"They disappear below the waves," said Lannon. "Never to be seen again. There are undoubtedly a lot of bones beneath Legend Lake."
"You glimpsed all that?" said Doomar, in amazement.
Lannon shrugged. "Sometimes the Eye of Divinity can be very effective. It depends on certain factors."
"What factors?" asked Doomar.
Lannon sighed. He didn't like this topic. "My energy level, my surroundings...how deeply I dare to study those surroundings." A chill crept over his flesh, as dark memories of things he had glimpsed with the Eye resurfaced. "My sight is very clear on this lake," he added. "Free of distractions. In fact, I don't ever remember it being this clear before. I hope it lasts."
Doomar shook his head. "It is truly extraordinary."
They fell silent for a time, with only the sounds of the waves, the men rowing, and a few circling birds reaching their ears.
Then the captain paid them a visit. He was a tall, lean man wearing a large red hat to match his red clothes. He was clean-shaven, his black hair hanging down from beneath the hat to his shoulders, and he possessed a hard, weathered face. A curved sword hung from his belt.
"How is everything?" he asked. "I trust you are comfortable?" When they nodded, he went on, "Would you care for a drink? We have wine, ale, or water. And my cook is currently preparing some food."
"Water, for me," said Lannon.
"Same for me," said Doomar.
The captain's eyes widened. "A Dwarf who doesn't favor ale? I've never seen the like of it." He peered closely at Doomar from beneath the red rim of his flamboyant hat. "Are you ill, my friend?"
Doomar shrugged. "I drink it now and then, but I don't really care for it. I usually just drink water, milk, or tea."
The captain chuckled. "No ale for this Dwarf, then. How odd. Did your mother guilt you into avoiding it or something?"
Doomar looked away. "No, I just don't enjoy it."
The captain patted him on the shoulder. "No worries at all. Each to their own, my good Dwarf. Each to their own. I can brew some tea if you'd like."
"Tea would be fine," said Doomar.
The captain placed two fingers atop his hat and bowed. Lannon noted that he was a very cunning and dangerous warrior. His thick red tunic and trousers offered his body little protection, but he was a master swordsman who knew many tricky moves. He had slain warriors much stronger than himself with those moves. The vast expanse of water around the boat gave the captain confidence, for he had been born and raised on the distant sea, his knuckles scarred from many brawls and his blood flowing with the rhythm of the salty waves. He was as wild as a wolf and would kill anyone who threatened his way of life.
The captain went off to get their drinks.
When he returned, he fixed his gaze on Lannon. "You possess a knowing look, young traveler. I sense you are one who seeks the truth of things." He handed over their drinks, his eyes never leaving Lannon.
"I suppose I do," said Lannon. "Now and then."
The captain leaned close to him. "And what do you know of me? What kind of man is in charge of this boat?" He grinned.
The captain was simply playing a game with Lannon to amuse himself--passing some time before the robbery. Lannon decided to play along.
"A man of conviction," said Lannon. "A man who believes in himself and his way of life. But a man with doubts."
"Doubts?" said the captain, looking surprised. "Explain."
"We all have doubts," said Lannon. "Especially those of us who do things we know are wrong. The truth gnaws at us."
The captain nodded. "So, something eats at your conscience."
"Not mine," said Lannon. "Yours."
The captain sneered. "My conscience is clear. Why shouldn't it be? I make an honest living by fighting for what I have."
"I disagree," said Lannon. "Simply because you work hard doesn't mean what you do is justified. It may feel right to you, but that doesn't make it right." Lannon folded his arms across his chest, gazing out across the water as he waited for the captain's response.
The captain's expression soured. "I never want to insult a passenger, but you've got a smart mouth and an arrogant attitude. You obviously think you're superior to everyone around you. I don't care for your kind."
"You asked," said Lannon. "I gave you an answer, and you clearly don't like it. I don't think I'm superior to you. But I do reserve the right to state my opinion, especially if someone asks for it."
Yet Lannon considered the captain's words. Was he being arrogant? His ability to glimpse the truth of things put him on a different level than everyone else. Was it causing his ego to swell?
The captain glowered at him. "I don't forgive an insult so easily. You're suggesting I'm a man of poor character. That's a slap to my face, after I showed you great hospitality. I demand an apology!"
Then the Eye of Divinity locked onto the drinks, revealing that they contained a mild poison that would make Lannon and Doomar ineffective in battle and much easier to rob. Anger surged through him.
"It appears you're a coward as well, Captain. Afraid of a fair fight?"
"What are you talking about?" asked the pirate. "You speak nonsense."
"What are you talking about, Lannon?" asked Doomar.
"Our drinks are tainted," Lannon replied. He emptied his cup onto the deck. "Isn't that right, Captain?"
The captain's mouth dropped open. "Poison? Certainly not! Why would I ever poison my paying customers? This is an outrage!"
"Because you're a thief," said Lannon, rising from the bench. "And a murderer." He drew his sword--the Glaetherin weapon that Doomar had given him. The gleaming blade flashed in the sunlight. "Admit the truth."
The captain drew his own sword. He grinned. "A thief I am, boy, and proud of it. Your insight is impressive--or perhaps you know of my reputation. It doesn't matter either way. You're the next victim!"
Lannon ripped the sword from the pirate's hand and flung it into the lake. Then he reached forth with the Eye and lifted the captain into the air.
"Are you sure you want a fight?" said Lannon.
A crew member ran at Lannon, swinging a heavy oar at the back of his head. But Doomar grabbed the oar and snapped it in two. A gasp arose from the other crewmen at this mighty display of strength.
"Stay back!" Lannon warned, lifting the captain higher to show his power. "I could throw him off the boat if I wanted to!"
The crewmen backed away, looking uncertain.
"I surrender," the captain mumbled. "Put me down."
Lannon was getting tired, so he lowered the captain to the deck. "There's no need for bloodshed. Will you cooperate?"
"That depends," said the captain, his face somber. "What are your plans? Are you going to put me out of business? Obviously you are no ordinary warrior." He shook his head in amazement. "I don't know what you are. I obviously can't fight you, but I can order my crew to take this boat back to shore."
Lannon glared at him. "I would like to put you out of business, but I don't have time for that. I have pressing business of my own. Take me to Wolfbine. I already paid for the journey, and you can keep the money."
"I don't like this, Lannon," said Doomar. "This man is a thief and a killer. Are we going to simply let him continue to hurt people?"
Lannon hesitated. "Right now, we need this boat. Our mission is too important to delay." Lannon was getting tired of putting the quest for the Green Flamestone ahead of everything else, but what choice did he have? Bellis Kingdom was continuing its brutal expansion and had to be dealt with soon.
The captain turned to his crew, his eyes cold. "Proceed with the journey. Give the passengers no trouble." With that, he walked away.
Chapter 14:
The Temple of the Great Light
As their ship drew close to Wolfbine Island, the Divine Knights glimpsed lush green hills and many large and shining mansions and towers. Wolfbine was a rich kingdom that had surrendered to Bellis without a fight. Business went on as usual in th
e towns, and those of wealth and noble blood continued to maintain an existence of luxury under the rule of King Verlamer. Wolfbine prospered because it offered no opposition to Bellis--except for the Temple.
The Temple of the Great Light stood on a cliff above a sandy beach--a golden dome that had stood there for centuries unchanged. Some believed the Temple received divine protection from its god to have survived for so long, though many dismissed that idea as silly. The Great Light itself was considered by many to be a mere myth, as no living person could boast of having glimpsed the god that supposedly hovered above the deadly slopes of Stormy Mountain. In fact, many believed it was the Deep Shadow that spawned the endless storms above the peak and the flashing lights that erupted in the dark clouds.
But the Paladins of the Temple were strong in their faith, and they refused to acknowledge Verlamer as their king. The great stone door was closed to Bellis and no taxes were paid. Verlamer tolerated the Temple out of fear of a widespread backlash. The Temple was so ancient and so respected across Gallamerth that even the ruler of Bellis dared not interfere with it. And there was no need to. The Temple did nothing to thwart Verlamer's plans (unlike Dremlock Kingdom, which remained his greatest threat). It simply existed, and was easily left alone. The Paladins--the sworn defenders of the Temple--seemed content to remain in seclusion, apparently oblivious to the troubles of the outside world.
The Divine Knights stood and gazed upon it in awe and reverence. The great dome was covered in pale, golden scales like Dragon skin, and a trident adorned with three large white crystals rose from the top. The crystals blazed in the sun like the Great Light itself. Towering statues of armored Paladins ringed the building, their faces stern beneath their scaly, winged helmets and their swords held high. Ancient, crumbling stone pillars rose from the water--marking a path leading to the beach below the Temple. Three ships with blue and gold sails, belonging to the Temple, rested in the harbor. Protruding from the prow of each ship was an aquatic Dragon figurehead made of polished wood.
"It's not Dremlock," said Aldreya, "but it feels like home."
Bekka could feel it too. The Temple seemed to welcome her, to sooth her troubled mind. It was a structure of peace and order in a chaotic world.
"I don't think I belong here," said Saranna, her eyes wide.
Brakthas nodded. "This isn't a place for lowly Rangers."
"I'll stay outside," said Galandra.
"Why?" said Dallsa. "The three of you are as worthy as any of us."
"I'm not going in, either," said Jerret.
"That's nonsense," said Dallsa. "We will all go in."
"Not likely," said the captain, shaking his head. "No one is allowed to enter the Temple these days except the Paladins. I'm afraid you've come here for nothing. Take a good look at it, my friends. Beautiful, is it not? We can only wonder how it looks on the inside, yet none of us will ever know."
Aldreya glanced the captain. "Take us to the dock."
The captain sighed. "I guess you have to learn the hard way. But it's a long climb up that cliff, only to be turned away."
The ship passed between the ancient pillars and docked.
The captain gazed at the stone stairway that led up steeply along the cliff face. He shuddered. "It tires me out just looking at it. I climbed it once, when I was younger. I was dead on my feet by the time I reached the dome. I had hoped to get a glimpse of the interior, but I was turned away." His face showed bitterness. "Perhaps if they had let me in, things would have been different."
"What things?" asked Aldreya.
"My way of life," said the captain, bowing his head.
Aldreya gazed at him piercingly. "There is something you're not proud of?"
"Many things," the captain said quietly. He gazed at his hands. "So much blood...and pain. And for what? Why should money cause so much misery? We destroy ourselves with laziness and greed. I will say no more."
"I think I understand," said Aldreya.
He nodded, his eyes bloodshot. "I think you do, clever girl. But I've been drinking too much, and my words are foolish. Go now and make your climb. But when you are turned away, don't become bitter as I did. Promise me."
Bekka's suspicions were confirmed. This man had done evil for the sake of money, and it gnawed at his soul. But he chose to ignore his guilt and surrender to his greed. She felt only disgust for him.
The other Knights gazed at him in pity. They didn't know what sins he had committed that haunted his conscience, but they could tell that he was suffering for his actions. The sight of the magnificent Temple seemed to affect all of them, bringing their emotions to the surface.
All of them except Aldreya.
She was as stony as ever, the unflinching apprentice of Taris Warhawk who had seemingly mastered her emotions.
"Come," she said, motioning to the others. "The Temple awaits us."
***
It was indeed a tiring climb up the stone stairway. The wind blew against them as they ascended the cliff. Their Elder Hawk circled above, watching them. Dallsa, who was plump and not used to rigorous exercise, kept lagging behind. Dallsa was exhausted from constantly worrying about Lannon in the hours of the night. Finally Galandra put her arm around the healer and helped her along. Meanwhile, the Birlotes surged ahead, seemingly tireless.
At last they reached the cliff top and stood before the great dome. Two Paladins, standing atop some marble steps, guarded the towering stone door. They wore shining blue-and-gold armor and large, sheathed swords with golden hilts. Like the statues that circled the Temple, they also wore scaly, winged helmets that were modeled after aquatic Dragons. One was a male and one a female, but they were roughly the same size and had the same muscular build. They gazed sternly at the Knights as they approached, but also showed curiosity.
Aldreya bowed to them, her green cloak billowing in the breeze. "Greetings, servants of the Great Light. We come here on important business. We seek to enter and speak with your leader."
The female Paladin spoke. "Outsiders are not permitted inside the Temple. If you wish to meet with our Lord Paladin, it will take place out here. But he is never to be disturbed unless it is very important."
"It concerns Bellis Kingdom," said Aldreya. "We are Knights of Dremlock and servants of the Divine Essence--the Messenger of the Great Light. We have journeyed far and faced many troubles."
The two guards exchanged a surprised glance.
"I will deliver your message," said the female Paladin. "Knights of Dremlock were always welcome here in the past, but I must consult with our leader. Wait here until I return." With that, the two guards pulled open the stone door and she went inside. The great door was closed again.
The Knights waited in silence.
At last she returned. "The Lord Paladin has stated that Divine Knights are still welcome to enter our Temple. However, he has commanded that only true Divine Knights may enter. No Squires or hired help allowed."
"That rules me out," said Jerret. "It's for the better, I suppose. I wouldn't want to disgrace this holy shrine with my lowly presence." He sat down on the steps, looking sullen.
The Rangers also sat down. They looked relieved.
"I prefer the fresh air anyway," said Saranna. "No stuffy temples for me. Give me field, hill, or forest and I'm happy."
Brakthas nodded. "I couldn't agree more."
"I wouldn't have minded taking a peek inside," said Galandra. "But oh well. Life goes on, and there is plenty more to see."
Jace frowned at the Paladins. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Jace Lancelord--scholar, historian, philosopher, author, adventurer, and former Divine Knight. Perhaps you have heard of me? I have traveled this continent from sea to sea. I have been to this Temple before, eighty years ago."
"Never heard of you," said the male Paladin.
"Only true Knights allowed," the female Paladin said sternly.
"Well, I never..." Jace shook his head in disbelief. "This decision is not in your best interests, oh Warri
ors of Goldbrine. Dremlock relies on me for wisdom. Anything that is discussed in there should involve me."
The Paladins said nothing. Their faces were stony.
"Wait with the others, Jace," Aldreya commanded.
Fumbling about in his pockets, Jace produced his pipe, then slumped down on the steps. "Very well. I guess I'll just sit out here and have a smoke then." The towering sorcerer glared at the Paladins. "Smoking is still allowed on your Temple steps, right?"
The Elder Hawk landed on the steps next to Jace. It gazed at him, cocking its head to one side.
"What are you staring at?" Jace muttered.
"What about me?" asked Dallsa. "I'm not quite a Knight and not quite a Squire." She frowned. "I'm not sure exactly what I am, besides a healer. Do I qualify?" When no one answered, she said, "Well, I guess I'll just wait out here then. I wouldn't want to cause any trouble."
The female Paladin beckoned the others to follow. They entered the Temple, and the stone door was pulled shut behind them.
They found themselves in a large chamber with the curved ceiling of the dome high above them. This was the Temple Sanctuary. It was lined with wooden benches leading to a marble altar inscribed with holy symbols. Towering windows of stained glass lined the chamber, through which beams of colorful sunlight entered. Behind the altar was a perfect sphere of white crystal the size of a cabin, perched atop a golden pedestal, and an intricate series of windows and mirrors caused the crystal orb to shine with a radiant glow. The smell of incense was strong in the air.
"This is extraordinary," said Aldreya. "More wondrous than I ever imagined. Not even our Sacred Temple at Dremlock can compare to this."
The female Paladin nodded. "Consider this a blessing, for few outsiders ever glimpse the inside of our Temple these days. Long ago it was open to the public, but the evil of the Deep Shadow found its way in and spread like a sickness. It took years to eliminate that evil. Ever since, the Temple has been sealed to all but a few important visitors."
"We are grateful," said Prince Vannas. "This is a moment in life I will always treasure." He gave his name and then added, "I am a Prince of Borenthia and the Bearer of the White Flamestone as appointed by the Divine Essence." He extended his hand.
Knights: Legends of Ollanhar Page 22