Greyrawk (Book 2)

by Jim Greenfield

  "Not as bad as you think. Immortals, or the nearly so, like Daerlans, Zidar, Turucks, Celaeri, do not age as we mortals do. Even a Tuor such as Hobart or an Anethean as Elberra will eventually age and die. Kerreth hasn't aged in millennia, nor has Moria, but long before Moria was born Taina Talos and Kerreth were lovers. Years later Taina returned to the Talos Company with Moria in tow. Now Moria is Taina's daughter and she did not indicate who was Moria's father. Kerreth naturally suspected she might be his daughter and Taina never said otherwise, especially when Moria took an interest in every little thing Kerreth did. I suppose Taina was jealous for a while."

  "Thank the gods we mortals have short lives and cannot pack so much intrigue into them."

  "I don't know about that Lady Jaele. I know much of the history of Men and there have been many sorted activities over time. Hobart! You are the best archer in Amloth or Anavar!"

  Greyrawk found himself back to back with Kerreth, surrounded by Vlakan. The creatures attacked without pause and did not fear their swords. Greyrawk and Kerreth killed many but the flow of creatures did not stop. Greyrawk sensed the rhythm of Kerreth's double sword fighting and adapted his movement to match. They fought as a whirling blade and the Vlakan soon drew back, the creatures ferocity reined in by their intelligence. Kerreth and Greyrawk stood in a cleared area and regained their breath. Picker and his remaining men joined them. They formed a line against the Vlakan. Picker looked to Kerreth who nodded. Picker shouted commands and his men formed a wedge behind Kerreth.

  Two large Vlakan rushed forward with a half dozen close behind. Their momentum would overwhelm Kerreth and Greyrawk. Kerreth rushed forward between the Vlakan and swept his blades into their throats. Picker's men followed behind and the fighting was fierce. Kerreth's blades sung as they drank blood. The Vlakan were beaten back again.

  Moria followed Elberra, killing the Celaeri creeping up behind the Anethean. Elberra cut down the Celaeri like a farmer scything his wheat. The Celaeri gave way before her and the dark shapes of the Vlakan swept up to attack the Anethean. Elberra grinned, increasing her ferocity.

  The fighting continued unabated, Elberra blue skin now tinted red from the lifeblood of the Celaeri and Vlakan. To the left the Celaeri surged forward, led by Jerue Adan. The king of the Celaeri wielded his ruby red blade with unmatched speed. The Cresida soldiers fell back before him. The livery of King Haldane forces ran with blood and the soldiers fell back before the wrath of immortal Celaeri king. Elberra saw him and fought her way to him, her wings spread wide. Her spear outreached her opponents and they fell away, opening her path to Jerue Adan. He saw her and grinned, changing his direction to come for her. Elberra saw him and charged with her spear. Jerue Adan ducked under the spear and brought his blade up to skewer Elberra. She turned, using her wings as a shield. Jerue Adan's sword ripped through her wing. She screamed and brought her spear down on the Celaeri's head, stunning him. Elberra disengaged her wing from the sword and turned to Jerue Adan, but he was gone. She screamed again and drove her spear through three Vlakan.

  Princess Linna stood with Warlord Mallon watching the battle. Danni stood behind her, knives at the ready, as a bodyguard for the Princess. Linna did not ask Danni to serve her and if Linna had not been raised in a royal household, she might have felt embarrassment.

  "It is difficult to read the battle," said Linna. "How do you get a clear evaluation from it?"

  "Yes, it is difficult even for one with my experience," said Beric Mallon. "I am not sure of the strength of the Celaeri as a force. How do I calculate their numbers? Are they worth one of my soldiers, less or more? And the Vlakan; are they animals or do they have the cunning of a man? I need to be able to determine that before I commit all my men. It is not something one can learn quickly."

  "Yes, I see that. I am glad you are guiding our army."

  "Thank you, Princess. I appreciate your comments. But if I may ask: why was I not privy to your mode of travel?"

  "I did not trust you to play your part, Warlord. You are a man who tends to follow your own path regardless of your orders. You would have found cause not to meet me at the appointed hour and you have your own plans for Gornst."

  "That is quite true, I must confess."

  "But Belderag would not have heeded your words; only royalty commands his attention. Belderag's spies watched the army move northward. They would have known if I was present."

  "I see. Well, I guess I can't complain. I might have done the same in your place. Are you planning on staying in Gornst after Belderag is removed? I would like to live in Gornst. I have grown tired of large cities. You will need someone you can trust."

  Linna rolled her eyes.

  "I may need a lap dog. My plans do not include you, Beric. I appreciate your offer."

  "Don't disregard me so easily. You may not find anyone to your liking."

  "So if I only find Men I despise, you would like to be the first among equals?"

  "You make it sound like a bad thing."

  "Concentrate on your planning, Warlord. I have other things on my mind."

  A Vlakan had crept through the ranks to Beric's tent and waited until all eyes looked out toward the fighting. It lunged forward knocking Linna to the ground. Danni jumped on its back, digging her knives into the fur. The Vlakan screamed and knocked Danni to the ground. Linna was dazed and could not regain her feet. The Vlakan approached to kill her.

  Beric Mallon stepped between them, his sword leveled at the Vlakan. It swung its heavy paw knocking the sword out of Beric's hand. Without hesitation he leapt forward reaching for Danni's knives still in the back of the Vlakan. They rolled in the dirt, upending tables and maps. Linna got to her feet and found Beric's sword. She plunged it into the neck of the Vlakan and it shuddered and died. Linna rolled the heavy body off of Beric.

  "Thank you, your highness," said Beric hoarsely. "I do believe I was overmatched for wrestling."

  "Are you all right?"

  "A few nicks and a lot of bruises."

  "You were very brave," said Linna.

  "It is what I do," said Beric. "How is the girl?"

  "Danni?" said Linna as she went to her side.

  "Highness? Is it dead?" Danni's face was puffy where the Vlakan struck her.

  "Yes, it is."

  "I think we have been lucky," said Beric. "It should never have gotten so close to you. I will post more guards."

  Colly's huge sword was heavy and even his muscles could not wield it endlessly. His opponents stayed out of reach, pulling back to Jerue Adan to regroup. The blood soaked ground surrounding Colly supported the weight of dozens of Vlakan and Celaeri corpses. The old man leaned on his sword for a breather and realized how far from the Haldane and Belderag lines he drifted. Night was falling fast and the Vlakan would return in numbers once the sun had set.

  Colly felt the presence behind him before he heard the movement. With an effort his huge sword sliced through the air splitting the Vlakan from shoulder to waist. Two other Vlakan bowled into him and Colly went down under their weight, his grasp on his sword released. He wedged his forearm under the jaws of one Vlakan but the other jumped out of reach and circled around, slashing at his legs. He balled his huge fist and slammed down on the Vlakan's head. Then he picked up his sword.

  The Vlakan backed away from him. He glanced around the battlefield and saw Belderag striding toward Beric's tent. Belderag was gesturing and shouting although the distance was too far to hear the words. Colly jogged over to join them.

  Kerreth approached Beric Mallon and Princess Linna who were in deep discussion with Colly and Belderag. Belderag pointed his finger at Mallon and Colly shook his head. Linna tried to speak but Belderag shouted her down. Kerreth put his heavy hand on Belderag's shoulder and Belderag tried to spin out of the grasp but could not. He glared at Kerreth.

  "Save your petty squabbles for someone else," said Kerreth. "I have no patience for the intrigues of mortals. The Vlakan will come hard when the night is blackest and the Celaeri
will follow behind. By dawn the fighting will be over one way or another."

  "I have to protect my interests," said Belderag. "This girl wants to take my city."

  "The city that you hold in trust for your king?" asked Kerreth. "What an odd notion. Is she not your king's daughter?"

  Belderag's face reddened.

  "Beric, prepare your men for night fighting," said Colly. "With or without Belderag. The Celaeri will attack."

  "I will fight," snapped Belderag. "Then I want the dignity of fighting for my city. I will not hand it over to this girl, and not to you, Beric. Not without crossing swords."

  "I will fight you," said Greyrawk. "I will fight for my grandfather's honor. And I will fight for the honor of Princess Linna."

  Belderag stared at Greyrawk, not really seeing him. Then something dark passed through Belderag's eyes and he nodded.

  "So be it," said Linna.

  "No," said Colly. "I don't trust Belderag."

  "I have decided Colly," said Linna. "It is right. Lord Belderag must learn his manners."

  "I agree with the Princess," said Kerreth. "It is the proper way to bring balance. Is shall be settled after the Celaeri are defeated and no longer discussed. Now we must prepare for an attack by the Celaeri and the Vlakan. The night is fast approaching and those are rain clouds heading our way."

  "Rain? A light mist, I hope," said Belderag. "Heavy rain is unseasonable."

  "The Celaeri have a sorcerer named Lockwell, late of Eslenda," said Greyrawk. "I daresay he dabbles in dangerous magic."

  "I saw him," said Belderag. "Very tall. Could he affect the weather?"

  "It's possible," said Dvorak Annis. "Especially with the help of Jerue Adan."

  Belderag snorted but said nothing more.

  "We should expect a heavy rain then," said Beric Mallon. "My soldiers will be ready."

  "As will mine," said Belderag. He strode back to his soldiers.

  Mallon barked his orders to his captains.

  Greyrawk embraced Jaele.

  "I was worried for you," said Jaele. "I could see most of the battlefield but the rush of bodies kicked up so much dust it was hard to see you at times. I was scared."

  "Same for me, when I had time to think. I just reacted most of the time. If our battles back home were like this I would have bought that inn years ago. The Celaeri move so fast."

  "You move faster than most Men -it's your Celaeri blood."

  "Yes, but I could barely keep up with them. I tired quickly from moving at their pace. I don't know how long I can continue it."

  "Long enough, I hope," said Jaele. Greyrawk put his hand on Jaele's stomach and grinned. She leaned and kissed him. "You need your rest before the fighting starts again. Lean against me and put worry from your mind."

  Kerreth and Moria stood together apart from the Talos Company. They did not speak, their eyes saying all that is necessary. Soon the battle will begin anew.

  "What are you thinking?" asked Moria.

  "It was a night like this when your mother and I stood watching the sunset the night before your grandfather Altair was killed. The tension in the wind is the same."

  "You think one of the Talos Company will die tomorrow?"

  "I don't want it to be you," said Kerreth.

  "I am not leaving the battle. I am not your daughter; so do not treat me like one. I am needed here; especially if you are nostalgic about my mother. You need watching."

  Kerreth shook his head.

  "I am put in my place again. Come; help me sharpen my swords. We will face tomorrow when it comes."

  Kerreth looked for his companions. Elberra limped into camp; her spear shaft broken and one wing dangling at an unnatural angle. Her face showed her pain and frustration. Kerreth would not ask how her day went. Brandalay stood bloodied but whole; his arm around Alarie Skye's waist. The two Greyrawks' were deep in a discussion with Jaele, Hobart and Dvorak. Loric was covered in blood but none of it his while Ian favored his left leg and had the side of his face bandaged.

  Colly Bulger stood on a high point watching the fields to the east and the rain began to pound the earth.

  Chapter 22

  Only the Zidar possess what is considered 'real' magic. The other races - Daerlan, Celaeri and later the Turucks, Tuors and Anetheans displayed skills that to the races of Men they appeared magical. Strength, speed, grace, silent movement, the ability to bend others to their will were some of the 'magic' these races possessed but it was only when compared to Men and their lack of these skills that the term 'magic' was used. Mostly Men used the term. There were spells and enchantments that could be learned but only the Zidar could draw power from within them to affect the world around them.

  From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

  Princess Linna felt the ground shake before she heard the roars of the Vlakan. She stood over the map table in the main tent in a spot where the water did not drip. Beric paced behind her. The rain had not slackened and many of the soldiers still huddled in their tents. However, Belderag was on watch as were Kerreth and Loric. Their repeated calls alerted the soldiers and only the furthest soldiers from the front were unready for battle. The dark shapes of the Vlakans seemed to fly across the wet fields; their pounding paws overwhelming the sounds of the rain.

  The night lit up from the arts of Dvorak Annis allowing the soldiers to find their quarry and the battle raged. Lockwell the wizard cast his own spells to make the night darker. Dvorak thought he saw the faint flash of light indicating where Lockwell stood. Dvorak countered Lockwell's spells and the battlefield flashed with light, and then plunged into darkness. Magic streaks of colors lit up the black sky. The soldiers long since gave up their disciplined techniques to fight the brutal Vlakan. The fighting was pure survival and very primeval.

  Fierce winds fled the hills and washed across the plains bringing thunderheads upon the battle. The Gornst soldiers moved sluggishly still spent from the earlier battle. The battle scream of the Anethean jolted them into action knowing the blue skinned demon fought on their side. The Talos Company led the soldiers into battle and many followed Elberra's flapping wings believing the Anethean to have an aura of magic that would protect them.

  Linna watched the push of the soldiers hold back the Vlakan although many soldiers fell. She felt the tension of her constant companion Danni watching for signs of her father in the battle. The sorcerous light flashed continuously creating a surreal stutter of motion on the battlefield.

  One of Belderag's Red Hawk Guards rushed to a Celaeri standing alone, his back toward the Red Hawk. The Celaeri did not move until the blade of the soldier nearly pierced his back. Jerue Adan moved in a blink, his curved sword deflecting the Red Hawk's blade. The man gasped at the speed and Jerue Adan's sword swept up and cut his throat. Several more Red Hawks attacked but he was ready for them, killing the closest one before they were in position. The other two spread out but a Vlakan attacked one from the rear and distracted the other Red Hawk. Jerue Adan killed him easily.

  The battle continued in the darkness buffeted by the flashes of color light. Lockwell was strong but Dvorak Annis found his strength unequal to the task. Hobart patted his friend's arm.

  "The soldiers have adapted to the darkness. You helped them. There is no telling what dark arts their wizard employs. Do not try to match his spells. You are a good man, Dvorak. Leave such battles for Blackthorne. He's already tainted."

  "I know you are correct, Hobart. I am no fighter. I cannot do more."

  "It's enough. You may need your healing skills. Even Kerreth may get a nick or two."

  "Yes, there is that. Thanks for your comfort."

  Greyrawk weaved his sword in intricate patterns defending himself against the Celaeri. There are less than two hundred Celaeri on the field but the Vlakan filled the battlefield to the woods. He noticed Ioane Adan killing soldiers with ease.

  "Damn," said Loric. "Hobart shot her with arrows but she seems none the worse for it.

  "Let's fight our way
to her."

  A sudden rush of Vlakan forced them apart and then Greyrawk could no longer see Ioane Adan. The muscles in his arm burned. He did not know how much longer he could continue. He felt a blade nick his shoulder blade and he spun around.

  "Ah, it is you," said Kirta Tan. "I have been searching for you. I wish to gut you for your disrespect to Ioane."

  "You had your chance when my back was turned," said Greyrawk.

  "Ah, I want you to know who ends your life."

  "Very thoughtful of you." He ducked under Kirta Tan's spear and lunged forward creasing her thigh with his blade. He caught a glancing blow on his shoulder from the back end of her spear which allowed Kirta Tan to regain herself and charge again. Greyrawk blocked the thrust and knocked her to the ground. He stepped back.

  "Stand up, let's fight."

  Kirta Tan grinned and started to rise. A figure rushed in and drove a sword through her chest and she fell to the ground.

  "Wha..?"

  "How have you lived so long?" asked Moria. She pulled her sword free. "You don't give a superior fighter a second chance."

  "She's not superior; I would have killed her."

  "Heavens! You are related to Loric! Poor Jaele."

  "Hey! What do mean by that?"

  "Let's go, there's more fighting to do," said Moria.

  The sword of Belderag cut down opponent after opponent. Belderag scanned the battlefield for signs of Jerue Adan. He found him a few times and tried to fight his way in that direction, but the flow of battle washed past and he lost sight of his quarry. Belderag fought on.

  In the darkness Belderag comes face to face with Jerue Adan. His blow is blocked by the Celaeri who steps back and grins.

  "Well, Dacu? Was your strike purposeful? Have you made your choice? Are you with me or will you die on this field with the lesser creatures?"

  "You have used me long enough, Jerue. I shall end it now. I am no tool for anyone!"

  "Ah, but you were always my tool, you vain man." He parried Belderag's blow and slid his blade down Belderag's arm, leaving a bloody sleeve in its wake. He raked across Belderag's chest. Belderag stumbled backward to catch his breath.