The Mortal Blade: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (The Magelands Eternal Siege Book 1)

by Christopher Mitchell

  Corthie laughed. ‘Nope. I can’t do that.’

  Hilde’s eyes darkened. ‘And why not?’

  ‘Because the future’s not… because I can’t be bound when I don’t know what’s going to happen.’

  ‘Not good enough.’

  ‘Then you have to decide,’ he said; ‘because I’m not leaving until I see Blackrose. Call the wardens and try to have me ejected from here, or let me speak to her.’

  ‘If I asked Blackrose to incinerate you, she would do it,’ said Hilde. ‘Perhaps this is the answer. No one knows you’re here, and your body would never be found. I could sweep it out with the rest of the ashes. Do you want to take that risk?’

  Maddie stared at her. ‘But he’s the champion.’

  ‘So?’ Hilde said. ‘The storms of Sweetmist will be arriving in less than ten days from now. The moats will refill with the rains, and the greenhides will retreat for a couple of months. If a champion were to go missing, this would be the best time for it.’

  ‘Fair enough,’ said Corthie. ‘If that’s your condition, I’m happy to take the risk. Make it quick, though, aye? I wouldn’t want to be lying half-scalded for twenty minutes.’

  ‘What?’ said Maddie. ‘This is insane, I can’t agree to this.’

  ‘Hush, Maddie,’ said Hilde; ‘I’m not asking for your agreement. This young man may be the flavour of the summer, but I’ve seen plenty of champions come and go over the years.’

  ‘Not like him, you haven’t.’

  ‘His kill-rate is above average, I admit, but there are millions of greenhides out there. In the grand scheme of things, Corthie Holdfast’s contribution will dwindle into insignificance, the fame of his exploits will fade, and before we know it, another champion will come along to thrill the hearts of the gullible.’

  Corthie raised an eyebrow, and for a moment Maddie wondered if he was going to get angry. Instead, he smiled.

  ‘You’re completely right,’ he said, ‘except for one thing. My time here is short. I’ll kill greenhides for the City, but not forever; perhaps not even for long.’

  Hilde regarded him for a second. ‘You have a deathwish?’

  ‘No. My sister’s coming to rescue me. I keep telling folk this, but no one listens. I just need to stay alive until then. Of course, if she were to get here, and find that you’d ordered a dragon to incinerate me, well, she probably wouldn’t be too pleased; but I’ll be dead, so hey. It’ll be you that has to deal with the consequences.’

  Maddie and Hilde glanced at each other.

  ‘Your sister?’ said Hilde.

  ‘Aye. And if you think I’m powerful…’

  ‘You’re bluffing.’

  ‘I’m sure Blackrose might have something to add to this,’ said Maddie.

  ‘Good idea,’ said Corthie, ‘though if she’s like Buckler, I doubt it’ll be anything sensible. As much as I love that red lizard, he’s clueless about the history of dragons, or about anything other than fighting.’

  ‘That’s not his fault,’ said Maddie. ‘He was raised as a slave-mercenary. Blackrose is always chiding him about his lack of dragony ways, whereas she used to be a queen.’

  ‘Maddie, stop it,’ Hilde sighed.

  ‘A queen?’ said Corthie, his eyes lighting up. ‘Then she remembers her own world? By the way, I think the soup’s gone cold.’

  ‘I’ve lost my appetite anyway,’ said Hilde. ‘Amalia’s ass, I hope I don’t regret this. If Blackrose feels that I’ve betrayed her in any way it could destroy everything I’ve built here over the last decade. Her trust in me would vanish.’ She glanced at Maddie and Corthie. ‘None of us might be leaving the lair alive; do you both understand?’

  ‘It’ll be fine,’ Corthie said. ‘I’ll take full responsibility. Tell her I bullied you into it.’

  ‘Are you sure you don’t have a deathwish?’

  ‘All this worry can’t be good for your health. You should try to relax more.’

  Hilde strode to a cupboard and removed a flask of gin. ‘I’m going to need one of these first.’ She poured a glass, then downed it neat. ‘Alright. Let’s go and see Blackrose.’

  The captain led Maddie and Corthie out of the kitchen and along the hallway.

  ‘That door at the end leads to the lair,’ said Maddie, keeping pace with her crutch.

  Corthie smiled. ‘The smell gives it away.’

  They passed through the gate and entered the huge cavern that led to both lairs.

  ‘That red door there,’ said Maddie, pointing, ‘that’s where Buckler lives.’

  ‘Right,’ said Corthie. ‘I’ve seen that from the other side. Buckler had the cheek to tell me it went nowhere.’

  ‘And this black gate…’

  ‘Hush, Maddie,’ said Hilde. ‘I think the champion can guess that for himself.’ The captain opened the hatch in the gate. ‘Blackrose? Me again. Listen, prepare yourself; we have a visitor.’

  ‘Excellent,’ murmured a voice; ‘another live goat?’

  ‘Eh, not exactly.’ She turned to the others. ‘Come on.’

  They stepped through the doorway and entered the lair. Fresh blood was pooling by the dragon’s forelimbs, along with a few scattered bones and scraps of goatskin. Blackrose was resting her head on her enormous limbs, her eyes glimmering as she watched them approach.

  ‘This is Corthie Holdfast, Blackrose,’ said Hilde. ‘He’s a champion; you know, one of the Wolfpack who goes out and fights the greenhides.’

  ‘You’ve brought me an early dinner? How thoughtful. He looks as though he’d take a bit longer to eat than a goat. I hope he’s clean.’

  Corthie stared at her, his mouth falling open. ‘Wow. You are just about the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen,’ he said, walking closer to her claws. ‘Buckler’s a mere pup next to you. Maddie told me you were a queen, and I believe it, utterly. I’ve never laid eyes on anything more regal in my life.’

  Blackrose smiled. ‘A flatterer? It’s been a while since I had one of those around. Go on, tell me more.’

  Corthie halted a yard from her as Maddie and Hilde watched. ‘Can I see your teeth?’

  The dragon opened her jaws, and Corthie leaned in for a closer look.

  ‘I can’t watch,’ gasped Maddie, clutching onto the captain’s arm.

  ‘The boy’s mad,’ muttered Hilde.

  ‘Truly magnificent,’ he said. ‘It’s your teeth that create fire, isn’t it? My father could do it with his fingers. Can you show me?’

  A spark of fire like lightning leapt across Blackrose’s jaws and Corthie whooped and laughed.

  Blackrose closed her jaws. ‘Well, that was amusing. Should I eat you now?’

  Corthie chuckled. ‘When was the last time you ate a human? Do you not remember how bad they taste?’

  ‘Good point, although I find it depends on what they themselves have been eating. Farmers are fine, but city-dwellers are generally revolting.’ Her nostrils flared. ‘From your scent I can tell that you would not be particularly tasty; you drink too much alcohol.’

  ‘I have a scent? But I took a bath this afternoon, and I’m wearing clean clothes. I didn’t think I was reeking.’

  ‘A dragon can tell a hundred things about a human from their odour. For example I can discern a certain amount of hormones being released; enough for me to say with some certainty that you have met someone you like. It’s not love, yet, but I can sense your growing interest in this woman. Am I correct?’

  He smiled. ‘Aye.’

  ‘Who is it?’ said Maddie.

  ‘None of you business,’ said Corthie. ‘We’re keeping it quiet.’

  ‘But I’d really like to know. Can I guess?’

  ‘You’ll never guess, not in a million years.’

  ‘But if I say her name, you’ll confirm it? It’s Sergeant Quill, isn’t it? I’ve seen the way she follows you around and looks at you.’

  ‘It’s not Sergeant Quill.’

  ‘No? Alright, give me a moment…’


  ‘I have an idea,’ said Blackrose. ‘Shall we play a game?’

  Maddie nodded. ‘I like games.’

  ‘You didn’t like this one the last time we played.’

  ‘Yeah, but I’m looking forward to Corthie playing.’

  ‘What game?’ he said.

  The dragon fixed him with her eyes. ‘Listen to me, little champion; in a moment you will feel some pain in your head. Do not worry about it, for sometimes the truth brings pain.’

  He smiled. ‘Ready when you are, dragon.’

  ‘So cocky. Let’s see if you remain so when forced to say nothing but the truth.’ She narrowed her eyes, then opened them wide, her head rising. ‘What is this! Impossible! What trick are you playing on me, insect?’

  ‘I’m not playing any tricks. What’s up? Finding it difficult to get into my head?’

  Maddie stared as the dragon said nothing for a long moment. Blackrose moved her head round Corthie as he stood motionless, sniffing him and looking him up and down.

  ‘You seem mortal enough, so how is this possible? I must know.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ said Maddie. ‘Why isn’t it working?’

  Blackrose glared at her. ‘That is precisely what I just asked him, girl. He is protected. A cloud surrounds him. No, not a cloud; a web of thick strands shields him, impenetrable. I’d guess that even the gods would struggle to break through.’

  ‘They can’t,’ said Corthie; ‘many have tried and failed. I’m immune to all powers.’ He glanced back at Maddie and Hilde. ‘It can be handy having a powerful sister.’

  ‘Your sister did this?’ said Blackrose. ‘She must be a mighty god to have done so.’

  ‘She’s not, but I’ll tell her you said that.’

  ‘As well as the web of protection, I also sense a particularly virulent strain of battle-vision. The powers you possess are too dangerous for a mortal to hold. Why are you here? Who sent you? What is your purpose?’

  ‘I was brought here against my will.’

  ‘Yet you fight for Marcus. Are you his slave?’

  ‘I’m nobody’s slave. I fight because if I didn’t I’d be dead, and I swore to myself that I’d stay alive, at least until I can escape this world and return to my own.’

  ‘A cowardly compromise.’

  ‘Aye, I know. If it was for Marcus alone, I’d tell him to go screw himself, but I like the folk that live in this City. I’m doing it for them.’

  ‘You have a weak heart for feeling that way.’

  Corthie shrugged. ‘I’m a mortal man, with every weakness that comes with it.’

  ‘I assume that if you had the means to return home, you would?’

  ‘Aye. Lord Naxor brought me here, so I’m guessing he has the same sort of device that my sister used to have.’

  The dragon came in closer, until her eyes were level with Corthie. ‘Did you see it?’

  ‘No. Naxor drugged me before we travelled here, but how else could he have done it?’

  ‘So, there is a Quadrant hidden somewhere within the City? How interesting.’ She turned to Hilde. ‘You did very well in bringing this Corthie Holdfast before me; very well indeed.’ She glanced back at Corthie. ‘Do you plan on stealing it?’

  ‘There’s no need; my sister’s coming for me.’

  ‘But you said she “used to” have a Quadrant? Did she lose it?’

  ‘It was stolen by the god who abducted me, but it’ll be fine. My sister’s very resourceful. When she comes, I’ll ask her to help you get home as well.’

  The dragon stared at Corthie for a long time. ‘Thank you. You have no idea what your coming here today means to me. You are the first human to speak any sense about the other worlds that you and I both know exist, and the first to offer me the smallest glimmer of hope that I might one day see my home again.’

  Corthie stepped back. ‘I have to go to work now; I have a shift with the Wolfpack. It was an honour to meet you, Blackrose.’ He lifted his hand and placed it on the side of the dragon’s face. ‘Farewell.’

  He turned and walked over to where Maddie and Hilde were standing. ‘Thanks for letting me see her; she’s more amazing than anything I could have dreamt of.’

  ‘You can’t leave,’ said Maddie, ‘there are still a hundred things I want to ask you. What’s a Quadrant?’

  He laughed. ‘Ask me next time.’

  ‘You’ll be back?’

  ‘You can be sure of that.’ He shook Hilde’s hand. ‘Have I earned your trust yet, Captain?’

  ‘No,’ she said. ‘You didn’t swear the oath.’

  ‘Corthie Holdfast needs to swear no oath to you,’ said Blackrose. ‘He has my trust. He is here for a purpose, and the world of gods will tremble at his approach. Watch out for them, champion, I can sense that the rulers of this City will not take your presence among them lightly. Do not trust them. One or more will fear and hate you, and perhaps even try to kill you.’

  He glanced at the dragon. ‘There have been two attempts on my life so far, but I’m still here.’ He turned to Hilde. ‘I’ll see myself out, Captain. Have a good evening.’

  Corthie walked to the hatch in the gate, stooped down and passed through.

  ‘Did you hear all that?’ said Maddie. ‘Other worlds? He’s immune to the power of the gods! Malik’s crotch, maybe he is the Redeemer.’

  Hilde sighed.

  ‘Alright, maybe not the Redeemer, but he’s exceptional, you can’t deny that.’

  ‘He is an aberration,’ said Blackrose. ‘He goes against everything I thought I knew. Not even the gods can withstand my powers, yet he brushed them away like cobwebs. He is a freak of nature that should not exist; yet at the same time he is my last hope. What does it mean?’

  ‘I don’t want to know,’ said Hilde. ‘I don’t like him, and I don’t like the way he just walks in here and has you both eating out of his hand. He’s trouble, and I hate to see him raise your hopes like that.’

  Blackrose lowered her head to the captain. ‘Hilde, you have served me well for ten years. You know my blackest moods, and my anger, and yet you stayed. We have argued so many times, you and I, and yet my spirits lighten every time you walk into my lair. You brought me Maddie, and now you bring me Corthie. I know you don’t want things to change, but sometimes change is inevitable, my dear Captain; sometimes we just have to accept it.’

  A solitary tear ran down Hilde’s cheek. Before Maddie could say anything, Hilde turned and strode from the lair.

  ‘I don’t understand,’ said Maddie; ‘why is she upset?’

  ‘Because she knows,’ said Blackrose; ‘she can sense it. Corthie Holdfast is the harbinger of events that will turn this City upside down.’ She glanced down at Maddie, her dark red eyes lit with an inner fire. ‘My ten years of being trapped in this prison will be coming to end, soon, one way or another.’

  Chapter 20

  Introductions

  Sunward Range, Roser Territory, Auldan, The City – 26th Koralis 3419

  ‘Unless my colleague has any more questions for you, Lieutenant, I think we’re done here.’

  The other investigator checked her notes. ‘I did want to ask a follow-up question regarding the orders to seal the doors of the tenement.’ She smiled up at Daniel. ‘Did you realise that this would mean those inside would be trapped, or was that your intention all along, Lieutenant?’

  ‘You don’t have to answer that question, Daniel,’ said Nadhew, a lawyer and friend of his parents. He turned to the investigator. ‘My client’s answers are detailed within the written statement that has been submitted to the tribunal. I suggest you refer to that, madam.’

  ‘Perhaps you are not aware that the statement has some... inconsistencies regarding the timing of certain orders.’

  The older investigator coughed. ‘As I was saying, I think we’re done here. Thank you very much for your time, Lieutenant Aurelian. The findings of the tribunal will be sent to you as soon they are available.’

  Daniel nodded. ‘Am I
being posted back to the Circuit while I wait, sir?’

  ‘No, Lieutenant. The commanders of the Taran militia feel that your presence there would not be conducive to creating a harmonious environment. The Evader mob knows your name, and the rebels have posted a bounty on your head. Remain here at your family villa, and get some rest; you deserve it.’

  The two investigators stood, and Daniel and the lawyer got to their feet. They walked through the cool, marble-floored hallways to the veranda at the rear of the villa, where a carriage was waiting.

  ‘I have a few words to say to an old friend,’ said the older investigator. ‘Please wait in the carriage; I’ll just be a moment.’

  The other investigator frowned, her eyes narrow. ‘Yes, sir.’

  As soon as she was out of earshot, the chief investigator turned to Nadhew. ‘Sorry about that, old chap. She’s new, and a little green behind the ears.’

  ‘Not to worry,’ said the lawyer; ‘no harm done.’

  ‘Between you and me, old chap, and strictly off the record, but young Daniel has nothing to fear from the findings of the tribunal. I’ve seen all the evidence and can categorically rule out a court-martial or other disciplinary measure. A few of the more soft-hearted civilians on the board may object, but nothing will come of it.’ He glanced at Daniel. ‘The Taran militia look after its own, son.’

  ‘Thank you, sir.’

  ‘What about his field promotion?’ said Nadhew. ‘Is it safe?’

  ‘I will personally make sure that he retains his rank of senior lieutenant. If he keeps this up, he’ll be a captain in no time.’

  The lawyer and the chief investigator shook hands.

  ‘A pleasure, as always,’ said Nadhew.

  ‘Until next time.’

  The investigator turned, and strode off towards the wagon, his boots crunching on the sun-drenched gravel of noon.

  ‘A good morning’s work, Danny. Well done.’

  ‘I hardly said a thing.’

  ‘Exactly, my boy. You left it to the professionals, which is all I could have asked for.’