The Secret of Azuron (The Sword Empire Book 1)

by J. R. Kearney

  "It is not the road Vhalen," said Brom. "What promise of a safe road be there if the enemy hunts us endlessly? What hope can we have to withstand such constant torment?"

  "This was our task I remind you. Landau is still with us and I will not abandon him whilst he survives in our company. It was the will of Jema to see this quest to its end, we must relinquish our grief and carry on, for the good of us all."

  "Jema was no mere man," said Halwende. "His deeds were many, and his victories great. If such a man can fall so early against the enemy then what of those lesser than he?"

  "Many great men have fallen before their task is done, yet that does not make it unfinished," said Vhalen. "This terror is beyond only us, be that ever present in your mind. You can refuse to hear the screams, but people's suffering will happen regardless."

  "I held an oath to the Queen, and I will honor that," Lyeanna said with some comfort to Landau. "Her blessings will guide us safely to our end."

  "So much for the blessings of the Queen," Raminus stated. "If that was her power then I am not impressed."

  "Do not be quick to dismiss our fortune assassin, for it is by her grace that we still find ourselves unharmed," Lyeanna defended her.

  "Do you hear yourselves? Do you really believe we have been gifted with luck? How can you all be so narrow-minded?" Raminus raised his voice. "We have been without it from the outset, yet you Vhalen speak as if the journey is a mere formality. You people are right to doubt yourselves, for Jema was but a shepherd to you lambs, and now you are lost without him."

  "We are not naive to our chances you arrogant cur," said Vhalen. "What we have suffered is but a speck of what will plague these lands, a speck in the horrors that await us. We are simply not quick to abandon hope for the sake of inconvenience. And mind how you speak of Jema!"

  "Jema was a shepherd, yet no more than this boy, wizard. He leads the armies of this enemy towards you and yet you traverse with him still."

  "His voice may be foul but he speaks true," said Brom. "Who knows how many armies the enemy will send to see an end to this task. Bruna stood for centuries and his foul folk ravaged it in minutes, what defence can we bring to test such destruction?"

  "What men are here I wonder, that would abandon a child so readily?" cried Lyeanna, and riled Brom completely.

  "The irony of ye scathin’ sister, to accuse us men of abandonin’ children," his statement lit a fire in her eyes.

  "How dare you insult my ways! What loathing there is that you barbarians could bear children at all, to pass on such obnoxiousness to a child, our people would gladly send it down the river, only its insufferable head would only drown."

  "I don't need a woman heretic to curse me of my kin!" he stood up in aggression, and their banter was more hostile than before.

  "People please, can we get to the matter at hand," shouted Vhalen, but his voice was lost in the crowd.

  "I would gladly leave here if it gave me relief from this she-devil!"

  "What would we do without your insufferable smell?"

  Only Stryka and Landau remained quiet, the mercenary appeared ill-interested to offer an opinion, yet Landau could only watch his fellowship dissipate in a chorus of enmity.

  "This is folly," said Raminus to Vhalen, "this is the hope you would choose to succeed your boy's quest?"

  "On the hierarchy of strength it is easy to see where an assassin stands," Halwende defended him, while Brom and Lyeanna continued to shout.

  "And where are you Imperial, up the top no doubt? Your people's arrogance has always been your undoing."

  "I would give Landau more favor than a cretinous snake like you," he shoved him with hostility.

  Raminus laughed, for the gladiator did not impress him.

  "Strength you say? That's right I forget, this boy is to defeat the creator of all things evil," Raminus proclaimed, and his voice was loud. Before Halwende could utter another word Raminus roared with detest.

  "WRONG!" he moved to grab Landau by his jacket, dragging him before Hal. "This is not a man that is going to kill a god! He is a boy, and he will die, and I will not die with him, nor the rest of you fools here."

  Stryka suddenly leapt to his feet and with an aggressive fist pulled Raminus from Landau's side and threw him to the ground, grabbing his collar to stare in his now un-hooded guise.

  "Lay your hand on him once more and you will be fishing for it in the lake!"

  "Get off me you discount warrior!"

  "You don't intimidate me assassin! I have no doubt you sneak behind people to exact your strength. Don't threaten me to my face like you own such courage. I have no respect for your kind," said Stryka, before he released him with a thud.

  Sam went to Landau's side, the company around him stood silent and forgot themselves, quickly reminded of the fragility in their young companion. Landau saw something he had not seen in Stryka since their first meeting, it was a foreign look, and not one of contempt or apathy, but a desire to stand among them now to resurrect some hope.

  "Jema sacrificed himself for the safety of Landau, that was his dying act, and you would honor his legacy by abandoning it? No," he said. "If anyone else had fallen in that mountain, no matter the misery it carried, Jema would have kept on going. Kept everyone going. His death should not lose the idea of completing this journey. Yet here you are abusing each other, and to what outcome? This is a burden Landau has no choice but to bear, and he should not bear it alone. Yet if you say that he and the sword are a beacon to the enemy then you are only making it easier for the enemy to find you. If there is any hope to succeed here, I believe our best chance is to split up, for Landau to go one way and the sword another."

  Many concerned glances scoured his statement, for their company was already small and ill prepared.

  "We will be at twice the risk of failing if we do this," said Vhalen, yet Stryka shook his head.

  "I don't think so. To split our company is to divide the army also. To have a chance against this enemy we must give them the respect they deserve. The enemy is aware now that Landau and the sword are moving. They will not know where, nor think us arrogant to take it as far as Black Mountain. It's only a matter of time before they find us, despite any advantage we can claim from venturing through the mountain."

  "But which path would we take mercenary? There is only one good road that travels north to Astiroth, or else west across the Nelroar river into Heimmarch if the way is still open," said Lyeanna.

  "I would suggest neither. The enemy will never expect us to take anything but the safe road. I propose we take the roads the enemy will not expect. The path through Broeknwood, and the path up White Mountain."

  "You know little of your suggestion," warned Lyeanna. "That forest is as cursed as the mountain, a forest clouded in darkness, we cannot be certain what remains within its borders."

  "And this mountain Stryka," said Vhalen, "I do not worry about the existence of a path, but the path itself. The conditions will be treacherous, and also fraught with many dangers, it is not a risk I would think wise to amass any hope."

  "As few we have a greater advantage of finding our way through than the armies of the enemy will. Whatever road we take be it safe or not, there will be dangers ready to face us regardless, only these dangers will not be expecting us."

  "How do we know the enemy isn't hiding in such places?" added Samson.

  "We don't," he said bluntly. "But what else do we have but hope. Jema once defeated the mighty cyclops, and you can take from that the strength of Jema, or perhaps his courage, or the idea that even the largest of villains can be beaten by the smallest chance. If Landau wills to go on, what excuse do we have?"

  Vhalen smiled at Stryka's imperious manner, for within the eyes of many rallied a desire, and newfound optimism. Raminus crawled to his feet, amused at the mercenary's words.

  "And who would carry this sword for Landau? You I suspect," he laughed. "A well-conceived plan mercenary."

  Stryka ignored his words and
knelt before Landau, and his usually hardened eyes bore a foreign frown, and in them was a yearning to see this quest done.

  "I cannot take the sword from you Landau, it must be yours to give. But I promise in Jema's honor I will do all I can to see to its safety."

  All stared in anticipation of Landau's trust in the mercenary, for Jema doubted his trust with the sword, and here in his absence he offered to retain it. Yet where all others scorned his purpose, Landau saw something in Stryka that refused him distrust, and with no reluctance he handed him the blade. With precious palms Stryka held it before him once more.

  "You will be reunited with this sword again. I will make you this promise," he declared.

  Landau turned to the others, and he spoke to them like they were his audience.

  "I will not give up," he said. "And I would not ask any of you to join me if you don't wish. Though…I would very much hope you can."

  Stryka smiled, for his courage was warming.

  "I promised Jema I’d look after you," said Sam. "He believed in you enough to see this through, so I will keep that promise."

  "And my oath to the Queen will not waver," added Lyeanna. "Not while you have the courage to continue this journey."

  "The cold of the mountain will be far too great for Landau to bear," said Stryka. "I would ask that you accompany him through the forest, for the Amazon's knowledge of the woodland is unmatched. I will find the strength to make for the mountain."

  "Then I shall join you," voiced Vhalen.

  "The conditions will be fierce old man, and the terrain will not be kind, combined they will be insufferable I fear."

  "I am not abashed by the elements my friend, they will only provide me strength. Besides I would prefer to stay in close proximity to the sword, and it would give Landau peace of mind that I may watch over it."

  It was a statement of distrust, yet Stryka was not perturbed, instead their guise was set on the three men who were yet to decide, and hesitant to do so.

  Brom walked towards Landau, with misery in his eyes, for his decision was conclusive.

  "A woman be hardly fit to lead these two youngens to safety. So I will offer ye my strength," he said with pride.

  "The more children the merrier," Lyeanna replied.

  Halwende was decided, for his fortitude would not wane in the presence of those who elected to carry on.

  "I know few men that could rival your mettle lad, if there is hope left then I will fight for it. My shield is yours."

  Landau smiled, heartened that after all their endeavors they stood by his side even now. All except one.

  Raminus dusted himself off, and only a wry chuckle did his voice offer.

  "Well, well boy. Despite Jema's death you can still warrant a smile," his words brimmed with amusement. "Perhaps I am blind, for everyone gives you hope where I see none. How far will you go I wonder? I must admit a part of me is intrigued to find out. For how long will you let your allies fight your battle before your mind gives in to guilt," he said, walking towards Landau.

  "You have no purpose here assassin," said Stryka. "Be on your way and be done with it."

  Raminus ignored him, for he loomed over Landau like he did before in Merchant's Wall, yet poised now Landau stood with un-flinching feet, his gaze determined to challenge Raminus, though his eyes were fierce, like a rabid dog. But Landau stood firm, for in the comfort of his companions he found his ease.

  "Your story is an interesting one boy. A part of me would hate to leave now and miss its end, however soon it may be. If you ask it of me I will continue with your quest. If not, I will leave, and be no further bother to you. What say you?"

  Landau was bemused, and it appeared a jest, yet Raminus knelt before him in anticipation of his answer. He was a skilled bladesman, but his word was imperfect, and few could sustain his words for much length, and though his purpose here was forced, this question intrigued him, and he chanced his answer.

  "I would ask of you to join us."

  "If he's to join us then he will come with me," interrupted Stryka. "I will not have you give him further discomfort."

  Stryka spoke as though Raminus would decline.

  "Well said champion," he replied. "I can think of no better company."

  From within his belt he offered Landau a gift, a dagger of iron, with a hilt of black ivory, etched with three angled scratches, with another vertically scarring through all three.

  "It's only fair that if we have your sword, we should give you a likewise gift."

  Landau held the dagger, it was generous and unexpected, yet he held it with suspicion, for it appeared an unusual gesture. Despite his abrasive personality Landau thanked him, and Raminus gloated to Stryka's face in the sincerity of it.

  "So wizard I am to endure your company some more. I can hardly wait."

  "If that is Landau's wish, then so be it."

  "That's settled then," said Stryka. "Thank you, all of you, in Jema’s honor, and for the safety of Landau. Whoever shall reach the Pale City first should seek out a man named Drentkin, mention Jema's name and he will have your counsel. Ask around the taverns, there are few who do not know his name."

  "How long should we wait for the others?" Sam asked.

  "And what if one of our groups fail, may the god's forbid?" Brom added. "There be much doubt behind dividin’ the boy and his weapon."

  "If we're not dead, we keep going. Those were the words of Jema, and be they simple we will hold to its meaning. Our plan is not perfect, but nothing is of late. In the city find rest in the Silver Square Plaza, each midday hang by the fountain, for the city is large, and there is little hope of chancing upon our company elsewise. We can only hope both our parties succeed."

  The details were vague but their quest was already fractured, but not yet failed. All were hesitant to depart from the others, for each had a skill beyond their weapon that would be left wanted. Landau embraced Vhalen with a hug, his comfort he would miss most, and beside him Lyeanna also took his condoling counsel.

  "Follow the river where you can," said Vhalen to Lyeanna, "for if your path is lost it will be your only guide from that cursed woodland."

  "Do you believe this a sound plan?" she whispered with concern.

  "There is wisdom in its suggestion, but you know well the danger that haunts those woods. Let us hope you can avoid its attention."

  Lyeanna nodded, though Landau who heard was perturbed in their secret, for the Yalthume still lingered in his memory, yet this Broeknwood was spoken of with heavy angst.

  "And what of the mountain, can you be sure of the way?"

  "There is more to the mountains than you know, and by strange fate our journey now leads us there," but whatever reluctance stirred in his thoughts he kept secret. Instead he looked upon Landau, the childish wonder that flowered from him in Arwendel had gone, now riddled with sorrow and guilt, but some determination.

  "We will meet again, little Landau," he assured him.

  "I wish you could come with us."

  "You are in good company lad. My services are better left with the sword, of whose company I cannot entirely trust."

  His eyes peered sideways, and in his glance Landau observed the assassin and mercenary waiting for his leave. Landau knew not where his suspicion lie, but it appeared both clouded him with doubt.

  Little was made of their leave, and once their rations and gold were divided they moved quickly. Lyeanna led the men down the mountain path they arrived from, and travelled northward along the road with Landau and Sam in her shadow, followed by Brom and Halwende. Stryka watched their departure from the cliffs, where his thoughts unsaid were echoed by Vhalen.

  "Who do you think will lead them then?"

  "They all have their strengths, but to weather such peril forces my worry, for how long will they withstand it before discomfort bears its presence."

  Stryka's attention turned upward where the climb was steep, and the wind of the mountain thrust against them.

  "Jema once
found hope in me, as he did Landau, and he would laugh to see me take such a role. But I will give what strength I have to see this sword safely to Astiroth, let us hope our path is clear."

  "It's most certainly unclear," Vhalen murmured with dread, for dark were his memories of the snowy tundra.

  Raminus said nothing, and seemed amused by the pair's delay, eventually Landau and his companions were out of sight, before Stryka led Vhalen and Raminus to the unknown of White Mountain. Though both their trips were uncertain, their necessity for speed was, for the threat of the army that lurked in the fog was ever present in their mind, and they feared it would not yield so quickly.

  THE END

  Table of Contents

  AN END TO ADVENTURE.. 8

  LANDAU.. 20

  TRASH AND TREASURE.. 30

  ETCHED IN FLAME.. 40

  INTO THE WOODS. 48

  THE SCOURGE OF RED MOUNTAIN.. 69

  THE TRIP TO TRIPPLE.. 79

  THE PURPLE KNIGHT. 95

  MERCHANTS AND MURDER.. 104

  THE ASSASSIN.. 123

  DETOUR INTO DARKNESS. 135

  A ROYAL WELCOME.. 146

  THE CENTENARY OF ARWENDEL.. 162

  A PROMISE OF HOME.. 177

  THE WHITE HALL COUNCIL. 186

  DESPERATE CHOICES. 205

  A SINISTER MEETING.. 214

  THE COMPANY OF LANDAU.. 225

  CITY OF THIEVES. 247

  THE SHADOW PATH OF NELROAR.. 268

  REMNANTS OF THE EMPIRE.. 287

  FALLOUT OF THE SWORD.. 298