"You will help recruit for me," said King Verlamer. "Dremlock's Knights will make a wonderful addition to my army, but I only want those who will swear allegiance. It will be your duty to persuade them."
"And if they refuse?" asked Fadar.
The king sighed. "I hope they do not. It wouldn't be in their best interests. In fact, one of your Red Knights tried to spit on me and vowed he would rather die than bow before me. In fact, he said he hoped he would get a chance to lop off my head with his axe. It was a rather unpleasant experience." The king tore into some meat. His otherwise flawless set of white teeth were a bit pointed. Juice ran down his beard and he wiped it away with his sleeve. "Sad, really. I'm not the tyrant he made me out to be. But if he wants to take his axe to me, then I am ready."
"Who is the Red Knight?" asked Fadar.
"Talfos Wolfheart," said the King. He pointed at a huge, dark-skinned, bearded warrior who stood in shackles. "One of Dremlock's best. What a pity."
Talfos was known as a brash Knight, and ever since Thrake Wolfaxe--his brother--had fallen victim to the Deep Shadow, Talfos had become even more sullen and fearless. He was one of Dremlock's most skilled warriors, yet Fadar sensed that King Verlamer intended to have him executed for his defiance.
But the king surprised him. "I love duels," said Verlamer, smiling. "I partake in them whenever I find a worthy opponent. I have studied some of the greatest duels ever to take place on Gallamerth--many of them involving the Divine Knights." A gleam appeared in his eye. "Some even involved Dremlock's very own Dark Watchmen, who in my opinion were the greatest warriors to ever walk the land. I have personally killed eighteen warriors in duels. Yes, eighteen! All very powerful and respected. Have you ever fought a duel?"
Fadar shook his head. "I am an archer."
"Of course," said King Verlamer, frowning. "No archer would partake in a duel unless it involved target practice, and I assure you such tests of skill do not interest me. I prefer honorable combat."
"And no one objects?" said Fadar.
"I have the bloodline of kings," said Verlamer. "We fight our own battles, and Bellis law allows us to choose our opponents. True, there are times when the Lords and Ladies of my kingdom voice strong objection over me throwing myself into battle, but I have the final say." He bellowed laughter. "I'm all grown up, Fadar, and can make my own decisions! Actually, I'm more than seventy years old--though I bet I don't look it. My bloodline causes me to age rather slowly. I am actually still quite young and strong--in a relative sense."
"You don't look a day over forty," said Fadar, and he meant it.
"I can live hundreds of years," said Verlamer. "In fact, no King of Bellis has ever lived to the end of his natural lifespan. All of them were murdered!" He laughed until his eyes watered, then gulped some wine. "Yes, murdered. Of course, I am smarter than they were, and I know how to avoid that fate."
Do you? Fadar thought. Or are you just blinded to the truth by insanity?
"I am the strongest and wisest of all," said Verlamer. "It is my destiny to rule all of Gallamerth and even the lands beyond the sea."
Insanity, indeed, thought Fadar. Verlamer's ego was appalling. Yet somehow Verlamer had enslaved most of Gallamerth. His words were not just an absurd boast. He fully intended to rule the world.
The king emptied his goblet and slammed it down. "Now you can watch as I deal with Talfos--in a duel to the death. Enjoy the entertainment."
Verlamer rose and approached the shackled Knights, as the crowd cheered. He waved to his subjects, grinning. Then he drew his jeweled dagger. "Such a beautiful day for bloodshed!" he called out. "This fight will be in honor of my latest conquest. I will bless the soil with Knightly blood!"
Again, the crowd cheered, but a few of the Lords and Ladies that sat at the tables frowned. Clearly, they disapproved of this action but were powerless to prevent it. They were large, colorfully dressed men and women being fanned by servants and indulging in all manner of food and drink. Unlike King Verlamer, they carried no weapons and expected to be waited on. They had the look of petty, snobby folk used to having their every need met in an instant.
Talfos' shackles were unlocked, and he was given his armor and great battle axe. He faced King Verlamer boldly, his eyes fierce. Although the king was a bit taller and more broad of shoulder, Talfos was an intimidating warrior with his rippling muscles and savage gaze. Talfos was a Red Knight all the way, filled with a love of brutal combat and a stubborn spirit.
Fadar wondered if the king was making a huge mistake. Talfos Wolfheart was no one to fool with. Why would the king risk his life just to prove himself in combat? And why was he using only a dagger against a heavy battle axe? It seemed to be further evidence of Verlamer's deep insanity.
"My friends!" the king shouted. "Talfos Wolfheart wishes to kill me, and I have given him the chance. He can avenge his kingdom and his fallen brothers and sisters. If I lose this battle, Bellis must withdraw from Dremlock and never trouble this kingdom again. Yet if I win, I take only his life."
The Bellis Lords muttered to each other, looking very unhappy. A few warriors in the crowd clapped, but otherwise there was a nervous silence. The Wizards whispered to each other and shook their heads.
Fadar's heart raced. The king had just given an order and was about to engage in honorable combat. If Talfos prevailed, would Dremlock truly be liberated? Surely someone of Verlamer's stature wouldn't engage in petty lies. He prayed to the Divine Essence that Talfos would end this here and now.
A horn was blown, and the two circled each other. Talfos immediately went on the attack, swinging at the king's neck. Verlamer struck the axe handle with his arm and knocked it aside. Then he shoved Talfos back.
Verlamer laughed. "A good blow, but not enough!" He twirled the jeweled dagger in his fingers and then sheathed it.
Fadar's eyes widened. Surely the king had utterly lost his wits.
Talfos hesitated, glowering. "Draw your blade!"
"I don't need it," said the king. "I will fight with my fists alone."
"You're a fool!" Talfos bellowed, and he channeled his sorcery into his axe. The axe smoldered with crimson flames. "Die by the Divine Essence!" He charged, the burning axe lashing out for the kill.
Fadar tensed up, certain Talfos was about to be victorious.
But King Verlamer seized the burning axe in one hand and the flames died out. He ripped the weapon from Talfos' hand and flung it aside. Then he seized Talfos by the throat, all the while laughing gleefully.
Talfos punched the king in the face with shattering force, snapping his head back. The blow might have killed a lesser warrior, but aside from looking slightly dazed for an instant, the king only grinned in response. "You're stronger than I thought. A fine blow, but still not enough!"
Talfos fought viciously to break the choke hold.
Verlamer retaliated--his bony fist slamming into Talfos' jaw and knocking the warrior onto his back. Verlamer stood over him, gloating.
"Get on your feet, Red Knight!" he shouted.
Shaking his head to clear it, Talfos rose and tried to punch the king again. It was a swift strike, but Verlamer deflected it with his arm. Verlamer's fist drove into Talfos' stomach, knocking the wind from him. Talfos doubled over for a moment, gasping for breath.
The king stepped back and raised his fists. "I'm loving this! You wanted to kill me? Well, come and get some more!"
With a roar, Talfos charged--seeking to get Verlamer in a bear hug. But the king sidestepped him and punched Talfos in the side of the head with a glancing blow. Talfos staggered and almost went down, but then turned to retaliate. But Verlamer was ready--his fist driving into Talfos' forehead. It was a flawless and mighty blow that cracked bone. Talfos dropped to the ground.
"This was a good duel!" the king shouted, his face lit up with joy. Then, showing his massive strength, he lifted Talfos' limp form into the air by the throat and finished him off. He flung the slain Knight aside.
The crowd roared
its approval. Fadar's heart sank. Talfos had been a mighty warrior and a friend to Fadar. He'd died with honor.
King Verlamer gazed down at the dead Knight. "You fought well and deserve your rest." Then he focused on the crowd. "Talfos Wolfheart hated me, but he was strong of limb and spirit. He served his god and his kingdom well. Let us have a moment of silence in honor of this Divine Knight."
Everyone bowed their heads.
But Vesselin Hopebringer shouted, "Savage monster! You knew he could not defeat you. You take pleasure in killing those who are weaker."
Verlamer's face contorted with rage. "Is that so, old man? Then why did I sheath my blade? It's because I wanted a challenge! It's not my fault I can never find one. No one has ever come close to defeating me, yet still I try."
Verlamer strode over to Vesselin and shoved him to his knees. "Your Lord Knight is a pathetic old fool!" he said to the other Divine Knights. "Not only did he surrender like a coward, but now he chastises me for engaging in an honorable duel. He is a wretch with no spine! I would do him a favor by ending his miserable life here and now. This calls for an execution!"
Three Golden Knights of Bellis emerged from the crowd of warriors, their swords held ready. These Guardians were nearly invincible in their armor. They were also the executioners of Bellis.
Verlamer pushed Vesselin forward, exposing the back of his neck. "Shall we cut off his head for daring to insult me?"
The crowd gave their approval.
But Verlamer simply shoved him into the dirt. "It would be a waste of time killing this sorry sod. It would bring me no glory. This kingdom will soon bow to my will, or it will be washed in the blood of fools!"
Fadar was overcome by misery. Where were Taris, Vannas, and the White Flamestone? How many more legendary Knights would die before they arrived at Dremlock? Again, he prayed to the Divine Essence, but he wondered if his god was even listening or could do anything to help beyond what it had already done. His prayers had done nothing to save Talfos.
King Verlamer returned to the table, but his mood seemed to have changed--as if Vesselin Hopebringer's words had brought out the worst in him. "I have no time for discussion with you, Fadar. You will be escorted back to your cell and await further instructions. I have much to do." His bony hand knotted into a fist. "Yes, much to do. I have lessons to teach, and some of them may be harsh."
It seemed Fadar's importance to the king had suddenly diminished. Fadar's instincts told him he wouldn't be seeing much of Verlamer again. He wondered how long he would be forced to wallow in his miserable dungeon.
The courtyard was overflowing with the armored Knights of Bellis, and thousands more filled the kingdom and the mountainside beyond. It was the darkest day of Fadar Stonebow's life.
Chapter 19: The Gloomy Depths
At one point during the return journey, Taris' battalion received news that Dremlock had fallen. The mood turned grim amongst the riders, and no one spoke much. They had to struggle to accept the fact that for the first time in its long history, Dremlock Kingdom had been conquered. Like most of Gallamerth, it belonged to King Verlamer now.
When they paused for dinner, Taris called a meeting to discuss the situation. But the sorcerer didn't seem eager to talk about it. He looked weary and in pain from his dark wounds. "Our greatest fears have come to pass," he said. "I could spend time lamenting how foolish it was to journey to Kalamede, but that would be pointless. What's done is done. Now we must focus on the future."
Taris stood before the crowd. Everyone else was seated in the soft grass of a large clearing, as the horses grazed nearby.
Lannon was miserable and restless, wanting to do something immediately, but he would have to be patient. It seemed like a huge piece of his existence had been torn away. His god and his kingdom had been taken from him by a madman, and anger toward King Verlamer gripped his heart. Expressions of grief and despair were all around him, while the Grey Dwarves showed only the anger Lannon was feeling.
But Prince Vannas never wavered. "Dremlock has not truly fallen until I am dead or the White Flamestone has gone to our enemies. And neither has happened yet. Therefore, the war for Dremlock is not over."
"You speak true," said Taris. "And your attitude is the proper one. As long as the Divine Essence lives on, we are obligated to fight for its freedom. The spirit of Dremlock exists with our god--not with buildings or resources. Even if the entire kingdom is rubble when he arrive, there is still a war to be fought."
"This has been coming for sometime," said Jace. "The threat of Bellis--this war--was inevitable. Dremlock did all it could to prepare, but how can you really prepare for an enemy that will swarm on you like an ocean? I agree with Prince Vannas. Only the Flamestones can overcome Bellis now."
"The mountain road will be heavily guarded," said Taris. "We will have to abandon our horses and sneak through the forest on foot. We will need a smaller, less visible party, and so some of us will have to remain behind. Once we enter the kingdom, our goal will be one of combat. Will we seek to cleanse the kingdom of the invaders, while freeing any Knights being held prisoner. If Darkender Tunnel has somehow been opened, we will also seek to seal it off again. Then Prince Vannas will take position atop the wall to fortify it."
"In my expert opinion," said Jace, "we can succeed if we do things the right way. Lannon, you must be well rested and ready to protect the prince at all costs. Therefore, I suggest you refrain from using your power unless absolutely necessary. Eat hearty meals and get plenty of sleep. Trenton, when the time is right, we will need some help from your beastly friend, if I may speak freely on the topic. In fact, your ability may be as important as anything else to the fate of Dremlock. So don't hold back, if you get my meaning."
Trenton sighed. "It's not a topic I'm fond of, but considering the circumstances, I will speak of it. Giving myself to the beast too much, and for too long, is terrifying and dangerous. I risk losing myself forever. The beast's will is very strong. I am essentially forcing an evil creature to serve a noble purpose, and that is always a perilous game that few ever win. But with Dremlock Kingdom at stake, no risk is too great."
"Never give up hope, my friends," said Taris. "Our foes are mortal. Even Bellis' so-called god is mortal. I'm sure of it. And mortals can be defeated, however vast their numbers. We have a group of extremely powerful fighters here--some of the best in all the land. We have unique talents. Rest assured that Bellis fears us and will be fretting over our arrival. We are the hope of Dremlock."
The meeting was called to an end.
Lannon rose and wandered about restlessly in the grass. So the plan was more bloodshed. It always seemed to come down to that. But perhaps there was a way bloodshed could be avoided. It would require finding a way to deal with King Verlamer. Yet how could he get close enough to the king to try to understand him or reason with him? And was the king even susceptible to influence? Surely countless others had tried to persuade Verlamer to give up his mad scheme of conquering the world. Why should Lannon succeed when so many others had failed? The king wouldn't just walk away from Dremlock.
Maybe bloodshed was the only option, as sad as that seemed. If so, the Divine Shield was certainly capable of causing much carnage. But Lannon continuously refused to give up hope that a peaceful solution could be found to every problem, even as he ended up fighting one battle after the next.
***
Despite their fears of an assassination attempt on Prince Vannas, the journey to Dremlock went smoothly. Some of Bellis' winged spies kept an eye on them, circling in the distance, but otherwise they encountered no sign of King Verlamer's forces. With some careful maneuvering through forests, they were able to elude the spies as they drew close to Dremlock. Still, they knew Bellis would be well prepared for their arrival and would certainly have some kind of plan ready for the White Flamestone that undoubtedly involved a clever trap or two.
They arrived at the Firepit Mountains in late afternoon, and they decided to camp until evening in a str
etch of forest so they could scale the mountainside under cover of darkness. There was no doubt in their minds that Bellis was watching for them. The mountainside was crawling with King Verlamer's warriors--armed with crossbows and other ranged weapons in preparation for Prince Vannas. It was no secret that a single arrow could end the threat of the White Flamestone, and the mountain allowed for many hiding places from which an ambush could occur.
They decided that the Divine Shield, the Dark Knights, and ten more Knights would make for the mines, while the rest would stay below with the wagons. They stood amongst the trees, as the blue of the sky deepened above the branches and a few stars appeared. The woods were quiet around them, but from higher up along the mountain came the sounds of merrymaking, shouts, booming drums, and other loud noises from the massive army--including what sounded like huge trees being felled. Fires were blazing above, and the smell of smoke reached their nostrils.
"King Verlamer is mine!" Shennen snarled, his hand wrapped tightly around his Flayer. The master assassin seemed gripped by sudden rage, his eyes gleaming with malice from the shadows.
No one dared reply. They simply let his anger smolder.
"It may be our final evening in this world," said Trenton, bowing his head. "If so, I want it be known that we part ways and friends and brothers."
"And sisters," said Aldreya, smiling.
Two of the female Knights--and Dallsa--laughed and spoke in agreement.
"I'm ready to die," Daledus grunted. "Sort of..."
Jace chuckled and had a quick smoke of his pipe. "Let's not be overly dramatic, my friends. I for one have no plans to die this night. To be captured and tortured brutally--yes--but no plans to die." He blew a perfect smoke ring and gazed at it in amazement. "I'll take that as a good sign for us!"
Jerret slashed the smoke ring into ruin with his broadsword. "I don't need omens or luck. My blade is enough."
"Spoken like a true Red Knight," Jace muttered. "I can't wait to meet your baby brother. I hear he's as strong and stubborn as you are."
Knights: The Blood of Kings (Knights Series) Page 25