Keeper of the Realms: Crow's Revenge (Book 1)

by Marcus Alexander

  ‘Well, do you see anything?’ she asked.

  ‘Er … well … not really. But I can tell you that it looks sort of like an egg … or maybe it’s an acorn?’

  ‘I could have told you that! Isn’t there anything else you can tell us? Surely you must know something!’

  ‘Well, it does taste kind of good. Sort of Tarentellaberry with a touch of hazelnut. I guess if you got hungry you could always suck on it. Does that help?’

  ‘How can you be a Winged One and not know anything?’ growled Charlie.

  ‘Children, children!’ interrupted Azariah. ‘There’s really no need to squabble. For every lock there is a key, for every puzzle there is a solution. We will in time be able to solve the pendant’s mystery. What any wise man would do now is take it to someone who has knowledge regarding Winged Ones’ artefacts.’

  ‘Are you such a person?’ asked Nibbler.

  ‘Unfortunately not. But there are many such scholars in the Jade Council. It shouldn’t be too hard to get an informed opinion. However, given recent developments with Lady Narcissa, getting a safe opinion might be a different matter. We desperately need to have your pendant examined by someone, otherwise we will never understand its mysteries, but we must ensure that we can trust them.’

  ‘And who would you recommend for that?’ asked Nibbler.

  ‘Lady Dridif,’ said Azariah. ‘She out of all the councillors is beyond doubt. Her great strength and passionate stubbornness for Bellania’s cause puts her beyond reproach. What is more, her knowledge and wisdom is second to none within this city. If anyone can unlock your pendant’s hidden knowledge it is her. Charlie, I hope that has answered your first question, so if you will, your second question.’

  Charlie didn’t hesitate: ‘My parents, how can I free them from Bane’s Tapestry?’

  ‘Not easily, would be my simple reply. Bane’s Throne Room is perhaps the most heavily defended site in Bellania. Whole legions of fanatically loyal Stoman soldiers prowl the Western Mountains, venomous packs of Shades haunt the palace and, according to legend, other more twisted creatures stalk the inner sanctums. And as if that were not bad enough, Bane very rarely leaves his citadel and when he does his Dark God guards his Throne Room in his absence. To enter such a fortified location would be folly in the extreme.’

  ‘What about opening a Portal to the Throne Room and quickly snatching Charlie’s parents from the Tapestry? If you did it fast enough I’m sure you could be in and out before anyone could react,’ suggested Nibbler.

  ‘A good proposal, Nibbler, but sadly an impossibility. Bane is no fool and will have had his palace, if not the whole of the Western Mountains, shielded from unauthorized travelling of the paths. The second point is that Bane’s Tapestry is immense, containing hundreds of his vanquished enemies. We could not possibly open a Portal large enough to transport such an object.’

  ‘So what can be done to get Charlie’s parents back?’

  ‘Unfortunately the only option is the most difficult,’ said Azariah. ‘Bane must be defeated. Only when Bellania is free from his cursed reign can we go about curing the land. With Bane removed we will have access to all of his trapped and imprisoned victims, including those in the Tapestry. There would also no longer be a force to block the imminent return of the Winged Ones. With their wise counsel and experience we could safely remove all of those bound to the Tapestry.’

  ‘And is there really no other way?’ asked Charlie.

  ‘I have thought long and hard on this subject and I can honestly say that I see no other option.’

  ‘What about if I trade my pendant for their release? Surely Bane would agree to such a deal?’

  ‘Indeed, he probably would, but then you would have traded away Bellania’s liberty.’

  ‘But I want my parents back!’ snapped Charlie.

  ‘I know, Charlie, I know,’ said Azariah. His lion-like face softened as he took in her anguish. ‘But if you were to hand over the pendant, what guarantee would you have that Bane would honour his side of the bargain? And even if he did, he might then take over the whole of Bellania, and what would stop him from going to Earth and trying his luck in that realm? Also please do not forget that as much as your parents love you they are Keepers. It is their – and your – duty to maintain peace and balance in Bellania. To hand over the last chance for freedom from Bane would be a betrayal of their beliefs, no matter how well intentioned.’

  ‘But I want them back,’ whispered Charlie, her voice cracking. ‘It’s not fair. It’s just not fair at all!’

  ‘Charlie Keeper, I know it’s not fair. But you must worry less about life’s little disappointments and concentrate your heart and mind on the good things that come your way. Just think of all the obstacles that you have overcome in your journey getting here. You have succeeded where so many would have fallen! You are an astonishing young lady and don’t you ever forget it.’

  Charlie was genuinely surprised by his words. She thought that perhaps he was teasing her, but one look at his strong, proud face told her otherwise. Azariah Keeper meant every word that he’d just said.

  ‘Now, the hour is very late and I insist that you go to bed soon. So, if you please, your last question.’

  What Charlie had really wanted to ask Azariah ever since leaving Lady Narcissa’s miserable tower was if he would teach her how to open Portals and Gateways. After Stix and Stones had given her a brief and tantalizing glimpse into what she could achieve, she really, really wanted to learn as much as possible. The idea of being able to open magical Gateways was as though all her wildest dreams had suddenly come true. But for now there was something she urgently needed help with, something that just had to be asked first.

  ‘Will you help me to prove to Jensen and Kelko that I was forced to say those horrible words to them on the drawbridge? I would never say anything to hurt them, especially something as cruel and as spiteful as that. Will you help me show them I’m still their friend? Please?’

  Azariah’s face softened. ‘Of course, Charlie. It would be a pleasure to help you with such an endeavour. But now it is long past the time for you to be in bed. If you and Nibbler would be so good as to follow me, I will show you to your sleeping quarters.’

  37

  Penance

  Lady Narcissa gasped as she stood swaying painfully from side to side beneath the Devouring Throne. Her beautiful dress was ruined and hung in tatters. Dark circles had formed around her bloodshot eyes and a layer of sweat caked her forehead.

  Her punishment had been intense. Very intense.

  A large Stoman guard held her arm in a steel-like grip. It was hard to tell if the guard was there to secure Narcissa or simply there to hold her up in case she fell.

  ‘Little squishy Human, the pain that you have tasted tonight was just a fraction of what I will give you should you fail me again,’ said Bane in his stony voice. ‘Do not make any more mistakes.’

  Narcissa’s face, if it were possible, went an even paler shade of white.

  ‘Now that we understand one another, listen well to my instructions. This is what I want you to do when you return to Sylvaris …’

  Lady Narcissa did indeed listen carefully to her new master. She would be very, very sure to do exactly what he wanted. She never again intended to go through the agonizing and degrading punishment that Bane’s servants had devised for her. She would follow his instructions to the letter.

  ‘… so I expect you to use their feeble Sylvarisian Law to further my goals,’ continued Bane. ‘Once you have gone ahead with these commands I will send a Shade to deliver my further instructions. Is that understood?’

  ‘Yes, my lord,’ whispered Narcissa. ‘But my daughter … must you include her in your plans?’

  ‘I will use any tool I deem necessary.’

  ‘But, my lord, she’s barely sixteen. She –’

  ‘Enough! Six or sixteen, adult or child, I care not. I claim your family and hold them beneath my fist. All that is yours is min
e to command. Now, will you do as I instruct or must I send you back to the Halls of Silence for further punishment?’

  ‘No, my lord. I-I will do as you see fit.’ She would have curtsied but she doubted her body could manage it. Shivers of pain still shook her from within, so instead she bowed her head in deference. ‘It shall be done as you command. If I may … I have one request to ask of you, lord.’

  ‘I strongly advise you not to push your luck any further. I doubt your feeble body could withstand any more pain,’ growled Bane. ‘But if you wish to speak go ahead. Just remember that I will not accept any insolence.’

  Narcissa blanched slightly. Bane’s constant threats were incredibly unnerving. Taking yet another deep breath, she gathered what little courage she had left and pushed ahead. ‘Stoman Lord, this is regarding the young Winged One. It is unquestionably powerful and its entrance came as a surprise. Surprises, especially ones like this, could be a thorn in your side. I will need an ally to aid me in Sylvaris, someone with powers to match those of a Winged One. Someone who is also strong enough to counter any interruption should another Keeper be stupid enough to get in the way.’

  ‘Hhmm. Not such a foolish request after all. Very well, then, I shall arrange for a … suitable … servant to come and give you such aid as you might need.’

  ‘When will this servant come to me? I might need assistance sooner than we expect.’

  ‘Pale little maggot, do not worry yourself. He will arrive in plenty of time for my plans to succeed.’ Bane clapped his hand together. ‘Shades, remove this wriggling wretch of a Human, take her back to Sylvaris and make haste, for she must be there by sun-up.’

  Sinuous shadows detached themselves from the murky darkness. Snaking their way across the floor, they removed Narcissa from the guard’s grasp. Enveloping her in their sinister embrace, they began to make their way from the Throne Room.

  Bane stared after Narcissa as she was borne away by the Shades. ‘Do not fail me,’ he snarled after her.

  The room fell into a deep silence as Bane settled back into the cold embrace of his Devouring Throne. Nothing moved apart from the gentle flicker of mist and shadows that hugged the chamber’s floor. Guards and footmen stood at attention, almost statue-like, their attention focused solely on their lord.

  It was only after the passing of several hours that Bane once again moved.

  ‘Shades, attend me. I wish for you to bring me that filthy, greedy magpie of a Human from Charlie Keeper’s home. Bring me that sneaky lawyer, Mr Crow. I think it is time for him to be put to some use. He will make a most perfect and suitable servant to attend to these matters at hand. Go.’

  38

  The Law Comes Knocking

  Charlie awoke with a groan. As ever, bad dreams haunted her sleep. Pushing her messy hair from her face, she struggled into a sitting position. Nibbler still lay coiled and snuggled up at the foot of the bed.

  Swinging her feet out from beneath the bedcover, she stood up and shuffled over to the window. The sun was rising and as usual Sylvaris looked gorgeous. The city was a vision she never grew weary of.

  There was a soft knock at the door. Azariah popped his head in. ‘Ah, I see you’re up. Excellent. I have just sent a runner to inform the Jade Circle that they should expect us. So if you please, get dressed and meet me downstairs.’ Azariah pulled the door shut, but his voice shouted back a moment later, ‘Oh, and there’s food for the two of you on the kitchen table. Help yourselves!’

  A little later, after a belly-swelling breakfast of Landlion-Bark Brownies and Calice-Goldenberry Cakes, Charlie felt ready to face whatever new challenges the day would bring. Nibbler had feasted on Thrice-Spiced Kangol Rump, but he had been a bit too greedy when drinking his portion of Ferral and Bokonut Iced Tea and had spent the last ten minutes burping so loudly that he sounded like a foghorn. Fortunately, as his stomach finally digested his bountiful breakfast, the burping had diminished and had now thankfully stopped.

  ‘So are the two of you ready?’ enquired Azariah. Charlie and Nibbler both nodded. ‘Good. But before we go, a quick word of warning. Not everyone will be thrilled to hear our accusations against Lady Narcissa. She is a well-respected and, though I know this is going to sound odd, a well-loved member of the Jade Circle. She has over the years presented such a kind and caring façade that just about everyone on the council has fallen for it, hook, line and sinker. So when we do raise our accusations against Narcissa don’t be too shocked if there’s a lot of shouting and anger.’

  Charlie nodded determinedly. She wasn’t going to let Narcissa deceive the council any longer, but would they really believe what she had to say? Maybe it would be like trying to convince her teachers back home about how horrible Mr Crow was. Because he paid them so well and always wore a false smile in their presence, they consistently ignored her claims.

  ‘Do not worry,’ said Azariah, seeing her concern. ‘With all of the evidence that we have at hand, it shouldn’t take long to open the councillors’ eyes to the truth. Hopefully by the day’s end Narcissa will be behind bars and we can proceed with investigating your pendant.’

  A loud banging interrupted their conversation as a heavy hand beat against Azariah’s front door. Nibbler and Charlie both looked up in alarm. Just who was that making so much noise?

  ‘Do not worry yourselves,’ said Azariah with a gentle smile. ‘I thought it would be prudent to arrange for some guards to escort us to the Jade Tower. After all, we cannot allow Narcissa or the Shades another chance to steal the pendant or harm you, Charlie.’

  The banging started up again, louder than before. A small frown creased across Azariah’s face. ‘They might be guards of the Jade Circle, but there is no excuse for such rudeness. Please excuse me.’

  Striding towards the entrance with an irate expression on his face, the councillor began to unfasten the many locks on his door. ‘OK, OK, I heard you the first time! There is no need to use my beautiful door as a punch bag!’

  Azariah pulled the door open and immediately stepped backwards. A whole squad of Treman guards in Jade uniform crowded his ornate garden, ruining his manicured lawn and trampling across his shrubs.

  It was obvious to Charlie that something was wrong. Many of the guards had heavy scowls plastered across their faces and a few had drawn their swords from their scabbards.

  The squad’s captain – an arrogant and rather haughty-looking Treman – lowered his hand. Apparently he had been enjoying slamming it against the door. He was dressed in a plumed helmet and wore a smart green kilt. Sucking in his podgy gut and straining to push out his chest, he attempted to look as official as possible.

  ‘Azariah and Charlie Keeper, I presume?’ he asked, peering past Azariah to stare at Charlie standing nearby.

  ‘Yes, that’s correct, Captain. May I point out that attempting to use my door as a snare drum will not speed up your prospects for promotion!’ snarled Azariah. ‘And you there, yes, you by the pond, you horrible man, get off my Zephyrillis shrubs this instant! Now, what is the meaning of this? I request an escort to maintain my guests’ safety and this is how you respond? Explain yourself immediately before I really lose my temper!’

  ‘Explain meself, ta ya?’ leered the captain. ‘I don’t think so. The only explaining that’s gonna be done around here is when ya lot are in jail! Ya and Charlie Keeper are under arrest for treason, for consorting with Bane’s agents and for assaulting Lady Narcissa!’ Lifting his hand high, he waved his guards forward. ‘Men, grab them!’

  The Treman guards sprang forward. Rushing up the path, they hurtled towards Charlie and Azariah.

  Charlie was astounded. Didn’t they know they’d got it wrong? They were supposed to be arresting Lady Narcissa for her crimes, not the other way round. Although the guards, like all Tremen, were small, they made up for what they were missing in size with sheer determination. Shouting and hollering, they sprinted up the garden path.

  Azariah stepped forward to meet them. A small vein on his forehead
began to throb and pulse as his eyes squinted into a terrible stare. His mouth tugged into a fierce grimace and his clothes began to writhe and ripple in an unseen wind.

  Charlie froze. She had never seen Azariah looking so angry. In fact, she’d never seen anyone looking quite like that.

  ‘HOLD!’ he roared in such a loud voice that the captain’s plumed helmet flew from his head. ‘HOLD, I SAY!’

  Hooking his hands into the odd clawing shape that Charlie had previously seen on the Torn Bridge, Azariah swept out a golden, treacle-like tide of rippling light that enveloped and trapped the startled guards. Punching his hands forward, he knocked all the officers off their feet. Scowling murderously, he marched forward, swinging his arms from side to side, pushing and rolling the guards backwards until, with a great splash, they all ended up in the ornamental pond.

  ‘How dare you!’ bellowed Azariah, his anger unabated. ‘How dare you believe that you can come to my home and try to arrest me? I am AZARIAH KEEPER! Does that mean nothing to you? I have walked the paths through light and dark. I have held fast the Gateways against the rampant tide of darkness and fought daemons from the abyss! I have travelled where none would dare and you believe that you can treat me and my guests like this? I should tear the very heavens down around your heads!’

  Azariah stopped shouting and blinked. The guards, waist-deep in water, were petrified. Shaking and shivering with fear, they groaned and begged forgiveness. The captain, covered with pondweed, was weeping and blubbering like a three-year-old, while a frog perched nearby was quite happily croaking away on the captain’s floating helmet. The guards had gone from dangerous foes to bundles of whimpering jelly in four seconds flat.

  ‘Gah!’ snorted Azariah, his anger quickly mellowing. ‘What are you, men or children? Come on. Stand up, all of you. Come on. Up you get. Good … Now, if you would … Hey, you! Watch out for my lilies! OK, look, just line up on the path and don’t touch anything.’