by Thomas Rath
A Quick Sun Rises
Book 3 of the Master of the Tane
Thomas Rath
iUniverse, Inc.
New York Bloomington
Book 3 of the Master of the Tane
Copyright © 2010 by Thomas Rath
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
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ISBN: 978-1-4502-4845-7 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-4502-4846-4 (ebook)
iUniverse rev. date: 07/27/2010
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Epilogue
For Teryn, my greatest fan.
Chapter One
Thane caught the early morning wind rising to his call as it took his spirit and lifted him skyward. Looking back, he watched as Jne moved away from their horses and stepped closer to his body where she would keep watch over it while he used his ArVen Tane to ride the winds. Only the day before their mounts had wandered into camp to their great joy and relief. Both had been let out of the city before the dark army reached Haykon, both knowing the city would never hold and the only chance their horses had for survival was to be set free.
They had been three days hard pressed following the eastern shore of the Corrin River traveling south, staying close to the groves of trees that hugged its banks, on their desperate race to reach Calandra before Zadok unleashed his evil host.
Daily, he and Jne had traveled away from the column of refugees to a place where Thane could be alone to use his powers and watch the activities of the enemy that infested the smoldering fortress city, Haykon. His main purpose had been to determine whether or not they had quit the town and were giving chase so as to warn those who had been lucky enough to get out of Haykon with their lives, but he was also concerned about those farther behind.
Most of the townspeople had left through the eastern gates by order of Prince Ranse when the wall blocking the entrance to Nomad’s pass had fallen, but they had stuck to the road and were at least two days back unaware of the great danger that might begin its pursuit at any time. Thane had reported such to the prince and Colonel Braxton their first day out but both agreed that none could be spared to go to their aid and hurry them along. They were left to hope and fate that they were quick enough and far enough ahead when Zadok finally ordered his minions forward.
Gaining height while slowing his approach, Thane kept himself well away from the city and the senses of the dragon that he knew could be anywhere looking for him. Having killed another of Zadok’s pets, he’d expected the black dragon to be sent to harass and kill as many of the Haykon refugees as possible while searching for him but, to his relief, the skies had remained clear. That did not mean he was going to risk a closer look at the pillaging of Haykon, though. He knew all too well the evil that now filled what was left of the city. He also knew that a multitude of people had not escaped and that the many campfires that now lit the town and surrounding its surrounding area were actually the cook fires for those who’d been killed or captured. No, he had no desire to be witness to such abhorrent depravity.
Stopping at a great height, still a fair distance away, he suddenly felt a strange feeling coming over him as if the air around him was thick with a greasy black oil that invaded his spirit and made him feel dirty. He moved back, as if to retreat from this strange sensation when his eyes were suddenly drawn to the eastern gate that hung in ruin, barely supported by the one remaining hinge. There was a great amount of movement and then like dark puss oozing from a festering wound, a great mass of bodies poured out of the city and spilled onto the road. Others began approaching from outside the wall and joined the main body until the throng swelled in size while snaking forward toward the unsuspecting refugees.
“They’re moving.”
“That’s right,” a voice cackled just as a face appeared in the air in front of him. Recovering quickly from the shock of being discovered, he instantly recognized the evil apparition.
“Zadok,” he hissed, trying to control the alarm and apprehension he felt at being exposed. Looking about quickly he didn’t see the dragon but that didn’t relieve his anxiety completely. He still remembered all too well the last time he and Zadok met on the winds. That time he had barely escaped from having his spirit torn apart.
The face wavered for a brief moment, flicking in and out of visibility before finally sharpening back into focus. Zadok’s countenance was a mask of rage. “How do you know that name?”
Thane relaxed slightly, feeling he had gained the upper hand for the moment, but still moved his eyes about as if expecting the dragon to appear any instant. He was in a precarious position and he knew it. To return to his body now would only invite Zadok to follow and discover his location or worse still, have the black dragon sent instead. He still didn’t know the extent of Zadok’s powers, though the fact that he had killed his own brother, Gelfin, one who had the same gifts that Thane now possessed, made him more than dangerous. He had to keep him off balance and think of a way to escape. Now was not the proper time to test his increased capacity with the Tane. More than his life was swinging precariously in the balance.
He gathered more wind, calling out to it to surround him in a silent whirlwind, trying to prepare for whatever Zadok might throw as he answered. “Your brother told me all about you, Zadok.”
Zadok’s face faded slightly but returned quickly, an evil grin on his face. “I have no brother, Thane. You must be mistaken. But no matter, you can call me whatever you like, it won’t change the fact that you will soon be dead.”
Thane steeled his nerves, searching for the calm and confidence he found while in battle. He was fighting, though no blows had yet been exchanged, and he k
new that to show any fear or weakness would surely turn to Zadok’s advantage. He forced a smile. “No brother? Well then, I guess that necklace I took from you belonged to someone else.”
He heard a scream and then a blast of oily feeling air crashed into him before both were suddenly cut off as Zadok’s face blinked out. Recovering quickly, he smiled, pushing the soiled wind away while calling more to buoy up his spirit. So that was it. He’d found his enemy’s weakness. Backing away slightly he watched and waited for Zadok to reappear but his face did not immediately materialize. Was that it? Was he to get away without a fight? But Zadok’s face suddenly flashed into existence and rushed forward.
“I will give you one last chance,” he raged as he quickly devoured the space between them. “Return my…trinket, and then bow to me and you may yet survive when I am through.”
Thane held his ground this time, preparing to unleash his own force of wind as he shook his head and smiled at Zadok’s face now mere feet away. “I’m sorry, Zadok, but your trinket no longer exists.”
“Impossible!” he screamed, his face flashing in and out in quick succession as he fought for control. “A severed TanIs cannot release fire!”
Thane’s eyes narrowed. “That is where you are wrong, Zadok. I have released your brother, Gelfin, from his prison and destroyed the TanIs that held him there. No longer is he yours to torment.”
Zadok screamed releasing a tremendous blast of wind that was meant to dissipate the air holding Thane and destroy him in its wake but Thane was ready. Releasing the air that was coiled like a snake around him, it shot out engulfing Zadok’s and canceling its power before he sent another might gust at Zadok himself. The blast shot true but missed its mark as Zadok’s rage completely cut off his concentration and he disappeared.
Thane didn’t wait, this time, to see if he would return. Now was his chance to escape and warn the others. Calling the wind around him he made to turn back but was suddenly held in place when his eyes caught sight of a black mass rising from the ashes of what was once the city of Haykon. Lifting slowly into the air, it released a terrifying cry that instantly filled him with dread.
* * *
Jack lifted the tent flap and walked out into spring’s early morning chill still fighting to gain a foothold over winter. It had rained some the night before leaving the ground just wet enough to turn the camp muddy. Stretching, he surveyed the haphazard formation of bodies strewn across the ground like the dead from a horrible battle. Very few of Haykon’s refugees had the luxury of a tent so many had huddled as close as they could to the nearest tree with the hope of keeping dry during the night. Though helpful with the first drops of rain, many now found themselves victims of the larger drops that gathered in the leaves above and fell mercilessly on them soaking them all the same even though the rain had stopped an hour before. Though cold and wet, none was allowed to start a fire for fear that it might be seen and give up their position. Even now, many kept a keen eye to the sky expecting that any moment a dragon might drop down and have them for breakfast.
Jack sighed at the sight. So many lost, and still many who would not make it to the gates of Calandra. Every morning a count had been reported of those who had passed during the night. Most had been the infirmed and aged who were sick or dying before leaving Haykon. But instead of the dignity and peace of dying at home with family and friends gathered around, they were forced to the road to give their last breaths to a foreign land surrounded by unfamiliar and blank faces. Instead of a proper goodbye with the appropriate rites and ceremonies administered, a shallow, mass grave was their final ordinance.
A few hungry babies cried out in the distance reminding him of the stark shortage of food that was to greet the refugees once again this morning. They would all share what was available but none would leave camp satisfied this day. It had been such a desperate race to get away from Haykon with their lives alone that none had time to worry about from where the next meal might come. The promise of reaching Calandra soon was their only real hope.
Looking east, Jack strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of the gleaming towers of Calandra but to no avail.
“Will we make it to the city soon, Master Jack?” a small voice suddenly asked, slightly startling him from his dark thoughts.
Looking down, he found Teek, the small Waseeni boy and only known survivor of his race, sitting on a stump next to the tent. His hands were busily twisting a strange object around in his fingers as he gave Jack a questioning look. Jack smiled and nodded. “Looks like we’ll start to the east today, son. We should see the city by late this afternoon and make it there by sometime late tomorrow.”
“That is, if the dragon doesn’t return,” Teek added for him.
He stared at the boy for a moment and then nodded slightly. Teek had seen too much sorrow in the past days for a boy his age; more than anyone should have to face in a lifetime. But these were dark times. None of them should have had to suffer what they had if not for the careless rule of their leaders. Soon, all hope would be lost because those leaders had failed to act quickly or at all.
His focus suddenly turned to the object with which Teek was playing. “What is that you keep fiddling with?” he asked, nodding toward Teek’s hands.
Teek looked down at one of the two prized objects he had left in his life. “It’s an old medallion my friend gave me before he died.”
Jack raised an eyebrow and stared at the Waseeni boy for a moment. “You mind if I take a look?”
Teek shrugged. “Sure,” he said dropping the medallion into his outstretched hand.
He grabbed the small chain and lifted it up for a better look. Attached to the end was a gold medallion inlaid with a strange insignia made of silver that curved into different points in the middle and was accented with four various colored gems. His expression changed to one of wonder and surprise.
“Who did you say gave this to you?” he breathed, his voice edged slightly turning his question into an obvious command.
Teek blinked, a little taken back by Jack’s obvious recognition of the medallion. Thoughts of the prison in Thornen Dar flashed into his mind and he suddenly wondered if he might soon discover the similarities of prison cells held between dwarfs and humans. “It…it was a gift, Master Jack; a gift from a friend. I swear I didn’t steal it.”
Jack pulled his gaze from the medallion at Teek’s last comment and looked at the boy, registering the concern in his face and realizing he must have frightened him with his demanding behavior. His frown quickly changed to a smile and his manner lightened to a more amiable disposition. “My apologies, friend Teek,” he soothed. “I did not mean to startle you. I know that you did not steal this, at least from its original owner.” Leaning closer to the boy he looked about quickly as if to discover any unwanted listeners and then whispered conspiratorially, “You see, it was I who gave it away in the first place.”
Teek’s eyes widened in wonder, his nervousness doubling in an instant. Swallowing quickly at a failed attempt to wet his suddenly dry throat he whispered, “you mean, you’re the…”
Jack cut him off, his own demeanor becoming slightly nervous. “Let’s not worry about who or what I might or might have been for now. Let’s instead concentrate on the question first given. Who gave this to you?”
Teek’s expression didn’t change. “Yes, my Lord.”
Jack sighed. “That will never do,” he said half to himself. “It’s Jack, boy. Just plain Jack. Understand?”
Teek blinked but didn’t respond.
Jack’s voice took on a slight edge again as his frustration level began to climb. Not so much at the boy, but at his own foolishness in not guarding his words while trying to put the boy at ease. Obviously he had done just the opposite and was now feeling he’d placed himself in a situation he would all together rather avoid. “The name, Teek. Who was it that gave you this medallion?”
“It was Twee,” Teek quickly answered and then hurried to add, “your….
Ja
ck cut him off again with a raised finger. “Just Jack.”
Teek merely nodded.
A smiled suddenly broke through his rough exterior as the name finally settled into his mind. “Did you say, Twee?”
Teek just nodded.
Jack’s smile turned into a joyful laugh, “Well, I’ll be a troll’s trophy.”
Teek was beside himself. “You knew him?”
Jack sobered at the word knew suddenly remembering that all of Teek’s people had been wiped out by a dragon that left nothing but an empty hole in the Teague swamplands where Teek’s race once made its home. “Yes,” he nodded, returning the medallion to Teek and then squeezing his shoulder in friendship and sympathy. “I knew old Twee quite well. One of the most trusted of my…” he trailed off as if in deep thought and then flashed a concerned look at Teek as if just realizing the boy was there. “He was a good friend. Someone I trusted.”
“He was a father to me,” Teek said, dropping his eyes to the medallion in his hands and trying to hide the emotion that was obvious in his voice.
Jack stared at the young Waseeni boy understanding from his own experience what the boy was suffering. “Twee was a great man, Teek.” His expression softened and his eyes glazed slightly as if caught in a distant memory. “He was a wanderer; an adventurer. I never knew anyone whose feet itched so much to be out on the road exploring. Got himself into a lot of trouble that way, but he always seemed to escape. I’d venture to say that he saw more places than any yet still alive to tell the tale.”
Teek smiled, remembering the stories he loved to hear his old friend tell and the wanderlust that filled him every time they were together. “He told me of one of those places just before he died.” Teek’s own thoughts raced back as if reliving the tale as he stared at the medallion and spoke. “Something about being lost in the Underwoods Forest and finding a grove of trees.”
