Quest's End: The Broken Key #3

by Brian S. Pratt

  “Then it’s decided?” Riyan asked.

  “You can’t kill us,” pleaded one of the men.

  Looking into the eyes of each of his friends, Riyan knew the answer. “So be it.” Turning back to the condemned, he said, “For crimes against the village of Quillim and its people.” Riyan raised his sword.

  “No!” cried out the soldier destined to be the first to die.

  Beside him, Seth, Chyfe, and Chad came forward to assist in the executions. Once the cries of the condemned had been silenced, Kevik dispelled his goo spell. Without the support of the sticky substance, the decapitated bodies collapsed to the ground.

  When it was over, Bart came to his friend. “Are you okay?” he asked.

  Riyan nodded. “Yes,” he replied. The rage that had been so all consuming a short time ago had now abated to a simmer.

  “We better get these men out of sight,” Seth said.

  Bart patted Riyan on the shoulder then nodded to Seth. “You’re right.” To the others he said, “Let’s make this fast.”

  While Kevik remained with the horses and Riyan sort of stood there in a fugue, the bodies and their heads were dragged over to a thicket and deposited within. Eryl came to stand beside Riyan. “Your mother will be glad to see you,” he said. When Riyan glanced down at him, he added, “She’s been very worried.”

  “I know,” he said. “It’ll be good to see her too.”

  Once the bodies were completely out of sight, they remounted. Chad lent his brother a hand as he mounted behind him. Riyan took the lead with Bart as they left the scene of carnage and entered the forest. Inside, Riyan felt nothing. The rage that had consumed him seemed to have burnt every feeling out of him. Almost as if he was dead inside. As they rode, all he could think of was being reunited with his mother, and Freya.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  __________________________

  Riding through the forest, Bart kept casting glances to his friend. The way Riyan had reacted by the river troubled him greatly. Such a reaction had been completely out of character.

  Riyan caught him glancing his way. “What?” he asked.

  “Just worried about you,” Bart said.

  “There’s nothing to worry about,” he assured him. Sighing, he shook his head. “Frankly, I don’t know what set me off back there. But whatever it was, I’m over it.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  Riyan nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.” Emotions had begun to creep back in since leaving the river. Anticipation at seeing his mother again, gladness that Chad would be welcomed home, and most of all a cool anger toward Rupert for everything that has happened and is happening to Freya. This time however, the anger was only part and parcel of his emotions, not the overriding factor like back by the river. Putting aside darker thoughts, he tried to recall the good times of his youth. It wasn’t easy, but they came.

  “They have men watching our house,” Eryl suddenly announced.

  “We sort of figured they would,” replied Riyan. Glancing to Bart, he saw him nod.

  “How are we going to get inside?” asked Chad.

  “We’ll figure that out when we get there,” replied Bart.

  In the quiet of the forest, four figures passed through the woods. Up ahead, the lights coming from the Kelon home could be seen through the trees. Bart, Riyan, Chad, and Eryl stealthily crept forward.

  Bart was in the lead and his eyes scanned the darkness all around to find those watching the home. By the time they were close to where the forest gave way to the Kelon property, he still hadn’t found any indication of where men might be positioned to keep an eye on the house.

  Then the back door to the Kelon home opened and Chad saw someone emerge with a bucket in hand. It was his father.

  “Father,” Chad breathed. A hand appeared on his shoulder and Riyan said, “Be patient.”

  “It’s hard,” replied Chad.

  “I know,” agreed his friend. For Riyan’s mother too was waiting within.

  Chad nodded as he watched his father cross the yard to the well. There he set his bucket down and began drawing up the one from within the well. As he was pulling the well bucket out, he glanced around at the trees surrounding his home then returned his attention to what he was doing. Once he had his bucket filled with water, he left the well bucket sitting on the side of the well and turned back toward the house. Crossing the distance to the back door, he again scanned the trees surrounding his home before passing back through the doorway.

  “Eryl,” Bart said, once the door had closed behind Chad’s father. He motioned for the boy to come next to him. “Just like we discussed. Cross the yard as if you haven’t a care in the world and go inside. If any of the soldiers should make an appearance, run for all you’re worth.”

  “Got it,” he replied.

  Before he left, Chad said, “Tell mother and father…” then had to stop as emotions overcame him and he couldn’t continue.

  His brother turned to him. “I know.”

  “Be careful, and be quick,” Bart said as the lad moved out. Stepping from the trees, Eryl walked at a normal gait toward the back door.

  Riyan and Chad watched him as he crossed the distance to the door. Bart on the other hand, was watching the darkness in the trees surrounding the home. Eryl had no sooner crossed a third of the distance when two shadows, one to the right and one far to the left moved. Bart could see the men remaining at the edge of the trees as they watched the boy. He pointed them out to Riyan and Chad. Neither of the watchers made a move to intercept him and was soon through the door and inside.

  Now, if Eryl conveyed the message correctly to those within, Bart should have at least five minutes to take the watchers out. With a ‘wait here’ to the other two, he moved off toward the watcher to the right.

  Waiting for Bart to take out the watchers was one of the hardest things Riyan had ever done. He desperately wanted to enter that house and make sure his mother was safe, despite Eryl’s assurances she was well. But like Bart always said, ‘First things first’.

  Movement at the house caught his eye and he saw a curtain being pulled back and his mother’s face appeared in the window. Worry marred her face. Obviously, Eryl had been effective in conveying the need for them to remain inside. A moment later, his mother’s face disappeared as the curtain was put back in place. Someone inside recognized the need for keeping curiosity in check until it was time.

  Nearby, a rustle of branches announced Bart’s return from taking care of the man to their right. Passing through, he was soon lost again in the trees as he moved to take out the other. Bart wasn’t sure if there were only the two watchers in the woods. After taking out the first one, he had scanned the trees for others, but hadn’t detected any.

  His ability for passing unheard through the forest had grown ever since they first left Quillim in search of the key. Now, he was able to move almost as silent in the outdoors as he could down an alley or across a rooftop. Utilizing this skill to the utmost, he worked his way closer and was soon able to discern the dark shadow of the watcher. The man had his attention fixed on the Kelon home.

  Slowing even further, Bart crept closer. In his right hand was clutched a single dart, doctored with one of his lesser poisons. It wouldn’t kill the man, but it would render him useless for the better part of a day.

  Bart unwittingly let his concentration shift from moving silently to watching the watcher, which resulted in a twig snapping beneath his foot. The man’s head immediately turned in his direction. Bart froze.

  He could feel the eyes of the man pass over him as he searched for the source of the sound. After a few moments of searching, his attention gravitated back to the Kelon home. Bart gave it another few seconds before moving closer. He had to get a clearer shot as the branches of several trees were currently obstructing the dart’s path. Step by step, he worked his way around to a better position. Then, when he reached a point where he had a clear shot, he took it.

  A moment l
ater, the dart struck the man, eliciting a startled cry.

  Bart rushed forward and reached the man’s side quickly. Already, the poison had begun to take affect and the man’s legs gave way. Crashing to the forest floor, he laid there unmoving.

  The forest remained quiet. Scanning the trees further on around the Kelon home, he didn’t find any movement indicating other watchers. Perhaps two were all there had been. After retrieving his dart and redoctoring it with poison, he slowly emerged from the forest and came to a stop two feet from the trees. Still no movement. Nodding to himself, he began crossing quickly toward where Riyan and Chad waited. Before he could reach them, they saw his approach and came out from the trees.

  “I think there were only two,” Bart said. “But keep your eyes open just in case.”

  Riyan nodded. Then he and Chad rushed to the door, beyond which their families awaited. Chad beat him to it and was the first to enter. Flinging the door open wide, the first person he saw was Eryl with a big smile on his face. The wound on his head had been bandaged.

  “Chad!” his mother cried out as tears began to fall. Rushing to her boy, she clasped him in a hug so tightly, she threatened to break his back. His father and brother were there a moment later.

  Riyan was clasped in his mother’s embrace, her tears of gladness wetting the collar of his shirt. “I’m alright mother,” he assured her. Coming up behind his mother was the trader, Raestin.

  “She always knew you’d come back,” he said. To Paul, Raestin nodded toward the door and said, “See what’s going on.”

  “Yes sir,” replied Paul. Taking his guards with him, they headed for the door.

  “Bart’s out there,” Riyan told them before they left. “He and four others.”

  “I’ll go with them,” Eryl said. “Make sure no one kills the wrong person.” Leaving his family, he rushed out the door.

  “Where have you been?” asked his mother when the embrace finally came to an end.

  “Yes,” Chad’s father said. “We’ve been hearing all kinds of rumors about you and the King’s Horde.” Looking from Chad, to Riyan, then back to Chad, he asked, “Is it true?”

  Chad looked to his friend and grinned. “Riyan?” he said, nodding to Riyan’s pack.

  With everyone looking on, Riyan placed his pack on the table and removed the circular key. “Yes,” he said as he pulled it out. “We believe so.” Holding it up for all to see, he basked in the glow of their awe.

  “Where is it?” Raestin asked.

  Riyan turned to him and replied, “I’m sure you’ll understand if we’d like to keep that particular secret, secret?”

  Raestin nodded. “I can,” he replied.

  “Suffice it to say, it’s not close,” Riyan told them.

  His mother, still hovering next to him like a protective hen, said, “All manner of people have come looking for it, and you.”

  “I know,” he said, then looked to the key. “I’m sorry for all the troubles that have come to Quillim because of this.” Returning it to his pack, he slung the pack once again across his back.

  “There’s talk that you could be in trouble with Duke Alric because you failed to declare those coins you boys discovered,” said Chad’s mom. Indicating Riyan’s pack wherein the key lay, she added, “And now that?”

  “One thing at a time,” Chad assured his mom. “First we have to get to the Horde.”

  “And,” Riyan said as he turned to his mom, “rescue Freya.”

  “That poor girl,” Kaitlyn said. “Ever since her betrothal she hasn’t known a moment’s peace.”

  “We heard that she’s at the Magistrate’s manor,” Riyan said.

  “So we believe,” Chad’s father affirmed.

  Just then, Bart entered the room. “Riyan, we can’t stay here long,” he said. “One of the soldiers from town appeared.”

  “Oh no!” exclaimed Elle, Chad’s mother.

  “Don’t worry,” Bart said, “he won’t be raising any alarm.”

  “You mean?” asked Chad’s father.

  Silently, Bart nodded. Turning back to Riyan he said, “It won’t be long before more begin showing up. I’ll take Chyfe and the twins and watch the lane leading into town.”

  “Very well,” replied Riyan. “We’ll meet you there.”

  “Okay,” replied Bart. “Don’t take too long.”

  “We won’t,” Riyan assured him. As Bart ducked back outside, he turned to his mother. “Mother, you and Chad’s family have to get out of here. Now.” He could see in his mother’s eyes the dread of being parted from him yet again. To Raestin he said, “Can you get her out of here?”

  “But what about you?” his mother asked.

  “I can’t leave Freya,” he said. “Holding her as he’s done, in my mind he’s lost all claim to her.”

  “There are always soldiers at the manor,” cautioned Chad’s father. “You’ll never get in.”

  As Riyan was about to reply, Kevik entered through the door with staff in hand. He saw Riyan next to a woman to whom he bore a striking resemblance. “Your mother I presume?” he asked.

  Riyan nodded. “Mother, this is Kevik,” he introduced him. “He’s a magic user of great power, and has been an ally through many adventures.”

  “A pleasure madam,” Kevik said, giving her a slight bow. “Riyan has spoken often of you.” Then he was introduced to Chad’s family.

  Once the introductions were completed, Riyan turned to Chad’s father. “The south ford is passable,” he stated. “We just went through it. Lead them there and wait for us.” To his mother he added, “We’re going to rescue Freya and then will meet you at the river.”

  “But Riyan…” she began to object then stopped.

  Riyan took his mother by the hand. “I know,” he said. “But this is something I have to do.” Then to Raestin, “Can you and your guards see them safely to the ford?”

  Raestin nodded and smiled. “I’d give my life for your mother,” he said with complete conviction. He turned his eyes to Kaitlyn and there was no denying the emotion behind them.

  “Alright then,” he said. “We’ll get Freya and meet you there.”

  “Kevik…” he started to say then saw that he had the far away look he always gets when speaking through the ring. Motioning for the others to remain quiet, they waited half a minute before he came back to them.

  “Bart says another five men are on the way,” he explained. “They’re up the road and look to be headed here. He wants to know if you can get away in time or should they take them out.”

  Eryl came in through the door and said, “The horses are saddled.”

  Riyan nodded. Then to Kevik, “Tell him we’re leaving now.”

  Nodding, the far away look returned as he relayed the message. “He said it’s too late, we’ll never make it,” Kevik explained when he came back to himself. “Bart’s taking care of it.”

  “Understood,” replied Riyan. Then to the others in the room, he said, “We have to leave. Make your way to the ford and wait for us.” Turning to Raestin, he added, “If trouble develops, get my mother away.”

  “I will,” he agreed. “You just be careful.”

  Riyan grinned. “This isn’t by far the worst we’ve seen since first setting off on this journey,” he replied.

  His mother wrapped him in another hug. “You’ve grown so much since I last saw you,” she said. With tears in her eyes, she said, “Your father would have been so very proud of you.”

  Returning her hug, words escaped him as emotions once again welled up. “Stay with Raestin,” he managed to get out. “He seems a good man.”

  “He is,” she replied.

  Breaking the embrace, she walked out with him through the door. Off to one side, Paul and his guards were already mounted and waiting. The Kelon’s horses were saddled as well.

  Bart, Chyfe, and the twins were still out by the main road. Once the five approaching men had been dealt with, they would stay there until Riyan, Chad, and Ke
vik joined them.

  “No Eryl,” Chad said. “You must stay with mother and father.” His younger brother was standing next to him by his horse, pleading to be allowed to come along.

  “But I can be of help!” he said.

  “I understand how you feel,” replied Chad. He then directed Eryl’s attention over to where their mother was being assisted onto a horse by their father. “She’s afraid. All that we’ve known is gone.” Laying a hand on his brother’s shoulder, he said, “She needs you now more than ever.”

  “But…” Eryl looked into his brother’s eyes and saw it was no use.

  “Take care of them for me should I not come back,” he said.

  “What?” exclaimed Eryl. “Don’t talk that way.”

  Chad swung up in the saddle. “I’ll see you at the ford,” he said.

  About that time, their father came to them. He stood there a moment looking at his son. In the shadows of the night, it was difficult for Chad to see what he was thinking. Reaching his hand out, his father said, “Good luck Chad.”

  Chad took the hand, and it seemed as if every wedge that had unknowingly been between them, disappeared in that moment. “Thank you father,” he replied.

  “Come along Eryl,” their father said. “Your brother has work to do.”

  As Eryl walked away with their father he said to his brother, “You’ll be back! I know it!”

  “Come on,” Riyan said. Already having said all the goodbyes he intended, he turned toward the lane leading from the Kelon home to the main road. Kevik and Chad nudged their horses into motion and followed.

  Riyan glanced to his friend and could see a smile on his face. When Chad caught him looking his way, he grinned even more and nodded.

  Behind them, Raestin soon had his group mounted. With Chad’s father in the lead, they headed off through the woods toward the south ford.

  “I was surprised my father shook my hand,” Chad admitted as they rode down the lane.

  “Why is that?” questioned Kevik.

  “Well, we didn’t exactly part on the best of terms the last time we saw one another,” he explained.