Boris bent and grabbed his sword, swinging it up as he rose. The guard tried to parry, but Boris shifted at the last moment from an upward sweeping motion to a forward stabbing motion, taking the man in the genitals. The man screamed and fell to his knees.
The other guard who had, until that point, stayed back, watching things unfold, fumbled for his blade. The guards of House Helgstad were complacent, never having known true combat. Boris capitalized on his moment of surprise, seized up the sword of the dying soldier and charged toward the remaining guard with both blades. Slashing with his right hand, he caught the blade of the guard, while his left blade thrust forward into his abdomen. The guard dropped his sword and crumpled to his knees. Boris reached down, grabbed a set of keys and left the men to their fate and continued down the tunnel.
The time for running had come to an end. He would get his revenge, or die trying.
Chapter 33 - Preparation for War
Dawyn’s boots clicked on the marble floor as he strode through the Celestial Palace. The summons presented by the courier had suggested urgency, and Dawyn had left immediately. The doors of the throne room were open, and raised voices speaking at once drifted from the room.
Entering the room, Dawyn recognized several members of the crowd that now gathered at a large table in the center of the throne room. Two of the king’s highest-ranking generals, Coryn, several master mages and various nobles and lesser officers, sat at the table. A large map was spread out on the table - a map of the land between the mountains, no doubt.
As Dawyn approached, the king saw him and motioned him forward, gesturing to the empty seat to his direct left. Dawyn took a seat and several pairs of eyes turned to him, several members of the council nodding greetings or waving a hand at him. In his time as commander of the Shadow Watch Guard he had known many of these people. Having been away from the position for scarcely six months, he had not been forgotten. The talking died down as the king cleared his throat.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. For those of you just joining us, let me explain why you have been summoned. Approximately one hour ago, a raven was received. It came from the Haguesfort. The letter indicated the Haguesfort was being attacked by an unknown menace. We have dispatched a raven to the Haguesfort requesting further information, but have yet to receive a response. We-,” the king cut off as a servant rushed into the room, carrying a scroll. Handing the scroll to the king, the boy bowed and rushed back the way he came.
The king opened the scroll and began to read. His brows furrowed as he read, eyes moving back and forth. He appeared to read the letter two more times before setting it down. He cleared his throat. “The Haguesfort has fallen. This is the last letter from them, signed by the keeper of the ravens. The enemy creatures, described as four-legged spider-like creatures with upright torsos covered in a scaly carapace, overwhelmed the defenders and three points along the wall.”
“Krai’kesh,” Dawyn whispered.
The king heard his whisper, for he nodded. “Yes, based upon the description, it would seem the Haguesfort was attacked by an army of Krai’kesh, creatures described by the Founders in the ancient texts of old.”
Some of the gathered soldiers and nobles opened their eyes wide at the name of the creatures, recognizing it, others had a confused look on their faces, the name not registering. “The Krai’kesh?” Lady Matilda asked, the word sounding strange on her tongue, as if it were a foreign language she was speaking. “I have not heard of them before.”
“They are the creatures that, according to legend, drove the Founders from their home among the stars, forcing them to flee to our world. It appears they followed the Founders here.”
“If I may interject, your majesty,” Dawyn began, “a single enemy Krai’kesh was encountered by my companions and I several months ago, down near Henry’s Crossing.” He turned in his seat to face the others. “These enemies are not to be underestimated. It took four individuals with extraordinary powers to defeat one of these creatures. It is also worrying that a fortress built during the time of the Founding could be overwhelmed so quickly.”
The king nodded. “Yes, this is very worrying. Because of this, I am ordering that all the banners be raised. Summon the levies and prepare the army for war. I will be requesting the support of all available mages from the Tower, as well. Magic could prove effective against them.”
“You will have our full support,” the archmage answered. “All possible mages will march forth with you.”
“I will send out the word immediately, your majesty,” General Jenkins answered.
“We will march within two weeks. It takes a month to travel by foot from the Haguesfort, but we must assume these creatures can move faster than humans. You are dismissed.”
The members of the council began to disperse. Dawyn stood to leave, but the hand of the king on his wrist stayed him. “Please remain, Dawyn, I would speak with your privately.”
“Of course, your majesty. Shall we speak here?”
“In my chambers, if you please.”
The king led Dawyn to his private chambers behind the throne room. Similar to his private bedchamber antechamber, the room behind the throne was furnished simply. “Please, sit,” the king said, gesturing to a seat. Once Dawyn was seated, the king began to speak. “I know you well Dawyn, and I suspect you are eager to ride north with the army.” He held up a hand to forestall Dawyn speaking. “I need you to remain here, however. Victory against this foe is not assured, and the kingdom will need stability in the event that anything should happen to me and the queen. Coryn, as you know, is in line to ascend the throne as queen of the kingdom. I am going to ask her to remain behind as well, which I suspect she will accept with as much reluctance as you. But above all, stability must be ensured. The only way to do that is to have the next-in-line to the throne and one of the greatest fighters I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing remain behind in the event things don’t go as planned. You may speak now.”
Dawyn reeled, taken aback. “Your majesty, with all due respect, my place is on the battlefield, at your side. I have faced this enemy before, I know how to fight them and how to kill them. Please reconsider your order for me to remain behind.”
“Despite all of your power, Dawyn,” the king said, “you are but one man. We will succeed or fail in this coming battle with or without you.”
“But you are acting like we have already lost, your majesty.” A thought struck him. “There’s something you aren’t telling me, isn’t there?”
The king averted his eyes. “What I choose to reveal or not reveal is my right as king. Let me just say that I have a strong feeling that our efforts to stop the invasion of these creatures will not be successful.”
“Then why march north at all?” Dawyn asked. “If you feel it is futile, why not wait for the enemy to come, prepare defenses and meet them on the fields of Tar Ebon?”
“Because defeat is not assured,” the king said. “It is my duty as the king of Tar Ebon to do anything possible to defeat our foe, before they arrive at the walls of Tar Ebon. That is why I must go north, my honor and responsibility as king demands it.
“In the event of defeat, I need you to prepare for the defense of Tar Ebon. Enlist the aid of the other nations on the continent, request support from anywhere you can. There is not time now, the enemy will be upon us soon, but the city was built to withstand a prolonged siege, and is more fortified than the Haguesfort. If necessary, allow the Krai’kesh to clack their claws uselessly at our black walls for a while, until you have the army necessary to face them. Above all, comfort Coryn, advise her in the ways of war and guide her toward accepting the mantle of rule.”
Dawyn shook his head. “I will do as you ask, your majesty, out of respect for you as my king, though I do not expect any of this to come to pass. You will go north, defeat the enemy, and return. But, I will remain and do as you ask in the event the unspeakable happens.”
“Good, that is all I can ask, my fr
iend.” The king smiled. “Now for me to speak with my daughter, which I suspect will be a far more difficult conversation. If you’ll excuse me.”
Dawyn rose, shook hands with the king and exited the private chamber. He had much to tell his companions.
Chapter 34 - Vengeance and Fury
Boris strode down the tunnel, blood dripping from his blades. The tunnel connected to the Helgstad estate cellar, which he exited through an unlocked and unguarded gate. He had to act before Victor and his retinue arrived back to the estates. He estimated they would talk with other nobles for several minutes before returning, based on past matches.
He ascended the stairs and soon found himself in one of the outbuildings that housed the tunnel entrance. Across the training yard, the gladiatorial building stood almost empty. Only two of his fellow gladiators still remained alive - Victor had yet to buy more gladiators. Striding toward the building, he unlocked the door and went inside.
Rodrigo and Artemis were laying on their bunks, getting some rest while they could. The opening of the door woke them. “Boris,” Rodrigo said, surprised. “You are back so soon.” Not seeing anyone entering behind him he asked, “Clarence, was he…? Did he…?”
“He’s dead,” Boris said without emotion. “But so are two guards down in the tunnels.” He lifted up the keyring. “Come on, we’re getting out of here.”
The two just stared at him. Finally, Artemis spoke. “Boris, have you lost your mind? We will be cut down. We are unarmed.”
“Not for long,” Boris said. “We’re going to hit the armory before we go. I mean to be prepared when Victor returns.”
For a moment, neither man moved, perhaps suspecting a trap or considering their options. They have only two options, Boris thought. Stay here and die in the arena or come with me and have a chance at freedom. He would not kill them if they refused to come, only leave them to the inevitable.
At last, Rodrigo took a step forward, followed by Artemis. “We’re with you,” Rodrigo said. The clothes on their backs their only possessions, they followed Boris out of the slave chambers and into the sunlight.
The armory lay inside of the guardhouse, next to the slave quarters, against one side of the training grounds. The three crossed to the guardhouse and went inside. No guards challenged them - the building was empty. Going to the far back room, they unlocked the armory door and went inside. Melee weapons of a wide variety lay inside: spears and knives, swords and maces, axes and shields.
“Grab as many weapons as you can carry,” Boris commanded. Suiting action to words, he grabbed a vest, thrust two spears through the loops on the back of the vest, a shield and several knives, along with a helmet. He thrust his swords into a pair of scabbards and attached them to a belt. All geared up, the three left the armory and Boris locked the door.
“What’s the plan?” Artemis asked.
“We wait for Victor and his guards to return, then ambush them. I intend to kill every one of the bastards. But,” he held up a finger, “Darin is mine.”
* * *
The main gates to House Helgstad swung open, permitting entry to Victor, his wife Gertrud and his many guards. As they approached the main doors of the manor, the doors opened in advance of their arrival. Likely thinking the servants had anticipated his arrival, Victor strode toward his home ahead of his guards.
Boris watched from the window as the group approached. He held one of his spears in his hand, ready to strike. The man stepped into the manor and Boris stepped forward, thrusting with the spear. The point took Victor in the throat before Boris withdrew it, causing Victor to drop to his knees. Feeling the surge of adrenaline filling him, Boris hefted the spear and launched it at Victor’s wife, piercing her in the abdomen.
Wasting no time, Boris drew his swords and advanced on the stunned guards. Behind Boris, he felt the presence of Artemis and Rodrigo as they followed him.
Darin was the first to break out of his stunned stupor. He drew his blade and shouted for the guards to do the same. He knew their lives were on the line.
Boris slashed with his blade and cut down the first guard before he could finish drawing his blade. His second strike was parried by his companion, but the momentum of Boris’ advance carried him past the guard. He struck with a blow to the back of the guards’ legs, causing the man to stumble. Boris left the man to be killed by Artemis or Rodrigo and focused on Darin, anger filling him to the exclusion of all else.
Darin watched him as he approached, while the other guards engaged Artemis and Rodrigo. He parried Boris’ first wild strikes and struck out with his own blade, cutting Boris on the thigh. Boris grunted but did not stumble. The two traded blows, parrying and dodging. Darin forced Boris’ blade to go flying, causing Boris to reach for his shield.
Boris waited, conserving his energy, letting his fury build. When Darin extended his arm too far, Boris slammed the edge of his shield into his arm, causing him to pull back in pain. Boris followed the strike with a thrust of his blade, catching Darin in the stomach. As Darin fell to the ground, Boris turned to see the other guards lying on the ground dead or dying, Artemis and Rodrigo standing over them.
Turning his attention back to Darin, he spoke. “This is for Clarence, and all those that came before, you monster.”
Darin’s eyes grew wide and he held up a hand as if to plead for Boris to stop. “Please, I was only following orders. Please spare me.”
“Spare you like you spared Clarence? I don’t think so.” With a quick slash, Boris cut Darin’s throat and watched as blood spurted as the man tried in vain to breathe. Within moments, Darin’s legs kicked, his eyes grew glassy and he fell still.
Boris turned to address Rodrigo and Artemis. “Now let’s free the rest of the slaves.”
The trio moved through the manor, killing any remaining guards or household members, including Victor’s children, who stood in their way, whether they surrendered or not. With each group of slaves they encountered, Boris told them they were free to stay or go as they wished - they were free. He told them that the trio and others were going to flee into the sewers beneath the estate, where they would be safe from discovery for a time. Many of the slaves flocked to Boris and the others, while some refused to go. Boris warned that any who remained behind would be captured and killed or enslaved again when another slave house or the lord of the town came with his soldiers.
Chapter 35 - Anger and Regret
The flame floated in front of Jason, contained within a field of energy generated by his mind. His eyes focused on the flame, while his mind floated outside of him. Invisible hands cupped the flame, an extension of his mind.
“Good,” the disembodied voice of Alivia said. She was seated behind him. “Now pass the flame to Ashley.”
Jason shifted his gaze to Ashley, standing beyond the flame. Envisioning the field of energy containing the flame moving, he pushed it toward Ashley. The flame, licking the sides of an invisible orb, bobbed up and down but made its way toward Ashley. As it reached her, the flame stopped, and Jason felt Ashley’s mind enveloping the flame, seizing it. Jason allowed his mind to release the flame and felt himself becoming whole again. He looked toward Alivia. “We did it.”
Alivia smiled. “You did. Wonderful job, both of you. Next, we will -,” she cut off as the door of the training room opened to admit a robed man. The symbols on the bottom of the robe and the crest on the breast signified that the man was one of the seven archmages of the Tower. Alivia turned and offered a bow to the man. “Archmage Visendia, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?”
The older man bowed his head in respect to Alivia and swept his eyes over Jason, John and Ashley, before speaking. “Greetings to you, Master O’Leary. May I speak with you in the hallway for a moment?”
“Of course. John, Ashley, Jason, continue with your exercises while I speak with Archmage Visendia.” She followed the man out into the hall and closed the door.
Jason looked over at Ashley, who had released the flame in
a puff of smoke. Without energy or physical matter fueling the fire, the flame would exhaust the oxygen in the small area and extinguish. “What do you think that’s all about? Us?”
“I don’t know,” John said, seated on a couch against one wall. “We haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Dawyn left in a hurry this morning,” Ashley said. “I wonder if it has something to do with his hasty departure. The letter he received from the messenger looked quite official.”
Dawyn had given no indication of where he was going, telling the others that he had to go and would be back when he could. At the time, Jason had not given any thought to it, but now, perhaps there was a connection.
The three Earthlings continued their mental exercises, forming a triangle. Each of them summoned a flame to the center of the triangle, where they combined to form a large flame. The flame extinguished, however, when confusion arose as to who would contain the entire large flame and all three relinquished their hold on the constituent flames at once. They were about to try again when the door to the chamber opened. Jason called his mind back and turned his attention to Alivia.
Alivia’s face was a thunder cloud, eyes blazing, fists clenched, lips forming a straight line. “There will be no more instruction today. You’re all dismissed.”
“Whoa,” John said, holding up a hand. “Alivia, what’s wrong?”
For a moment, she looked as though she was going to decline to answer, but at last she sighed and looked down. “A great tragedy has occurred. The Haguesfort has fallen.”
“The Haguesfort?” Jason asked. “That big fortress to the north?” He had heard Dawyn speak of it in casual conversation before, but didn’t know much about it.
“The same. It was attacked by alien creatures called Krai’kesh. Even now, their horde moves south. The king is preparing his army to march north to face them. The archmages have called for many mages to go as well.”
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