Ethella wasn't the Queen of Bellis, but she thought she made a good substitute. She certainly felt like a queen, as she stood on the bow of The King's Pride with her crystal staff in hand and her purple cloak with white trim billowing in the breeze. Her silver Birlote hair was, as usual, set high and bound with black ribbons and her face bore a carefully applied coating of white paint.
Surely she resembled a beautiful queen, though she doubted the ignorant sod next to her would notice, considering he was always lost in useless thoughts he considered so important. Not that she wanted him to notice. In fact, the last thing she wanted was Vorhevia's eye upon her.
Ethella was a Birlote by birth, but she no longer considered herself a Birlote and she didn't understand Birlotes anymore. She proudly rejected Birlote culture. In fact, Birlotes disgusted her--but so did Olrogs and Noracks. She hated all the races except for Goblins and Thallites. She fancied herself a creature of Tharnin now, an inhuman Priestess ready to ascend to a new level. She was something unique and surely some great destiny awaited her.
She was more than ready for glory.
But why did she still fear Lannon? Something about the Dark Watchman unnerved her. Ethella was a frightening Priestess of Tharnin and most people showed fear in her presence, including her enemies. But not Lannon. He treated her as if she was just any common fighter, and that left her wondering just how powerful he was to possess such confidence. She reminded herself that he was ultimately mortal and could be slain, but the fear remained.
Vorhevia looked thoughtful. "Perhaps I can deal with Lannon myself. I would love to test my strength against him."
"King Verlamer tried that," said Ethella. "It didn't go well for him." She almost wished Vorhevia would do it so he could get himself killed. But she knew he wouldn't. He would find some excuse not to.
Vorhevia smirked. "But I'm not Verlamer. Our king has grown soft sitting on his throne, even as my power has increased." His voice was full of pride. "I am now the top wizard in all of Gallamerth, my dear."
"What about Taris Warhawk?" said Ethella.
Vorhevia's smug look vanished. "I am the top Norack wizard. And I have skills even the Birlotes will never obtain."
Ethella shook her head and mumbled, "Amazing ego."
"What did you say?" asked Vorhevia, frowning. "Something about my ego? Did you just insult me?"
"You're hearing things," said Ethella. "But to be honest, you're not exactly the most humble man I have ever met--even for a descendant of Althustus the Dragonforged." That was an understatement.
"No need to be humble," said Vorhevia, "when one possesses keen insight and honesty. And I can back up my words."
Ethella rolled her eyes. "If you say so."
He leaned close to her. "Do these black eyes lie, my dear?" He was so close she could feel his warm breath on her cheek.
She turned away, repulsed. "I don't know, but let's stay focused. This could be a great day for Bellis Kingdom, if the White Flamestone sinks beneath the water and is lost forever. And if we can kill Lannon too, then Bellis has won."
***
The Knights set sail on one of the Temple's Dragon-adorned ships called The Golden Promise. It was a sturdy vessel--a light warship designed for both speed and intense combat--and large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. Fourteen crewmen were onboard as well--Paladin Hopefuls who were moderately skilled fighters. As they set forth in the late afternoon, the blue-and-gold sails flapping in the wind, they soon glimpsed four ships on the horizon. Three of them were clustered together, but the forth one was farther away and just barely visible. Even Lothrin, who had the sharpest eyes of the bunch, could not yet observe any details.
The three clustered ships swiftly drew closer.
Aldreya called everyone to attention. "I believe those are warships of Bellis. My instincts tell me that battle is upon us and that it will be very brutal. We are vulnerable upon the water, especially without Lannon, and they could see this as a golden opportunity to finish us."
"Who is this Lannon fellow?" asked Huenov, twirling one of his throwing knives in his hand. "I don't care how great you think he is. No single warrior is going to influence what Bellis does."
"Not true," said Dallsa. "Lannon is special."
"We weren't warned of this," said Crondal, glaring at Jace. "You said Bellis might interfere with this mission. But as soon as we leave shore there are apparently three warships headed our way. What have you gotten us into?"
"This is an outrage!" growled Shenosi. He sat on a crate, looking sullen, his arms folded across his bare chest. "You hired us for a mission, not a war against King Verlamer. Why should we fight?"
"Calm yourselves," said Jace. "I said it would be very dangerous. I said Bellis might interfere, and they might. Or they might not. You're getting paid a lot of silver for this, and vastly more treasure could await us on the quest. Think carefully before you opt not to fight."
"We're not getting paid to die," said Crondal. "Your other mercenaries might be willing to sacrifice themselves for a chance at riches, but I'm not so foolish."
"Nor am I," said Shenosi.
"Well, I am," said Huenov. He leapt onto a crate and brandished his knife. "I hate Bellis, because it interferes with everything I do. I look forward to piercing a few rotten hearts. And we have just the group of warriors to do it. This is my chance at vengeance."
"You are a fool," said Crondal. "Three warships? They will sink us before they even get within range of your bow."
"It's not yet confirmed those are warships," Jace pointed out, though he looked a bit sheepish. "They could be a tight group of passenger vessels."
Shenosi glared at the sorcerer.
Crondal rolled his eyes. "Nonsense. They are in a battle formation. They are either ships of Bellis or pirates. Neither possibility is welcome. The pirates of Legend Lake are quite ruthless."
"We have a fast ship," said Theradaxa, who was serving as the captain. "We might be able to outrun them."
Rojanan nodded. "Could be worth a try."
Aldreya studied the approaching ships, then shook her head. "No, we cannot escape them. They are moving too swiftly. Our best chance for survival is to confront them."
"That would be suicide," said Crondal. He shook his head in disbelief. "Have you all lost your wits? We're talking about Bellis Kingdom. You know--the kingdom that practically owns all of Gallamerth."
"We have a siege weapon," said Aldreya. "One that can bring down all of their ships. A weapon that Bellis fears to confront."
Crondal looked around. "I don't see any weapon. How do I know this isn't a lie to get me to fight?"
"Do you take us for fools, Crondal?" said Prince Vannas. "We don't intend to die here either. Our mission is too important. I possess the weapon that Aldreya speaks of, and my growing ability to use it has made it truly devastating. That's why Verlamer won't send his armies against us--because they would burn to ash. You have nothing to fear from Bellis Kingdom."
Crondal was speechless for a moment. Then he blurted out, "Nothing to fear? Just three warships! Obviously Verlamer is not afraid to attack you."
"This is unusual," said Vannas, looking uncertain. "I'm still not convinced they're going to attack us."
"Trust what they say," said Saranna. "They do indeed bear a mighty weapon that makes this quest worth attempting."
"None of us want to die," said Brakthas. "And we won't--if we let Prince Vannas do his job. He will sink those warships. And Bellis won't hold it against us. They know that mercenaries have a job to do."
Crondal focused on Galandra. "What about you?"
Galandra shrugged. "Taking on three warships won't be easy, but we have the means to defeat them. I'm staying with this journey and hoping for the best. I plan to survive and get extremely wealthy. And Brakthas is right. Bellis doesn't hold grudges against mercenaries." She winked at Crondal. "Verlamer might even offer us a job when all is said and done. Not that I would accept it."
"I'm stay
ing," Shenosi said at last. "At least for the moment. I might be the world's biggest fool, but I want to see where this leads."
"What about that other ship?" asked Vorden, peering across the water. "I think it's moving slower than the other three. I wonder if it's a passenger ship. Maybe Lannon is on board. Just a feeling I have."
"Don't say that," said Dallsa, her eyes wide. "I don't want to think of who might be on that boat. I don't want to believe it and be disappointed." She unpacked her steel mace (a weapon she rarely used). She sat down with the mace in her lap. "I'm ready for battle."
"What can we do to prepare?" Aldreya asked Theradaxa.
The Paladin shrugged. "The ship is ready for combat." She motioned to some crates, barrels, and chests. "We have bandages and ointments. There are also bows with a large supply of arrows, and swords." After thinking it over, she ordered some heavy barrels spaced apart across the deck to provide cover.
At last the three ships were in view.
"I see three catapults," said Lothrin, leaning over the rail. "A huge one and two smaller ones. Those are definitely warships and...wait, I see Thallite giants! Two of them. It looks like Bellis is out for blood."
The mercenaries exchanged grim looks.
"This calls for a final smoke," said Jace, lighting his pipe. "I will die with the taste of fine Norack leaf on my lips."
Huenov laughed and waved his hat. "Well said. Pass me that pipe and I'll smoke with you, my giant friend."
"Gladly," said Jace, smiling. "Let us die happy."
"You don't inspire confidence, sorcerer," muttered Crondal. Then his tattooed face broke into a grin. "But count me in on that smoke."
"They won't take me easily!" roared Shenosi. The massive Konji Wrestler stomped his foot, and the boat shook.
"Easy there," said Jerret. "You're going to capsize us."
Brakthas applied some black face paint, and adjusted the Vulture feather in his hair. He took off his necklace of Vulture beaks and talons and then removed his tunic. He let the necklace settle over his bare chest. He loosened his bone-handled dagger in its sheath and un-slung his bow. His tattooed, muscular arms were tense, and he shrugged his shoulders to relax himself.
Galandra knelt and quietly prayed for a few moments, her fiery red hair blowing in the breeze. The two Paladins placed hands on her and prayed with her. Then she rose and took out her steel slingshot. "I feel..." She swallowed, unable to continue for a moment. "I feel like this is going to be especially brutal, like nothing we've ever faced. Some of us are going to die."
Saranna sat looking grim. Her sword was still sheathed. "I really hope we come through this. I hate seeing my friends in pain."
Dallsa nodded. "I'm with you on that."
Bekka paced the deck, hand on her sword hilt. She paused briefly to adjust her lightweight chain mail. She was eager for combat. To her, Bellis was the same as the Deep Shadow. They were linked somehow, and she knew that to strike a blow to King Verlamer meant that Tharnin would also suffer. She didn't fear death. In fact, death wasn't even on her mind. She craved the destruction of her foes and her only concern was how much damage she could do.
"Should we strike first?" asked Prince Vannas, gazing at the approaching ships. "It might be our only chance. My range might be greater than theirs, and it would be foolish to surrender that advantage."
"We can't risk starting a war," said Aldreya.
"That's absurd," said the prince. "Why else would three warships come toward us so swiftly and aggressively if not to attack?"
"I couldn't agree more," said Bekka. "Hesitation could doom us. Bellis clearly means business. I suggest we stop worrying about starting a war, because war has already found us. They slaughtered our Knights in the mountains--including Galvia!" Rage filled her at the thought of it. "Now they're coming to finish us off. Striking first is totally justified."
"We have to strike first," said Vorden, a thoughtful look on his face. "As soon as they get close enough, they are going to rain destruction on us from their catapults. Our ship will sink like a stone."
"It is not our way," said Aldreya. "At the first launch of a catapult, Prince Vannas will retaliate. That is how it must be."
Jace looked doubtful. "Normally I would say avoid striking first at all costs, but this time we may simply have no choice. Vorden is right. We can't allow them to start blasting us. Their ships bear Thallite catapults--flawlessly designed weapons for sinking enemy vessels. Unlike you, Aldreya, I have seen them in action. They are amazingly accurate."
"Our ship is strong, though," said Theradaxa. "Even heavy objects will have trouble breaking through the hull. All ships on Legend Lake are built to be strong because of the Water Dragons. They are huge beasts of Tharnin that ram ships with their beaks and pierce them. Though attacks are somewhat rare, many ships have been sunk by the Dragons over the centuries."
Jace sighed. "I don't doubt this ship is sturdy, but it is simply not going to withstand an assault by Thallite catapults. It will go down."
Aldreya shook her head, standing firm.
"Can't we call for a vote?" asked Bekka.
"Yes, that's a wonderful idea," said Prince Vannas. The lean Birlote wore a purple tunic and red trousers, both articles of clothing embroidered with extravagant silver designs and made of the finest silk money could buy. Hanging from his belt was a jeweled dagger made of expensive Birlote steel and Lannon's Dragon sword. His skin looked especially tanned in the afternoon sun. He appeared totally confident of victory as he paced the deck.
"I vote that we strike first," said Lothrin. And everyone else voiced their agreement with him.
But Aldreya refused to budge. "That was not an official vote. And voting on every single matter is unnecessary. With Lannon absent, I have full authority in this situation to decide on my own. And I have decided."
"Against everyone else?" said Prince Vannas, frowning.
"Yes," said Aldreya. "Because all of you are wrong. As Divine Knights, we are forbidden to attack an enemy we are not officially at war with unless it is a Goblin or a traitor."
"That's correct," said Daledus, nodding to the Green Knight. Yet the Dwarf looked unhappy. "But sometimes the rules must be broken in extreme situations. I believe this is one of them."
"I disagree," said Aldreya. "You all will do as commanded."
Theradaxa glanced at Rojanan. Then she fixed a stern gaze on Aldreya. "For the time being, I am the captain of this ship, and I have an obligation to protect this crew. Also, Rojanan and I are still under the authority of the Temple. We will show respect for your wisdom, Green Knight, but we are not obligated to obey your decisions if they go against our beliefs."
"Understood," said Aldreya. "But is the way of the Temple to be the aggressor? Will you strike first, knowing that bloodshed will result?"
"She speaks true," said Rojanan. "That is not our way."
Prince Vannas looked hopeful. "It appears the decision rests with you, great Paladin. You are the captain."
Theradaxa paced about in thought, her blue-and-gold armor gleaming in the sunlight. At last she said, "As reluctant as I am to say this, we cannot strike first--not until we are certain those ships intend us harm. We will do as the Green Knight has commanded."
The prince's expression soured, but he said nothing.
***
Lannon and Doomar stood on the deck of their pirate ship, watching the strange scene unfold upon the waves. The captain was below deck, and the oarsmen seemed to be ignoring them. Their ship was moving too slow for Lannon's liking, but the men refused (or were unable) to make it go faster.
"Three ships from Bellis," said Lannon, "and one from the Temple. And they're all moving toward each other. I wonder why."
"How can you see all that?" said Doomar. "Does your Eye have such an extraordinary range?"
"If I can observe a distant target," said Lannon, "sometimes a few details are revealed. I haven't mastered the technique, but it works well enough to serve my needs most of the time."<
br />
"Fascinating," said Doomar. "There seems to be no end to your amazing gifts. Can you glimpse anyone on the ships?"
"Not at this range," said Lannon. "But something is bothering me. I sense that my companions are on that Temple ship and are in great danger. It's just a feeling I have, but it could mean something." He glanced at the oarsmen and said loudly, "It would help if this boat could move a bit faster."
The oarsmen ignored him--except for one who sneered.
"The men are going intentionally slow," said Doomar. "Look at them. They aren't even breaking a sweat. We could go faster on our own."
Lannon considered it. "Actually, we probably could. I could do the rowing."
"You would probably break the oars," said Doomar.
"No, they would hold," said Lannon. "I can make them hold, if necessary. My instincts tell me this can be done. Doomar, go tell the captain to anchor the ship. We're going to take a rowboat from here."
"Are you sure about this?" asked Doomar, looking skeptical. "A small boat against those huge warships? They would shoot us out of the water. It would surely be suicide, Lannon."
"But this boat could be sunk as well," said Lannon. "What difference does it make? If those warships are headed for my companions, we're going to have to face them one way or another. At least in a small boat we might have a chance to sneak up on them."
Knights: Legends of Ollanhar Page 25