by Diane Rapp
Tanya led the band of children through the corridors. “Are these all the children?” Her heart sank when she didn’t see her son.
“No, if a boy passed Jarrack’s test, he moved into the royal tower. Those boys were called his true sons.”
“But my son has blond hair and blue eyes. All of Jarrack’s spawn have dark coloring like him.”
“If he passed Jarrack’s test, he’s a true son. I’m sorry.”
Tanya opened a door to the secret passageway. “Follow this passage to the outside. Can you manage alone? I must go find my son.”
“I’ll manage,” the matron said with sad eyes. Tanya headed toward Jarrack’s tower with her sword ready.
*****
Chella knelt in the chapel. When the first sounds of fighting sounded, she discarded her habit. Dressed in black pants with a long sword strapped to her waist she looked like a fierce warrior. The priest’s face blanched at the sight.
“You have nothing to fear, Father. I suggest you lock yourself in a secure room until the battle is finished.” The priest looked troubled.
“What is it?” Chella’s voice softened.
“Could I retrieve my prayer book from my room? Jarrack’s men confiscated all the others.”
Chella smiled. “Yes, but be quick.” The priest dashed into the next room and returned, holding a large black book. “Now, lead the way, Father.”
The priest’s robes billowed as they walked down a corridor, Chella alert for signs of trouble. Abruptly the priest whipped around, slicing her arm with a curved dagger.
She winced and growled, “You won’t play me for a fool again!” She twirled and kicked him squarely in the face. The priest crumpled. His book lay open on the floor with a hollow cutout in the pages.
“Damn you to hell!” she whispered and jabbed her knife into his ribs.
“He was already damned,” a male voice said. Chella whipped around to find another priest frowning at the dead man.
“Jarrack’s unholy imposters practiced heathen rituals that defile our sanctuary.”
Chella’s eyes narrowed. “How do I know you aren’t one of them?”
“Search my mind, child. You will see the truth.”
“I can’t read the headblind.”
“You will find the truth if you seek it.” His somber expression compelled her to try.
Chella concentrated while he stood and waited. Raising her eyebrows she said, “Well, I guess I can learn something new. Lead me to your brothers, please.”
Sadness filled his eyes and his shoulders slumped. “Jarrack murdered them while I hid inside a tomb. I regret my cowardice but could think of no other plan. I recognized your voice and came out to find you. You’re a welcome sight, Chella.”
“Stay near and you won’t get caught by unfriendly troops, Father…”
“Patrick.”
“Father Patrick, I hope you can run. I must move quickly.”
“You lead and I’ll keep up.”
*****
Tempest pawed the turf as Andrew waited for the signal. He rode with Bryant’s cavalry, dressed in full battle gear that resembled Donovan’s battle uniform. It was Bryant’s idea. Although their troops knew Donovan was trapped inside the castle, Bryant believed Tempest’s rider should resemble Donovan riding into battle. He hoped the guise might distract superstitious desert riders, who might believe Donovan’s ghost rode the devil horse to seek vengeance. At any rate Andrew enjoyed playing the role of hero. Maybe Lauryn would see him.
At the sound of a wolf’s howl, Andrew spurred Tempest. The warhorse lunged forward and Andrew brandished his sword, feeling Tempest’s muscles ripple under his legs as they thundered toward the castle. He’d been too young to fight eleven years ago and wondered if he could kill a man face to face. As they faced slashing scimitars, he blocked a killing blow with his shield, heard a loud clang of steel, and felt a jolt that jarred his bones. Tempest reared and slashed the enemy with iron-plated hooves.
Andrew’s sword struck the enemy with a sickening crunch, and he saw a head roll across the ground. He swallowed his disgust as Tempest charged headlong at another foe. As the pair cut a bloody pathway to the castle gates, the image of Donovan fighting atop the devil horse sent fear into the enemy and courage through his own troops.
He felt thankful for sturdy chain mail and armor that transformed killing blows into jarring insults. Andrew’s teeth ached from clenching his jaw as he swung the heavy sword at enemies and felt grateful Bryant remained at his side as they charged the gate.
Bryant’s wild eyes and a broad grin gave him courage as the soldier slashed through the enemy. “We’ll be the first to the gates, just like old times.” Bryant was born to lead an army in battle, while Andrew flinched with each blow. He followed Bryant through the gates and marveled at the disruption inside the walls.
Ordinary women swung cleavers and kitchen knives at astonished soldiers. Wolves fought back to back with humans, standing on hind legs as they slashed at the enemy with white knives and gnashing teeth. Marasuta charged through the gates with Samurai slicing the air artistically, like Kabuki dancers. Two mercenaries rushed Marasuta. He planted his feet wide apart with a belt knife in one hand and sword in the other and dispatched both attackers.
Samurai women displayed the same fluid grace and deadly accuracy as the men in their ranks, easily cutting through the first barrage of desert riders. The second round of soldiers took measure of the women’s skill and charged with lethal force. The women held their ground, timing strikes and dodging blows with the accuracy of seasoned fighters. A few fell but more prevailed, tasting the satisfaction of victory. Andrew prayed Lauryn was safe inside the castle. He had no more time to think as he became absorbed in combat.
*****
Tessa entered the courtyard accompanied by Amber’s pack. Her dagger dripped blood, and she swallowed bile. Ancestor minds clamored to give her advice, but they confused her more than they helped. How can I function with so many voices buzzing inside my mind? She reeled with dizziness until Amber’s strong voice quieted the others. As the living host, your will is dominant, but you might enjoy more success if you yielded control of the body, so we can help you fight.
She gazed at her bloody clothes. I’ll gladly give up control. I can’t stand killing.
Take comfort. The ancestors will control the body and give you respite.
Tessa allowed her mind to sink into the calm of an inner world where the ancestor minds soothed her shock and fear. She listened to stories while Amber sauntered through the castle killing the enemy.
Amber’s predator blood beat hot within human veins, and she relished the chance to fight. A desert rider pounded toward her on his steed. She marveled at the brilliant colors of his flying robes but casually leapt away from his slashing sword. With perfect control she sprang at the enemy, growling as the impact of her body tumbled him from the horse. Blood gushed from the wound as her knife slashed his chest. She wiped the warm liquid from her eyes and sniffed for another enemy.
Disappointed at her human sense of smell, she knew she couldn’t scent effectively with such a short nose and human hearing was inadequate. She crouched and strained to hear approaching footsteps. Although it was difficult using this body, she compensated with wolf cunning. Prey approached. She popped up, abruptly blocking his path.
He cringed at the wild expression in her eyes as she snarled like a wolf. He dropped his sword and ran from the feral-looking human. Amber enjoyed chasing her quarry and sprinted after the man.
The ancestor voices intervened. Stop! He’s a frightened rabbit, not a threat. Find an enemy worth fighting. Amber recognized the wisdom of their advice. With a battle to be won, the satisfaction of the hunt could wait. A loud bell clanged.
Kriegen joined Amber near the south tower. Come, the evil one is trapped inside his stone cave. Tessa must join her sisters.
21 ~ TRAPPED IN THE BLOODY TOWER
Donovan followed Krystal through a maze of tunn
els inside the castle walls. He listened with rapt attention as she explained her battle strategy. His eyes glinted with pride. “You’re as cunning as you are beautiful, my love.”
Krystal squeezed his hand. “We must join our troops.”
Donovan frowned. “I need a better weapon than this dagger.”
“Your wish is my command.” She grinned and opened a door. “Choose a weapon from our armory.”
They entered a room filled with weapons. “How’d you do all this?”
“I had a little help. We’ve been sneaking weapons inside for months.”
“You’re a marvel.” He kissed her. Tempted to linger, he broke away and picked up a sword to test the sharpness of its edge. Krystal studied Donovan as he rejected two swords and finally said, “This one will do.” He strapped on a scabbard and slid the blade into the sheath. He stuck his dagger into his belt and another into his boot.
Hearing the clanging of a bell, Krystal said, “Kriegen summons everyone to the bloody tower, where we’ll face Jarrack.”
“What’s the bloody tower?”
“You’ll see, come along.” Donovan followed Krystal through the bowels of the castle, wondering how many more surprises lay ahead.
*****
As the bell rang, Lauryn stood with Alex in their makeshift infirmary. “That bell means Jarrack’s trapped in his tower. We must go help the wolves block his escape.”
Alex nodded. “I hope it will work. Jarrack’s mind is strong, and I’m worried he can break through any barriers.”
Lauryn shook her head. “He won’t break through the telepathic barrier we’ve arranged, believe me. Archers are shooting bladders filled with lake mud to cover the tower.”
“Mud?” Dr. Alexander asked, “How will mud keep him contained?”
“This mud blocks telepathic communication. When the tower’s covered with the mud, it will trap Jarrack’s mind and Donovan can confront the man face to face.”
“Mud, I hope you’re right.” Dr. Alexander looked doubtful.
Lauryn gripped her locket. “If we all work together, we’ve got a chance.”
*****
The wolves circled Jarrack’s tower, drawing their ranks together as Donovan stood next to Krystal. “I don’t like waiting,” he said. “Jarrack’s too clever. He won’t let us trap him this way.”
“He’s hiding inside the tower and the red clay traps his mind from escaping.”
Donovan frowned. “I understand the principle but something’s nagging at me. It’s too easy.”
Tanya ran to the tower entrance. “We must get the boys out of there!”
Donovan asked, “What boys?”
“Jarrack tests his sons and the special boys are locked in the tower with him.” Tanya’s eyes flashed in anger. “He might kill them if we attack.”
Kriegen approached. We are ready to begin, Donovan.
Tanya pleaded, “You must get the boys out.”
“I’m going inside. Please wait with Krystal.” Donovan marched toward the tower entrance with Kriegen at his side.
What’s wrong? Kriegen asked.
Donovan projected an image of helpless boys trapped with Jarrack. He’ll harm his own sons if we attack. I’ll go inside and try to stop him.
Kriegen bristled at the idea of harming young cubs. Do not kill Jarrack’s body before the tower is sealed. We must trap his mind inside the stone cave.
I can’t allow him to sacrifice innocent children.
Donovan slipped into speed time and entered the tower, speeding past desert riders who stood ready to fight. He remembered the tower, knew every room, but where would the children be kept? He searched the rooms on the ground floor, careful to test doorways with his sword to detect another stasis trap. The boys must be held in the royal suite. Donovan climbed the stairway and entered the chamber.
Jarrack stood waiting as he materialized in real time. “Welcome Donovan. It’s been a long time since we had a chance to talk.”
“I’m afraid you won’t appreciate the conversation,” Donovan said. The room was filled with boys of various ages with fear radiating from their minds. “Don’t be afraid. I haven’t come here to kill you or your sons.”
Jarrack scrutinized Donovan’s young face and virile body with jealousy and hatred. “No. Krystal’s army of farmers and women defeated my lazy troops, so you came to gloat over your success. Surprise! Donovan, I’m not beaten yet. Thousands of fierce warriors wait in the desert for my summons, so don’t celebrate victory too soon.”
Donovan glanced at the rich furnishings in the room. “I see you’ve grown comfortable. Why not enjoy the rest of your life in the same comfort? We’ll supply the best provisions and servants to see to your needs. Just free the boys.”
Jarrack glared at Donovan. “I won’t let you take my sons! They secure my future, the culmination of years of breeding. Let me introduce you to my oldest sons, Karl, Holden, and Brent.”
The young men looked like duplicates of Jarrack and their expressions mirrored their father—their mouths twitched into a snarl and their eyes blinked in unison. When Jarrack moved the boys assumed the same stance.
Donovan frowned.
“Yes, I control their bodies.” Jarrack’s eyes gleamed with hatred and the boys drew their swords. “I don’t need to face your blade. My sons can kill my enemies while I remain safe.”
The boys advanced on Donovan in a menacingly formation.
Donovan backed off and said, “Stay back, I don’t want to hurt you.”
Brent lunged at him and Donovan blocked the sword with a parry.
“Don’t you realize why Jarrack bred so many sons?”
Karl moved in and slashed at Donovan.
“He plans to kill your minds and occupy your bodies with his mind.”
Holden hesitated in mid-stride.
Donovan continued, “Jarrack plans to live forever in his sons’ bodies.”
The brothers looked at Jarrack with questioning expressions. His face turned red, and he raised a clenched fist. Suddenly Holden stiffened and swung his sword at Donovan. The boy’s eyes looked glassy, but he swung the sword with lethal force.
Donovan tried to fend off the attack without harming the boy. Karl attacked from the other side while Brent dove to the floor and grabbed Donovan’s foot. It prevented him from phasing into speed time. Jarrack’s laughter rang through the room as Donovan used all his skill to deflect blows that could prove deadly.
He looked into their faces and realized Jarrack had already killed these young minds to control their bodies without resistance. Donovan had one advantage—Jarrack’s attention was spread between three boys and Donovan could move fast even without speed time. If he fought in earnest, he knew he could defeat all three opponents.
He snarled and swung his blade without restraint. Steel clanged against steel in a flurry of deadly clashes. As he delivered a death-blow to each opponent, the body fell with an expression frozen in hatred. Donovan felt a twinge of regret but knew their minds were already gone before his blade touched their bodies. He turned, determined to save the other boys before Jarrack killed their minds.
Jarrack was gone.
Donovan phased into speed time and ran past terrified boys. He found Jarrack in the Great Hall surrounded by desert riders standing shoulder to shoulder, a ploy to prevent Donovan from reaching him using speed time.
He phased back into real time as Jarrack watched someone enter the room.
“Jordan!” Jarrack sounded pleased. “I’m glad to see my eldest son alive.”
“I came to kill you, father.” Jordan sounded calm. Felesia and Marra flanked Jordan, ready for battle as wolves filtered into the hall behind them. Krystal entered with Lauryn and Tessa.
Jordan stood tall, facing his father. “You’ll no longer dominate my mind.”
Jarrack glared and the blue haze formed like a malevolent cloud. Jordan clenched his teeth as he watched the blue haze stretch out to touch him. Marra hissed. Felesia gripped
her bracelet and linked with Marra’s mind. Together they blocked the blue haze from touching him.
Jordan’s gaze remained fixed on Jarrack as all three sisters formed a circle around him clasping hands. Tessa’s ring glowed hot, Lauryn’s open locket swirled with vibrant colors, and Felesia’s bracelet sparkled. Energy crackled around the circle like lightning. The blue haze sizzled and shrank back into Jarrack’s quivering body as he cowered behind the guards.
Donovan sent a telepathic message to everyone in the hall. Form an unbroken circle around Jarrack. We must contain his mind while we evacuate his sons and seal the tower. Donovan cut a path through the desert riders with his blade. Trenton and Mandrake joined him, forming a wedge that pushed forward.
Outside, Flash dropped bladders that burst over the tower with each volley of arrows.
Kriegen said, The tower is almost sealed.
“Don’t kill Jarrack or let him escape!” Donovan shouted.
Suddenly women swarmed into the hall with Tanya. She shouted, “Get him! Kill him!”
“No! Stay back! We’ve almost got him trapped.” The frenzied women pushed past Donovan slashing at Jarrack’s guards.
Jarrack raised his hands toward the ceiling as Tanya’s blade pierced his chest. His body fell and the blue haze hovered over the crowd of women. It formed into the shape of a man and flew toward the tower walls. The haze shimmered against the wall, unable to penetrate the oozing red mud. It stretched toward Jordan but the sisters’ power deflected its touch once again. The haze drifted aimlessly for a moment, and then rushed up the staircase.
He means to get to the boys. Donovan’s mind shouted.
Jordan slumped as the haze disappeared. “Too late!” he sobbed and turned sad eyes at Donovan. “He’s gone.”
Kriegen said, The human speaks the truth. Jarrack’s spirit escaped into one of his sons.
