Having finished his tea, Lannon rose to leave.
"Eventually," said Taris, "I will tell you the full story of the Dark Watchmen. It is a bizarre and sad tale, but you might learn something from it."
Lannon bowed. "I look forward to it."
"You're a strange and stubborn lad," said Taris, grinning.
"What do you mean?" asked Lannon, taken aback by Taris' unexpected assessment of his character.
"Just what I said," Taris replied. "You're stubborn and difficult to understand. I believe your stubbornness could easily be mistaken for arrogance. Yet you don't insist on doing things your way because you think you know better. Rather, it's simply your nature to remain true to who you are, and clearly you have no desire to change. I wonder why the Divine Essence chose you."
Lannon was at a loss for words.
"Goodnight, my young friend," said Taris, still grinning.
Again, Lannon bowed. "Goodnight, Master Taris." With that, he left the tent, wondering, as Taris obviously did, why the Divine Essence had blessed him with his gift when there were plenty of warriors throughout Silverland eager for bloodshed.
Chapter 6: Goblin Town
The next day, Lannon did as ordered and said nothing to Jerret about his encounter with Thrake's shade. He felt guilty for keeping it a secret. Jerret remained sullen and withdrawn, speaking only when spoken to and giving brief, angry-sounding replies. Lannon was certain the news of Thrake's attempt to redeem himself from beyond the grave would improve Jerret's mood, but Lannon was bound by honor to remain silent on the issue.
It was a cold and sunny spring morning. As they rode on through the snow, they caught their first glimpse of the Firepit Mountains in the distance. They planned to ride around the western end of the mountains rather than attempt to pass through the rugged, Goblin-infested peaks. The western half of the mountains was crawling with Ogres and Trolls that were spawned by Dark Mother Trees deep in stone caverns. The Divine Knights were slowly cleaning out such breeding dens, but many areas of the Firepit range remained perilous.
Taris appointed a new member of the Divine Shield to replace Thrake--a Dwarven Red Knight named Daledus Oakfist, an overly cheerful warrior with bushy sideburns and an absurdly wide battle axe that looked too awkward for effective combat. "Daledus is young," said Taris, "but he is an extremely talented warrior and well respected. And he holds the Sacred Laws in high regard."
"I'm proud to be part of this Divine Shield!" said Daledus, grinning. "A fine bunch of Knights, Squires, and..." He gazed at Jace with a puzzled expression. "Yes, a fine bunch of Knights and Squires. I know that I can never replace Thrake Wolfaxe, but I'll do my best to protect Dremlock's future."
"Daledus is an excellent warrior," said Trenton Shadowbane, who rarely gave praise to anyone. "You Squires will be in good hands."
The Squires welcomed Daledus--with the exception of Jerret, who gave him one sullen glance and then ignored him.
"So what skills do you have?" Daledus asked, his gaze sweeping over the Squires. "What's your range? I already know what Prince Vannas and Lannon can do, but what about the rest of you? I fight close range mostly. And medium range on rare occasions." He patted some throwing daggers that hung from his belt. "I can also throw the heavy lance, but I don't carry one with me."
"Sorcery," said Aldreya, smiling. "Medium range."
"What kind of sorcery?" asked Daledus.
"Fire, mostly," she replied. "I can also shield myself, affect the weight of objects, and hide myself fairly well in the shadows."
Daledus raised his eyebrows. "Not bad at all for a Squire your age. Do you think you could use that weight trick to lift me over your head?"
Aldreya looked him up and down and then shrugged.
Daledus patted his bulging belly and laughed. "Maybe not, huh?" He fixed his gaze on Lothrin. "What about you?"
"Bow and dagger," said Lothrin. "Mostly bow. Long range, of course. Hunting, tracking, and survival--basic Ranger skills. I wear a Blue sash, but I'm really classified as an archer along with my cousin Vannas."
"Close combat," said Galvia. "I guess I'm supposed to be a Blue Squire now, but don't let my sash fool you. I'm only trained for Red."
"Is that all?" said Daledus, leaning toward her with a piercing stare. "Come on, lass, tell me everything. Brag a bit!"
Galvia smiled. "Some strong weapon enchanting too--the skill of Fire. But it's still only good for close-range fighting."
"I know all about it," said Daledus, "and I envy you for it. Squires, we're going to be great together! Mark my words!"
Jerret avoided Daledus' gaze, but that didn't stop the Red Knight from questioning him. "What about you, Dragonsbane?"
"Sword," Jerret said. "It's hanging from my belt for anyone to see."
"And?" said Daledus. "What's your range, lad? We Olrogs always want to know about range. Very important topic!"
"Close combat," said Jerret, "obviously. Do you see any bow or dagger?"
"No need to be rude, Squire," said Daledus. "Just trying to be friendly and make a bit of conversation. And yes, I did see your little sword."
Jerret's eyes widened. "Little sword?" He yanked it from its sheath. "This is a broadsword and fairly heavy. Made of Glaetherin."
Daledus laughed. "Struck a nerve, did I? Lad, it's a tiny blade compared to my axe. Or didn't you notice?"
Scowling, Jerret sheathed his sword. "May I speak freely, Master Daledus?"
"Speak away!" Daledus bellowed, waving his arms. "Always!" He was so animated it seemed he might topple from his horse.
"That axe looks too awkward to be useful," said Jerret. "It looks oversized and poorly balanced--like it's all for show."
"Nonsense," said Daledus, raising his weapon. "I've killed more than thirty Goblins with this axe. Split some of them like blocks of oak. How many have you killed with that fancy sword?"
"A few," Jerret mumbled.
"Jerret has become a fine warrior," said Vannas.
Daledus nodded. "I have no doubt about that, my good prince. The lad looks strong enough, and I've heard talk of his deeds. Could stand to cheer up a bit, though. I've never seen such a moody Squire!" Daledus laughed heartily.
Jerret glared at the Dwarf. "Glad you're amused."
"Calm yourself, Jerret," said Aldreya. "He's just trying to be friendly."
Jace winked at Jerret. "Daledus here likes to talk."
"So I've noticed," said Jerret, sighing.
"That's right," said Daledus. "And get used to it. I don't keep my mouth shut. I talk, talk, talk--all day long! I'll say anything I please, and those who don't like what my mouth says can deal with my fist!" He bellowed laughter. "We're going to be great friends and that's all there is to it!"
"Wonderful," Jerret muttered, rolling his eyes.
Jace chuckled and saluted Daledus.
Taris turned about in the saddle, grinning.
Even Trenton looked amused.
"Talk, talk, talk!" Daledus went on, slamming his fist into his palm. He exploded with laughter again. "I'll quit talking when I'm dead!"
***
As they approached a small town named Elder Oak near the shores of the Grey Lake, Taris announced, "Our scouts have reported this village is overrun with Goblins. Elder Oak is built on the ruins of an ancient Olrog city. The earth beneath the town is full of tunnels for hiding in--meaning there is a strong possibility that some of the villagers survived the attack."
"And what of our journey to Blombalk Fortress?" asked Trenton. "Last I knew, we were in a race with the Blood Legion."
"Should we abandon the villagers to their fate?" said Taris. "Who knows how long they have been hiding underground. Perhaps they lack food and water. I believe it is our duty to help them."
"I agree," said Trenton, though he looked annoyed. "I was merely reminding you of the purpose of our journey, as I'm eager to proceed with the investigation of Blombalk. However, it is indeed our duty to give aid."
"Yes, we must help the
villagers," Shennen agreed. "We will have to act quickly, though, with a group of our best warriors. I suggest we bring the Divine Shield into the tunnels along with twenty Knights and the Ranger. Any more than that would just clog up the tunnels and make combat difficult."
Taris nodded. "I think that's a good plan. Flund Greenhelm will be in charge in my absence. If we don't return from the tunnels by evening, another twenty Knights will be sent down to search for us. If any Goblins flee to the surface to escape, Flund's warriors will make quick work of them."
The tall Birlote Blue Knight named Flund bowed. "It shall be done, Master Taris. No Goblin will escape from this village on my watch."
Taris called out the names of the twenty Knights who would accompany the Divine Shield below, and they rode into the village. The snow was stained with blood, and here and there lay gnawed human bones. The houses and taverns looked battered, window shutters and doors broken off from hinges and hanging crooked beneath the cold blue sky. A chill, bitter wind blew along the streets. It was a lonely, sad little town that had taken quite a beating.
"Our scouts found an entrance to the tunnels," said Taris, "in the Town Meeting Hall." He pointed to a long, rectangular building flanked by pine trees and with a bell tower rising from its roof.
They swung down from their horses and entered the Meeting Hall through a battered doorway. Inside, benches had been broken apart and the wood (bearing teeth and claw marks) was strewn around. Three huge wolves lay dead--guardians of the village that had fought to the last. Darius sniffed at them and whined. Saranna stroked his black fur, anger in her eyes.
They found a trapdoor in a storage room, with a ladder leading down into darkness. Everyone stepped aside to let Lannon through, and he reached below with the Eye of Divinity, searching for survivors. The villagers had indeed come this way, but Lannon couldn't tell if they were still alive or where they might be. He reported his findings to the others, disappointed that he couldn't be of more help. The range of the Eye sometimes seemed annoyingly limited.
They lit torches and then everyone climbed down (except for Darius, as the wolf had to be lowered by rope). They found themselves in a stone tunnel wide enough that three people could walk abreast. The twenty Knights took the lead, with the Divine Shield and Saranna following.
The tunnel led them downward into the earth for a time before leveling off and opening into a large chamber with three more tunnel entrances on the far side. Four pillars stood in the chamber, adorned with Olrog runes. A musty smell hung in the air. The dust on the floor had been disturbed near the three tunnels, and Saranna, Darius, and Trenton investigated the tracks. Lannon also searched for clues, and the Eye revealed traces of both humans and Goblins having passed that way.
Moments later, from out of the middle tunnel emerged five enormous Ogres, marching single file and holding heavy war clubs. Each wore a thick breastplate of some strange grey hide that was strapped to the chest. They were humming to themselves in voices that sounded almost human--a frightful noise to come from the beastly mouth of an Ogre. Unlike typical Ogres, these possessed blue skin and yellow eyes and had a shadowy look about them. As soon as they entered the chamber, they spread out and attacked--charging forward, bellowing, and swinging their clubs. It was a horrific sight, five giants lumbering along at a speed faster than most humans could run--with clubs that could crush someone into pudding with one blow. Their bellowing was so loud it made the Squires want to clamp their hands over their ears. The servants of Dremlock knew they in for a vicious fight.
As if the Ogres weren't trouble enough, from out of the same tunnel bounded a pack of Goblin Wolves. Like the Ogres, they had a blue tint to their bodies, yellow eyes, and an odd, shadowy look. They howled and growled as they bounded along, drool flying from muzzles full of oversized teeth.
One of the Wolves ran straight for Lannon. He drew his Dragon sword and hurled it like a spear, using the Eye of Divinity to balance it and speed it along. The blade drove deep into the Wolf. The creature skidded across the floor, convulsing. Still grasping the sword with his power, Lannon yanked it back into his hands. Amazingly, the wounded Wolf rose again and stumbled forward. But Darius leapt on it and dragged it down, tearing into its throat and finishing it off.
His eyes blazing, Jerret hacked at a Wolf with his broadsword and cut a large gash in its side. Yelping, the Wolf turned and charged at Aldreya. She hurled a green fireball from her dagger into its face, where it exploded into sparks. Yet the Wolf--now blinded and burned--kept charging, until Shennen cut it down with his Flayer and ended its life with two more quick thrusts.
A Red Knight went down, crushed beneath an Ogre's foot. Another Knight broke his sword on an Ogre's breastplate, before he was batted into the chamber wall by the giant's spiked club. Soon the chamber was full of cries of battle and pain, along with fire and sparks, the stench of burning flesh, and flailing weapons.
As the Knights battled the Ogres and Wolves, the members of the Divine Shield held together. They formed a circle around Vannas. Shennen cut down a Wolf that tried to get to Lannon, and again, it took the Blue Knight multiple strikes to finish off the beast. Daledus lured an Ogre away that was charging at the Squires, hacking at it with his oversized axe. The Dwarf ducked as the Ogre swung its fist at his head, and he taunted the beast. Two Knights raced over to help him.
In frustration, Prince Vannas broke from his circle of defenders to try to get a clear shot at his foes. He blasted fire from the White Flamestone and burned a hole through an Ogre's armor and the heart beneath. The Ogre glanced down in surprise, then toppled over in death. Vannas cried out in triumph, even as a Wolf barreled into him from behind and knocked the Flamestone from his hand. The prince was taken down hard to the floor beneath the beast, and only his training as a Divine Squire allowed him to withstand the crushing weight on his back.
Lothrin shot the Wolf that was crouched atop his cousin, his arrow piercing the creature's eye. The Wolf leapt off Vannas, staggered around with the arrow protruding from its eye, and then went for Jerret--who promptly crushed its skull with his broadsword. Nevertheless, the Wolf somehow tried to rise again, until Jerret struck two more blows that completely beheaded the beast.
Lothrin swiped up the White Flamestone, then ran to check on his fallen cousin. Vannas was stunned but still conscious, a bloody gash in his forehead. The circle of defenders quickly closed around Lothrin and the prince.
"Protect Vannas!" Taris ordered, disgust in his voice at what had befallen the prince. "And guard the Flamestone!"
Jace flung himself at another charging Ogre, trying to strike the creature's head with his fist. Even the giant, cloaked form of Jace looked small in comparison to the Ogre, as the sorcerer leapt through the air. The Ogre caught Jace with one hand, by the throat, and shook him viciously before flinging him into a pillar. Jace dropped to the floor and lay stunned.
Using the Eye, Lannon seized the Ogre that had dispatched Jace and froze it. But the beast was too strong to be contained, and it soon broke free of Lannon's grasp and continued its charge toward the Squires.
Taris' dagger burned almost white hot, and he flung a massive fireball into the advancing giant. It struck the Ogre's breastplate and exploded in a blinding flash of light that threw large, buzzing sparks and hissing bits of burning hide and flesh all over the chamber. The Ogre stumbled and went down, nearly falling on Shennen (who swiftly sidestepped it), a gaping hole burned through its chest. The Ogre shuddered twice and then went motionless in death.
Two Wolves isolated Galvia. She swung at one with her smoldering hammer and missed, scorching and shattering the stone floor. As Jerret and Aldreya moved to help her, one of the Wolves bit into Galvia's stomach with its oversized teeth. She cried out in agony and dropped her hammer, as the Wolf ripped at her flesh.
Aldreya blasted one of the Wolves with a fireball, and the creature fled yelping into the fray, smoke rising from its fur. With a cry of rage, Jerret drove his burning broadsword into the Wolf that wa
s biting Galvia. The Wolf released Galvia and tried to escape Jerret's blade, but Jerret drove it to the floor and pinned it. Lannon ran over and cut off the Wolf's head with one solid stroke.
Galvia slumped to the floor, blood pouring from her stomach. Her face was pale, her eyes rolled back in her head. Aldreya knelt by her and tried to comfort her, while Jerret charged back into battle.
Lannon froze another Ogre, and three Knights drove their burning blades into it before it could break free. Still, the Ogre staggered around, howling in pain and swinging its club. Lannon seized its heart with the Eye, seeking to end its life. But the heart was protected by dark sorcery and resisted Lannon's efforts. At last, the creature perished from its massive wounds and fell to the floor.
A wave of weariness washed over Lannon. Using the Eye to seize objects--especially objects the size of Ogres--put a great strain on him and quickly drained his energy. He raised his sword and let the Eye falter, opting to fight as a Blue Squire and save what little strength he had left.
The two remaining Ogres, and the remaining Wolves, were dispatched by the Knights, as the Divine Shield simply held formation and waited. When the battle was ended, two Knights were dead and three more injured to the point of being ineffective. Taris ordered Galvia and the wounded and dead Knights taken back up to the surface. Galvia was the most severely injured of the group, and after briefly checking her wounds, Taris looked grim.
Taris ordered some of the Knights to stand guard by the tunnels, while the company regrouped and tended to the wounded. Many of the Knights were injured but still able to proceed with the mission after a few bandages were applied along with a bit of healing sorcery.
They held a moment of silence to honor the fallen Knights. Then Taris spoke a few words of praise for them and their heroic deeds. After that, it was back to business and any grieving was done silently.
Prince Vannas shook off his daze, wiping blood from his forehead so a bandage could be applied. He demanded the White Flamestone be returned to him. "I'm a bit sore and groggy," he said, "but I can continue on."
Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows Page 9
