“Your orders are to command him to lead us to the House’s weakest points. He will know how they will attempt to defend against us. You will force him to thwart that defense.”
Vhok bowed at the marilith and said, “As you command.” Silently, he added, he’s going to do more than that for me. I have a Lifespring to visit.
Kael watched from the edge of the common as groups of soldiers assembled. Angels and archons, warriors all, gathered and milled upon the green, waiting. Kael waited with them, and he could sense the anticipation emanating from them. From time to time, he cast a glance up, toward the top of the mountain, to the highest tier of the fortress-city of Trueheart. There, beyond ring after ring of stout defensive walls constructed of huge stone blocks that ascended the sides of the mountain, stood the palace of Torm.
The knight’s heart was glad to be there. He felt an old kinship with the fortress-city and its inhabitants that he had never quite mustered for the Court of Tyr.
I am a warrior, a servant of Torm. This is where I belong.
Thinking it made Kael feel a little better, but he knew that only time would heal the wounds he felt. He was content to move on, to turn the page to a new chapter of his life. But he mourned the decisions of the High Council, the severing of his relationship with Tauran.
If they had sentenced Tauran to death, that might have been better than this, he thought. Knowing he’s out there, somewhere, wandering, lonely, without a deity or a cause to serve. That hurts more.
You were a good mentor, my friend. I will miss you. What the High Council decreed was shameful. You deserved better. You were a wise and noble servant, and they should have listened to you.
Kael caught himself growing angry all over again and reminded himself of his vow to leave it in the past.
Time to move on. Let it go.
He had tried repeatedly to tell himself that the anger and resentment was just another example of how much he had let himself become too involved in the affairs of the Tyrrans. Tauran had mentored him well, perhaps, but Tauran had also wandered from his path, and Kael had been dragged—albeit willingly—along, too.
It wasn’t your fight. Don’t continue to make it your problem.
Kael sighed and thought of his mother. In a way, he was thankful that she was gone from his life too. He understood her much better after the night they had spent talking, by the pool in the enchanted garden. He accepted that she had become much more than her heritage, just as he had always strived to overcome both the fiendish and drow blood in him. He no longer blamed her for what had gone wrong with Tauran’s efforts. She had been, in many ways, just as loyal as Kael himself.
But at the same time, Kael saw her as turmoil incarnate. Everywhere she became involved, chaos followed.
It’s her nature, he reminded himself. She is what she is in that regard, even when she tries not to be.
For that matter, the same could be said about Pharaun. A product of his society, all wrapped up in his strange games of intrigue, noble house battling noble house. Kael couldn’t imagine playing such games, constantly awaiting some espionage or double cross to ruin his plans. He could never be a drow.
But the son of a drow … if they are creatures of their own nature, what does that make me?
They only sired and bore you, he argued. Nothing more. You are more than just the product of your parents. You are what you make of yourself. Be different. Stay true to your beliefs! Aliisza proved that it can be done. Honor her in that way.
Kael blinked and shook his head slightly to rid himself of the conflicting thoughts. Move on, he thought again. Remembering Pharaun’s advice, he added, be true to who you are so you can answer to yourself at the end of your time.
Shaking off the morose thoughts, the knight turned his attention back to the gathering of soldiers. He scanned the pennants flapping in the warm breezes, seeking the one with the white hammer within a circle on a purple field. He suspected it would not be hard to spot, but thus far, it was not there. His new commander had not arrived, yet.
Come soon, Kael urged. This idleness gives me too much time to think.
A group of hound archons outfitted for battle strolled past the half-drow, deep in conversation. Their discussion was animated and loud, and he could not help but overhear parts of it.
“I don’t understand why he waited as long as he did,” one of the dog-headed creatures said. “It seems like his indecision has cost the House precious time and resources.”
“Why resources?” one of the archon’s companions asked.
“Because so many deserted him already, and not all of them have come over to join us. If he had been more willing to—”
“You tread on dangerous footing,” another warned. “Tyr has his own reasons for surrendering his power, and only he could comprehend when the right time was to do so. You should not be so quick to—”
“Excuse me,” Kael said, his voice shaking. The words he was hearing sent a shiver of cold fear through him. “What did you just say? What did Tyr do?”
The archons slowed and turned to the knight. They looked puzzled at his question. “You have not heard?” one of them asked.
Kael shook his head. “No. I only just arrived. But I came from there, and I did not hear any news.”
“Indeed, it only happened this morning,” the hound warrior said. “Tyr is abdicating his godhood. He has granted Torm his deific power and counseled his followers to offer their allegiances to the True One. Illmater has returned to the House to aid him in this transfer.”
Kael swallowed, trying to absorb what he was hearing. “Why?” Did our actions lead to all this? Did Tauran’s wavering faith cause this crisis? No. That is not possible. We were trying to help!
The archon shrugged. “They say it’s because he has lost faith in himself, in his own ability to lead and judge,” he said. “All the turmoil within the Court just took its toll, I suppose.”
Kael put his hands to his head. What have we caused? No! Zasian and Cyric did it! Not us!
The archon was still speaking. “And now, with the invasion, maybe he felt it would serve everyone better. I do not pretend to understand the wisdom of the gods.”
Kael’s head snapped up again, a surge of shock hitting him anew. “Invasion?” he asked. “What invasion?”
“Where have you been hiding, soldier?” the archon asked. “Demons. Hordes of them are coming. The Abyss is disgorging them faster than our spies can count, and they march toward us. Haven’t you seen the mustering?” The creature gestured at the gathering army on the green. “What did you think all of this was for? We prepare to march to war, soldier. You’d better get to your unit.”
“Oh, by Torm,” Kael breathed. It was happening. What Vhok had suggested, half in a bluff, was coming to pass. The cambion had vowed to reveal what he knew, expose the weaknesses of the House, to the abyssal lords. Had he done it? Had he somehow reached them and convinced them to muster their armies?
That must be it. I have to find Tauran.
“Thank you,” Kael said, but his mind was already whirling with possibilities. He turned to the green and sought the standard of his new commander once more. He finally spotted it on the far side of the common. The officers had arrived. Kael sprinted for the flapping pennant, leaving the archons staring at him in puzzlement.
When Kael reached the point where his commander’s staff officers had gathered, he gave the closest one a salute and said, “I am Kael, Knight of the Order of the Vigilant and recently returned from the Court of Tyr. I am reporting for duty, but I beg leave to return to the Court. I just heard about Tyr’s abdication, and I have urgent business there.”
The angel returned the salute and gave him a puzzled look. “Of what do you speak?” he asked. “We march soon, knight, and we will need every able blade we can muster.”
“I know, but I believe I am more needed there, where I can halt a great travesty from occurring.”
The angel shook his head. “I’m sorry, soldie
r, but I can’t grant you that leave. Everything is chaos over there right now, and whatever good you think you can do, you will be needed here more. Now, get ready to march.”
With that, the angel turned away and left Kael standing there. The half-drow clenched both his teeth and his fists. He wanted to argue with the angel, make the celestial understand how important it was to reach Tauran and the others.
He’s still trying to reach the Lifespring, even after all this time. It’s just the kind of thing he’d do, to spite all of us. And if he gets there and gains its power and energy—or worse yet, brings a company, a regiment …
We must stop him from doing that. It could turn the tide of battle against us!
But Kael’s thought was a hunch, nothing more, and he knew no one would listen.
Grimacing in defeat, he turned away and made his way toward the gathering troops who were collecting their gear, donning tabards with the same hammer-and-circle symbol on them, and readying to go to war.
If Tauran were here, Kael thought, he would go anyway.
Yes, and that’s why he is no longer a member of the Court. You must not abandon your own duty. You are a knight of Torm.
No, the half-drow decided, stopping in midstride. This is too important. You know it is. And you’re terrible at following orders, soldier. Tauran spoiled you. Go find them!
Remembering Pharaun’s words about answering to himself, Kael turned to see if any of the officers were nearby and watching. Satisfied that he would not be noticed, his mind made up, he moved away from the milling mass of soldiers and hurried for the front gates of the city.
He hoped he was not too late.
“It’s time,” Nilsa said, framed in the doorway of Aliisza’s chambers.
The alu turned from where she was standing in the middle of the room, gazing around at the familiar white marble and baskets of vines and flowers. She looked at the angel. “I know,” she said. “Give me one more moment. Please.”
The slightest hint of exasperation clouded Nilsa’s expression, but she nodded and stepped back out of the chamber, leaving Aliisza to herself.
Aliisza drew a deep breath and inhaled the fragrance of blossoms. She listened to the breeze ruffling the wind chimes on her balcony. She strolled to the railing and looked out, staring at the brassy blue sky and the array of clouds surrounding the great mountain of Celestia, which disappeared into more of them high above.
I can’t believe I’m thinking this, but I’m going to miss this place.
The alu remembered the very first time she had gazed upon the great mountain. It had been the day Tauran had brought her to the House. They had appeared on an island of sweet-smelling grass. His angelic brilliance had dazzled her. How long ago that seemed.
She had tried to fly up into the heavens surrounding that mountain, tried to penetrate the clouds and find escape beyond them. I was a fool. Often.
Aliisza wondered if Eirwyn was already there, on Celestia. The angel had claimed she would travel back to Venya, to serve Erathaol as a seer.
Leaving this place behind, the alu thought. I suppose Garin has already taken Tauran away too, she mused.
She imagined the celestial magically transported her friend to some other realm in the cosmos, just as Nilsa was about to do to her. Just whisk us all away, like sweeping dust under a rug. Out of sight, out of mind. That’s the way to deal with your problems, Tyr.
Aliisza felt another sudden pang of sorrow. She wanted to see Tauran again. She wanted to say goodbye. Then inspiration hit.
Why don’t you go with him?
She wondered if it was even possible. Aliisza had planned to return to Faerûn, most likely Sundabar, although she hadn’t truly made up her mind yet. It seemed like the natural choice, but then, she had never been anything more than an interloper there.
Or anywhere, Aliisza thought. You are an outcast, an orphan. Like your son.
More sorrow washed over her. I’m losing them all. Kael, Pharaun, Eirwyn. Even Kaanyr. Everyone who became part of my life, yanked from me by—what was it Pharaun said?—the capricious whims of gods.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Aliisza turned her back to the room and crossed it. She reached the door and pulled it open, stepping out into the hallway. Nilsa still stood there, waiting.
“I want to travel with Tauran,” Aliisza announced. “Where is he going?”
The angel shook her head. “That’s not possible,” she replied. “You must return to the place from which you came. I am to take you to the city of Sundabar.”
Anger boiled in Aliisza. “Why? You could take me anywhere, so long as I never bothered you or your kind again. Why does it have to be there?”
Nilsa sighed. “You’re right, so far as that goes. But I have been given specific instructions. It’s not up for debate.”
Aliisza cocked her hip to one side and folded her arms across her chest. “That’s not good enough,” she said, giving the angel a pointed look. “It shouldn’t matter, and I want to know why.”
Nilsa stared right back. “You don’t want to have this argument with me.”
Aliisza snorted. “Why, because I’ll lose?”
“No, because I don’t need to debate you. I have a duty to perform. I’m not going to let you change my mind, no matter what you say. If you persist in trying, if you make it difficult for me, I will simply knock you silly and dump you in an alley somewhere in your city. So make your choice.”
Aliisza fumed. She knew the angel could do it, simply by drawing on her divine power to stun the alu. But that didn’t make it right.
For a moment, she fought the urge to punch the angel in the nose. Finally, as the rage subsided enough for her to control herself, she said, “Can you at least tell me where he’s going so I can find him?”
“No.”
“Gods and devils, why are you being so difficult?” Aliisza yelled, tears of helplessness welling up. “He’s my friend. Can’t you set aside your edicts long enough to give me some small thing?”
A momentary look of compassion crossed Nilsa’s face, but she smoothed her expression quickly. “It was decided that you should be separated, never to see one another again,” the angel explained. “There can be no risk of you coming together to cause further trouble for the House. I’m sorry, but that’s the way it must be.”
“I hate you all,” Aliisza whispered, choking back sobs. She crumpled to the floor. “I hope you and your stony god wither and die.”
Nilsa pursed her lips and reached for Aliisza. “Enough of this,” she muttered, grabbing hold of the alu. “We’re leaving now.”
Aliisza started to jerk free of the angel’s grip. She wanted the fight, wanted to force the cold, heartless celestial to follow through on her threat. It would prove that Aliisza was right in her assessment of how unkind and unfair Nilsa truly was.
Nilsa opened her mouth to say something, perhaps even to utter a word of power and knock Aliisza silly as she had promised, but a voice from down the hall interrupted her.
“Hold, Nilsa.” It was Tauran. He and Kael approached together, Garin right behind them. Aliisza’s heart leaped at the sight of them both. A foolish grin spread across her face.
“What are you doing here?” Nilsa asked in surprise, frowning. “Garin, our instructions were clear.”
Aliisza yanked herself free of the angel’s grip, jumped up, and ran to Tauran and Kael. She wrapped an arm around the fallen angel and the knight and hugged them both tightly. Warm feelings of hope and possibility coursed through her, where only despair and defeat had dwelt before. “I thought I’d never see you again,” she said, her face buried in their shoulders. She felt Kael chuckle softly as the two of them returned her embrace.
Behind them, she heard Garin say, “It’s changed, Nilsa. Everything’s changed.” The weary sound of his voice made Aliisza wince.
“What are you talking about?” Nilsa asked, walking up behind the alu.
“Tyr is surrendering his godh
ood,” Garin answered.
Aliisza pulled back with a start and looked at Tauran and Kael. “What?” she asked. “Truly?”
Kael nodded and Tauran said softly, “He has already done it.” His face held a grim expression, a visage that Aliisza had come to think of as a scar, every bit as permanent a fixture as a sword wound.
Aliisza turned to look at Nilsa. The angel had a stricken look on her face. She stared at nothing, her mouth opening and closing. Compassion welled up in the alu. She didn’t know what to do. She took the angel’s hand in her own and said, “I’m sorry.”
Nilsa stared back at her. “It’s true. I can’t feel him with me anymore. I’ve lost Tyr.” Her hand shook in Aliisza’s grasp.
“He’s sending all of us to serve Torm, and he’s marching to war under Torm’s banner,” Garin said. When Aliisza turned to gaze at him, his wide eyes, usually so keen and piercing, looked lost.
Tauran said, “We have all been asked to aid in the fight. The demons are coming.”
Aliisza gasped. “Demons,” she said. “Does that mean—?” Kaanyr. It’s just what you would do, isn’t it?
“Yes,” Kael replied. “Tauran and I agree. If Kaanyr is with them, he will try to reach the Lifespring.”
“It would be the final insult hurled at us,” Tauran said. “Invade the blessed House, find and bathe in the Lifespring. The one thing he sought in all this and was ultimately denied.”
“He shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near it,” Aliisza said.
“No, he shouldn’t,” Tauran agreed. “Even on principle alone, I would deny him that which he desires most. But beyond that, with the power of the Lifespring at his disposal, he could become a dangerous force for the abyssal lords.”
Aliisza bit her lip. The pain of his betrayal was still fresh. She wanted to hide away, wanted to avoid seeing the cambion again. But too much was a stake.
“We must stop him,” she said.
Are you sure?” Garin asked, offering a sincere yet hopeful smile. “We could really use you with us.” Nilsa, whose haunted expression bespoke her struggle to come to grips with Tyr’s abdication, added, “It’s going to get rough today.”
The Crystal Mountain Page 20