Erenthas turned briefly and looked him up and down, “You run along dear,” she said quietly. “By the looks of them they’ll definitely need our help if they are to survive.”
Hannock quickened his pace slightly and strolled next to Erenthas, “Perhaps I could keep you company for a while?” he suggested.
She paused momentarily, inspecting her would-be companion, “No!” she said abruptly, and briskly walked away.
Hannock turned to Faylore, a huge grin on his face. Raising his arms out to his sides, he laughed, “Well I tried!”
Things got easier as the days passed. The Thedarians had learned to tolerate their new-found friends but still recoiled every time one of the Vikkery children came anywhere near them. One Thedarian even grabbed a branch to steer away a child who was playing nearby as if it were a stray animal, something its parents did not appreciate. Faylore calmed the situation down as quickly as she could and discovered that the branch-wielding Thedarian was concerned that if the child touched him he would be transformed into one of them, or something far worse. Faylore knew it to be nonsense but couldn’t help noticing that throughout their conversation, not once did he take his eyes off Bogg. She did her best to allay his fears, laughing to make light of the situation. A typical Thedarian however, has no sense of humour and Faylore’s attempts proved to be a fruitless gesture. Eventually, as queen, she simply ordered him not to be so ridiculous and, surprisingly, that worked.
And so it was, that after many weeks, the strangely populated caravan of refugees now had the measure of one another. Their co-existence had become peaceful, bar the occasional petty squabble, which was always caused by one of the Vikkery taking offence at nothing.
The Borellians, having travelled this way before, recognised a large clearing ahead. They paused, it seemed different somehow… dark and ominous.
The carcasses of small animals were strewn around, undoubtedly killed and devoured by larger predators. Jared, Hannock and a handful of Thedarians crept forward, wary of what they might encounter. All but Hannock carried bows, he clutched his crossbow. Every one a seasoned hunter, they could be trusted not to fire at the slightest movement of branch or twig. They would hold their nerve until it was absolutely necessary to release arrow or bolt. Standing stock-still, they waited. One by one the beasts were revealing their hiding places. Some wolf-like, others slightly larger, but all ferocious predators with saliva dripping from large canine teeth. Their would-be prey looked almost as dangerous, their evolution resulting in defensive horns and razor-sharp scales.
A sudden roar startled them all.
Bows were turned in all directions waiting for a charging attack. The carnivores howled and bayed in terror, their prey squealing like wild boar in unison. Where was the attack to come from? it was a split second before all became clear.
So intent were they on what may lie ahead, not one of them had considered what was behind. They had been followed.
Bogg had watched them with interest, why were they sneaking like that, what were they doing? He had seen weapons before and knew that they were only used for one purpose, making dead things. He studied them, saw their weapons raised and then beasts ahead. His mind was filled with confusion and panic. He remembered the horrors he had witnessed when trapped in his tiny cage. He roared as loud as he could and charged forward.
“No,” he bellowed, “No! No! No make dead thing, no make dead thing!”
One by one, he chased every beast from the clearing. He wanted, needed them to be alive. The weapons were going to kill them, he couldn’t allow it even if it meant he himself would perish. Satisfied that every animal had fled, he turned to Jared. Squatting on the floor, he gazed up at the prince, “Me, good thing. You, me out,” he said solemnly. “Me, no dead thing. No more dead thing,” he added, looking over his shoulder to where the wild animals had been.
Jared smiled at him, “No Bogg,” he whispered gently, “No more dead thing.”
Hannock was flabbergasted, “Well I never!” he exclaimed. “He chased them all off in case we killed any of them!”
“It certainly seems that way,” agreed Jared.
“Right then,” sighed Hannock, “I think it’s time we made camp.”
Jared watched as the Vikkery and Thedarians proceeded to settle for the evening. Walking across to Harley, he placed his arm around the young man’s shoulder, “I need to speak with you,” he said quietly.
“Oh, you mean about me taking care of the Vikkery while you and the others go off to fetch the king?”
Jared was lost for words and smiled.
“I’m not an idiot, Jared. I know you’re just trying to protect me,” said Harley, “I’m not as good in a fight as the rest of you, the last thing you need is to have to keep an eye on me if you get into a scrape.”
“It’s only for a few days,” Jared assured him, “and you won’t be alone, you’ll have Poom, Lawton and the Thedarians with you, so they’ll always be an excuse for you to escape if they start rattling your brain.”
“I’ll be fne,” laughed Harley, waving his wand, “if it gets too bad, I can just send them to sleep with this.”
“Just so you know, Harley,” said Jared, “We’re leaving tonight. We thought it would be easier if we waited until the Vikkery were asleep.”
“You mean, so that you didn’t have to spend hours and hours answering questions?”
“Precisely!” replied Jared. “If we planned to leave tomorrow morning it would undoubtedly be tomorrow evening before we escaped the dreaded Vikkery Inquisition,” he laughed.
***
It was still dark when they appeared in Reiggan. Not knowing what to expect they were on their guard immediately, but there was nothing to guard against. The eerie silence was the same as it had been when last they stood within the ruins of the once great wizard fortress. Now, with only the six of them, it seemed more desolate than ever.
“Do not worry my friends,” said Emnor quietly, “we shall restore it to its former glory in time.”
Drake sighed, “Perhaps,” he said, “but it’ll never be the same without our friends.”
***
Drake opened his eyes. Despite protesting that he was fine, Emnor had insisted that he rest before even addressing the recovery of the king. He felt a little embarrassed as he looked at his friends, it seemed that they either hadn’t slept at all or had already been awake for some time.
“Ah, good morning,” Emnor said, smiling.
“Only just,” sighed Lodren. “You do realise your breakfast’s ruined!” he groaned.
“Sorry,” said Drake, instinctively, “Why didn’t you wake me?”
“Ha!” laughed Grubb, “If Lodren had brought the walls down around ye, ye wouldn’t ‘ave stirred! You were dead to the world!”
“I wish you’d have tried harder,” said Drake, frowning, “I was having terrible nightmares! At least, I think they were nightmares,” he added quietly.
Emnor glanced at Jared, “You don’t remember do you, Drake?”
Drake looked up at him, “Remember what?”
“What happened before you went to sleep,” replied Emnor.
“Of course I do,” smiled Drake, “You told me to get some rest and…” His voice tailed off.
Emnor smiled at him again, “There’s nothing to panic about, Maddleton. Something extraordinary happened, but it may take some time for you to recall it.”
Grubb suddenly burst out laughing, “It was one o’ the funniest things I’ve ever seen!” he roared. “If Lodren hadn’t caught ye, I’m certain you would’ve snapped in two! Solid as a rock you were. We couldn’t even bend yer arms and legs!”
Drake looked confused, “Would someone please explain what’s going on!” he asked.
“You’ve been accepted!” Emnor said excitedly.
“Accepted for what?”
“By Reiggan,” replied Emnor, now beaming.
“Did I bang my head or something when I had this fall, or am I right in thinki
ng you’ve all gone barmy?”
“Neither,” said Emnor, chuckling, “The Fortress has recognised you as a master,” he squeaked, “I’m so proud of you!”
Drake looked horrified, “But I’m not old enough… oh dear!” He began running his hands over his face fearing that he had suddenly aged hundreds of years, “I knew there’d be something!” he exclaimed. “How bad is it? Will I start growing a huge white beard? Tell me, Emnor, I’m old, aren’t I?”
“Oh shut up, Maddleton,” snapped Hannock, “There’s nothing wrong with you. You haven’t changed a bit!”
***
Later that afternoon they gathered in the room where Tamor had been secluded. Drake was concerned, but not overly. He knew that Jared and Emnor would step in if anything seemed to be going awry.
“Now, Maddleton, relax,” said Emnor, soothingly. “It will come to you naturally if you allow it. Simply empty your mind…”
“Shouldn’t take long,” mumbled Hannock. Jared glared at him, “The king,” Hannock added hurriedly, “I meant for him to retrieve King Tamor!”
They watched as Drake slowly tilted his head to one side and then the other. Pictures formed in his mind as he followed a corridor off which lead many doors. He reached for the doorknob of the first one he came to but snatched it back as a familiar voice warned him of the danger behind it.
“Ha! You crafty old devil,” he said aloud.
Emnor began to chuckle, “You didn’t think he was going to leave you alone in there did you, Drake? I knew he’d help you.”
Grubb nudged Lodren, “What’s ‘e on about?” he whispered.
“Well,” replied Lodren, “when Yello… you know… died, Jared somehow gave all his magical powers to Drake. Now Drake not only knows his own magic, he knows all of Yello’s as well.”
“Ahhh,” said Grubb slowly, “so Yello’s alive but he’s inside the boy?”
Lodren shook his head, “No!” he hissed, “Yello died, but his magic… oh do be quiet, Grubb, I’m trying to listen!”
Drake opened his eyes, “Wow!” he exclaimed, “I knew Yello was a bit cracked, but you wouldn’t believe some of the traps for anyone trying to find the king! Sorry Emnor, I didn’t mean to say he was cracked. What I should have said is that he was an absolute barmpot, and a spiteful and sadistic one to boot! Do you have any idea what could happen to you if you went the wrong way in that place?”
“He did have a flair for the dramatic, I’ll admit,” laughed Emnor.
“Perhaps,” agreed Drake, “but to have bits of you explode…” he added, squirming, “it’s positively barbaric!”
“But you found him?” asked Jared, “He’s safe?”
“Oh yes, but he’s not where we left him. He’s moved.”
“Moved! What do you mean he’s moved? How could he have moved?”
“Captain,” said Emnor, quietly, “the magical world is a very delicate one and it would take far too long to explain how this particular spell works. Now if you’d be so kind as to erm… how does Prince Jared put it? Ah, yes. Shut your face!”
Jared grabbed Drake’s shoulders, “But you can find him?” he asked, almost pleading. “You can bring him back?”
Drake embraced the prince, “Oh yes,” he smiled, “but not yet, not until my third visit.”
“Third visit!” exclaimed Hannock.
“Something wrong with yer ears, Hannock?” snorted Grubb.
Drake held up his hands, “It’s to keep King Tamor safe,” he assured them. “Anyone attempting to harm him would obviously try it immediately and, if unsuccessful, may try again. Only a fool would try a third attempt.”
“Can you go straight away?” asked Lodren.
“I’m afraid not,” replied Drake. “The visits have to be at least a day apart.”
***
They waited. Drake’s second attempt to find Tamor was far more eventful than his first, but only because he chose it to be. Fascinated by the traps that had been laid by Yello, he spent hours studying the intricacies of the ancient spells that had been used to create them. The companions watched with interest as his unconscious body would stretch out an arm or lean to one side as if investigating unseen hazards.
Lodren was most uncomfortable with the strange way that Drake was behaving. He tolerated it for as long as he could, but when the questions began, he ran out of the room as fast as his legs would allow.
Grubb, as usual, followed him, “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“It’s not right, it’s just not right!” exclaimed Lodren. “What if he falls for one of the traps? He shouldn’t be doing this, he’s only a boy!”
“So, Jared should abandon his father then?”
Lodren was flustered, “No, no, of course not,” he said, “but Jared or Emnor should be doing this, not poor Drake.”
“They can’t though can they. Drake is the only one who knows how Yello’s magic works!” Grubb paused, “Mind you,” he added, “it’s probably not Yello’s magic any more, it’s Drake’s.”
“Well I don’t like it!” flapped Lodren. “He’s going to get hurt. I just know he’s going to get hurt!”
Fortunately, Lodren was wrong and Drake returned unscathed, but far more enthusiastic than he had been prior to his two visits.
Day three came.
Lodren flatly refused to attend, “My nerves won’t take it!” he exclaimed. “I’ll be in the courtyard if you want me, I’m not coming down there again until you’ve finished.”
Entering the room for what they hoped would be the final time, they wished Drake well, and fell silent.
The air ahead of Drake shimmered as he began to chant, murmuring incoherent words that could not be understood by any other. Drake smiled as a gentle breeze fluttered his robes. His voice became louder as a swirling, rainbow-coloured vortex engulfed him, “Got you,” he sighed, “Your Majesty, time to wake up!” King Tamor shimmered into view.
Jared was about to run to his father but was grabbed by the shoulder as he passed Emnor, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he chuckled. “If you interrupt before the reclamation is complete, we may have nothing but three piles of ash to accompany us on the rest of our journey.
Jared smiled at his friend, “Apologies,” he said. “It’s just…”
“No need for apologies, Jared. Your father is safe, as you can see, but it will take a little longer before you are able to speak with him.”
As agonising as it was, Jared waited. His father was roused and now stood conversing with Drake. It lightened his heart to see Tamor safe and well, but the swirling light still surrounded them. Should he ask Emnor why? He thought back to Emnor reprimanding Hannock and decided against it. He stared at the staff he held in his grasp. It housed the Heart of Ziniphar, why did he not understand the magical process that was being performed before his very eyes?
Emnor was watching him, studying his expression, knowing the question that had just entered his mind.
“It does not hold every answer, Jared,” he called slowly. “It is meant to carry the burden of far greater magic than this,” he added, gesturing toward Drake.
“Strange choice of word, my friend,” said Jared, thoughtfully. “Burden.”
“Indeed,” replied Emnor. “The magic we use is for good and it helps us in our everyday lives. The Heart, however, has a much greater responsibility. It exists to protect our entire world. Petty magic such as ours is far beneath it.”
“Jared… Jared.”
The prince looked up. Drake smiled as he stood beside the king and beckoned Jared, who immediately rushed to greet his father, “You are returned to us!” he exclaimed with joy.
“Yes,” replied Tamor, looking him up and down. “And you are?”
A look of concern swept across Jared’s face, “I… I’m Jared,” he replied slowly.
Tamor slapped his thigh, “Of course you are,” he laughed. “I remember you now, Jared. You’re Pullim the farrier’s boy aren’t you? Wouldn’t trust my stables to anyon
e else.”
“No, Your Majesty! I’m Jared, I’m your son!”
Tamor stroked his chin, “No my boy, you’re mistaken. I have no children. I’m not even married.” He placed his hand over his mouth and leaned over to Drake, his attempt at a whisper totally ineffective, “I think this one’s been out in the sun too long,” he hissed. “He thinks I’m his father!”
Drake held up his hands, “He’ll be fine, Jared,” he said. “Give it time, his memory will return.”
CHAPTER 20
Seated in a large, padded chair, Jared studied the comfortable surroundings of his chambers. That they had remained intact, as had the rest of the castle, perplexed him. He had wandered the halls and courtyards many times and all were empty. Every citizen of Borell had been taken by Karrak. How cruel his brother had been to enslave an entire kingdom but not leave the slightest trace of battle nor skirmish. His heart was heavy, and he despaired at the thought of what may come next.
The companions, Thedarians and Vikkery had reached the castle many months before and, although all seemed serene, Jared had not been able to shake the feeling of dread that dwelt within him. Each day he would stare at the Heart of Ziniphar, longing for it to impart news or somehow give a warning that danger approached, but it never did. It was simply a jewel that adorned the magnificent staff that he was now never seen without.
The Thedarians had stayed and helped the Vikkery settle for a few weeks before their departure, leaving only Faylore and a select few that she had chosen personally. Her mother had protested profusely, so much so that Faylore eventually had to exert her authority as queen and order them to leave. Little did they realise that it was Jared himself who had requested that Faylore order her people to return home, in order to keep them out of harm’s way.
The Vikkery had settled into their new home and resumed as normal a life as they could. They adapted quickly to their new surroundings, which was no mean feat considering all that had happened. They were respectful of Jared’s royal status and kept their word, offering various wares as remuneration in exchange for their dwellings, businesses and apparent security.
The Cessation of Karrak_Ascension III Page 29
