Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows

by Robert E. Keller

  But Lannon was honor bound to put aside his fear and learn why two young Knights were dead. Whoever, or whatever, had killed them had dispatched this beast in the same fashion. If Lannon surrendered to his fear, more Knights could turn up dead. His hand feeling numb, he touched the edge of the cloth. A cold shudder passed through him. For several moments he held that pose, fighting his internal battle against fear while he gazed at the dark outline of the face from which the evil sorcery was radiating so potently.

  At last he shored up his will and Eye of Divinity responded, engulfing him like armor. Lannon seized the cloth and tore it away--to find himself gazing at a shockingly pale face with two crimson eyes, the beast's closed muzzle stained with blood. There was something deeply unsettling about that face, and Lannon was overwhelmed by the urge to cover it again.

  In that instant, the slain Jackal's muzzle parted to reveal crooked fangs and its claws shot up and locked onto Lannon's throat. With a cry, Lannon tore away from its grasp and reeled back, as his vision went black for a moment.

  When Lannon's vision returned, the dark cloth still covered the Jackal's face. Lannon had never actually removed it, but had fallen victim to an illusion that the Eye had failed to see through. He told the others what had happened.

  "A foul trick of the sorcery," said Taris. "It seems the answer is buried too deeply for even the Eye of Divinity to discover."

  Jace looked troubled as he smoked his pipe. "Power that turns away even the mighty Eye. Just what manner of assassin are we dealing with?"

  "I suppose the only way we'll know," said Taris, "is to hunt him down. Meanwhile, let this fallen monster be laid to rest with a proper burial."

  "We should summon the other Squires," said Furlus. "Any of them could be targets. The Divine Shield must be assembled immediately."

  Taris fixed his gaze on Lannon. "Our spies have informed us that your old friend Timlin Woodmaster is now the leader of the Blood Legion. We believe he is determined to launch an attack on this fortress in the near future. This assassin--as powerful as he seems to be--may simply be an attempt to distract us."

  A shaft of pain pierced Lannon's heart at the mention of Timlin, but his resolve did not crumble. "I'm still hoping he will surrender."

  Taris sighed. "Young Squire, you still don't understand the ways of this world. The Deep Shadow will never surrender its hold on Timlin now--just as Vorden is forever lost to it. You should harden your heart in preparation, for Timlin is now our greatest enemy and marked for death by Dremlock."

  "Marked for death?" said Lannon, though the statement needed no explanation. Lannon's stomach churned at the thought.

  "What that means," said Shennen, stepping close to Lannon, "is that Timlin is on the assassination list of the Blue Knights. As a traitor to Dremlock and someone corrupted by Tharnin, his death would be a blessing upon this land." Shennen's eyes were cold, holding a glint of grim purpose in the dim, flickering torchlight.

  "I can't give up on my friend," said Lannon.

  "He's not our friend anymore, Lannon," said Jerret, his head bowed. "He hates us now, just like Vorden does. We have to accept that."

  "Jerret speaks true," said Taris. "Timlin would kill you in an instant, Lannon, if he had the chance. He is no better than a savage Goblin now. Tenneth Bard is dead and Vorden is gone from our world. While Timlin is still here physically, he is just as lost as they are. Face up to that fact."

  "I can't do that," said Lannon.

  "I know," said Taris, giving Lannon's shoulder a squeeze. "You have a noble heart. I admire that quality. But there comes a time when you must begin to think and act like a Knight--and make the harsh choices. Knights are not coddled. A Knight must stand alone, even with his fellow Knights at his side. Do you know what the means, to stand alone? Your duties come before friendship. Timlin is our sworn enemy, and your duty is to view him as such."

  Lannon felt cold inside. He felt the Knights were too demanding of Squires, shoving them into battle and leaving them to sort out their thoughts alone. Taris had given Lannon much guidance, but ultimately, Lannon felt alone most of the time, left to suffer in silence and work out his troubles on his own. He knew it was expected and demanded of him. It was the way of Dremlock to build total self-reliance while providing only what guidance was absolutely necessary. But Lannon wasn't fond of it nonetheless. Dremlock could quickly and easily turn its back on a traitor like Timlin and expect Lannon to do the same, while offering him no wisdom or comfort for making such a harsh decision. Duty was all that mattered.

  "Timlin's heart is completely lost to darkness," said Furlus. The Grey Dwarf's bearded face showed a hint of sadness. "When I looked into that lad's eyes, before the gates of Dorok's Hand, I saw only pure evil."

  "And that is why Timlin is doomed," said Shennen, in a tone of voice that chilled Lannon to the bone. "The Blue Knights will not accept failure in this matter. Yet we only mark for death those who have become the most vile creations of Tharnin, those who would never surrender anyway."

  Lannon glanced at Jace for hope, and Jace winked at Lannon. "Who knows what the future has in store?"

  Lannon nodded, cheered up a bit by Jace's optimism. Jace seemed able to affect Lannon's mood with ease--almost as if he were using some form of sorcery on the lad. Lannon didn't know what Jace was capable of, because the giant was somehow shielded completely from the Eye of Divinity. Lannon still didn't fully trust Jace, but the Knights--with the exception of Trenton Shadowbane, the cantankerous Investigator of Dremlock--seemed to trust him enough. Regardless, Lannon was once again grateful for Jace's presence.

  "Don't give the boy false hope, Jace," said Shennen, glaring at the sorcerer. "It will only make this worse for him."

  Jace blew a shaky smoke ring and frowned at it. It was such a terrible smoke ring that he batted it into ruin with a huge hand. "No false hope, just reality. The future is unknown to us."

  "It troubles me," said Taris, "that a former Squire is marked for death, but Timlin was spawned by the Hand of Tharnin--a weapon so evil and unstable that even the Tharnin Lords have condemned its use. He is the last link to that bitter device. Yet Timlin is aware of our Sacred Laws. If he chose to come to us and surrender, we would be forced to spare his life and lock him in a dungeon. But he will never do that. He will resist to the bitter end."

  Lannon knew they were right, but he still couldn't bring himself to accept it. Timlin was purely evil--a monster in armor infested with the Deep Shadow. Timlin would seek to bring death and suffering to the Divine Knights and the people of Silverland. Even his own Blood Legion feared and despised him, in spite of being forced to obey his commands.

  "For now, my friends," said Taris, "we need to find this assassin and capture him alive, if possible, so we can learn why Timlin sent him and anything else he might know of the Blood Legion's plans."

  "I have a request, Taris," said Shennen. He hesitated, looking uncertain. "I would like to spend some time alone with Lannon, as I have need of his skills. I want him to examine the bones of the Dragon. I know this may not be a good time, but my research is very important."

  Taris stood in silence for a moment. At last, he nodded. "I will allow it, but take care of your business quickly. After that, I want Lannon and his friends under constant guard. And take Jace with you."

  Shennen's expression soured. "Jace? But why?"

  Taris gazed at the Blue Knight sternly. "Jace's vast knowledge may prove helpful to your research. Also, I'm not an expert concerning Dragon bones, but I'm guessing this could be a dangerous task. I want Jace to see to Lannon's safety."

  Jace bowed. "I shall do my best."

  "Are you saying I cannot protect the lad?" asked Shennen.

  "Of course not," said Taris. "But two guards are better than one. In fact, have Thrake accompany you as well."

  Shennen grimaced. "Why not just send half the Knights in Dorok's Hand, then, if you're so worried about Lannon's safety?"

  Taris said nothing. He simply gazed at Sh
ennen from under his hood, his green eyes shining in the torchlight.

  Shennen lowered his gaze. "I meant no disrespect. It shall be done."

  Taris turned away and didn't see Shennen's scowl.

  Lannon wanted only to return to his chamber and rest. He certainly didn't want any part of that Dragon's remains. And Shennen seemed to be behaving a bit strangely, and his face looked very pale. Lannon wondered if the Blue Knight had spent too much time with those charred bones and had somehow been affected by whatever dark sorcery lingered within them.

  Chapter 2: Knight and Dragon

  Shennen led Lannon, Jace, and Thrake along a few dark tunnels and then down some steps to a small chamber where the Dragon bones jutted up from a long, narrow stone table. A pair of torches in iron holders, from which cobwebs dangled, lighted the room. Mushrooms that stood more than two-feet tall, with purple and yellow caps, grew in troughs in the corners, and shelves were lined with books and strange, metal instruments. The room had a charred, damp smell, and the air felt clammy and made Lannon's flesh crawl.

  Thrake stood guard outside the door, while Jace stayed by Lannon' side, his pipe smoke drifting past the boy's head. Lannon gazed at the bones in dread, memories of the carnage the Dragon had inflicted on its foes flashing through his mind. He was filled with revulsion and wanted to leave the chamber, but he held his ground, waiting for Shennen's instructions.

  An intense aura of gloom and fear filled the room, radiating from the worm-like layout of charred bones. Yet Shennen's face, bathed in crimson from the torchlight, bore a broad grin as he stood before the bones.

  "Amazing, aren't they?" said Shennen, running his hand over what appeared to be a long, curved rib bone. "The key to Tharnin."

  Jace frowned and adjusted his cloak, looking uncomfortable, sweat on his brow. "Yes, they are extraordinary. And apparently still quite active."

  Shennen's breath rushed out in a sigh. "So many secrets to be discovered, Lannon, in the bones of a Great Dragon. I would never have imagined such remains would end up in my possession...in the possession of Dremlock."

  Lannon nodded, but did not share Shennen's enthusiasm. While Lannon understood that unlocking the secrets of Tharnin was essential to winning the war against the Deep Shadow, this somehow seemed very wrong.

  The bones were laid out with great care. They were badly charred with pieces burned away, but enough of the beast's huge skull remained to chill Lannon's soul. The eye sockets were dark and empty, the purple, hypnotic orbs that had seemed to hold endless depth burned away, but the Dragon's terrible will still seemed to emanate from them. Fangs jutted down from a long snout that seemed to be split open in a malicious grin. Lannon was certain life still lingered there, that the Dragon was still plotting Dremlock's downfall. His immediate thought was that the bones should be buried deep in the earth, far from sight and mind.

  "I'll give my opinion," said Jace, "though no one has asked for it. I think it's too bad the White Fire didn't burn these bones completely to ash. From what I can sense, they are extremely dangerous."

  "I felt that way at first," said Shennen. "It's a natural response. But the more I've studied these remains, the more I've come to realize what a wonderful gift we have here. And Taris and Furlus fully support this research."

  "But this research could destroy us all," said Jace. "This is a Great Dragon of Tharnin--a beast of all beasts and one that is supposed to be immortal. Its death alone is an abomination of sorts. While its flesh has been stripped away, its real life force--the power of the Deep Shadow--has not diminished. These bones are cursed beyond hope and should be buried."

  Shennen glared at the huge sorcerer. "Don't be so dramatic, Jace. And I didn't come here to listen to your protests, but to make use of Lannon's sight. So if there is nothing else, we shall get on with this task."

  Shennen's words reached Lannon's ears, but they seemed to come from far away. Lannon's gaze was bound to the Dragon's skull, to those empty eye sockets. He vaguely realized he'd taken a few steps toward the skull. The Eye of Divinity had awakened and was pulling Lannon toward the bones. The Eye seemed to be acting with its own will. He could hear Shennen and Jace arguing in the background but couldn't make out what they were saying.

  The moments seemed to drag by slowly, as Lannon found himself waiting for something important to be revealed. Surely the Eye was leading him to some worthy destination. He found his fear was now dulled, as the Eye fortified his mind against the effects of the dark sorcery. He suddenly felt so comfortable and sure of himself that it bordered on arrogant. He felt certain he could do what Shennen wished and probe all of the Dragon's secrets with ease.

  Lannon reached toward the skull, and the chamber around him disappeared completely--lost in a thick fog that glowed with a blue light. The smell of fresh, damp air filled Lannon's nostrils and a light rain seemed to be falling on him--though he couldn't actually see the raindrops.

  A mass of darkness writhed in the Dragon's mouth, and Lannon recoiled from it. The darkness slipped from between the jaws and took form in front of Lannon, revealing a man-shaped figure of shifting shadows and eyes of violet that smoldered with insanity--Tenneth Bard.

  "You can't be real!" Lannon said, raising his hands defensively. "I killed you!" But he doubted his own words.

  "Yet you know the truth," said Tenneth Bard. "Your eyes betray you. I live as the Dragon lives, bound forever to its will. Knight and Dragon are forever one. You have just made a dreadful mistake, young Squire of Dremlock!"

  The mass of shifting shadows lunged forward and a clawed hand seized Lannon's throat, while the violet eyes burned into him and tried to crush his will. Tenneth Bard's strength seemed endless--merged with the power of the Dragon. Lannon fought back fiercely with the Eye of Divinity, but slowly he was driven to his knees.

  "Just relax and surrender to it," whispered Tenneth Bard. "There is no need to fight. Your death will be swift and easy."

  The hands were tightening on Lannon's throat, choking off his breath, as Tenneth Bard continued to urge him to give in. Soon Lannon would go to sleep forever. He almost accepted it as his fate.

  But Lannon surprised himself, as his survival instinct suddenly flared to life and broke the spell of Tenneth Bard's whispers. His will to live returned tenfold, becoming a panic. He lashed out with the Eye of Divinity, tearing the Black Knight's hand from his throat and shoving the mass of shadows away.

  Moments later, the fog disappeared along with Tenneth Bard, and Lannon was back in the chamber. He was trembling from head to toe.

  "What happened to you?" said Jace. "You froze and would not respond to us."

  Lannon told what he'd experienced.

  But Shennen dismissed it. "A mere illusion, Lannon. You were only dreaming. Tenneth Bard is undoubtedly dead--killed by your own hand. And even if he somehow survived such a devastating attack, he could not emerge from the bones of the beast as you described. What you encountered was the Dragon's will, playing a trick on your mind. It sensed your deepest fears and reacted."

  "It felt very real," said Lannon. "I thought I was going to die. I had to fight for my life."

  "You simply used the Eye to break the illusion," said Shennen. "Remember the dead Jackal you examined earlier? You thought you were attacked then as well, but Taris told you it was a trick. This was no different."

  "Yet an illusion can be dangerous," said Jace. "I believe Lannon should avoid this task until he better understands what he's dealing with."

  Shennen's face darkened with anger. "You've reached this conclusion so quickly, because of a simple illusion? I have studied these bones extensively, and my finding is that it is perfectly safe for Lannon to proceed."

  "I was ordered to protect Lannon," said Jace, with a shrug. "Therefore, I cannot allow him to continue this research."

  "You're exceeding your authority," said Shennen. "I will not take orders from a failed Knight who is only here because he is being paid!"

  Jace shrugged. "Take it up with T
aris. My feeling is that these Dragon remains are radiating too much evil sorcery for a young man like Lannon to cope with. However, I understand the importance of your research, Shennen, and I'm willing to assist you if you will accept my help."

  Shennen scowled. "Jace the Wanderer, always trying to make everything his business. It grows tiresome. Nevertheless, I like you, Jace. I'm not Trenton. But you're beginning to annoy me. I guess I will indeed speak to Taris about this, and the issue shall soon be resolved."

  "Good," said Jace, puffing his pipe. "That is all I ask."

  Shennen scowled. "I know that Taris doesn't fully trust the Blue Knights, especially after what happened with Garrin Daggerblood. It's a shame, but I suppose it's just the way of things."

  Shennen was clutching one of the Dragon's charred rib bones, his knuckles white in the torchlight. A strange shadow seemed to have fallen over his face, making him look more sinister and devilish than usual. Knight and Dragon seemed bound together somehow by invisible strands--inseparable. Lannon shuddered, wanting Shennen to let go of that rib bone.

  Jace's eyes widened. "You look different, Shennen. What has happened to you? Perhaps we should speak to Taris right now!"

  But then Shennen stepped away from the bones. He appeared normal again, aside from his pale skin. "Relax, my friend. I have allowed my impatience to anger me, and you have allowed your fears of Tharnin to get the best of you. However, you are correct in that we have to be very careful in dealing with these remains. We will consult with Taris in due time, but for now, let us concern ourselves with the assassin and see to it that Lannon and his friends are well protected."

  Jace hesitated, then nodded. "Agreed." But Jace's eyes were filled with doubt and conflict. He held his pipe loosely in one hand, as if he'd forgotten about it. This was the first time Lannon had ever seen the sorcerer appear truly afraid.