Men of Anderas II: Dak the Protector

by Cheryl Johnson

  It took more than an hour to get close enough to see the south gate. This was the lesser used of the two entrances to the village. He didn’t expect to encounter many people at this gate, but the total lack of movement raised the hair on the back of his neck. Not even a guard patrolled the streets and alleys around him. Why? It didn’t make any sense to leave an exit unguarded. Every instinct Dak possessed screamed danger.

  It didn’t take but a single glance to answer his internal questions. The rear wall around the village was draped with titanium razor wire for twenty feet on either side of the gate itself. A field mouse couldn’t squeeze through those links. He seriously underestimated Draagon if his Phantom Riders traveled with that much wire. It made no sense. That covering had to weigh several hundred pounds. How did a roving patrol manage that much bulk? Why would they even try?

  Knowing he couldn’t use this gate, Dak headed back through town. It was well after midnight before he reached the central plaza. On a normal day, he would have jogged through the village in under an hour. Careful, deliberate steps took longer but didn’t alert anyone to his presence.

  Dropping to his belly, Dak shimmied under the long boardwalk that ran around the plaza connecting all of the businesses in a three-sided assembly. From the corner he could watch the main gate and wait for an opportunity to slip out. The entire courtyard blazed with torches leaving very little shadow to mask movement. One Rider on horseback sat between the open gates but two dozen foot soldiers patrolled the area between him and the gate. He would need a hellava distraction to slip through that many men.

  A comm unit crackled in the distance and the mounted Rider quickly answered. “My Lord.”

  Dak couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation well enough to make out the words but the vicious grin spreading across the man’s face sent chills racing along his body. Whatever his orders were Dak wouldn’t like them.

  “You three,” the mounted guard pointed to men close to him. “Bring ten citizens to this courtyard.”

  The trio ran to the nearest houses and dragged the residents into the street. The men and women huddled together in the dusty roadway, shivering from cold and fear.

  “Arm lasers!” He yelled. “Fire!”

  In seconds, they lay in butchered pieces. The stench of scorched flesh filled the night air. Dak gagged on the bile rising in his throat. Never in his life had he witnessed such wanton disregard for human life. There was no humanity left in these Phantom Riders. Every instinct he possessed urged him to act--to help--but he fought the demand from his soul. He must stay alive or Kierin and his daughter would die.

  The mounted guard raised an open horn to his mouth and amplified the volume of his voice until it echoed through the village.

  “You have one hour to produce the man sent by the crystal witch! Ten of your friends and neighbors just died. If you fail to surrender this man, twenty of you will die. For every hour you harbor this man the number of dead will double until there isn’t a single heartbeat in this fleapit.”

  By all the Ancient Prophets! I cannot let this village die but I cannot desert Kierin. Goddess of Light, you protect my crystal witch. If there is a way to end this without another death, please tell me. Nothing in my training has prepared me for this level of depraved madness.

  “Servant of the crystal witch! Are you a coward?” Bellowed the guard. “Come forward! Will you allow these strangers to die in your place? My Lord Draagon is marching on the witch’s fortress! Your sacrifice will be for nothing! Surrender and I will give you an honorable death.”

  Kierin? Can you hear me, my love? Dak had to warn her about Draagon and he needed to feel her essence once more before he died.

  I’m here, Dak. What’s happening?

  Listen carefully, Little Witch, there isn’t much time. Draagon is headed to your fortress. Hide, Baby. Go to the inner chamber. You can survive inside for nearly a year. JarDan will be here in two months, possibly less. He’ll protect you and the baby. Promise me that you will stay alive and love our daughter as much as I love you.

  Dak! What are you going to do? You can’t die! There has to be a way ….

  “Shhhh, baby. Don’t cry. You’re killing me with those tears. The Riders will continue to systematically kill the villagers until I surrender. I can’t let these people die for me. I need you to go into the chamber so you won’t know when I ….

  No! My head understands what you’re saying but my heart screams in pain at losing you. I won’t block you. I will hold on to your love until the very last instant and my heart will die with you. Our daughter will hear every day what a brave and honorable man her father was and how much he loved us. I promise you.

  Kierin, my dearest love. I never thought to love someone as deeply as I love you. Your face will be the image I cling to as my life force slips away.

  Dak scooted back to the alley. There was no way he’d crawl out from under the building like a dog. He had time to retreat to a position where he could proudly walk out to meet his death.

  * * * *

  Kierin swiped at the tears flowing down her face. Draagon would kill Dak and still come for her. Unless she could stop him. She didn’t place as much trust in the King of Falcon Tor as Dak. He was a man who could order the execution of his own brother because he fathered a child with the woman he loved. If he showed up and offered her protection, she’d consider it. Until then, she would do what she could to save her family and that included Dak.

  There was more to being a crystal witch than herbs and potions. Her father never taught her about her other powers but since the day she placed her birthstone around her neck the knowledge was there in her mind--her very genetic makeup.

  Gathering a warm cloak and filling her pockets with an assortment of crystals and powders, she hurried to the stable. Snow was falling in big, wet flakes and already blanketed the ground. She wasn’t aware it had started but it wasn’t going to keep her from going to Dak. Quickly saddling Rocky, she secured the rest of the animals and trotted toward the gate. With the heavy snowfall, visibility was limited to about two feet but she didn’t need to see to navigate the trail. Ten minutes travel brought her to the gate. Not being able to see through the protective grid because of the snow caused a momentary panic but Kierin pushed it down and opened the portal.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “Ahhh, dear one. So glad you decided to join me.”

  Draagon! Kierin struggled to breathe through the panic choking her. She walked into his trap! The crystal! She urged the horse forward to clear the portal before tossing the key inside as the grid sealed itself. There was no way he could open the gate.

  “BITCH!” Draagon roared into the night. “You have defied me for the last time! Do you think your feeble attempt will keep me from claiming that crystal?! Or you?! You were promised to me at your birth! The secrets you hide are mine by right!”

  “I feel the energy from your amulet, but it isn’t strong enough to open my gate. My father’s crystal is pure. That misshapen cluster you wear is a puny imitation.” Kierin stared into the face of evil and gripped the reins tightly to control her tremors. She would not allow him to see how much he frightened her.

  Draagon stared at her, his harsh breath forming soft clouds in the cold air. “You will come to heel, my pet, you may be assured of that. I have no tolerance for disobedience from those in my command.”

  “I will die before submitting to you.” She whispered vehemently.

  “That can be arranged; but I much prefer…shall we say persuasion?”

  His evil chuckle chilled her beyond her minds ability to grasp.

  “I wonder what your pathetic bodyguard will think of your capture. Will he rush to your rescue with guns blazing? Ahhh, I see by your expression that he means something to you. A lover perhaps? His life or death is meaningless to me. The choice is yours, dear one. If Jud hasn’t already killed him, I can arrange to keep him enslaved for the remainder of his natural life. Come with me, willingly, and I w
ill allow you to see him occasionally. How often will, of course, depend on how well you behave.” His cold stare dared her to refuse.

  The thought of going with him made her lightheaded but if she could keep Dak alive they might have a chance. They had no chance if he died.

  “You will keep Dak alive?” She asked. He was conniving, deceitful and deadly and she didn’t believe a word he spoke. There was a trap in his offer; she just couldn’t see it.

  “As long as you follow my every command.”

  She really had no choice. Dak was going to be furious with her but she’d gladly suffer through his temper if it meant he lived. “Very well. I’ll follow you IF he still lives and continues to live. We both know how easy it is for a crystal witch to end his … or her … own life.”

  Draagon’s eyes narrowed and the muscle in his jaw clenched repeatedly. “Threats, Kierin?” His raspy whisper carried the promise of death.

  “Promises.” She held his gaze, locking her muscles to hide her tremors.

  After several tense, silent minutes, Draagon reached for the comm unit hanging from his saddle. “Jud.”

  “My Lord.”

  “Does the bodyguard still live?”

  “Yes, Lord Draagon. He has five minutes before the second group of villagers die. If he is the man I think he is, he will appear before then. Your orders will be carried out immediately upon his arrival.”

  “I no longer wish his death. When he comes to you, capture him and bring him to the designated rendezvous point.” Draagon never broke eye contact with Kierin.

  “He will not surrender, Lord Draagon.”

  “Of course he will, Jud. You must have faith in my orders. All you have to do is inform him that I have Lady Kierin and if he wants her to remain in a … healthy … state, he will do as you ask.”

  Draagon dropped the unit without waiting for a response. “Shall we proceed?” He gestured for Kierin to precede him.

  Kierin straightened in the saddle and shook her head. “Based on your word that he still lives?” She scoffed. “We don’t move one inch until I hear his voice.”

  “You play a very dangerous game, Lady Kierin. Few men would dare challenge me as you have tonight. I trust you will not make a habit of this in the future.”

  The coldness in his eyes matched the deadly promise implied in his words. Kierin swallowed hard but held her horse still.

  “Surely you can speak to him telepathically. Why wait for Jud to capture him?”

  “Only mated couples are able to communicate like that. You know that as well as I do.” She prayed her face didn’t betray her lie.

  “Are you saying he’s not your mate?” Draagon sounded hopeful.

  “I wanted an Anderan lover to father a male child. That didn’t work out according to my plan; however, I’m fond of him and he’s an accomplished lover. I knew he would protect and provide for me and our daughter.” Kierin prayed her lies and half-truths would convince Draagon. Her link to Dak was the only advantage they had against so many Phantom Riders.

  “Very well. We wait for Jud’s call. Any further delays will be dealt with in a most unpleasant manner. Do we understand each other?”

  “Yes.” She whispered, pulling her cloak closer against the cold wind and blowing snow.

  * * * *

  Dak walked through the streets with a calm he didn’t feel. All of the stalling and searching and planning brought him no closer to a solution. If he didn’t appear, innocent men, women and children would die. He couldn’t live with that on his soul.

  I must do this, my love. I’m so sorry. She didn’t respond and Dak sent a silent prayer to every deity in the galaxy that she heeded his warning and took shelter in the chamber. With no weapon but his bare hands, Dak drew himself straight and tall and stepped into the central courtyard. He waited for the mounted guard to notice him.

  “I am Lord Beldon Dak, third in line for the throne of Falcon Tor on the planet of Anderas. Your fight is with me alone. I trade my life for theirs.” His strong voice echoed through the cold night air and silence settled among the Phantom Riders.

  The mounted guard waved his hand and the villagers were released. They scurried away in silence.

  “Your life is no longer forfeit, Anderan. Lord Draagon sends his request for you to join him. Surrender without a fight and you will be allowed to ride. If you refuse, you will be bound and gagged and thrown over the rump of a pack horse for the two day ride. The choice is yours.”

  “No thanks. I think I’ll stay here with these kind folks.” Dak didn’t trust Draagon. He wouldn’t be allowed to just leave after all the trouble Draagon went to just to find him. Something was wrong.

  “I told Lord Draagon you would refuse. His response was to tell you he has Lady Kierin and her continued good health depends entirely on you.”

  Dak stumbled at the news and the mounted guard laughed. I will take great pleasure in killing you before this is over. When he could force his jaw to relax enough to speak, he faced the guard. “How do I know you speak the truth? Phantom Riders aren’t known for their truthful natures.”

  “Here’s my comm unit. She’s waiting for your call.”

  Dak caught the hand-held unit in mid-air. Damn. I have a really bad feeling about this. Is this why she didn’t answer me earlier? Drawing a deep breath, he keyed the unit.

  “Kierin?” He waited, with sweat beading his lip despite the frigid wind.

  “Dak! Are you okay?” Kierin’s voice came through clear despite the static.

  “What happened?” Dak could barely force the words from his throat.

  “I walked into his trap. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t cry, Little Witch. We’ll get through this.”

  “Don’t cry, little witch.” Draagon mocked. “How pathetic. You will do exactly as I say, Anderan, if you want to see your little witch again. Return the comm unit to Jud and follow his instructions to the letter. Do we understand each other?”

  “If you harm her in any way ….”

  Jud snatched the comm unit from his hand. “Do you ride sitting in the saddle or across it?”

  “I’ll sit; but just so we’re clear--I’m giving you notice that I will kill you.” Dak grabbed the reins from the guard who brought the horse, and mounted.

  “You will try, Anderan.” Jud laughed again. “If you speak again I’ll gag you. And don’t try anything … desperate. Draagon said you have to stay alive. He didn’t say you had to keep all of your body parts.”

  Wheeling his mount, he galloped into the darkness outside the gate. Dak followed surrounded by dozens of Phantom Riders. It was several hours later, as dawn was breaking on the horizon when the patrol finally stopped and unsaddled the horses.

  “We’ll be here four hours.” The guard explained as he tied Dak’s hands and handed him a water skin and chunk of dried meat. “You should eat, piss and sleep. We only stop every twelve hours.”

  “What happens if I have to … relieve myself … before we stop again?” Dak gulped the cold water. He’d had nothing to drink since his lunch with Digger yesterday.

  “You whip it out and piss on the road. Just don’t piss on your own feet.”

  When the guard walked away to seek his own comforts, Dak settled against his saddle. Chewing on the tough meat and washing it down with the icy water, he surveyed the patrol. Few spoke as they settled. Obviously accustomed to the routine, they wasted no time or effort before trying to sleep. He needed to do the same if they planned on riding a straight twelve hours. Closing his eyes brought images of Kierin and he smiled. He didn’t think he’d live to see the outside of the village, but he did. Fate or destiny wasn’t through with him, after all. It was a pleasant way to fall asleep.

  “Dak, don’t let anyone know you can hear me. Are you well?”

  Dak blinked, unsure if he was still asleep and dreaming. “I’m here, Little Witch. Are you safe?”

  “So far. Draagon doesn’t know we can communicate. I lied when he asked about our
bonding.”

  “Good girl. Don’t give him any information if you can prevent it. He’ll use it against you. Do you know where we’re headed?”

  “I think he’s headed across the desert. I’ve never been that far but he said we should be there in three days.”

  “Jud said we would arrive in two days so we must be closer than you, unless we’re going to a different location.”

  “I don’t think so. Draagon seems anxious to combine both groups. Dak, you can’t let him know you have a key to the fortress. He wants my father’s crystal and he’s too confident. That worries me.”

  “We’ll deal with whatever comes, baby. I know what to do with the key. How are you feeling? Is the baby safe?”

  “She’s warm and secure. I want to go home, Dak. I want to sit in your lap by the fire and count the days until the baby comes. Do you think we’ll live through this?”

  “I won’t lie to you, baby. It doesn’t look good but as long as either of us draws a breath there’s hope. We’re stronger together than we ever were apart.”

  “We’re stronger than you know, my love. Draagon is watching me too closely. Stay safe. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Little Witch.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Dak welcomed the sight of the buildings appearing on the horizon. Two days of hard riding and little sleep had taken a hard toll on the men and animals, alike. They left the desert behind late yesterday. The ground here was lush with late winter grasses. Heavy cloud cover promised snow but the horses took advantage of the edible bounty while they could.

  He was positive his ass carried the imprint of the saddle. Every wisp of breeze carried the stench of his unwashed body and it was strong enough to burn his nose and bring tears to his eyes. He desperately wanted a bath but didn’t hold out any hope that Draagon’s hospitality included personal hygiene.

  There was no contact with Kierin since that first day and he missed her presence. She should arrive by tomorrow and he could judge for himself how Draagon treated her. His gut churned with worry but he hid it from the guards watching him. He wouldn’t give them any edge or show any weakness.