Blade Asunder Complete Series Box Set

by Jon Kiln

  New tremors began and could be felt under the ground. For a moment, everyone feared that the desert worms were trying to dig through the rocks. The ground around the crag was a maelstrom of whirling sands, and it was obvious that there was much activity going on below the surface.

  It was Hendon who resolved the mystery.

  “Fear not everyone. I sense that it is the desert worms who are now under attack. They are fleeing from huge, long snakes or lizards. It seems we are being rescued by the Akkedis, and if you thought the desert worms were big, wait until you see these beasts. These are our allies, Perseus, aren’t they?” he asked, hopefully.

  “The Akkedis are no one’s allies. You should never trust them, ever,” Perseus warned them. He knew how devious these creatures could be, and while he was grateful for their help, he knew that there would be a price to pay. The Akkedis do not help anyone unless it was for profit.

  Gaping holes appeared in the sands, only this time instead of desert worms, giant serpents slithered out of the holes and onto the rocks. Riding on the backs of them rode smaller lizard creatures.

  Soon, the Queen’s party was completely surrounded by the scaly skinned creatures. Ganry put himself by Myriam’s side, hand on sword. He did not draw it just yet as there was no point in antagonizing their rescuers, but he was ready all the same.

  Perseus stood at the front of the group and stepped closer to one of the serpents. The rider dismounted and greeted him as he approached. They were in deep discussion as Perseus gesticulated and pointed away at the horizon.

  “Do you know what they are saying to each other?” Myriam asked of Hendon.

  “Yes, it seems we are to fly away from here on the backs of these creatures. Not only can they burrow through the sands, but they also have wings to take us into the skies.”

  Perseus and the creature finished their conversation, and he came over to update them.

  “We will each of us ride on the backs of these winged serpents,” he told them as they gathered around him. “We will be accompanied by one of the smaller creatures who will guide us to our destination.”

  “What about the camels?” Hendon asked. “Are we to leave them at the mercy of the sand worms?”

  “The worms have gone. The Akkedis leader tells me that at least four are dead. They have now fled and will be in no hurry to return.”

  Perseus could see that Hendon was still concerned. Being able to speak to animals gives you an insight and an empathy to their plight.

  “Camels are used to roaming this desert, my friend,” Perseus assured him. “They know how to make their way home. They will be safe, I promise you.”

  That seemed to satisfy Hendon, and he walked over to the camels and spoke softly to them, as if reassuring them. Perseus followed him, as he also loved the desert beasts.

  “Perseus?” Hendon said to him. “They tell me that the lizards kept the sand worms here. Why would they do that if they planned to rescue us?”

  “I sensed this was so,” Perseus tried to explain. “Never trust the Akkedis. Be wary at all times and stay close to your Queen.”

  “Why do you continue to travel with us now that we have new guides?” Hendon asked of Perseus, wondering if he, too, could be trusted.

  “My master assigned me with this task. I stay until I am of no more use.” With that answer he turned to leave the young human male, feeling he had answered enough questions. He did not wish to reveal his real reasons.

  Myriam felt apprehensive about flying on the backs of these creatures, but she was happy to be seeing the end of this treacherous desert that had already taken the life of one of their party. How many more lives would be lost in the search for her grandmother?

  Perseus’s warning about not trusting the Akkedis was fresh in her mind, as was her dream that had shown her grandmother was with the Akkedis, so what choice did they have? At least this way they would reach their destination quickly. She just hoped they weren’t rushing into a trap.

  They were strapped into saddles on the back of the flying lizards with a guide at their backs, directing the flight. Each sat apprehensively, and a little puzzled at how such cumbersome creatures could take to the air. As if in response to their uncertainty, huge wings were unfurled from their sides, beautiful and almost transparent, filled with intricate patterns in various colors. They glistened like gossamer. The lizards seemed to furl up slightly before suddenly springing forward at speed, until they shot over the end of the rocks with their huge wings beating a rhythm as they soared into the sky.

  Myriam loved the experience of flying. She relished the sensation as the winds rushed by her face. Never had she felt so wonderful as she did high in the skies of the world. If only humans could fly, they would travel their journeys so much quicker, and never be attacked by sand worms.

  Ganry, on the other hand, hated it. He was a man who liked to have his feet firmly planted on the ground. He even hated being on a boat. It was not natural, and if the great maker had wanted them to fly he would have given them wings, he reasoned. He had agreed to strap himself on to this giant monster only because Myriam had insisted. The sooner they were back on the ground, the better.

  Hendon held up his arms in exhilaration as the winds blew across his face, blowing his hair behind him. He felt like he was experiencing how a bird glided through the skies. Everything below was tiny, even the tallest trees seem to dwarf below them.

  Linz felt much like Ganry. This was not where a lake man belonged, and he sat stiffly, gripping his reins as if his life depended on it.

  Perseus simply accepted this was a necessary evil. He could not do his duty if he could not enter the city of the Akkedis. He had a task to do, and soon all this would be over.

  Hendon felt his staff vibrating and then he sensed the old man laughing.

  “Do you like flying, Barnaby?” he asked in his mind.

  “I love flying,” Barnaby chuckled in Hendon’s head. “I had heard those blasted worms rumbling the sands around you, but I see you’re safe for now, my boy, so I’ll be off.”

  Hendon felt Barnaby leave his mind. Hendon liked Barnaby and wished he’d stay longer as he felt sure that he was an integral part of their mission. He wondered where he went off to when he left him. It did not sound like he stayed upon this world.

  Perhaps, when you’re a spirit, you can flit between worlds. As he flew on the back of this creature, with his thoughts on Barnaby, he observed in the distance that there was nothing but sand in every direction.

  Yet, the lizards were flying lower as if their journey was coming to an end. He hoped this was not a trick and they were not going to leave them stranded in the desert. He looked over at Perseus who seemed calm and unconcerned, so he decided that all must be well, and as the lizard swooped lower, he awaited the landing with slight trepidation.

  15

  In the distance they could see a large oasis on the horizon. This must be their destination, thought Myriam, but it looked far too small to be the Kingdom of the Akkedis. Perhaps they were stopping for water?

  The lizards, as they approached the oasis started to circle it, each time getting lower and lower until they were almost brushing the tops of the trees. Then in front of them, an avenue appeared. A long stretch that looked like a straight path cutting through the trees. The lizards swooped down into the gap as they flew lower and lower until they were eventually on the ground.

  Everyone dismounted their rides and gathered together. Perseus spoke with the leader, and they were told to follow him. He led them between a gathering of tall palm trees, and behind them were many large boulders. A passageway appeared between the boulders, which seemed to get wider as they walked along it. High upon the boulders, Ganry spotted the lookout guards. His warrior senses warned him of danger. He would need to be extra vigilant.

  “We could not flee now even if we wanted to, Ganry,” Myriam said to her bodyguard, seeing his discomfort. “If this is to be a trap, then they have lured us in well. All we can do is
remain alert. I trust and rely on you, Ganry, to warn me of any impending danger.” She spoke in a quiet voice so only he could hear her words.

  He said nothing, but she knew that he had heard her. She too felt uncomfortable in this place.

  As the rock walls seemed to get higher, the pathway appeared to be leading in a downwards slope. Soon, they entered an entrance to a cave, and here the guards were numerous. The air was fast becoming cooler, but there was no damp smell that Myriam would normally associate with caves in her lands. The passageway led into a huge cavern, which gave them the option of many other paths. The underground space was well lit and a hive of activity.

  Myriam observed as Ganry approached Perseus, and they were soon in a deep discussion. She was glad Ganry was here. If this was a trap, then he more than anyone else would know how they could make their escape.

  ***

  A new guide appeared and led them down one of the many openings. Torches burned in sconces, illuminating the dark passages. They seemed to be walking deeper and deeper as the ground beneath them sloped ever downwards. Often, they passed other passageways that led off in different directions.

  Myriam thought the place must be a huge catacomb, and they would never remember their way out of here without a guide. Finally, they arrived on a platform that looked down upon what could only be described as an underground city. As Myriam gazed in astonishment, she could see streets and rooftops, and there was even a market square.

  “What an amazing place,” Hendon spoke with wonder in his voice. “Who would have thought there could be such a huge city beneath the sands?”

  Ganry viewed the city with different eyes. He did not marvel at its wonders or consider the finer points of how such a city was built. He was a man of action and violence, and they were in a city that held many dangers. His prime focus was on how they could fight their way out, should it become necessary.

  Ganry turned to check on Myriam, and from out of the shadows appeared Ghaffar.

  “Greetings, Queen Myriam. This is an honor for my people. Never before have we had human royalty as our guests,” he said, bowing down to her.

  Myriam smiled, almost relieved to have found the little man at last. Ganry, however, was much more suspicious at the sudden appearance of the little monk.

  “Please come this way. I would like to show you where you will be staying on your visit to our humble city.” Ghaffar indicated for them to follow him.

  At the bottom of the ramp, which led down from the balcony, they were met by a huge lizard that stood on all fours and had short legs, a long snout, and hard knobbly skin. Its long tail swished from side to side. This creature seemed more like a domesticated animal, or a beast of burden, as it had a huge saddle upon its back.

  Ghaffar climbed up the saddle and took a seat, indicating for the others to do likewise. A driver sat upon a smaller saddle attached to its broad neck, and he used a whip to direct the lizard.

  “Much like using a horse,” Ghaffar said to Myriam. “The Ingwenya are our means of transport within the city. They can even take us under the water. Quite useful, especially in battle. Such a lot of teeth.”

  Myriam was unsure whether he was joking or threatening them, but she sensed nothing aggressive in his tone. Glancing around at the others, she saw that Linz was staring coldly at Ghaffar. He had been present at the death of his uncle, Chief Clay, and held him responsible for that.

  She hoped that if revenge was on his mind, it would wait until they had freed her grandmother. Although she wondered if any of them would manage to ever escape from these caves. How long were the Akkedis going to remain courteous towards them? She wanted to let them believe that they had her where they wanted her, which in reality they probably did, though she did have a few tricks up her sleeves.

  Would the power of the stones help them to escape should the Akkedis turn on them? Ganry was a powerful warrior, but even he could not fight an entire Akkedis army. Then there was the elusive Perseus. He had been a good guide, but she couldn’t help but feel there was more to him than they knew about. She hoped that they could use that to their benefit should the need arise.

  As they moved through the hustle and bustle of an underground city, the air was stifling and the smell was overpowering. Many of the Akkedis stared as they passed them by. They all stood on two legs and dressed in long robes that covered most of their scaly bodies.

  All of the Akkedis appeared to be armed. It was most unnerving for Myriam, but she sat upright and showed no sign of fear. Ghaffar seemed to enjoy her discomfort, but she merely smiled at him, showing him nothing but a show of friendship. If this was to be trickery, then she wanted them to make the first move. She would do nothing to antagonize them, but should they show her treachery then she would respond likewise.

  “I look forward to seeing my grandmother, Ghaffar. I hope it will be soon?” Myriam smiled at him.

  “She has taken a turn for the worse,” Ghaffar told her. “Please be patient and you shall see her after you have eaten and rested.”

  “I was unaware that she was ill,” Myriam exclaimed, sitting upright at this dire news.

  “Calm yourself, human Queen,” Ghaffar almost hissed. “She needs a good night’s sleep and all will be well. I have informed her of your coming and she asks for rest before she speaks with you. Is that too much to ask after what she has been through for your Kingdom?”

  Myriam did not bother to answer the impertinent little man. If only they could leave this place this very day. If only.

  16

  Myriam was given a room of her own. At either side of her, both Linz and Hendon were accommodated. Opposite her room, Ganry and Perseus were given a room together. Ganry was not happy with this arrangement.

  With Ghaffar watching on, he made the changes so that the Akkedis were well aware that the Queen was going to be well guarded. He moved Linz and Hendon into the shared room meant for him and Perseus, and at either side of Myriam he put himself and Perseus. He was pleased that Myriam’s room had adjoining doors to both her protectors on either side.

  “But what about Linz and Hendon? They are alone and unprotected,” she said quietly in Ganry’s ear.

  “They are not unprotected and they are not alone. They have each other, that is enough for them.”

  As she thought about it, she had to agree it was a better arrangement than Ghaffar had made. She nodded her agreement to Ganry, accepting his lead.

  Ghaffar said nothing at this stage even though he was a little annoyed at Ganry’s meddling. There was reasoning behind putting the D’Anjue bloodline in the adjoining rooms, but it mattered little. Soon this farce would be over and the pretense done away with.

  Of course, he could simply take them all prisoner right here and now, but that would affect the quality of the blood. He needed the three D’Anjue family members to remain calm.

  Fear and stress created a chemical reaction in the blood, affecting its quality. Ghaffar simply smiled as the party of humans rearranged themselves. No matter, he could still carry out his duties, and maybe the two male D’Anjue bloodlines would be easier targets housed together.

  “I trust you would like to clean up after your long journey. We will meet for dinner, is this acceptable?” Ghaffar asked.

  Myriam accepted the invitation to dine. Ghaffar smiled and bid them goodbye, for now.

  Once he had gone, Ganry entered Myriam’s room and checked it was secure. He checked the windows and the walls for secret passages.

  Myriam looked longingly at the bath of hot soapy water in her room as Ganry carried out his checking of her room. Eventually he seemed satisfied, and using the adjoining door he entered his own room and left her alone.

  She quickly stripped and was soon soaking in the hot water. What a luxury. Finally getting to wash some of that sand from her hair and the grime from her skin. She lay there a while, luxuriating on the suds, before she climbed out of the bath, dried herself, and lay on her soft bed to relax.

  It seemed t
hat Ghaffar had thought of everything. She slipped into a loose robe that was provided, similar to the ones she had seen the women in these lands wear.

  Bathtubs of hot water were set up in all the rooms for the travelers, but only one in the shared room. Linz and Hendon argued over who would go first.

  “Pah, I am a Chief of my people, and you are simply a forest dweller!” Linz argued good-naturedly before promptly stripping off his clothing and jumping into the warm tub, splashing half the water all over the floor.

  “If the sand at the bottom of that bath scratches at my backside, then I will boil the Chief of the lake people in the waters he bathes in,” Hendon threatened.

  He was not really bothered about being last in the water. He was just so relieved to be out of the dreaded desert. Hendon went to lay on his bed, still fully clothed in his dirty traveling garments. He hoped he would not fall asleep before Linz was finished, or that the water was not freezing cold by his turn. They really should have put two tubs in this room.

  Ganry bathed in his tub and welcomed the hot soapy water on his weary body. Despite the pleasure the bath gave him, Ganry was quickly out and dressed in the fresh clothes the Akkedis had provided. He put on his cloak before setting out to check on the others.

  His first call was to Hendon and Linz. He saw that Linz had already bathed, but Hendon looked like he’d fallen asleep in the tub, so he kicked the side, startling Hendon awake.

  “Never be unaware of your surroundings, boy!” Ganry growled at him. “Not unless you wish to lose your head.”

  Ganry followed Linz out of the open doorway, leaving a stunned Hendon in a cold bathtub.

  Soon, with everyone bathed and rested, they all gathered in Myriam’s room as Ganry had instructed so he could speak to them.

  “I have a bad feeling about this place. All is not what it seems and it is important that we do not get separated.” He paused, looking at each of them. “At night, we will have a rotation of guards. This night, I will take first watch. Hendon, you can be next, seeing as you’ve already slept.”