Trenton glared, but said nothing.
Timlin seemed to fight with his emotions for a moment, and then he seated himself. "Anyway, that's the story. Yes, we brought doom on ourselves, and this Specter is wandering around somewhere with the Black Flamestone."
"And the portal to Tharnin?" asked Taris.
"It closed on its own," said Timlin. "It was only temporary."
"Did Goblins come through that portal?" asked Trenton. "We encountered some that are unusual--more powerful and cunning. Did you summon them from Tharnin to raise an army against Dremlock?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Timlin, with a hint of a smile. "I can tell you that Goblins born in the realm of Tharnin cannot survive in this world, so that's a stupid question, Trenton--especially for someone who calls himself an Investigator."
"All possibilities need to be accounted for," said Trenton. "So no, Timlin Woodmaster, it was not a stupid question."
"If Goblins can't come through and live," said Daledus, "then how does this Specter remain alive?"
"Some creatures of Tharnin are so powerful," said Jace, "they can withstand the energy of living things here. A Specter is one of those creatures. There are also talented sorcerers that can enter our world, and even a few elite warriors. And, of course, the Barloak Demons that invaded our land in ancient times--though most of those were slain by Olzet Ka and the Crimson Flamestone."
"Did anyone else come through the portal?" Trenton asked, his piercing gaze on Timlin. "Did Vorden Flameblade come through?"
"Do you see him around?" said Timlin.
"That is not a sufficient answer," said Trenton. "Are you going to cooperate with this investigation or not?"
"The portal was open very briefly," said Timlin, "for a specific purpose. That purpose had nothing to do with Vorden." He grinned. "Not that you won't be seeing Vorden and his Hand of Tharnin soon enough..."
"Don't play games with me, Timlin," said Trenton.
Timlin laughed. "But I rather enjoy it."
"I propose," said Jace, "that we work together in hunting down this Specter and slaying it. It is not a ghost, but a living creature that is invincible to normal weapons and extremely resistant to sorcery. It can be killed."
Timlin nodded. "I would be willing to form a temporary alliance with Dremlock. But if we succeed in slaying the Specter, who gets the Black Flamestone?" He pondered it for a moment, then said, "I suppose we could always duel for it."
"A duel," mused Taris. "Like the last one?"
"No, a fair one this time," said Timlin. "By the way, I had no idea the last one was unfair. But I'll take your word for it."
"I'm sure you didn't," said Taris, sneering.
"We can hunt this beast on our own," said Trenton. "We don't need to work with our sworn enemies."
"And we don't need you!" Hoytus growled.
"I disagree," said Jace. "It could take an army to kill a Tharnin Specter. They are hard to corner, for one thing. There is strength is numbers."
"I will agree to it," said Taris, "provided it is not a duel to the death and provided we choose the participants now."
"Fine by me," said Timlin. "The duel then is to death or submission. You can pick anyone but Lannon, yourself, or another sorcerer. This will be a battle of blades only. And I choose Ulmason Deathhand again."
Ulmason bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I will not disappoint."
"And I choose Flund Greenhelm," said Taris. "He is a Blue Knight and a swordsman. He will fight only with his blade."
"Why not choose me?" asked Shennen, looking annoyed. "Can Flund match my skill with the blade?"
"Flund is an excellent swordsman," said Taris, "and a humble Knight who understands his place at Dremlock. He will fight with honor."
"But Flund could lose," said Shennen, his expression bitter. "Do we want to actually win the duel this time, or give our enemies the upper hand? Why would you pick Flund over the Lord of the Blue Knights?"
"I have my reasons," said Taris, in a cold voice. "Do not question them."
Shennen rose, knocking his chair over. "Do what you must, however foolish. You're in command, Tower Master." Then he strode from the room.
Timlin chuckled. "There goes an unhappy assassin."
Ulmason grinned. "Little does he know, he was saved the humiliation of losing to me. Taris did him a favor."
"Shennen looked a bit upset," said Daledus, with raised eyebrows.
"He will get over it," said Taris, looking unconcerned.
"Will Flund agree to it?" asked Trenton. "The Sacred Laws forbid forcing a Knight to fight a duel."
"He will agree," said Taris. "And I'm confident he will prevail."
Ulmason nodded. "It is good that you have confidence in your fighter. However, I have never lost a duel, and never will."
Taris' gleaming green eyes stayed focused on Timlin. "We will ride together and fight together--until this Specter is found and slain and the Black Flamestone is in our possession. Then we will have a fair duel for it. The winner of the duel will be allowed to possess the stone for three days, during which there will be no conflict. After that, it will be fair game again."
"Three days?" said Timlin. "That works for me."
"I won't ride with Goblins," said Trenton. The two Goblin Lords grinned at Trenton in response, showing pointed teeth.
"The Goblins will remain here," said Timlin. "What do you have against them anyway, Trenton? They're strong warriors."
"The Sacred Laws forbid fighting alongside Goblins," said Trenton. "Had you remained at Dremlock, Timlin, and done your studies, you would know this."
Timlin yawned. "Studies are boring, Trenton."
"Lead us to where the portal stood, Timlin," said Taris, rising from his chair, "so that we may verify that it is indeed sealed."
"You won't just take my word for it?" said Timlin, with a smirk.
***
The portal site was located underground, beneath where the Training Hall had once stood. All that remained of the Training Hall were some mangled wood and stone ruins and a hole in the ground that was covered with an iron trapdoor. They had to dig the snow off the trapdoor to pull it open.
Ulmason and Daledus lifted the heavy slab away and Lannon probed for danger below. He detected strong traces of Goblin activity, but no Goblins were currently down there. He also failed to find any traps. He did, however, sense lingering energy from the portal and it made him shudder. It felt like a warping of nature--something so horrific it should not exist. It made him feel sick with revulsion.
"I don't detect any danger," Lannon told Taris, while holding his stomach and fearing me might vomit. "But there was definitely a portal down there, though it's gone now. The leftover energy feels very unnatural and perverse."
The group went below. Shennen had rejoined them, Flayer in hand. The others drew their weapons as well. They followed stone steps down to a large storage room full of crates and barrels. At the center of the room was a blazing dark flue fireball, hovering in the air. The air seemed somehow warped around it as if from intense heat. Yet the room was cold.
Everyone exchanged disgusted glances.
"Nasty, isn't it," said Timlin, holding his stomach. "The sorcery has not fully dissipated yet. But the portal is indeed closed."
Jace inspected it and nodded. "Yes, it is gone forever. This orb will fade away eventually. But whatever took place down here to open the portal was very dangerous. A terrible idea if ever there was one."
"Not a terrible idea," said Timlin, with a grin. "Just a terrible outcome."
"One and the same," said Jace.
"What do you know of portals, Jace?" asked Trenton.
"I've studied them for years," said Jace. "I've even entered a few."
"No one alive understands Tharnin better than Jace," said Taris. "Not even the Birlote Wizards. Of that I have no doubt."
Jace shrugged. "I wouldn't go that far, though I appreciate the compliment. Yes, I know a thing or two about ou
r enemy, but I had to suffer greatly to gain that knowledge. The Shadow Realm does not share its secrets easily, even with its own servants." After a sharp glance from Trenton, Jace added, "Not that I'm one of its servants, of course. On the contrary, Tharnin despises me."
Trenton turned to Taris, his face grim. "Are you certain you want to cooperate with our foes on the matter of the Black Flamestone? The last time Dremlock tried something like this, it was a disaster. And I'm not entirely sure the Sacred Laws allow this sort of alliance with these slaves of Tharnin."
Timlin's eyes narrowed, his hand settling on the hilt of his Flayer. "I'm growing weary of being called a slave and a puppet."
"You reek of the Deep Shadow," said Trenton, sniffing the air disdainfully. "Yes, I have many doubts about this alliance."
"I have many doubts as well," said Taris, sighing. "After all, how can we be sure of anything these days? Regardless, I think it's the best option. The Sacred Laws permit this alliance--if we consider it to be part of the planned duel. And we've already agreed to it and are bound by honor to see it through."
"Hey, I'm not entirely sold on it either," Timlin muttered. "But we did agree to it, Trenton, and that's that."
"I will have my duel," said Ulmason, "as we agreed."
"Then let us begin the hunt tomorrow," said Taris, "at dawn."
"I just hope we don't become the hunted," said Jace.
Chapter 10: The Eye of Dreams
Tension was high in Blombalk Fortress that night. Lannon and his friends were placed under very heavy guard, with six Knights--including at least one from the Divine Shield--staying close to them at all times. Dremlock's warriors hunkered down in a circle of tents and slept with their armor on (those who actually allowed themselves a bit of sleep), and the Legion Soldiers gave that circle a wide berth as they walked back and forth across the grounds.
It was a cold, snowy night, and the Squires stayed inside their tent and focused on keeping warm. Everyone was able to relax except Jerret, who kept getting up to pace about in the small space and annoy the others.
"I don't like this situation at all," Jerret said, his hand on his broadsword hilt. "We're sure to be attacked in our sleep."
"Relax," said Lannon. "There is no reason the Blood Legion would attack us. We struck a deal with them, remember?"
"The Blood Legion has no honor," said Jerret. "We can't trust them to keep their word. We sit here like fools, surrounded by a sea of enemies."
"Enemies who would perish in white fire," said Prince Vannas, "if they dared attack us." The prince lay on his back on the floor, the pouch containing the White Flamestone resting atop his chest. "You worry too much, Jerret."
"And you have too much confidence in that stone," said Jerret. "Look what happened beneath Elder Oak, when you were nearly crushed by a Wolf."
"That was just bad luck," said Vannas. "It won't happen again."
"Anything can happen," said Jerret. "Haven't you figured that out yet? All it takes is for you to lose your grip on the Flamestone and that advantage is gone. Sorry, Prince Vannas, but I'm not counting on your shiny gem for protection. I'll rely on my wits and my sword instead, thank you."
"Good plan, Jerret," said Lothrin, from where he lay beneath his quilt. "For once, you're speaking words of wisdom."
Jerret drew his sword. "I'm going to step outside and scout around a bit. I'll stay close to the tent, though."
Galvia patted the floor next to her. "Sit down, Jerret. We're under heavy guard, remember? And you're making me tired just watching you pace."
Jerret hesitated, then sheathed his sword. He slumped down next to her. "But you agree with me, right? There is going to be bloodshed tonight."
"I hope not," said Galvia, sighing. "I don't have my strength back yet. It pains me to even walk around, let alone attempt combat."
"Don't worry," said Jerret. "You've got me to look after you."
Galvia smiled. "True enough."
Lannon sat apart from the others, wanting to be alone. He kept thinking of what the Eye had revealed about Timlin, and the last of his hope was draining away. Timlin truly was a monster--worse than Vorden, for Timlin wasn't wearing the Hand of Tharnin, a device that could be removed. Rather, Timlin's very soul had been made foul and there was simply nothing left of who he'd once been. Timlin would never surrender or change his ways. He would haunt Dremlock until the Divine Knights put an end to him.
"You look sad, my friend," said Lothrin. "What troubles you?"
Lannon hesitated, then revealed what was on his mind.
"I'm sorry, Lannon," said Aldreya. "I don't have the Eye of Divinity, but I knew the truth before you did. Unlike Vorden, Timlin willingly betrayed Dremlock. He is beyond hope."
"No one is beyond hope," said Lothrin. "There is always a chance for redemption."
"Not for Timlin Woodmaster," said Vannas. "His heart is rotten."
"Yes," said Lannon, "his heart is rotten. And there is no hope for him. I suppose he is better off dead. And now I realize there was no hope for Vorden, either. The Deep Shadow is too strong. Once it claims someone, they're lost forever. At least Thrake was put out of his misery."
"That doesn't sound like you, Lannon," said Jerret, a flash of pain in his eyes at the mention of Thrake's name. "You never give up on anyone. What made you so cynical all of a sudden?"
"I guess I've been a fool," said Lannon. "I should have listened to the Knights. They warned me about the Deep Shadow."
"Don't surrender your optimism, Lannon," said Lothrin. "It is actually your greatest weapon against the Deep Shadow."
"I doubt it," said Lannon. "My optimism hasn't done any good at all. The Eye of Divinity is my greatest weapon, and it can't save anyone from the Deep Shadow. I think it's time I faced up to reality." He knew he sounded bitter, but he couldn't help himself. He was sad and weary of his burdens.
Jace wandered in and sat down. He had a loaf of bread in one hand and an ale jug in the other. "Greetings, Squires. Taris asked me to check on you and see if you needed anything."
"When are we going to be attacked?" asked Jerret.
"Good question," said Jace, his mouth full of bread. He took a large swig of ale and then wiped his chin with his sleeve. "The greatest concern now for Dremlock and the Legion is tracking down and slaying this Specter. Attacking us in the dead of night would gain our foes nothing, and would cost them much."
"What is so dangerous about this Specter?" asked Vannas.
Jace raised his eyebrows and leaned toward Vannas, his huge shadow blocking out the lantern light. "Are you speaking in jest, oh prince? A Specter is one of the most powerful creatures in existence--equal to that Dragon that caused so much trouble at Dorok's Hand."
"But I slew the Dragon," said Vannas, with a yawn.
"With some favorable luck, yes," said Jace. "But a Specter is more elusive. You will not have an easy time locking onto that target."
"Lannon can hold the creature with the Eye of Divinity," said Vannas, "and I will blast it with white fire. End of story."
Jace sighed. "Well, I believe things could turn out differently. I believe the death toll could be considerable, if we're not careful. We're facing a creature that is as swift as the wind, as fleeting as a shadow--that can kill with its very gaze. If we can corner it, we have a chance. Otherwise..."
Jace went on talking for a while, telling about one of his adventures in which he'd encountered a creature he thought was a Tharnin Specter (turned out it wasn't). Lannon's mind wandered, and he lay down and pulled his quilt over him. He was still thinking of Timlin--of the evil he'd glimpsed. He wished he hadn't used the Eye on Timlin. He felt he would have been better off not knowing the truth. Lannon also found himself wondering if Jerret was right and their camp would soon be attacked. Maybe Blombalk Fortress was destined to be stained by blood yet again. And beyond all that lurked the Specter and its potential to cause death on a mass scale.
Lannon wanted only to sleep away his troubles, but in spite of his m
ental exhaustion, his heart still smoldered with anger toward the Deep Shadow that seemed to be the source of all his misery. In response to that anger, something stirred within him, and the barriers between reality and the dream world began to crumble away. Moments later, the darkness took Lannon's mind.
***
Lannon awoke in the middle of the night, when Jace was gone and the other Squires were asleep (except for Jerret, who was sitting up with his broadsword across his lap). But it only took a moment for Lannon to realize he wasn't awake in the normal sense. He seemed to be dreaming--floating above his body. He noted how peaceful his face looked in the soft lantern glow, giving no hint to the troubles that haunted his mind. He felt detached from everything around him. He could see things but could affect nothing.
This was the Eye of Dreams. Some complex mechanism had been activated within Lannon, allowing him to separate from his body and become a hidden observer. He had no idea how long it would last or where it would lead him. He wondered if he should simply try to return to his body and sleep. Yet he suspected no harm could come to him in this form. The Eye of Dreams was like a ghost, able to pass through solid objects and travel anywhere.
Excited at the prospect of unlimited freedom, Lannon floated through the tent wall and out into the snowy night. The wind blew swirling flakes right through him and the cold had no effect on him. He was warm and comfortable and beyond the reach of nature.
Six guards, including Shennen, stood by the tent talking to each other. Lannon approached them but they looked right through him. They had no clue he was there watching their every move. Lannon's excitement grew. He was completely invisible and could go anywhere he chose. But where did he want to go? He decided he should spy on the Blood Legion.
Lannon floated into the Soldier Barracks and found all but a few of the Legion Soldiers asleep. He entered the Council Barracks and saw that Timlin was asleep and under heavy guard. He could see the aura of the Deep Shadow around Timlin. The Eye of Dreams revealed it as a purple glow. But the aura was troubled and shifting, as if uncertain of its destiny. Lannon saw that Timlin was not hopeless after all, because there were powers greater even than the Deep Shadow. Timlin was on a collision course with a strange destiny of some sort. Lannon could not tell if that destiny would lead him to a good or bad end, because the future was murky.
Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows Page 16
