“The doorway doesn't seem to be trapped,” he said, squinting into the blinding light that only he could see. “I think we should be able to safely move forward.”
“I'll take the lead,” Darian said, stepping toward the portal. “Captain, follow me up, if you would.”
“Certainly,” the warrior replied.
The pair quickly passed through the door. The chamber in which they found themselves was filled by the soft blue light. It was emanating from several large, solid chunks of ice that were scattered throughout the cave. The knight and warrior stood in silence; staring at the strange glowing blocks as the rest of the band slowly made their way into the cavern.
“What are these?” the rogue asked, stepping closer to one for a better look.
“Ice,” the bard suggested.
“That much, I had figured out,” Kilren chuckled. “Why are they here? Why are they glowing? Who would make them and why?”
“All good questions,” the dwarf nodded. “Let me know if any answers spring to mind, lad.”
“There's something inside this one,” the ranger observed as she moved her face closer to the large block in front of her; her breath visible in the freezing air.
She raised her hand and gently brushed away some of the frost that encrusted the shard.
“Actually,” she said in surprise, “there's someone inside this one.”
“What?” the knight exclaimed.
Instantly, the rest of the party began carefully examining the massive chucks of ice. Each of them seemed to contain one or more people. These frozen victims varied greatly in age and gender. The oldest was a man who seemed to be somewhere in his sixties. The youngest was an unborn child, locked inside an icy prison, still within its mother's womb.
Fury filled the Telian's soul as he gazed into the frozen eyes of these unfortunates. Some of their faces seemed at peace as if their fate had been unexpected, while others where twisted in terror.
“Who would do this?” the knight yelled, his cry echoing throughout the chamber. “What kind of monster would slaughter old men, women, and children and then make them into some grotesque monument?”
“In truth, Sir Darian,” Sarena said, “I'm not sure they're dead.”
“What do you mean?” the Telian asked, somewhat more calmly.
“I mean,” she began, “that it seems unlikely to me that someone would go to all this effort – and you can be certain that this took a great deal of that – just to preserve dead bodies. There are much easier ways to accomplish that with magic.”
“I agree,” Ian nodded. “If these were mementos, they wouldn't be kept in some cavern somewhere. Every villain I've ever heard of that kept such grisly trophies, and history is sadly full of them, always put them on prominent display. No, these are here to keep them safe. This probably means these people are still alive.”
“Then, we have to rescue them!” Darian exclaimed.
“We certainly have to try,” Gwendolyn agreed. “But how do we go about it?”
“That is a very good question,” the rogue replied.
“Maybe you and Sarena could melt them out,” the knight suggested.
“I fear not, sir knight,” the sorceress replied. “I don't believe they would survive if we were to make the attempt.”
“Maybe we could chisel them out.”
“I don't think so, Darian,” the human maiden said, stepping closer to one of the ice covered prisoners. “Even if we did, they would still be frozen. I think the only way we're going to be able to fight this is with magic.”
“You're right, my dear,” Sarena replied. “It was magic that encased them in ice and only magic can free them.”
“Are you capable of that?” the Telian said, turning his gaze to the sorceress.
“No,” she sighed. “This is well beyond me. And it's a very specialized spell. I've never heard of anything quite like it. Ian?”
“Never,” the bard replied. “I've been wracking my brain, but I can't think of anything exactly like this. Oh, some similar things come to mind, of course. People have certainly been locked in magical prisons before. More than once in the past, powerful wizards have created persistent ice for one reason or another. However, I've never heard of people being frozen alive in something like this.”
“Then, what can we do?” the knight asked.
“Let Andor and the Council know,” the warrior suggested. “They'll be able to do something about it, I'm certain.”
“I just wish there was something more we could do,” the Telian replied.
“Well, it looks like we can't,” the rogue observed. “Ian, is it just me or do all these people look a little similar?”
“I hadn't noticed” the bard said, stepping over to Kilren's side.
“Look at them,” the rogue said. “The old man and this young woman. They sort of favor if you see what I mean.”
“Aye,” the bard nodded, “I do.”
“Look at these two boys,” Kilren said, stepping between two nearby blocks. “They could be brothers.”
“You're right,” Erana agreed. “I see it. In fact, I think all these people could be from one family.”
“Why would that be the case?” the knight asked.
“I don't know,” the bard said thoughtfully, scratching himself under the beard. “It's hard to tell through the ice, of course, but I think Kilren's right. They certainly do favor. They really could be part of a single family. And... I don't know... I seem to recognize the old man's face.”
“That's hardly likely,” the warrior pointed out.
“No,” the dwarf replied, shaking his head. “No, you're right. I've just seen someone similar, I suppose.”
“Either way,” the knight began, “what are we going to do now?”
“That's really up to you, Sir Darian,” the captain replied. “However, my suggestion would be that we continue our search. We can't help these unfortunates right now and they don't seem to be in any immediate danger. For the moment, finding our unknown enemy still needs to be our primary concern. Especially as they may know how this was done.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Think about it, Sir Darian,” the captain replied. “Who else with this kind of power would store a cavern full of frozen prisoners this close to the epicenter of those unnatural clouds?”
“He's right about that,” Kilren agreed. “It's the same whoever-it-is that we're looking for. You can be sure of that.”
“Could Galrin have done this?” Tealor asked, turning his gaze to the bard.
“It's impossible to say for certain,” the dwarf replied. “But, I suspect that he could have.”
“I agree,” Sarena nodded. “However, I don't see any motivation for it. How would this tie into a plan to draw Andor out?”
“I admit I don't see a connection,” the warrior replied. “Still, it's hard to say what Galrin's plan is. We're not even certain why he wants Gwendolyn. Regardless of his reasons, if Galrin did this, he'll know how to undo it. Our best hope of saving these people is finding and stopping him.”
“Or whoever it is,” the bard smiled.
“Right,” the knight nodded. “Then let's get moving.”
The party backtracked their steps to the first cavern they had entered in order to resume following their original path. They quickly discovered what they had been hoping to find; stairs climbing into the darkness above. The band immediately and cautiously began their ascent up the steep, stone steps. In very short order, these led to a large landing. Already the human maiden had begun panting from the exertion of the climb.
“We're going to have to stop here for a moment,” Sarena said. “Gwendolyn's had a rough day. She's not going to be able to keep up this pace.”
“Yes, I can,” the maiden insisted.
“Well, I'm taking a break, either way,” the rogue chuckled. “So, you might as well.”
There was ample room for the entire group to stretch out on the cool, stone floor to
rest for a few minutes. The attention of the rogue was eventually attracted by the eyes of the bard, which were completely focused on the far wall.
“What are you looking at?” he asked.
“That wall,” the dwarf answered.
“I figured that,” the rogue laughed. “Let me rephrase the question: What about that wall do you find so fascinating?”
“It's not right.”
“It's wrong?”
“Yes.”
“In what way?”
“Well,” the bard said, slowly climbing to his feet. “Let's take a look.”
The pair strode over to the wall in question and began carefully examining it.
“What do you see?” the dwarf asked.
“Your shadow.”
“Go get the light...”
“Alright,” the rogue replied before quickly obeying the request.
“Now, what do you see?” the bard asked as soon as Kilren returned.
“A stone wall,” he said confidently.
“Yes, fool,” the dwarf chuckled. “Do you see anything else?”
“Nope.”
“Alright then, just trust me,” the dwarf said, running his hands along the wall as he spoke. “Something about this just isn't right. It's been made to look like the natural cavern, but it's not. At least, not all of it is. Aha...”
“What?”
“One moment,” the bard replied with a wide smile on his face.
The dwarf began chanting arcane words the rogue had never heard before. Suddenly, a section of the rock seemed to sink into the wall before rotating inward to reveal a doorway. The light from Kilren's necklace flooded into the chamber beyond and was reflected back at them by the polished gold and silver articles that filled the room.
“You're not the only one who can open a locked door,” the dwarf said confidently.
For a moment, the rogue stared ahead in silence. His eyes darted around the room as the smile that had appeared on his face slowly widened. The chamber was filled with chests, gold and silver plate, shining weapons and armor, and many other objects of unquestionable value.
“Well, I'm rich,” the rogue said with a satisfied sigh.
The bard laughed heartily at this.
“We'll see about that,” the bard said. “Sir Darian, we seem to have found something of interest.”
Immediately, the rest of the band rose and joined their companions as they stood, gazing into the chamber.
“You're right,” the knight admitted. “That is interesting. Do you think it's safe to go in?”
“I should expect so,” the dwarf replied. “But give me a moment to check.”
As soon as he said this, the bard began his sing-song chant once again.
“Captain,” the Telian said, “what's the standard procedure in a case like this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well... discovered treasure,” Darian replied. “I mean, normally I'd just leave it where it was and...”
“Oh, I wouldn't do that!” the rogue interrupted. “Oh no, I certainly wouldn't do that. Who knows who might just walk in and steal it! No, no, we've found it and we have a responsibility to look after it.”
“I do see your point,” the knight admitted.
“You do?” the warrior asked with a note of surprise.
“Certainly,” the Telian nodded. “If we found it, someone else might. Not that we can right now, but if we were to take it, we could keep it safe for the owner.”
“Ah,” the captain replied. “I see what you mean. However, that wouldn't exactly be the standard procedure, as it were. Dealing with treasure can be a very tricky thing. First, we don't know who this belongs to. Of course, we can assume this is one of our enemy's treasuries. If that's the case, we have the right to claim it as recompense for the crimes that have been committed. Right, Ian?”
“Absolutely, Captain,” the bard replied. “We would be well within our rights.”
“Of course,” the warrior continued, “we also have to consider that Lord Andor is our liege and protector and that we've been sent on this mission by him. So, half of all our shares belong to him with the exception of Ian, Kilren, and Erana, because they don't serve Andor officially. So, their shares are their own.”
“Oh, no, I forgot to tell you,” the knight said, “I made Kilren a sergeant of Solarin.”
“Good,” the captain chuckled. “Then, half of his share belongs to Andor as well.”
“Figures...”
“What?”
“Nothing, Sir Darian.”
“My share actually goes to King Illfas,” Erana said. “He'll then decide what portion of it, if any, belongs to me.”
“Better and better...”
“What?”
“Nothing, my love.”
“Anyway,” the warrior continued. “My point is that it's complicated and we'll need to let Lord Andor and King Illfas sort it out. However, we certainly have the right of requisition in this case. Wouldn't you say so, Ian?”
“Unquestionably,” the bard nodded. “You're on a mission sanctioned by your liege lords and you've discovered an unused cache belonging to an unknown owner. According to the laws of Solarin and Innalas, and even Mikral for that matter, you may take anything you feel will be useful in your quest until it is complete.”
“In that case, Sir Darian,” the warrior said with a smile, “I suggest we see what we can find that might prove useful.”
The companions poured into the chamber and began digging curiously through the treasure filled compartment. Although gold, silver, and precious jewels were all abundant, the bard's attention was almost immediately attracted by something which stood in the back corner of the chamber. It was a suite of plate-mail armor complete with sword and shield.
“Now, that's something I recognize,” he said with a wink.
“Me, too,” Kilren nodded. “It's armor.”
“Yes, it is, fool,” the dwarf chuckled. “But, it's not just armor. You doubtless recognized the crest on the breastplate?”
“It's the symbol of Solarin,” the rogue replied. “Which I admit is rather interesting, under the circumstances.”
“It's more than just interesting, lad,” the bard said. “It's almost incredible. The royal guards of Solarin wore these suites. I haven't seen one in close to forty years.”
“The war was only twenty years ago.”
“I know,” the bard replied, rolling his eyes, “but, I hadn't been there for a while before the conquest. Either way, my point is that it's exceptional armor, as is the sword that's with it.”
“Yes, it is,” Tealor agreed. “It looks about my size. I wonder if it would fit me.”
“It will,” the dwarf replied.
“What makes you sure of that?” the rogue asked.
“It's enchanted, Kilren,” the bard nodded. “If Tealor puts it on, it will fit him.”
“Then perhaps Darian...” the captain began.
“No, no,” the Telian interrupted. “You take the armor and the sword. I'll take my sword back from you and use the shield.”
“Good, idea.” Tealor agreed.
“Well, I think that's you two sorted out,” the dwarf said. “Let's see what we can find for ourselves, lad.”
The rogue and the bard soon discovered a belt from which hung six exquisite and enchanted daggers. Kilren, Erana, Gwendolyn, and Sarena all took one of these and Ian held on to two for himself. They also found several very fine crossbows (one of which the rogue requisitioned), and a rune covered short sword that the knight took as a backup weapon. Erana came across several magically enhanced arrows to fill her quiver with. Within minutes, the party was considerably better armed than it had been before.
“I think we should spend the night here,” the captain suggested. “It's already late and I don't think we'll find a better place to rest than this.”
“I'm sure we won't,” the bard agreed.
“Well, then,” the warrior replied. “If you'll
get dinner started, Darian, Kilren, and I can go make sure our mounts are taken care of for the night.”
“Absolutely,” the dwarf replied.
In less than an hour, the horses had been attended to and the dinner prepared. Ian managed to get the door sealed using a little more magic; leaving the party cut off from the outside world for the night. They would post three watches, just to be cautious. All things considered, they were considerably safer than they could have reasonably hoped. Each of the band did their best to fall asleep quickly. With any luck, they would find and face their foe on the morrow.
Chapter 14: A Foe
The band woke before the dawn thanks, in part, to the dwarf's natural sense of time. Within minutes, they had eaten and attended their horses. Unfortunately, there was no way to lead the beasts through the subterranean passage. They had no choice but to leave them behind. That being the case, the elvish maiden decided to have Rragor shepherd the creatures in their absence. He would be able to keep them from straying too far and protect them, at least to a certain degree, from any dangers.
With these arrangements made, the party began to ascend the stone stairway. A short climb beyond the landing led them to the foot of a winding staircase. This, in turn, led to a small man-made room sealed by a heavy stone door. Ian carefully inspected the portal for traps before slowly opening it. The moment the entrance was cracked, sunlight flooded into the chamber. They had reached the outside.
The group stepped out on the top of a vast plateau. In the distance beyond, they could easily make out a large, tall tower; green light shooting from its summit into the sky above. A strong wind was blowing across the mountainous plain, causing their garments, as well as their hair, to flutter in the breeze and making conversation somewhat difficult.
“Well, if I had to guess,” the rogue yelled above the noise. “I'll bet that's what we're looking for.”
“Aye,” the bard nodded, “I think you're right.”
“Well, Sir Darian,” the captain said, “what would you have us do?”
“I suppose we’d better investigate,” he replied.
The Beasts of Areon (The Chronicles of Areon Book 2) Page 28
