by James Wisher
He knew, with absolute certainty he knew, that the sword was meant for him. He looked at the Bright Shield and the helm nodded once more. Gabriel reached out and ran the tips of his fingers along the length of the blade, the power radiating off it made his fingers tingle. He grasped the hilt and lifted the sword form the altar. He felt whole, like a piece of him he didn’t even know was missing had been restored. The Bright Shield nodded for a third time and vanished.
* * *
Amanda woke, her neck stiff from sleeping in the chair. After she worked the kinks out she leaned forward to check on Gabriel. She started; he was lying on top of the blanket with a sword in his hand. She touched his forehead. It was cool and dry, tears filled her eyes, the fever had broken at last. He slept peacefully for the first time in three days.
She leapt up and rushed out to tell Solan the good news. Amanda found him kneeling before the altar. “Solan! The fever’s broken at last.”
“That’s wonderful. Is he awake?”
“Not yet.”
Solan got to his feet, bowed to the altar, and said, “Let’s take a look.”
Amanda led Solan back to the bedroom. They found Gabriel sitting up in bed, the sword leaning against the frame in easy reach.
“Morning,” Gabriel said. “Could I get something to eat?”
Amanda cried, through the tears she saw the priest smiling. “You gave us quite a scare my young friend,” Solan said.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be a burden. How long have I been out?”
“I’ll let Amanda fill you in while I fix us some breakfast.” Solan left Amanda alone with Gabriel.
She sat on the edge of his bed, a little self-conscious now that he was awake. “Thanks for staying with me,” he said.
“You knew I was here? I thought you were unconscious.”
“It was like I was underwater at night. Sometimes I got near the surface and when I did I felt your hand in mine. It was like a life line. Every time I thought I was going under I held on as tight as I could, knowing if I got back to the surface you’d be there waiting.”
“Gabriel…”
“When this mess is sorted out we should get married. What do you say?”
Tears streamed down her face but she’d never been happier. “I love you. Whenever you’re ready I’ll marry you.” Amanda laid down beside him and put her head on his chest. He put his arm around her and gave a weak squeeze. She realized then how much strength he’d lost. They lay together for a few minutes before Solan cleared his throat from the doorway.
Amanda got up and took the tray from Solan. She set the tray on Gabriel’s lap, poured three cups of tea, and handed a cup to Solan. They watched, their tea growing cold, as Gabriel devoured the toast one small bite at a time. He swallowed the last bite and smiled. “Tasty.”
“After three days of no food I imagine most anything would have tasted good,” Solan said.
“Three days? How’s Uncle Duncan holding up?”
“He was here last night for a while,” Solan said. “He’s worried, like the rest of us.”
Gabriel started to get up. “I should go tell him I’m all right. Duncan’s got enough to do without worrying about me.”
Amanda put a hand on his chest. He was so weak she pushed him back down. “You rest, I’ll tell him.”
“A moment please,” Solan said. “Before you go I wanted to say I overheard you earlier. You have my most sincere congratulations; however please consider waiting to spread the good news. The ones that attacked Gabriel might try to get at him though you if they found out how close you’ve become.”
“Wise council, Solan,” Gabriel said.
“I won’t say anything,” Amanda said.
“Amanda.” Gabriel stopped her as she moved toward the door. “Would you let Griff know too?”
“Of course, where will I find him?”
“Headquarters. I’m not sure he has a home.”
“Okay, I’ll be back soon.”
* * *
When Amanda had gone Gabriel said, “There’s something we need to discuss.”
“So I guessed.” Solan gave his new sword a meaningful glance. “What happened?”
Gabriel told him about the dream. “It was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen and considering some of the things I’ve seen that’s saying something.”
“Astonishing,” Solan said. “I’ve slept in the chapel every night since the attack and I didn’t notice anything had happened until I woke in the morning and found the sword missing. I wonder why my Lord wished to hide it from me.”
“Perhaps he wanted it to be just the two of us.”
“If nothing else this proves you’re one of the chosen.”
“Yeah.” Gabriel gave the sword a pat. “But what does that mean?”
“It means things are coming to a head. Now that the Bright Shield has chosen you the fourth member of our group will be revealed soon. There are other things I need to tell you. When Duncan first arrived to check on you I had to explain the situation. He was determined to take the fight to the demons.”
“That’s madness. If he sent men to fight those things they’d be slaughtered.”
“Correct, I convinced him of the wisdom of inaction.”
“Wow, how’d you manage that?” Gabriel asked.
Solan winced. “I threatened to blast him to ash if he did anything stupid like attacking the demons himself.”
“Ouch. How’d he take it?”
“How do you think? The important thing is he swore on the altar he wouldn’t act without speaking to me first.”
“That’s good.” Gabriel yawned. “Was there anything else?”
“Nothing that won’t keep. The young lady will never forgive me if I wear you out.”
* * *
Steel rang on steel, the song sent a thrill through Gabriel as he and Griff spared in the yard behind the church. It had taken three weeks but at last Gabriel had his strength back, more than that he had the Bright Sword, or so Solan named the rune sword his god bestowed on Gabriel. Perfectly balanced, the sword was a wonder, almost floating in Gabriel’s hand, it moved as much by thought as muscle. With a flick of his wrist he sent Griff’s sword spinning away.
Griff sighed and went to collect his sword for the fifth time that morning. “Tell me again why we’re doing this? I hardly last half a minute now.”
“We’re doing it because I need the exercise and you need the practice. Come on, once more.”
Griff raised his sword. Before they could begin Solan opened the back door and waved.
Griff grinned. “I believe I’ve gotten a reprieve.”
They both sheathed their swords and walked over to Solan. “Would you excuse us, Griff?” Solan said.
“Sure, demon stuff?”
“That is correct.” Solan said.
“Say no more. The less I know about that the better I like it. Gabriel, I’ll see you this afternoon.” Griff left the church grounds and Solan led Gabriel back inside.
“What is it?” Gabriel asked when they reached the chapel.
“The time has come for you to reclaim the final piece of the key.”
“The fourth warrior has been revealed to you? Who is it?”
“I don’t know. I saw a man of slender build wearing a black half mask. He had long, dark hair and wore a cloak that appeared to be made of spun shadow. He is in the city or will be soon.”
Gabriel frowned and Solan must have noticed. “What?”
Lost in memory, Gabriel didn’t answer right away. Not long ago Gabriel dreamed of the man Solan described. They’d faced each other across a river of fire. It felt like they’d been in conflict, not allies.
“Gabriel, what is it?”
“I’m not sure.” Gabriel described the dream and the figure in it. “Could it be the same person?”
“I don’t know, but it seems highly unlikely there would be two different men that look the same in both our visions. We shall have to see which of us had
the true vision. For now you need to concentrate on retrieving the key fragment.”
“All right, how do I find it?” Gabriel asked. “You said Father buried it somewhere on the estate grounds. That’s a lot of territory to search.”
“The answer rest at your side. The same magic created both the Bright Sword and the coffer containing the key fragment. When brought close they will draw together.”
“That’s it? I draw the sword and follow where it leads?”
“That’s it though I expect once you’ve found the key you’ll have company. The demons won’t miss this chance. As soon as you claim the key you must be ready.”
“I will be.” Gabriel said, his voice grim. In truth he’d been ready since the day he watched the demon kill his father. “One question, these things can turn invisible. How do I fight them if I can’t see them?”
“You need fear no demon magic while you carry that weapon. It was created to slay demons and their magic can harm no one that bears it. If you find yourself unable to return to the church before you need to sleep leave the blade unsheathed. The sword will watch over you while you sleep.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Not at all. The Bright Sword looks after its bearer.”
“Is this what you wanted to tell me the day I woke up?”
Solan looked away. “No, that wasn’t it.”
“What then? It’s been on my mind ever since, but the opportunity to discuss it never came up.”
Solan turned to face him, their eyes locked. “Are you certain? What I have to tell you will not be pleasant to hear.”
“Tell me.”
“Very well. In this kingdom the demons have a powerful human pawn. That pawn is Duke Cariden, Amanda’s father.”
“No.” Gabriel’s head spun as he considered the consequences of what Solan told him. He needed to sit. He backed up to a bench and collapsed. “Are you certain?”
“I am. You remember the night of your graduation? Duke Cariden was carrying a golden serpent staff.”
“I remember, it seemed like an odd thing for him to have.”
“Odd indeed. That staff is a demon, I knew it the moment I entered the building.”
“Gods above! Does Amanda realize?”
“I don’t believe so. I was reluctant to say anything to you in case you should say something in front of her, and I admit I harbored doubts about the girl, but having seen her with you over the past weeks I’m confident her love for you is genuine. If she were to find out her father’s secret and let him or the demons know her life may be in danger.”
“You don’t think her father would harm her?”
“The duke might not, but a demon that wished its secret’s kept, you’ve seen the length they’ll go to eliminate anything that gets in their way.”
Gabriel rubbed the side of his neck. “That I have. On my honor I’ll say nothing to her.”
“Good, when will you leave to retrieve the key fragment?”
“First thing in the morning. I need to tell Uncle Duncan where I’m going.” He waited to give Solan a chance to object, but the priest said nothing. “I’ll swing by in the morning before I leave.”
* * *
The sun colored the sky crimson, like someone dipped the clouds in blood, not the auspicious start he’d hoped for. Gabriel guided his horse through the streets toward the church. He’d collected minimal provisions as he planned to be gone for a day at most. Gabriel wore a mail coat though the armor would provide no protection if he faced a demon.
His conversation with Duncan had gone better than he’d hoped the night before. All he’d said was he was glad someone could strike at the creatures. Gabriel understood his frustration. As lord of the city Duncan was unused to having his will thwarted.
Gabriel reached the church and found Solan, Griff, Amanda and Mooche all standing on the front steps. He smiled and dismounted.
“What’s all this?” He asked.
Solan shrugged. “It didn’t seem right, not telling everyone you were leaving. Once I did they all insisted on seeing you off.”
Amanda rushed over, hugged him, and kissed his cheek. “What you’re doing is dangerous?”
“Very.” He wouldn’t lie to her even if it would stop her from worrying.
“Please, please come back safe.”
Gabriel kissed her again, this time full on the lips. “I’ll do my best.”
When she stepped back tears glistened in her eyes.
Griff took her place and they shook hands. “You do as the lady says. I’ll be damned if I’m going to break in another new partner.”
Gabriel grinned and clapped Griff on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t want to put you out.”
From the top of the stairs in the doorway Mooche waved. “Give’em Hell, kid.”
Gabriel waved back, mounted up, and road away. He didn’t look back for fear his nerve would break. He’d either return with the key fragment or he wouldn’t return at all.
Gabriel left the city and turned up the familiar road that led to his childhood home. Four years gone and he’d never ridden out to the old estate before today. His world died that day, but he’d built a new life for himself, a good life. It still hurt when he remembered the attack but it a dull ache, unpleasant but bearable.
The sun was passing noon when he reached the familiar woods surrounding the estate. How many time had he and Xander run through those trees? He couldn’t even count. Gabriel dismounted and tied his horse to a branch. From his satchel Gabriel took out an apple and wedge of cheese he’d liberated from the kitchen that morning, sat under a tall spruce, and ate a quick lunch washed down with wine from his flask.
Belly full and mind clear, Gabriel mounted up and continued toward the estate. It was a gorgeous late summer afternoon, the breeze blew through his hair, and the sun was warm on his face. If not for the fact that he was potentially riding to his death he would have liked to have Amanda with him. When he reached the end of the forest trail his breath caught in his throat. The main house was little more than ash and charred timbers. The few out buildings that had survived the fire were wide open, trashed by looters.
Gabriel dismounted and tied his horse off at the edge of the estate grounds. If there was a fight he didn’t want her getting caught in the middle. The mare snorted and shook her head.
“Easy girl.” Gabriel rubbed her nose.
He left his anxious mount and walked toward the remains of the main house, sword drawn. He looked down at the rune etched blade. “Any time you’re ready.”
Weather the sword understood him or not he couldn’t say, but the rune closest to the hilt glowed. Gabriel frowned and pointed the blade north. No change. He spun in a slow circle. When he pointed east the second rune burst into light. Halfway between east and north a third rune lit up.
Northeast then, he eased his way along, keeping a careful eye on the runes. Straight ahead slumped the old shed where they stored their fishing gear. That seemed too obvious; anyone could stumble on it there. Gabriel arrived at the shed and found it empty; someone had been in need of cane fishing poles. When he moved past the shed a fourth rune lit up. He was getting closer. He walked toward the edge of the woods, another rune bursting into light every hundred yards or so. In the distance, a huge old oak towered above all the other trees. Gabriel knew that tree, Father took naps under it when he thought no one would notice. It was the perfect place to hide the key fragment.
When he reached the base of the oak every rune on the blade glowed white. Father did a good job smoothing the ground but Gabriel could still make out where it had been disturbed all those years ago. He leaned his sword against the trunk, knelt, and drew his belt dagger. A few minutes of digging and the tip of the blade struck something solid. He cleared the dirt away with his hands and pulled out a small chest, maybe four, by six and three inches deep. Gabriel looked it all over. It was nothing special, he’d expected more considering how many people had died because of it. He got up, retrieved his sword
, and tucked the chest under his left arm. With any luck he’d make it home for a late supper.
He managed six steps before thunder cracked and the stench of sulfur filled the clearing. Twenty feet away, surrounded by a cloud of black smoke, stood the demon that killed his father.
Chapter 18
Give me the key, mortal. The demon’s voice grated through his brain.
“I remember you.” Gabriel leveled his sword, the runes blazing with white fire, at the monster before him. “You killed my father.”
Silent laughter, like nails on a chalkboard, screeched through his mind. I also burned you house down with your mother and brother inside. Give me the key and I will kill you before I burn you.
Rage filled Gabriel, bright and purifying, incinerate his fear and doubt. All that remained was the knowledge, the certainty, that this creature needed to be destroyed. Gabriel dropped the chest and leapt at the demon, slashing his burning blade at its chest. The demon leapt back and hurled a fireball at him. White fire burst from his sword, engulfing the demon’s fire and snuffing it out. The demon stared in dumb silence. Gabriel attacked with an uppercut slash that cut a deep grove in the beast’s black scales.
He felt, in the instant the tip of his blade made contact with its chest, the demon’s doubt. The sensation vanished as quick as it appeared. Gabriel attacked again, sword flashing, only to have the blow turned aside by claws harder than steel. He slashed again and again, but every time the monster blocked his attacks. When they broke apart Gabriel saw chips in the beast’s talons.
You hurt me, mortal. You are the first to do so in many years. For that insult your death will be remembered for ages.
Gabriel leveled his sword at his enemy’s heart. “Come on.”
The demon roared and charged, claws slashing. Gabriel parried and backpedaled, keeping the beast’s claws from his flesh by inches. It stopped and spun, lashing out with its thick tail. Taken by surprise Gabriel had no chance. The beast’s tail hit him full force, knocking him from his feet and sending him flying one way and The Bright Sword the other.
