Blade Asunder Complete Series Box Set

by Jon Kiln

  Jacob bowed his head. “The plan is a sound one, your Majesty, and one I am certain our King will approve of. The more forces we can garner to fight against these demons, the better our chances of success.”

  The two parties bid their final farewells and went their separate ways. The Queen and her party riding towards the border controls, and Jacob and his men riding like the wind towards the Mirnee capital.

  ***

  Qutaybah and his men had also made good time. Vandemland, a kingdom that relied on trade, had built many roads to crisscross the land and ensure travel was fast and direct. Soon, just ahead, they could see the spires rising above the horizon that told them they were almost home.

  Qutaybah held up his hand, halting all the riders to a standstill.

  “There she is at last, my comrades. We are home, and for now, safe.” With that he spurred his horse on and galloped towards the city. The others trailed in his wake. He would go directly to King Mydras to confirm all the reports that he should have been receiving. He could do nothing without the King’s consent, but he knew he would soon be briefing the commanders of Vandemland’s forces, and planning their attack strategy. Time was of the essence. He had seen those creatures with his own eyes, and knew that only a great force could defeat them.

  28

  Canne flew high in the sky where none below would see him well. He was not sure where he was heading or why, but a voice inside his head commanded it, and he had to obey. This same voice told him that he needed to protect his new master, and ignore anyone else. Asgwern do not command large brains, making them easily manipulated. Control their minds and you control them physically. This provides for a strong and fearsome creature.

  In this case, Canne was being manipulated by spirits that were loyal to the albino, including the late Emperor Nester Fontleroy. Any thoughts about his mistress, Thalia, were soon swept from his mind. She was completely gone from his memories. Now, Cronos was his new master, and he would serve him faithfully.

  He flew out to sea, for that was where the inner voice led him. This world was a strange one, it was not dark enough, and the air was not quite right. Whilst he could breathe perfectly well, it was missing certain odors. The strong smell of salt and sea birds assailed his senses. Not really hungry, he ignored the need to stop and eat the birds that dared to fly near him. In his own world, the places where he could fly were huge fire pits, or caverns that had the overpowering aroma of sulfur. His kind were captured and trained to be used to fly the demon knights into battle. Now though, his role was a different one: he was to protect the albino human child at all costs.

  Then he saw his destination below him, through the hazy grey clouds and the wet droplets that fell from the skies to the land below. Downward he flew, circling around looking for somewhere to land. He saw a cavern opening, high up on a cliff wall. Landing on the edges of the opening, he entered the cave, jumping and hopping from talon to talon with wings flapping to keep his balance. Deep inside this dark cavern he was certain he would find what he was seeking.

  ***

  “Cronos! You’re awake?” Grecia cried out with surprise.

  “Have I missed much?” the boy asked, propping himself up on his elbows, looking bewildered as he glanced around at the unfamiliar surroundings.

  However, the people who were with him were all familiar. As he looked up he could see Ganry, cleaning weapons, and the druid Azmariddian speaking with Hendon, whom he had met at his birthday ceremony. That was it, the ceremony, it had all gone wrong. Slowly he recalled that he was in danger the last time he had awoken.

  “Am I safe?” he dared to ask.

  “Thanks to Azmariddian and Grecia, you are,” Ganry replied, looking pleased.

  There were other men in the large cave chamber. Linz, who he also recognized as one of Myriam’s party, stood with a couple of wolf men.

  “Are you all my personal guards?” he asked.

  “Well, we’re all here to protect you,” Hendon replied, “but not just us.”

  Everyone in the cave turned to Hendon, curious as to what he meant.

  “You are speaking in riddles again, Hendon?” Ganry remarked, remembering times he had spent with the forest man in the past, and the invisible mentor that he had.

  “Yes, I miss Barnaby,” Hendon replied, his mind wandering off to his trainer who had also always spoken in riddles. “I mean, no, I’m not speaking in riddles. What I have to show you all is no riddle, it’s perfectly solid.”

  “And as to your question, young man,” Hendon smiled at Cronos, “we are your human protectors, but you also have another, much stronger than all of us put together.”

  “Is it Rochmyr? Is he here?” Cronos was excited to be seeing his good friend, the giant, and his eyes scanned the cave looking for him.

  “Sadly, no,” Hendon replied. “But, if Grecia could assist you to follow me, then I can show you exactly what I mean.”

  Grecia wrapped a blanket around Cronos and helped him up, and by supporting him he managed to walk slowly.

  Hendon headed towards the tunnel with Ganry at his side, and everyone followed behind. He carried a torch lighting up the way ahead.

  As they moved through the tunnel towards the cave entrance, Ganry could see a large shape that was partially blocking out the light. Instantly, he drew his sword, when he recognized the creature standing before them

  “Quickly, Grecia, we have been discovered. Take the boy back and protect him at all costs. Linz, stay with me,” he yelled, advancing on the creature.

  Before Ganry could attack, Hendon held his hands up high, “No, Ganry, wait.” He walked towards the large beast that stood before them, unmoving.

  “This is Canne, and he is a gift to Cronos from his father,” Hendon told them all. “In fact, it is the late Emperor who possesses this creature, and he has brought it here to help protect him.”

  “My father’s spirit… you mean he is dead?” The boy cried out in anguish, his voice heavy with sadness.

  “Hendon speaks the truth, Ganry,” Grecia confirmed. “I feel no malice from this beast. It is not our enemy. I too sense the spirit of the former Emperor, and he wants only to assist us in keeping his son safe.”

  “Well, well well,” Azmariddian moved closer to the beast. “You in there, are you Nestor, old chap?”

  “His spirit guides the beast,” Hendon replied. “It is not the Emperor as we know him. He cannot communicate with us, unless you mind read. I feel his presence in the creature’s mind, and he has full control.”

  The Asgwern surveyed the crowd of humans before him. His urge to attack and kill them was suppressed by the powerful voice in his head. The same voice that had guided him here and set him on his new quest in life. Protect the boy at all costs. It would be a command he would now follow, even if it meant his own death.

  “Well,” Ganry said as he turned to Hendon, “this is something new. We now have our very own beast to feed. Do you suppose it eats something other than humans?”

  29

  Cronos grew stronger by the day, and soon he was almost completely recovered from his illness, though the mental scars would take a little longer to heal. He wanted to spend as much time with the flying beast as possible, especially since his father’s spirit possessed it. He would often speak to it, as if it was his father in front of him, telling him of their plans to free the kingdom. Although Hendon had said his father’s spirit could not communicate with them, he was still mourning his loss, and it gave him some comfort to know he was close by.

  Within a few days he had climbed on top of the beast’s back, and soon was controlling the creature completely, as it moved to his commands. This day he had ordered it to move out of the entrance and into the open air. Together they perched on the cliff’s edge. Two hundred feet below them, jagged rocks rose out of the sea, and waves crashed against the rocks causing a white turbulent foam. They stood motionless, the prince uncertain, and the beast awaiting his command. Eventually Cronos built up his cou
rage and spurred the creature on. With one flap of its huge wings, they rose high into the sky.

  Cronos gripped the creatures back fearfully, as it flew higher and higher. Up until they were hidden in the clouds and he could no longer see the ground, or the sea below them. Canne dived down steeply, shooting through the sky like an arrow, with Cronos clinging to his back. At first he was terrified, but as the wind blew in his face and his long hair flowed behind him, he realized that he was safe on the creature’s back. The flight became exhilarating. Canne leveled up at about ten feet off the sea, and they flew along skimming the waves, before they returned back to the cave.

  The flights became a daily occurrence, and Cronos began to go further and further afield into Mirnee. He decided that this was an opportunity to try and find out exactly what the enemy was up to. Each day he would return and report his discoveries to the group.

  “There are a group of demons camped around the borders of Palara. It seems they have placed magical barriers so no one can enter or leave this kingdom,” Cronos informed them, as they sat chattering around their evening meal.

  Over the coming days they discussed strategies, and slowly a plan was coming together.

  Ganry, it was decided, would move back into the city and make contact with any resistance that was building up. They were already aware that some citizens were not giving up without a fight. Only a few days ago they had encountered Daphne, and a small group of fighters who were battling the demons.

  “I’ll go to my uncle’s, and determine what resistance there is in the city,” Ganry discussed his plans with them. “I feel certain that some of the palace guards will not be happy with the way things are going. Many were loyal to the Emperor, and I believe not all have been possessed, only those in the highest command. If we can get their support, it will strengthen our hand.”

  Everyone murmured their agreement. Grecia was next to outline her plans.

  “The Queen will send word to my people to rally forces to increase her numbers. I’ve also managed to take control of many of the wolves in Mirnee. They are not as strong in battle as my people, but they will make a good ally and will fight to free Mirnee from these demons.”

  “Excellent,” Ganry replied to Grecia’s plans. “It’s disturbing news from Cronos, regarding the Palaran border. This magical barrier concerns me. If we can’t overcome it, then I don’t know how Myriam will be able to send troops to aid us. I doubt we can win this battle alone. You should go and investigate this barrier, Grecia, see if you can breech it. I feel certain that Artas will be at the ready on the other side, just waiting for such a chance. Be wary of the creatures that patrol there. Cronos and his flying beast can accompany you. I’ll feel better knowing he’s with someone who we can trust. Besides, he and his creature may yet prove to be useful in the days ahead.”

  Grecia nodded her agreement.

  “I’ll stay with Ganry and help in the city,” Linz offered. “If we can end the life of whoever it is that started this accursed invasion, then it should bring the end quicker,” he suggested.

  “Azmariddian and I have been studying some old scrolls,” Hendon explained the conversation he had had with Azmariddian, the previous evening. “This particular coven of witches have a place of worship not far from here. We will continue to study the scrolls, though the language is archaic to say the very least, while we travel to this place of worship. It is our belief there may be something of value to us, there. The scrolls mention a book of Opposites. For every spell, there are two incantations. This book will inform us how to send these beasts back to whence they came. In about a week, we’ll make our way into the city to assist you, Ganry, once your plans are clearer.”

  “You’re right, Hendon,” Ganry replied. “We’re so busy concentrating on what we do know, that we’re forgetting about what we don’t know. Take care, we none of us know how powerful some of these creatures can be.”

  Everyone knew their part to play, and prepared themselves. They ate lightly that night, none wanting to travel or battle on a full stomach.

  Grecia and her men, Lazras and Kregon, readied themselves. They did not need to carry anything in the way of stores, as they could hunt on the journey and eat as wolves did.

  Ganry turned to Cronos and laid his hands on the young boy’s shoulders.

  “Again, for someone so young, you have a heavy burden to bear, my friend,” Ganry embraced Cronos. “Stay close to Grecia. You can scout out the land ahead and makes sure all’s clear for them, but don’t get involved in any skirmishes.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Ganry,” Cronos replied. “I have my father to guide me.”

  Ganry said nothing to that. He had always been skeptical about magic, despite all he had seen with his own eyes. Even though Grecia and Hendon believed the beast to be safe, he did not trust the flying demon. He would prefer it had not joined them. But, Cronos seemed to have a level of control over it, and if it was to harm him, it had already had many opportunities to do so.

  With all agreeing on how they would play their part, they readied themselves to move out of the hidden cave. Ganry and his party would go back to the city through the underground tunnel.

  Cronos climbed on his Asgwern, clothed in a thick fur coat as the rains were still falling upon the kingdom. Most of the time the clouds were so thick and dark, they blocked out the sun completely. It was getting hard to tell night from day.

  The three wolf people transformed into their wolf form, and began to run towards the road that would take them away from the royal city, and towards the Palaran border. Above them flew a huge beast. From where Cronos sat, high above the ground, he could see the Mirnean wild wolves joining Grecia’s pack as they ran through the night. Soon, the pack was hundreds strong as it ran on relentlessly toward the borders. It was a formidable force and Cronos felt a little pity for anyone who opposed them.

  The Asgwern swooped down in the night sky, skimming the ground below as it searched for danger. That way, Cronos could lead the wolves safely, and if necessary warn them of any trouble on the road ahead.

  Hendon and Azmariddian set off wrapped in large heavy cloaks and each carrying a staff. They had the appearance of simple travelers, but lo behold any who attacked them. They had increased their magical abilities of late, expecting to battle for their lives. Practice time was over, and now it was time to use that built-up power.

  ***

  Ganry, Linz, and his men, took the route back into the city that involved using the underground lake. While they wrapped their clothes in oil skins to keep them dry, Ganry warned Linz of the difficult swim ahead. Linz laughed and reminded him he was one of the lake people. He and his men dived in first, leaving Ganry standing on the edge alone. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath and dived in after them.

  When they arrived in the city, there was already fighting in the streets. Some of the residents had been joined by mutinous soldiers and were battling with the creatures.

  Ganry and his party immediately joined in the battle, swords flashing and axes swinging at the demons who fought ferociously. Their blows seemed to do little to impede the creatures, who came on regardless. The battle was not going well for the humans, and many of them lay dead on the street. The creatures had forced them back into a dead end. Ganry knew this area well and searched out who he thought was leading the mob. If he did not act quickly, they would be trapped in and slaughtered by the enemy.

  Standing at the front, in the thick of the battle, was a large man. He wielded an axe expertly, and almost single-handedly forced some of the creatures to retreat. The other men seemed to rally round him, and when he gave orders they followed them immediately. Ganry noticed he had sergeant’s stripes on his arm. As he observed the sergeant, he noticed one of the creatures move around to the sergeant’s blind side, readying to land a deadly blow with its cudgel. Just in time, Ganry intervened, his sword flashing and finding its target, as it sliced through the thick skin of one of the creatures. A strange colored fluid tha
t Ganry assumed was its blood, gushed out and pooled on the ground.

  Ganry stood in front of the sergeant and forced him back.

  “Get out of my way, fool, I must kill these beasts,” the sergeant yelled at him, his face covered in blood and his hands shaking with battle fever.

  “Calm yourself, Sergeant, the battle is almost lost. You must retreat and live to fight another day. Mirnee demands it of you,” Ganry replied.

  The sergeant calmed a little as he looked upon the man before him. He could see authority and order in this man’s eyes. Standing before him was a commanding officer of some army or other. At last, someone to sort out this mess.

  “What do you propose, sir?” the sergeant inquired of Ganry.

  “They’re forcing you back into a dead end. Before you get in too deep, there are passageways leading from this place. Use them to escape, and then take your men to the merchants’ quarters. Find the merchant, Ludas de Rosenthorn, and we will meet you there.”

  “Yes, sir,” the sergeant saluted him before turning and gathering his men together. Quickly, he explained the plan of action.

  They ran off into the dark while Ganry and his troop continued to fight with the demons. As soon as he was certain the soldiers were safely away, Ganry and his party dispersed into the surrounding streets.

  30

  Myriam arrived at the Palaran border to find her commanders already awaiting her instructions. Castle Villeroy was still a good day’s ride away, and the evening was drawing in. The Queen decided to spend the night at a nearby inn. She would begin the discussions this very night with her commanders, informing them that they needed to mobilize their armies.