The Blood of Kings (Book 4)

by Robert E. Keller

  He rose and climbed to the highest branch that would sustain his weight, trying to get a glimpse above the treetops. But even though he was atop one of the tallest hills and tallest trees, his vision was still obscured by branches.

  Lannon used the Eye to levitate himself into the air--until his feet were above the treetops. He floated there in midair, instantly weary from all the focus it required to suspend himself like that. The forest ran for miles in all directions--a carpet of treetops rising and falling with the hills. It was a much larger forest than Lannon had anticipated. However, it was a clear day and he caught a glimpse of the Watchmen's Keep far off in the distance. Immediately the Eye locked onto the image somehow, burning the direction into Lannon's mind. It was unexpected, and it caused him to lose focus. With a gasp, he dropped like a stone.

  As Lannon fell, he swiped at branches in a panic and missed them--even bouncing off one on the way down. Then he was in open air and hurtling toward the forest floor. He only had an instant to react, but that was enough time for him to use the Eye to slow his fall. He landed on the leaf-covered ground below with a jolt that sent ripping pain through his body from his injuries.

  He rose, muttering to himself. "Well that was pleasant!"

  Nevertheless, the Eye had done him a favor--for he now knew which direction to proceed in. He waited until the pain had subsided a bit and then hurried off through the forest, letting his power guide him. He had a long way to go, but the Eye propelled him along with the speed of a galloping horse, up steep hillsides and down through deep ravines.

  Lannon paused on an enormous, fungus-covered log that stretched across a ravine between hills. The Eye revealed traces of ancient sorcery in the log--a power similar to that found in Knightwood at Dremlock Kingdom. This had once been a peaceful and noble forest inhabited by the Birlotes, but war had come to these wooded hills and the Tree Dwellers had moved on. The Deep Shadow had invaded, unleashed by the Olrogs in their fight against the Noracks--corrupting the soil and trees and turning beauty into darkness. Lannon was flooded with sadness over what had been done to this once proud landscape. It reminded him of the darkness that had invaded the Watchmen's Keep. The Deep Shadow seemed to take the most beautiful things in the world and turn them dreary and ugly.

  Lannon caught a glimpse of dark and powerful sorcery nearby--just a trace of it, but still enough to startle him. Even though it took him out of his way, he was compelled to investigate. He walked over three hills before the ground leveled off. The forest took on a swampy appearance, the trees almost completely covered in moss and fungus, and fat, moldy vines hung from the branches like snakes. The soil was mushy beneath his boots. Sword in hand, he pushed through the vines toward a bright spot in the forest. Meanwhile, the aura of dark sorcery grew stronger.

  Lannon hesitated, wondering if he should turn back. He didn't feel like he was in danger--and the Eye revealed no enemies--but the aura was so powerful it was unlike anything he'd ever felt. It was like a beating heart pounding in his ears and calling to him (or so he first thought). Then he realized it was his own heartbeat he was hearing. A voice in his mind whispered that he needed to know the truth.

  Lannon's burning curiosity got the best of him, and he continued on. The bright spot turned out to be a small, grassy clearing--at the center of which stood an ancient, crumbling house, covered in moss and vines. The evil sorcery was radiating from an upstairs window with broken shutters. Lannon again hesitated, overwhelmed by some deep, instinctive fear. Something terrible lurked in that house, something that could cause madness. Lannon sensed that it was connected to the Dark Watchmen somehow--one of many such items scattered throughout the land. His predecessors had done so much evil--had damaged Silverland in so many ways--that Lannon was deeply ashamed to be one of them. Then he remembered that they had also done a lot of good in their time, before they had gazed too deeply into the heart of Tharnin and had been consumed by it.

  For quite sometime, Lannon fought to tear his gaze away from that window. It was a slow and exhausting struggle. The thing in the house wanted to enslave him, for it sensed Lannon could carry out its will. It had lain dormant for centuries, and now, by a stroke of good fortune, it had an opportunity to rise again to prominence. But Lannon resisted, pulling himself out of its clutches bit by bit, and eventually he won the battle, growing stronger as a result.

  Lannon snapped awake, his mind at last free of the struggle. He was shocked to find he'd stood in the clearing all day battling for control of his soul, and now evening had settled over the forest, with a pale moon visible above. Chills flooded over his flesh, as laughter and howls erupted in the forest behind him. Lannon's hand tightened around his sword. The Stonemen had found him again.

  Chapter 7: The Ritual of Fire

  After spending hours searching for Lannon, the Knights finally gave up in frustration. Since there was no telling how far the Wolf had taken him, Taris made the harsh decision that they would proceed to Kalamede without him. There was a hearty debate over the issue, as many viewed Lannon as too important to be abandoned. But both Taris and Jace (who understood the ways of the Dark Watchmen better than the others) were confident he would find his way back to them. They also insisted Lannon was no safer with the Divine Knights than he was on his own.

  With heavy hearts, they resumed their journey through the hills. If the loss of Lannon wasn't bad enough, they soon received news by Elder Hawk of Cordus Landsaver's injuries and the death of Barlow Whitesword. The news shook the camp, and Taris immediately called a meeting of the Divine Shield. It was a cold spring evening, and everyone was weary from a rough day and frustrated as they sat in his tent. The assassination plot made Dremlock seem terribly vulnerable all of a sudden, the loss of Cordus Landsaver a crippling blow to morale.

  Aldreya was scheduled for a late training session, though she wasn't in the mood for it at all. She hoped Taris would cancel it. She was weary of the rigid training sessions to begin with, and now with so many concerns burdening her mind, she just wanted to return to her tent and be left alone. As usual during these meetings, the tent was crowded--with Jace alone taking up the space of two men. Also, Jace's pipe smoke filled the interior--some type of cheap, nasty Norack leaf--and Aldreya felt like she was gagging on it. She was annoyed with Uncle Jace's lack of courtesy in this time of sorrow, but he seemed oblivious as he puffed away.

  "Our Lord Knight has fallen," said Taris, bowing his head. "He cannot awaken, and the healers aren't sure if he will ever recover. Barlow Whitesword was a good man and represents a huge loss to the High Council. The remaining Council members have requested that I return to fill the role of Lord Knight until Cordus is back on his feet or has passed on. I need your opinions on this."

  "You are second in command," said Trenton. "Tradition demands that you function as Lord Knight in a time such as this."

  "Agreed," said Furlus. "You've earned the right."

  Shennen and Daledus also expressed agreement.

  "What is your opinion, Aldreya?" asked Taris.

  Even though she was his apprentice, Aldreya was surprised Taris had asked for her opinion. She took a moment to ponder the issue, while the others gazed at her. She hated the thought of Taris returning to Dremlock and taking over Cordus' many duties, for that would likely mean her training would be put on hold. Even though she needed a break from the training, that might make for too long of an interruption. It was a selfish thought, and she pushed it from her mind.

  "I think you should go," she said. "In our Lord Knight's absence, there is no one more fit to lead the kingdom."

  "I disagree," said Prince Vannas. "Not about you being fit to lead, Master Taris, but about you returning to Dremlock. You are best suited to deal with the issue in Kalamede. With these Ironheart Priests, there will be sorcery involved. I think Furlus should return to Dremlock instead."

  "I think you're absolutely right, my good prince," said Jace, waving his arms in enthusiasm and causing an annoyed Aldreya to duck as his reeking
pipe passed close to her head. "A brilliant observation for a youngster like you. Furlus is quite capable of running Dremlock and defending the kingdom. But an expert sorcerer like Taris is best suited to dealing with the servants of Tharnin."

  "I have faith," said Shennen, "that Furlus can lead the kingdom just fine." The master assassin and Lord of the Blue Knights had been strangely quiet lately, staying in the background more than usual. Something seemed to be weighing heavily on his thoughts, but he chose not to share it.

  "Furlus is the master of warfare," said Daledus. "If Bellis attacks Dremlock, who is better suited then Furlus to defend the wall?"

  Taris nodded. "I agree that Furlus is best suited to defend our kingdom. I don't think anyone would dispute that."

  Trenton frowned. "It goes against tradition, but the Sacred Laws would allow for Furlus to assume the role of Lord Knight--since he is a Tower Master and third in command. What do you think, Furlus?"

  Furlus shrugged. "Dremlock has been dealt a terrible blow. We've lost our Lord Knight, a respected High Council member, and the Eye of Divinity. I will serve where I am most needed. The decision is Taris' to make."

  Taris sat in silence for a few moments. At last he said, "Very well. Furlus and a small company of Knights will proceed to Dremlock and take command, while the rest of us continue on to Kalamede."

  "And rest assured," said Furlus, "I will find out who was behind that assassination attempt, and they will pay with blood!"

  Jace smiled. "We already know who is behind it. King Verlamer."

  "Bellis supposedly doesn't have dealings with Goblins," said Furlus. "Not that I necessarily believe that."

  "That's the old Bellis," said Jace. "Times have changed."

  "What about the Hand of Tharnin?" said Furlus. "And the Black Flamestone?" Should those items go with me? After all, wouldn't they be safer at Dremlock as opposed to roaming around with this battalion?"

  "So it would seem," said Taris, looking thoughtful. "But if Bellis' forces attack again, they will likely go straight for Dremlock. They've already dealt with the White Flamestone and paid a high price. Wherever the White Flamestone is kept, those items will be most secure."

  "I wholeheartedly agree," said Jace. "Dremlock's wall is stout and well defended, but the White Flamestone is what our enemies fear most. When we have finished our business in Kalamede, then we can return the items to Dremlock."

  "Still, it is very risky," said Furlus. "If Lannon could be taken so easily in the dead of night, then so could those items. I realize you are guarding them personally, Taris, but even you are not invincible."

  Taris smirked. "I never said I was. But neither is Dremlock. Look at how easily our Lord Knight was nearly assassinated. My instinct--for whatever that is worth--is to keep the items with us for now."

  Furlus shrugged. "Fine by me. Your instincts aren't too bad for a Birlote. I guess the issue is settled then. I will ride for Dremlock in the morning."

  "And I envy you," said Taris, with a sigh. "It seems like a lifetime has passed since I last walked the paths through Knightwood."

  "I will miss fighting alongside this battalion," said Furlus, "which has made me proud. I've never seen a more capable group of warriors."

  "In your absence, Furlus," said Daledus Oakfist, "can I play the role of Tower Master? I always wanted to rule my own tower!" In spite of the grim situation, the Dwarf managed his usual good-natured grin.

  "Do you see any towers out here?" said Furlus. "There are none. But I will allow you to serve as Tent Master if you wish."

  "I'll take it," said Daledus.

  That statement brought on a bit of laughter, but the mood quickly turned somber again.

  "With Barlow's passing," said Taris, "I vote that Shennen be added to the High Council immediately. It is long overdue. As this is an emergency situation, an actual vote of the entire High Council isn't needed. He will be able to assume his duties upon being sworn in."

  "I second that vote," said Trenton, "with a fair amount of enthusiasm. Shennen will make an excellent replacement for Barlow. And the Blue Knights are too important not to be represented on the High Council."

  "He has my vote," said Furlus, "but we'll need approval from Krissana and Vesselin to make this permanent. I will inform them of your votes."

  "Shennen," said Taris, "do you swear to obey the Sacred Laws governing your position on the High Council, and do you swear to accept Cordus, Furlus, Trenton, Vesselin, and myself as your Council Brothers, and Krissana as your Council Sister? If so, do you swear to place their welfare above even that of your own family and your own life?"

  "Yes to all," said Shennen, in an emotionless voice. His shining green eyes betrayed nothing in the lantern light.

  "Then welcome to the High Council, my friend," said Taris. He directed a wry smile at Shennen. "You now have the right to vote."

  Shennen bowed, but said nothing.

  ***

  After the meeting, the Knights gathered wood into a large pile. Taris threw white liquid over the timber, and soon a great, pale bonfire was blazing. The Knights gathered in a circle around the fire, heads bowed in silence, as they honored their Lord Knight and the spirit of Barlow Whitesword.

  "This is a time of great sorrow for Dremlock," said Furlus. The Grey Dwarf stood close to the flames, leaning on his battle axe. "But out of great sorrow comes great resolve. This will be a turning point for Dremlock Kingdom. Our foes have unknowingly caused their own doom. The cowardly attack on our Lord Knight will surely bring a Declaration of War against Bellis!"

  The Knights cheered. A Declaration of War would mean that Dremlock was pledged to bring Bellis Kingdom to the ground. No retreat would be permitted and nothing but unconditional surrender accepted. Of course, proof that King Verlamer was behind the assassination attempt would be required, but Furlus seemed confident the evidence would be found.

  Jace glanced at Taris, looking amused. "A useless Declaration of War, I'm afraid, for war will find Dremlock regardless."

  Taris didn't reply, but continued to stand with his head bowed. Aldreya stood beside the sorcerer, wondering what he was thinking. The bad fortune of the past few days had been devastating, and she wondered if Dremlock could rebound. What if Lannon was dead--slain by the Wolf or something equally as dangerous? No one knew for sure what had become of him. Aldreya had come to understand that the Knights--even Taris--could speculate and show great confidence in their assumptions, but things could still go horribly wrong. There was no guarantee that Cordus would ever awaken or that Lannon would live to find his way back to them. There was no guarantee of anything.

  "Are you ready for your next lesson?" asked Taris.

  "I'm still going to train tonight?" Aldreya asked, surprised and disappointed. "I thought maybe we would skip it, considering the circumstances."

  Taris frowned. "Yes, we could return to our tents and fret over things we cannot control, but that would be folly. We have work to do."

  Aldreya bowed, but groaned inwardly. With so much weighing on her mind, how could she focus on training? She hesitated, then said, "I'm sad over Barlow's death and what happened to our Lord Knight. But I'm also worried about Lannon. If that beast could run off with him like that...maybe it simply killed him. Or maybe it is tormenting him." She shuddered. A creature like that was so evil it could make Lannon suffer in unimaginable ways. He still seemed so young and innocent--Dark Watchman or not--and the thought of him being tormented by an evil fiend was almost unbearable. Yet she was supposed to forget that and busy herself with training? Taris was asking the impossible of her. The sorcerer still seemed so unfathomable to her, almost inhuman in his ability to control his emotions. She doubted she could ever be like him, and she wasn't sure she wanted to. He seemed so cold and relentless.

  "Indeed," said Taris, "maybe the creature did kill him. Perhaps Lannon lies dead somewhere, the Eye of Divinity lost with him. Or perhaps Lannon has found a fate worse than death. You still have your duties as a Divine Knight, ho
wever. Others still depend on you. Would Lannon want you to ignore their needs and worry only about him? Rest assured, eventually he will exist beyond the clutches of that beast--either because he escaped or because death ended his suffering. Regardless, it will be the blink of an eye in the great flow of time. His pain will not last."

  "I understand," Aldreya said, but she wasn't comforted.

  "No, you don't understand," said Taris. "Not yet. You have the potential to be a great sorcerer--greater even than myself. But you're young and you haven't mastered your emotions. This is a good test for you--a chance to truly better yourself and focus on your training."

  Aldreya sighed. "So it's all just a test to you? I just can't see it that way, Master Taris. It means so much more to me."

  "No, it's not all just a test to me," said Taris. "Lannon, Barlow, and Cordus were close friends of mine. I feel the loss just as you do. But a Divine Knight must always attend to his duties. We have an obligation to our god and our kingdom--and to the people of this land. As difficult as it may be at times, we cannot neglect our duties or we neglect everything we stand for."

  Again, Aldreya bowed. She knew Taris was right. But something still nagged at her bitterly. "I can't believe we just left Lannon behind. He was...he is...so important to this kingdom. It doesn't make sense to me."

  "It had to be done," said Taris. "We searched extensively but could find no trace of him. That beast could have taken him anywhere in the land, and we have little time to spare." He smiled at her. "Regardless, I believe Lannon is probably on his way to Kalamede even as we speak. He may arrive there even before we do. With his skills, he should have an easy journey."

  Aldreya nodded, feeling a bit of relief. Taris was probably right again. Lannon was probably free of the Wolf and having an easy time of things.

  ***

  Lannon wondered if he was going to die and end up a zombie, as the army of Stonemen closed in on him. Death was one thing, but eternal enslavement was quite another--the fear of all fears. After an entire day of struggling against the Deep Shadow, he felt weary and drained, and he wondered how much longer the Eye of Divinity could protect him. He gagged on the ancient stench that filled the clearing in the cold evening air, as lurching, grey-skinned, shadowy figures advanced on him in the moonlight. The Stonemen came in all shapes and sizes--including a few with large, sagging bellies--but many of them were muscular warriors. All wore only black loincloths, and they all bore the same gleeful, mocking expression on faces that had eyes like black jelly. They were cunning creatures and seemed to take great delight in being evil and relentless. They could sense Lannon's weakness and exhaustion and they surged at him with arrogant abandon.