by Paul Heisel
"We won't find anything down here to cause us problems," Feln said quietly. "Anyone coming at us will have a torch or lantern. We should press ahead as quickly as we can go. We can be cautious when we reach the castle."
"My assessment as well," Owori said.
They returned to the others. Kara had an astonished look on her face, from what he didn't know. Had something happened while they were gone? When he looked to TeBroo there was a similar expression, Gargam, though, looked brutish and focused.
"There is nothing ahead of us," Owori said. "We should be able to travel swiftly now. No need to be quiet either. It's just a tunnel with dozens of feet of dirt above us. There is still a slight grade, so we are moving down, deeper."
Feln nodded his agreement. "Once we get to the end, we'll have to search for the entrance. The five of us can make quick work of it."
"Proceed," Kara said. Her eyes locked on Owori.
Feln wasn't sure what Kara was thinking, but her eyes were wide and staring at Owori. He then wondered if she had seen Owori blink. Had the tunnel been straight enough for Kara to see her become visible? That would explain the astonishment. If so, her secret was no longer intact. "Follow me," he said as he handed the lantern to Kara, who was nearest. He headed forward at a brisk pace, urging the others to follow him. The lantern light didn't follow and no one moved. He turned his head to see what the delay was. Both Kara and Owori were staring at each other, locked in an unexplained confrontation. What was going on?
There was a muffled noise, a vibration, then the whole tunnel began shaking. Dirt filled the air and clumps of earth fell as the ceiling collapsed around him. Feln vaulted ahead through a curtain of cascading dirt, rolling to the side and popping up just as larger chunks of earth came crashing down. Cold moist dirt covered him and he struggled forward, keeping his airway clear with his hands and the sleeves of his robe. The dirt and rocks caught his lower legs and pinned him where he was. He could feel the dirt burying him, and when it reached his thighs and waist the earth movement subsided, as did the grinding sounds. He couldn't move his legs, not yet, and he shifted back and forth to loosen the earthen grip on his body. He wiggled forward, not letting the panic set in, knowing as long as he could breathe he could get out of the dirt alive. A rock-against-rock plink echoed, followed by a crunch, then a sharp pain spread from his temple to his whole body. All went black.
#
Owori didn't have time to call out a warning when she felt the vibration. She was preoccupied with Kara staring at her. The ceiling caved in and dirt fell from above, showering them with clumps of soil and small rocks. She saw Feln one moment and the next she couldn't. They darted backwards away from the collapsing tunnel as the dirt continued to cascade down. The lantern light flickered and bounced as Kara sprinted back, casting shadows about. They could hear noises above them, pounding, like thousands of hammers were striking rocks one after the other. The tunnel shook violently as another section caved in. They retreated again, taking refuge under weak timber supports straining from the weight above. When the ground motion subsided, Owori snatched the lantern from Kara and walked forward with it outstretched. She didn't get very far. In front of her was an impenetrable wall of dirt and rocks that had sealed the tunnel.
"Feln!" she called out into the moist, earthen smelling air. "Feln!"
When there was no response, she continued to call out for him, louder each time. Kara came to her side and put a hand on her shoulder. It was a steady hand, and Owori wondered if it was to comfort her or to keep her from moving. "We have to dig him out. There is no time to lose," Owori said. "He'll suffocate if we don't act quickly!"
"Owori…"
She wrenched free of Kara's grip and took out a short blade, handing the lantern to a bewildered Kara. Owori crawled as high as she could and began digging from the top, yanking the dirt down with her sword. They had to move the dirt out of the way. Feln was trapped!
There was a rumble.
Owori felt hands grab her, they were strong enough to pull her back from the pile of debris and drag her along the ground as if she were weightless. She didn't struggle, seeing more of the tunnel collapse wrenched her gut. The lantern light danced about the tunnel as they moved away. Gargam pulled Owori to her feet and directed her back towards the entrance to the tunnel. More dirt and rocks came down, filling in the tunnel further and threatening to collapse entirely. All of them ran back, one after the other, hands on each other's backs. There was no time to see what was happening, but Owori could feel and hear the passageway coming down behind her. Air and dust flew at her back as the earth filled in space once occupied by the tunnel. Kara was ahead with the lantern, the light bouncing around and leading the way, she and Gargam were together, and TeBroo was bringing up the rear. The tunnel became tight and they had to go slower, and they didn't stop, though, as the tunnel kept collapsing.
Here the tunnel was smaller in size and lined with boards and supports, allowing them to safely stop and regroup. Owori was panting, not from the effort, but from the adrenaline pumping in her veins. They were huddled close, each quietly measuring the situation. It was dire enough. Gargam had scrapes on his head where he had hit the ceiling, Kara was leaning against the wall with her eyes closed, and TeBroo was wiping the dirt off his robes. Dire indeed. Rock and dirt was behind them, fire, she presumed, was back at the monastery. Owori didn't know how long it would take the monastery to burn to the ground and cool off enough for them to escape. Most likely there would be soldiers as well, stationed there to make sure the monastery burned. We'll have to wait, she thought, as going back through the monastery was their only choice. Her insides tumbled. Feln. Oh Feln. He was trapped in all that dirt, buried alive until he suffocated. Owori closed her eyes - in her mind she could still see the earth swallowing Feln in one gulp. She shuddered. Her eyes flipped open. Maybe he got through. Maybe he wasn't trapped and his only choice would be to continue to the dungeons.
"We have to get out of here," Owori said, turning toward Kara.
Kara opened her eyes, dusted herself off, and lifted the lantern so she could see the others. "There is the fire to contend with, not to mention any soldiers that may be stationed around the monastery. There is no hope to re-enter the tunnel as too much dirt has fallen. We can't go that way. Our only choice is the monastery."
"Do you think there's a chance Feln made it?" Owori asked, not sure she wanted to hear an answer.
"The earth buried him as far as I could tell."
"He might have made it through," Owori said. "He's quick on his feet. Maybe he lurched forward ahead of the rubble."
"We have more to worry about than whether or not Feln made it through. If he made it through, then his only path is to the castle. If he follows orders, he'll go to the meeting spot in the courtyard and wait for an hour. When we don't show up, he'll exit the castle and depart."
"How else can we get into the castle?" TeBroo asked. "Besides walking to the front gate and knocking?"
"This mission is over," Kara said. "We'll be lucky if we get out from under here alive. That has to be our priority. Survival."
"What are you thinking TeBroo?" Owori asked. "You don't think Feln would try to complete the mission himself, do you?"
"Perhaps, but I think he won't put himself in danger," he said. "I was thinking that we should go to the meeting place, or one of us goes, to keep Feln from going back to the monastery and searching for us. If we all get inside the castle and he shows up, we can determine whether or not we continue the mission or if we depart. We can't give up on the mission just yet."
"Interesting thought," Kara said. "Why are you suddenly more confident in our chances? Our secret route into the castle is no more. Our only exit is on fire."
"I've figured out why the tunnel collapsed," he said.
"I'm listening."
"The pounding we heard was cavalry, horses. The army has left the city to go after our army. They must have discovered our ruse and left, no matter what the time, tryin
g to catch us."
"That is the most sensible thing you have said today," Kara spoke, her mouth twisted into an odd smile. "I am aware of another way into the castle. A series of caves go through the mountains and it leads into the castle grounds, behind the gates. One of the Borgard brothers escaped that way and was caught by one of our patrols. It would take more time though. I'm willing to try if all of you are willing. Particularly if TeBroo is correct and the army has departed."
"What if Feln isn't at the meeting spot?" Owori asked.
"Then he's dead," Kara said flatly.
"You wouldn't look for him?"
"It doesn't matter. Dead or alive, we'll find Feln when the mission is complete. Should we capture the king and control the castle, then we'll have time to find him - in the dungeons, trapped in the tunnel, or in the city having escaped from the castle. If we fail, then it won't matter, we'll be dead or fleeing."
"We need to get out of here while the Borgard army is on the move," TeBroo said. "If they return we'll be in a tight situation. We have to go now."
Looking down into the darkness where the monastery was located, Kara pointed as if she was unsure of the direction. Owori took a step that way, the lantern brightened, then all of them were headed back to where they had come from. The tunnel became better defined and supported by wood, ending at the wooden ladder they had descended a short time ago.
"Let me go up," Kara said as she handed the lantern to the tall Gargam. "Hold that steady."
There wasn't a moment's hesitation and Kara climbed up.
"I can feel the radiant heat on the trapdoor," she called down. "It isn't too hot and the wood is still intact. I'm going to take a look."
They heard the creak of the hinges and the air around them rushed up, howling by. Owori could hear crackling and she could see an orange glow beyond the lantern light. A sudden boom made all of them jump, then a series of explosions rocked the church above them. Suppressing her urge to scramble up the ladder, Owori looked to TeBroo for an explanation. He seemed to be as confused and concerned as she was.
"I'll go," Owori said. "If I don't come back you'll know it's not safe."
She put her hands on the rungs, feeling the old dry wood underneath her strong fingers. Up she went at a moderate pace, the radiant heat present. Ahead Kara was nowhere to be seen. She moved faster, the orange glow guiding her. A dark shape appeared, boots and legs, coming down.
"Kara!"
"I'm all right," Kara said. "It's safe. There is a clear path out of the cellar. It'll be hot, but the most dangerous threat is in the church. Tell the others. I'll wait here."
#
Owori burst into the heat of the fire and her first thought was they had to be crazy. The cellar floor above them was spread out in various stages of destruction and the wood plank flooring had all but been consumed. The larger beams were smoking, slower burning, one had collapsed to the ground and was smoldering. The beams looked like candles that had been blown out, the smoke spiraling up from charcoal remains that threatened to relight at any moment. The stairs were on fire and offered no exit and the heat around them was unbearable. Smoke was everywhere except on one side of the cellar, where it looked like an explosion had occurred. The wall was blown out and scattered along with two sections of the church. Her eyes were stinging from the smoke and she coughed, then like the others she put her sleeve over her nose and mouth. She looked to Kara for direction. Kara led them to the collapsed beam, and the agile leader sped up it to a large breach in the wall. They followed, braving the heat and smoke, their clothes and gear getting hotter and hotter. Owori's eyes were watering and she was having trouble seeing straight. They had to get out of this smoke!
The cooler air past the broken wall was only cool in relative terms, around them the hedges and trees were charred and smoking, all of the fuel having been burnt. Behind them the church was still aflame, towers of fire shooting into the air while the walls and roof collapsed. The cloisters, sheds, and out buildings were in a similar state. Together they rushed toward the outer fence, made an abrupt turn when they saw people on the edge of the property gawking, and disappeared into the further reaches of the grounds.
"Where are these caves?" Owori asked as she wiped the soot and smoke from her face. She turned her waterskin upside down and let the water run over her face and eyes.
Kara pointed toward the city, back to the outermost gates. "Follow me. We'll have to get out of the city unnoticed, swing around the river, and head into the hills. We probably won't get there until tomorrow night."
TeBroo laughed. "Sorry," he said when he saw their sour reactions to whatever was amusing him. "The castle," he pointed, "is right there, a few miles away. It's comical that we have to go so far out of our way to get in there."
"If you have another idea I'm willing to listen."
"We're wasting time," Owori said. "One of those gawkers certainly saw us and we need to get out of here before things become even more complicated. Once we're safe we can talk. I have an idea of how we can get inside the castle. You'll have to trust me."
"This way then," Kara said. "Behind these buildings."
#
Velinole rushed this time. The war had begun and he didn't have time for this distraction, but it had to be managed no matter what the inconvenience. Makison had turned the tables on him, and despite the perceived danger, Velinole respected the man for it. After all, he had been in prison for countless years and still had the guts to give him orders. He could leave Makison there to die and not say another word about it. It wasn't an option, though, as Jakks would probably fail to take the Accord of the Hand's monastery in Sabrin. They will figure it out, he thought. When that happens, we're finished. Not so much finished in the sense of being obliterated, but finished because the Accord would retreat, destroy the attacking army, and return later to put each Borgard military member in the grave. There would be no mercy, no clemency, no opportunity to surrender even if they gave up. Makison was their only hope if all failed because he hadn't been part of this.
The cell block was near, the air stagnant as ever. Velinole wasn't sure how he had arrived here, a frightful thought that he wasn't paying attention to his surroundings, and he slowed to a walk, took a deep breath, and pulled the cowl over his head. Now he would reveal himself as Makison's benefactor, and he would be in Makison's good graces and retain his position in victory or defeat. It was a perfect plan for the circumstances.
Velinole approached. A lantern was burning brightly outside of the cell, he had left it there when he had brought additional supplies to Makison in the guise of his servant. He could see that Makison had cut his own hair, had shaved, and had put on the new clothing. The rags were discarded in the corner along with the long strands of cut dirty hair. As he came nearer, he could see that Makison had tried defeating the lock with the shaving razor. What a pathetic attempt. With one massive sweep, he withdrew his cowl. The revelation had to be dramatic to get the desired effect.
"Velinole!"
"Yes, Makison, I am your benefactor. At great risk to my life, I have gone against Jakks and kept you alive. You have me to thank for this."
"My father's trusted advisor, not to be trusted, is my benefactor?" Makison placed his hands upon the metal bars and rattled them. "I'm pleading to you, let me out of here. There is no need for this! I order you, release me! Now! I'm the rightful king and ruler of Borgard! You know this!"
"In time I will let you go free. The war has begun. The Accord of the Hand has taken the outer wall to the city more quickly than anticipated. As we ready for the next Accord attack on the second wall, our forces sweep from the north into Sabrin to topple their Grand Master. The main force here has withdrawn to the castle and outer parishes, hiding our numbers and digging in our defenses. For now, we wait. Both of us. Until the time is right."
Makison rattled the bars. "Let me out. I will put my brother under the axe. I promise you that."
"In your condition? He would destroy you as easily
as he would crush an insect. None of your direct supporters, save me, remain alive. All of them have been slain. You are safer here, hidden until your usefulness can be realized. Patience. This will all be over soon."
"Let me out," he hissed. "You've proven your worth, I see that now. You will be rewarded. Release me! Now! Your servant said you would release me!"
"He misspoke. The next time you see me, you'll be a free man, that I promise. You will be in this prison no more. I shall return. Soon." He snatched the lantern from the front of the cell and walked away, leaving the prison in darkness. Once he was clear of Makison and his screaming, he hurried through the secret passageways and ran up the long staircase. Out of breath, Velinole emerged from the wardrobe and flung open the doors. Each time he came out he expected to see Jakks or Kragan waiting for him. His secret remained intact one more time, and Velinole closed the wardrobe doors behind himself. He rushed into the halls and ran, knowing Jakks was calling for him. The plan, thus far, would work no matter the outcome.
#
Feln woke in a daze. His thinking was cloudy at best and his head hurt like hell. It was black as pitch, not one sliver of light was anywhere. His legs and hips were pinned, so he twisted, wiggled and pulled forward with his arms until he broke free. There was no more rumbling, no sounds at all, and he wasn't sure how long he had been unconscious. His clouded mind tried to reconstruct what had happened. The rumbling had started and had brought on the collapse of the tunnel. Only by luck had he gotten clear of the tons of dirt that must have come down. He had heard stories told by travelers about earthquakes devastating entire cities, shaking everything violently and causing buildings to collapse. In one such tale, the breaches in the ground had consumed a whole avenue. He wondered if an earthquake caused this. The fog cleared and he realized he was alone. The others had disappeared in the shower of dirt, consumed by the collapse and buried alive most likely.
