She left two silver jacks on the table and departed the tavern. She walked the roadway that led to the castle. The night winds from the river tore at her cloak. The locks of her dark hair fell over her shoulders, and she had the appearance of a woman again. She walked the hill in long strides, coming to a stop about halfway from the castle’s main gates. Her slender fingers tapped on the pommels of the daggers that hung on her hips.
Perhaps it’s time that I get a closer look at this pair for myself.
CHAPTER 52
Finster, Moth, and Dizon were seated in the king’s dining hall. Every decoration from the ceiling to the floor was exquisite. Scenic murals of meadows were painted in the archways above their heads. The walls were made from an off-white marble filled with flecks of gold. Long scarlet drapes accented the windows. The floors were square white marble tiles with gold accents between them. The grand table seated twenty and was covered in crystal glassware, plates that shone like pearls, and silver flatware with gold handles. Platters of steaming food were set on the table by servants wearing gold aprons with royal-blue clothing underneath.
“Dive in, everyone,” the king said with a ravishing smile. A small golden crown rested on his head with an emblem of a lion on a medallion in the middle. His curly dark-brown hair hung just over his eyebrows. “I’m famished after this evening’s events, and typically I dine much earlier, but tonight is a special occasion. It’s very odd company we have in our midst.” He lifted a wineglass.
“Odd indeed,” Counselor Trenner said. His hands were down on his lap as he watched the servants fill his plate with steaming fish, rice, and vegetables.
“It’s an honor,” Finster said, hoisting his glass. He and his companions sat across from Alrick and Trenner. It was only the five of them at the table, but one more plate was being loaded with food, and the wine glass had been filled. “Not to be impolite, but I’d hate to start if you are expecting someone else.”
“Well, the queen, my mother, may or may not come. She always has an invite, and we keep a place for her.” He placed his napkin on his lap. “She becomes a savage herself if we don’t include her… in everything.”
Twelve men covered in full suits of plate armor from head to toe stood with their backs to the wall. The armor was a brilliant steel accented with gold plating on the edges. The River Knights were the king’s personal guard, composed of the most resilient, loyal, and tested soldiers. It was said one knight alone could handle any five well-armed men. They stood so still they didn’t seem real unless you got a close look at the eyes that shone whitely behind the eyelets in the helm.
Moth had been cleaned up and dressed the moment he entered the castle. The maidens hauled him off and bathed him before dressing him in a set of robes that was at least one size too small. He ate with his fingers and grunted a little. He drank from the chalice, which was filled to the brim with wine.
The king studied Moth. Not hiding his fascination, he said, “His wounds closed up. How is that possible?”
“I can’t really say for certain,” Finster said, which was true. He could only guess that the rings of power caused regeneration. “Moth is a bit of an anomaly.”
“You make for a strange pair, you and the brute.” The king sawed into his fish and took a bite. “Tell me, how did this come to be?”
Finster took a long drink. “Sorry for indulging myself, your majesty, but this is the finest wine that I’ve had in years. Is it from your vineyard?”
“No, its grapes were drained in the vineyards of Varland. Now, don’t stall with me, necromancer. You wouldn’t want to draw my ire. I’ve been patient enough.” King Alrick turned to Dizon. “I thought you vouched for this one. I hope you weren’t misleading me, Dizon. I don’t like disappointment.”
She shook her head. “Never, your majesty.”
“I’m sorry, King Alrick, but I do enjoy the wine. As for me and Moth, well, I freed him from prison. He’s clung to my side ever since.”
Counselor Trenner broke into the conversation. Brows knitted together, he said, “Is the king supposed to guess why you let him free? Hmm… Finster? You are being impolite. Difficult! You should be whipped.”
“Easy, Trenner. Let the man speak. I’m certain that wasn’t his intent. Please, Finster, out with it now.” The king set down his fork and hung his gaze on Finster. “What compelled you to free this man? And where did you free him from? What you’ve said is very intriguing.”
Regardless of his lack of fear of the men in the room, Finster still didn’t want to make an enemy of the king. “I was a prisoner too, taken against my will to the Red Citadel. It was from there that Moth and I made our escape.”
The king pushed back in his seat. “So, you are a fugitive.” He looked at Trenner. “Am I harboring a fugitive, counselor?”
“You are harboring a former arch magus, my king. This is Finster, also known as the Shadow Keeper, Master of the Inanimate, the Gray Force, Guardian of the Mystic Forge. His reputation precedes him.” Trenner leaned on his elbows. His hawklike gaze locked on Finster. “It is rumored that he slew King Rolem’s queen-to-be. That he capsized Mendes galleons. Is this not true, Rodent of Whispers?”
Finster held up a finger. The River Knights’ swords snaked from their scabbards, and they advanced a full step. Dizon jumped from her seat. Moth chewed his food with a dull expression on his face, but his eyes swept the room. Finally, Finster said, “Your majesty, may I speak?”
The king nodded.
“I am who your counselor says, but I have no desire to harm you or anyone in your kingdom. If anything, our paths have crossed as a result of destiny.”
The king pushed back in his chair. “Oh, now that is an interesting take on things.”
“It’s preposterous,” Trenner blurted out. “These men are murderers in the king’s court, no less.”
Finster rolled his eyes. “Counselor Trenner, your flair for the dramatic is overtaking your senses. If I wanted to kill the king, I could have killed him the instant I saw him. And that includes you as well.”
“My king! My king!” Trenner said, jumping out of his chair. “He just threatened the very crown itself. River Knights, seize them!”
CHAPTER 53
The River Knights stood in place. Yet, there were scufflings inside of their armor. Behind their eyelets their eyeballs glanced nervously in all directions. Finster yawned. “Your precious Knights of the Water won’t be going anywhere, oh king. Please, while I have the stage, can I at least offer an explanation? One crown pursues me, and I certainly don’t desire another. Hic!”
Red-faced, Trenner shouted at the knights, “What are you standing there for? Take this monster down!”
Finster looked at the king, whose expression had paled. “I don’t think he understands what is going on here.” With a wink, he slid Trenner’s chair into the back of the man’s legs, knocking him into the seat. “With your majesty’s permission, may I continue to explain? I promise that I won’t take up much of your time.”
King Alrick glanced at Dizon.
“Your majesty, I’ve known many men, and this one is honorable. Please, hear him out.”
The king sat up in his chair and swallowed. “Counselor Trenner, mind your tongue or be dismissed from the chamber.”
“King Alrick, this sorcerer is dangerous.”
The king hit his fist on the table. The tableware jumped. “It is your tongue that brings the danger, Trenner! Keep chattering and I’ll have it cut out.”
Trenner sank in his chair.
“River Knights, at rest! Finster, will you loosen your control on my knights now? No harm will come your way, though I think you knew that the moment you came in here. You have me at a loss.”
“My pleasure, your majesty.” The knights’ armor rattled as they moved in place before going still again. “May I continue?”
“The table is yours,” the king replied. With his hand to his chest, he took a breath. “Proceed.”
Finster refilled h
is goblet. As he did so, the double doors to the room opened. Two soldiers escorted a woman into the room. The king and the counselor stood. Finster and Dizon did the same. The River Knights snapped their heels to attention.
“Mother,” King Alrick said with a bow. “What a pleasure it is to have you join us.”
Queen Annlee was a lovely and refined woman in her fifties. She wore a purple evening gown made from a soft linen that was a little too snug and revealing. Her hair was neatly combed back in a plume with a wave of gray in the middle. “It’s very late for an invitation for dinner, Alrick. I thought I raised you better.” She allowed her son to kiss both of her cheeks. She stared at the king’s guests. “My, what sort of strangers are you consorting with now? And why is the harlot here? She was banished. And why isn’t that monstrous man-thing standing?” Her eyes slid to Finster. “This sot sways.”
“Mother, the savage is a mute called Moth, and he is the champion of the Gauntlet. These are his keepers, so to speak, Finster and Dizon.” The king took his mother by the arm and helped her toward her chair, seated next to him but across from Moth. She jerked her arm away.
“Unhand me. I can sit myself.” She plopped her fanny down in the chair across from Moth.
The barbarian grabbed two fluffy white rolls in his fingers and stuffed them in his mouth. He washed them down using the goblet.
“Disgusting,” she said.
“Mother, you sound a little hoarse. Are you well?”
“Well enough, but not hungry.” She made a stiff shake of her head and sighed. “Continue with your sordid business. I’m more than curious to know what it is all about. Seeing how it is so late, I can only imagine you didn’t think I was coming. So here I am. All ears. Go on.”
“Yes, Finster, go on.” The king shifted in his seat. “You were telling me about King Rolem.”
“King Rolem?” the queen said, straightening up in her seat. “This should prove interesting. What is he demanding this time? The entire Free River? The black mines? All of the fish in the sea?”
“Something to that effect, your highness,” Finster said. “King Rolem conspired with the Magus Supremeus, Ingrid the Insane. They were to be wed, but I foiled their plans when I killed her. Prior to her death, Ingrid revealed to me that she killed several of the top magi from the Red Citadel, including the Magus Supremeus himself, Zuulan. It was a well-crafted plan that would have worked had she not involved me. When she tried to kill me and the barbarian, we ended up killing her instead.”
“How can this be if she wielded so many rings of power?” King Alrick asked.
“Ingrid wanted me to lead her to the Founder’s Stone, a rumored artifact of great power. She suspected that I knew its whereabouts. She was correct. I did know its whereabouts, and having been pushed to my limits, I was able to take command of its powers. It gave me, or us, rather, just enough of an edge to defeat her.” He pushed back his sleeve, revealing the thick green veins pulsating through his arms. “The stone’s power courses through my veins now, giving me significant power.”
Queen Annlee’s eyes widened. “If you are so powerful, then you are indeed as much a threat to the crown as this Ingrid was. Perhaps more so. Where are the rings?”
“They are not in my possession,” Finster said, opening his hands. “Their whereabouts are more of a mystery than anything else.” He wet his lips on the wine. “But let me assure you, I’m only here by circumstance, and since I’m here, I am warning you that King Rolem conspired to take over the kingdoms. That is what he wanted the stone and the rings for. But, being a member of the Red Citadel, a sorcerer of the ninth order, I have vowed to protect the kingdoms. The magi are the peacekeepers of the land, or at least they are supposed to be. I’ll do what I can to keep that intact.”
The people at the table grew silent. Alrick, Annlee, and Trenner appeared to be deep in thought. The only thing he heard was Moth chewing and Dizon patting his leg.
Finally, Counselor Trenner broke the silence. “May I speak?”
The king nodded.
“Though I find our guest contemptible, assuming what he says is true, it seems that King Rolem is not a threat to any kingdom without these rings or the stone. Certainly, he won’t make an aggressive move without these items in his possession. And now, we are alerted to his attempts. This is a good thing. The only bad thing is, can we trust this sorcerer?”
“I’m a servant of the goodwill of the kingdoms. Nothing more and nothing less,” Finster commented. “As for King Rolem, well, hiccup. Excuse me. As I was saying, this fight is between me and him as he blames me for the death of his insane bride-to-be. So, I am a fugitive who will defend himself, but hopes to avoid any more unnecessary casualties along the way. The last thing I need is another enemy or another kingdom angered at me.”
“Given your predicament, I don’t think that will be possible,” the queen said, picking up her utensils. Her eyes narrowed on her food. Suddenly, she swooned in her chair. “Get out of my mind, Finster! Get out of my head!” she yelled. “He’s possessing me!”
“No, I’m not,” Finster said with a perplexed look. “I can’t possess anybody.”
The queen convulsed in her chair.
“Finster, what have you done? Stop this now,” the king demanded. Alrick lunged for the queen. She jabbed him in the gut with a steak knife. Alrick groaned. “Why?”
“I’m sorry, son, he made me do it,” the deranged queen said. She stabbed him again. “I can’t control it.”
CHAPTER 54
Finster’s blood ran to his toes. His jaw hung. The king’s hands clutched at the knife in his belly. Counselor Trenner screamed and pointed at Finster. The words of the counselor didn’t clearly register, but assassin, traitor, and murderer were among them. Finster’s eyes landed on the queen. Her eyes were on him. A dark intent lurked in the queen’s eyes. She winked at Finster.
Finster’s wine-sluggish mind sped up. The queen was no queen. A darker façade took the queen’s place. Finster looked deep into the imposter’s cold, hard gaze. He’d seen the eyes of such killers before in his younger days.
Assassin!
He summoned his powers. The pommel of a River Knight sword cracked against his head. The world he knew started to turn black.
No, Finster, you can’t black out. Not now! Nooooooo…
CHAPTER 55
Moth jumped aside as a River Knight chopped at his head. The blade bit through the back of the high-backed chair. Moth punched the knight in the face, knocking the man backward. He wrenched the sword free of the chair.
Without hesitation, the knights closed in on Moth, their mirror-like blades held in front of them. Moth jumped backward onto the table. He kicked the food from the plates. In an instant, he took in his surroundings. The king sagged to his knees, doubled over, with his hands on his gut. The queen moved away from the table. Her body shimmered as she made her way toward Finster. Finster lay on the ground with his lips almost kissing the marble floor. Dizon kneeled at his side.
A knight sliced at Moth’s feet. He jumped high, striking as he came down. The longsword in his hand split through the metal of the man’s helmet into the bone of the skull. Blood spit out. One knight was down. Eleven more to go. The knights weren’t the enemy. The queen’s imposter was. He raced down the table. His feet slapped on the wood. The flatware and plates bounced from the table.
The assassin had another dagger in her hand, a wet substance shining on the curved edge. She paid no mind to the savage trying to cut her off. She targeted Finster. She moved swiftly, rounding the end of the table. Her dagger was poised to strike at the prone Finster.
Moth pounced. His body collided with her just as she started to kneel. He crushed her underneath his weight, grappled with her, and squeezed. Her body shifted from the image of the queen into someone else—a younger, harder woman wearing a cloak that felt like skin.
Trenner gasped.
The dagger blade pricked Moth’s skin. A stinging poison raced through his b
ody. His limbs seized. The woman underneath him squeezed out from under his body, pushing out from under his rock-hard frame with a loud groan. A sword stabbed into Moth’s side. Another blade jammed into his back.
The River Knights attacked the female assassin. She dodged and ducked. She slipped left and right, evading their steel. Her body shimmered. She scowled at Moth and vanished.
With his veins on fire, Moth tried to push himself off the floor. His muscles strained and rippled. All of his body trembled. The poison ate him up from the inside out.
Counselor Trenner took command. “River Knights. Kill them.” He pointed to Moth and Finster. “Kill them both!”
Huddled over Finster’s body, Dizon said, “No! They are not responsible! You saw the assassin the same as the rest of us. These men are not responsible!”
“You are a fool, whore! With the king dead, the people will demand justice. They will want their king avenged,” Trenner said. “And I heard what I heard. The queen said Finster took her mind. I saw it myself. He will have the blame.”
“That’s madness!” Dizon said.
“That’s how kingdoms are run. Besides, ridding ourselves of these two admitted murderers will win us great favor with King Rolem. A good witness from you could avail much for you too, harlot. What will it be?”
“I know what I saw, and I’ll stand by it,” she said.
“You are only complicating things for yourself, Dizon. Work with me and be a part of my small harem. Wouldn’t living in the castle again, for a lifetime, but worth your while?”
“Not with you.”
“I see. River Knights,” Counselor Trenner ordered, “turn them into pieces. But leave the heads. We need to show the people their heads.”
The Red Citadel and the Sorcerer's Power Page 18