by D E Boske
Kryndale hated what he’d become, so when he was offered a better life, he took it. A chance at redemption. Calisha was not so sure that Kelindril could be turned. He was the one to concentrate on. If they could get Kelindril, the others would fall quickly into line. He hoped.
As the days went by, Darian seemed to come more and more unglued. This was bad. A Mage of The Order did not lose their composure. Ever. He hoped Kyler could keep him in check. If not… They would all end up dead.
Nephraete would never leave Kyler no matter the circumstances. And Calisha would not leave her. So if they were to die, he would gladly die with them. He would fulfill his vow.
Wait… something… not… right. A growl emitted deep in his throat. The bounty hunter was dreaming… of Nephraete! He rose silently, so silently. His appearance was like smoke from the fire. He drifted over to where Shaz lay, a smile on his sleeping face. Without a second thought, he kicked him hard between the legs.
The air whooshed out of the bounty hunter in a rush. He awoke, startled and in pain.
“What the hell?” Shaz said in confusion, looking around.
In the darkest corner, where the light did not shine, he saw a face emerge. A twisted, horrific face. Was that smoke? Fah! It must be his imagination. But his imagination had not kicked his gift to the ladies. The smoke shifted, changing shape. And became Calisha! So that’s who… But why? He hadn’t done anything… Except dream about Nephraete! But… how would he know that?!
“Everything okay bounty hunter?” asked Calisha, emerging from the shadows.
“Yeah…” Shaz said about three octaves higher, as he rolled around moaning. He told no one what had happened. For he knew it was futile. There was not an elf here who would believe him or care.
﴾﴿ ﴾﴿ ﴾﴿
The Dark Mage decided to take matters into his own hands. Mortin was absolutely useless. He needed Mages, full Mages. It was dangerous, but he believed there were others of like mind. He just had to find them. If he spoke to the wrong ones… It would be his downfall. But he knew there were those who craved power and recognition. He knew where to start.
When it came time for the meeting, he had twenty full Mages in his chamber. The first thing they saw when
they crossed the threshold was a hideous creature. It was wrapped in robes of the Dregian order, but was unrecog-
nizable. The creature did not stoop, it was over six feet tall. The head was burned and melted. Marred beyond reason. One eye was melted shut. Most of its hair had been burned away, leaving only thin, unruly tufts. But the hands! They were not malformed.
The Mages realized that this creature before them was one of them! How could this be? They did not wish to offend him so they looked around the room becoming familiar with their surroundings.
“I’m glad you all made it. We have some very serious matters to discuss tonight. I am in need of your help. The Order has seen its last days. And you will help me to bring about its destruction!”
A few of them had a gleam in their eyes at his words. Most of them were aghast. Shock and anger spread across their faces.
“What are you saying? This is madness!” cried one, encased in the blood red robes of the Thurke order. Since Darian’s disappearance, the Thurke order had become the most powerful faction within The Order.
“This goes against Delvishan!” cried one in the Dregian robes.
“Hear me out before you make your final decision. I have been after the rogue Mage, Darian Brade. So far, I have been unable to capture him. I will catch him and rip the Staff of Power from his dead hands. He cannot be allowed to live! What say you? I know none of you were fond of him. Hated him even. Help me to bring down The Order and you will all be well rewarded. You will each be given a high rank in the new Order. Whatever you desire, it will be given.”
“You are mad! This cannot be. Delvishan will strike you down. I will not be party to this!” said a Mage in the forest green robes of the Kanuk order.
“Darian must be found. The Dregian order needs him. The Order needs him,” replied a Mage in the rich blue robes of the Dregian order.
Four of the twenty had heard enough and began to leave. The Dark Mage looked to the strange creature and he blocked their path. Pit Shrykes skittered out of the darkness, circling the four Mages. Two were ripped apart and devoured right in front of the rest. Looks of horror, rage and fear flitted across their features. They did not want to die.
The hideous creature restrained the other two as the Dark Mage slammed dark rods of power down their throats, killing them quickly and efficiently. The rest stood, mouths agape. They could not believe this was happening. They had no choice, their lot was cast.
“From this moment on, you are Dark Mages. You will go about your daily duties as you always have so as not to raise suspicion. We cannot afford that right now. At night, we will meet here and you will begin your new studies. Do not try my patience. I will not hesitate to kill you if you attempt to betray me. However, I will reward you for your loyalty.” He stared into each Mages’ eyes, conveying his resolve and determination.
13
The Gor Li’ Khan skimmed across the surface of the snow so balanced were they. To the human eye, they left no tracks. No discernible path to follow.
Kelindril drove them night and day. He did not let them rest. They were Gor Li’ Khan and so did not need rest. Yet. They passed Marubiel without a thought for stopping. Galavad had said to pass it by unless absolutely necessary. A town of outlaws and cutthroats was no threat to the legendary Gor Li’ Khan, but they could ill afford to be delayed.
The Logan Plains was covered in snow. Snowdrifts several feet deep spread across the ground. Somewhere in the distance, a wolf howled. About twenty yards away from them, an answering call pierced the cold night air. Several more bayed in the distance. Each was a different note. You could hear each one distinctly and they were coming nearer to the Gor Li’ Khan. They were being surrounded.
Kelindril did not fear wolves. They must be hungry if they were going to attack. He would wait and see. The alpha male darted out from behind a mound of snow and came trotting up to him, sniffing his hand.
The Gor Li’ Khan could not believe their eyes. The big, grey wolf nuzzled Kelindril’s hand. He stroked the animal, talking soothingly to it. He removed some dried meat from his pack and fed it to the wolf. It was gone in one gulp. Kelindril didn’t even think the animal chewed it.
“Hungry, aren’t you?” asked Kelindril, giving it more. Then as quickly as they’d come, the wolves disappeared.
“Weird,” commented Stilhan.
“Yeah, let’s keep moving,” commanded Kelindril.
They traveled for more than a week in the same manner. But they never saw the wolves again. Maybe the meat strips had been payment for crossing the Plains. Finally, on one clear, cold morning, they could see smoke rising on the horizon. Their spirits rose at the prospect of a hot meal and a warm fire. They increased their speed, deciding to a man not to spend another night out in the open.
It was late afternoon when the town came into view. This must be Limmin, if the map they were given was correct. The next city would be Al-Dan-Tir. They approached the gates warily.
“What can I do for you?” asked the gatekeeper.
“We are in need of a hot meal and a bed for the night.” Ro’Ark came down to open the gate, finding himself face to face with fourteen elves.
“What’s this then? Is Kyler with you?” he asked, admitting them.
“Nay, we are on our way to meet up with him. You know him?” Kelindril asked, a bit surprised.
“Yes. We are quite fond of him here in Limmin. He frequents the Copper Bottom when he visits. Has something happened? Is he alright?” he asked, concerned.
Kyler associated with Ni’ Kulana? Already Kelindril did not like him. The assassin believed that the elves were far superior to any other race. He found hanging around Ni’ Kulana to be demeaning. As prince of Kiri A’ Nouell, Kyler had a reputatio
n to uphold. And it should not include rabble.
“He is fine. Which way to the Copper Bottom?” Kelindril asked, without revealing anything to the guard. Ro’Ark pointed them in the right direction.
From the looks of things, the town had seen some hard times lately. The smell of smoke and fire hung thick in the air. When they got to the Copper Bottom, they could see much of it was new. The roof and outer wall were newly built. What happened here? Kelindril thought.
When they walked inside, the common room was full. Curious gazes followed them. The innkeeper was busy pouring drinks and did not see his newest customers.
When he saw fourteen elves in his establishment, he looked as though he would faint.
“Hello! What can I do for you?” he asked, wiping down the bar; though it certainly did not need it. The place was spotless.
“We are in need of rooms, food and a bath,” said Kelindril.
“Is Kyler with you?” he asked hopefully, scanning the faces of the elves present.
“Nay. We are to meet up with him,” Kelindril stated. He was getting irritated with all the questions. It was none of their concern! Why did they need to know?
Shermin could tell that this bunch was quite different from Kyler. Not friendly at all. He gave them keys to their rooms and after they stowed their gear, they went to the common room for a meal and drinks.
A great stone fireplace separated the common room into two great rooms. They were lucky to find two tables pushed together near the kitchen. The Gor Li’ Khan did not really care where they sat as long as they were warm and dry.
After their meal, they went to the newly built bathhouse for a much needed soak. They took advantage of the hot water by washing their clothes too.
In the morning, they bought as many supplies as they could, which turned out to be very little. Apparently, they were still recovering from an attack by Morphindinaetlus. Kelindril knew they’d have to stop once they reached Al-Dan-Tir. Their stores would be fast depleting.
All they were able to acquire were small bags of mixed fruit, dried fruit, dried meat and some yellow cheese. They took what water they could carry along with a few casks of ale, wine and juice. It would have to last until the bigger city.
For what Kelindril had bought, he’d paid an exorbitant amount of gold for it. Under normal circumstances, it would have cost no more than two gold pieces. Now it had cost more than three times as much.
The Gor Li’ Khan left as silently as they came. Thankfully, the townsfolk had left them alone. Kelindril did
not want to talk to any of them again. He was nothing like Kyler. He did not want to associate with Ni’ Kulana. They were beneath him.
The sun was just rising when they left Limmin, heading west. The Gor Li’ Khan did not complain. They’d come so far already only to find they still had many miles to go yet.
Thunder Peak would not be easy to navigate. The snow would make it difficult traveling. Nymdal wondered briefly if they’d even be able to get through the pass. What if they couldn’t? Turning back was not an option.
Nymdal carefully watched his companions. He knew Kelindril was on edge. They all were, but him even more so than usual. And if he suspected anything was wrong… He would not hesitate to kill any of them.
Nymdal was not completely sure why they still listened to Thelarki. Since his wife’s death, he’d not been the same. He’d taken to locking Nephraete in her room, rarely letting her out, becoming convinced she wasn’t telling him the truth of her visions.
Then he tried to force her to marry Kryndale. That was just bizarre. A seer always took her Crebellan as her lover. After all, a seer was bonded to a Crebellan at her birth. No elf would want to come between her and a Crebellan. How could you have a relationship with her when he was always around? If not for Calisha, Nymdal would have been interested. She was stunningly beautiful. But he could not get past Calisha. He was a fearsome protector. A predator in his own right, whose eyes were always watching everyone and everything.
They traveled late into the night, stopping well past sunset. The temperature steadily dropping with the sun. They dug into the snow, forming a shelter from the wind. They spread well-oiled cloth to protect them from the cold snow and settled down for as much rest as they could get under the circumstances.
Dawn came, gracing the Plains and its inhabitants with her golden light and warmth. Kelindril pushed them relentlessly onward to Al-Dan-Tir. They ate their meals on the run and did not stop until nightfall.
One week later, they arrived at the gates of Al-Dan-Tir. Despite the Ni’ Kulana, Kelindril liked Al-Dan-Tir. The walls were several feet thick and the gates solid steel. It was coldly calculating, just like himself. A pair of Knights stood outside the gates checking everyone before letting them pass through the gates.
There were several people ahead of the Gor Li’ Khan and the line moved slowly because the Knights were thorough, missing nothing. It seemed they were all merchants as their carts were packed tightly with goods to sell.
When at last the Gor Li’ Khan stood before the Knights, Kelindril’s patience had worn very thin. They could have disappeared, but he felt this was not wise. He could ill afford to lose his temper either. They were in need of rest and a hot meal. Being hostile would get them neither.
“Why do you want admittance?” asked one Knight, obviously in charge.
“We are in need of food and rest. We are on our way to Thunder Peak.”
“From Kiri A’ Nouell?” asked the same Knight.
“Kaleika Bay,” responded Kelindril, mirth dancing in his eyes as the Knights’ grew pale. “Do you know of a good inn with room to spare?” he asked congenially.
“The city is crowded, but there might be a few rooms to be had at The Vale inn. Zhanay always reserves the top floor for kin and kind.”
“Our thanks,” replied the Gor Li’ Khan leader. Of a sudden, he felt better. The fear on the Knights’ faces lifted his anger, putting him in a good mood.
When the Knights looked back, the elves were gone. They looked at each other shrugging it off, for what else could they do?
The Gor Li’ Khan blended in with the crowd, using their innate abilities to become invisible. They made it to The Vale inn without incident. It was warm and bright inside and the proprietress was lovely.
“Far from home tonight, you are. What can I do for you?” she asked in elvish. Her musical voice blending nicely with their native tongue.
“We are in desperate need of rooms and a hot meal,” replied Kelindril in elvish. He always spoke his native tongue, only reverting to common when absolutely necessary. He despised Ni’ Kulana and their barbaric language.
“Well, you’re in luck. I happen to have several rooms left. Two to a room, will that be a problem?”
“Not at all, kind maiden,” said Kelindril. He was actually charming for once and she blushed. He paid her and she handed over the keys.
After stowing their gear, they headed for the baths. Once clean again, their appetites returned. The inn was crowded, so it took their server a few minutes to get to them.
“What can I get for you tonight?” she asked with a smile. She was petite with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was pretty for a Ni’ Kulana. If you looked at them that way. Which Kelindril did not.
They ordered meals and Nykessa. She was back in less than two minutes with their drinks. Kelindril paid her, watching as she bounced away into the crowd. He could hear snippets of conversation from several surrounding tables.
“…wonder if them elves’re with the others. Where’s that tall stranger that came last time? You know, the one what fight the dragon… What happened to Nereina? Ain’t seen her since the dragon attacked… …that elf with the silver hair…” Kelindril felt certain they spoke of Kyler and Nephraete. But who was the tall stranger?
So the dragon had attacked here as well. The Knights were a force to be reckoned with. They protected this city with their blood. And Kelindril was sure more blood would be spilled
in the days to come.
Morphindinaetlus, though not the only dragon, was the only one to wreak such havoc unchecked in a long time. Kelindril knew of a red dragon far to the east over the ocean. He’d heard tell of a gold dragon as well, but had not been able to confirm it. And then, there was the black dragon, Phentilphyremorg.
The black dragon had not been seen in at least a millennia. Kelindril hoped they would never see that one again. Sleek and powerful, its heart was blacker than deep night. It was merciless, much like himself. Responsible for thousands of deaths. Much like himself. The comparison did not affect him.
His copper eyes missed nothing. He watched everyone and everything. Their server returned with their meal. A roast of some sort with brown gravy, fresh baked bread with sweet cream butter, fruit and cheese.
Being on the road made an elf hungry. Dried meat only took you so far. Kelindril pushed them relentlessly and they did not complain. Though none of them wanted to eat road rations any longer than completely necessary.
They talked little during the meal. Only after they were through, with fresh drinks, did they talk.
“Who do you think that tall stranger is Kel?” asked Nym. “Do you think he’s with Kyler?”
“I do not know for certain, but probably so. It stands to reason. They speak of them together, so it’s more than likely.”
“What’s on your mind Kel? I can tell you are not here with us,” said Melanor.
“It’s nothing,” replied Kelindril.
“What do you plan to do once we reach Thunder Peak?” asked Whelan.
“Cross it,” Kelindril replied distractedly.
“Kelindril, what is it?” asked Whelan.
“I said it is nothing!” Kelindril exclaimed.
The Gor Li’ Khan jerked as if slapped. Soon after, they all retired except for Kelindril and Stilhan.
