Knights: Legends of Ollanhar

by Robert E. Keller

  She accepted it and bowed. "I am honored by your presence, great prince. My name is Theradaxa of the Temple Guard."

  Aldreya and the others introduced themselves.

  "This is a moment I too will treasure," said Theradaxa. "I had always wanted to meet Divine Knights, and to have such important ones before me is truly an honor. I know of your struggles against Bellis and I am impressed. Dremlock is the only kingdom to withstand King Verlamer's invasion and remain free. The Great Light indeed shines upon Dremlock and its servants."

  "We are sisters," said Aldreya. "I say that with great pride in my heart. For we serve the same god and fight against the same evil. It is good to see that unity still exists between Dremlock and the Temple of the Great Light."

  Theradaxa bowed. "Indeed, we are sisters. And I am sorry that Dremlock has had to struggle alone against tyranny. Perhaps that will change."

  "That is my hope," said Aldreya. "That is why we're here."

  "I must leave you now," Theradaxa said. "Seat yourselves on the benches. Our Lord Paladin, Edwane Marlacos, will visit you shortly." With that, she returned to guard duty at the Temple door, leaving the Knights alone.

  Vorden, who sat next to Aldreya, leaned close to her. "I'm not sure I should be in here. It doesn't feel right. I know it's just the darkness inside me, but it's squirming about anxiously. I feel exposed."

  Aldreya nodded. "The light of truth always makes the darkness squirm. It isn't you, Vorden. You must stand your ground."

  "It troubles me as well," said Bekka. Like Vorden, she was feeling the squirming of the darkness inside her. A voice in her head told her she wasn't worthy to remain in the Temple, that she should leave at once.

  "The lies of the Deep Shadow," said Aldreya. "Ignore them."

  "But if the Deep Shadow is in us," said Vorden, "we are a danger to this place. Surely the Paladins wouldn't want us here if they knew."

  "Within you and Bekka," said Aldreya, "the Deep Shadow is broken. It no longer has a will or purpose. It is mindless sorcery. It cannot be spread to others and it poses no threat to this Sanctuary. Stop worrying and relax."

  "This place is amazing," said Daledus, turning this way and that to get a look at everything. "If only Lannon could see this."

  "He would love it," said Vorden, smiling. "He was always so fond of the Sacred Temple at Dremlock." Vorden sighed. "I hope he's okay."

  Bekka shook her head sadly. "What fate has befallen our High Watchman?" She found herself missing Lannon's presence--his simple, stubborn, and hopelessly optimistic attitude.

  "I don't know," said Aldreya, looking grim. "But I certainly haven't given up hope that we will see him soon, that the Eye of Divinity will guide him to us no matter what challenges he faces."

  "What will we do," asked Lothrin, "if he is dead? Will we continue on with our quest, without the Eye to lead us?" The lean Ranger looked deeply troubled. "I can't imagine completing this journey without Lannon."

  "We still have the White Flamestone," said Prince Vannas. "The loss of Lannon is terrible to contemplate, but we owe it to our god and kingdom to see this through, whatever the cost. I shudder to think of the horrors that await us. Something about that island on the sea haunts my dreams. I have no doubt that we are heading into great peril, where even our very souls could be at risk if we fail to stay strong and righteous. But we must do this. I can only pray that the White Flamestone will protect us from whatever hungry abomination lurks out there. A living piece of our god is carried with us, and that gives me hope."

  "Inspiring speech, cousin," said Lothrin, managing a smile. "Especially the part about the abomination that waits to consume our souls."

  Vannas sighed. "Ever the sarcastic one."

  "We will continue," said Aldreya. "Our quest is too important to abandon, and we have come so far already. While Lannon is irreplaceable, we are Divine Knights and no mission should be too dangerous for us."

  "I fully agree," said Bekka. "Even without Lannon, we are powerful. Turning back now would be folly. I would rather die on this quest than give up and let Bellis rule all of Gallamerth unopposed."

  That last statement was no idle boast. Bekka meant every word of it. The Deep Shadow needed to pay dearly for its crimes. She lived for vengeance now, and without vengeance it seemed she had nothing. She knew of nothing else worth living for beyond destroying Tharnin, and though Bellis Kingdom was not necessarily in Tharnin's grasp, she suspected the Deep Shadow played some significant role in its rapid expansion.

  Bekka knew she wasn't behaving like a Divine Knight. A Knight did not live for vengeance, but rather for peace and justice. But she didn't care. Her mind and soul had been torn to shreds by a single bite. Somehow she had survived, though she still wasn't sure how or why. If vengeance was all she had at the moment to keep her going, then she would fully embrace it. She would let it drive her onward into darkness and battle--into places where only fools would dare venture--and perhaps she would strike a mighty blow to the heart of evil. Perhaps there would come a time when she could free her soul and fully embrace the noble standards of Knighthood the way Lannon and Aldreya did, but that time wasn't now.

  Soon the Lord Paladin arrived. He wore an extravagant blue robe adorned with golden holy symbols, and he held the thick Book of Light in one hand. He was a lean, elderly man with long silver hair and a silver beard. He went behind the altar and laid the book before him with trembling hands. He was silent for a time. Then he read a passage from the book:

  "They came from Dremlock, from the cursed mountain, from the pit of fire and death where lurked the creatures of darkness. They came through fire and blood, these servants of our shattered Messenger, to do the will of the Great Light."

  The Lord Paladin stopped reading and looked up. "Welcome, Divine Knights of Dremlock. You honor this Temple with your presence. It has been a long time since Divine Knights have entered here. Why have you come?"

  "We need your help," said Aldreya. "We are on a quest to obtain one of the Flamestones--another living piece of the Messenger. But many of our warriors were slaughtered in the Soddurn Mountains. I ask that you send as many Paladins as you can spare to aid us in our quest."

  "Your quest is a noble one," said the Lord Paladin. "It is obviously the will of the Great Light and the only hope of defeating Bellis. I know all about your struggles against King Verlamer. What could be more important than your quest?" He sighed. "What indeed? Yet I can only spare one of my warriors."

  "Only one?" said Aldreya. "Why?"

  "This Temple must not fall," the Lord Paladin replied. "The Great Light demands that it remain standing as a symbol to all of Gallamerth. This is just as important as your quest. Bellis has grown increasingly threatening to us. If they dare to attack, we must be ready to fight to the death. This is the sanctuary of our god. We cannot abandon it for any reason."

  "I understand," said Aldreya. "Yet this is a huge disappointment. I was hoping for at least a dozen of your warriors, to replace our fallen Knights. But one is better than none, and we gladly accept the help."

  Prince Vannas rose. "This is mistake. Only Dremlock can defeat Bellis now. We already possess one Flamestone. Another would make us more than a match for King Verlamer. Do you see how important this is?"

  "I do," said the Lord Paladin. "But I also know your quest is not certain. You could easily perish, taking my warriors with you. The Divine Essence cannot protect you at such a distance, and the Great Light will not interfere. This is our struggle alone. We must prove ourselves worthy to inherit this world. Many have already perished in this struggle. What makes you think you'll succeed?"

  "The Divine Essence can protect us," said Prince Vannas. "I am the Bearer of the White Flamestone. It is my duty to guide and defend these Knights. We do have a blessing upon us, and it can see us through."

  The Lord Paladin gazed at Vannas, a strange look on his face. "You actually carry a Flamestone with you? A true piece of the Messenger?"

  "I do," said Vannas.
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br />   "Show it to me," said the Lord Paladin. "Let me bask in the Messenger's sacred glow." His eyes shone like fire. "I want to see the truth in physical form, to erase any doubts that still linger. And yes, even I doubt now and then."

  Prince Vannas withdrew the White Flamestone. A radiant glow flooded the room, and the great crystal behind the altar shone much more brightly.

  The Lord Paladin approached him, extending a trembling hand. "May I touch it? Just once, and ever so briefly?"

  Vannas held it forth.

  The Lord Paladin placed his hand on the Flamestone. He closed his eyes. "How wonderful! I can feel its life. This is a moment I have waited for since I was old enough to comprehend existence. Yes, I can see it now. The Great Light is indeed battling Tharnin through its Messenger. Ah, wonderful!" He opened his eyes, and they held an intense gleam. "This is a glorious day!"

  He smiled, and then his grasp tightened on the stone. "I don't want surrender this delightful treasure. Not in the least."

  Vannas quickly put away the Flamestone.

  The Lord Paladin backed away. "I am forever changed by this. I wish I could keep that gem, but it would corrupt me. It's energy is too powerful, something not meant for mortal hands. If you are not careful, it will destroy you."

  "I can handle it," Vannas insisted. "I must."

  "Continue on your quest," said the Lord Paladin. "And those guards at the Temple door--take them with you. They are powerful fighters. Yes, I will allow two Paladins to go, all I can spare. Good luck, Knights of Dremlock. May that Flamestone guide you to good fortune."

  Aldreya rose and bowed. "Thank you, Lord Paladin."

  ***

  When the Knights again gathered on the steps outside, they found that Jace was missing. The others informed them that Jace had decided to venture into the city on his own to try to recruit some more warriors. Apparently, Jace was convinced he knew Wolfbine Kingdom well enough to do the job alone--with much less chance of being noticed by Bellis' soldiers.

  Aldreya reacted to this news with an annoyed sigh. "So he expects us to wait here for him to return?"

  Dallsa nodded. "He ordered us not to follow him into Wolfbine, for he fears it is too dangerous."

  Aldreya's eyes narrowed. "He gave an order, did he."

  "Indeed," said Jerret, with a laugh. "It was a stern order."

  "Jace is a wise man," said Saranna. "I'm not questioning your own wisdom, Green Knight, but maybe we should listen to him."

  "He is also unpredictable," said Aldreya. "He does what he pleases and has his own agenda. I'm hesitant to trust him on this."

  "I am not," said Prince Vannas. "Jace has my full confidence. I think we should at least wait and see if he succeeds in his mission."

  Aldreya thought it over, then reluctantly nodded. "Very well. I suppose we can wait for a bit and see if he finds anyone."

  With the two Paladins who were joining them still inside preparing for the journey, they had to wait anyway.

  "So how was the Temple?" asked Jerret. The hulking mercenary looked bored. "Did it change your life?"

  "Thankfully, no," said Aldreya. "My life does not require changing."

  Brakthas slapped his knee. "Well, mine could use some change right about now. I'm kind of tired of sitting here."

  "Where is Lannon?" Dallsa asked, putting her face in her hands. She groaned. "If he doesn't show up soon, I'm going to go back and look for him."

  The others exchanged somber glances.

  "No, you're not," said Aldreya. "The quest will move forward."

  Dallsa looked up. "How can you be so cold, Aldreya? I don't understand it."

  "I'm not cold," said Aldreya, "as you call it. What I am is a Divine Knight on a critical mission that must take precedence over everything else. I don't let emotions stand in the way of my duties."

  Dallsa didn't respond. She just bowed her head.

  The two Paladins at last stepped outside.

  "We are ready," said Theradaxa. She smiled. "Our Lord Paladin has blessed us with the use of a ship. He fears we may encounter trouble on the lake."

  "Why does he fear that?" asked Aldreya.

  "A vision," said Theradaxa. "One of chaos and bloodshed upon the water. It is a glimpse of merely one possible future and could still be avoided. Regardless, our ships are sturdy and swift."

  The male Paladin, whose name was Rojanan, said, "So, are we leaving or what?" Sweat dripped from his brow, and he looked eager to get going.

  Aldreya explained the situation.

  A look of doubt crept into Rojanan's blue eyes. "There are indeed great warriors to found in Wolfbine Kingdom, but there are also many dangerous rogues who have no honor and will backstab anyone they meet."

  "Does this Jace fellow know what he's doing?" asked Theradaxa.

  "I'm not sure," said Aldreya, frowning.

  "He's very wise," said Prince Vannas.

  When Jace returned, a few hours later, Aldreya was disappointed. The warriors he brought with him seemed formidable enough--but there were only three. One was a young man named Huenov (he gave no last name) who was supposedly a marksman of unmatched skill. He was a pale Norack of average build, with wavy blond hair, and he wore colorful, flamboyant clothing, including a wide-brimmed purple hat. Rows of sheathed throwing knives hung from his belt, and an expensive silver bow was slung across his back. Another of the three was a former soldier and legendary swordsman named Crondal Windsong who had survived many battles. He had dark skin, a bald head, and a face covered in strange tattooed symbols. He wore rows of silver earrings and a silver nose ring. He was protected by lightweight leather armor. The remaining warrior was quite a sight. His name was Shenosi and he was a Konji Wrestler who weighed almost six-hundred pounds. He was only of medium height, but his bulk was enormous. He wore only short silk trousers and sandals, and carried a small shield strapped to his forearm. Due to his immense weight, the climb up the stairs had left him breathing hard, but his legs seemed sturdy enough.

  "Only three?" said Aldreya, gazing at Jace. "With the two Paladins, that makes five new fighters. Hardly what we needed to form a small army."

  Jace shrugged. "You can recruit more, if you'd like. But Wolfbine is crawling with King Verlamer's soldiers. They're probably waiting for us, and might even have orders to kill or arrest us. Who knows?"

  "They will suffice," said Aldreya. "If the city is as well guarded as you claim, we dare not risk entering. And we must move on with our mission. There is still a chance we will find more warriors along the way."

  Aldreya studied the mercenaries carefully. "The Konji Wrestler does not possess the physical attributes we are looking for."

  "Nonsense," said Jace. "He is actually quite fit for all his excess weight." He motioned the warrior to come to them. "Shenosi, explain to my leader here your style of combat."

  Shenosi bowed. Then he spoke in a firm, loud tone: "I fight with my hands and my strength." He patted his huge belly. "My body may look soft, but it is hard like stone. My shield is for ranged attacks--arrows, spears, and thrown daggers. I turn them all aside with ease. Nothing gets past. I do not tire easily. I am what is known as a Konji Knight, one of the Circle of Seven. We are servants of the Great Light like the Paladins. I retired from wrestling five years ago, and now I fight against evil. If your cause is noble, I will join it."

  Aldreya bowed. "My opinion has changed. You seem to be exactly the sort of strong and honorable warrior we are seeking."

  Huenov stepped close to Aldreya. He drew one of his throwing knives. "Greetings, my lady. So would you care to see what I can do?" He twirled it about in his fingers, grinning. "Name the target."

  "There is no need for that," said Aldreya.

  Huenov sheathed the blade and shrugged. "Okay, never mind. I was just seeking to prove my worth."

  Crondal Windsong laughed. "No need to show off, Huenov. The sorcerer already hired us, remember? The job is ours."

  "Why do you pierce your face?" Jerret asked Crondal. He was sti
ll seated on the steps, looking bored. "That's a lot of silver hanging from your ears and nose. No man does that where I come from."

  Crondal leaned close to Jerret and grinned. "Because I like it, barbarian." He hissed like a snake, then tugged at the nose ring. "Makes me feel strong, like a bull. Or maybe I'm greedy and I worship silver. Pick the answer you had already decided upon."

  "I was just curious," said Jerret. "No need to take offense."

  "No offense taken," said Crondal. "Rude questions bounce right off me."

  Jerret frowned. "You found my question rude?"

  Crondal laughed and turned away. "Glad to be part of this mission, regardless of the risk. You all have my deepest gratitude."

  "And mine," said Huenov, taking off his hat to bow.

  "Mine as well," rumbled Shenosi.

  "This is getting weird," said Jerret. "What's the story with all these strange fighters? I feel like I'm in a traveling freak show."

  "That's enough," Aldreya warned him.

  Crondal winked at Jerret. "Thanks for the compliment. Fancy sword you have there, by the way. Do you know how to use it?"

  Jerret shrugged. "I know a few moves."

  Crondal drew his sword and twirled it about with blazing speed. "A few moves like this?" He twirled it a few more times and then sheathed it.

  Jerret shook his head, looking dazed. "Not quite like that. What in the world was that? I could barely see you move."

  "These men are not freaks," said Jace, smiling. "They are living legends. These are fighters on a level few will ever reach--fighters feared throughout Gallamerth. They don't know the meaning of defeat. It has cost us a lot of silver to hire them, Jerret, so show proper respect if you can manage it."

  "I doubt he can manage it," said Aldreya, sighing.

  Jerret pointed at Shenosi. "It's going to cost us a lot of silver to keep him fed. I can't imagine what he eats in a day."

  "Jerret, must you be so childish?" said Dallsa.

  "He can't help himself," said Bekka, grinning. "Isn't that right, my friend?" In spite of his arrogant, rude, and sullen attitude, Bekka liked Jerret. He was a loyal friend to her and a good sparring partner.