Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows

by Robert E. Keller

  Aside from the new revelation about Timlin, there was nothing interesting going on and Lannon quickly grew bored of spying. He floated back out onto the fortress grounds. He gazed up at the sky, through a barrage of large snowflakes. He wondered if he could travel to the clouds--to the moon even, if he so desired. He rose into the air, higher and higher into the swirling snow, but suddenly the feeling of motion stopped. He realized he was still floating just above the ground.

  Traveling to the moon was apparently impossible, but Lannon thought he might be able to travel anywhere in the world. But the Eye of Dreams was not something Lannon could control for very long, and he suddenly found himself being pulled through time and space against his will.

  ***

  The Eye of Dreams first took Lannon to Dremlock Kingdom, where a meeting of the remaining High Council members was taking place in Dremlock Hall. Their faces were tense as they sat at a long table. An Orange Squire was busy keeping them supplied with water, ale, and snacks. The fireplace was roaring and several lanterns lit the hall, revealing the huge paintings of famous Knights. The Crest of Dremlock was displayed on two of the walls--the three strange crystals that represented Dremlock's god, one in purple and white (the Riding Crest) and one in black and silver (the Kingdom Crest).

  Lannon could not feel the heat from the fireplace or smell the incense that burned on the tables. All he could do was watch what was taking place. He wondered if this was how ghosts existed--completely detached from everything yet still able to be an observer. He was slightly apprehensive at first, wondering if the Knights would somehow catch a glimpse of him and demand to know why he was spying on them. But he soon realized they had no clue he was present.

  Cordus Landsaver looked exhausted, his eyes bloodshot as he squinted at a map in front of him. Lannon hovered beside the Lord Knight and gazed down at the map. It showed the continent of Gallamerth in detail, including all of its kingdoms, with many places marked with red ink. Lannon marveled that even the great Cordus Landsaver had no idea that Lannon was positioned right next to him. The spying potential of the Eye of Dreams was astounding. Lannon suffered no guilt over spying on the Lord Knight, because he felt he'd been brought here for a good reason and that something important was about to be revealed.

  "So Brothlor Kingdom has surrendered to Bellis," said Cordus, rubbing his forehead. "The last of the Six Guardian Kingdoms is now an extension of Bellis." The Lord Knight wore his magnificent, shining breastplate that displayed the original Crest of Dremlock--the three great towers. His unkempt black hair and beard held grey streaks that seemed new to Lannon. He was still an imposing figure, with his fierce blue eyes and muscular body--but he seemed diminished somehow, terribly burdened by stress. Lannon didn't like what he saw at all, and he wished he were at Dremlock in the flesh.

  "So what is left?" asked Krissana Windsword. "The Six Guardian Kingdoms have fallen. That leaves only the barbarian kingdoms of the coasts, along with Borenthia, East Hammer Haven, and Dremlock. When will Bellis ride to our gates?"

  "I would guess quite soon," said Barlow Whitesword. He was a short and stocky man, balding and clean shaven. He was the Lord of the Brown Knights and always wore his armor and shield when out and about. He was simple and not extremely intelligent in matters beyond combat and strategy, but he knew the Sacred Laws of Dremlock to the letter and he was stubborn in adhering to them.

  "It is not likely that Bellis will ride against Borenthia," said Vesselin Hopebringer, the ancient Lord of the White Knights. He smoothed out his long white beard with a wrinkled, trembling hand. "The Birlotes are still too strong to be conquered easily. It would take decades of warfare. And the Birlotes keep to themselves, so Bellis can simply ignore them for now. East Hammer Haven is heavily defended as well, and the Grey Dwarves also keep to themselves. I would say Dremlock is certain to be the next target. The time has come to act."

  Lannon wondered why the Eye of Dreams was showing him this meeting. He'd already known that Bellis was a concern. But the mood in the hall was dark, and Lannon suspected the situation had become dire. But what could he do about it? He was far away from Dremlock, caught up in his own grim situation. It seemed the Eye had dragged him here just to torment his mind all the more.

  "We must call back our forces from Dorok's Hand," said Barlow. "We have too many valuable Knights there that could help defend Dremlock."

  "Abandon Dorok's Hand?" said Cordus, scowling. "It took considerable effort to secure that fortress--the death of many Knights. Now we just retreat and leave it for the Blood Legion?"

  "We struck a deep blow to the Legion," said Barlow, with a shrug. "And they lost many warriors at Blombalk Fortress. They are weak."

  "True," said Cordus, "but instead of finishing them off, it would seem we're now forced to abandon our war against them when we are so close to victory." He sighed in frustration. "The timing of this issue with Bellis is terrible."

  "The attack on Dorok's Hand was a noble effort," said Vesselin, "but the situation has changed. The threat of Bellis is too great for us to focus on anything else. Tenneth Bard is dead and the Blood Legion is weak. The Hand of Tharnin is no longer a threat. King Verlamer is now our greatest enemy and surely is a servant of the Deep Shadow."

  "I still don't understand," said Krissana, "how the King of Bellis could have fallen under the influence of the Deep Shadow. Bellis is far away from the troubles of Silverland. Is there any news on how this could have happened?"

  "No, it remains a great mystery," said Cordus, gazing at the map. "Somehow, a powerful servant of Tharnin was able to breach that mighty kingdom and get close to King Verlamer--close enough to whisper in his ear and change his destiny. Bellis is so strongly defended against the Deep Shadow that it seems impossible, yet clearly it has happened. Unless...he is simply insane. In either case, he clearly isn't going to stop the expansion until all of Gallamerth is under his control."

  "Brothlor Kingdom lies just beyond Silverland," said Barlow. "That means Bellis already has a large army right on our doorstep. Rather than assemble one massive force against us, they may opt to send smaller armies to weaken us. They may attack Dorok's Hand and try to lay claim to the White Flamestone. Regardless, we could be attacked very soon. Clearly, the time has come for us to take action."

  "I agree," said Krissana. "Perhaps we should call back all of our forces and fortify the kingdom, then wait for Bellis to come to us."

  "Yet that would be devastating to Silverland," said Cordus. "Especially with these new Goblins attacking towns. Still, I believe we must withdraw at least eighty percent of our Knights and bring them here. We will need the Eye of Divinity and, most importantly, the White Flamestone."

  "And then we sit and wait," said Barlow, with a wry smile, "as the massive armies of Bellis close in on us." He shook his head slowly, his eyes looking haunted. "How can Dremlock withstand such forces?"

  "We have withstood Bellis before," said Cordus. "When King Ordamer sent his Knights against us, we endured. However, Bellis was smaller in those days and it was also fighting a war with the Grey Dwarves. Dremlock has never faced anything like the power that Bellis commands these days."

  "Then I doubt we'll survive," said Barlow. "The Birlotes and Olrogs have rejected our pleas for an alliance, and Borenthia has yet to send the two-hundred archers we were promised. The Dwarves offer no help at all. Even with the White Flamestone, it seems we will be crushed. Bellis will bring thousands of Knights and massive siege engines against us. Dremlock will be reduced to rubble."

  "The archers will come," said Cordus. "The Birlotes have always honored their promises."

  "But can two-hundred archers make much difference?" said Barlow.

  Cordus didn't answer.

  "When is that Knight of Bellis due to arrive?" asked Krissana. "I sense his arrogance in not showing up for the meeting on time."

  "I was informed of his delay," said Cordus. "He should be arriving any moment. Then we will know for certain where we stand."

&nbs
p; "Unless he lies to us," said Barlow.

  Cordus frowned and sipped some ale.

  The moments drifted past, while Lannon grew impatient. The Eye of Dreams had dragged him to Dremlock Hall against his will, and he wondered how long it was going to keep him there. He'd seen enough to know the events were probably real and not just an exceptionally vivid dream, and he needed to report what he'd witnessed to Taris. He wanted to do so immediately, but the Eye kept him bound to the room. He found himself forced to float there and watch.

  At last an Orange Squire entered the hall and announced that the Knight of Bellis, Folam Elsonandale, had arrived. Moments later, a muscular man wearing extravagant silver and gold armor strode into the hall. He had long blond hair and a clean-shaven, handsome face. A sheathed broadsword hung from his belt, and a round shield was strapped to his arm that was painted with the Crest of Bellis in white and green (a dome with towers protruding from it like spikes on a morning star). He also had a steel crossbow strapped to his back. Standing beside him was a smaller man, in a black and purple robe, with a bald head and a neatly trimmed red beard. The bald man was holding a book with a silver cover.

  Folam Elsonandale bowed to the Lord Knight. "Greetings! As you already know, I have come from Bellis with my scribe, whose name is Fenchas. If I may, I would like to sit down so we can talk."

  Cordus nodded. "You may sit."

  The muscular Knight and his scribe seated themselves at the table. The scribe produced a feather pen and ink and wrote something in the book. An Orange Squire brought the two some ale, bread, and cheese. Folam took a hearty swig of ale, then smiled. "Dremlock is truly a wonderful kingdom. I've always longed to see it, and at last I'm getting my chance. I only wish it was during summer's warmth, when I'm sure the kingdom is quite beautiful."

  "Undoubtedly," said Cordus, "there are many things we could discuss in the interests of friendly conversation, such as this foul spring weather, but I'm not in a friendly mood and I prefer we get right to the point."

  Folam bit into the crusty bread and then washed it down with some ale. He grunted with approval. "Excellent bread, but I prefer mine buttered. Orange Squire--fetch me some butter! Anyway, I've come only to ask for Dremlock's cooperation. We would like you to sign a treaty with Bellis--a treaty of lasting peace that will ensure Dremlock stays out of the affairs of my kingdom. So there you have it."

  "The affairs of your kingdom," mused Cordus. "Affairs that no doubt involve conquering all of Gallamerth. Bellis has come dangerously close to Silverland in claiming the last of the Guardian Kingdoms. Isn't that enough for your king, or must he try to lay claim to this battered region as well?"

  "I think we already know the answer," said Barlow. "Bellis will not stop until it rules Gallamerth from sea to sea."

  Folam smiled broadly. "Yes, our blessed King Verlamer Kessing is seeking to bring unity to our land and end all wars. This bold and unprecedented move has already brought peace to most of the Southern Reaches."

  "Peace by enslavement," said Cordus.

  "No," said Folam, "by cooperation. All but one of the Guardian Kingdoms willingly signed the treaty with Bellis. The coastal barbarian kingdoms refuse to for now, but what can be expected of those savages?"

  "The Birlotes will never sign the treaty," said Krissana Windsword. "Your king must already know that. Nor will the Olrogs."

  Folam shrugged. "We shall see. But right now the concern is Dremlock, and that's why I'm here. I will require the signatures of all the High Council members, along with the swearing of an oath to Bellis."

  "Even if we were to agree to this," said Cordus, "three of our High Council members are far away from here, including both of our Tower Masters. It would require many days of travel for them to return. Are you willing to wait?"

  Lannon could barely believe what he was hearing. Was the Lord Knight actually considering signing the treaty? Surely it would mean Dremlock would lose its independence and its ability to effectively battle the forces of Tharnin. Lannon suspected it was nothing more than an agreement of surrender.

  "In light of that," said Folam, "I would ask that the four of you sign and take the oath for now, and the remaining three can do so later--or not. Four out of seven is the majority I need anyway. What say you?"

  Cordus sneered. "You want us to surrender without a fight."

  "Not surrender," said Folam, "just to cooperate. This can be done peacefully and without bloodshed." His facial expression turned sullen. "But either way, it will be done. Choose wisely, Knights of Dremlock."

  "Call it what you will," said Cordus. "Your king should have known we would never sign. So why did you bother coming here at all?"

  "You wasted your time, young Knight," said Vesselin Hopebringer. "Dremlock does not submit to tyranny."

  Folam rose from his chair. "Perhaps this will convince you." He unslung his steel crossbow. "This is a fine bow. Most of our Knights have one. It is quite powerful and very easy to load and fire."

  "You came all this way," said Cordus, "to show me a crossbow?"

  Folam withdrew an arrow from his quiver and held it up. The arrow had a cone-shaped, metal tip that didn't look like it was very sharp. "The arrow head explodes on contact with armor--with enough force that it can tear a man to pieces or blast apart stone. It is more than enough to counter any of Dremlock's sorcery and tricks. I can arrange a demonstration if you would like, Lord Knight. Just give the word." He sighed. "Why don't you at least read the treaty before you decide?"

  "It doesn't matter," said Cordus. "We will not sign!"

  "Never!" said Barlow, pounding the table with his fist.

  "Dremlock does not yield," said Krissana.

  "I would rather die than sign your treaty," said Vesselin.

  Folam's face darkened. "As you wish." He motioned to his scribe. "Let it be known that the High Council refused to even read the treaty." He glowered at Cordus. "You will go down in history as the Lord Knight who held power when Dremlock fell to Bellis--the Lord Knight whose stubbornness destroyed his kingdom."

  Cordus guzzled some ale, then slammed the mug down so hard it split in two. "No--Dremlock will prevail, as it always has!"

  The others spoke in agreement.

  Cordus rose, his bloodshot eyes full of rage. "You can never defeat us, because we have honor on our side--and the power of a god! Tell that to your puppet king who bows before Tharnin!"

  Folam's eyes widened. "Puppet king? You will come to regret those words." He waved to them. "Goodbye then, misguided fools of Dremlock. I pity you, for you have no idea the wrath you have unleashed."

  Cordus pointed towards the door. "Be gone with you, Knight of Bellis, or you will feel my wrath!"

  Suddenly, Lannon was yanked away from the scene--back through time and space to some unknown destination. He found himself in a throne room, in some huge hall with marble pillars and a dome-shaped ceiling. He knew it was the Kingdom of Bellis. Seated on a throne before Lannon was a huge, bearded king dressed in a white and crimson robe. His face was pale--almost inhumanly so, with dark and sunken eyes. Perched on an arm of the throne was a small, golden dragon with large claws and fangs and malicious eyes--a Goblin like the one whose bones had formed Lannon's sword. Next to the king was a silver chalice that had tipped over and spilled out some dark fluid that looked like blood. For some reason, Lannon was filled with dread as he looked upon this scene, for he knew this was symbolic of the ruin of Dremlock Kingdom.

  And then Lannon was pulled away again, and this time he seemed to be falling into some deep void. He cried out in despair, just before he awoke in his tent covered in sweat. Lannon sat up, his chest heaving. The spell of the Eye of Dreams was broken, and Lannon wondered if it would ever return again. After what he'd witnessed, he almost hoped it never did.

  Chapter 11: The Hunted

  Before returning to sleep, Lannon paid a visit to Taris' tent and told him what the Eye of Dreams had revealed. Lannon told the story in great detail, while Taris listened without inter
ruption and with a somber expression.

  When Lannon was finished, Taris said, "I think this calls for some tea." He heated some water in his teakettle with a brief touch of his hand and then poured a cup for each of them. He didn't speak for several moments as he sipped the tea, but seemed to be in deep contemplation. Once again he was seated cross-legged in the dead of night, as if he never laid down to sleep.

  At last Taris said, "You knew instinctively it was the Eye of Dreams that was showing you those things. The Eye of Dreams knows no distance or barrier. However, as you discovered, it is usually unpredictable and something you will never learn to control. It springs from the deepest reaches of your soul--sometimes from your deepest fears--where your conscious mind holds no sway."

  "So the meeting at Dremlock was real and not just a dream?" said Lannon. "I was actually seeing it while it took place, this very night?"

  "You were in a dream state," said Taris, "but what you witnessed was probably real. The lines between the dream world and what we consider to be the real world can sometimes blur. Regardless, it means our time grows short. We must settle this issue with the Black Flamestone as quickly as possible and then either return to Dorok's Hand--or go straight to Dremlock. I'm sure the Elder Hawks will bear instructions to us from the Lord Knight."

  "In my dream," said Lannon, "the High Council talked of abandoning Dorok's Hand. Do you really think that will happen?"

  "It may be inevitable," said Taris. "We'll need all of our Knights to defend Dremlock if Bellis attacks."

  "But what about that portal to the Deep Shadow?" said Lannon. "If the Blood Legion regains control of Dorok's Hand, they could open it again, allowing Vorden and his Hand of Tharnin back into our world." At one point, Lannon would have welcomed Vorden's return in hope of freeing him from the grasp of evil. But after what the Eye had recently shown him about Timlin, Lannon had lost confidence in the notion that Vorden could be saved. It seemed Vorden was better off trapped in the realm of Tharnin forever.