Jerret bowed several times, nearly falling off his horse. "It shall be done, my queen. You will not hear a peep out of me!"
Daledus roared laughter. "You Squires amuse me." The Dwarf reached over and patted Jerret on the back. "I like you, lad!"
"You're all my friends," said Aldreya. "Even you, Jerret, though you never fail to annoy me. It's not my intent to be bossy or stern with you. As Lothrin said, the spirit of cooperation is what we need most."
"Nevertheless," said Lothrin, "if Taris expects you to be a leader then you need to act like one. You may be required to give an order to someone who disagrees with it and then insist it be obeyed." He lowered his voice. "Taris will be watching you, Aldreya, and evaluating your performance."
Aldreya nodded, realizing the truth. This was likely a test to see if she possessed leadership skills. She needed to prove to Taris that she was worthy of his knowledge, and it would be no easy feat.
She fixed her gaze on Prince Vannas. "I am required to stay by your side and watch over you. That's a direct order from Taris."
Vannas glared at her. "Ah, so I must be looked after like a child now, even though I'm seventeen years old and by many standards an adult. Well, if that's the way it must be..." He lowered his voice. "Just don't get in my way, when the time comes to make the important decisions. Keep in mind that I am the Bearer of the White Flamestone. The Divine Essence chose me."
In Borenthia, Aldreya would have been forced to bow before Vannas because he was a prince. All her instincts told her she could not possibly defy him. But this was Dremlock and Taris had given her an order. Her future depended on obeying. Shoring up her will, she gazed defiantly at Vannas. "I understand your view on it, but I can promise nothing. I must do as I was ordered."
The prince nodded. "We'll see, when the time comes."
"Yes, we will," Aldreya said firmly.
"After this coming battle," said Galvia, "perhaps none of it will matter. I hate to sound gloomy, but I wonder if any of us will survive. I had a nightmare recently of a hilltop covered in the dead--all that remained of our army."
Aldreya wondered that as well, but she believed that part of her new leadership role was to inspire confidence. "Taris thinks we can win, and who are we to disagree with him? If he believes it, then so do I. We are vastly outnumbered, but if we employ the right strategies and make good use of our abilities, we have a chance."
"I wish things were simpler," said Lothrin. "I wish we were just going to war with the Goblins--the way it's supposed to be at Dremlock. I joined the kingdom to battle foul beasts from the Bloodlands, having no idea I would be involved in this epic war." He chuckled. "I think my timing is rather poor."
"This war is going to be ugly," said Jerret, "whatever the outcome. None of us can even imagine the carnage to come." Yet Jerret did not seem disturbed by his own words. In fact, there was a hint of eagerness in his voice.
"It will indeed be ugly," said Lothrin. "Prince Vannas, you may have to unleash that Flamestone onto hundreds of human warriors if we are to have any chance at victory. Are you prepared to take that many lives?"
Vannas nodded. "I've thought much about it, and I've dreaded the notion. But if Bellis isn't stopped, then its evil will spread everywhere and will eventually reach Borenthia. If ever killing was justified, this is the time. In a way, I envy Lannon, who won't be present for this battle."
"Yet we have no idea," said Aldreya, "what Lannon will face in Old Hammer Hall. He may have to do just as much killing as the rest of us."
Jerret laughed. "Knowing Lannon, he'll spare more lives than he'll take--unless he's facing Goblins. He has no problem with killing Goblins. But when humans are involved, Lannon forgets how to fight."
"Unless Lannon has no choice," said Aldreya. "Sometimes it is impossible to avoid taking human lives."
Jerret waved dismissively. "Regardless, Lannon probably has it easy right now. All he has to do is sneak around and look for that stone."
***
When the two charging barbarians reached Lannon, there was no discussion of surrender. They tried to cut him down where he stood, their bearded faces contorted with fury. These were Legion Knights, and their blades were enchanted by sorcery. They swung at him viciously, their strokes guided by their magic. But thanks to the Eye, Lannon's blade was faster and he blocked their attacks.
Lannon seized one of his foes by the wrist, and--with his power surging through his arm--hurled the man against the tunnel wall. The barbarian struck the stone hard and collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
The remaining barbarian's eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe the strength Lannon possessed. He drove his sword at Lannon's chest, but Lannon sidestepped the thrust and struck the barbarian in the head with his sword hilt. The warrior fell to the floor, bleeding from a head wound.
Both warriors were still alive but unable to fight, and Lannon left them where they lay. He whirled around to find Shennen still battling Ulmason Deathhand. The two Knights were locked in a vicious duel, and when Lannon started toward them, Shennen ordered him to hold back.
"This one is mine!" Shennen hissed. "Guard my back, Lannon!"
Lannon glanced behind him, but the hall was empty.
Ulmason grinned. There was no doubt that the Dark Knight believed he was invincible. Aside from winning duels against Dremlock, he'd also slain many Divine Knights in combat. His heavily muscled body was covered in scars beneath his armor from his many battles. Luck had always been on his side.
This was not an official duel, and there were no rules. The combatants were free to unleash everything they had--and in that regard, Ulmason had the advantage. He was known to fight dirty, using tricks that an honorable Knight would sneer at. Shennen, however, was still bound by Dremlock's sacred laws that governed combat against human foes.
"I love killing Birlotes," said Ulmason, laughing. He swung at Shennen's neck with his huge axe. Shennen ducked and the axe tore stone from the tunnel wall. The axe was smoldering with crimson fire amidst which dark shadows squirmed. This was a Gnome-forged axe from ancient times, fused with evil sorcery.
In spite of missing his target, Ulmason continued to grin, swept away in his own glory. Always he'd found some way to prevail over his foes, and killing Shennen would just be another badge of honor in a long and bloody career as a Legion Dark Knight.
But Shennen's eyes were cold and focused beneath his mask. He was a swift and deadly shadow in the torchlight, twisting and dodging, and Ulmason struggled to match his speed. Shennen's Flayer, which burned with the green flames of divine fire, slashed a wound in Ulmason's shoulder, cutting through his dark armor and into the flesh beneath. The Dark Knight bellowed in pain and stepped back.
Lannon could have interfered and perhaps helped end the battle quickly, but he obeyed Shennen's commands and held back, staying alert for enemies while keeping an eye on the battle. This was an unofficial duel and a matter of honor to Shennen, and Lannon had no right to interfere. But Lannon didn't like it. They were here to find the Black Flamestone, not fight duels--but when it came to matters of honor, logic didn't seem to always apply.
Ulmason threw all his strength and fury into one blow, driving his blazing axe down in an effort to split Shennen in two. The blow was so swift that Lannon thought Shennen had been caught off guard--but Shennen somehow dodged it and the axe slammed into the floor, throwing up blinding red sparks and chunks of stone. For a moment, neither combatant could see.
Yet Shennen's Flayer slashed out blindly and on instinct--and this time it caught Ulmason Deathhand in the throat. The giant staggered, dropping his axe. His single eye was wide with shock beneath his horned helm. Still charged with sorcery, Ulmason lunged at Shennen and tried to get him in a bear hug, but Shennen twisted out of his path and ended up behind the giant.
Ulmason cried out in pain as Shennen's Flayer drove into his back. He tried to turn, but the damage was too much and he collapsed to his knees. He cursed Shennen and all Birlotes, and then slumped
forward in death.
Shennen motioned to Lannon. "We must try to free the others. We need Aldrek's power or we're doomed."
They raced back into the storage room and Lannon seized the iron door. Now, with all the noise of battle having alerted the Blood Legion to their presence, there was no need for stealth. They pulled furiously at the door handle--as Lannon tried to break the lock with the power of the Eye--and there was a loud crunch of metal as the door came free.
Aldrek and the other Blue Knights stepped through the doorway, relief on their faces. "What happened out here?" Aldrek asked.
"No time to explain," said Shennen. "Now that our foes know we're here, they will use Jackals to try to sniff us out. We must hurry!"
They stepped out into the hall, to find six Legion Soldiers running toward them, as a loud warning horn blew throughout the keep. But the Soldiers didn't even glance at them. Instead, they checked on the fallen men--then ran right on past. Aldrek's power had come through for them once again.
Dremlock's warriors hurried off down the hall, staying close to the walls like shadows, as more Soldiers rushed past them. Lannon continued to scan for Timlin and the Black Flamestone. Old Hammer Hall consisted of three levels--the Soldier Barracks at the top, the Dining Hall, Kitchen, and Library on the middle level, and the Old Forge on the lowest level--aside from the many tunnels and chambers that connected these areas. It was a broad expanse, crawling with Legion Knights, Soldiers, and Goblins. Searching the fortress without getting caught was extremely difficult and required a bit of good luck--but luck seemed to be on their side as they managed to avoid being sniffed out by Jackals.
At one point they overheard a conversation between Soldiers and learned to their frustration that Timlin had fled the keep before they even arrived--and he'd taken the Black Flamestone with him. They learned of a second exit from the fortress that Timlin had used to escape. Their only choice was to leave Old Hammer Hall through that passageway and set off in pursuit of Timlin, who was already several hours ahead of them.
The passageway was located in the Old Forge. The Forge was guarded by a pair of Jackals, who'd been sent there to sniff out the invisible intruders should they try to escape by that route, as well as three Soldiers and an enormous Ogre (the largest Lannon had ever seen). The Forge also contained several blacksmiths hard at work crafting weapons and armor--muscular men who would be sure to seize weapons and join in the fight if the intruders tried to overcome the guards.
Lannon found this chamber quite bizarre and ugly compared to the Great Forge at Dremlock. Four pillars stood in the room, carved with evil, leering Gnomes. The furnaces were molded to look like great iron faces with bloated cheeks and gaping mouths--waiting to be fed weapons and armor. The evil of the Deep Shadow hung about the forge. This was an ancient chamber where the Dark Dwarves had crafted malicious weapons, a forge that remained unchanged for centuries and still harbored a wicked aura even though the Gnomes were extinct.
The intruders hid behind pillars, wondering how they were going to get past the Jackals without a fight. Finally, Shennen shrugged his shoulders, drew his Flayer, and nodded toward the guards. He signaled to Lannon and the Blue Knights that they would strike quickly and by surprise.
They moved as close to the Jackals as they could--until the Jackals began to sniff the air and growl--and then charged at the guards. Shennen cut down one Legion Solider before the unlucky fellow knew what hit him. Three of the Blue Knights--and Aldrek the sorcerer--went for the Ogre, knowing the massive beast would be very difficult to kill, leaving Lannon, Shennen, and two Blue Knights to deal with the smaller foes.
Lannon felt a rush of power as the Eye flooded into his blade. He almost felt invincible--like he could toy with his foes and dispatch them easily. It was a feeling Lannon had never experienced before, but he liked it. He beheaded a Jackal with ease, and the feeling grew stronger.
One of the Soldiers--a stocky fellow with a thick black mustache and insane eyes--charged at Lannon, his chest puffed out to show his strength. The soldier's helmet was shaped like some bird that reminded Lannon of a duck. If the helmet was supposed to be intimidating, it fell well short of the mark. The soldier paused, shaking in mock battle fury, and pointed at his helmet while nodding. Lannon simply stood and stared, unable to comprehend the gesture.
With a growl of frustration, the Soldier swung his battle axe at Lannon's neck. Lannon ducked the blow and then hurled the Solider into the cavern wall. The Soldier slumped to the floor, his battle axe slipping from his fingers. His precious duck helmet lay next to him, and he pulled it close before passing out.
Meanwhile, the massive Ogre managed to grab one of the Blue Knights and crushed the poor fellow in a bear hug, killing him instantly. The Ogre flung the dead Knight aside and roared in triumph. But its victory celebration was brief, as a pair of burning swords pierced its torso.
The blacksmiths did indeed seize weapons and join the fray, but they were dispatched quickly (being poorly trained for combat). Shennen killed the remaining Soldier, and Lannon slew the other Jackal with a sword thrust through the Goblin's dark heart.
All that remained was the Ogre, wounded by several sword strikes but still on its feet. It swung at the Knights with its fists, but was unable to make contact. Soon the giant was pierced by multiple blades, smoke rising from its scorched flesh. It staggered and then finally went down.
They didn't check to make sure it was dead. Instead, they ran for the passageway that they hoped would lead them out of the keep and to the Black Flamestone. They could hear shouts coming toward the forge and a clanking of armor. Now that the Jackals were dead, they became invisible again as they entered the narrow tunnel--though Aldrek complained that his energy was running low and he didn't know how long he could sustain the illusion.
Eventually the tunnel led them to a Glaetherin door with a wheel lock--but the door stood open. Not far beyond that was the tunnel's end, and they soon found themselves standing beneath the night sky in the chill air. The scent of some nearby pine trees filled their nostrils. They stood in silence for a moment, mourning the Knight the Ogre had crushed, and then Lannon scanned the snow with the Eye in search of Timlin. He found traces of Timlin having passed that way, and they set off in pursuit.
A bit farther along the trail, they found five dead Legion Soldiers--their armor scorched black and split open by some terrible sorcery. The Eye revealed the truth: It was the power of the Black Flamestone.
Somehow, Timlin had unlocked it.
Chapter 20: The Colossus
Dremlock's army traveled for two days along the shores of the Grey Lake, until they reached a stretch of rugged hills not far from the Watchman's Keep. They camped atop a hill and waited, watching for Bellis' army to draw close. They built fires on the hilltop so the smoke would alert Bellis to their position. Dremlock had an ambush planned, but it did not involve hiding. Rather, the Divine Knights expected Bellis to come to them.
At last they glimpsed Bellis' army advancing through the hill country--over a thousand Knights on horseback along with three huge siege engines. The largest of those three siege engines was the pride of Bellis. It was known as The Colossus, a long, narrow, worm-like monstrosity made of three sections able to maneuver through forests and mountains, and protruding from the front of it was a great battering ram molded to look like the head of a golden lion. It was a massive catapult pulled by twenty Thallites--giants from a dying race. The Thallites were the largest beings on Gallamerth, standing twelve feet in height on average and protected by heavy plate armor. They had once been enemies of the Grey Dwarves and many wars had been fought between the two races in ancient times. Now only a few hundred Thallites remained, due to a disease that killed off most of their young. The Thallites were fiercely loyal to Bellis and its king.
A wooden platform was constructed atop the hill for Prince Vannas to stand on. Surrounding the prince was the Divine Shield (minus Shennen and Lannon who were still seeking the Black Flamestone) and then a
wall of about a hundred Knights on horseback, many of them the Brown class with stout shields. The remaining Knights--mostly Red--were gathered at the base of the hill, where they would attempt to distract Bellis' warriors while Vannas targeted the siege engines. The goal was to keep Vannas alive so he could hurl the White Fire down upon their foes. Dremlock was putting all its hopes into their gift from the Divine Essence. They showed strong faith in their god by trusting in its wisdom. It was that faith that had sustained Dremlock throughout the ages--the unyielding belief that they had divine power on their side and therefore must surely prevail.
The Thallites pulled The Colossus to the top of a nearby hill and then the army stopped its advance. It was the prince on one hill and the massive catapult on another. It was a warm spring day and the snow had melted into patches. The sun shone down on gleaming weapons and armor, and proud banners flapped in the wind. Knights sat like statues on horseback, waiting patiently for the battle to begin. The twenty giants stood atop the hill holding crimson hammers and wearing crimson armor that shone like fire beneath the noon sun. It was a magnificent scene that was unfortunately destined to turn ugly and brutal. Bellis was there for one reason only--to eliminate the Divine Knights and lay claim to the White Flamestone.
"We will let our foes make the first move," Taris called out from the hilltop. "Let the burden of this war be on them!"
Cheers arose from the Divine Knights.
"Aldreya, stand by my side," said Taris. "Help me shield the prince with your sorcery."
Aldreya's ability to generate magical shields was weak, but she vowed to throw everything she had into protecting her cousin. She took position beside Taris, at the base of the platform. She knew she would be in grave danger there--as Bellis was sure to launch a furious attack against the prince. But she wasn't concerned with her own safety, only that of Vannas. The White Flamestone seemed to be Dremlock's only hope and she was compelled to guard it with her life.
Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows Page 27
