Inferno

by Paul J Bennett

  "I can not say," said Artoch, "for I am a master of flame, not a master of spirits."

  "That is little help," pondered Kargen.

  "You can do it, Shaluhk," Artoch assured her. "You have faced her once and come out on top. You can do so again."

  "But it was Uhdrig who saved me," she replied, "and it cost her her life. Am I now to sacrifice mine?"

  "I do not know," said Artoch, "but the answer lies within you. Dig deep, Shaluhk, and know that we watch over you."

  The room fell silent as Artoch began to fade. Shaluhk wanted to ask more, but by the time she had sorted out her questions, it was too late; he had gone.

  "That was less helpful than I would have wished," she said.

  "At least we know for sure it is Khurlig who is to blame."

  "Am I to be forever plagued by her spirit?"

  "It is not your fault," said Kargen. "She has been searching for an opportunity to return, and Voruhn provided that."

  "Yes, but why, out of all the Orc tribes, did it have to be the one we need help from?"

  "She occupied your body once. Maybe she is drawn to you somehow?"

  "I know so little of such things."

  "Do you think Laghul could offer more insight?"

  "Perhaps," said Shaluhk, "but she is not here, and I must soon face Khurlig. What shall I do?"

  "You must follow the advice of Master Artoch. Look inside yourself, and find the answer you seek."

  "How? I need something that can affect her while in spirit form."

  "What would happen if Voruhn were to die?"

  "I assume Khurlig would return to the spirit realm."

  "Are spirits weak when first they die?" asked Kargen.

  "Yes, it takes time for them to coalesce."

  "Coalesce?"

  "It is the name we give to the forming of their spirits. When someone dies, their spirit lingers awhile in the physical world. Over time, their physical image begins to fade as their spirit strengthens."

  "And this happens whenever someone dies?"

  "It does, though sometimes a spirit will linger for a much longer time as if trapped between worlds."

  "A true ghost," said Kargen.

  "So I am told, but I have not experienced it for myself."

  "Does a shaman coalesce faster?"

  "Magical ability has no effect on such a thing," said Shaluhk. "Why?"

  "It occurs to me that Khurlig is a powerful shamaness. She will want to retain her power, would you not say?"

  "I would agree with your statement."

  "She is currently within the body of Voruhn. I am guessing if her physical body dies, it would be like dying all over again."

  "How does that help us? We are trying to keep Voruhn alive."

  "True, but Khurlig does not know that. If we can convince her that her host is dying, I think she will abandon the body. She will think it better to be strong in the spirit realm rather than weak from death."

  "I see your reasoning, but that still does not help me. I can not see how to convince Khurlig that Voruhn is dying."

  "A spell?"

  "She is more experienced in magic than I," said Shaluhk. "She would be able to counter whatever I threw at her."

  "Then magic is not the answer."

  "I am not sure what you mean."

  "Think like a hunter rather than a shaman, Shaluhk. If I were faced with such a foe, how would I deal with it?"

  "You would kill Voruhn," she replied. "But is that not what we are trying to avoid?"

  "When I was badly burned, you brought me back from the brink of death. Had it not been for your healing, I would not be standing here today. You can bring people back from the edge of the abyss. You have done so before."

  "That is a dangerous game," said Shaluhk. "Placing someone near death without actually killing them would be very difficult."

  "I imagine it would," said Kargen, "but I think we are looking at this all wrong."

  "In what way?"

  "What do we know?"

  "We know Khurlig is within Voruhn's body and that Voruhn is trapped in the spirit realm."

  "And what does Khurlig know?"

  "Presumably anything Voruhn does," said Shaluhk.

  "Which means she is unaware we know her true nature. Would you not agree?"

  "I would. That gives us the element of surprise."

  "We also suspect her attention will be split. She will still have to keep control over Zahruhl during the fight."

  "Yes."

  "Maybe it is not what we do that counts; rather it is what she thinks we do."

  Shaluhk smiled. "Are you suggesting a ruse?"

  "You are the expert when it comes to plants. Can we convince her she has been poisoned?"

  "Difficult. She is much more experienced than I in such things."

  "Then we need to mimic the behaviour of a poison."

  "And how do you propose we do that?"

  "I have no idea," said Kargen, "but perhaps Rugg does."

  "Rugg? What would he know of such things?"

  "He is a master of earth, remember? The world of the forest is his domain. Is nature not full of such things?"

  "Would that not be seen as interference? There are strict rules concerning trial by combat."

  "I am sure Zahruhl, once freed of his domination, would be more than willing to forgive our actions."

  "And if he does not?"

  "Then we are banished from the Stone Crushers. So you see, we have nothing to lose."

  "You forget, bondmate, there is a very real possibility he might kill you. Then where would we be?"

  Kargen thought it through. "If I am to die, then I will linger in the physical world until you are ready to join me."

  "That is not your decision to make," she replied.

  "In that case, I shall do my best not to die."

  Bait

  Autumn 1104 SR

  * * *

  Athgar watched as Nikolai entered a run-down building, circular in shape, with a grand entrance supported by two immense wooden pillars. At first, he took it for a house, but the longer he stared, the more he thought otherwise.

  "What do you make of that?" he asked.

  "It's an old theatre," Natalia replied.

  "Surely not! It's round."

  "That used to be a popular design, with a central stage and benches arranged in a circle."

  "The Majestic back in Caerhaven wasn't like that," he retorted.

  "Circular buildings are more common in the north. Even Karslev had such things. They are referred to as theatres in the round and are said to provide a more immersive experience."

  She was met with a blank stare.

  "That means it feels more like you're truly there," she explained.

  "But you are there, aren't you? Watching the play, I mean."

  She laughed. "No, what I meant to say is it makes you feel like you're part of what's happening onstage."

  "Does it?" Athgar asked. "Make you feel that way, I mean?"

  "I must confess I don't know. I've never actually made it to one, but I heard they were quite popular amongst the graduates of the Volstrum."

  "So why has Nikolai come here?"

  "I'm not sure," Natalia replied. "There must be something about the place that suits his purpose."

  "Could it be because the place is abandoned?"

  "Abandoned? Why would you say that?"

  "Look at the entrance," said Athgar. "The paint on those pillars is flaking while the wood beneath is cracking, indicating it's been exposed to the elements for some time. It's also the middle of the afternoon. Wouldn't the place be open for rehearsals if someone were using it?"

  "You're very observant. I didn't notice any of that."

  He shrugged. "It's all part of being a hunter, I suppose. But the real issue, in this case, is still why Nikolai came here, of all places?"

  "Do you think he came to meet someone?" said Natalia.

  "Possibly, but who? If he's working for the f
amily, the father general's place would have been more convenient."

  "That's a good point. We need to get closer, and see what we can discover."

  "What are we likely to see inside? You mentioned a circular stage. Anything else?"

  "Yes," she said, warming to the task. "Usually there's an outer ring forming a hallway, with doors leading into the central area. It allows patrons to get to their seats more efficiently."

  "They have enough customers that they have to worry about such things?"

  "Oh yes, a theatre like this can hold far more than the conventional design. Of course the downside is it's much harder to fill. That's likely the reason this place went out of business."

  Natalia moved closer, pausing across the street and making it look like she was interested in a nearby shop. Athgar glanced up and down the street, noting the lack of any real traffic. He wandered up beside her, taking his time while trying to draw as little attention to himself as possible.

  "It definitely looks deserted," she said, glancing over her shoulder. "How do you want to proceed?"

  "We can't just go in the front door; it would draw too much attention. I suggest we work our way around back."

  "Good idea," agreed Natalia. "There appears to be an alleyway off to the right."

  "Unusual, isn't it?" said Athgar.

  "Why would you say that?"

  "There are very few alleys in Ebenstadt, and yet there's one here?"

  "You're overthinking things," she said. "It's a circular building. It's only logical that it should have a small alley to either side. After all, look at its neighbours; they're rectangular. How would they fit together without an alley?"

  "I suppose that makes sense." He glanced up and down the street once more, but no one appeared to be paying them any mind. "I'll go first."

  Athgar crossed the street, taking his time as he wandered over to the building next door, a bootmaker by the look of it. Lingering by its entrance, he once more cast a glance at the theatre, wondering if this could be a trap. He shook off the thought. They had been careful while following this Nikolai fellow. He was confident they had remained hidden.

  Moving to the alleyway in the shadow of the building, his hand rested tentatively on his axe. Once he was sure the alleyway was clear, he waved Natalia over.

  She took the same path, lingering for a moment by the storefront before disappearing into the alley, halting by his side at the narrowest part of the gap.

  "Any sign of a way in?" Natalia asked.

  "There's a window over here." Athgar moved towards a warped shutter, then grasped it, giving it a tug. "This looks loose," he said as it fell into his hands, and he now stared into the space beyond. "It seems we have a way in."

  Poking his head inside, he looked left and right. "You were right about the design. There's a circular corridor running to either side."

  "And ahead?"

  "A series of doors set at regular intervals."

  "That's what we're looking for."

  Athgar pulled the other shutter from its hinges, then climbed in, keeping an eye out for trouble.

  "It's clear, so far," he whispered.

  Natalia began climbing in, and he lent her a hand. Off in the distance somewhere, he heard the sound of feet as if someone were walking on a wooden floor. He motioned Natalia over and made his way to the nearest door, pressing his ear to the wood.

  "I hear something," he whispered.

  "Talking?"

  "No, pacing."

  "Open it, and let's see what's inside."

  Athgar yanked on the door a couple times to open it, until it finally swung towards them, revealing a darkened room beyond. Letting his eyes adjust, he then poked his head through. The chamber beyond was quite large, with benches arranged around a circular stage lit by a single lantern. He moved into the room, treading as quietly as he could.

  Natalia followed, closing the door quietly behind her. "I don't hear anything," she whispered.

  "Nor do I. Let's hope whoever it was has left."

  Her eyes were drawn to the lantern, which illuminated a lump on the stage. "What's that?"

  "Let's go find out, shall we?"

  They moved towards their target, taking care to avoid bumping into the benches. As they drew nearer, the lump soon took shape as a person. Now that they were up close, they could make out chains. It appeared that someone had manacled some poor fellow to the floor, the ends tied off to a ring of metal sunk into the base of the stage.

  They strained to hear any sound that might indicate danger. Finally, assured they were alone, they mounted the stage, climbing over its edge to view the body curled up and turned away from them. Its face was hidden from view, but there could be little doubt it was a man. Something about his clothing caught Natalia's breath.

  "No!" she shouted. "It can't be!" She rushed forward, heedless of the noise she made.

  "Who is it?" Athgar called out.

  In answer, she turned the man onto his back, shock on her face.

  "It's Stanislav!"

  "How can that be? You left him in Karslev, didn't you?"

  The doors burst open, flooding the room with lantern light. Athgar could make out numerous men, the glint of steel off their swords quite evident. Their leader soon emerged from the shadows, the same man they had followed.

  "At last," he said. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment, Natalia Stormwind."

  Natalia stood, turning to face this new foe. "Nikolai. I knew it was you."

  He smiled. "It's been so long since we last met. My, how you've grown."

  "I don't understand," said Athgar.

  "How unforgivably rude of me. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nikolai Ratislav. I'm a mage hunter, though I must admit I'm here today in a completely different capacity."

  "What do you want?"

  "It's quite simple, really. There's a bounty on young Natalia's head, and I aim to collect it."

  "You won't take us alive," said Natalia.

  He shook his head. "I'm afraid you mistake my meaning. I'm not here to capture you, I'm here to kill you!"

  He stepped closer, and Athgar raised his hands, ready to cast. "I warn you, we're both mages. We shall not hesitate to fight back."

  "Of course," said Nikolai, "I would expect no less."

  He turned to his men. "Kill them!"

  Athgar noticed movement to his left. Turning quickly, he thrust out his hands and sent a streak of fire across the room.

  Natalia raised her hands as well, seeking out a target. She spied a small knot of men advancing towards her and called forth her power, but instead of unleashing her magic, she felt an icy chill in her stomach. Doubling over in pain, she collapsed to the stage floor.

  Athgar's flame lit the room for a moment, revealing dozens of men rushing towards him. He abandoned his magic, seeking his axe even as his eyes searched for Natalia. Her plight gave him cause for alarm, delaying his actions just long enough for the point of a sword to prick his left arm. He swore, twisting aside as his foe followed through with the attack, and then his axe came down, hacking into his enemy's shoulder. The man's blade flew from his grip, scattering across the room.

  "Save yourself," shouted Natalia through gritted teeth. She tried to concentrate on her magic, but pain lanced through her again. A sword suddenly appeared in front of her eyes, and she looked up to see it held steady by the sure hand of Nikolai.

  A pair of crossbow bolts whizzed past Athgar, one narrowly missing his head. He pointed again, loosing off more fire, banishing the darkness if only for an instant. Someone screamed in agony and fell to the floor in flames.

  Athgar moved towards Natalia, but Nikolai was there, his sword held to her throat.

  "I wouldn't if I were you," the mage hunter taunted.

  Athgar was wracked with indecision, for as he took a step towards Natalia, the tip of Nikolai's sword pricked flesh, and blood appeared.

  "Give me any more trouble," said Nikolai, "and I'll make sure s
he suffers a painful death."

  "Please, Athgar," called out Natalia, "if you stay, you'll surely die. I couldn't bear that."

  "Listen to her," added Nikolai. "She knows you cannot defeat me."

  Another bolt shot forth, scraping along Athgar's thigh. He winced at the pain, feeling blood flow, but fought back, picking out a lantern someone had placed on the floor. He concentrated, once more calling on his inner spark. Thick black smoke began billowing from the light source, quickly filling the room.

  He staggered forward, seeking Natalia, only to be blocked by three men. His axe descended on one, but then others called out, and suddenly bolts were flying once more. One whizzed past his ear, and he tried to dive to the side in desperation, but his foot slipped on some blood, and his leg shot out from under him, driving him to his knees with a resounding thud. Another bolt sang out, whistling over his head in the smoke. Now the enemy was firing blindly, desperate to take down the Therengian.

  Athgar, his lungs burning as he fought for breath, cast about, no longer sure of his bearings. Feeling a slight breeze, likely an open door, he made for it, his eyes stinging, his breath now coming in ragged gasps. Staggering into the hallway, he was desperate to breathe, while behind him came the sound of coughing and yet more crossbows firing off their bolts.

  Fresh men appeared down the hallway, crossbows in hand, their eyes squinting against the smoke. Something hit his boot, and he dove through a window to his left, desperate to be free of the danger.

  He could hear yelling now coming from within the theatre. Doors opened, and men flooded out into the street. By Athgar's reckoning, there were close to a dozen of them, far more than he could fight by himself. He cursed his feeling of helplessness and then turned, fleeing down the alleyway.

  * * *

  Nikolai stared down at Natalia, a cloth held over his face. Finally, the yelling subsided, and the smoke began to dissipate.

  "Well, well," he said. "What have we here? The mighty Natalia Stormwind, helpless and weak. This is an unexpected delight."

  Natalia clutched her stomach and stared up at him, an icy fury on her face.

  Nikolai knelt, looking her in the eyes. He waved a hand, and three crossbowmen moved closer, their bolts ready to let loose. He smiled. "Now, let's kill you, and get this over with, shall we?"