The Garnet Dagger

by Andrea R. Cooper

  Chapter Seventeen

  The Bergone chased us. Never had I seen such a beast. Lumbering on all fours, but closing the distance between us. Brown fur stood out all over its body. Arms and legs wider than even the oak trunks.

  Celeste leaned forward, so I righted my body behind saddle and grabbed the cantle. My legs ached from holding them as far forward as I could to avoid squeezing Shadowdancer’s flanks.

  My skin prickled from the contact of me pressed against her. But I heaved a relived sigh when I saw her gown protected my cursed skin from hers.

  “If he catches us,” I shouted so she’d hear, “leave me. I’ll fight the creature and buy you time.”

  Over my shoulder, I watched the beast charge after us. Smelled the stink of old blood and foulness like rotting mold. Red eyes stared into mine as the beast raged closer.

  Perhaps my curse would still it. But as I watched the massive arms and legs propel it closer, I thought he’d rip me apart before I’d lay a finger upon his hide.

  My bow. Leaning to the side I unhooked my bow from the pack. My quiver slid across my arm to my back.

  Then, balancing sideways on Shadowdancer, I nocked the first arrow.

  The point found the Bergone’s left shoulder. But his pace did not lesson. Quickly, I sent over two more arrows. One lodged in his chest, the other in his back leg.

  Arrow after arrow I sent. My shafts sticking out of the beast at odd angles, but still he came.

  I reached up to remove another arrow, when a low tree branch whacked me across my shoulder. Unprepared, I fell from the horse.

  Before I inhaled, the Bergone loomed over me. Clawed hands hauled me up by my throat into the air. His mouth was shaped like a wolf’s, his body and claws like a bear.

  A voice rumbled from the beast like a man speaking through a hollow tube, “Call for her, and we may let you live.”

  “Never.”

  The hand tightened on my throat. Felt the blood pulse inside my head.

  If ever I wanted my curse to work, this was the time. But the coarse hair of the beast tickled me under my chin, and no power surged through me.

  Hoping luck would be on my side. I swung up my leg and kicked the beast against the chin.

  Laughter answered me and I fought for my vision to focus.

  “We smell her scent on you, Elf. Can track her into the grave. Your death will not protect her.”

  My tongue gurgled as I tried to answer and the beast loosened its grip. Air pierced my lungs with each breath. “Then why do you hesitate? Kill me.”

  “Why?” the Bergone snarled. “Why would a Demon-Elf be among the humans? You escaped me in the village, but your witch isn’t here to save you again.”

  His words made me think of the man with the cape I bumped into. Surely this beast before me was not that man. But how else could this beast know?

  “Not since the war and the rupture of the races has one of your kind been among them.” The hand holding me up yanked me forward. Fangs as long as my sword glistened. “Tell me why with the magic you possess to kill, she remains alive.”

  Whatever this thing was, it knew too much. And I’d no intention of revealing anything to man or beast.

  Using both hands, I fought to pry the fingers from my throat.

  Laughter shook the beast.

  I managed to lift one claw away, but it snapped back as soon as my fingers slipped.

  “We have ways of finding our answers.” Coiling black smoke poured from the creature’s mouth.

  Like an arrow, the smoke pierced into my head. Tendrils clutched my mind, scoured for memories. Words from Nivel vibrated through my head. Speaking of the prophecies, the curse, and the dagger.

  The creature’s voice sounded far to me, and colored spots waltzed before me. “Where’s the dagger now? Give it to me and you shall live.”

  My heartbeat thundered inside me. Air surrounded me, but I could not catch my breath. Felt my life drain with each passing second. But I would say nothing.

  Soon I’d die. I welcomed death’s embrace, but now no one would save my family … or my people.

  Chapter Eighteen

  My heart thundered in my ears as I dangled from the Bergone’s claws. Didn’t doubt the beast would tear into my flesh and devour me. No one back home would know of my death.

  Nothing bothered me, except the realization of never seeing Celeste again, or delivering my family from execution in my place.

  The grip on my throat lessened. Sharp air filled my lungs. Sweet and cold. Heard rumbling beats coming from behind me.

  “So, she’s linked with you, as I thought.” The Bergone grinned showing a mouthful of sharp fangs. “Do you know what he’ll use the dagger for, Celeste?” The beast laughed, and it gave me shudders. “Come and greet your master, witch.”

  Shadowdancer blurred around the creature. Celeste stood up in the stirrups.

  “Give Morgan a message for me.” Her blond hair curled outward like frayed haloes. “Tell him I will use his heart to cast a death spell on you.”

  His laughter rumbled in him, and his grip on my neck loosened more. Celeste made another pass around the creature. Then the garnet dagger flashed in the sunlight. She was the witch of the prophecy. No my heart screamed. Not her. But I knew it was no trick of the light that I had seen the jewel mark her as the one.

  With a leap, she dove off Shadowdancer. Holding the dagger with both hands, she aimed where I and the Bergone were linked. For an instant I cringed, imagining her severing my nose along with her swipe.

  The blade came down and sliced one of the beast’s claws clutching me. But the cut did not harm him, just splashed blood on my face. Disappointed, I hung helpless. The creature had me, and soon he would also have Celeste. I had to be the one to kill her and use the garnet dagger to pierce her heart.

  My cursed power had no effect. Elvin arrows poked everywhere from the beast. I wiggled my hand to snatch my sword.

  Almost freeing the tip, the Bergone shook me and the sword fell from my fingers. The dagger swiped at the furry hand reaching for Celeste.

  So we were to both die, then. If she hadn’t come back after me, then she would have had a chance. Blackness danced before my eyes and I squeezed them shut. Perhaps I could delay my death long enough for her to escape.

  “Celeste,” I forced the words out even though I knew I’d not have enough room to take in another breath. “Run, get away.”

  I forced myself not to fall into unconsciousness even though it felt as though the world and I were spinning in opposite directions.

  A distant thought shook loose. Now, a memory. Not mine, but someone else’s. The vampyre that attacked me. I felt as though I were him. He had fought one of these creatures before. Long ago. It was a close call, but something he learned had tipped the balance in his favor.

  His hide is penetrated now. My eyes snapped open at the thought. Gritting my teeth, I forced my chin down on the injured finger.

  Power from within me slammed forward. The wall blocking the power burst away as if made from rose petals.

  The Bergone shivered as I broke the black coils binding us mind to mind, and my own power surged into him. Devoured his essence, yet I ached for more.

  Through him I felt the breaking of him. His course hair stood on edge. Licked the energies, and sensed the man who spoke through him. Realized with my power this creature was not the man, but a tool.

  The man cursed breaking his link with the beast before I trapped him with the Bergone’s death. Heard Shadowdancer cropping grass nearby.

  “Don’t drain him fully,” Celeste snapped, but her warning was like buzzing.

  And I licked the last essence from the beast as his heart stopped. With a shudder, the Bergone slumped to the ground and I landed on my feet.

  Celeste snatched my sleeve with her hand and I noticed the dagger had once again disappeared. “What have you done?”

  “Took his kajh, his life force,” I answered her. What was the matter with the woman
? She stared at me as if my words may bring her redemption. “No fear, the creature is dead. Although I felt his master escape.”

  “Told you to stop.” She rubbed her wrapped hand along the wrist. “No time to hide, they’ll be here soon.”

  “What are — ”

  The sound of snapping trees echoed in the distance, seemed to come from all directions.

  “Never kill a Bergone.”

  “There are more of them?” I drew my sword from the ground. “Mount and ride. I’ll drain them as they come.”

  “Not even the Warloc can stop a frenzied swarm of Bergone if they turn on him.”

  I stared at her.

  “Come,” she said gesturing to Shadowdancer. “You will not kill them all.”

  “How many?” Damn, my memories from the vampyre had only shown him sinking his teeth into the open flesh. What happened after hadn’t revealed itself to me.

  “Twelve now. Each swarm has thirteen. When one dies, it alerts the others and they shift into a rage. Their scent is strong enough to smell their dead member on you for the rest of your life.

  “Even if you managed to kill all of them, the Warloc will raise another group in less than a fortnight.” Shadowdancer pawed the ground beside her, and she mounted. “To flee is our only option now.”

  I gritted my teeth, but knew she was right. Damn, the stories were real. How much more did I not know, being confined in the Elvin lands? Perhaps there were dragons as well? Seems as if we Elvin were not the only ones who had broken off from the land of humans and were now returning.

  Even with my powers, because of their thick hides, I’d die fighting that many Bergone at once. But I was just saving her now to kill her later. Nodding, I sheathed my sword and mounted behind her. Shadowdancer galloped as trees crashed with roars behind us.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Darkened forms rushed through the forest after us. Shadowdancer’s coat dotted in sweat. But his hooves punched the ground in a steady gallop.

  Twelve Bergone crowded through the forest. Looking over my shoulder, I saw treetops shake in different directions. Birds scattered in flight, and crows cawed their annoyance at the intrusion.

  Celeste gripped the reins as she leaned forward. Whispered words of encouragement to Shadowdancer. But I knew the horse would collapse soon at this pace.

  Damn, but there must be something to use against these beasts. I adjusted my weight behind the saddle. Part of me wanted to leap off and do what damage I could to the Bergone.

  The other part, more logical, knew I’d die within minutes and my sacrifice would not save Celeste, nor my people.

  Good thing one Bergone was dead. And its life force filled my strength. I realized magical creatures allowed me to continue for longer periods than the humans I absorbed. Unfortunately, I wanted no part in taking any life, human or other.

  My single chance was to find a way to eliminate or delay these creatures long enough for her to escape. Celeste’s hips brushed against mine and I let out a curse. Protected from my power by our clothes, but not protected from my lust.

  Hearing my expletive, she turned her head and a golden eyebrow rose in question.

  “Is there no way to stop them?”

  “If they kill us, then their charge will cease.”

  “Great.” I let out a huff and she frowned at me.

  “It’s your own fault. I told you not to take all from the Bergone.”

  I clenched my teeth and was rewarded with a jolt from Shadowdancer as he jumped over a fallen tree.

  “What has passed cannot be undone.” Her eyes caught the sun and their brilliance stunned me for a moment. Swirls of gold merged out from her pupils and shined like stars within the grey iris.

  “Does no way exist to slow or divert them?”

  Less than a mile from us a tree crashed, and Shadowdancer skirted sideways at the noise.

  “Perhaps. But it is dangerous and I’ll be drained after.”

  “Tell me then, if it be our chance.”

  Before she even tightened on the reins, Shadowdancer slowed to a walk. Celeste patted his neck, and he stopped. His breathing was labored as we climbed off.

  She dodged behind me.

  “What?” I wheeled around. Behind me was a pine tree with a hollowed knot at the base.

  She brought out a striped beast which sprayed a stink so foul I choked on the fumes. Skunk. Why would she stop for that?

  When she approached Shadowdancer, he snorted and shook his head as though to demand we’d never ride him smelling so.

  The skunk squirted her again, and then she strolled to Shadowdancer. The horse backed up, shaking its mane.

  “Now, Bergone eat meat. Any kind of meat, raw. Unless you smell like this.” She waved the skunk in front of her and another spray shot through the air.

  Gagging on the stench, I heard rumbles through the forest moments from us.

  Soon Shadowdancer was soaked from the stink as well.

  “Now it’s your turn.”

  “No, I got us into this mess. I’ll delay them long enough for you to escape. Perhaps the stink will throw them off your trail for a while. Maybe even enough for me to escape and catch up to you later.”

  Then Celeste let the animal go and spun to me.

  “Listen carefully, for I only have time to say this once,” she said, pointing to my sword. “My spirit will trade places with Shadowdancer. When you see my head snap up, plunge the sword into my stomach.”

  “This will never work. You’ve a better chance at running away while I head them off.”

  “I hope to have enough healing left as the horse to heal you after they’ve gone.” She squared her shoulders as if she wasn’t listening to me. “When you awaken, take my body and the horse to a village north of here. Half a day’s ride. Ask for the midwife.” I saw her hand shake as she brushed down her gown. “She’ll reverse the spell and heal me.

  “You must reach her before the new moon rises tomorrow, or my spirit will forever stay inside the horse’s body.”

  In the silence, she waited until I drew my sword. Bergone crashed down trees within yards of us.

  “Now,” she said and her hands flew to Shadowdancer.

  Whispers floated on the breeze and brought a chill to my flesh.

  Suddenly, Celeste slumped down, her chin on her chest. I took a step forward. She did not move.

  Perhaps the switch had not worked. I reached out to shake her shoulder. Her head snapped up. Grey eyes rolled in their sockets.

  With a scream she scrambled up on four legs. Shadowdancer nudged me from behind and Celeste’s words flooded through me.

  Run the blade through me.

  My stomach tightened, I could not do this. This was madness. Liana was struck by my hand, I vowed I’d never hurt another innocent if I could help it.

  Behind me Bergone bellowed in rage. I thought I felt their breath on the back of my neck.

  She fled past me stumbling.

  The Bergone circled us.

  “No.” I screamed.

  She headed straight toward them.

  One reached out with its massive claws and raked across her. Anger surged and I flew forward putting all of my weight behind my blade and into the creature’s skull.

  Took one last look at Celeste’s form sprawled across the ground. Blood darkened the front of her gown.

  “You’ve damned my people and yours.” I whispered to her still form.

  Doubted Celeste could heal me if she and I were dead.

  I drew the blade and leapt over the Bergone’s dying corpse to go after another. Didn’t matter I killed another of the horde, I already had them hunting me.

  But there were too many of them. Eleven. I slashed at another, but his forearm tossed me back and sent my blade flipping through the air. Out of my reach. His claws slashed at my head and blood coated down my face. I gritted my teeth and wrestled with him. Two swipes I was able to avoid. Then he yanked me up with one paw and, as I struggled, stabbed me wit
h his free claws. I was dropped like a broken toy.

  Hot blood poured over my hands. Slumped on my knees, I watched my blood spurt out across the snow.

  Another Bergone wrenched my head back. His yellow eyes glared into mine. Felt my power thrash toward him, but like a dying insect. No life flowed back into me.

  In his throat, the Warloc’s voice vibrated. “Where is she?”

  “She’s dead.” I whispered. Shadows danced before my vision.

  “Damn fool. I’ll shred you to pieces,” he paused, and the Bergone growled low. The sound bounced off the trees. “Bring her body to me. I’ll heal her.”

  Knew her damn plan was no good. I was dying and now the Bergone would take her away. I struggled to my feet, but clutched my side as pain tore through me.

  “You’re not worth the trouble of eating.”

  I watched as a Bergone picked up Celeste’s body. Still alive, but she let out a soft moan.

  “Take warning, Elf,” the Warloc said as the other Bergone trudged through the forest and Celeste disappeared among them, “if you live and come after us, we’ll rip every muscle from your bones and drink you dry.”

  The Bergone’s claws reached for me, but I did not cringe away. The claws snatched up the hilt of my sword, and plunged it into me. And twisted the blade while it was still inside. The pain blinded me.

  Heard my sword pop out of my body and tossed at my feet. Knew Celeste needed me alive in order to heal me. But she was gone, and dizzy, I fell into blackness.

  Chapter Twenty

  Shadowdancer nuzzled my face. Dazed, I lay on the forest floor. Absently, I swatted him back. But he nickered at me.

  I was alive? Digging my hands in the dirt, I forced my body up. Dried blood stuck my tunic to my side. But I felt no pain. Holding my breath, I eased the cloth back. My wound was healed. Only a white jagged scar remained. How was this possible? Shadowdancer shook his mane as if I should know better.

  Everything flooded back. The Bergone had Celeste. I glanced back at Shadowdancer who stared at me.

  “Celeste?”