The Gems of EL - Separate Paths

by Bill Mays

  There was a pause of silence from the image of his master. “How certain are you of this information?” The wizard snapped. There was a crazed hunger in his voice and his wild eyes.

  “Very certain, my lord, and I have reason to believe that they may yet return here,” Rugen smiled coolly. He had gained the upper hand in the conversation. “I intended to wait for them and lay a trap.”

  “If any of those messengers are located, bring them to me at once, alive! Is that understood? Retrieval of the message they carried is of the utmost importance to me!” The old man’s face twisted in uncertainty. He appeared to ponder something for a brief moment. “I need that … I will send you assistance from the castle. I fear I may have lost faith in your capability to capture these messengers alone. There is no more room for failure.” A maniacal cackle of laughter followed the statement as the image wavered and then vanished.

  Rugen chuckled to himself as he placed his horned helm atop his head. It was not often anyone got the opportunity to contradict the Dark Lord of Drackmoore. He disobeyed his master’s commands and still remained in control. True, now he would have to share his leadership with another. Whom would Meiron send? Probably one of their new allies from that ridiculous gauntlet council, he decided.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  Meiron wrapped both of his bony hands around the gem hanging at his neck. He giggled and stared blankly at the bubbling pool. Tiny streaks of red light escaped between his fingers. He let the pulsing of the stone sooth his racing thoughts. The stone’s rhythm helped to calm him. His mind was flooded with possibilities. His first impulse was to transport himself to the settlement immediately. Who better to deal with these elusive messengers and claim the ultimate prize than he? Meiron took a full, deep breath in, and exhaled it as he released the pulsing stone. Teleportation through Kandair had become quite risky after the vortexes. It was not a wise decision. He realized that it was the artifact’s influence speaking. It often tried to exert its influence, but he had been winning that battle for centuries. Also, leaving his war efforts untended for any length of time would only hurt his chances of success in the long run. That would be stupid. His plans were hundreds of years in the making and so very close to fruition. He thought for a moment about his choices for a reliable representative to send in his stead. There were his high priests, but they would remain ultimately devoted to their respective gods just as Rugen was. Kaith would have been his first choice; but sadly, he was no more. His new secondary generals, those of the gauntlet council, were otherwise engaged. He needed someone devoted to him and him alone. There was always Arrivand, but apprentices could be tricky to manipulate, and something had definitely changed in the foreign mage since his seeming return from the dead. He needed someone who had no choice but to be devoted to him. Anyone else might try to claim his prize for themselves. A big grin accompanied another giggle. He thought of the perfect agent. She had been called to his side by the very powers he sought out. She also did not need magical means to reach the town quickly. Who better to send in his stead?

  “Yes,” he grinned maliciously. “Shattra will be perfect, and won’t Rugen be surprised.” He began giggling louder, and then cackling to himself as he left the scrying room to climb to the top of Castle Drackmoore’s highest tower. There were important arrangements to attend to.

  - Chapter 23 -

  The Shadow Lives

  Flade led them well in Jeraud’s absence. He was a quick study and retained all the knowledge the nomad offered about the region. More rains came and went as they crossed the fringes of the Dayscape Plains. They were careful to remain on high ground when camping and during the frequent showers. Fear of being caught in a flood was always a concern. Though they did cross tracks of another goblin party, they decided to press onward. Flade assured the captain that the tracks only represented a small band of the little creatures with no presence of their larger cousins.

  Though the air of the camp had changed drastically as the soldiers avoided the priestess, everything remained cordial. Arianna had apparently lost interest in the men as well. Instead, the woman focused her energies on stargazing when she could and conversing with Dalia on any number of topics otherwise. Flade was glad to see the women growing so close. Dalia needed the company and Arianna needed the distraction. Being the sole scout again, he was kept quite busy and away from the others most of the time. It suited him. Even though Flade could be very social, for the most part, he was a loner. He did miss Jeraud’s presence, though. It was nice to be able to share his thoughts and feelings with a kindred soul. He hoped to run into the Waynan native again someday. The ranger noticed that Petre and Jillian had grown closer over the passing weeks. The two youngsters developed a very competitive friendship. It was always about who could jump farther or run faster. Their bond made sense to the ranger. They were both from small towns and both way out of their element. The two were thrust into a hard life of responsibility and combat at an early age. By Flade’s estimation, they were both just trying to keep up with what they thought was expected of them. After the goblin raid, Petre had taken up teaching the girl a little about swordplay. The boy was not a natural at the art, but he had been trained by the Drackmoorian military. He also had a lot of heart even if he did get a bit carried away at times. Jillian was excellent with a bow, but really knew little about combat. She covered well, but every battle scared the girl half to death. During the previous attack, two goblins had rushed through the defensive line and engaged her in an attempt to stop the deadly arrow fire. She fended them off well, using her bow as a club, but she realized that night that she would not always be able to fight from afar. In exchange for the sword fighting lessons, the girl trained the boy in his marksmanship. Flade even helped the boy construct a bow that he could call his own. In the ranger’s eyes, it was a healthy pastime and good preparation if these two were going to serve Timbre in her future defense. It was good to see the two pulling free of the tragedies in their young lives and taking an active hand in their futures.

  They were not far from their destination now. Flade grew excited as he guided them from the wet plains into the forested area he had become more comfortable with. As the plains faded and the trees grew denser, the troop became restless. Everyone was ready to reach the town. Flade assured them it was only a matter of days now. The troop’s restlessness compounded as possible threats seemed to surface at every turn. In addition to more goblin tracks, one of the men on watch reported seeing a large bird in the sky during the late hours of the day. He claimed to have spotted it more than once, but the dense, low hanging clouds made it difficult to make out any details. A second soldier also spotted the creature later that night, but only briefly. The sightings became the talk of the camp.

  “Do you think it’s anything to worry about?” Arianna asked the ranger offhandedly. “Perhaps it is another harpy?” Dalia asked as they began preparations for the nightly meal.

  “By Rashas’ good graces I hope not!” The priestess sighed uncomfortably. The lady could not blame her. The last such creature nearly killed the woman.

  “I haven’t seen any evidence of another harpy, but that doesn’t really mean anything. I can’t say that I’d know what to be looking for if there was one nearby. No one has gotten a good look at this bird, so it could be any number of creatures. The only thing they seem to be certain of is that it is very large. The main thing I have noticed is that the animals in the area are spooked.”

  “And what does that mean exactly?” Ganze butted into their conversation. The gangly man had been eavesdropping as usual.

  “I’m not really sure, but it isn’t a good thing.” Flade replied. “Keep your guard up everyone. That goes for you two as well,” the ranger spoke loudly to get Petre and Jillian’s attention. They were busy arm wrestling.

  “That’s just great!” Ganze sighed. “Who knows what will come crawling out of the treetops this time. Traveling with you people is like a losing game of dice,” he muttered aloud.
r />   “Who invited you?” Arianna shot back. She was sick and tired of his constant griping.

  Ganze ignored the woman. “How much farther did you say it was to that logging town?”

  “A couple of days at the most,” Flade grinned. “If we push hard enough we may reach Timbre’s gates by tomorrow.”

  “Did you hear that, men?” Ganze called out to the camp. “We ride hard tomorrow.” Everyone ignored the annoying man as usual.

  “We will take double watches here on out, just in case,” the ever-cautious captain announced. “Whatever that creature in the sky is, I don’t want it sneaking up on us.”

  “Good plan, my man, good plan,” Ganze grinned happily, as he rested a hand on the captain’s shoulder. The Kandairian cast him a look that caused the rodent-faced coward to remove it again quickly.

  “I think you should help with the first watch tonight,” the captain grinned, “Since you support the idea so strongly.”

  “Well, I just meant that …” Ganze stumbled for an excuse that would keep him away from the position of possible danger.

  “Good, it’s settled then,” the Kandairian leader stalked off to choose the other three men to share watch duty.

  Arianna and Flade laughed at the expression on Ganze’s face. It was obvious he had no intention of actually helping out in the watch. He shot them a glare and returned to his pack to complain to his bird and collect his dagger.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  Not too far from the Kandairian camp, others were busy preparing for their impending arrival in Timbre. Their preparations were rudely interrupted. Rugen heard the cries of his soldiers from outside the house he claimed as his office for the remainder of his stay. The home had once belonged to a man named Barst Durgen. The Mayor of Timbre was no more. He died trying to protect his people. It was a noble death in Trakarass’ eyes and so the mayor’s home was a suitable resting place for the knight general. Rugen stood and grabbed Ardath from its position leaning against the wall. The sentient sword was always ready to be put to use. It practically begged for the opportunity. The general donned his horned helm and prepared to engage whoever was foolish enough to challenge him. Before he reached the door to the streets, it opened at the hand of Erinson Stens. The lesser knight stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

  “My lord, it would appear Lord Meiron’s emissary has arrived. You might need to speak with the men.” The younger knight looked hesitant to continue.

  “What in the hell is going on out there? I thought we were under attack,” Rugen’s deep voice boomed in annoyance. “Who would dare to cause such a disturbance in my camp?”

  Erinson took a deep breath before responding. He knew his leader would not be pleased. “My lord, he has sent Shattra to assist you.”

  “What?” Rugen bellowed angrily. “That old mage goes too far this time! Has he finally lost his mind completely? She will cause more trouble than anything else. Has he forgotten the disturbances she brought during the battle on the Dayscape Plains?”

  “My lord, I suggest you go and calm the men, and then speak with her personally. We have already lost a few good soldiers. Keep in mind we will be sharing the town for a few days at the least. Perhaps it would be best if we tried to work together, for the sake of the war.” Erinson attempted a weak smile to lighten the tense mood.

  The general shoved past the smaller man, nearly knocking him from his feet in the process. Erinson was quick to follow his beloved leader into the streets. The lesser knight mumbled a prayer for strength from his god, Trakarass. He had a feeling he was going to need it.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  Ganze sat near the fire silently cursing the captain for assigning him to watch duty. He looked on as the others slept soundly and wished he could join them. The three soldiers were keeping vigilant rounds on the camp’s perimeter. Why did they need him anyway? He reached over to stroke Coal’s head gently.

  “Don’t worry, boy. A few more days and we’ll be in Merintz, living like kings,” he whispered. It was his only true wish at the moment.

  The large blackbird flapped its wings in response. It looked as if it might fly away. Ganze knew the seriously damaged bird could not do more than hop and glide, though. When he rescued it, the animal had lost the ability to fly. The gangly man stared up at the clear sky. At least it was not another cloudy or rainy night. It was nearly a full moon and the clearing in the trees where they camped was bathed in the orb’s silvery light. As Ganze reached for a stick to poke at the fire, a large shadow moved overhead blocking out the moon’s glow. He cried out in alarm instantly. His dagger was clutched tightly to his chest and Coal was now perched on his shoulder. The bird seemed frightened, too. When he looked to the sky, there was no sign of anything.

  “Don’t worry, boy, I won’t let it get you,” he whispered.

  “What is it, man?” The captain shouted angrily as he rose from his tense sleep. All three of the other watchmen came running to the fireside with their weapons drawn.

  “A shadow,” Ganze whimpered. “It was a huge shadow that passed over us. I’m sure whatever it was, it saw us.”

  “You woke us for that?” One of the soldiers moaned. The man threw a rock at Ganze and then rolled over to sleep.

  Arianna rose and moved to the gangly man’s side quickly. “No, though I hate to admit such a thing, he’s right.” She held an ominous air about her. “I had a dream, a minor vision. I also saw a huge shadow. This shadow came alive to devour us. It is not safe here.”

  “What are you suggesting?” Flade spoke up.

  “We leave at once,” the priestess replied without skipping a beat.

  “Oh come now,” another soldier moaned. “The coward sees a shadow and gets scared and then the crazy woman agrees with him so we have to find a new camp in the middle of the night?” Many of the men began adding their similar opinions.

  The captain moved to stare Ganze in the face. “What was it you saw, exactly? What is it you think hunts us?”

  He was a careful man, but even he felt they needed more than a shadow to spook them into trudging through the dark forest. They were over twenty men strong after all. What threat could some overgrown bird really pose?”

  “I was looking down, but I saw the shadow and it was huge!” The rodent-faced man with the receded hairline insisted.

  “And you, priestess, what did you see in this vision of yours? Do we have a face to attach to this terror of the sky?” The captain’s tone implied that he doubted her sight completely.

  “No, there was no face, only red eyes peering out from the shadows,” she answered confidently. Several of the soldiers began to snicker at the predictions of doom.

  “Captain,” Dalia came to Arianna’s side, “her sight is to be trusted. We have seen it proved true time and again.”

  The captain was quiet a moment, but then shook his head slowly. “I can increase the watch, but it is too late and there is too little proof to warrant us moving camp.”

  “But captain,” Arianna pleaded, “we are not safe here!”

  The Kandairian troop leader did not respond to the woman. He walked away shaking his head. The man pointed to two more of his men and told them to join in the watch. Both soldiers grumbled and groaned as they crawled from their bedrolls. They cast both Ganze and Arianna scowls.

  “What now?” Flade addressed his companions.

  “What do your instincts tell you?” Dalia asked the priestess.

  “There is no doubt in my heart, we must leave here immediately,” Arianna was emphatic.

  “Then it is settled, we leave,” Dalia agreed. The lady moved to catch up to the captain. “I am afraid we must part ways now,” she announced for all to hear. “Arianna has made it clear that we are not safe here tonight. We will move onward. Any who wish to join us are welcome. If you choose not to come, we hope to see you safe in Timbre.”

  There were mumbles and laughter throughout the camp. No one was taking the lady seriously. They thought
her nothing more than a spoiled noble upset at not getting her way. The captain all but ignored her announcement, too. He did not expect the two women actually to go through with their threat. Were they going to trudge off in the dark, goblin-infested wood alone? When Flade moved to grab his possessions, the Kandairian leader took notice.

  “You leave us, too, ranger?” He sounded a little nervous.

  “These are my friends, we travel together,” Flade replied evenly. “Don’t worry, we will travel by foot. The horses are all yours.”

  “But Flade, how will we find Timbre without you?” Jillian spoke up. The girl did not like this idea at all.

  “You will become familiar with the area soon enough. We are very close to Timbre. Head northeast from here,” Flade assured her.

  Jillian felt torn about what to do. She did not want to see them go, especially not Flade. She had never really repaid him for saving her life. She owed the man and his companions much, but her people needed these reinforcements for their survival. Petre and Ganze stood quietly by. The youth was not sure what to do, so he waited for Jillian’s lead, and the gangly coward was not about to just wander off into the dark wood with only Flade and the two women. He felt much more secure in the company of many armed soldiers. Maybe he could bribe someone from the logging community to lead him across the not too distant border of Merintz. He was rich now, and wealth was always a powerful bartering tool. Despite Arianna’s repeated coaxing, the youngsters decided to stay with the soldiers. They assured her that they would all meet up again in town. The priestess was not convinced. As Flade led the two women from camp, Jillian, Petre and Ganze, looked on in uncertainty.