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 ha
d 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.”
“Are you going?” Ashley asked.
Alivia did not raise her eyes and when she spoke the trio heard venom in her voice. “No. I have been requested to remain behind in the Tower, along with a select few instructors. Despite my experience fighting the creature, despite my power, they treat me as if I am too delicate to fight.”
So that explained the anger. She wanted to fight. Did she blame them somehow for holding her back?
“Alivia, we don’t mind if you go,” Jason said. “We can suspend classes until you get back or something. Don’t let us stand in your way.”
“It’s too late,” Alivia said. “The decision has been made, there is no room for discussion. We will meet back here tomorrow - I need some time alone.”
Jason and the others gathered their things and left the room. Once the door closed, Ashley spoke. “I think it’s time we returned to the tavern. This has to be connected to what caused Dawyn to leave so abruptly.”
“I agree,” Jason said. He reached out to touch the part of his mind that was linked to Bridgette. Bridgette? Can you hear me?
A few moments passed, but then came the reply. Yes, I can. What is it?
Something important has happened. Can you meet us at the Dancing Mare?
Silence, then, I will be there.
***
Alivia watched as the door of the training room closed, then closed her eyes to hold back tears. Why had the archmages dictated that she would remain behind? Had she not proved herself during the hunt for Lord Garik? Her power was greater than all but the most powerful of masters and would be invaluable on the battlefield. To command her to remain behind to oversee the remaining instructors and continue training her students seemed shortsighted to her.
After a few minutes, Alivia exited the room and found herself striding toward her parents’ chamber. She made no eye contact with any mages she passed. Her footfalls echoed down the long halls, pounding in her ears.
At last, she arrived at her parents’ rooms. She steeled herself at the door, straightening her back and wiping away tears. She pressed the ringer. A few moments passed, and the door slid open. Her mother stood in the doorway. “Alivia! It’s so good to see you, darling. What brings you here?” She stepped forward to embrace her daughter.
“Hello, mother,” Alivia replied. “It is good to see you as well.” She leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ve come to speak with you about something important.”
Her mother stepped back and looked Alivia up and down. “Well come in, darling. Your father is at a meeting, but he should be home soon. I was just making dinner.” She led Alivia further into the main receiving room of their chambers. Her mother and father had moved to these chambers from their much larger family chambers after their children had grown and moved out. “Have you eaten? You’re welcome to stay for dinner.”
“No, I’ve lost my appetite.”
Her mother resumed stirring a pot of stew, sprinkling herbs and spices into it and tasting. “What is it you wanted to discuss?”
“Have you heard the news about the fall of the Haguesfort?”
Her mother did not meet her eyes. She simply continued stirring. “Yes, I have. It is tragic.”
“Are you and father going north with the rest of the mages?”
“Yes, our presence has been requested.”
“I was asked to remain behind. Did you know that?”
“I…did,” her mother admitted. “Your father and I were there when the decision was made regarding those who would go and those who would remain behind. I take it you are upset by the archmages’ decision?”
Of course she was upset. She was furious. Couldn’t her mother see that? “Yes, I am,” was all she said.
“Alivia, the decision was made for the good of the Tower. In the absence of so many masters and mageguards, the instructors will need oversight. Not only that, you have under your tutelage three of the most promising students the Tower has seen in nearly a millennium. It is better for you to remain here.”
“But I have faced these creatures! I know how to fight them, I can be a great asset on the battlefield. Why can’t anyone see that?”
“I’m sorry, my dear, but the decision is out of our hands.”
“I have to go,” Alivia said. Standing, she marched to the door and, without saying another word to her mother, left.
Chapter 36 - Thoughts
There they go, Bridgette thought as she watched from atop one the northeast towers. Having shifted onto the tower, she was able to sit without distraction and watch as the combined might of the army of Tar Ebon and the mages from the Tower of the Seven Stars trailed north. The banners of every color indicated soldiers from the prominent noble houses, while the largest banner, bearing the crest of the royal family, indicated the location of the king and his retinue. Trailing behind the army came the supply chain, consisting of the supplies necessary to support a prolonged march into the northern steppes.
Two weeks had passed since word spread about the fall of the Haguesfort. A meeting held at the Dancing Mare between Dawyn and the others had revealed that none of them would be traveling north with the army. Knowing her brother, Bridgette knew he had been furious with the decision. His anger had abated only slightly since then, and had been rekindled that very morning, leading to Dawyn slamming doors and snapping at his companions. Even Anwyn had kept her distance.
Her reason for coming to the top of the tower had been two-fold, with watching the army depart being secondary. Her thoughts drifted to Jason. During the past few weeks they talked at length, testing the bond they both shared. Distance, at least in the vicinity of Tar Ebon, seemed to be no barrier. She had gone to the ridge on the east side of the city, beyond the walls, while he had gone to the docks. The communication between them had been instant and without any impact on clarity.
Bridgette found herself taking a liking to the man. The spark of life and kindness in him that stayed her hand that fateful night in the king’s antechamber had grown more evident in the time since then, and seemed to be infecting Bridgette. She felt herself continuing to guard her thoughts, however. Garik had treated her with kindness at times too, but it had all been a visage to manipulate her into doing his bidding. She didn’t believe Jason would act in such a way - he seemed to genuinely care about her - but still she guarded her own feelings and stepped carefully.
Are you there? she asked toward the point of light at the corner of her consciousness where she knew the link to Jason resided.
Always, came the reply. What’s up?
She smiled at the slang he used. It reminded her of her own time on Earth, which seemed so long ago. She wondered if she and Jason would have ever met on Earth, if they had not been brought to this world. Probably not, considering the fact they were two among billions and an ocean separated them.
The army just left. Are you training?
Yes, I’m here with John and Ashley and Alivia. Alivia looks unhappy.
Hasn’t she been unhappy for the past two weeks?
Yes, but she seems even more unhappy today, like a thundercloud indoors. We’re stepping on eggshells over here.
You have it easy, Bridgette thought to herself, breaking her concentration away from the link for a moment. Stepping on eggshells was an understatement where Garik had been concerned. One wrong move, one disobeyed instruction, even moving too slow, could result in extra work, fierce beatings or starvation as punishment. A pouting mage was nothing compared to him.
I’m sure you’ll survive, was all she said. She had learned that sarcasm could not be conveyed easily through the link, as there was no tone of voice to the communication. There was, however, the conveyance of emotion. S
he conveyed amusement along with the words, hoping to make it clear that she was not worried about his survival and amused at his current circumstances.
What are you doing tonight? he asked.
She thought for a moment. She could tell him that she was busy, but what purpose would that serve? Was she ready to start spending more time with him? It’s not like he had asked her out on a date, yet. I don’t have anything planned. Why?
I just thought perhaps we could go for a walk down by the docks, or outside of the city or something.
Are you asking me out on a date?
Well, uh, nervousness flowed through the link, sort of. I think it would be a good way for us to get to know one another better. I mean, we’re going to be linked for life. It would probably be a good idea to be on friendly terms.
Alright, I’ll go out with you tonight. Meet me at the Dancing Mare common room this evening.
Great! Excitement replaced nervousness, causing Bridgette to smile in turn. This could be fun, she thought to herself.
Chapter 37 - Devastation
“They’ve spotted them,” the queen said, causing John to sit up straighter. He, Ashley, Jason, Dawyn, Bridgette, Alivia and Anwyn, along with other nobles, the ranger-general and Coryn, had been summoned to the palace at the request of the queen to hear a first-hand account of how the battle against the Krai’kesh army went.
“The creatures are grouping up. There are so many of them. The king is ordering his pikemen to form ranks. Archers are preparing to fire. The mages are standing by and the cavalry are on the flanks, ready to charge.” The queen’s voice sounded distant, without inflection, as if she were reading a story or repeating words written in a letter. In fact, she was using her link to the king to relay what he was seeing and thinking to those assembled in the palace.
“The Krai’kesh, they are charging. The king has ordered the archers to fire. The first volley is away, the arrows - are ineffective. One or two creatures have fallen, but it has made no noticeable difference. He is ordering a second volley.”
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