The Ranger (Book 1)

by E. A. Whitehead

  Lauren looked surprised, and somewhat ashamed.

  “I’m sorry,” she said quietly.

  “What?” Vincent was taken aback.

  “I misjudged you,” she seemed to be forcing the words out of her mouth. “And I’m sorry I wasn’t very nice to you. You’ve shown me that you are, and always have been, worthy of the trust Jason put in you. You now have my trust as well.”

  “Well, that’s a relief,” Vincent said, feeling rather awkward with the situation and wishing Benjamin would wake up to put an end to it. A groan from the other side of the room granted Vincent’s wish, as Lauren’s attention was quickly diverted to Benjamin who was starting to wake up.

  “How long have I been out?” Benjamin asked as he staggered to his feet.

  “About five hours,” Lauren said as she tried to steady him on his feet.

  “That’s not going to help us,” Benjamin sighed. “They probably know by now that the garrison of minotaurs is dead and gone. They’ll definitely be on the lookout for us.”

  “Well, no situation is so bad that complaining about it won’t make it worse,” Lauren tried to laugh, but it sounded strained. “Here, have some bread,” she said, pulling a loaf from her pack, breaking it in two and giving the pieces to her weary companions.

  Vincent devoured the bread before shakily raising to his feet. It wasn’t long before his strength had fully returned.

  “You’ve got some amazing stamina, Vincent,” Benjamin said, shaking his head in disbelief. “I thought you’d be out for at least a day after something like that.”

  “Thanks,” Vincent said uncomfortably.

  “Well, are we all ready to go?” Benjamin asked as he picked up his pack.

  “I’m good to go,” Vincent said, anxious to be out of the little room.

  “Me too,” Lauren followed, handing Vincent his mask back and tying on her own.

  “Alright,” Benjamin clapped his hands together; they glowed once again and a small section of wall swung inward like a door. “Let’s go.”

  The light in the chamber where they had fought was dim, most of the torches having gone out. They picked their way through the heaps of bodies to the large door on the far side of the chamber. The passage was lined with statues of warriors dressed for combat. The dim light cast eerie shadows across their path as they continued downward.

  Suddenly, one of the statues lunged forward at Vincent, waving a huge club. He barely managed to duck under the blow. Benjamin moved quickly, striking the being in the neck with his grapplers, cutting its head from its shoulders. The body crumbled instantly.

  “Golems,” Benjamin muttered as he poked through the rubble of the fallen creature.

  “What’s a golem?” Vincent asked.

  “Golems are living stone,” Benjamin explained, pulling the club from under the pile of rock. “They’re Katrina’s version of an elemental; except they’re soulless, brainless and irritating. We’ll need to be even more alert if there are golems lurking around down here.” He handed Vincent the club. “That should be a bit more effective than your sword against these things.”

  Vincent hefted the club with difficulty, the stone was incredibly heavy. They continued at a slower pace, Vincent struggling to keep up with his new burden.

  They hadn’t gone far before another statue charged from among the ranks. Vincent swung his club at this new foe. He hit it in the chest, shattering both club and golem.

  “So much for the club,” Vincent grumbled as he looked at the stump of stone in his hand. Still, he was relieved that he didn’t have to carry it anymore.

  “We need to keep moving,” Lauren whispered urgently. “These things make a lot of noise when they die. It could attract something worse.”

  They traveled at a quicker pace now. The passage was taking a much steeper slope than before. Benjamin’s mutterings were becoming more pronounced so that even Vincent, at the back of the line, could hear them.

  “We’re getting closer,” Ben was saying, “Yes, almost there; just a little further.”

  “With any luck we won’t run into any more of those things,” Lauren said, a little louder than necessary, trying to distract Benjamin from his mutterings, but he ignored her.

  The passage divided abruptly in a fork as the ground leveled out.

  “Which way do we go?” Vincent asked, gazing down the two tunnels. The torches only continued a few paces in either direction, leaving the paths in total darkness.

  “Only one can lead to the heart chamber,” Lauren said pensively, “That’s what Dahl said, isn’t it.”

  “Not exactly,” Benjamin said as he paused his low muttering. “The heart chamber is on the other side of this wall, I can feel it. The energy has gotten so intense here, it’s almost unbearable. These two tunnels just loop around to the door on the other side, making it effectively one path. So it doesn’t really matter which one we take.”

  “We should take the one with fewer of those golem things,” Vincent laughed half-heartedly.

  “Just be glad we’ve only encountered stone golems,” Benjamin said with a smile. “The metal ones are much worse.”

  “I’d like to see that,” Vincent said, a little more enthusiasm behind his laugh now.

  Suddenly, from the left fork of the tunnel came a sound like a hammer hitting an anvil. The three of them peered cautiously into the darkness. A shadow moved just beyond the light. The three of them slowly started backing away as the figure stepped into the light, revealing the hulking form of a man. His head barely cleared the ceiling of the tunnel. Every muscle on his body seemed perfectly sculpted, and his skin shone silver in the firelight.

  “There, you’ve seen it,” The smile dropped from Benjamin’s face. “We take the right tunnel.”

  They started running down the dark passage, the thunderous sound of the metal boots hitting stone was close behind. The passage curved, as if going in a giant circle.

  “Wait,” Benjamin called, stopping the others. “It should be here.”

  “What should be here?” Lauren asked, sounding very flustered.

  “The door,” Benjamin shouted, “the entrance to the heart chamber!”

  They didn’t have time to argue as the metal boots were getting closer. The three of them threw themselves against the wall, desperately searching for some sign of a door. Then Vincent’s hand felt wood. It was the door. He quickly found the handle and opened it. A surreal green light spilled from the doorway as the three hurried through.

  They found themselves in a massive cave-like room. In the middle of the room, the floor dropped away, forming a monstrous pit. Floating at the center of this pit was an enormous green crystal. A narrow bridge of stone was all that connected the crystal to the rest of the room.

  The crystal itself was massive. Large, jagged spikes protruded from its surface, giving it a very fearsome appearance. The green light seemed to be emanating from it.

  “What do we do now?” Lauren asked, her back against the door. “There’s no way out.”

  “This could be just what we need,” Benjamin panted. “But we need to work quickly. Vincent, I need you to stand at the edge of that pit. Don’t move until I say so, understand?”

  Vincent nodded before taking his post. Benjamin and Lauren hid behind the door just as it crashed open again, revealing the massive metal golem. A metallic laugh echoed from its mouth as it saw Vincent and started to charge once again. Vincent stood, watching the creature advance toward him, each step chipping the granite floor.

  “Vincent. Now!”

  The shout caught the creature’s attention, and he stopped just long enough for Vincent to dive out of the way. The golem looked behind him, trying to discern what had caused the sudden noise just in time to see a wave of rolling stone crashing towards him. The wave slammed into the creature, rocketing it over the edge. It roared in rage as it disappeared from sight.

  “So that’s a metal golem,” Vincent panted as he watched it disappear. “I’d be just as ha
ppy not to meet another.”

  Benjamin shook his head as he laughed and clapped Vincent on the back. His laughter slowly faded as he started to fully take in the room.

  “This is it,” he said in breathless wonder, “the Heart Chamber. That crystal is the source of the tower’s power.”

  “If this is the Heart Chamber, then the Lich should be somewhere close,” Lauren said as she dusted herself off. “It’s probably inside the crystal itself.”

  “Only one way to find out.” Vincent started walking toward the narrow bridge connecting the crystal to the room. Lauren and Benjamin ran to catch up.

  They made their way slowly across the bridge, one by one. A rickety wooden door covered a small opening in the crystal. They gathered around it, Lauren notching an arrow to her bowstring. Benjamin stood directly in front of the door, counting down with his fingers. As he reached one, he kicked the door, shattering it completely. The smell of rotting flesh wafted from the opening.

  Lauren quickly pushed past, darting into the room and releasing her arrow. The Lich turned quickly, grabbing the arrow out of the air with its withered hand, then, with a flick of its wrist, sent Lauren crashing into a the wall, where she lay motionless.

  Vincent was next through the door. He took only a few steps before the Lich flicked its wrist. He felt as though he’d been slapped by a giant hand. The blow sent him flying, crashing into the wall across from Lauren, where he lay dazed.

  He was only vaguely aware of Benjamin entering the room, his hands glowing a deep green. The Lich batted its hand again, but Benjamin stayed firmly planted. The Lich smiled.

  “So there is one worthy to face me,” the Lich chuckled. There was very little left of the creature. He looked more like a skeleton than a man; his skin was stretch tightly across his bones. Patches of thin white hair covered his head. A long scarlet robe hung from his boney shoulders and a large black pendant in the shape of a howling wolf hung from its neck. “It has been many centuries since a mortal dared disturb me. Perhaps you desire to join me and my brethren.”

  “I come in the name of Sandora,” Benjamin stated firmly. “I’m here to eradicate your species and rid the world of the blight you caused.”

  The Lich winced at the name of Sandora, and then glared in hatred at Benjamin. Its eyes seemed to glow with rage.

  “Sandora abandoned me.” The Lich practically spat the words, his anger making his words almost unintelligible. “Wait and see; once I’ve destroyed you and your friends, she’ll abandon you too!” The Lich stretched out his boney arm, summoning the thick staff that was leaning against a large stone table on the far side of the room. The staff shot through the air, landing in the Lich’s outstretched hand. With a hiss, the Lich lunged at Benjamin, swinging its staff.

  Benjamin raised his grapplers and parried the blows. He then countered with a blow of his own. The Lich dodged the blow and struck back. The two of them battled across the room. Both Benjamin and the Lich swung wildly at the other, but none of their blows landed.

  Vincent was slowly regaining his senses. He cautiously pulled himself onto his hands and knees and crept across the room to where Lauren lay motionless. She was still breathing, but a deep gash in her forehead, where her mask had broken, was gushing blood. Vincent quickly tore a strip off his tunic and tied it around Lauren’s head to stop the bleeding. Her eyes fluttered open.

  “What happened?” she asked weakly.

  “Don’t worry,” Vincent said in a hushed voice, “everything will be fine.”

  A ball of white energy shot above their heads, exploding on the wall. Vincent ducked trying to cover Lauren as much as possible.

  A cry from Benjamin, followed by a blinding flash of green light made Vincent turn. Benjamin’s back was to Vincent, and he could see the tip of the Lich’s staff sticking out, high on his back.

  The Lich laughed triumphantly. Benjamin quickly grabbed the Lich with his still glowing hands and pulled it tight against his body, driving the staff deeper into his body. The light was increasing in intensity. Benjamin spun around, pulling the Lich with him, to face Vincent.

  “Take Lauren and run,” he gasped. The stone floor was crawling up his legs and wrapping the Lich to him.

  “What about you?” Vincent asked desperately as he took Lauren’s limp form in his arms.

  “Forget about me, I’m done for,” he said weakly, wincing in pain. “Just hurry and get out, you don’t have much time.” The ground started to shake violently. “Go!”

  Vincent gave Benjamin one final look as he dashed from the door, carrying Lauren. The bridge connecting the crystal and the rest of the chamber was already starting to crack. He darted across just as it started to collapse.

  “Vincent,” Lauren asked sounding frightened, “what’s going on? Where’s Ben?” The ground gave another violent heave and some of the room’s ceiling started to fall, just missing Vincent and Lauren.

  “There’s no time to explain,” Vincent said as he started to run. “We’ve got to get out of here.”

  He started backtracking the path they had followed earlier, racing through the halls as fast as he could. By the time he reached the great hall the ground was shaking constantly. The earth seemed to ripple under the force of the quakes. Large sections of tunnel were collapsing around Vincent.

  He continued running, ignoring the falling rocks and the other creatures that were running along with him. He quickly outdistanced the other creatures. He shielded Lauren as best he could with his body. The floor was cracking, making it more difficult to run.

  Vincent could see the opening leading out of the tower. His strength was starting to fail him and he started to stumble. He barely made it out of the door before the passage behind him completely caved in, entombing the monsters following him inside.

  Trent and the others were standing a safe distance away from the collapsing tower. They rushed to help Vincent get away from the falling stones and heaving earth.

  Vincent finally collapsed as he got away. He turned to look at the tower. The ground around it was heaving, sending columns of earth shooting into the air. Slowly, the tower sank into the ground as it was eaten away by the waves of rolling earth.

  “He’s dead, isn’t he?” Trent asked quietly as the last ripples of earth subsided. Vincent could only nod in reply. “And the Lich?”

  “Ben sacrificed himself, but the Lich is gone.” Vincent said, his voice cracking as he spoke.

  “He was a good man, and a good friend,” Trent said somberly as he hung his head. “He did his duty to the end.”

  They paused in silence, remembering their fallen comrade. Lauren was the first to break the silence. Her voice was still weak.

  “We have a mission to finish,” she said softly. “He wouldn’t want us to forget our duties on his account.”

  “Lauren’s right,” Trent said, trying for a strong face. “The Goddess watches over him now. We need to report back. Let’s move out.”

  Trent turned from the pile of rubble and broken earth that had once been the majestic tower, but now served as a burial mound, and started walking away. He didn’t look back. The others fell in line behind him. Lauren was still having trouble walking; she struggled to keep up. Vincent stopped and put a hand on her shoulder to balance her.

  “Let me give you a hand,” he said with a friendly smile. “You still haven’t recovered yet.” Vincent stooped down to allow Lauren to climb on his back before rushing to catch up with the others.

  “Thank you,” she whispered in his ear as they went.

  The sun had already set by the time they returned to Muggire. A small band of the town’s people, led by Ryan, met them as they reached the town.

  “At last you’ve returned,” Ryan said, the relief showing in his voice. “We felt the mountain shake and saw the smoke rising from the summit and feared the worst.” Ryan scanned the line of tired Rangers. His gaze quickly fell on Vincent who still had Lauren on his back. Both of their tunics were heavily torn, showing gapi
ng holes in their chainmail below. They were both riddled with small cuts, and a steady trickle of blood still ran down the side of Lauren’s face, around the remaining fragments of her mask.

  “What happened up there?” Ryan asked, suddenly becoming very concerned. “Weren’t there six of you?”

  “The Goddess saw fit to take one of her servants,” Trent said, his voice cold as ice. “His sacrifice has bought the safety of your people.”

  “Come,” Ryan said urgently, “you must tell me everything.”

  “Very well,” Trent’s voice was still as ice. “But first, I must see to these two.” Trent pointed at Lauren and Vincent. Vincent had started swaying from fatigue. Lauren quickly climbed off his back and took him under the shoulder. They leaned on each other for support, both barely able to stand. “And they will need their armour repaired as soon as possible.”

  “Yes, of course,” Ryan stammered. “I’ll see to it personally tonight. Wesley, John, help these two back to the sanctuary. Linea, Rebecca, bring them some bread and bandages.” The four went about their assigned duties.”

  “I don’t think bandages will be necessary,” Trent commented as Ryan ushered him away. “I sent for the rescue team as soon as I felt the earth shake the first time. They should be here shortly.”

  “That’s fine then,” Ryan said. “Shall we return to my home? I’d like to hear your report.”

  “Very well,” Trent consigned himself to be herded away, “lead on.”

  Trent and the rest of the group disappeared into the night as John and Wesley helped Lauren and Vincent back to the sanctuary. They left them at the door without saying a word. Linea and Rebecca were already there with the bread and bandages. They too left without saying a word.

  Vincent collapsed as he walked through the door. Lauren helped him into a sitting position as they removed their masks.

  “I was wondering who could have caused so much trouble that we would have to be summoned all the way out here,” an airy voice said from the front of the sanctuary. “But of course, I’m not surprised that it’s you Vincent, you’ve had a talent for getting yourself hurt since I’ve known you.” Cynthia and one of the other priests from the camp emerged from the shadows. “Let’s see what the damages are.”