Bound by Fire

by Ronald Craft

Chapter 21

  “Teeth marks? What kind of teeth marks?” Chaerok kicked the bones away from him.

  “If I were to put coin on it, I'd say they're human.” Kane held his hand against the back of his head. The pounding was only getting worse.

  He fumbled around in the bones until he found an old tunic and tore it into pieces. Kane wrapped the cloth around his head and tied it tight. It was far from clean, but it was better than letting his head bleed.

  Chaerok hunched down into a corner and hugged his knees. “W—What does this mean, Kane?”

  Kane rested his head against the wall. “They're probably cannibals. It's hard to find meat up here. I imagine they get tired of eating the cave moss after a while. It's only natural.”

  There's no way the people of Tor could live only on cave plants and the slim pickings the mountains offered. Especially in the winter.

  “Gonuro must've known that we'd never agree to separate. He never intended on letting us leave at all.”

  Even so, their current situation was even less appealing. He was certain that Neus would still be in denial and would blame them for what happened to Gonuro. The look in the man's eyes, the way he spoke to Kane, it was all something he could relate to.

  The pain of a father who's lost everything.

  I need to find a way out before it's too late.

  Chaerok's voice shook as he spoke. “Kane, what c—can we do? We have to get out of here.”

  Kane sighed. This man made no sense to him. One minute Chaerok was hiding in a corner whimpering, and the next he was burning people to ashes with a grin on his face.

  How did I end up with such a crazed man? A full moon has already passed, and we seem to be no closer to finding whatever it is that Chaerok has been seeking. I can see it in his eyes. Whatever it is that eludes him, I can only hope that we find it soon.

  He squinted. “Feel around the wall and the floor. See if you can find any cracks.”

  They fumbled around the cave for what seemed like an eternity. The darkness always robbed him of his sense of time, but the pitch black cave he was trapped in only made it worse. He ran his fingers across every gap and crack looking for something promising enough for them to find a way out.

  “Did you find anything, Kane?”

  “Not a thing.” Kane sat back down and stroked his beard. He really wished they had at least left him his pipe. The tobacco would help calm him down and cleanse his mind. His reliance on the stuff had grown during the journey. Whenever he felt stressed he would take out the pipe and fill his lungs with its fragrant smoke.

  There had certainly been enough stress to go around. So much so, that he'd run out of tobacco quicker than he'd anticipated.

  He was tired. Too much had happened since he left Lochden. He was still no closer to catching up to Karena and getting Ilian back. Kane didn't even know where to look for them at this point. All he knew was that, eventually, Karena would end up back at the home of her order.

  Kane had been there once, long ago. His brother had brought him there, and it was where he met his wife. She always had the coldest gaze, and not a bit of emotion in her voice, but he could see that inside she was just the same as any other woman. Something about her drew him in.

  It wasn't just her eyes, or the way her hair cascaded down her back. It wasn't even the way the light clothes she wore draped about her figure. It was more than looks. She was a strong woman, someone who didn't let her gender stop her from being who she wanted to be. He admired that in her.

  Ah, Lilith, how I miss you. What a horrible, undependable father I've been to Ilian. I only wish that we could have had a child of our own. I hope you will still welcome me with open arms when I return to the land of the dead once more. May the gods have mercy on my soul.

  His eyes grew heavy and sleep came to him. Kane's dreams were full of memories of the past. Happier times, when he and his beloved were still together. The first time they kissed, slept together and the last time he saw a tear run down her face.

  It was their final moments together, her body pressed against his. He could still feel her breath against his ear as she whispered to him.

  “I have to go, my love.”

  Kane nodded, words still lost to him.

  He felt something wet against his cheek. Kane shifted, and looked into her eyes; eyes that glistened with tears.

  “I'll see you again, I promise.”

  Kane smiled. “There's nothing that can keep us apart. I'll be waiting for you.”

  With that, the tears flowed anew, and her face beamed with a smile reserved only for him.

  Kane woke to a hand on his shoulder. He lashed out and heard a dull thud as his fist came into contact with someone.

  “What was that for?” Chaerok screamed.

  “I—I'm sorry. You startled me.” Kane ran his hand through his hair, and wiped the wetness from his eyes.

  I'm such a fool.

  Chaerok slumped in the corner opposite him. “You were mumbling something about your wife. I thought it best if I woke you up.”

  Kane shook his head. “Why would I dream of happiness in such a dark place?”

  “It's in the darkness when we're truly alone, Kane. Your mind has to find light somewhere.”

  “I think that's the wisest thing you've ever said, Chaerok.”

  Chaerok's voice was heavy. “There's not much wisdom in me, Kane. It's just the reality I live from one day to the next. My mind is covered in a blackness so deep that I can't penetrate it. The only light I have is the thing that drives me ever forward. I don't have memories of the past like you do.”

  Kane rubbed his forehead. “Memories aren't always such a good thing. I'd sooner forget many of them, then retain them throughout my life.”

  “It's memories that define who you are, Kane. Without them, who am I? I'm an empty shell, a leach. I live off the lives of others, and I have no family to return to.”

  He had blamed Chaerok for all of his own misfortunes up until now, but Kane at least realized that Chaerok was as much a victim as he was. The man couldn't remember his own past, and he killed against his will. Kane might have gotten a bad side of the deal, but the pain he felt couldn't compare to the pain Chaerok must feel.

  “We'll get your memories back, Chaerok. Just as soon as we break out of this rotten place.” Kane motioned around him.

  He had a lifetime of memories to reflect back on. A lifetime of both happy and sad times. What did Chaerok have? He had nothing. Nothing he could look back on and smile at. All he had was darkness.

  Even if he wasn't fond of the man, Kane would at least support Chaerok's dreams. They both had something they needed to do. And, they needed each other to do it.

  “Psst.”

  Kane looked up. “What is it, Chaerok?”

  “Huh? I didn't say anything.”

  “Hey, up here.”

  A piece of moss dropped through the hole in the top of the cave and hit the floor. It emitted the same green glow as the rest, and brought some light to the room.

  Kane looked up and saw an eye and part of a face looking down at them through the hole. “Who's there?”

  “I can get you out of there,” the voice said.

  “Oh Yeah? Well, what are you waiting for?” Kane stood up and walked over to the center of the room. He picked up the moss and held it above his head.

  “Hold it right there. You think I'm going to do it for free? I don't do nothin' for free.”

  Kane sighed. What sort of people went around and blackmailed someone in prison of all places? From the voice, it sounded like a kid. Kids he could deal with.

  “So, what'll it be old man?”

  “Well,” Kane motioned towards the boulder blocking the entrance, “I have something valuable I can trade if you get me out of here.”

  “Is that so?” said the kid. “What sort of 'valuable', huh? I'm no fool, ya know.”

  Kan
e grinned. “I don't think I'm in any position to lie, do you?”

  The voice was silent for a moment. “All right, so what is it?” the kid continued.

  He used his most convincing story-teller voice. “It's a weapon like no other. Light and strong, it can cut through anything. Whoever wields it will be unbeatable.”

  “Whoa.” There was a cough and the voice deepened a little. “I mean, interesting. You got a deal, old man. You'd better be tellin' the truth. Wait right there.”

  Kane looked around and shrugged. “I don't suppose I have much choice in the matter.”

  The speaker scrambled away, and it was quiet for a good length of time. Just when Kane thought they had been abandoned, or the kid had fallen into some sort of trap, there was a loud grating sound and the boulder slid away. He held the moss up and looked around the entrance.

  In front of him stood the grimiest kid he'd ever seen. Long, dark hair, and clothes coated in dirt. Despite this, the kid grinned at him with his hands on his hips.

  “The name's Gremi. I run things around here.”

  “Good to meet you, Gremi. We're in your debt.” Kane wasn't sure whether he wanted to laugh, or toss the kid into a lake and scrub him. Actually, he was sure he didn't want to do the latter. It'd take a lifetime to remove that much dirt.

  “Nice to meet you, Gremi.” Chaerok said, standing to the side of Kane.

  Kane shared a glance with Chaerok. He wanted to make sure the man didn't blurt out anything stupid. “Okay, Gremi. Take us to our things, and get us to the flying device. I'll give you your reward before we depart.”

  Gremi winked. “No worries. I'll have you outta here in no time. Just follow me.”

  They stuck close behind Gremi as he crept through a series of dark, wet tunnels. Kane was lost right away, but the kid seemed to have no problem navigating them. Chaerok was his usual self, stumbling over everything. He was definitely born without any form of grace.

  “Gremi, can I ask you a question?” Kane asked.

  Gremi spoke over his shoulder. “Yeah, what is it?”

  “Why did you free us?” Kane continued.

  “Some of us left Tor. We've been living deeper in the caves. Not all of us think it's a good idea to eat other humans, ya know? Yuck. I couldn't stand the sight of it.”

  Kane nodded. “Makes sense. How many of you are there?”

  Gremi stopped and peaked around a corner. “Enough. You done talking yet? We're almost there.”

  Kane chuckled to himself. At least the kid has some nerve.

  Gremi waved them forward and spoke in a hushed tone. “Right there. Your stuff is in that room.” He pointed next to the door. “That's where the guard stands.”

  A guard stood outside a small cave that was sealed shut. If it wasn't for the kid, Kane would have run right into the guard. It seemed they had a bit of fortune on their side after all.

  “Just one problem,” Chaerok whispered from behind. “How are we going to get past the guard? We're unarmed.”

  Gremi produced something from within his clothes. “I'm three steps ahead of you. Watch this.”

  It looked to be a simple sling with a pouch for the projectile. Gremi reached into a pocket and pulled out a white stone. It had a slight glow to it and was perfectly round. He placed the stone in the pouch and crawled closer to the guard. Gremi sat still for several moments, staring into the darkness. Then, he stood up and whipped the sling around once. He released the stone and it flew towards his target. There was a bright flash and a loud popping sound. The guard fell over without a word.

  Kane stared at the kid. “What was that?”

  Gremi grinned. “It's a secret. All I'll tell you is that it's something we learned how to make long ago. Cheap, efficient, and great for knocking people out.”

  “Is it safe, now?” Chaerok asked.

  “Yup. Go get your stuff,” Gremi said.

  Kane stepped over the unconscious guard and stopped at the door. “What prevented you from just taking all of our things while we were imprisoned, Gremi?”

  Gremi tapped his knuckles against the door. “They made it child proof. We kept raiding them before, so they made this door so heavy that even an adult can barely move it.”

  Kane grinned. Child proof, eh? That's a novel concept.

  Even with all the muscle he'd gained from years of working the smithy, it took the combined might of all three of them to open it enough for Kane to fit through.

  There was a lot more than just their belongings in the room. There were things that had belonged to others at one point in time. Clothes, armor, weapons, trinkets of all shapes and sizes. The glow of the moss gave everything in the room an eerie green glow. It quickened his heart, and made him anxious to leave.

  Kane helped himself to a few things that looked helpful. A new, thicker coat that would better protect him from the elements. A knife so dull it probably wouldn't even cut through butter, and an old, rusted sword. He dumped the sword out of its sheath and slid his own into it. It'd be better if he had the blade covered, lest someone take notice of the evil that had taken root within it.

  Once they had all their things they exited the room. Gremi leaned up against the rock wall, waiting for them.

  “So, where's this weapon old man?”

  Kane held out his hand. “Easy there. You haven't fulfilled your part of the bargain yet. We need to get to the flying device first.”

  Gremi narrowed his eyes. “Fine. We're close to it, anyway.”

  They walked through another series of confusing twists and turns until at last arriving at a large wall. It was smooth, and there seemed to be no way past it.

  “Right. Here we are.” Gremi put his back up against the wall and pushed. The wall gave way and slid forward. Light from the other side made its way into the chamber.

  Kane ducked underneath the opening and blinked against the sudden brightness. When his eyes were adjusted he looked around. “I wish we'd met you far sooner, Gremi.”

  In front of them was the device. It remained as they had left it.

  “Quite impressive. Let's get out of here before they catch up to us. I don't plan on being anyone's dinner.” Chaerok's voice was more cheerful sounding than it had been.

  “Aye. I can agree with you on that one.” Kane tossed his pack into the basket of the device. He wasn't really sure how to use the thing, but it didn't look too complicated. Either way, it was better than staying in this place.

  Gremi coughed. “So, what about my reward?” He tapped his foot.

  “Oh yeah.” Kane reached into his pocket and pulled out the knife he'd picked up earlier. “Here you go.” He tossed it over to Gremi.

  Gremi pulled the knife out of its sheath and examined it. “What am I supposed to do with this old thing? It's not going to make me unstoppable.”

  Kane shrugged. “It's not the weapon that makes the man. It's the man that makes the weapon. A weapon is only as strong as the person wielding it.”

  “You know, I like you old man. I knew you were lying back in the cave, but I was feelin' nice today. I'll let you off this one time.” Gremi slipped the knife into his belt and dashed back the way they had come. The wall rumbled as the stone slid back into place behind him.

  “Kane, someone's coming,” Chaerok whispered.

  Footsteps and shouts came through the other side of the wall, moving closer all the while.

  Kane tightened his fist. “Damn. They found out already. We need to get out of here. Now.”

  They hopped into the basket and started cutting the ropes. The ropes were thick and even with two people it was taking far too long. The entrance started to slide open.

  “Don't let them escape,” Neus shouted from the other side of the door.

  There was no way they could get captured again. Neus would slay them on the spot.

  “Cut faster,” Kane roared.

  They cut the last of the ropes just as the first of
the guards spilled into the chamber.

  “There the are,” one of the guardsmen shouted.

  Neus burst into the chamber, a spear in his hand. “Do not let them escape!” He hefted the spear and tossed it at Kane.

  He ducked just as the spear whistled past his head and bounced off the rock behind him.

  Free of the ropes, the device soared upwards and out of the top of the mountain. He could no longer hear the shouts of Neus, nor see any of the figures that stood below him in that dark cavern.

  The wind took them and pushed the balloon North. Kane worked the contraption above them and they lifted further above the mountains. He fumbled around with it for a while until he was able to get a grasp on how everything worked.

  After a while, he was able to catch an air current that took them East. It was much more frigid above the mountains, and the wind chapped his lips quicker than it ever had on the journey to the Oreios. He was thankful he'd picked up the coat in that storage room. The heat from device helped push back some of the cold, but the journey would be a rough one until they made it past the mountains.

  I have only one path left to me. I don't know where Karena is, but I know where she's heading. I'll find the answers I'm seeking there. You have much to answer for, Valnoth.

  “So, what now?” Chaerok clung to the edge of the basket.

  Kane looked to the East. “There's only one place for us to go. The Sylvatya Islands.”

  “What's there?” Chaerok asked.

  He met Chaerok's gaze. “The last of a long line of murderers. The Order of Assassins.”

  Chaerok's face paled. “Are you sure we should go there?”

  Kane nodded. “Karena will be there, for sure. And, when we find her, I'll make her regret all she's done to me.”

  And you will pay for what you've done to Ilian a thousand times over.

  “Kane,” Chaerok stood on shaky legs. “There's just one problem.”

  He cocked his head. “What problem?”

  “I'm not being driven to the East anymore. It's moving...”

  Kane grabbed Chaerok by the shoulders. “Moving where?”

  Chaerok's voice was thin. “I—It's moving North-West. I can feel it.”

  North-West? What's going on? He was sure that Karena would head back to her order. If it wasn't Karena that this man was following, then what was it?

  “Chaerok.” Kane looked into the man's eyes. “Can you tell me exactly what it is you're chasing after?”

  Chaerok shook his head. “I don't know exactly what it is. All I know is that it beckons to me wherever I go. I need to follow it.”

  He had a decision to make. East or North-West. Which would it be?

  “Chaerok, what happens if we don't follow it?”

  Chaerok shrugged. “I'm not sure...”

  Kane pulled the rope and some more of the black powder dumped onto the stone. There was a blast of heat and the balloon soared upwards. “You're the one that brought me back to life, Chaerok. I need answers, and there's only one place I'll find them for certain.”

  “W—Wait, Kane, you can't mean...”

  He turned away from Chaerok and looked into the clouds. “We head East.”