There is only rain now. We should ride quickly for camp.”
Aldreya nodded. “We will return here later and finish exploring—if Dremlock doesn’t send other Knights for that purpose.”
“Why the urgency, Lannon?” asked Jerret.
“I don’t know,” said Lannon. “I have a bad feeling.”
“You think the camp was attacked?” asked Jerret, a shadow of concern creeping over his face. “I fear that as well.”
Lannon didn’t answer that question. He didn’t have an answer. All he had was an anxious feeling that may or may not have come from the Eye of Divinity. They had rescued Prince Vannas and the White Flamestone, but at what cost?
Chapter 19:
The Decision of Jerret Dragonsbane
The light of morning was settling upon the mountainside when Lannon and the others rode into camp. The journey down from Wallrock Fortress had been much easier than the one that had taken them upward, with a wide path that the horses had no problem navigating. The rain had slacked off to a light drizzle, as they sat in their saddles gazing at the camp. They knew instantly something was wrong. The camp should have been guarded.
The tents and wagons were there and intact (with an Elder Hawk perched atop one of the wagons and watching them). Yet there was not a Knight or horse to be seen. The Hawk looked miserable.
Jerret’s face bore a grim expression. “What do you see, Lannon?”
Lannon didn’t want to look, but he had to. He scanned the campsite with the Eye, including the large pile of ash where the bonfire had been. Heavy sadness washed over him. He didn’t want to reveal what he saw.
“Lannon?” said Jerret. “Speak!”
Lannon took a deep breath. “They’re all dead, as far as I can tell. Their bodies were burned on the bonfire with sorcery. They were killed by blade and arrow. I glimpsed signs of prisoners facing torture and execution. There is no sign of Bekka or Taith, but Galvia is amongst the dead.”
The others sat in silence for a time, their heads bowed.
Then Jerret looked up—a spark of rage already beginning to overcome his pain. “Who was it? The Lawkeeper and his Knights?”
Lannon nodded.
“Yet this doesn’t make sense,” said Aldreya. “Why would the Lawkeeper attack, if his plan was to wait for us to obtain the Green Flamestone?”
“To weaken us,” said Jace. “Now only the Council of Ollanhar remains to seek out the Green Flamestone. That could work to his advantage when it comes time to fight us for the Flamestone. I think it was a poor strategy, but obviously he couldn’t resist attacking the camp while we were away.”
“He has made a terrible mistake,” Jerret said quietly.
“We must hunt him down and punish him,” said Lothrin, drawing his Flayer. “He couldn’t have gone too far in the storm. I’m guessing he is camped nearby. We should ride in and strike quickly.”
“We must remain calm,” said Aldreya, “and think.”
“Remain calm?” said Jerret. “He slaughtered my best friend!” His face turned crimson with rage. “I’ll cut off his head!”
“We cannot risk starting a war with Bellis,” said Aldreya. “Not now—when the Green Flamestone is still beyond our grasp. We must proceed very carefully. We should send a Hawk to Dremlock and consult with the High Council before we engage the Lawkeeper in combat.”
“This is ridiculous,” growled Jerret. “The Lawkeeper mocks us. He has ambushed and executed our Knights, and we intend to do nothing?”
“Aldreya is right,” said Jace. “We cannot risk war. Not yet.”
Lannon sighed. “I know how you’re feeling, Jerret. I feel it too. I want justice to be served. But…I suppose Aldreya and Jace are right.”
“They’re not right,” said Jerret. “We will never win this war if we behave like cowards. You must see that, Lannon.”
“I too want justice,” said Vorden. His yellow eyes gleamed with anger in the light of dawn. “But what should we do, Jerret? Should we hunt them down and slay them all, then try to get rid of the evidence? We’re Divine Knights. If we kill them, we must admit what we have done, and when we do so, King Verlamer will declare his agreement with Dremlock broken. Then war will begin. And we are not ready. On the other hand…” He shook his head and sighed.
“More bloodshed will not solve anything,” said Dallsa. “I agree that we need to be patient and let the High Council of Dremlock decide.”
Jerret clutched his head and groaned. “So we’re just going to let him ride away, with the blood of Galvia and the other Knights on his hands?”
“Surely we cannot do that,” said Lothrin. “We must at least confront him.”
“We must do more than confront him,” said Daledus, his eyes burning with a fire that only a Grey Dwarf possessed. “Because of this, there should be war. Bellis has already broken the agreement.”
“That’s foolish talk,” said Jace. “It’s in Bellis’ best interests to see the agreement broken—not ours. Maybe that’s why the Lawkeeper did this—to drive us to attack him. Are we going to fall for it?”
“Still, we must confront him!” Jerret insisted.
“A confrontation could lead to combat,” said Aldreya. “We should send the Hawk first and wait for a response.”
“I wholeheartedly agree,” said Jace.
“I don’t know,” said Lannon. “It seems wrong to just let him do this without even telling him we are aware of his crime.”
Moments later, Taith ran into the camp. He was soaked and miserable, and holding a rock in one hand like a weapon. He immediately ran to Lannon, dropped the rock, and climbed onto his horse, shivering.
“I’m sure glad to see you, Taith!” said Lannon, delighted the boy was alive. “What happened? How did you escape?”
“That ugly man let me go,” said Taith. “The one with the strange silver hair. He wanted to make me a Squire of Bellis, but after he tested me, he said I was a worthless wretch and…and he hoped the mountain would swallow me. He sent he away with no food and water to die. But I hid in a cave until he left.”
“Tell me of Galvia,” said Jerret, gazing at Taith. “How did she die?”
“Arrows,” said Taith. “It took a lot of them to kill her.”
Jerret bowed his head. “Did she fight?”
“She fought very hard,” said Taith. “She broke out of her irons and killed one of the warriors. Then they shot her and the others.” Tears ran down his face.
Jerret looked away to hide his own pain.
“We need to make a decision,” said Aldreya. “Do we confront the Lawkeeper, or do we wait? Should we vote on it?”
“A vote would be wise,” said Lannon.
“I’m undecided on this issue,” said Vorden. “I haven’t had enough time to think it over, and I want to abstain from the vote.”
“I vote to confront,” said Jerret.
“Confront,” said Daledus, slamming his fist into his palm.
“Confront,” said Lothrin.
“Send a Hawk first,” said Dallsa.
“Send a Hawk,” said Jace. “Of course.”
“You already know my vote,” said Aldreya. “We should send a Hawk. Lannon? It appears your vote will be the deciding one.”
Lannon hesitated. What if confronting the Lawkeeper did start a war? The burden would be on his shoulders. He glanced at Jerret—saw the pleading look there—and decided they should confront without violence.
“We have every right to deal with the Lawkeeper,” said Lannon. “If it leads to bloodshed and war, it will be Bellis’ decision, not ours. We owe it to Galvia and the other Knights. Thus, I vote to confront.”
“I’m disappointed, Lannon,” said Aldreya. “You’re putting our future at risk to prove a point. But so be it.”
Lannon didn’t reply, choosing to stand his ground.
Suddenly, Prince Vannas lowered the White Flamestone. He put it in its pouch and tucked it away. “Did I miss anything?” he asked.
***
They took time out from the discussion to explain what had happened. When they were finished, Prince Vannas sat in silence for a few moments.
“Are you okay?” Lothrin asked. “I was afraid you would never emerge from that trance. Your mind seemed completely lost to the world.”
The prince nodded. “Just very sad over what has happened to Galvia and our Knights. It also makes me angry. As far as my trance—I was indeed learning about the White Flamestone, and my power has grown. I know some amazing secrets that will help us greatly in our struggle against Bellis. We can discuss that later. I suppose for now I should give my vote.”
They waited in tense silence as Vannas contemplated. At last he said, “Although I feel we could hold our own against Bellis, it would be better to take possession of the Green Flamestone before we risk going to war. I vote that we consult with Taris and Furlus before taking action.”
“Then we have a tie,” said Aldreya. “And when there is a tie, my vote as Green Knight carries more weight.” She sighed with relief.
“Wait a moment,” said Dallsa. She took position beside Lannon. “If Lannon feels we should confront the Lawkeeper, then I want to change my vote. Lannon is the wisest person I know. So, yes, I’m changing my vote.”
Aldreya’s lips tightened in irritation. “You’re a strong woman, Dallsa, yet you’re not showing it here. Can’t you make up your own mind on what you believe? Don’t be afraid to oppose Lannon on this vote.”
“Aldreya is right,” said Lannon. “Vote with your conscience.”
Dallsa sighed. “I’m not a little girl, Lannon, so don’t treat me like one. I realize I have a lot to learn, but I’m not stupid. I am voting with my conscience, with my heart, with my soul, and everything. I really see your point after what you said, and I have changed my mind. Simple as that.”
“Fine,” Aldreya muttered, glaring at Dallsa and Lannon. “We will ride forth immediately.”
“Forgot to mention,” said Taith, “that there’s a girl lying in the woods. The dark-skinned girl with a lot of muscles. She’s alive, but she looks sick or injured. She can’t seem to get up or talk.”
“It must be Bekka,” said Dallsa, excitedly. “Lead me to her, Taith.”
The rain had ceased, and a bit of sun broke through the clouds as Dallsa, Taith, and Daledus hurried off and carried Bekka into camp. They laid her in the back of a wagon, and Dallsa went to work trying to heal her. They hooked the wagon up to one of the horses, not wanting to leave anyone at camp considering what had happened last time. Taith joined Dallsa in the wagon.
***
It didn’t take them long to find the Lawkeeper and his warriors. They were camped on a rocky slope less than a mile away. As they neared the circle of tents, the guards bellowed out a warning, and soon all of Bellis’ fighters were gathered with weapons drawn. The Lawkeeper stood boldly at the forefront of the crowd, holding his leather satchel of books, the usual arrogant look on his face.
“Come,” said Aldreya, to Lannon. “Just the two of us.”
“Be cautious,” Jace warned them in a low voice. “Remember, Bellis would love to have an excuse to break its agreement with Dremlock.”
“I have your backs,” said Prince Vannas, bringing forth the White Flamestone. “Any warrior who makes threatening move will die instantly.”
“This may well come to bloodshed,” said Daledus, a hint of eagerness in his voice. “If it does, bear in mind that it was justified and you are not to blame. Prison is too good for these devils. Only death will suffice.”
“There will be no bloodshed this day,” Aldreya insisted. “We will obey the Sacred Laws, for one thing. And we are only here to confront the Lawkeeper and his warriors, not attack them. Is that clearly understood? I know we’re all saddened and angry by what happened, but we must stay focused on the future of our land and kingdom. I promise that eventually justice will be served.”
“I promise it too,” said Jerret, in a cold voice.
“I will be watching the Lawkeeper,” said Lothrin, drawing an arrow from his quiver. “If he makes a move…” The lean Ranger seemed eager to see justice done, a cold and deadly glint in his eyes.
“I wish I had a weapon,” said Vorden, with a sigh. “I really liked that battle shield. But I guess it served its purpose well in helping destroy the demon. King Gormanol would be proud of its fate.”
“You can use my sword,” said Prince Vannas. “It is made of stout Birlote steel.” He reached for the jeweled hilt but Vorden shook his head.
“Don’t bother,” said Vorden. “Even Birlote steel cannot withstand my fire. That looks to be a very expensive sword, and I would just turn it to mush. If battle erupts, I will fight with my fists.”
“If I die,” said Jerret, “my blade is yours, Vorden.”
“I make the same promise,” said Lannon. “If I ever fall in battle, my sword passes to you, Vorden. You’ve earned it.”
“Thank you,” said Vorden. “I feel honored, and I mean that sincerely. But I would much rather you two stay alive.”
“It is time,” said Aldreya, again motioning to Lannon.
The two rode forward, and Jerret Dragonsbane followed.
“Go back and wait with the others,” Aldreya commanded. “Lannon and I alone will deal with the Lawkeeper.”
“Do what she says, Jerret,” said Lannon. “I know you have a lot to say to the Lawkeeper, but now is not the time.”
But Jerret refused to turn back. His hand was locked around the hilt of his broadsword, but he left the blade in its sheath—which Lannon took as a good sign that Jerret wasn’t planning anything foolish. The Red Knight’s face was sullen, but otherwise unreadable. He didn’t look at them, his gaze on the Lawkeeper.
They dismounted and approached the Lawkeeper.
“Can I help you?” he snarled. “I am very busy right now and have no time for idle talk. So unless this is highly important, please leave.”
Ethella took position beside him, crystal staff in hand. She exchanged an amused glance with the Lawkeeper. “What could these p
eople have to say that would be highly important? Our time is certainly wasted.” Blue fire shimmered along her crystal staff, warning Lannon and Aldreya to proceed carefully.
“I saw the crime you committed,” said Lannon, whose face was partially shrouded by his hood. “The torture and execution of our Knights.”
“I know nothing of that,” said the Lawkeeper. “Who was tortured and executed? And when did it happen? Where is your proof?”
“We have all the proof we need,” said Aldreya. “It was revealed to us through the Eye of Divinity. And by the word of a boy.”
The Lawkeeper waved them away. “That’s your only proof? The Eye of Divinity is not recognized by Bellis law as proof of anything. Too little is known about this type of sorcery, and it is too unreliable. If Lannon saw anything like what he describes, then his mind was clearly tricked by the Deep Shadow. And the word of a mere boy cannot be trusted. So you have no proof.”
Two Golden Knights took position behind the Lawkeeper. The two Thallite Giants stood behind the Guardians, smug looks on their faces. Several warriors trained their crossbows on Prince Vannas. Lothrin readied his arrow in response, the shaft pointed at the Lawkeeper.
“Take your lies and go away,” said Ethella.
“What I saw was the truth,” said Lannon. “And by Dremlock law, you have committed punishable acts. We have the right to arrest you.”
“You would attempt that?” said the Lawkeeper, with a look of disbelief. “And risk war coming to Dremlock? You are more of a fool than I had assumed. But go ahead and do what you must. It won’t be easy to arrest us. We will fight. And even if we lose, King Verlamer will soon know of your treachery.”
A moment of tense silence followed.
“Have you even considered,” said the Lawkeeper, “that these mountains are crawling with various horrors? How do you know it wasn’t some foul monsters that slew your Knights? Did you examine the wounds?”
“The bodies were gone,” said Aldreya. “You burned them to ash.”
“So no bodies,” said the Lawkeeper, shaking his head. “And it was pouring rain all night, so how could we burn anything? Your so-called proof grows less credible by the moment.”
Knights: Defenders of Ollanhar (Ollanhar Series Book 1) Page 32