Additionally, he had placed a dozen or so lit torches in the sconces around the room and positioned a guard near each one. The guards also carried torches, which caused an eerie, murky haze throughout the great hall. The smell of burning wood permeated the air.
Satisfied with his defenses, Eben turned to his men. “Very well, when I give the order I want you men to throw the clay jars and douse the beast with oil then throw your torches at it. Men, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, but our unwelcomed guest is a spawn from the infernal regions and that’s exactly where we’re going to send it!”
Cheers rose from the men, and they thrust their swords, spears, and torches into the air.
“We will defend this manor with our lives!”
Eben held his sword high into the air for all to see the greenish glow.
“And in doing so we slay an old friend,” he said to himself. “I wish this night had not come, Alex. I would have liked to see you again. Just not like this.”
He paused and looked at his men to be sure he had their complete attention. “If I fall, then one of you must take up this sword and finish the task. It’s an enchanted weapon. It’s enchanted by the druids to slay all manner of evil.”
In truth, he knew Ariel’s minor enchantment was not nearly so powerful, but his men needed to hear something else. They gave a rousing cheer as Eben thrust his sword higher into the air.
Then they heard it, a bloodcurdling howl from somewhere in the courtyard. The cheers faded. There were shouts from outside as well. Inside the great room not a noise could be heard except the crackling of the torches.
“Steady, men,” said Eben. “Steady.” The silence that had descended on the great hall covered everyone with a blanket of fear.
“Be ready, men. Together we’ll slay the mons-”
The farthest shuttered window exploded, sending glass and bits of wood flying throughout the room.
A large dark shape landed on one of the long tables. Eben thought it was a bear, a large, misshapen black bear. Its fur was matted and wet and it was heaving. Its large head hung low, as if it was out of breath. It had a strong musky smell and its heavy breathing slowly turned into a low growl as it raised its head. It had a large, blood-soaked snout that twitched as its lips pulled back to reveal an array of bloody fangs. Its eyes glowed with hatred as it scanned the room. It was hunched over on all fours and its arms were the size of small trees. They were covered with thick black fur and ended with large curved claws over three inches in length that left deep gouges in the wooden table.
No one moved. Everyone stood transfixed on the terrifying creature that had suddenly intruded upon their world. Pools of blood and drool formed on the table and floor beneath the creature as it continued looking about, sniffing the air.
Then it settled its hateful gaze on Eben. It slowly crawled off the table and stood on its hind legs. It was well over seven feet tall and its furry canine ears twitched as it rose.
Eben steeled himself and pointed his sword at the beast. He stepped toward the werewolf, but just as he did, one overzealous guard rushed it from behind with his spear raised. “No!” shouted Eben. But it was too late. The guard struck the beast with a clear thrust to the back, but the shaft of his spear shattered against its hide. The monster whirled around and lashed out with one of its great claws, striking the guard across the chest. The force of the blow dented the guard’s breastplate and sent him flying backward into the wall.
Eben seized the opportunity and slashed at the beast’s lower leg. The blade sliced through fur and flesh, causing the werewolf to roar in pain and shock as it swung back to face him. Its horrible growl resonated loudly throughout the room.
“Wait for my word!” yelled Eben. He knew he had merely succeeded in angering the beast with such a minor wound. But now he knew he had a chance, and he could kill it.
The beast’s large snout tilted downward and its face wrinkled with rage as it focused its attention on the warrior with the green sword. Suddenly it leapt forward, its massive claws stretched out, ready to rend and shred him. The speed and ferocity of its attack surprised Eben, who only managed to step aside as the beast struck. Its jaws snapped shut and barely missed Eben’s face. Its hot, putrid breath smelled of iron and death. The werewolf’s left claw struck the Eben’s side and sent him flying backwards. Eben grimaced with pain. He felt at least one rib break from the impact of the blow.
He landed hard on his back, pain erupting from the back of his head. The room started to spin.
He tasted his own blood as he struggled to clear his head. The werewolf wasted no time as it leapt on top of him. The beast’s crushing weight nearly caused him to lose consciousness. Several of the guards rushed forward, yelling and striking at the beast with their weapons, attempting to draw the werewolf’s attention.
It swung around, slashing with its claws and viciously snapping side to side. One guard struck the werewolf from behind with a sword, but the blow merely glanced off the beast’s hide. The guard stood looking first at his sword and then at the werewolf, which had turned around and now faced him. It sprang forward, locking its jaws around the guard’s neck and bore him to the floor. The other guards rushed to the aid of their comrade, but it was too late.
Eben staggered to his feet with his head still throbbing with pain. He removed his helmet in order to breathe better. He felt the back of his head and looked down at his hand. It was red with blood. The pain in his side and chest made it difficult to breathe. Gasping for air, he spat the blood from his mouth and shouted, “Ready the jars!”
He lunged forward and stabbed the werewolf from behind. The werewolf howled in pain and spun around, ripping and slashing with its massive claws. This time a claw landed flush on Eben’s breastplate, sending him crashing into the tables and chairs that were stacked along the wall.
He lay against the wall gasping for air. He watched as the beast wrenched his sword from its body. The glowing blade was covered with blood. Taking a deep, painful breath, Eben summoned enough strength to rise on one knee and shout, “Now! Throw the jars! Burn it! Burn the beast!”
Then he slumped back against the wall in a sitting position. The guards by the sconces immediately threw their oil-filled clay decanters at the werewolf. Some of them shattered on the wall behind it, splashing its hide with the flammable liquid. A few jars, however, struck the creature square in the chest and arms, further dousing it.
Next numerous torches came flying through the air toward the werewolf. The oil pools beneath it and the soaked furniture ignited. Then the werewolf’s fur caught fire. The beast let out a howl and dropped to all fours, locking gazes with Eben. The werewolf snarled and glared at him.
Eben coughed up more blood and smiled.
“It was…a great…battle, Alex,” he said. “And it is…a good death. A warrior’s death.”
Fur ablaze, the beast leapt over the flames and out the window it had crashed through moments earlier. The room was filled with smoke and the smell of burnt hair, oil, and scorched wood. Eben continued to smile as he watched the werewolf flee, its fur still on fire as it disappeared into the night.
“Good-bye, old friend.” They’re safe, he thought. He had kept his promise. Lord Eben took one final breath as darkness closed in around him.
Chapter Fourteen
Catacombs
“Oh wow,” said Jane. “I can’t believe we’re doing this. We’re creeping around in a dark, scary tunnel running from a werewolf.”
Ariel held a finger to her lips for quiet. “Come. We should not make any noise,” she whispered. “Stay close.” She held her glowing gem before her and stepped forward into the dark passage. As Geoff watched, she opened her hand and the gem floated above her head.
“That’s a cool trick,” said Sawyer. “How long’ll it glow like that?”
“Shh!
” said Ariel. She lowered her voice. “As long as I wish. Mage stones obey the will of the one using them.”
“Can I try?” asked Geoff.
“Only those who possess arcane talent can control a mage stone,” said Ariel. Geoff frowned and looked over his shoulder. He was last in line as they traveled single file down the dark, dank passage.
“On second thought…,” Ariel stopped, reached into her pouch again, and produced three more gems. She held them in her open hand.
“Take one,” she said as they gathered around her. Sawyer was the first to take a gem, then Jane and Geoff. Jane gasped as her gem immediately began to glow green like Ariel’s. Geoff’s gem shone with a soft white radiance.
“That’s awesome!” said Geoff, hardly containing his enthusiasm. His hands trembled as he watched his gem rise above his head and emit a soft white glow.
“So why is Geoff’s gem glowing white while ours is green?” asked Jane.
“I think mine is burned out,” said Sawyer as he gave his gem a vigorous shake. “Do you have another one?”
“Interesting,” said Ariel. “How rare it is to see a mage stone glow white. You have the inner makings of a wizard, Geoff.”
Hearing Ariel speak his name for the first time startled Geoff. After all, he didn’t think Ariel cared much for him—or the others, for that matter. His thoughts went from the mage stone to Ariel, which caused the gem floating above him to extinguish and fall, striking the top of his head with a thud.
“Ow!” said Geoff as he rubbed his head and picked up the gem that lay at his feet.
“However, you will need to train if you want to be a competent wizard,” said Ariel.
“So mine is green,” said Jane. “What does that mean?”
“It means you have an affinity for woodland magic, the magic of the druids,” said Ariel. “And that too is interesting.”
“Yeah, okay,” said Sawyer. “But mine won’t do anything. I think it’s broken.”
“No. It is as I suspected,” said Ariel. “You have begun to train as a warrior and that is your path. Jane and Geoff have to rely on their minds, while you must rely on the strength of your arm.”
“So I can’t make my gem glow? Why not?” Sawyer held up his sword. “Isn’t this sword magical?”
“It is. But a warrior relies on his balance and the use of his wits differently.”
“Yeah. All right,” said Sawyer. “Guess I’m in the dark.” He handed the mage stone back to Ariel who placed it in her pouch and led them deeper into the dark passage.
As they slowly made their way, Geoff noticed that only he, Sawyer, and Jane were making noise as they walked. Ariel was silent. She never makes any noise, he thought. He heard each footstep and every breath they took. Geoff couldn’t help it; he was so nervous his hands trembled and a shiver ran up his spine. He looked behind them, but couldn’t see anything stirring except their shadows against the rough-hewn walls in the green and white light. He exhaled a sigh of relief and saw his breath. Geoff wrapped his arms around himself and rubbed his upper arms. He could feel goose bumps on his skin.
“Hey,” whispered Geoff. He cringed when he heard how loud his whisper resonated around them.
The others turned and looked at him.
“Why is it so cold down here?”
“It’s always colder underground,” said Jane. “No sun gets down here to heat things up. You know that.”
“Quiet,” said Ariel, and she motioned for them to follow. The passage had a slight downward slope, and at various places jagged, cobweb-covered rocks poked out from the walls. In another hundred yards, the passage leveled out and opened into a carved stone room.
Ariel stopped, grabbed her mage stone, and held it in front of her. The green light shone forward and illuminated the room. It was rectangular, and contained three semicircular alcoves in each of the walls. The alcoves contained various dusty clay urns and brass vases. There were etched plaques in the stonework above the alcoves, but time had rendered them worn and unreadable. Some alcoves also had rolled bits of parchment. Geoff detected a dirty, musty smell in addition to the stale scent of decay.
Ariel crouched near the floor and slowly panned her glowing mage stone left and right.
“What are you doing?” whispered Jane.
“Looking for disturbances in the dust,” said Ariel. “Extinguish your mage stones and stay here.”
An arched doorway on the opposite wall opened into more darkness. The stonework in the room was hand carved and fit neatly together. Geoff watched Ariel scan the floor. His heart raced and the goose bumps on his arms tingled. He tried not to breathe so loudly, but when he attempted to do so his lungs ached for air. He peered behind them, imagining they were going too slowly and the werewolf would lunge at them from out of the darkness at any moment. His mind conjured up images of a fanged maw and yellow, malicious eyes coming closer. A shiver ran down his back and his breathing became shallow.
When he turned back around, Ariel had unsheathed one of her scimitars and was already in the middle of the room. As Geoff watched, she moved without a sound, her gaze fixed on the opening ahead. He took some satisfaction in seeing Ariel use the same toe-heel method he utilized from time to time. She extinguished her mage stone and stepped into the arched doorway. She stood there for a minute, listened, and looked down the dark passage.
Geoff and the others found themselves enveloped in a sea of pitch-black. He could hear Sawyer and Jane breathing faster, and he felt someone brush against his arm and grab his wrist. Another moment later the room was illuminated in green light as Ariel once again activated her mage stone. Geoff saw that it was Jane who had latched onto his wrist, but he didn’t mind the support, either. Ariel motioned for them to enter. Jane released Geoff and stepped into the room, with Geoff and Sawyer behind her.
“Stay alert,” whispered Ariel. The ceiling of the room was nearly fifteen feet high. Two bats, disturbed by Ariel’s light, circled overhead. The beating of their small wings echoed in the chamber. Their darting shadows against the green illumination sent another shiver down Geoff’s back.
“This has to be the creepiest place I’ve ever seen,” said Sawyer.
“Yeah,” was all Geoff could say. He was looking all about the chamber while trying to keep constant vigil on the bats.
“What kind of dangers are down here?” asked Jane. “What did Lord Eben mean?”
“I do not know,” said Ariel. “That is why I want you to be quiet and stay close.”
Geoff noticed a rather ornate urn in one of the alcoves and went to have a closer look.
“Do not touch anything,” warned Ariel.
Geoff looked over his shoulder and saw Ariel had directed her comment at him. Dad would love to see this place, he thought. Too bad he’s not here. He stepped away from the alcove and joined the others.
“We will use only my mage stone,” said Ariel. “Three will cast too much light and alert enemies to our presence.”
Ariel turned and walked into the corridor, her green gem glowing above her head.
Geoff could see no end to the corridor; it continued into the darkness beyond Ariel’s light. Cobwebs dangled from the ceiling and fluttered slightly as they walked past. Soon they arrived at a four-way intersection that was shrouded with cobwebs. Small black silhouettes of spiders raced away as the light from Ariel’s mage stone shone on them. Ariel signaled the others to stay where they were and not to move. She unsheathed another scimitar and advanced into the intersection as she cut away the cobwebs.
Geoff imagined Ariel’s cobweb cutting would enrage a giant black spider that would attack them at any moment. Once Ariel entered the intersection she looked left then to the right. She motioned for them to stay put. Geoff could barely see her as she went down the right corridor. She crouched and examined a l
arge, dark lump lying on the floor.
“Ariel, is everything okay?” whispered Jane.
“Stay where you are,” said Ariel.
Geoff exchanged a worried glance with Jane. What was she looking at? If everything was fine why should we have to stay where we are?
Geoff edged closer until he was barely in the intersection. He couldn’t help it, he was curious. Something had given Ariel reason to be concerned. She returned to the others.
“Ariel, what—” Jane started to ask but was interrupted by Ariel placing a slender finger over her own lips for quiet.
“Grave robber,” she whispered. “And that is not all. He was killed most likely by a carrion mite. We are in danger and must be very quiet now.”
“Carrion mite? What’s a carrion mite?” asked Sawyer.
“They are predators. They make their homes in dark, moist places,” answered Ariel. “They tend to feed on dead things, but have been known to attack the living.”
“But mites are just tiny little things,” said Sawyer, holding up a hand with his thumb and forefinger pinched together. A moment of silence passed as Sawyer looked at the others.
“Aren’t they? They’re real small, right?” he asked.
“And you said mites,” said Jane, stressing the plural. “How many mites are there?”
“Carrion mites live in colonies. I do not know how many are here, but if we encounter even one we will be in danger.”
Ariel looked at Sawyer.
“I assure you that you will be able to see them. Our best strategy is to move quickly and quietly while we are here.”
“So…that was a body? What you just looked at? Who was he?” asked Geoff.
“Someone who was neither quick nor quiet. Come. Stay close together,” said Ariel as she moved back into the intersection. She walked straight ahead this time. Geoff glanced down the right corridor as he passed. He saw a dark, crumpled shape next to the wall. It reminded him of a pile of clothes, but the rotting stench made it difficult for Geoff to breathe.
Wizard's Key (The Darkwolf Saga Book 1) Page 17