The Prison Of Ice & Shadows (Prophecies Of Fate Book 2)

by T J Mayhew

  Badden nodded and stood. “I hope you are right, my Lord,” he said before bowing and taking his leave.

  Cai watched him go, reality hitting him hard; despite his words of reassurance, he and Badden both knew the truth: there were no guarantees in what was to come.

  Cai stood at the cliff’s edge, Logan and Lancelot flanking him, as they looked out over the ocean; fear gripped him as he looked warily at the strip of beach below, the roar of the waves filling his head.

  “There is a path not far from here…” Merlin’s voice broke in, bringing Cai back to the present; he stepped away from the edge, eager to put some distance between him and the hundred and fifty foot drop.

  “Good, because I wasn’t about to jump!” Logan muttered wryly.

  Cai’s mouth was suddenly dry; he had hoped that, by this point of the journey, things may have been easier but he should have known better. After all, it made perfect sense that Merlin would have wanted total seclusion and privacy and this place certainly offered that; there wasn’t a village or farm in sight and the nearest road was a few miles away. The silence here was oppressive, save for the crashing of the waves, and Cai couldn’t help feeling that, right now, he stood on the edge of the world.

  After a moment, Lancelot turned and signalled for Bedivere, Galahad and Percival to approach. As they drew near, he instructed, “The three of you will remain here; we will leave the horses, and the majority of the men, with you as I fear there are too many of us to enter the cave unseen.” He looked grave as he added, “And we have no way of knowing if we may be ambushed… Nimue could have sent a message, warning of our arrival… she could have men lying in wait…”

  Percival nodded. “Very well; we shall do what has to be done but, at the first sign...”

  Lancelot nodded and glanced between his comrades. “Good luck, my friends,” he murmured.

  Galahad bowed his head. “You too.”

  Bedivere grinned. “We shall celebrate a victory tonight, eh?”

  “Too bloody right,” Gawain agreed.

  As Bedivere, Galahad and Percival moved away to brief the men, Lancelot glanced at Kay. “Inform your men and Gawain they are to accompany us.”

  As Kay turned and began giving his orders, Cai approached Badden, their earlier conversation still weighing heavily on his mind. “If you’d rather stay here…” he began. The look on Badden’s face as Cai made his suggestion, told him everything he needed to know, but he continued, regardless. “I mean, it’ll probably be safer…”

  Badden shook his head adamantly. “You insult me, my Lord.”

  The sharpness of Badden’s voice was like a slap in the face for Cai. “I… I’m sorry; I didn’t…” he stammered. “I mean… Aelwen…”

  In his anger, Badden appeared to suddenly tower over Cai. “Would you ask that of any of your other men?” Cai was silent for a moment and Badden continued. “All of these men have fought and lost for you, and, yet, the only one you approach is me.” He paused, his gaze boring into Cai. “Aelwen will not thank you for such favouritism; neither will I.”

  Cai hung his head in shame. “I’m sorry,” he muttered.

  Badden sighed. “No, my Lord; it is I who should ask forgiveness. I should not have spoken so to you… my King.” His voice softened as he added, “But you must understand… I fight, not only for you, but for Aelwen… and her mother.” He gestured at the sea of men surrounding them. “I also fight for these men and for all those who have fallen. Do not ask me to wait here and watch, while others lay down their lives. Let me do my duty.”

  Cai sighed; he understood that sentiment, all too well. This wasn’t about him and Mordred; it was about everyone who wanted to live in a world free of tyranny and danger and every man here had a part to play in that.

  “My Lord…”

  Cai turned his attention to Shadowstar as she hovered over them.

  “We are ready.”

  Cai nodded and cast a final glance at Badden, knowing he couldn’t deny him his request. As he approached Lancelot, at the head of the ranks, he couldn’t help noting the eerie silence that had crept over the men; no one wanted to openly acknowledge it, but they were all fully aware of the danger they were walking into and they knew where their focus needed to be.

  Lancelot turned to face Cai. “You should say something.”

  Cai glanced at him, before nodding; he saw the fear and uncertainty in the men’s faces and, although he knew he couldn’t take that away, he could remind them of why they were doing this. Turning to his men, he took a deep breath. “No matter what we find in there, no matter what happens, we will stand together!” he announced. “Yes, Nimue is strong but so are we and so is Merlin; we will defeat her and, by tonight, we will return here, to our friends, knowing we are one step closer to beating Mordred!”

  The men nodded in silent agreement.

  Catching Logan’s eye, Cai gave his friend a brief nod before turning and, putting his own fears aside, led the descent.

  Their progress was slow and loose stones made the path treacherous in places but, eventually, they made it to the stony strip of beach in the shadow of the cliff and Cai stared in wonder as he took in his surroundings. “It’s exactly as it was in my dreams,” he murmured in awe.

  “Then you should know where we’re going, yes?” Gawain asked expectantly.

  Cai nodded towards a rocky outcrop at the end of the beach. “There,” he said, trepidation washing over him, as he drew his sword and set off in the direction of the cave, realising, not for the first time, that his nightmares were about to become a reality.

  45

  Picking their way over the rocks at the entrance, Cai led his men into entered the cave. He cursed as sand and stone crunched beneath their boots; the last thing they needed was to alert Nimue of their approach. If this was going to work, they needed the element of surprise because, without it, they really didn’t have much going for them.

  “You need to be quiet,” Merlin whispered from above.

  Cai glared up at the bird but said nothing. Turning his attention back to his path, he climbed over more rocks, trying to keep to the shadows.

  “What the...!”

  Cai turned his head in time to see Owain push himself away from the cave wall and stumble into a shallow pool of water at his feet; he stared at the wall, a look of terror and bewilderment on his face.

  Badden stepped forward to help him but Owain pushed him away as he scrambled to his feet, pointing at the wall. Murmurs of confusion filled the air as the men saw what had spooked Owain.

  Clambering over the rocks, Cai strained to see what had caused such a reaction; where Owain had touched the wall, he had left a handprint surrounded by a yellow glow.

  Unsurprised, Cai whispered, “It was the same in my dreams.”

  “Nimue’s magical signature,” Merlin explained, landing on a rock projecting from the cave wall.

  With a concerted effort, Cai turned his back on the wall, moving forward determinedly; they had no more time to waste.

  It wasn’t long before they encountered a tunnel leading off to the left, swallowed up by darkness.

  Cai turned to Kay. “Kay, take Gawain, Bran, Owain and Badden; see where the tunnel leads.”

  “But shouldn’t we...?” Kay started to protest.

  Cai shook his head. “No; the rest of us will follow this path. If you find nothing, follow us and guard our backs.” He was glad he sounded confident in giving orders; he knew his men were looking to him and he didn’t want to let them down.

  Realising that any further argument would be futile, Kay nodded and indicated for the others to follow him. Cai watched as the group took their leave and soon disappeared into the tunnel.

  Continuing along their path, Cai carefully picked his way through the darkness; the further they went into the cave, the darker it became and Cai began to wonder if he would be able to see anything at all. His heart pounded as he climbed from one rock to another, trying to avoid the pools of water t
hat would surely give their presence away if anyone should step into them. He looked up, grateful to see a shaft of light, some distance ahead, illuminating a rock rising up from the cave floor. As they neared, Cai was horrified to see Merlin’s body slumped against the rock, his head hung limp on his chest.

  Carefully dropping to the ground, Cai crouched behind the nearest rock formation, indicating to his men to stay in the shadows. Lancelot knelt beside him and was glad to see Logan kneeling close by.

  Peering out from his hiding place, Cai assessed the situation. Merlin was alone and, better yet, he didn’t seem to be tied to the rock. Before he could think better of it, Cai edged forward, his gaze fixed on Merlin.

  Lancelot grabbed his arm, yanking his back. “Don’t be a fool!” he hissed. “Do you really think she’d leave him alone, unguarded?”

  Cai stared at Lancelot, unable to believe he had almost ruined everything; of course it wouldn’t be that easy. In fact, he began to realise that Nimue had probably left him like this, for all to see, to entice them into a trap. He shook his head, furious at his own stupidity.

  Lancelot’s fears were soon proved right, as Nimue appeared a moment later, as if on cue; stepping out from behind the rock where Merlin sat, she studied her prisoner.

  She smiled, looking pleased with herself. “They are here; I can feel their presence,” she said, her voice soft, as if speaking to a sleeping child. Standing before him, she watched him closely, barely able to conceal her hatred. “You always thought you were untouchable,” she spat bitterly. “You thought you were so powerful, but now, it is I with the power; I, alone, have the power to decide how long you and your little friends live.” She moved towards her prisoner and leaned in close. Grabbing a handful of his hair, she yanked Merlin’s head back hard and looked into his eyes as they fluttered open. “I shall force you to watch the deaths of those you hold so dear before ridding this world of you, once and for all.”

  Cai glanced anxiously at Lancelot, his eyes riveted to the scene ahead.

  Before he could speak, Cai heard Nimue’s voice… calling to him.

  “I know you’re there, Cai Pendragon.” Her voice was cold, the familiar sound filling Cai with hatred. “I do hope your intention is not to hide; it would make all this rather dull, don’t you think?”

  Hearing her taunting him, Cai could stand it no longer. Rising slowly to his feet, he held his sword at the ready, prepared to attack at the first opportunity. Beside, him Lancelot followed his lead, his sword drawn. After a moment, Cai saw Logan begin to follow suit but he shook his head slightly; the last thing he wanted was for Logan to reveal his position too.

  Suddenly, Cai felt his sword tugged out from his grasp; he watched helplessly as it flew through the air towards Nimue who caught it deftly, grinning triumphantly.

  Lancelot took a step towards her but Nimue slashed her hand through the air, sending him flying backwards, where he landed in a heap against the cave wall.

  Cai watched helplessly, glancing between Lancelot’s prone form and Nimue. As his eyes met Nimue’s, he launched himself towards her, shouting in rage.

  His attack was cut short, however, as the sorceress raised a hand, and a burst of white light erupted from her palm. He hit an invisible wall, the force of the collision sending him stumbling backwards and he landed awkwardly on the rocky ground. He started to get up but was forced backwards as Nimue approached, looming over him.

  Gazing down at him, her expression hardened. “We meet again, boy king.”

  Cai stared up at her. “You betrayed us,” he stated; he knew he was pointing out the obvious, but he needed to say it. “You betrayed Merlin.”

  Nimue smiled malevolently. “And you suspected me all along, didn’t you?” she said. “You clever little thing… and so young, too.”

  Cai gritted his teeth; he wanted nothing more than to kill her with his own bare hands but he fought this urge, desperately trying to keep a clear head.

  Nimue knelt down next to him, her eyes empty of emotion. “Now all there is left for me to decide is how to kill you.” She smiled coldly. “Slow and painful… or quick and painless? Which would you...?”

  A rock hit the back of her head. Turning, she laughed as Logan stepped out from his hiding place, followed by the remaining men; all stood poised, ready to attack.

  Nimue glanced at Cai. “I see you have brought some friends,” she commented. “Very well; if you wish to lead them to their deaths, I would love to oblige.”

  She slashed her hands through the air; Logan and the others fell to their knees, some crying out, writhing in agony on the ground.

  “What have you done to them?” Cai demanded launching himself to his feet.

  Nimue threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, nothing serious but, give me time, and that will soon change...” Drawing her hands back, she began murmuring in a strange language, preparing to strike.

  Without a second thought, Cai ran at her and, knocking her off balance, sent her crashing into the cave wall. He allowed himself a brief moment of triumph as he heard her cry out in pain.

  She glared up at him, crouched on the ground like a cat, ready to pounce. “What have you done?” she shrieked. Rising to her feet, she drew herself up to her full height, her hands crackling with white light. “How dare you! You will pay for that!”

  She stepped towards him, forcing Cai backwards but, before she had a chance to strike, Logan appeared again, with a small group of men.

  “Cai, we got this!” he cried as he put himself between Cai and Nimue. “Find your sword!”

  With Logan’s words spurring him into action, he collected his sword from where it lay at Merlin’s feet. He spared the older man a glance but there was no sign of Shadowstar.

  What’s taking you so long? Can’t you see we need you? He sighed heavily as his silent pleas went unheeded.

  Turning back, he ran to join the fray alongside his men and was glad to see Kay’s arrival had swelled their numbers. Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream filled the cave; Cai watched helplessly as Owain’s lifeless body fell to the ground. Badden ran to him, crying out in fury as he clutched his fallen friend.

  Nimue chuckled as she took a menacing step towards them, her eyes gleaming viciously. Badden looked up at her, his eyes burning with hatred, poised and ready to attack; he began to rise but, suddenly, the cave was filled with an explosion of white light, the force of it slamming into Cai, sending him flying through the air…

  46

  On opening his eyes, Cai found Lancelot and Kay looking down at him; he stared at them for a moment, confused as to why he was lying on his back.

  Lancelot was urgently mouthing something at him, but Cai had no idea what he was saying.

  He squeezed his eyes shut as memories came flooding back to him: Merlin standing powerless… Nimue’s taunts… Lancelot being thrown through the air... Owain’s lifeless body falling to the ground… a blinding flash of light...

  He sat up, forcing Lancelot to rock back onto his haunches; as the cave started to spin, Cai squeezed his eyes shut again. He held his head between his hands, waiting for the excruciating pain to subside.

  “You need to lie down, Cai.”

  Lancelot’s voice brought Cai back to reality and he forced himself to shake his head, wishing he hadn’t. Looking around, he tried to take in the horror of his surroundings. The men who had fallen victim to Nimue’s spell were slowly recovering, each trying to make sense of what had happened. Gawain stood behind Badden, who was crouched over Owain, unable to tear his eyes away from his friend, as if his will, alone, could bring him back to life. Logan stood nearby, watching the scene in silence.

  “Are you sure you’re alright?” Kay asked, watching Cai carefully.

  Cai only managed a slight nod before Kay had dragged him into a rough hug. Almost immediately, Kay pushed Cai away and, nodding to himself, slowly got to his feet. “I’m glad you are well,” he muttered before walking away to join Gawain.

  Cai watched him go
but his gaze soon fell on Badden; looking at Lancelot, he said, “Help me up.”

  As they made their way over to Badden, Logan nodded to Cai.

  “Glad to see you’re OK,” he said quietly.

  “You too.” Cai nodded to Owain. “Is he...?”

  Logan nodded. “He didn’t stand a chance; whatever spell Nimue cast was full on.”

  “He died saving me,” Badden muttered quietly.

  “I failed you again, my Lord.”

  Cai turned to face Merlin, standing alone in the shadows; the older man’s face was drawn and he looked pale, almost ghostly, but Cai had never been happier to see him. “How did you... what happened when...?” he began as he moved towards him; after all that had happened, he, now, didn’t seem able to form a single coherent sentence.

  Merlin, however, had no such problem and was more than ready to explain what had happened. “Unfortunately, it took several attempts for me to break through Nimue’s spell.” He bowed his head regretfully, his gaze falling on Owain. “Nimue had aimed her spell at Badden before I managed to escape and Owain had already put himself between him and the curse. A brave act indeed,” he concluded quietly, his voice full of respect.

  Cai couldn’t have agreed more; his act was selfless, worthy of any knight. Clenching his jaw in a vain attempt to control his anger, he turned back to Merlin. “Where is Nimue?” he asked, “What happened to her?”

  “As my spirit returned to my body, I was able to banish her from this place.”

  “So she’s dead?” Cai asked hopefully.

  Merlin shook his head. “Alas, no; I can still feel her.”

  This news was certainly not what Cai wanted to hear but, at least, for the moment, they were relatively safe. “So… what happens now?” he asked.

  “Now, we rest and regroup,” Lancelot said, coming to join tem. “We give these men, and Merlin, time to recover from their ordeal.” His eyes fell on Merlin. “How are you?” he asked quietly.