The Cavalier Trilogy: Book 03 - Glimmer in the Shadow

by Jason McWhirter

“We will need to travel hard, so I recommend that we take a ludis of Finarthian Knights,” Kiln suggested.

  “You can count on a thousand of my men as well,” Lord Dynure added, as eager as most young men to bloody his sword.

  “Sar-gathos will also accompany the war party,” Lor-telliam added.

  “And meself as well, along with a hundred dwarven fighters," Durgen said.

  “I will send Graggis with another ludis of infantry,” Kiln stated. “My King, if you will, I would join this fight as I know the garrison better than anyone.”

  “Very well, Commander,” King Baylin agreed. “We will continue to prepare the city. Do not take any unnecessary risks. We will need you all for Finarth’s defense. Now, let us look to the immediate problem of destroying Malbeck,” King Baylin said as he looked at the young prince. “Many of you were not present when the reason for Jonas’s last mission was unraveled. Alerion, if you will please explain it again,” the king ordered.

  So Alerion explained to everyone the answer to the riddle. It took him several minutes as he explained his research and where it had led him, by necessity a rather abridged version

  “So all along Jonas was led to believe that it was King Kromm who was needed, when it was really his son?” King Olegaurd asked.

  “Yes, that seems to be the truth of it,” Alerion said.

  Kromm sat silently, his face a mirror of frustration. It was obvious to all that he was impotently angry about the situation, but what could he do? If his son was this man, then it was his destiny to fight Malbeck.

  “I mean no disrespect, Prince,” King Olegaurd added, “but I do not see how an untried warrior who just learned he was an Ishmian could defeat Malbeck. It seems an impossible task.”

  “Untried does not mean unskilled. And he will not be alone,” King Kromm said, almost growling out the words.

  “I meant no offense,” King Olegaurd continued, “but you know as well as I that being taught to fight is much different than actually being a warrior. It is experience that wins battles, and you just hope that you have enough talent to survive enough fights to gain that experience.”

  “Perhaps I can help,” Lor-telliam said. Everyone looked at the elven wizard. “Do you know how King Ullis Gavinsteal was able to defeat Malbeck many centuries ago?”

  “He faced him on the battlefield and killed him,” King Baylin said, indicating the huge painting behind them. The massive canvas took up most of the wall and it was at least six paces high and ten paces wide. The painting, overall, appeared dark and ominous, with the only light, and thus the focal point, coming from a bright glow emanating from the weapons of the two main combatants. The smaller figure wore shining white and silver armor, and he wielded a long two handed sword, which he was using to strike a massive axe held by the Dark One. Malbeck’s form was covered in black plate mail and he stood at least a head taller than the king. At the point where their blades had met there appeared a flash of blue and white light that looked like a star. The expert rendition of it gave one the feeling that that light was about to consume the entire room.

  “Yes,” Lor-telliam continued, “but he was able to do so because of the sword and armor that he wore. Do you know the history of that armor and sword, which, by the way, is the same sword that you have replicated at your hip?”

  “I do not. Some say they were given to my ancestors by the dwarves at Dwarf Mount as a gift. I’ve heard other stories about them being made by his court wizard, but we do not know the truth of it,” Baylin said.

  “They were not made by us,” Durgen added.

  “No, they were not. I made them,” Lor-telliam said. “Well, they were forged by Tsillerian Cho Andorin, the same weaponsmith who forged Allindrian’s blade. But it was I who imbued them with the power to fight Malbeck.”

  Everyone stared at the elf, slack jawed.

  Jonas’s head was swirling with the implications. That meant that the elf was over a thousand years old and that he very well could have been at the battle at the Shadow Plains when Malbeck was originally defeated. Jonas knew that elves lived unusually long lives, but the sheer idea of living a thousand years still shocked him. By the looks on everyone’s faces, except for the dwarves, everyone else felt the same way.

  “I made those weapons for King Ullis Gavinsteal for the purpose of slaying Malbeck,” Lor-telliam continued, “ Did you know that Ullis was an Ishmian, Sire?”

  “No, there is no record of it,” Baylin said with astonishment.

  “I imagine not. Most Ishmian’s kept their talent hidden, since so little was known about their ability. Ignorant people thought they were warlocks or witches, and many were burned at the stake for having such gifts. Mage magic frightened many people, but inherent magic could not be explained, and caused even more fear. Ullis had the ability to absorb magic, and so did the blade he wielded. That is how he defeated the Dark One,” Lor-telliam addressed everyone.

  “And it cost him his life,” Baylin said softly.

  “A small price to pay fer savin’ his people,” Ballick said bluntly.

  “By using the sword, he absorbed Malbeck’s magic, and it was too much, even for him. He could not contain the power. The explosion killed hundreds, including himself and Malbeck.”

  “And you all want my son to face him, a boy without King Ullis’s experience, and Malbeck now possessing the Shan Cemar, which by all accounts has made him even more powerful?” Kromm said, his voice trembling with anger, fear, and frustration.

  “We do not want him to face Malbeck, Sire. But it is his destiny,” Alerion said.

  “How do you know?” Kromm almost yelled as he stood and pounded his massive fist on the table. “You are betting my son’s life on a riddle given to you by a pit-fiend!”

  Everyone was silent for a moment as they let the king’s anger subside a little.

  “Shyann said he was the key to Malbeck’s defeat,” Jonas said softly as he thought back to his last conversation with her.

  “What?” Kromm asked, turning his angry eyes on Jonas.

  “You have spoken with her?” Kiln asked, surprised. Kiln of course knew of Jonas’s disconnect with Shyann and how much that had affected the young warrior. He was eager for Jonas to be healed completely, both physically and mentally. It pained him to see him so depressed.

  “I have, last night in a dream,” Jonas replied.

  “So you are a cavalier again?” Kiln asked hopefully.

  “I am not, and I shall never be.”

  Everyone seemed to visibly deflate at Jonas’s words. They all knew that it was a possibility that Jonas would never be able to wield her magic again. They were privy to the fact that Dykreel’s taint, even though it was now blocked, could cut off Jonas’s connection to Shyann. And apparently it had. They felt for the young man. But that was not all. As far as they knew, Jonas was the only cavalier left to combat the Forsworn’s evil. It would be a great disadvantage to not have access to Shyann’s magic when Malbeck’s army arrived at the gates of Finarth.

  “I am truly sorry, Jonas,” Allindrian said.

  Jonas looked at her and everyone else. He knew that they did not know what to say, and he also knew that this was not the time for their pity. King Kromm was upset, and they were facing a dire threat much more serious than Jonas’s problems.

  “Thank you, Allindrian. But not all is lost. I am her warrior still, and she has given me new weapons to face the Forsworn. But I cannot brandish the power of a cavalier, as my conduit for such power has been broken. Be that as it may, Shyann informed me that Prince Riker is the key. He was the reason I was sent to get you, Sire, although I did not know that at the time.”

  Kromm’s eyes, still intense with anger, gradually relaxed, reflecting only sad resignation. He sat down again without another word.

  “Prince, if you will permit me? I’d like to test you,” Lor-telliam said.

  Prince Riker shifted uncomfortably. Like most warriors, he did not understand magic, and he was uneasy at the prosp
ect of being subjected to it. “What will this test entail?”

  “You will feel a slight tingle only. It will be brief, and I can do it now.”

  “Very well. You may proceed.”

  Lor-telliam stood up and moved toward the prince. “I must touch you if you don’t mind.”

  Prince Riker slid his chair back and stood up to face the Ekahal. The young man was tall, like his father, and he looked down at the slender elf. Lor-telliam reached out with both hands and grasped the young prince’s wrists. He closed his eyes and began to chant quietly. No one could really make out the words as he was speaking in a soft whisper. It sounded like he was mumbling, but they would not have recognized the words even if they had heard them clearly. The ancient elven language that he spoke was the source of the Ekahals’ true power, allowing them to access the river of the universe, the source of all energy, unhindered and without restraint.

  Prince Riker felt a slight tingling all over his body. It felt like goose bumps from being cold, but it was deeper, not just on the surface of his skin. But as the tingling moved into his center, he felt something stir within him. It was like a shield, a wall of consciousness. No one else felt it but Lor-telliam. There was an immediate, but subtle shock wave, and Lor-telliam was taken aback at how quickly he was repelled. Prince Riker’s body was reacting to the intrusion. It was pushing the Ekahal’s magic away from him. Lot-telliam had gently probed the prince, and his body had gently pushed him away, but with a firmness that warned the elf to push no further. The Ekahal had no doubt that if he probed harder that the prince’s body would respond more violently.

  Lor-telliam stopped chanting and opened his eyes. The prince was staring at him with wide eyes. “Your gift is strong, young prince,” Lor-telliam said. “I felt a powerful presence, much more powerful than that of your ancestor, King Ullis Gavinsteal.”

  “I felt it push you away,” the prince said excitedly.

  “That it, is you. When magic gets close to you, your body reacts. My magic was subtle and harmless, but if something attacked you magically, your body would shield you in a much stronger way. Perhaps a bright flash or a shock wave, which is what I felt just now,” Lor-telliam said as he moved back to his seat.

  Prince Riker sat down, his eyes now bright and alert, somehow energized by that which had stirred within him. It felt as if a sleeping part of him had finally awoken, and it felt good.

  “There is no doubt. He is indeed an Ishmian,” Lor-telliam announced.

  “And you feel that he has the power to defeat Malbeck?” Kromm asked, his voice a mixture of skepticism and hope.

  “I do not know, Sire. But, if we combine his power with the weapons of King Ullis Gavinsteal, then he may have a chance,” Lor-telliam said.

  “It must be a possibility, Sire, if Shyann said it was so,” Jonas said hopefully.

  “Shyann could not even protect you from the Forsworn, what makes you think she is correct about my son?” Kromm snapped.

  No one said anything at the king’s words. Even Jonas did not respond as he knew King Kromm was speaking from emotions that no father should have to face. After several moments, the king sighed heavily and looked at Jonas.

  “I’m sorry, Jonas. You of all people don’t deserve my anger. If it had not been for you, I don’t think I, or my family, would be here right now. Nor does Shyann deserve my scorn. It was her power, given to you, that brought us from the clutches of the Dark One. I’m sorry for my rash words,” the king said softly.

  “Ekahal Telliam, you just said that if we combine the prince’s power with the weapons,” Allindrian paused as she looked around the room. “Are you saying that you know the whereabouts of the sword and armor that defeated Malbeck at the Shadow Plains?”

  Lor-telliam glanced at Allindrian before returning his attention to everyone. “I do.”

  "Why have you not told us?" King Baylin asked. "That sword is a family heirloom. Finarth has a right to it."

  "King Gavinsteal,” Lor-telliam replied, “the sword and armor have been in safe keeping until they are needed again. We have not brought it to your attention over the years because whoever had those weapons in their possession would be a target for the Forsworn. They were both elven forged and imbued with the Light of Ela. Then I and several other Ekahals spent an entire year weaving magic into them. They are unsurpassed in power, and despised by all who live in darkness. Every foul creature on Kraawn would be drawn to it. You have not needed it, so we thought it best to keep it hidden.”

  "So where are these artifacts now?" Kromm asked.

  Lor-telliam sighed and brought his hands together in front of him. "They are at Ullis Hill."

  "What! They have been at the Shadow Plains the entire time?" King Baylin said incredulously.

  Jonas had been to the hill before, during his early training to be a Finarthian Knight. All new recruits were taken to the barren battle field where Ullis Gavinsteal defeated Malbeck many years ago. Many thousands of warriors had been buried there in mass graves, and a monument had been built on a hill overlooking the battlefield and the bones of the fallen. It was simple, but impressive, consisting of eight massive stone pillars rising ten paces into the air and set in a large circle. In the center of the circle was a statue of King Ullis Gavinsteal in full battle armor with a shield on his left arm and the famous sword held high in his right hand.

  "The statue was a gift from my queen," Allindrian said as she recalled the history.

  "That is correct. I was sent to erect it and build the monument. There is a secret chamber built under the statue that has been the home of the armor and Tihr-alliam, the sword’s true name. The weapons will only work for someone with Finarthian royal blood. Nothing evil can even touch it without being destroyed."

  "And you think it will work for my son?" Kromm asked.

  "Yes."

  Everyone sat in silence as they took in the scope of the Ekahal's words. Jonas looked at Lor-telliam again as if it were for the first time. He had some lines around his eyes but other than that he looked maybe only ten years older than Allindrian. Yet he was over a thousand years old. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't comprehend it.

  "Then we need to go to Ullis Hill tomorrow," Kiln reasoned.

  "It will not be that easy. The Dark One has already found the location of the artifacts," Lor-telliam said. Startled curses and questions erupted at this announcement, and Lor-telliam waited patiently for everyone to be silent. After a few moments he was able to continue. "We believe that the Shan Cemar gave him some insight, or maybe a means to locate them, but we do not know for sure."

  "Does he have them in his possession?" Jonas asked.

  "No, he cannot remove the artifacts without destroying himself. In fact, no follower of the Forsworn can enter the chamber that guards the sword. The Light of Ela protects it, and even they cannot overpower it.”

  Jonas had only heard of this Light of Ela one other time in a class that he had taken while he was going through knight training. The elves believe it to be the power of the stars, a power that only they can access. There is a theory that the elves themselves came from this same magic. Jonas did not know much more about it, but it was obvious that there was some truth to what he had been taught.

  "So they are safe?" Prince Riker asked.

  "No, young prince, they are not. On our way here we went to Ullis Hill to check on Tihr-alliam. We were within five miles of the monument when we detected a disturbance in the Ru'Ach," Lor-telliam said.

  "What do you mean?" Addalis asked, intrigued by the Ekahal's words.

  "The land around the monument is different. A completely different landscape now surrounds the sword. Black swampy water boils from the ground and a low mist covers it like a guardian. The Forsworn’s stain oozes from the land in a five mile radius around the monument, and we could sense their dark magic everywhere. We believe that Malbeck has used the Shan Cemar to form a protective area there. We do not know of their defenses, but there can be no doubt that
they will be impressive," Lor-telliam explained.

  "What does it mean?" Kromm asked.

  Lor-telliam looked at the other two Ekahals. Their faces were devoid of emotion but everyone else around the table was leaning in, eager to hear his words.

  "Malbeck could not take the sword or destroy it, so he did the next best thing," Sar-gathos said.

  "He is protecting it...from us," Alerion said as the reality of the situation came to him.

  Jonas thought about it. It made sense. The only way Malbeck could keep the weapon from being used against him was to keep it out of his enemies’ hands. If the weapon was that important then he could only imagine what evil beasts would be guarding it.

  "We believe that to be true," Lor-telliam said.

  "We still have to get it," King Baylin said adamantly.

  "Yes, we do. The prince will have no chance without that sword," Lor-telliam said.

  "And de Dark One be knowin’ it," Durgen reasoned.

  "We need to form another party to get those weapons back," King Baylin said.

  “Why not send in an army?” Fil asked.

  “I think a small powerful force may be able to sneak in and out easier than hundreds of troops,” Lor-telliam reasoned.

  "I would like to be part of this party," Jonas said quickly.

  "Very good, Jonas," King Baylin agreed. It didn't escape Jonas that the king referred to him as Jonas, and not Cavalier. It stung more than he would have thought. To be a cavalier was to be placed above even kings. Everyone looked up to the cavalier and what he represented. Now he was just Jonas. But he had been far worse off before, and part of him looked forward to being just Jonas again.

  Fil could read Jonas better than anyone and he must have seen the expression of pain, or sorrow, or self-pity, whatever it was that flashed briefly across his face. Jonas felt Fil's hand gently pat his leg under the table. He looked at his friend who gave him a subtle but reassuring smile. Jonas remembered Fil's words earlier. He still had formidable weapons, more than most, and there was no reason for self-pity in his situation. Besides, Shyann didn't see it that way, so why should he.