by R. A. Miller
Cora stepped aside and to allow Quin to exit the window. The hunter looked around for resistance and found none. Yelling from the window behind them told her where the resistance was, and that they only had a moment before they were discovered.
“This way.” Quin led Cora around the corner where a vampyre lay dead.
“Your doing?” Cora asked.
“Yeah,” Quin said, “Snuck up on him. This way.”
The hunter led the vampyre to a section of the barrier closest to the trees that stood just beyond the barrier.
“The trees will help conceal our escape.”
“And the barrier?” Cora asked.
“We walk through it.”
Quin walked into the barrier, and through into the trees. Cora looked on confused.
“Lothar had to use some special password to get us in,” she said.
“Lies.” Quin said. “There’s nothing here but light. See?” Quin reached her arm through the barrier and grabbed Cora’s arm. The barrier harmlessly surrounded the hunter’s arm. “Now come on,” Quin said, “They found us.”
CHAPTER 13
Markus picked himself up off the floor and looked around to make sure the others were all right. Borimar helped May to her feet, both looked to Markus.
“What was that?” Markus said, “It was as if Altlock itself trembled. I don’t think I have ever felt anything like it.”
“Quake.” Borimar said. “But I can’t recall there ever being one this far inland. The last time I felt one was…” the dwarf trailed off.
Markus turned to the window that faced the courtyard where he saw several guards trying to put out a fire. Several more dug through a pile of rubble. Beyond the gates, the king saw buildings fallen over and more fires. Talk of vampyres and killing left his mind, replaced with concern for his people. Markus walked to the door, stopping to put a hand on May's shoulder.
“I must see to the people of Raven's Hold.”
“We'll help. Right Borimar?” May smiled at the dwarf.
“Aye,” Borimar said. “Let's go.”
The three friends hurried through the gates and into the heart of the city. A dozen soldiers followed close behind.
****
“Sire!” a man in priest’s robes called to them from the next street over. The priest was running, waving his arms to get their attention.
“What is it, Father?” Markus asked.
“The church, Your Grace. The roof collapsed and more than a dozen people were trapped inside.”
“Captain Vaughn,” Markus turned to his soldiers, “Stay here and help put out these fires. Borimar and May, with me to the church.”
The dwarf and his companion followed their king and the priest down the dark street to the crumbling church. Markus saw the roof had indeed fallen; only a sliver of it remained. A portion of the front wall had fallen as well. A fire burned in the back of the church, where they heard cries and screams.
“No.” the priest stopped and stared into the broken wall. “Fire burns in the nursery. There were children in there.”
Markus started for the broken wall but was stopped by May.
“You can't run into a burning building, Markus. You might die with them.”
“I can't stand here and listen to them burn.” the king said.
“Aye,” Borimar said, “But if the rest of this place is as fragile as the front wall here, we may be able to break through the back.”
“Good idea, my sweet,” May said, “Let's give it a go.”
“You should stay here May.” Borimar said. “Find us a few more men to get these children out.” The dwarf started around the building but turned back to his companion. “And help our priest friend find the parents.”
Before turning the corner, Markus looked back at May and smiled.
May returned the king’s smile, “I love that stubbly little man.”
Markus disappeared behind the church, leaving May in the street with the priest. The priest grabbed hold of her arm, gripping it tight. She turned to him, and for just a second, his eyes flashed red. Worry was now gone from the man’s face, replaced with satisfaction.
“I don’t believe we’ve met.” she said. She tried to pry the man’s fingers from her arm but he held tight.
“I need you, child.” The priest said, “You look...delicious.”
His eyes flashed red again and the corners of his mouth lifted to reveal a pair of sharp fangs. May struggled with him but found herself unable to break free. He dragged her down the darkened alley, away from the burning church and her friends.
“What are you doing with me?”
The vampyre stopped, turned, and stared into her eyes. She gave no attempt to hide her fear.
“If it were up to me,” he said, “I would have eaten you already.”
“Lucky for me ye stopped running. Me legs are short.”
Both May and the vampyre turned and saw Borimar standing in the alley, with Markus behind him. The dwarf smiled at his comrade, May smiled back but remained worried. The vampyre was still clenching her arm as he addressed the dwarf.
"You should be burning." he said.
"If your going to have a burning building full of children as a distraction," Markus said, "You might want to actually have some children in it."
The priest pushed May behind him, knocking her to the ground. He bore his fangs and let out a growl of frustration. Both Borimar and Markus readied their weapons for an attack, but before they could move, the priest let out another groan and fell over. Sticking out of the base of its skull was a silver dagger.
"I thought these things were supposed to be fast?" May said.
Borimar let out a deep chuckle. Markus joined him.
"Damn, woman," Borimar said, "What took ye so long?"
"He was holding my knife hand." May said. She exchanged a smile with the dwarf.
"Right then," Markus said, "They have infiltrated my city. We must find Captain Vaughn and get that gate closed. No one in or out without my authorization."
Marcus turned to his old friend but the dwarf spoke first.
"What are ye thinkin'?"
"I’m done reacting, my old friend. It’s time we fight back."
CHAPTER 14
“What is dark magic?” Cora asked.
“Usually very bad, very harmful stuff.” Quin said. “But by the looks of it, they haven’t quite mastered it yet.”
“How do you know so much about it? Father Jessop told me that all the magic was gone.”
“It’s supposed to be. Seems your friends back there, this Dremora even, has found a way to use the dark stuff.”
“What’s different about this kind of magic?”
“According to the legends,” Quin said, “A hundred years ago, when the elves still ruled the lands of Elvintika, they used to practice magic that was darker in tone, and purpose, than was known to the rest of the world. They never used it against another kingdom, or for nefarious means that we are aware of, but it was not nice stuff.”
“What kind of stuff?” Cora asked. Quin kept moving through the trees but smiled at the vampyre.
“Spells that were selfish and against nature,” Quin said, “Things like summoning and controlling lesser beings such as ogres and goblins, controlling fire, and I’ve read that the High Priestess learned how to manipulate the dragon gods. Of course then there’s my favorite; necromancy.”
“I’m gonna guess that has to do with the undead I saw back in Hillside Glenn?” Cora asked.
“It’s raising and controlling the dead primarily, so yes, you found the handiwork of a necromancer.”
Cora began to put the pieces together. The vampyre queen killed the residents of Hillside Glenn, and then had them raised as her own personal army. Dremora wanted Cora's amulet, and she was using every trick she had to get at it.
“I take it by the look on your face that something happened besides the walking dead?” Quin asked.
“Yes,” Cora said, “Not ju
st the dead. Lothar was supposed to be on my side. He even had Father Jessop fooled. He led me right to Cristobel and those others. All for this damn amulet.”
Cora grabbed the amulet and kept it balled inside her fist. A single tear ran down her cheek to hang precariously from her upper lip. She wiped it away with her other hand as they walked. The breadth of the vampyre threat was becoming clear to both of them.
“So Dremora has, or is, a necromancer.” Quin said, “Whatever that amulet is, she is willing to level entire towns for it. No wonder the dwarf wanted it.”
“Someone else is looking for this?” Cora asked.
“A friend of mine,” the hunter said.
“If he was looking for it,” the vampyre said, “Maybe he can help shed some light on it. I must take it to Alun Doom. I do not know why, only that it must be taken there before the queen can get ahold of it. I was told that once I arrive there, to find something called The Black Book. Now that we know Dremora is using dark magic, the journey will be that much harder.”
“Alun Doom?” Quin asked.
“Yes, you know of it?” Cora said.
“I have heard the stories,” the hunter said, “But even better, I know someone who has been there.”
“That’s great,” Cora said, “You must take me to them. I must complete my quest.”
“I’m not sure Borimar would relish the idea of going back there, but we can try. If this is how we stop the vampyres, I’m all in.”
“Borimar, you say?” the vampyre asked. “Does this Borimar happen to be a dwarf who wields twin axes?”
Quin stopped moving and turned to her traveling companion. She looked at the vampyre for a long moment, taking her in. Cora watched the hunter until she came to a realization, the knowledge showing on her young face. The two women looked each other in the eyes and spoke simultaneously.
“Sanctuary.”
****
Quin was still laughing as they approached the clearing. Cora, more comfortable now with her new traveling companion, tried to speak between the laughter.
“I told him not to antagonize the big one,” the vampyre said, “But he wouldn’t listen. He never listened. He goes up to this wolf, pokes it in the nose, and says he ain’t afraid of no pup. Next thing we know the village of Sanctuary is being invaded by like three hundred wolves, all looking to have dwarf for dinner. It was actually pretty epic.”
“I can only imagine.” The hunter said.
Quin saw the tree line approaching and signaled Cora to stop. The hunter moved towards the clearing with the stealth of a snake creeping up on a mouse. The vampyre kept her distance, careful not to interfere with the master hunter at work. Peeking through the branches, Quin’s breath caught in her throat.
“What is it?” Cora asked, her tone now more hushed than jovial.
Quin moved back behind the trees, allowing herself to catch her breath. Cora heard movement out in the clearing but dared not look. The hunter’s reaction was enough to tell her to stay hidden.
“You talked about them, but I never thought…” The hunter trailed off. A moment later she shook her head and turned back to the vampyre.
“What’s out there?” Cora asked.
“Undead.” The hunter said, also in a hushed tone, “And lots of them. At least a thousand, maybe more.”
“Where are they all going?”
“Raven’s Hold.” Quin locked her fingers together above her head, as if trying hard to think of an answer. Cora could only look on, frantic by the notion of a thousand undead, but also by the idea that her companion didn’t have a plan.
“You mentioned that during the Battle of Sanctuary, you and Borimar faced a pack of three hundred.”
“That’s right.” Cora said, “But what does that have to do with our situation?”
“For starters,” Quin said, “It gives me a place to start.”
“What are we talking about?” the vampyre asked.
“The head.” Quin said, “Or in this case, the necromancer.”
Cora slapped herself in the forehead as the answer hit her as it did Quin. She turned towards the clearing and watched several shadows shamble past.
“We take out the necromancer controlling them, they go back to being dead.”
“Right.” Quin said. “We just have to find Dremora.”
“But we don’t know that it’s her.” The vampyre said. “Remember?”
“Then we look for any vampyre in the area. She would have to be fairly close, I think.”
As the two made their plans, a large shadow passed overhead. Both women looked up but could not make anything out through the trees. They did, however, hear a loud roar.
“What, was that?” Cora asked.
“I don’t know,” Quin said, “But we’re probably not going to like it.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Quin caught a glimpse of two small figures passing through the trees above, just after the giant shadow passed. She watched the two small figures with curiosity. They appeared to stop at the clearing, and then moved along the tree line to the hunter’s right until they were out of sight.
“This way,” Quin said, “To the left. We can beat the horde to Raven’s Hold but we have to hurry.”
CHAPTER 15
Captain Vaughn ran towards Markus, waving his arms and yelling.
"Your Grace: Lord Farrell!"
Markus turned and saw the Captain of the Guard. He excused himself from the townspeople he had been helping, and met with the captain. Vaughn, out of breath, took a moment to compose himself before speaking.
"Your...Grace." the man said, between breaths.
"Easy now, Captain. Take a deep breath and tell me what's happened."
"Outside the walls sire. Something is approaching."
"Let them wait outside." Markus said. "No one gets in."
"Yes, sire. But that's not the problem."
"Then spit it out, man." Markus took the captain by both shoulders and looked him in the eye.
"To the south..." the captain began to trail off.
"What about the south?" Markus said.
"Your Grace,” Vaughn said, “When was the last time you saw a dragon?"
****
Markus, Borimar, and May followed Captain Vaughn up the steps, to the wall directly above the city gates. The foursome looked out over the wall, none of them with the words to describe what they saw.
To their left was an enormous group of men and women headed for the city. In front of them sat an enormous red dragon with two female riders. Markus thought the two women looked human. Borimar knew different.
"I believe I recognize the dark haired one in front." Borimar said.
"Who is she?" Marcus asked.
"That be the bitch that was looking for the amulet."
"Why is she here? Why now?" May asked.
"Don't know. Don't care. She brought a dragon. A real, fucking dragon.” Markus balled his hands into fists, the nails digging into his palms hard enough to draw blood. He wanted to know how this vampyre found a dragon.
"I thought the last dragon disappeared a hundred of years ago?" May said.
"So we've been told." Said Markus. "But yet one sits here, now. However they acquired it, they mean to use it. Captain Vaughn, round up all of your men and get some soldiers down to the gate to get those people in. I won't have a dragon roasting humans at my own gates."
"Yes, sire." Captain Vaughn ran down the steps as fast as he could.
Markus started down the steps after Vaughn, but was stopped by both May and Borimar.
"No ye won't." the dwarf said. "Yer the king, yer people need guidance, yer leadership. Ye should stay here and lead. May and I will take care of our guests."
“We will?” May asked.
Markus smiled at his two friends.
"Try and stay away from the dragon's mouth." Markus winked at the dwarf.
"Aye,” Borimar said, “I can’t gloat if I get eaten.”
Captain Vaughn's men pull
ed open the large wooden doors that served as the city’s gates. May and the dwarf were the first ones out, Captain Vaughn's men followed. As they passed through the gates, May grabbed a bow and quiver from a guardsman standing just outside.
“Hey.” The guardsman said. “Excuse me. Hey!”
The guard tried to hold onto his bow but found her stronger than he thought. He muttered under breath as she ran.
“Don’t worry,” she said, “I’ll take good care of it.”
Ignoring the dragon, the group followed the wall to their left, towards the growing mass of people. May stopped short, causing Borimar to bump into her. The dwarf peeked around his companion’s dress and saw what she saw. It was not a crowd of men and women fleeing towards the city; it was a horde of walking corpses.
"Are you seeing this?" May asked the dwarf.
"Aye,” Borimar said, “But I ain't believin' it."
One of the soldiers behind them was gagging as if he was about to vomit. The others were backing away, back to the city gates.
"My gods, what are they?" Vaughn asked.
"That," Borimar said, "Is a hungry mass of dead people.”
"That’s not possible,” Vaughn said.
"Ye ain't never been outside of these walls, have ye lad?" the dwarf said.
"What do we do?" Vaughn asked.
Borimar unsheathed his axes and May readied her bow.
"We fight, of course." May said.
****
Markus watched from the top of the wall, forty feet above the field. Borimar and May pulled their weapons and made ready for an attack.
"What are you doing?" Markus yelled down to them.
"Their not human." May yelled back. "At least not anymore. They’re dead."
"So we have vampyres, a dragon, and walking corpses?" Markus spoke this to himself. He would not have believed it if he was not looking at. Three fairy tales of his youth were about to breach his front gates.
"Get those gates closed!" he yelled down to his soldiers. "If those aren't living human beings, then they don't get in."