Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows

by Robert E. Keller

  Lannon shook his head, shrugging off the bizarre vision revealed by the Eye. It made no sense to him--something from a distant age that had no bearing on the present. Yet it was something that was linked to the monster before him.

  The creature was beginning to regain its senses. It started to reach for Lannon, and he drew his sword and beheaded it. Lannon turned away, feeling cold inside over what he'd witnessed. He pushed it from his mind. The things the Eye revealed to him were often unsettling and impossible for him to understand, and so they were best forgotten.

  Moments later, Shennen stepped from the forest--holding the golden helm of the Guardian he'd been battling. He flung the helm into the trail.

  Omharal was so stunned that the Guardians had been defeated that he went into a coughing fit, with blood leaking from his mouth. He swayed for a moment, looking dazed, and then toppled from his horse.

  With a cry of despair, Ethella knelt by him.

  Shennen and Lannon started toward them, but Ethella raised a trembling hand. "Leave us alone!" she said. "I must take my lord back to Old Hammer Hall, if it is his wish. Let us go peacefully and you will not have to fight me."

  "I must have healing," Omharal mumbled. He coughed out more blood. Clearly, Timlin had brought him extremely close to ruin. "Let us..." His eyes rolled back in his head. He shuddered once and then lay still.

  Ethella gazed down at him in despair. "My lord?"

  Shennen nudged Lannon and pointed at the horses. Lannon nodded, and they climbed into the saddles. They rode off down the trail, leaving Ethella and Omharal to their fate.

  ***

  "I believe Omharal is dead," said Shennen, as they rode along the winding forest trail. "He was a disgrace to the Birlotes, a ruthless killer of innocents. Yet Bellis has more so-called wizards waiting to take his place."

  "He must have tried to stop Timlin from fleeing Old Hammer Hall," said Lannon. "He was probably caught by surprise--not expecting Timlin to have such power."

  "Yes," said Shennen, "though we'll likely never know exactly what took place. Omharal was a powerful sorcerer. Yet I get the feeling that Timlin defeated him with ease--along with Ethella. I wonder why her injures were slight in comparison with Omharal's."

  "Timlin was probably in a hurry," said Lannon, "and Omharal was in his path, so the wizard got the worst of it--along with those slain Soldiers we encountered."

  Shennen glanced at him. "Yes, that makes sense."

  Suddenly a figure stumbled into the trail, nearly getting run over by the horses. It was Aldrek Windspear. He had burns on his cheeks and forehead, and his hat was missing. His face was deathly pale and his eyes held a wild look in the torchlight. He was clutching his ribs and looked to be in agony.

  "Everyone is dead!" Aldrek said, groaning. "Killed by Timlin. We tried to sneak up on him but he saw through it. I was at the rear, which is why I survived the...the dark sorcery. I fled into the woods and he let me go."

  Shennen bowed his head and sighed.

  "Everyone is dead!" Aldrek repeated. "Blue Knights, Legion Soldiers, Goblins--all blasted into ruin. He cannot be defeated, Shennen!"

  "We have to try," said Shennen. "Aldrek, wait for us here. I can tell you're too injured to be of any help. If we don't return, save yourself and retreat."

  "But you will be killed too," said Aldrek. "Even Lannon is no match for Timlin. We will lose the Eye of Divinity!"

  Shennen shook his head. "We came to get the Black Flamestone, and we will proceed with the mission. We cannot allow this evil monster to escape and terrorize the land. Lannon, you must remove the Flamestone from his hand."

  Lannon nodded, wondering if such a thing were possible.

  Aldrek sat down with his back to a tree, looking defeated.

  As they rode on, they discovered the bodies of those who'd dared to challenge Timlin's might. Soon afterwards, they entered a small clearing and encountered Timlin Woodmaster, who was standing in the snow holding the Black Flamestone. Timlin's eyes were black in the torchlight, and his face held an insane look. He was grinning and staring off into space. When he noticed the riders, he fixed his gaze on them and the grin broadened.

  "More of you, huh?" said Timlin.

  Lannon quickly removed his mask, opting to try to reason with him first. "Timlin, it's me! You're being influenced by that Flamestone!"

  Timlin shrugged. "So what, Lannon. You're influenced by that wretched Eye. If people won't let me live in peace, then they will surely die."

  Shennen sat motionless on his horse, Flayer in hand.

  "I want to let you live in peace," said Lannon, "but the Black Flamestone will never allow it. It has turned you into...something you're not supposed to be. It's destroying you, Timlin!"

  Timlin laughed. "Do I seem like a wild beast to you, old friend? Well, I am a wild beast that is being constantly hunted--a wild beast who will fight furiously when cornered. The Black Flamestone has freed my soul from the grasp of the Deep Shadow. Tharnin is gone from me, Lannon. Every last bit of it. Now all I want is peace."

  "A greater evil has replaced it," said Lannon. "Now you're just a prisoner of that stone. It belongs to the Divine Essence, Timlin. Hand it over and allow me to take it to Dremlock. Then you can truly be at peace."

  Timlin hesitated, then sighed. "Lannon Sunshield, fool to the extreme. You want to save everyone, but this time you've got it wrong. I don't need to be saved. I'm complete now in a way that, sadly, you can never understand. All the bad things in my life have been erased, and now all that matters is this." He held up the Black Flamestone. "I spent my childhood beaten and starved by my father, living in a hole in the ground. And my mother did nothing to protect me. It always made me hate life and myself. But now I love life...because of this."

  "Let it go, Timlin," Lannon pleaded.

  "Okay," said Timlin. "I'll let it go!" A beam of fire shot from the Flamestone at Shennen. The fire was like a shimmering mass of dark-blue and red serpents, writhing furiously, and Lannon thought Shennen was about to be burned to ash.

  But the agile Blue Knight somehow had anticipated the attack, and he was in the process of flinging himself from the saddle when the beam struck. Shennen's horse was, sadly, completely obliterated and Shennen was flung across the clearing--his armor split open and smoking. Shennen lay still, possibly in death.

  Horrified, Lannon seized the Black Flamestone with his power and yanked it from Timlin's hand--all the while cursing himself for trying to reason with Timlin. He brought the Flamestone to him and thrust it in his cloak pocket.

  "You struck down Shennen!" Lannon cried.

  "I don't care!" Timlin hissed. "Anyone who gets in my way must die!"

  Lannon groaned, wishing Timlin could somehow catch a glimpse of reason. "Haven't you done enough damage?"

  Timlin's face contorted with rage and hatred. "It was you fools who came after me! And now you're going to steal the Black Flamestone from me, because I wouldn't give it willingly?" He still appeared to be charged with dark energy, and he strode toward Lannon, drool running from his mouth.

  Lannon raised his sword. "Stay back, Timlin!"

  Timlin paused, still seething with rage. "I'm ashamed that I once called you a friend. You're nothing but a dirty, wretched thief!" Timlin drew his Flayer, and it burst into dark-blue flames. "You've earned yourself a death sentence this night, Lannon! You could have stayed away from me and played your little Knightly games. Instead, you dared to come steal from me that which has brought my life joy and meaning and set me free!"

  Lannon glanced at Shennen with the Eye, and found he was injured but still alive. "I'm sorry, Timlin. But if you try to take back the Flamestone, I'll be forced to kill you. And I don't want to do that. I spared Vorden, but I won't be able to spare you...not with all that evil sorcery inside you."

  "I don't want to be spared," said Timlin. "If I can't have the Black Flamestone, then I'd rather die. I ask for no mercy, and I will give none!"

  The power radiating from Timlin was s
o immense that it overwhelmed Lannon, and something began to stir inside him. It was the Dark Wave, the mysterious power released by the Eye on rare occasions. It was the power that had blasted Tenneth Bard into ruin. It grew inside Lannon, and his whole body began to tremble. Lannon realized that this could be his lucky break, but he would only get one shot at Timlin. It would mean killing him, but Lannon knew he couldn't hope to take him prisoner. Timlin was far too dangerous for that.

  As Timlin drove forward with his burning Flayer, Lannon unleashed the Dark Wave straight at his chest--and missed. Somehow Timlin dodged the beam of sorcery, twisting to one side. Lannon's energy struck an oak tree instead, blasting it into fragments.

  Instantly Lannon felt drained, and he collapsed to one knee. Timlin resumed his charge and swung at Lannon's face, but Lannon blocked the stroke and shoved Timlin backwards. With one hand, he took out his Glaetherin throwing star.

  Timlin shook with mindless rage. "You...you thieving wretch!" He threw back his head and howled. Then he stumbled toward Lannon.

  Lannon was down to his last shot. If he failed, he had nothing left to counter Timlin's might. With a flick of his wrist, he flung the throwing star at Timlin's chest--willing it along with all the power of the Eye he had left. The blade shot out faster than an arrow and tore through Timlin's stout armor--deep into his chest.

  Timlin glanced down, his eyes smoldering. "What did you...?"

  Lannon yanked the star blade from Timlin's body.

  Timlin staggered, his eyes wide. He clutched his chest. "Only true Glaetherin could pierce this armor..." He sat down in the snow, bleeding profusely.

  "I'm sorry, Timlin," said Lannon, feeling horrible inside.

  "I think I'm dying," said Timlin. "Can I hold the Black Flamestone one last time? If I die, I will never...never get to hold it again..."

  Lannon shook his head, hating what things had come to.

  Timlin growled and tried to rise, but slumped down again--facedown in the snow. "I did this all to myself, didn't I? I'm the one to blame?"

  "I don't know," said Lannon, sighing. Certainly Timlin wasn't to blame for what had happened in his youth, but betraying Dremlock and joining the Blood Legion had been his choice. He could have battled his demons instead of surrendering to them. Still, Lannon had no answer for him. "You did your best, I guess. But at least it's over now. And at least you're no longer a puppet of the Deep Shadow. Goodbye, my friend."

  "Goodbye..." Timlin whispered, closing his eyes.

  Lannon continued to gaze down at him, overcome by sadness. Then he remembered that others still needed him, and he went to Shennen and helped the Blue Knight to his feet. Shennen was dazed, scorched, and bleeding--but not critically injured.

  "Is Timlin dead?" he asked.

  "I believe so," said Lannon, thinking Shennen would be pleased. "If not, he will be soon. I couldn't save him."

  But Shennen only bowed his head in sadness.

  Chapter 22: The Trial of Shades

  As Lannon, Shennen, and Aldrek were on their return journey with the Black Flamestone, the others were still tending to the dead and wounded. The battle had been, as predicated, horrific, with forty-two Knights dead and dozens more having serious injuries. Divine Knights were few in number and difficult to kill, so the loss of more than forty was quite devastating to Dremlock. However, Bellis had gotten the worst of--losing hundreds of fighters, including several of their prized Thallite giants, to the blazing weapons of Dremlock.

  Aldreya and the other Squires kept busy helping dress wounds and prepare the dead for funerals. Prince Vannas, however, remained in his tent and refused to talk to anyone. He'd gone into hiding immediately following the battle. Aldreya was deeply concerned with him, for the prince's face was pale and his eyes--which still held a bizarre white hue--looked haunted.

  At last, Aldreya and the other Squires finished with their duties and went to speak to Vannas. The prince was sitting cross-legged in the tent, and for once he seemed to be ignoring the White Flamestone.

  "How are you feeling?" Aldreya asked, as she and the others sat down. Looking into the prince's white eyes disturbed her.

  "Any word on Lannon?" Vannas asked.

  Aldreya shook her head. "Not yet, but that mission wasn't going to be an easy one and we can't jump to conclusions."

  Vannas nodded. "I'm sure they'll return with the Black Flamestone."

  "What's wrong?" asked Aldreya. "You don't seem...yourself."

  Vannas pointed at his eyes. "Do I look like myself? Something happened to me during that battle. I became so consumed with power and energy that I lost myself. It was a terrible feeling, and I'm not sure I want anything more to do with the White Flamestone. I'm afraid of what I am becoming."

  "I don't blame you," said Lothrin. "I will admit to you that I too have been obsessed with the Flamestone--ever since I touched it below the town of Elder Oak. It did something to me, made me long for it...and suffer. Finally, though, I have freed myself of its grasp and no longer desire it."

  "I envy you, cousin," said Vannas. "The problem is that Dremlock depends on me to wield it. Therefore, duty keeps me bound to it."

  "Maybe not for long," said Jerret. "Bellis suffered a shocking defeat, and there is talk that the kingdom may give up on Dremlock and just leave Silverland alone. I don't think they expected to take such a beating at the hands of a small battalion of Knights, and I'm certain they're terrified of the White Flamestone now."

  "They should be terrified of it," said Vannas. "It's a terrifying weapon. Honestly, I'm afraid of it too. It has power and potential beyond what I had once believed. I'm sure our Divine Essence must have been quite hesitant to surrender it into mortal hands."

  "What happened to you?" said Lothrin. "Previously, you seemed so confident in using the Flamestone. What shattered your faith in it?"

  "Nothing," said Vannas, "as far as using it to defeat our enemies is concerned. Bellis learned the hard way just how mighty this weapon is. Yet I believe I haven't even come close to unlocking its full potential. This could be as powerful as the Crimson Flamestone of ancient times. Who knows? No, it's the fact that I'm just a mortal man not meant to wield such power. It has begun to take a drastic toll on me. For a moment in battle, I became almost like an enraged god wanting to smite everything around me."

  "But you didn't," said Aldreya. "Instead, you destroyed Bellis' greatest siege engine that could have been used against Dremlock Kingdom."

  "Yes," said Vannas, "this time I did the right thing. Who knows what will happen next time? As noble as the White Flamestone is, it grants too much power--and such power can corrupt anyone. That is now my greatest fear."

  Lothrin nodded. "You are wise to be afraid, cousin. In fact, I take that as a good sign. And as Jerret said, it might not matter. Bellis may stay out of Silverland permanently now."

  "I think they will," said Galvia, a proud look on her face. "We crushed them! They had no answer for Dremlock's tricks."

  "I certainly hope so," said Vannas, but he looked doubtful.

  Aldreya patted him on the shoulder. "Stay strong, and don't fret over it. You'll be fine. You're coming out for the great feast, right?" She winked at him. "I hear that Taris may be granting a few promotions."

  Vannas managed a smile. "Of course."

  Taris suddenly peered into the tent. "Aldreya, are you ready?"

  She rose, her heart racing. The Trial of Shades was at hand.

  ***

  They entered Taris' shadowy tent and sat down across from each other. The smell of spicy incense hung in the air, and Taris lit two candles. First, they drank some tea, and sat in silence for a time. Aldreya's anxiety grew by the moment.

  "Are you relaxed yet?" Taris asked.

  "Far from it," she admitted.

  Taris chuckled. "I suppose you want to get on with it."

  Aldreya nodded.

  "Good," said Taris. "Do you understand what this trial means? That if you fail it, your ability to use sorcery will be sever
ely weakened?"

  "Yes," said Aldreya. "If I fail, I will leave Dremlock and return to Borenthia."

  "Then let us begin," said Taris. He drew his stone dagger and called the green fire into the blade. Then he brought it close to his face. His green eyes shone like the flaming blade--burning with focus.

  Suddenly, Aldreya was surrounded by thick shadows that obscured the tent walls. Something was moving in the shadows--four shades that stepped into the candlelight. They wore green, hooded robes and held stone daggers. Their eyes gleamed with power and wisdom beneath their hoods. They were the ghosts of elite Birlote sorcerers from ages past. They closed in on Aldreya and laid hands on her. She felt as if her flesh was burning, but she was paralyzed.

  The shades whispered to her, and their words were madness. They said that the universe was flawed and thus all things would come to a dark, bitter end. They prompted her to surrender to infinite sleep.

  At first, Aldreya wanted to give up and go to sleep. If the universe was flawed, there was no hope and it was better to simply not exist. But then she realized that she could continue on with life without will, hope, or purpose. She had something that gave control amidst a chaotic universe--strength. Aldreya had strength, and with it, she could control her destiny. Part of that strength was faith in her god, her honor, and her abilities. The shades were telling her that all things were folly, but she was determined to use her strength to resist that notion--regardless of whether or not she was right or wrong.

  "You have failed!" Aldreya said to them. "Now leave me alone!" As she spoke the words, a new level of power surged within her--as if the strength of her sorcery had suddenly doubled and new channels had opened.

  The shades smiled down at her and then vanished back into the shadows. The shadows themselves departed and Taris Warhawk was revealed. He was holding her teacup, from which steam was rising.

  "Well done," said Taris. "You resisted the shades and found hidden strength. Are you ready for more tea?"

  With a trembling hand, Aldreya took the teacup and drank.