Dark Times

by Brian Murray

  “Move, boy!” shouted Dax, rising to his feet and running in the opposite direction. Thade did not bother to look but chased after Dax. Behind the fleeing men, two roaring Wraith Hounds gave chase.

  ***

  Rayth and Zane crept around to the back of the house, making little noise. Rayth glanced through the undergrowth at the house. All seemed still. He was about to rise when Zane pulled on his tunic and put his index finger to his lips. From where they had come they heard Dax’s shout. Rayth saw two creatures bound off towards Dax and Thade.

  Rayth looked again into the open area around the house and rose slowly. Zane again tugged at Rayth’s tunic. Too late. One of the hounds had spotted him. The beast roared and charged at the former axe-wielder. Rayth screamed his battle cry and stormed at the beast. The beast jumped at the man. Rayth ducked down and tried to ram his axe into the beast’s belly. He missed. The beast landed but did not stop running, instead heading for Zane.

  “ZANE!” shouted Rayth, turning.

  Zane saw the beast bounding towards him and sprinted away before Rayth had even called out. He raced through the woodlands, snapping small branches and leaping over fallen logs, listening to the beast growling behind him, the sound getting louder. Zane saw a low-lying branch and raced towards it. Reaching up, the young king grabbed the branch, praying it would hold his weight. It did. He swung up into the tree and quickly climbed higher.

  The hound rushed towards the tree and leapt for the branch Zane had grabbed. The beast’s powerful jaws clamped around the wood, the thickness of a man’s arm, and it instantly splintered and snapped when the creature bit down. The beast landed lightly, skidding to a stop on the fallen leaves and loose earth. It glared up into the tree and saw Zane looking down. The beast growled in what Zane thought was anger and then charged. The Wraith Hound rammed its head into the tree’s knotted trunk with a loud thud. The branches swayed and hundreds of leaves fell to the ground.

  The beast repeatedly charged into the tree. Zane held on tight, his arms looped around the thick trunk. The trunk, near the base, started to creak and the tree began to lean to one side. Looking directly down, Zane saw that the beast’s charges were forcing the tree over. Roots started to poke through the rich brown soil from the force of the beast’s attacks. Desperately, Zane scanned the other trees to see if he could reach one. They were all beyond his range. The beast charged the tree again. With a loud groan, the tree slowly toppled over.

  ***

  Dax and Thade raced through the woodlands until they reached an open area where Dax skidded to a halt. Panting hard, the older warrior pulled his death-dealers from their harness on his back.

  “Dax, we should move!” shouted Thade, breathing hard.

  “Enough running,” snapped Dax, wiping his brow. “I face the beasts head on. I will not have them taking a lump out of my arse as I slow down.”

  Thade turned to stand next to the older man. The first of the hounds jumped into the clearing. This hound slowed but the second beast went too fast. It landed in the clearing and skidded on the loose earth to Dax’s feet. Without pause or pity, Dax hacked down with both axes. The first bounced off the hound’s solid cranium, but a loud crack filled the air as the second buried itself deep into the beast’s skull.

  The Wraith Hound’s impetus knocked Dax from his feet. The injured creature rose and turned towards the older warrior, with the axe protruding from its head like a horn. The hound leapt into the air, only to be impaled in its chest by Dax’s second axe. The beast landed on Dax, its massive head resting on the warrior’s chest. Dax gagged from the stench of the beast’s rancid breath as it gasped for air. He twisted his axe. The hound exhaled its last ragged breath.

  One down.

  Thade watched the first hound as it stalked slowly towards him. The hound’s tail twitched. It jumped with its huge gaping maw aimed for Thade’s throat. Thade ducked underneath the leap and stabbed up with his two short swords. The two blades scraped, but did not penetrate the hound’s thick hide. Thade rolled quickly on the cloggy brown earth and rose to his feet, with leaves and dirt stuck to his clothing.

  Thade felt groggy and found it hard to catch his breath. He shook it off as being a side effect of returning to his body. He knew that his swords would be useless unless he stabbed the beast using his full weight. The hound skidded to a halt, then slowly turned towards Thade, rocking its head. It charged again.

  Thade reversed his grip on his short swords and charged towards the hound. Screaming loudly, he matched the hound’s leap and stabbed at it. One of his blades embedded itself in the hound’s open mouth, crunching as it penetrated deeply. The weight of the flying hound knocked Thade backwards. He released the sword wedged in the beast’s mouth and rolled so he lay on top of the hound. The beast, lying on its back, scratched at Thade’s torso, ripping through his tunic to reach his flesh. Thade gripped his sword with both hands, leant forward and plunged the blade through the hound’s chest, slicing its heart. The hound clawed at Thade’s chest twice more before it died. Thade fell to one side with blood seeping from his chest wounds.

  Two down.

  ***

  Zane felt the tree start to topple. He had one option—attack. He pulled free one of his swords and dived from the tree, aiming for the hound as it charged, head down. Time seemed to slow. The tree toppled in one direction as Zane flew through the air in the other. The beast looked up with its maw opened. It did not have time to stop or change direction. Zane held his short sword with two hands. The ground beckoned. He plunged it through the hound’s open mouth and its neck, and speared the blade deep into the ground. Landing and rolling in the dusty earth, Zane rose quickly and drew his other sword. He stabbed the hound repeatedly in its side until it stopped breathing. Wrenching his other sword free, Zane raced back towards the house.

  Three down.

  ***

  Thade rose to his feet slowly and helped Dax from under the dead hound. Dax looked at Thade’s wounds and smiled. “You have had worse scratches fighting Shkart in the arena at Kal-Pharina.”

  “Hard fight, that,” replied Thade, nodding and retrieving his swords.

  “Then, like now, you were sloppy,” called Dax as he ran towards the house.

  “Sloppy?” shouted Thade, looking down at the beast he had killed. “Sloppy,” he muttered again as he followed Dax towards their home, but his pace slowed.

  ***

  Dax arrived at the house at the same time as Zane. In the opening, Rayth was defending himself against two more hounds that snapped at him. Dax screamed a battle cry and charged in. The hounds both turned, but instead of charging the older warrior, they focused on Zane and Thade, who had just arrived. The first one charged towards Thade, but had to get past Dax. The beast jumped at Dax. Having learned his lesson from the first attack, he held both his death-dealers out to his side. Timing would be everything.

  The beast’s front paws passed his shoulders and Dax raised his axes as though clapping above his head. He timed it perfectly. Both of his blades hacked into the hound’s chest, snapping ribs and cleaving through its lungs and heart as it moved. The power of the hound’s leap knocked Dax from his feet. But before the dying beast could rake Dax’s torso, Thade shoulder-charged the beast off his friend and slammed his swords into its bloody chest. The Wraith Hound twitched once, then died.

  Four down.

  The last Wraith Hound charged towards Zane, but before the beast reached halfway, a crossbow bolt slammed into the hound’s side. As the hound got closer, more and more bolts shot into it. The hound’s charge became a pitiful crawl. It reached Zane’s feet, leaving a trail of blood, but it still tried to claw at Zane’s foot. Reversing his sword, Zane plunged it into the hound’s heart. The hound let out one last rasping breath, then died. Zane yanked his blade free and walked purposefully towards the house.

  “Aurillia!” called the young king, his voice edged with fear.

  The door slowly opened and an axe-wielder appeared. From behind
him appeared the most beautiful woman Zane had ever seen. Aurillia stepped out into the moonlight and ran towards Zane. From the undergrowth, twenty Rhaurn soldiers and a mix of Royal Landers and axe-wielders appeared. They had been scouting the area around the house and only just received word the house was under attack. These men moved off with purpose to secure the area and check for wounded men. There were none. All of the other Rhaurn soldiers had died.

  “Dax! Thade!” called Cara, her voice full of relief. The plump woman ran out of the house and joyfully jumped into Dax’s open arms, hugging him deeply.

  “Cara,” called Thade, walking forward with his arms open.

  Her eyes widened. “Dax, what have you done with my boy?” she snapped, slapping Dax’s chest.

  “I have done nothing,” replied Dax with surprise.

  “Look at his chest. It’s a mess,” said Cara, rushing towards the former gladiator. “Come, Thade. Come tell Cara everything and let me tend to your wounds.”

  As Thade passed Dax, he gave the older warrior a wry wink, while Cara gave him a scornful expression, a look that clearly said, ‘I will deal with you later.’

  Zane hugged Aurillia warmly and kissed the top of her head. “I love you,” he said softly.

  “And I you,” replied Aurillia, her voice choked with emotion.

  “Doesn’t an old man get a hug, girl?”

  “DAD!” screamed Aurillia, who broke free of Zane’s hug and leapt into her father’s embrace. The young woman cried freely. Both of her men were back.

  Zane walked over to the pair, smiling his crooked smile. He saw the tears flowing from Rayth’s eyes and nodded. He left the two of them alone and walked towards the house, grinning. “Mother.”

  “Don’t mother me, Zane,” said Queen Larene and pulled her son into a hug, weeping with joy.

  ***

  Dax looked around the house and saw that everyone was getting reacquainted, so he made his way back to the cave. He entered and saw the fear in Gan-Goran’s eyes.

  “They are gone,” he said in a matter of fact tone. The older man visibly relaxed with a long sigh. Dax was able to enter the cave, as he was part of the original spell.

  “What happened with Tanas?”

  “I’m not sure, Dax. Tell me what happened to you all and I may have the answer,” replied the master-magiker.

  “Is he alive?”

  “Yes, but barely,” answered Gan-Goran. He saw the wounds on Dax’s shoulder and told him to sit by the fire.

  Dax sat down by the fire and warmed his hands. While Gan-Goran tended to his wounds, Dax told the old master-magiker of their journey to the lands of Yallaz’oom from the Grey Path. He told him of meeting with Captain Jamie and the axe-wielders, and travelling through the Mines of Moranton with the help of Tucci, the Chosen’s son. He told him of the attacks in the mines from the Solus and finally how they had reached the Black Palace at Yallaz’oom. He described how they had entered the palace, and finished with his personal trial and his arrival back here in the cave. Dax did not mention his wife’s voice nor his wish to be with her. When he finished his story, Rayth appeared in the cave and sat silently opposite Dax.

  Gan-Goran finished treating Dax’s wounds and sat still, digesting all the information given. He sat deep in thought for a while, then added more wood to the fire. “I think maybe he failed his trial,” said the old man. “I cannot be certain, but I think that’s what happened to our friend.”

  “What do we do?” asked Rayth.

  “I will stay here with him. That is all I can do.”

  Dax nodded and looked at Rayth questioningly.

  “I think you should come to the house. Many things have been happening here while we’ve been gone, my friend.”

  Dax rose with a grunt and walked to the mouth of the cave. He turned and looked back at Tanas still in a death trance.

  “I will ensure no harm comes to him, Dax. I promise.”

  Dax nodded, left the cave with Rayth, and made his way back to the house.

  ***

  Dax entered the house through the kitchen and quickly washed himself, then walked into the living area. Everyone sat around the hearth but the mood was not right. Dax glanced at Thade, who sat in a new tunic next to Cara. He gave Thade a quizzical look and the younger man motioned with his head towards Zane. Zane sat on the couch with his arm around Aurillia, hugging her close. Even now, Dax smiled to himself, for they did make a handsome couple.

  Zane looked up and saw Dax standing in the doorway. The young king excused himself from Aurillia and walked past Dax into the kitchen. Rayth took the seat next to Aurillia, while Dax followed Zane into the warm kitchen. Dax took a seat opposite the young king at the large wooden table and waited for him to speak.

  “Before I start, don’t think I’m moaning, but I’ve been king for a very short time and so far, I’ve been to the aid of the Phadrine, had my capital under siege, attacked the foulest beasts to ever walk our lands, and finally walked the roads of Hell. I must admit I would like a bit of peace and quiet.” Zane smiled his distinct crooked smile. “You remember what the Divine One told us about Rowet? She was right. He’ll need our help. The Dark One will, by now, have Kal-Pharina under siege. I have no right to ask you, but with General Brooks . . . ” Zane fell silent.

  “Zane,” started Dax, “I have said I will always serve you. We both have a friend in need and moreover, Thade’s love is in that city. With or without you, I will travel to the white city.”

  “Good, I would not want to march without my warlord. A scout arrived here several days ago with a message from Admiral Reedie. The city of Teldor has been repopulated and is safe. He said he had a message from our ‘divine friend’ and has taken the army from the south coast by ship to Calcaloin. I’ve estimated that with good weather, he should be docking in about a week or so.”

  “That does not give us a lot of time.”

  “That I know, but we need to gather the Rhaurns and march to Rowet’s aid.”

  “I have a couple of ideas,” said Dax, deep in thought. Slowly, he smiled broadly.

  ***

  Later during the evening, after a joyful meal, Dax went for a long walk and talk with Rayth. Both men arrived back at the house in good humour and spent the rest of the night in the kitchen, drinking and talking of old times. Cara and Thade joined them, happy in each other’s company, swapping tales and laughing until the early hours.

  ***

  The Gliding Falcon continued to be buffeted and bucked by a violent, relentless storm. During the night, rain lashed down onto the deck whipped up by the strong winds. All of the sails had been pulled in. Two sailors manned the wheel constantly and struggled to steer the ship into the squalling wind. They had one order—keep the ship away from the shoreline. But at night, in the middle of such a devastating storm without the benefit of the stars, they had no idea where they were going or where was land. A forlorn duty.

  The ship and its crew were at the sea’s mercy. None of the other ships in the fleet could be contacted and this worried Admiral Rendel as he tried to eat some food. The first time he had tried to eat that evening, the alarm bell sounded. He had rushed to the wheel and helped the sailors keep the ship facing into the storm, but with the squalling winds, this proved very difficult. Then he went down below and supervised the bailing of the cargo bays. Finally, he made sure every hatch had been battened down before returning to his cabin, totally exhausted.

  He knew the ship had been blown off course but was unsure in which direction. For the first time in an age, Admiral Rendel said a prayer to the Divine One for his men on the Gliding Falcon and the others on their ships in his fleet. The Gliding Falcon lurched again as another wave battered its side. The alarm bell rang.

  ***

  The morning was clear and crisp in the Rhaurien hills, west of the Glass Mountains. Zane and the others woke early, and Cara made them a hearty meal. Everyone broke their fast in near silence. Around the table the mood was heavy and sombre. They qui
etly ate their toasted bread, eggs, and bacon, washed down with cool apple juice. Thade had taken food up to the cave for Gan-Goran and reported back that there was no change in Tanas.

  Zane and Dax left the house, stood on the porch, and waited for the surviving axe-wielders and Royal Lancers to gather around. Only twenty-six men remained. The rest of the men had been killed during the Wraith Hounds’ attack. One of the axe-wielders stepped forward and speared the King’s Standard into the ground. The flag bore the royal family’s crest: a golden kestrel within a diamond on a dark blue banner.

  Zane looked at the standard as it fluttered gently in the fresh wind. “Men of Rhaurien,” he began, “I’m not very good with rousing speeches but I will tell you the truth. The army that attacked Teldor are currently camped outside Kal-Pharina. Within the white city are friends of our people. These friends have helped the Rhaurns in the recent past and it’s my intention to go to their aid. I’ve been informed that Admiral Rendel is sailing around the south coast with part of our army camped in Teldor and the neighbouring southern towns. It’s my intention to gather the rest of our army and march across the Steppes to aid the white city.

  “We will be facing an army of the darkest, foulest kind. If we lose this battle then our friends, our families, our children, and our children’s children will all suffer. We must not let the base monster who leads the army succeed. My friends and I have been to the heart of the beast’s homeland and we can tell you it’s evil. He’s evil beyond description. I, Zane, King of Rhaurien, protector of my people, will not let this happen, will not let this beast succeed.”

  Zane stepped forward, lifted his family standard, and raised it high into the air. “I ask you, men of Rhaurien, to go out on the fastest horses and call men to our cause. Go to every town and every village and tell the men, ‘Your king needs you’. Men of Rhaurien, ride out and gather my army. We will meet south of Evlon, then ride out and defeat our foe.”