Bound by Fire

by Ronald Craft

Chapter 29

  Kane paced around the hut, muttering under his breath. Valnoth had been quick to invite him to an audience, but he had been slow in following through with the offer. Several days had passed, and still Kane idled about. His gaze settled on Chaerok.

  He's getting worse. Damn you, Valnoth.

  Chaerok tossed and turned, moaning in his fevered sleep, his clothes saturated with sweat. Over the past days Kane had found what rodents he could scrounge and allowed Chaerok to feed off their life force. It wasn't much more than a morsel to Chaerok, and while it managed to sustain him, he was still far too weak to be of use.

  I can't let you feed yet. Just a little more time. You'd better not unleash your dark persona, either. If that evil comes out then my plans are for naught.

  He sat down on a stool in a corner of the room, and tapped his foot. How could Valnoth be Ilian's father? They look nothing alike. Why would Valnoth send away his own son? Was he afraid that a bastard child would endanger his position?

  Kane shook his head. No, that's not it. If he was worried about that, then he'd never have sent Karena to retrieve Ilian. I must find out the truth.

  A loud knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts.

  “Enter,” Kane shouted.

  The door swung open with a creak to reveal Biso standing before him. She had her mask up, and weapons covered her body; knives, a short sword, and a pouch were strapped to her belt. Biso looked ready to go to war at a moment's notice.

  “Valnoth will see you now,” she stated, her voice devoid of emotion.

  Kane jumped out of his seat. “It's about damn time. What right does he have to make us wait this long?”

  Biso narrowed her eyes. “On this island his will is law. It would do you well not to forget that.”

  They glared at one another for a moment. He could feel his cheeks redden with fury while she stared at him coolly, a hand resting on a knife strapped to her hip.

  He broke eye contact first, and gestured towards Chaerok. “What about him?”

  “This man seems to have some sort of sickness. It would be best if he wasn't allowed near Valnoth.”

  “Chaerok needs to come. I assure you he has nothing more than a fever. It will pass soon enough.”

  Biso walked over to the bed, and stared down at Chaerok. “He doesn't look well to me. If I were you, I'd—”

  Chaerok's hand shot up, and grabbed onto Biso's leg, his fingers digging hard into her flesh.

  Her eyes widened, and she shrieked, her voice quivering with pain.

  Kane rushed across the room, and smacked Chaerok's hand away. Fool! Why now? Why couldn't you wait?

  Biso backed away, her chest heaving as she gasped for air.

  Chaerok took a deep, raspy breath, and his eyes fluttered open.

  She pulled down her mask, and pointed at Chaerok. “What the hell was that?”

  Sweat beaded Kane's brow. Not good. The only time assassins remove their masks is when they're ready to kill you; so you can see the face of the one that's about to end your life.

  “Just looked like a reflex to me.” Damn you, Chaerok. It's too soon.

  Biso rubbed her leg. The color had drained from her face, and she looked woozy. “I felt... something.” She took a step, lost her balance, and slumped towards the ground.

  Kane caught her, and threw her arm over his shoulder. This might be beneficial for me.

  Two more of Valnoth's dogs burst into the hut.

  “What happened to Biso?” the closest one asked.

  “She suddenly became ill. I think she needs a doctor.”

  The assassins eyed him for a moment. Biso wheezed something unintelligible.

  “What did you do to her?” the same one asked. He approached Kane, and looked him in the eye. “Do not lie to me, or I will add your tongue to my collection.”

  Biso coughed, and wheezed.

  “You think I did something to her? Are you mad? Do you really think that I'd do something so stupid here, of all places?”

  That should be convincing enough. Gods know that I feigned anger in front of Ilian many times.

  It seemed like eternity before the assassin broke his gaze from Kane's own. “I will be watching you.”

  Watch me all you like. By the time you figure out what I have planned, it'll be too late.

  The other assassin nodded, and took Biso from Kane. They led her from the hut, off towards the other side of town.

  Kane turned, and walked back to Chaerok's side.

  Chaerok sat up on the bed, and rubbed his eyes.

  He still looks terrible. I'd better tread carefully.

  “You look better. Can you walk?”

  Chaerok nodded. “I should be able to. I didn't get a lot of energy from her, but it'll be enough for now.”

  “Good enough. Valnoth has finally allowed us to go and meet with him. I'd sooner bathe in my own urine than lay my eyes on filth like that again, but I haven't a choice.” Kane pulled Chaerok onto his feet. “He has answers I need.”

  How I'd love to run my sword through that damnable man. What he did is unforgivable. No child should be brought into this world through rape.

  An assassin, younger than the others, poked his head into the shack. “I'll take you to Valnoth in place of Biso. Please follow me.” The man's voice was pleasant, but his eyes were as cold as the others; a trait that was common on this island.

  Valnoth isn't stupid. He'll be on his guard now. I'll have to be careful, lest Chaerok ruin everything.

  Kane and Chaerok followed the guard into the entrance to the tower. The tower shot up towards the sky like no other building he had seen before. The rock from which it was carved shone with a brilliance that matched the sun. Finding a hand hold anywhere on that tower was impossible, as it was smooth all around.

  I used to think this tower was impressive. Now, I know that it's nothing more than a den for a demon cloaked in white.

  Inside the tower, tapestries bearing the markings of the Order lined the walls; predatory animals and birds, sharp fangs and claws, these were the symbols of their trade.

  They went up several flights of stairs that circled around the inside of the tower. Servants scurried to and fro bearing their tasks in the form of baskets, vases, and brooms. Several members of the Order stalked the shadows of the tower, ever watchful.

  At last, they came to a stop outside a large, solid door. The nameless guard knocked on it with two quick taps. The door opened revealing a small, gray-haired man wearing light robes that hung off his body.

  “Ah, so you're here at last.” he wheezed. “Come in, come in. Valnoth has been waiting.”

  Here at last? Kane thought. We're the ones that have been waiting.

  The guard stepped to the side and directed him into the room. “I will escort you back when you're finished.”

  Kane cocked his head. “Thrilling.” He walked past him, and the old man.

  Chaerok followed behind without a sound.

  “If you'll excuse me.” The old man bowed, and shut the door with a click.

  The room was much simpler than Kane had imagined. It was oval in shape, with a large desk to the side, covered in parchment and various maps. All across the room there were portraits of all the creature's he had seen on the way in, each spaced a hands-breadth apart. Behind the desk was a large painting of Valnoth in full battle gear. A great sword gleamed at his hip, and his eyes seemed to be on Kane wherever he moved in the room.

  A door leading to another room clicked open. “It's an illusion done by the artist,” Valnoth said, as he entered the chamber.

  Kane turned and faced Valnoth. He stood before Kane in a plain white robe. You can cloak yourself in white, Valnoth, but your heart is still black underneath.

  Valnoth smiled. “I'm glad you've decided to come.” His eyes twinkled. “I see your friend's health has improved.”

  Valnoth's gaze slid to Chaerok. “What was
your name again? I'm sorry, my memory isn't what it used to be.”

  “Chaerok,” he mumbled.

  He still looks half dead. Better half dead, than completely dead.

  Kane shrugged. “It's nothing to worry about.” He clenched his fist. “I didn't come here to be your friend. Let's get to the point.”

  Valnoth brushed some scrolls off a chair onto the floor and took a seat. “You have questions, and I have answers.” His grin broadened. “Though, I'm not sure if I have the answers you seek.”

  Something isn't right. What does he hope to gain by bringing me here?

  Kane crossed his arms. “Tell me about Ilian. I want to know what in the gods' names you were thinking.”

  “Please, have a seat.” Valnoth gestured towards an empty chair across from him. “I'll tell you everything I know.”

  Kane puffed out his chest. “I'm fine as I am.”

  “As you wish.” Valnoth leaned back in his chair. “This island and the people on it belong to me. They are my family, but they are also my property.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “What's your point?”

  Valnoth raised a hand. “This includes the women, married or not. I give much to my people, but I also take from them as well. I never expected to sire a child with her. Ilian was as much a surprise to me as it was to her. As far as your brother knew, it was his own child. I wanted it to be that way so he could love Ilian as his own.”

  “You mean, so it would be more convenient for you. No matter how you try to justify it, you still raped her.”

  Valnoth shook his head. “See it as you will.”

  “I'm losing my patience, Valnoth. Get on with it. I'm not here to throw back drinks with you, and listen to your tales of dominating women and exploiting your people.” Kane cracked his knuckles as he spoke.

  “You're taking all the fun out of this, Kane.” He chuckled a moment later and continued on. “I don't want you coming after me with that sword of yours. It looks rather intimidating,” Valnoth mocked.

  He ground his teeth, and moved a hand to the hilt of his sword. Oh how nice it would be to wet my blade in the blood of this man. This is the perfect chance to see how well that blackened blade Chaerok's dark self enchanted would work on Valnoth.

  “I'll get straight to it, then.” The grin faded from Valnoth's face. “A very short time after Ilian was born there was an attempt to rebel against me. As you can see,” he gestured around the room, “it failed. However, they did manage to do something quite terrible to Ilian.”

  “And?” What little patience he had left was slipping away.

  The lighthearted tone from earlier was gone. “They bound the heart of a god inside of him. Inside my son.”

  Kane's hand dropped to his side. “What? You've lost your mind.”

  Valnoth shook his head. “I know it seems far-fetched. Believe me, I wish it wasn't the truth.”

  What is this man babbling about? Has he completely lost it?

  “I lived with Ilian for nearly his entire life. I assure you, aside from his blacksmithing skills, there's nothing remarkable about him.”

  “As much as you try to deny it, Kane,” Valnoth leaned forward, “Ilian is still my son. I would never do anything to endanger his life.”

  That hit Kane hard. Valnoth claimed Ilian as his own even though he had never had a part in Ilian's life. Where does he get off thinking that he's qualified to be Ilian's father? He doesn't deserve that title, even if he is of the same flesh and blood.

  “You have no right to call him your son, Valnoth. What are you babbling about with this 'heart of a god' crap?” Kane met Valnoth's gaze without blinking.

  Valnoth rose out of his chair and leaned over the table. “I sent him away for his own good. I have every right to call him my son.” He took a deep breath. “As for the heart, it was the heart of Bale. Dagfinn had it on him all those years ago.”

  Dagfinn? That's the god of fire.

  “You've lost it, Valnoth. Stop with the madness and tell me the truth.”

  “Fine,” Valnoth slammed a fist on the table, “do you want to see it for yourself? The god of fire and flame, Dagfinn? I'll take you to him.”

  He walked over to the door and threw it open. “Follow me,” Valnoth said over his shoulder.

  Kane hesitated, sharing a dubious look with Chaerok, before following Valnoth. It could be a trap, but I have to at least see what he's talking about before I plunge this sword into his chest.

  Chaerok tugged on his sleeve. “Do you really want this, Kane? I have a bad feeling. I'm not sure if we should go down there.”

  Kane shrugged him off. “You can stay here if you like. I'm going.”

  “As you wish,” Chaerok whispered.

  They walked down the stairs to the ground floor. A pair of guards barred a door, but Valnoth waved them aside. He grabbed a lantern next to the entrance, and descended down into the darkness. The light from the lantern danced off the mold covered walls.

  It's much older down here, Kane thought. Nothing like the pristine beauty of the tower above.

  More stairs wound downwards. Kane looked over the edge, but he couldn't discern anything. From below rose a low moaning, as if the wind were crying.

  He shuddered.

  At last, they arrived at a large, metal door. It was bolted shut, and had an X across it, followed by some scribbled words he couldn't make out. Valnoth slid the bolt back, and swung the door open with a grunt.

  “Here's your god, Kane. What's left of him, anyway.” He held up the lamp so it illuminated the chamber.

  Kane took a step back at the sight.

  A scarred face, and a body missing most of its skin, was chained to the wall inside. Bones were clearly visible in the light, and one of the eyes was missing. Its legs were twisted and mangled. The creature moaned at the light. The same moaning he had heard on the way down, except more pained. The chains holding it rattled as it pulled against them.

  “Bloody hell,” Kane muttered. “What have you done?”

  Valnoth chuckled. “It's as you see. I have the last living god imprisoned here.”

  “This isn't possible.” Kane pointed at the decrepit figure before him. “How could a god be reduced to this? You've lost it, Valnoth.”

  “I see the doubt in your face, Kane. Let me show you.” Valnoth walked over to the creature, and pulled a knife from his belt. He sliced open his palm, and then jabbed the knife in the creature's shoulder. It shrieked and gurgled as blood trickled out.

  Valnoth let the blood drip onto his palm, and squeezed his hand shut. A moment later, he opened his fist, and licked the blood off his palm. He held up his hand. “No wound; not even a scar. Proof of the healing power of Dagfinn.”

  Kane stared, his mouth agape. “The gods' are much more powerful than us, Valnoth. How could you have one imprisoned like this?”

  Valnoth shook his head. “Dagfinn overextended himself. He sought to destroy his own brethren, and take their powers. In the end, he succeeded, but at a price.” Valnoth grinned. “Dagfinn lost the ability to manifest his powers. I found him, bloodied and pathetic, crawling through the rain. He had the heart of his brother clutched in his hand. Since then, he's been my play toy. I wouldn't have lived as long as I have if it wasn't for the renewing power of his blood.”

  Kane's eyes flashed between Valnoth, and the creature chained to the wall. It all made sense, now. They were coming for Dagfinn and, failing to release him, they instead sealed the heart of Bale inside of Ilian.

  But for what purpose? He asked himself. Why would they place the heart of a god inside a toddler?

  Valnoth's eyes darkened. “It's sweet, you know. The blood of a god.” He licked his lips.

  The chains rattled behind him. A single, purple eye gleamed in the meager light. A raspy voice cried out. “Brother, you've come for me at last.” The eye was fixated on Chaerok.

  Chaerok stumbled away from the door. “Wh—What a
re you talking about?”

  The exposed heart of Dagfinn beat faster. “Bale, I never should have taken your heart. Please,” he coughed and wheezed, “please forgive me brother.” Dagfinn's ruined lips were curved upwards in a semblance of a smile, and tears streamed from his remaining eye.

  Kane's eyes widened. He stared at Chaerok, speechless.

  Valnoth turned to Chaerok. “Bale? That's not possible. He was the first Dagfinn destroyed.”

  “Me? Bale? How could I—” Chaerok closed his eyes, and clawed at his face. A loud cry escaped his lungs, and he dropped to his knees. A moment later, his eyes shot open to reveal a sight all too familiar to Kane.

  Dagfinn's brother? No, there's no way Chaerok can be...

  Chaerok stood up, and grinned. “Brother, it's been far too long.”