Knights: Legends of Ollanhar

by Robert E. Keller

  "Then prepare yourself for travel," said Lannon.

  "Am I a Squire now?" asked Doomar, his black eyes shining.

  Lannon nodded. "You are officially a Squire of Dremlock, as far as I'm concerned. And you are Ollanhar's official blacksmith."

  "I will gather some supplies," said Doomar. "And I'll get you that sword you wanted from my forge." He walked past the picture of his mother, hesitated, and then walked on. His eyes smoldered with determination.

  Chapter 13:

  The Lake of Legends and Bones

  After leaving the Oldermar Hills, Aldreya and the others waited two days for Lannon to catch up, but he never appeared. As they camped in some boggy lowlands, their lone remaining Elder Hawk searched far and wide for him, circling for hours through the distant sky, but to no avail. Unable to delay the mission any longer, they finally broke camp--in spite of a strong protest from Dallsa--and moved on. Aldreya remained confident Lannon would settle whatever business was delaying him and eventually rejoin the group. She insisted that Dallsa's fear that Lannon had been unable to escape from the Malrogs was irrational.

  Meanwhile, Bekka Nightspear's strength continued to grow. Still haunted by the Ghoul's bite, she trained furiously every day while they were camped. These training sessions left her soaked in sweat and so sore she could barely do her camp chores. She reached deep into her Knightly essence, demanding her power expand, and her mind and body responded. The fire in her sword grew hotter.

  As Bekka's skills increased, so did her hatred for the Deep Shadow. It had caused her suffering so terrible she could not explain it to the others, and she was eager to return the favor. Her goal was to destroy Tharnin, and if she couldn't destroy it then she would slay its servants and bring misery to the great beast.

  As they rode, Bekka had time to rest and recover, but she didn't welcome it. Hours spent on horseback did nothing to develop her skills, and so she chose to put off sleeping at night so she could train. This behavior left her exhausted, and she frequently found herself asleep in the saddle.

  By the time they reached the shores of Legend Lake, several days after Lannon's departure, even Aldreya had begun to wonder if some grave misfortune had befallen him. But there was nothing to do but continue on. They were well aware that Lannon could travel faster than them, and if he was still following, he would eventually catch up.

  They'd had no further encounters with Ethella and her warriors or the Blue Vultures. While a bit of spying revealed that Ethella's party was still following them from a distance, there was no sign of the barbarians. This led Aldreya to speculate that the Blue Vultures had given up and returned to their homeland, but Brakthas and Galandra insisted there was no chance of that. They believed the issue with the barbarians would still have to be settled by bloodshed.

  It was another beautiful fall day, with a clear sky and a warm breeze, as they approached a dock. They paid a hefty fee of thirty silver pieces to take a boat to the island where Wolfbine Kingdom stood. The large, sturdy boat was rowed by a dozen muscular oarsmen, and it featured comforts such as food and drink, a bard who played songs on a flute and read poetry, and padded benches. They brought what goods they could carry but left their horses and wagons behind in the care of the dockmaster.

  The weather was perfect for traveling across the enormous lake, and the captain seemed friendly enough. There was no obvious reason to anticipate trouble. But Bekka was suspicious of the situation right from the start. Something seemed odd to her, though it could have simply been paranoia on her part. She thought she noticed a hostile gleam in the eyes of the captain and crew. Yet when she whispered her thoughts to Aldreya, the Green Knight dismissed her concerns with a shrug. Without Lannon's power to glimpse the truth of things, they had no way of knowing what those men were thinking.

  Ultimately, Bekka decided she was imagining things. She forced herself to relax and enjoy the breeze and the delightful scenery. As the shore receded into the distance until it vanished from view, and all they could see was open water, she took time to just enjoy the comfortable ride--though somewhere deep in her mind a nagging voice whispered to her that they were in peril.

  ***

  After a few hours of travel upon the waves, they encountered a series of rocky islands that they navigated between. Towering cliffs rose up around them, from which colossal statues were carved--statues of legendary warriors from ages past. The ship seemed like a tiny speck on the waves compared to some of these ancient monuments. The Knights gazed upward in awe.

  The captain smiled. "Now you know why this is called Legend Lake." He was a short and stocky man--built almost like a Dwarf--with a large belly and a thick black beard. Only a couple tufts of hair remained on his head. His face was scarred as if from battle, and from his belt hung a curved sword.

  "The greatest warriors in history," the captain went on, a look of reverence in his dark eyes. "Men and women who did seemingly impossible deeds and shaped the future of our continent of Gallamerth. You have the look of warriors yourselves, a formidable group. So where are you from?"

  "My apologies," Aldreya replied, "but we choose not to share our business with strangers." She gave him a polite smile.

  The captain nodded. "Not a problem at all. Your business is your own, of course. I was just curious. You're such powerful-looking men and women." He pointed at Jace. "And that fellow is one of the largest Noracks I have ever seen. What have you people been feeding him?"

  Jace didn't reply, his face impassive.

  The more Bekka listened to the captain speak, the more she disliked him. There was something about him that unnerved her--perhaps a sly look that kept appearing on his face. He seemed to sense that, and he approached her.

  "You're a beautiful maiden," he said. "You have the body of a goddess. You're probably stronger than most men, including my crew." He studied her for a moment, then said, "You have the look of an Aramat, but darker of skin and more fierce. I sense you are a great warrior."

  "I'm not an Aramat," said Bekka. "I'm a Norack. I have never heard of Aramats." She could smell wine on the captain's breath. Her hand slipped close to her Flayer hilt. The captain's cunning eyes seemed to notice the move.

  "Aramats are peaceful," said the captain, "but seldom seen in these parts." He gazed at Prince Vannas, Lothrin, and Aldreya. "I would assume you are Aramats as well, with that bronze skin that seems to have been baked by a strange sun. He ran his fingers over Lothrin's cheek. "How strange." His fingers encountered Lothrin's ear. "Why, it's pointed! I've not seen the like of it!"

  "We're Birlotes," said Prince Vannas, smiling. He seemed to like the captain. "Surely you've heard of us. We come from Borenthia."

  "Impossible!" said the captain, his mouth hanging open. He took out his wine flask and sipped at it, then grunted and shook his head. "What are Birlotes doing in these lands? Birlotes never leave their precious tree city."

  "You're mistaken, my friend," said Vannas, with a chuckle. "We do journey to other areas, in particular..." He hesitated, as Aldreya shot him a warning glance. "I'll just say that we sometimes leave Borenthia."

  "What about you, my dear?" he asked Galandra. "Your hair is like flame and your eyes like emeralds. Remarkable beauty."

  "Thank you," she said, smiling. "I'm just a simple Ranger like my friends here." She motioned to Saranna and Brakthas. "Surely Rangers are as common in these lands as everywhere else on Gallamerth?"

  "Indeed," said the captain. "Several of my friends are Rangers."

  "Then you keep good company," said Galandra.

  The captain sighed. "Noracks, Birlotes, and Rangers traveling together--along with a pale giant. How remarkably odd. And you...such a strong fellow." He patted Jerret's muscular arm. "You look like you could break a man in two."

  Jerret seized the captain's hand and moved it away.

  The captain's eyes widened. "Didn't mean to offend."

  "No offense taken," said Jerret, but his voice was cold.

  "Good to hear," said the
captain, nodding. "And I better remember my manners. I'll bet you've broken more than one fellow's jaw in your time. Am I right?"

  Jerret shrugged. "I've been in a few fights."

  The captain poked his fingers into Jerret's arm. "You're a handsome fellow too. I'll bet the ladies are fond of you. A handsome face can make up for a lack of intelligence, so I've always been told."

  Jerret removed the hand again.

  "That's enough, Captain," muttered Daledus. "Keep putting hands on Jerret and you'll get a fight." The stout Dwarf rose from the bench.

  Jerret's face was sullen, his eyes narrowed.

  "Ah, a Dwarf," said the captain, looking displeased. "Always quick to anger. I'm just trying to get to know my passengers. Is that a crime?"

  "There will be no fight," Aldreya said. "Jerret, the captain is simply curious about us. I don't think he intends any insult. Daledus--sit down."

  Reluctantly, Daledus sat.

  The captain bowed to Aldreya. "I certainly would never want to insult a passenger. Especially one with more muscle than brains."

  Jerret said nothing, his face stony.

  Prince Vannas chuckled. "Everyone relax. Obviously the captain is just having a bit of fun. Isn't that right, Captain?"

  "Always," said the captain. "I live for fun and the bump of the waves." He made a wave motion with his arms and did an odd little dance, moving close to Bekka. He tried to kiss her hand, but she yanked it away from him.

  "No need for that," she said sternly.

  The captain turned away from her. "We should have some celebration, my friends. What a fine day it is out on these magnificent waters. Who would like some food and drink? Don't worry, it's already covered by your payment. Better eat up, as we still have a long journey ahead. I have meat, cheese, bread, fruit, and other things. Also wine and ale. And pipe leaf." He turned and nodded to Jace. "I'm guessing a giant like you wouldn't pass up a chance to eat."

  "You guess correctly," said Jace. "I'll take some of everything. And a bit more of everything. And don't forget the pipe leaf."

  "I think we all would like to eat," said Aldreya. "We appreciate your hospitality, Captain. My companions have seen many troubles lately, and they are quick to anger. Forgive us for showing hostility."

  "All is forgiven," said the captain. He snapped his fingers. "Just like that. I'm not a man who holds grudges--not in the least. I just earn coin."

  Jerret watched the captain like a wolf studying its prey. Bekka felt what Jerret was feeling--that this captain was deliberately trying to antagonize them. It was some sort of game to him, but where was it leading?

  The captain rubbed his hands together. "Soon we shall eat." He blew a kiss toward Galandra, and she laughed. She returned the gesture.

  "You're a jolly fellow, Captain," she said. "I like you."

  The captain gave a huge sigh. "So many beautiful maidens on my ship. This vessel has never looked so good." He shook his head. "I think I'm falling in love. First one to give me a kiss will have my eternal gratitude."

  Jerret cracked his knuckles.

  Vorden leaned close to Jerret and whispered, "This fellow must have no idea who he's dealing with. Unless he does know and is testing us."

  "I have no clue what his game is," Jerret whispered back.

  Bekka had seen enough from this captain, and she wished Aldreya would stop trying to be polite to him. Surely this man was a snake who was plotting against them. Why couldn't Aldreya see it?

  Yet the Green Knight sat rigidly on the bench, seemingly unaffected by the captain's antics. Bekka wondered what would happen if the captain tried to kiss Aldreya's hand. Would she be so tolerant then? Or had Bekka simply lost her sense of humor from so many trials and tribulations? It was possible the captain was just a harmless oaf and nothing to be concerned about. She didn't want to turn into some eternally offended, humorless warrior.

  The captain took to singing in a dramatic fashion as he walked back and forth on the deck. This singing was occasionally interrupted by sips of booze. Some of the oarsmen took to singing with him.

  Bekka's feeling of dread arose again.

  "This man is dangerous," she whispered to Aldreya. She was certain of it, but she couldn't explain how she knew. It seemed to be pure instinct. "I'll bet he's a thief or even a notorious pirate. We may be in for a fight."

  "Perhaps," Aldreya whispered back. "Or he could just be a bit overbearing. There are people like him all over the land, and sometimes we have to tolerate them. We require the use of his boat. Making him angry is not in our best interests. And if he is a pirate, he likely wouldn't dare attack us. He's smart enough to know we're formidable warriors."

  Bekka considered Aldreya's words. "I suppose he could just be a drunken fool. And his crew doesn't appear to be heavily armed." The oarsmen had only curved daggers for weapons and were bare-chested.

  Aldreya shrugged. "Regardless, he is taking us where we need to go. Our first stop is the Temple of the Great Light on the island's southern coast--a place where we should be welcomed. Just try to stay calm until we get there."

  "Not sure I can," said Bekka. "If he tries to kiss my hand again, I just might punch him in the nose. Something about this man makes my flesh shiver. Surely his heart is rotten. Can't you feel it, Aldreya?"

  Aldreya frowned at her. "Control yourself, Bekka. You're giving in to irrational fears, with no evidence to support them. You are making grim accusations against a man who, aside from a slight lack of manners, could be completely innocent. I trust that you will share your thoughts with no one else."

  "You're right," said Bekka. "This is foolish." But her emotions were terribly difficult to ignore. The voice in her head demanded she listen.

  Two servants brought their platters of food and goblets of wine, ale, and water. The food was good, and it helped to relax the Knights. The captain stayed below deck, and it seemed the tense encounter was behind them.

  "I guess you were right," Bekka whispered. "Perhaps my recent troubles have put me on edge." She sighed. "I just don't know."

  Aldreya smiled at her. "You have done well, considering how much you have suffered. You're bound to have setbacks and irrational moments. But now it is time to relax and let your fears slip away."

  Bekka nodded. She felt she could manage that.

  She savored the meal and found herself just enjoying the boat ride. She drank a few goblets of wine and started to feel drowsy, as the sparkling waves rolled past.

  The bard played a song that seemed to blend with the deep-blue waters.

  One of the muscular oarsmen turned toward Bekka and smiled. He was deeply tanned from the sun and strikingly handsome. "Drink up, my good lady. And then drink some more." He winked at her. "It's free."

  She smiled back, but she opted for water instead of wine. It wasn't wise for a warrior to get too relaxed. A failure to stay alert had already cost her so much, and she wasn't about to make that mistake again.

  ***

  After departing from Callaboren, it took Lannon and Doomar a few days of travel to reach Legend Lake. Doomar possessed a detailed map of Gallamerth, and though it was more than two decades old, it proved to be very accurate. It also helped that the route was well known and heavily traveled. Before leaving Callaboren, they had bought horses from a stable just outside of town, and they maintained a grueling pace, sleeping only a few hours each night.

  The lands between Callaboren and the sprawling lake were thickly inhabited with farmers, merchants, and fur trappers--mostly Noracks who were shocked at Doomar's strange appearance. They didn't see Dwarves very often in those lands, let alone ones that were both Malrog and Olrog. On two occasions Lannon was accused of consorting with Goblins, with the assumption being that Doomar was some type of short Ogre who had slipped away from a nearby Goblin breeding ground called Blackspring Bog. Lannon had been forced to prove his innocence by having Doomar speak to show he wasn't some beastly Goblin (though even after the Dwarf spoke, some still doubted he was human).

/>   At last they reached the lakeshore and purchased a boat ride. Lannon saw immediately that the captain was a pirate looking to rob his customers, but Lannon kept that knowledge to himself. He was in too much of a hurry to look for another boat, and he was certain that with Doomar at his side, the rogues were overmatched.

  Soon they were out on open water.

  "It's a fine day," said Lannon, enjoying the breeze. The padded bench was very comfortable beneath him, and if he hadn't been surrounded by a crew of pirates, he might have chosen to doze off for a time.

  "An excellent boat too," said Doomar, yawning. "I'm ready for a nap."

  Lannon decided it was time to reveal the truth.

  He leaned close to the Dwarf and whispered, "Don't get too comfortable. The captain is a pirate who has robbed countless people. The crewmen are vicious cutthroats, very skilled with their knives."

  Doomar's eyes widened. "I had no idea. They all seem very pleasant. Do you think they will try to rob us?"

  "Why wouldn't they?" said Lannon. "There are only two of us, and we have goods that are worth taking."

  "But not much money," said Doomar. "Perhaps they will let us be."

  Lannon shook his head. "No, they fully intend to rob us. They plan to take only a portion of our money and our most expensive items."

  "But we could report them," said Doomar. "Surely the Wolfbine officials would have them arrested. Wouldn't that make them hesitate?"

  "The pirates would simply deny it," said Lannon. "And the Wolfbine officials are paid off and always side with them. It is a very profitable business for the pirates and those who are in league with them."

  "This is an outrageous scam," said Doomar, looking disgusted. "People are robbed and then their complaints are ignored. It makes me angry."

  "It troubles me as well," said Lannon.

  Doomar's hand knotted into a broad fist. "I don't like violence, but I assume we're not going to accept being stolen from. So what happens if someone fights back against these rogues?"