Greyrawk (Book 2)

by Jim Greenfield

  They rode hard for a mile more and then slowed to a leisurely pace.

  "You swing a mean staff, Colly," said Greyrawk.

  Colly smiled. "A misspent youth."

  "Father!"

  "Okay, the truth is I was a soldier in my youth. I fought for your grandfather and was lucky enough to survive the defeat. My granddad loaned me some money to buy the tavern."

  "You fought for my grandfather? How can you stand to be in Gornst in the shadow of that monster Belderag?"

  "A man does what he must. The Greyrawks were dead and no one was defying Belderag. He ruled in these parts-still does matter of fact. I was just a foot soldier, no leader of men."

  They rode without breaking until they reached the higher ground. The road was overgrown and the forest silent. They rode silently across the miles to the lodge. They rested after an hour and then continued on. The lodge was a mile or so beyond the edge of the trees and Greyrawk felt tremors in the forest air. He unsheathed his sword.

  "I sense it as well," said Colly, not turning around. "There is something in the wood with us. Danni?"

  "I am armed."

  "I know this feeling," said Greyrawk. "Vlakan are nearby."

  "Are you sure?"

  "I have encountered them before. They will attack if they have the numbers, otherwise they will wait for a straggler." Danni pulled her horse next to Greyrawk.

  They rode on without trouble and reached the lodge. Colly dismounted and went inside and lit a fire. The interior began to glow.

  "Won't that attract them?" asked Greyrawk.

  "No. The Vlakan fear light. Besides, they already know we are here. We might as well be comfortable."

  "Will they bring the Celaeri?" asked Danni.

  "I don't think they work that closely," said Greyrawk. "They might bring Celaeri, but not intentionally. They fend for themselves and fight for the Celaeri when the spoils are good." He walked around the interior and wrinkled his nose.

  "Well, the smell of this place won't attract them," said Greyrawk. "Who owns it?"

  "I do," said Colly. "My father built it and I grew up here. I haven't been here in a while as you noticed. I hope to retire to this place."

  "You're welcome to it."

  "It is nice when spring comes," said Danni. "There are wild flowers all around the lodge and many birds. I have missed coming here." She found a broom and began knocking down cobwebs.

  "We will be able to scout the area from here. I know the paths through the hills that will hide us from Celaeri sentries. I expect the Talos Company is somewhere north of Greyrawk Mountain."

  "Why north?"

  "Too far into the hills is Vlakan country and to the west it is wide open plains. We did not see them when we crossed south of Greyrawk Mountain. It is north that they camp and you will find Kerreth there when his task is complete, whatever it is."

  Colly shut the huge door and dragged furniture in front of it.

  "The shutters are bolted but let's take no chances."

  Danni removed blankets from the packs and spread them in front of the fire. Greyrawk lay on his stomach staring into the flames while the strange cries of the Vlakan rang in the darkness.

  Chapter 19

  It is said Cothos often walks among us as an old man, wise yet full of vitality. I am an old man and no longer know anything about vitality. But I have walked Landermass over eight hundred years and have gained perspective to decipher the actions of the past. What perspective could I have compared to a god? Whatever plans or actions describe our lives we are but pawns in the thoughts of the gods. I believe Cothos set the actions of all Zidars in motion eons ago. Even our wildest impulses were foreseen and accounted for in the intricate songs of the gods. Why does this not comfort me?

  From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

  Kerreth closed the distance between them but Machel Moet heard the hooves behind him and spurred his horse to greater effort. If Moet kept to the road, then Kerreth could head across country to cut him off before he reached Greyrawk Mountain. Kerreth could see his quarry was not a skilled horseman. Moet kept to the middle of the road and did not allow his horse to run freely. His gripped the reins tightly.

  The road veered south before it curved back toward Greyrawk Mountain. If Moet kept to the road Kerreth could cut across the fields shortening his distance. He looked for a likely path and saw an area beat down over time from the passage of riders who needed to shorten their travel times. He charged off the road to the softer surface that muffled the sound of his passing. After two miles he would meet the road again and hope he was ahead of Moet by then, otherwise the chase might be futile. The Celaeri scouts would see Moet coming with Kerreth in pursuit. Celaeri soldiers would ride to intercept them and Kerreth did not believe the odds would be in his favor. He had to overtake Moet before he reached the last bridge before Greyrawk Mountain. That would still leave two miles to the Celaeri camp and Kerreth did not believe the Celaeri were ready to ride just yet.

  The fields were overgrown, abandoned and his speed was slower than what he hoped. Still, he gained on Machel Moet. The pounding of the hooves were all he heard, yet his senses alerted him; he was not alone. Movement to his right caught his eyes. Something dark moved quickly through the tall grass; a shadow keeping pace with him. Then there were more; Vlakan rising up from the fields to give chase. Kerreth swerved back toward the road but the Vlakan left the cover of the tall grasses. Moet turned back to see Kerreth bearing down on him with the darkness trailing fast behind.

  "Vlakan!" cried Moet.

  "Draw your sword!" called Kerreth as he pulled alongside Moet. "We cannot outrun them." Moet drew his sword, looking wildly at the Vlakan.

  "There are too many," shouted Moet. "We cannot escape!"

  "Then let us give them a battle worth a story."

  The Vlakan kept pace with the horses, running on both sides. Kerreth held the reins with his teeth and wielded both swords viciously. Two Vlakan came up from behind and Kerreth caught the first one in the throat and the second under its front limb. The Vlakan shared some humanoid traits but their appearances were not consistent. Kerreth wondered if the Vlakan were changing into Celaeri from another form. Certainly he could see Celaeri features in the last one he killed.

  The Vlakan brought down Moet's horse and Belderag's advisor grunted as he landed in the dirt. Kerreth reared his horse, its hooves cracking heads. Kerreth leapt to the ground and dispatched another Vlakan. Three others fled across the road to the forest.

  Kerreth walked to the body of a Vlakan still breathing. It opened its eyes and looked at him. The madness of the Vlakan had left it and the silent stare showed understanding of what had happened. The features relaxed and the Vlakan sighed heavily.

  The Vlakan died and transformed into a humanoid form, but its coloring was Celaeri. Kerreth suspected such a change might happen and he looked at the other Vlakan close by. The coloring wasn't right. No blue skin or even a hint. A light tan arm lay across the body. Kerreth bent over to look closely at the remains of the face. The Vlakan was not Celaeri; it was Men. How did Men become Vlakan? It put Kerreth's theories to the flame. He had to reconsider everything. Were not the Vlakan once Celaeri? Was it not the existence they fled? What were the Vlakan really? Jerue Adan's allies could be wider flung than previously guessed. He walked over to where Machel Moet lay in the tall grass. Moet was still breathing. Kerreth had many questions for him.

  Kerreth saw to his horse; Moet's horse was dead. He ate and drank water with his back against a rock while he waited for Moet to recover. The Celaeri traits could be seen if one looked for them. Why didn't Belderag notice his advisor was part Celaeri? He must have known, so what does that tell me? There are currents running below the surface, strong and deadly. I have seen Machel Moet before; he stood by Tag Makk and the Turuck army when they attacked Eslenda. The Turucks were defeated but Moet vanished only to turn up in Cresida years later. What is the connection between Belderag and Jerue Adan? It's time like this wh
en I miss Gorm Talos and his insight. He always saw to the heart of the matter. His niece Taina was much the same way but she left the Talos when Gorm was killed and has not returned. Even her daughter, Moria, does not know when she might return. Moria Albalen. Kerreth felt a pang for leaving her and Jaele as prisoners of the Celaeri.

  Machel Moet groaned and his eyes slipped open. His gaze focused after a bit and he saw Kerreth sitting across from him in the shade of a tree sharpening his swords.

  "Ah, you have rejoined the living," said Kerreth. "Good. I have many questions for you to answer. You will not reach the Celaeri if you do not answer them honestly."

  "Ha. You won't let me go free." He rubbed his shoulder and stretched his arm.

  "I assure you I will. I have no need for you and I don't kill without provocation. Usually. I wish to know what messages you are bringing to Jerue Adan from Belderag. I am curious why Belderag communicates with his sworn enemy. Is it not thought provoking? I am also curious about you. I remember seeing you in Eslenda many years ago. You were with the Turucks; an advisor to Tag Makk as I understand. How did you get from there to Belderag's service? I recognize your Celaeri ancestry and I wonder why Belderag couldn't do the same. Or if he did, why did he allow you to remain? As the leader of the Dawn Brotherhood he is sworn to fight Celaeri. Or has he betrayed that trust as well?"

  "You do ask many questions, Kerreth Veralier. I have some of my own. Why is the Talos Company just a band of mercenaries? You are the mightiest beings on Landermass yet you do not seek dominion and allow lesser lights to stumble and blunder their way leading the races of the world. Did you lose your faith? Do you hide from your responsibility to the people of Landermass? True, you are half-breeds, but your insight is singular and the respect of many is laid at your feet. Tell, Kerreth, why do you insist on failure?"

  "Failure? You mouth Jerue Adan's words. You have no concept of the Talos Company and you shall get no explanation of my motives from me. You are merely a tool to be used and discarded. Jerue Adan does not tolerate half-breeds such as you. He even tried to kill his grandson because his blood wasn't pure Celaeri and Loric is a far purer Celaeri than you. No my friend, you have entered a world where you do not belong, nor can you wrap your mind around its meaning."

  Machel Moet sat silent, his face dark.

  "What benefit do I receive for telling you Belderag's message to the Celaeri? You already said you wouldn't kill me. I lose nothing by remaining silent."

  "I said I do not kill without cause. Keeping silent may be cause enough. Do you wish to risk it?"

  "If I speak, what is my benefit?"

  "You will live, Machel Moet. I will release you here."

  "My horse is dead."

  "Yes, but only your horse."

  "There are Vlakan in the forest."

  "You have a sword. I will offer nothing more."

  "Either I am killed by you, or the Vlakan. Not much of a choice."

  "But death by my hand is certain."

  Machel Moet rubbed his eyes and looked at Kerreth.

  "Very well, I will tell you."

  Kerreth rode to the north sweeping a wide berth around Greyrawk Mountain, scanning for signs of the Talos Company. He could sense them in a broad sense and head in the general direction but the area was wide and he moved cautiously lest Vlakan or Celaeri discover him. He saw a likely place north of Greyrawk Mountain. As he approached he felt a finger of magic touch him and he knew Dvorak Annis was waiting for him with the rest of the Talos Company.

  He rode into camp and dismounted. Moria ran to him and kissed him, hugging him tight. Jaele stood back, her confusion marking her.

  "Welcome back," said Loric. "As you can see, we liberated Moria and Jaele. The mountain is ringed with Hiataneti and the expert skill of Hobart guided us through them."

  "Where is Ian?" asked Jaele.

  "In Gornst with friends. I had to leave quickly to track one of Belderag's men on his way to the Celaeri."

  "Did you catch him?" asked Moria.

  "Yes, I did. We were attacked by Vlakan and managed to fight them off, but I did learn some curious things about the Vlakan." He looked at Loric who tried to ignore Kerreth's meaning but Kerreth's steady gaze was unrelenting.

  "I was meaning to talk to you about them," said Loric.

  "What do you mean?" asked Elberra. "Is Loric keeping secrets again?"

  "Not really. I mean, I wanted to tell everyone but the time wasn't right. And honestly, I wasn't sure how the news would be taken."

  "Is there food?" asked Kerreth. "I want to eat before this discussion."

  "Are you sure Ian is okay?" asked Jaele.

  Kerreth turned to Jaele and held her shoulders. He smiled and nodded.

  "I left him with smart people who are against Belderag. They will keep him safe. I wish you were as safe in our company. I trust these people."

  "I didn't know you knew anyone in Gornst," said Loric. "You didn't say anything when we were in Gornst." Moria gave him a look.

  "I was not aware that they were in Gornst, but they are not unfamiliar to me."

  "Who are they? You never said."

  "Colly Bulger, grandson of a man I respect very much. Colly is of the same mold and is very influential in Gornst among those opposing Belderag. The matter is closed. I want to eat."

  Kerreth sat down heavily and Moria brought him wine and bread. She sat down next to him and he ate in silence, thinking. The camp was quiet, only hushed voices, giving their leader the chance to plan. They recognized his moods and while they would harass each other for any little transgression, they left Kerreth alone, not daring to incur his wrath. Moria clasped his hand, bringing his attention to her.

  "I am glad you escaped," said Kerreth. "It was hard leaving you, but the choices were limited."

  "You did what you had to do. I would have done the same thing."

  "I worry now that your escape was too easy."

  "Were we allowed to escape?" asked Moria. "The Celaeri did not try to stop us?"

  "That's what I now think."

  "Great. All our heroics for naught?" asked Loric.

  "I did not say that," replied Kerreth. "Jerue Adan may not want to risk his soldiers right now. Perhaps they are not ready to fight us. Perhaps the transformations are not complete. It may be better to attack them than to wait until the Celaeri march on Gornst. I am sure Jerue Adan knows where we are and has included us in his calculations. I don't know if he will move against us or set some obstacle in our way. I think the latter."

  "There are not enough of us," said Loric. "Belderag won't do what you want. If you ask him to attack now, he will refuse on principal."

  "You are correct there, Loric," said Kerreth. "We must find some more soldiers to force the Celaeri to fight. The Celaeri would just sit tight on the summit if we moved on them. We couldn't force them to engage us and they would wait until they were ready."

  "Our choices are limited," said Dvorak. "Belderag's forces are the only available fighters."

  "Yes, and as Loric said, Belderag will not help us," said Kerreth. "We must strike at them hard enough to drive them to recklessness."

  "But there are only the nine of us," said Moria.

  "It will be enough. I don't mean for us to stand and fight. We must target Jerue Adan or his daughter. Yes, his daughter."

  "Alarie, what would happen if we killed Ioane Adan?"

  "If you were captured Jerue would tear you apart slowly over a span of days. The blood of the child is paramount that Jaele is now with us."

  "I don't feel so well," said Jaele.

  "With Ioane dead, Jerue could not risk your life. You would be safe." Moria patted her arm. "Do not worry Jaele. It will turn out fine."

  "Hobart, you and Loric approach the Celaeri from the east. Dvorak, ward them as much as you can. Alarie, I won't ask you to fight your people except as a last resort. Would you protect Jaele?"

  "That I can do," said Alarie Skye.

  "The rest of us will feint an attac
k from the road to attract their attention. Loric will cover Hobart while he finds the target. Poison your arrows, Hobart. If you cannot kill her at least you can send her into agony enough to incite Jerue Adan's anger. Ready yourselves, we shall leave within the half hour."

  "What about Loric's tale of the Vlakan?" asked Elberra. "I would be very curious to hear that."

  "You're right, it went right out of my head," said Kerreth. He turned to Loric, whose shoulders sagged.

  "Before I left the Celaeri the population began to decline. Celaeri began to fade, become transparent like a ghost and some could no longer interact with the living. This was the beginning of the twilight existence. Jerue Adan was worried and consulted with wizards, mages and finally sorcerers to determine how to stop the process. Nothing worked.

  "He petitioned Moruga, the creator of the Celaeri but Moruga's strength was on the wane and could not stop the transformation. Moruga asked other gods to help and only Agnaran responded. I saw the huge shape of the Jungegud appear on top of Adan's Hill. Darkness flowed from him sticking to everything it touched. His eyes glowed scarlet and betrayed his moods. Jerue Adan bowed before him and asked for his favor. I believe Agnaran smiled although I could not see it and then he spoke with a most hideous voice that seemed to bore into my skull and expand. Blood came from my nose and I ran.

  "When I returned, Agnaran was gone and many women were crying. Jerue Adan was ashen and muttered to himself. What had happened I learned later; Agnaran gave the Celaeri the power to return from the twilight world by changing into Vlakan, a creature he had created. From the Vlakan they could transform back to Celaeri. But dealing with gods has its price. Once a Celaeri changes into a Vlakan, the Vlakan is always within the Celaeri and when their strength fails, they will become Vlakan permanently. Then they are in thrall to Agnaran."

  "That's a steep price," said Hobart.

  "Yes, it is."

  "There is more," said Kerreth.

  "Yes," said Loric. "The bite of a Vlakan can change anyone into a Vlakan. Any race can become Vlakan."