Rage of the Diamond's Eye (The Guildsmen Series Book 1)

by Becker, Shawn

  With a resigned grunt, the Captain pulled a nearby candelabrum closer so he could read in the still lingering darkness. He scanned the first document quickly, recognizing the crisp handwriting of his accounting scribe who made a seasonal list of what would be needed within the food stores. Winter was going to be harsh with the extra mouths to feed from Kaalé. The Captain set that aside and unfurled the next rolled parchment. This one piqued his curiosity.

  It was a short note from the stores master of the shipping warehouses down at the lake front. He was growing concerned as there were now three late shipments from downriver – the first being four days overdue. This sort of thing happened regularly when the spring rains flooded the river basins or a summer drought made the river too shallow for a time. But the autumn months are peak trading time and the stores master had heard nothing from Valdine in nearly a week. Mikhal made a mental note to work up an order and send a unit of knights up river to quell any possible concern of river pirates roaming the area.

  Before he could reach for another missive, a short knock came from the door to his office. He barked an order for entry, knowing it would be his aide, Kreena Bekkhris. She entered the office in her usual attire – a long-sleeved shirt of simple brown weave tucked into pants a darker shade of brown. She wore boots of black leather that gleamed in the meager candlelight and a sleeveless tunic dyed the same gray as a knight officer’s uniform. Her black hair was short and spiky, trimmed very close around the neck and ears. She was short, even for a woman, but her stature revealed the muscles she had to compensate for her height. Kreena had a soft, yet chiseled face, and could have easily passed for a young man – something Mikhal was quite sure she was attempting to do as her only desire in this world was to become the first female Knight of Kaalé.

  Kreena marched into the room and slammed her right fist into her left shoulder in a smart salute. Her face though, showed a bit of agitation and apologetic concern. “Forgive me for bothering you so early in the day, sir.”

  Mikhal inwardly shook his head in shame. It was a pity the King had decreed that no woman should ever become a knight, for Kreena Bekkhris would have easily made Commander in no time. Setting aside the King’s sexist views, Mikhal acknowledged her salute with a nod and waved her closer. “You are not interrupting anything pleasant, Kreena. What seems to be the trouble?”

  “Sir…there are three…uh…men who are demanding to speak with the Garrison Captain.”

  “And is there something wrong with these men that would cause you to falter on their description?” Mikhal asked, suddenly on edge.

  Kreena’s huge brown eyes shifted left to right, making her look very uncomfortable. “Well, no, sir…that is, the men are different than what we usually expect…”

  Three figures then stepped through the door behind Kreena. Mikhal sighed with a frustrated growl knowing that a visit from three Magi so early in the morning was never a sign of good tidings. The Captain knew enough about the Magi to know that each represented a different order by the way they were dressed. One was attired in purple, the hood of his thick cloak pulled close and tight, hiding his face in the shadows he loved so well. Another was wearing robes of red, his head shaved bald and tattooed with unfamiliar designs and swirls. The third Mikhal recognized as a Diamond Magi from the robes of white he wore. He was young, his hair a golden yellow that bunched at his shoulders.

  The purple cloaked Magi seemed to be the leader of the three as he stepped forward and lowered his hood, exposing a pale, skeletal face with thin black hair combed back from intensely dark eyes. “Forgive the sudden intrusion, Captain,” he hissed. “But time is most important and we have very little of it.”

  Mikhal sighed. The damn Magi were always so melodramatic. He dismissed Kreena with an assured nod and motioned for the Shadow Magi to continue once she closed the door to his office.

  “I am Margas Shek, Head of the Amethyst Order of Magi,” the dark one said. “With me is Erak Karn – Head of the Ruby Order of Magi and Diamond Magi Jordyn Kell.”

  The other two Magi bowed as Margas introduced them. Mikhal stood and made his name known, also asking what he could do for them.

  “To be blunt, Captain, your garrison will soon be under siege by a group of Zynnashans that have attacked and burned every village and town from Valdine to Joram’s Bend. They are following the Tebis’non until they are at your doorstep.”

  On any normal day, the Captain would have laughed out loud at the Magi – but all his mind could see was that damn missive now staring up at him from his desk concerning the three late shipments from Valdine.

  Noting the knight’s skeptical look, the Magi continued. “We have seen Valdine first hand, Captain. They used their own Fire Magi to burn nearly every level of the city. Only a few structures remain. The survivors have fled and not yet returned.”

  “But, why are they here? Why would they do this?” The captain felt his control slipping and he did not like it one bit.

  The one named Margas leaned upon the Captain’s desk, his coal-like eyes boring into him. “As I have stated before, sir, we have very little time. What we know is this: the Zynnashans were once in the possession of a rare diamond – a stone they hold very sacred. Someone successfully stole the diamond from Zynnasha and escaped back to Kaalmoore into Valdine. The Zynnashans have sent a squad to recover their property and have deemed any city they sense the diamond went through as party to the crime. Three days ago, they attacked Joram’s Bend. They did not destroy the town, but they did burn their winter crops and murdered several citizens.

  “Fhaalvak is next on the map.”

  Mikhal sat in shock. He knew the abilities of the Zynnashans, having fought beside a few of them during the Theenian war. He thought the Zyn Beasts were an even-tempered, intelligent species. Hearing they were on a rampage over a gem seemed almost….silly.

  “Is the diamond here?” He asked.

  “It is nearby,” answered the Diamond Magi. “I can almost sense it.”

  “And if returned, will they leave?”

  Margas was silent a moment. “We do not know. What we need to do is find whoever has the diamond, then we will be in a better position to negotiate peace. It would be wise for you to inform your superiors of this and, in the meantime, prep your troops and city for defense.”

  “Yes, I will do so immediately,” Mikhal agreed. “Is there anything I can do to aid you in your search for this diamond?”

  “Just let us go about our search without interference,” the Fire Magi said. “There are many who will not like us poking our noses into their affairs.”

  “Very well,” said Mikhal. “I will begin the fortification of the garrison.”

  “One more thing, Captain,” Margas added. “There will be others searching for this diamond, others with their own agendas other than protecting the people of Fhaalvak or Kaalmoore. Do not let them fool you.”

  Mikhal felt his hackles rise on that statement as he suddenly came to recall who he was dealing with. “And how am I to know their intentions are less honorable than your own?”

  “Just remember who came to you first,” Margas warned. “Right now, we are the only hope you and this city have.” The three Magi then gave a short bow and strode out of the office, their cloaks billowing out dramatically.

  Mikhal shook his head, knowing full well that having only a Magi to count on for hope was akin to hoping a held snake would not bite you.

  23

  Tair had hoped that once she and Myst had abandoned Joram’s Bend that life would become a series of breathtaking adventures. She imagined them going from village to village, city to city, earning stacks of gold through Myst’s talent with gambling. She pictured snooty innkeepers having to cater to them instead of their usual rich customers; shop owners offering them smooth ale, fine food, and the best fabric for clothing. They would stay in the best inns; their feet warmed by a constant fire, and flirt with men that stood no chance of winning them.

  Three days had passed
and all Tair had to show for it was wet boots, damp clothes, cold bones, and aching arms. Myst rarely talked and when she did it was to push Tair to row faster or wake up earlier. From dawn to sometimes after dark, the two would row their small canoe along the Tebis’non, searching for a glimpse of the ebony ship that held the Zynnashan raiding party. Not once did they see the vessel and Myst angrily stated it was due to their nightly breaks. Tair had to argue with her to stop each night and remind her that she wouldn’t last more than a few seconds against the Zyn leader if she didn’t sleep.

  Myst had spoken very little – only grunting out an answer when Tair asked her anything specific. She would often stare into the fire, her eyes watering with the threat of tears. Once, during the second night, Tair thought she saw Myst sobbing in the shadows of their meager campfire.

  On the third day of their trip up river, they found the bodies of two men caught in a shallow pool of fallen trees and rocks away from the main current. Both of their throats had been cut, not by the claws of a Zynnashan, but by a sharp blade. Nothing was on the bodies but the clothes they wore, but Myst found a handkerchief with the initials ‘VH’ stitched on a corner. She recognized it immediately as once belonging to Vettis. Myst had become animated once more, stating that the two men must have been part of the three with the diamond – meaning they were on the right course as the third man must truly be heading for Fhaalvak. Myst began to row with renewed vigor, explaining that all they had to do was reach Fhaalvak before the Zynnashans and find the trail of the remaining thief.

  Myst spoke very little last night and today she seemed once again immersed in her sorrow over her uncle. She and Tair pushed as hard as they could, their small boat seeming to make little headway against the current. The rain had finally stopped and the sun seemed to give promise of its return after such a lengthy departure. Tair’s hands were numb from the cool air, but she preferred the cold over the damp as most of her gear was soaked from either the river or the rain. Leaves of red and yellow would occasionally shower them from a hard gust of autumn wind and many of the treetops were showing more and more of their skeletal branches.

  Tair had only ever traveled this far south once before when she was younger. It was with her hated aunt. She remembered nothing from the trip except that Fhaalvak was noisy, crowded, and filled with rude and impatient people. Tair looked forward to seeing the large town with her adult eyes.

  Myst suddenly used her paddle to veer to the western shore until their narrow boat scraped against the rocky ground. Before Tair could utter a question, Myst pointed ahead to the black, boxy shape of the Zynnashan boat sailing slowly, yet steadily to the southwest. Tair almost leapt out of the boat, but was able to calm herself before Myst noticed. She was so focused within herself that she didn’t even notice them creeping closer to the metal ship.

  Myst moved slowly from the bow of their craft to the shore, her head low. Once securely situated on the marshy land, she motioned for Tair to join her. She did so even more quietly than Myst. She leaned in close to her friend, her eyes never leaving the glossy black metal as it began to curve around a slight bend in the river.

  “What do you want to do?” Tair whispered. “Wait to move until it gets dark? We could sneak past then…”

  Myst shook her head. “No. There is another tributary a few miles west of here that is too shallow for their boat. It should get us to Fhaalvak hours before them.”

  “Just like last time,” Tair muttered.

  Myst’s head turned to face Tair; her eyes glittered with rage. “No, not like the last time.” She then hoisted the boat out of the water with one arm, not waiting for Tair to help.

  Tair watched as Myst made a path through the long grass, scraping mud and rock behind her. She could feel her own anger rising, but not at the Zynnashans. She was tired of Myst treating her as though all of this were partially her fault.

  Moving quickly, Tair rushed to the stern of the boat, grabbed it with both hands and tugged backward. Myst stumbled forward, dropping the end she held. She whirled around, anger coloring her cheeks.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded.

  “What are you doing?” Tair countered, letting her end thump into the mud. “What is going on in that mop of red hair? Do you plan on taking on all the Zyn Beasts? If I remember right, it took only half a dozen to nearly destroy the entire militia at the Bend’s mid gate!”

  Myst took a breath and let it out. “I told you, once we get the diamond, the Zyn commander will have to deal with me,” she said slowly, as though speaking to a child.

  It was the wrong thing to do.

  Tair took a step toward the woman, jabbing her finger close to her face. “Don’t you ever speak to me like that! I am not a little girl who needs you to explain everything that goes on in the world, except for the stupidity in your head! So you get the diamond and the big lion Zyn Beast has to deal with you…great plan. He’ll deal with you in about five seconds as he cuts you in half! The diamond won’t protect you, Myst. All it will do is put a target on your back inviting him to bite it!”

  “The diamond will make it right,” Myst said, gritting her own teeth in anger.

  “How?”

  “I don’t know!!” she shouted. “I can’t explain it, Tair! All I know is that those bastards want it and they will have to find me to get it. Now either help me, or go your own way.” Myst retrieved her end of the boat and turned away, marching through the tall grass with the canoe dragging behind her.

  Tair shook her head in defeat. “We’re dragging a boat across land to beat them there. I hope you recognize the irony!” she shouted. “I’ll wager our last piece of bread that we don’t reach the other side before nightfall.” Tair then jogged a few steps to catch up and yanked the stern off the ground.

  They marched on in silence, the only sounds being the wind waving the grass and the squelch of mud from their boots.

  ***

  Captain Longvaale walked the narrow rampart of the wood and stone gate that graced Fhaalvak’s eastern wall and shook his head in regret. It was a sturdy gate, large enough to hold two squads of archers and thick enough to withstand half a dozen Boorsliig warriors. Strong enough to repel a Zynnashan strike force? Doubtful. The Captain knew that a regiment of Zynnashan gorillas could easily pummel the gate into broken sticks in no time. The problem was that he did not know what type of Zynnashan they were going to deal with. Once the three Magi had left his office, Mikhal tossed their story aside as mystical hogwash. Two hours later, he received a missive from Commander Greeve in Kaalé that confirmed their story. The Master Knight was not privy to fanciful games. If he thought there would be an attack – there would be one.

  He quickly summoned Kreena and one of his higher ranking lieutenants to accompany him and they began to fortify the town gates. The other entrance to the city was through the southern gate that faced the churning waters of Lake Th’baerne. Made of steelstone, that particular gate was designed to withstand the yearly rise of the lake’s waters and would easily repel any attacking force advancing from the rivers. Besides, the churning waters of the lake would be a poor location to launch an offensive. The violent white waters and rapid currents were just too dangerous and unpredictable.

  The third and final gate stood at the northern side of the area, but belonged more to the outpost garrison than the city itself. Fhaalvak tower has stood longer than the structures around it and the knights were quite happy to have their own entrance without having to deal with the ebb and flow of civilian traffic. Comprised of sturdy oak and banded steelstone, the tower gate could hold its own.

  No, the only foreseeable problem was going to be the eastern gate. Having anticipated the problem, Mikhal had detailed a number of men to begin defensive construction around the perimeter of the entrance. Killing pits, spiked barricades, and oil traps would slow the Zyn Beasts down enough to allow his archers to thin their ranks. The Captain would also speak to Lord Demestri and ask his permission to evacuate any citizens living
or working in the southern edge of Fhaalvak to the garrison. Mikhal had convinced the King’s cousin to pack his family and leave, but the obstinate Lord was taking his sweet time. He also thought it would be prudent to ask if anyone within the walls of the city would help defend it. Perhaps there were a few heroes hiding within the populace.

  As if on cue, one of his recently acquired knights shouted and pointed to the flood plains to the east. Mikhal gazed in that direction to see seven figures on horseback riding hard toward the town. They were not Zynnashans, for they rarely rode on any animal, but these riders were striding along on fine mounts bred for battle. The late afternoon sun caught upon the armor of four riders, glinting like a beacon of molten silver. Captain Longvaale sighed. They were not Zynnashan.

  They were worse.

  He leaned forward and shouted to the gate watch lieutenant. “Let these oncoming riders through!” He then turned to Kreena with a worrisome shake of his head. “Inform Lord Demestri that a squad of Palidiamos has arrived. He may wish to pay his respects.”

  Kreena looked confused for a moment. “He? Should it not be they that give homage to the King’s cousin?”

  “In a normal world,” Mikhal said with real regret. “Now, go, we have much work to do yet.”

  Kreena saluted and hurried off. Mikhal watched her go with that same sad look. Kreena was a good girl and a greater soldier, but she knew little about the politics of Kaalmoore. And she was all the better for it. He looked back to the approaching riders and could now see that four of them were paladins, two were clerics, and one was a priest. The paladins were for battle; the clerics were for protection; and the priest was for healing and divine stature. These men were on a mission and Mikhal wondered if these holy men knew of the threat coming for them. Whether they did or not, a squad of Palidiamos meant only a headache for the Captain.