"Grandfather's sword!" said Greyrawk.
"Yes, Jerue did not need it any longer. Here, take this sword and avenge your grandfather and your father. This is your fight only. We shall remain out here."
Greyrawk took the sword and entered the cave.
Dozens of Vlakan charged out of the forest, scattering the horses and attacking the company. Loric and Alarie quickly gained the advantage. Brandalay could barely keep the snapping jaws from his throat. Jaele stood behind Kerreth and Moria until her sword was out and she entered the fray. More Vlakan came up behind them and Elberra went down under the weight of several Vlakan. More creatures kept entering the clearing and pressed the company. The fighting was fierce and even Loric and Kerreth began to sweat from their exertions. Loric tried to break away and aid Elberra, but there were too many Vlakan. He could hear her battle cry but it was weak.
Kerreth roared and cut a path to the Anethean. Elberra was bloodied and could not stand. Kerreth kept the Vlakan from her and Moria joined him. Loric's rage fueled a blistering attack on the Vlakan. The Vlakan broke and ran. Loric cried out and leapt to give chase. Brandalay grabbed his arm to keep him from racing after the fleeing Vlakan. He pointed to the figure on the ground. The Talos Company gathered around Elberra.
"Loric?" Elberra's voice was barely a whisper.
"I'm here. We've beaten them. You'll be okay."
"No. I have fought my last." Her voice was very weak. Her trembling hand touched Loric's face. I wanted to tell you. I want.." Her eyes closed and she slumped back.
"Is she gone?" asked Brandalay.
"Not yet," said Alarie softly. "But very close. She may not speak again."
Loric held her head in his arms.
Kerreth walked off to hack at Vlakan bodies.
Greyrawk moved slowly in the dim light, his sword leading him deeper in the cave. He heard the attack of the Vlakan outside the cave but knew Belderag was the key. When him dead, the Vlakan would have no leader, at least that's what Greyrawk hoped. He thought he heard raspy breathing ahead of him and remembered Belderag had been badly wounded by Jerue Adan. The howls of the Vlakan fighting his friends called to him. He thought he heard words in their sounds.
A sudden sound around the next bend stopped him.
Crouched in a corner was a huge Vlakan, whimpering and bleeding.
"So you have come," rasped Belderag, his features vaguely visible at certain angles. "I have been betrayed by Jerue and now my end comes. Did you kill Jerue or did Loric?" He coughed and blood foamed around his lips.
"Neither of us. Kerreth would not let us. He did not want Jerue's blood on us. I believe there was some history between them in the dim past. Kerreth killed him easily."
"Good riddance. I did not suspect that I had Celaeri blood for years. I killed your grandfather in the belief he was a tool of the Celaeri when the reality was Aryar defied them. Jerue wanted me to kill Aryar. Ioane wrapped subtle spells around Aryar to weaken him. I didn't know that, I believed I won a fair fight."
"When did you start to change into a Vlakan?"
"Years ago, when Arenna was a child. The tale she tells is a true one. I was the monster that attacked her in the castle." He coughed up blood.
"What about my father?"
"He died from his wounds. The arrow pierced his lungs, much the same as Jerue's sword did to me. I don't think your father lasted more than a day or two."
"So he didn't attack Arenna?"
"No, it was I. Your father never changed into a Vlakan. He was spared that at least. One day you too will feel the curse of the Celaeri blood," said Belderag. "It is poison to Men."
"What about Loric?"
"He is half Celaeri and his blood is Jerue's blood. The royal family has resisted the Vlakan transformation. Loric is thus blessed. But you, Ian, you are not. You may face a time when a choice is before you. Do what is best for your family. Leave them if you can't end your own life. I am no longer Men and my thoughts disturb me. The strangeness in me started nearly a decade ago but sped up in the past years. The images in my head terrify me. Kill me now!"
"What?"
"I am changing again. If I had but the command of my condition to change into a Vlakan, I would slay you and rule this land forever, but my mind is no longer my own. I see things that man was not meant to see. I hear voices lost for thousands of years. This is not what I wanted. Kill me before I lose myself totally. I would rather die as Dacu Belderag than as a monster."
The Vlakan rose up to its full height and leapt forward. Greyrawk's sword sliced the Vlakan's chest and he struck the back of its head. It stumbled forward dizzy by the loss of blood. Greyrawk raised his sword to strike but the Vlakan's leg kicked out, knocking him off balance. The Vlakan regained its feet and staggered toward him. Greyrawk swung the sword and the Celaeri blade bit deeply in the Vlakan's shoulder. It lunged forward but Greyrawk was quick enough to pull the hilt of the sword to him and the Vlakan impaled itself on Aryar Greyrawk's sword. The yellow eyes turned to blue and the light faded from them. Dacu Belderag had departed the world.
When Greyrawk walked out of the cave, the battle was over. Dead Vlakan lay everywhere and the Talos Company stood triumphant. Then he looked again at the faces and at the tears. He counted the faces - Moria, Hobart, Kerreth, Dvorak, Brandalay, and Alarie. Where was Loric? His heart pounded and then he saw Loric crouched down off to one side. Greyrawk began to smile as he stepped forward but then the patch of blue alongside Loric stopped him. He rushed forward to Loric's side and his shoulders sagged when he saw the still form of Elberra Turan.
Their task was finally over and they could go home. Loric wept beside the still body of Elberra.
Kerreth waited outside Princess Linna's private quarters. The dawn had just broken and he ended his nocturnal wandering by requesting an audience with the Princess. The guard tried not to look at him, but Kerreth was aware of the man's gaze. He knew the curious could not turn away from his countenance. His size alone was unusual but the tusks curling up from his lower lip sent the timid from his path. The gossip of the town centered on the legendary characters of Talos Company. The non-Men aspects were a wonder to the simple townsfolk. They had their rumors and legends of course, but to see legends walk their own streets would occupy their fireside tales for years.
The other members of the Talos Company were mounted and ready to depart Gornst. Elberra's body had been wrapped and gently set in a wagon for the journey south to Andara and the passage from Amloth to Anavar. They would return Elberra to Anethe for burial. Dvorak and Hobart sat quietly on the wagon seat while Greyrawk and Jaele spoke softly. Moria watched where Kerreth had gone. Loric stared at the wagon.
Warlord Mallon approached Kerreth as he waited for the princess.
"Ah, Kerreth. I see your company is ready to depart. I wish we could do more to honor your fallen comrade."
"Thank you for your thoughts, Beric. I am not accustomed to losing members of the Talos Company. We lost Gorm Talos a few years ago. He had been with me many thousand years."
"I cannot comprehend what you say. Comrades fall in every battle so perhaps I am too accustomed to it when compared to you. But let me assure you, it is never easy to bury someone who has bled alongside you no matter how long they were a comrade."
Kerreth nodded. "What are your plans?"
"I plan to stay on in Gornst," smiled Beric. "If the Princess allows it."
"Oh, she might," said Linna, walking through the opening door. "But I would like to be convinced." She winked at Kerreth.
"Ah, well. I shall do my best," said Beric.
"So you are leaving us?" asked Linna.
"Yes. It is time for us to go. We will bring Elberra's body home to Anethe and then we have other paths to walk."
"Well, I shall not delay you. I sent messages ahead to my father. I trust you will encounter no difficulties on your journey. You have the gratitude of King Alec Haldane, the Kingdom of Cresida, and my own thanks for what you accomplished here. You are a
lways welcome back."
"We shall visit when we are in the area again, but I don't know when that will be. I lose track of the years, you see, and we may return too late to see you again."
"I understand. Fare you well, Kerreth Veralier, in all your travels."
"Thank you, Princess Linna. May your rule be just and fruitful."
Kerreth bowed and walked away. Linna, Beric and the guard watched the huge figure until it turned the corner and was gone.
Chapter 24
War is the natural state of the peoples of Landermass. Peace only lulls a people into neglecting their fighting skills and military tactics. When war breaks out again, as it inevitably will, some are prepared while others have no idea how to respond and become spoils of war. The Five Kingdoms of Ryammar fail to learn this lesson every few generations.
From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass
The wagon bounced gently over the stone streets of Andara. Elberra's body lay shrouded in the bed, flowers strewn over her. Dvorak and Hobart drove the wagon and Loric trailed behind. Their passage through the port city did not draw curiosity as the populace witnessed the arrival of many varieties of travelers and merchants.
When they reached the docks an escort of the King's Guard joined them. He tried not to stare at Kerreth, focusing on his task.
"Kerreth Veralier," said the leader. "King Alec Haldane offers you passage to Anavar on his Royal yacht."
Kerreth paused a moment, then nodded.
"Excellent. Please follow the escort to the western most piers." He bowed as they passed.
Kerreth led them down the pier and up the ramp to the yacht past the guards to where King Alec Haldane sat on a broad chair, a goblet of wine in his hand. He nodded to Kerreth as his companions followed him on board.
"Your friend will be carefully stowed below. My yacht is yours for the crossing."
"Thank you, your highness."
"Ah, don't be so formal with me Kerreth. My family has known you for more generations that I can count. Just call me Alec. No one calls me Alec anymore. So, how is Linna? I hear she performed well but I want to hear it from you."
"Oh yes, she is quite competent," said Kerreth. "Although I am curious about her mode of traveling to Gornst. Disguised as a thief was dangerous and nearly cost her life."
"Yes, that was her idea. I suggested she change her mind but she wouldn't. She needed to find something out I guess, whether about her or her companions. At any rate, she survived and rules Gornst for me. Did you see Beric Mallon? He didn't report to me when the army returned and I am curious."
"He didn't return from Gornst," said Kerreth.
"Dead?"
"No, no. He decided to stay and assist the princess."
"Did he now? Well, well, that is curious." He smiled and waved to the Talos Company. "Pull up a chair or stool. Wine for everyone!"
Kerreth sat down heavily next to the king.
"Another legendary adventure?" asked Haldane.
"Well, it was an adventure," said Kerreth. "I had thought the Celaeri were gone forever. I admit they surprised me."
"Are they gone now? Is my kingdom safe?"
"Yes. They are weakened greatly and I do not see them returning again in force. That doesn't mean one or two won't show up to create trouble, but Princess Linna will be able to handle it."
"Yes, she will," said Haldane. "She is very sharp. Her brother only cares for trade. He spends all his time buying and selling goods. Imagine a prince as a common merchant."
"He is an uncommon merchant," said Kerreth. "Andara is the richest city in the world and he is increasing its influence."
Haldane smiled. "I am quite aware of that fact. Ah, did you ever have children Kerreth?"
Kerreth sat silent and nodded.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend," said Haldane.
"No offense. It was many years ago. The death of a child never seems to heal."
"Ah, the true curse of immortality."
"Truly spoken," said Kerreth.
They sat for an hour talking with King Alec until the tide was right for sailing. The king took his leave and the captain set sail to Anavar.
The straits were calm and the ship rolled gently toward the Anavar shore. Kerreth and Moria spent their time near the bow just out of reach of the spray. They stood silently, his heavy arm around her shoulder. Jaele and Greyrawk stood on the other side of the yacht, the rest of the company sat near the stern. Even Loric sat in the fresh air trying to regain himself.
Greyrawk and Jaele discussed plans for the child that included the inn Jaele had mentioned in an earlier discussion. "You agree?" asked Jaele. "We will expand the inn when we get home?"
"Yes, I finally agree. We can build onto the house. We have enough property for a small stable too. I will draw up some plans once we are home. Maybe I can talk Kerreth into helping me cut some wood before they ride off." He smiled at Jaele and looked out over the water. He thought he faintly heard the music of the Celaeri but he did not mention it. He wanted to put the whole experience behind him. The feeling of his humanity slipping away submerged by the influence of the Celaeri, left him cold.
The journey was quiet with only small conversations among the company. Loric spoke little but appeared to listen to what was said. He even smiled once or twice.
"What do you want to do after Elberra is buried?" asked Dvorak Annis.
"I'd like to see Paglo again," said Hobart. "Elberra's death makes me want to see my home again before I die. She was lucky enough to have been in Anethe recently, but I don't remember how long it's been since I saw Paglo."
"I've been thinking about that too," said Dvorak. "I was born in Wierland. Maybe we can go there after Paglo."
"Yes, now the hard part; how do we ask Kerreth."
"Let me do it," said Loric. "I've seen my old home in Cresida, although it didn't please me. But I think you're right, Hobart. We may be nearly immortal, but we are not completely immortal. It is good we are reminded of that before it's too late."
The road to Anethe was a long and uneventful diet of dust. When they reached the end of the pass into the Anethe valley the trail was lined with Anetheans. Upon seeing the wagon with Elberra's body they folded their wings around them and began to keen. The Talos Company passed slowly by the mourners. One Anethean stepped out and motioned for the wagon to follow.
Just outside of town there was a wide area cleared of brush. A pyre had been erected and the Anetheans began to encircle the pyre. A group of Anethean draped in black strips of cloth gently lifted Elberra from the wagon and carried her to the pyre. Kerreth and the others stood with the general population but Loric joined the leaders near the pyre. One by one the elders spoke of Elberra and her life. Then Loric spoke of her friendship and the comfort she brought him. He was handed a torch and leaning forward, kissed Elberra through the shroud and set the wood ablaze. Anethean voices rose with the smoke into the sky.
Peradon was small and dirty. The buildings had been assembled from any piece of wood found. It started as a trading post and the shacks grew around it until several hundred people lived in the hills overlooking the sea. It never became a port because of the rocky shallows but it was on the main north road of northeast Anavar. Greyrawk smiled as he saw it.
"Home."
"I've seen worse," said Kerreth.
"Yes, mother told me about your hovel outside Lathor in Wierland," said Moria. "She said it was weeks before the bug bites healed."
"Taina talks far too much."
"She did indicate you thought so. No matter, her loss is my gain."
"Ian we will help you and Jaele get settled and started building the addition to your inn," said Kerreth. "It will be good to do some hard work. Some of us have done too little lately that doesn't involve killing."
"We would be pleased to have you stay," said Greyrawk. "Once we get the kitchen cleaned up and stocked we shall have a feast in honor of our homecoming."
"And in the memory of lost friends," sai
d Jaele.
The Talos Company remained in Peradon for two weeks. Loric had remained behind in Anethe. Kerreth and Greyrawk cut timber and framed the addition to the house. Dvorak wove spells around the foundation and walls to keep vermin out. He also helped setup the kitchen and laid in supplies. His knowledge of wine and ale was useful in ordering supplies from Calendia. Hobart and Moria worked in the garden, expanding its boundaries and preparing it for planting.
Then came the day of departure. The Talos Company was up at dawn and packed when Jaele and Greyrawk got up to see them off.
"Keep well you two," said Kerreth.
"We shall think about you often," said Moria. "But we may not pass this way again in your lifetimes. If we ever draw near, we shall visit."
"I expect Loric to come through in another month," said Kerreth. "If you need us send a message to Blackthorne in Calendia. He lives north of Stormridge and will know how to reach us."
"We can't thank you enough," said Jaele.
"Goodbye friends," said Greyrawk.
Kerreth Veralier nodded to Greyrawk and turned his horse and rode. The others followed him and Greyrawk stood in the road watching them until they were gone from his sight. He went back inside to get to work.
Jaele had gone to bed. Greyrawk sat on the porch feeling the gentle breeze rising. It was good to be home, but he still felt uneasy. Perhaps he was overtired, but he didn't feel the same as he had before he went to Cresida. He could not shake Belderag's words to him. Would he really turn into a Vlakan one day? Did everyone with a trace of Celaeri blood change into Vlakan? It sure seemed that way. Would his unborn child suffer the same fate? What about Tera and Davan? Davan was a teenager already; what was in his future? He was glad now, that he hadn't mentioned to anyone what Belderag said in the cave. He had felt that alien drive surge within him to kill Belderag and he could not stop until he had hacked Belderag's body until blood covered the walls and floor of the cave. There was a cold stream in the cave and he washed most of the blood and gore off him. No one would suspect what had happened. He would keep his dark secrets to himself.
Greyrawk (Book 2) Page 25