Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga)

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “Sorry, but I didn’t realize you knew.” The councilor looked down as his fist relaxed. “At least he died with a sword in his hand… so how is it we’ll take him down exactly?”

  For the next half hour Cage explained the plan entirely. There were some questions and even a few helpful suggestions. With his intentions clearly expressed, none were disappointed and glad to have understanding. When there came a tingle of magic, Cage ended the conversations with a raised hand as another maroon orb appeared in the middle of the room. In moments the magic was as it had been earlier, but Leon was sweating and he no longer carried the tome. It was obvious he was running all over. “Sir Cage, I’ve got the reports. It is as you expected. The crystal belongs to the Vlaran army and was reported stolen thirty years ago. I’ve also alerted the First Council to the attack in Kote and your involvement. One of the councilors read your report and agrees with your assessment and will be awaiting the full report once all is resolved.”

  “Good work, Leon. That was faster than I expected.”

  “Sir, again, thank you for allowing us to represent you.” Colby humbly squeaked.

  “The two of you keep up the good work and I’ll give you a bonus on your birthday.” The pair brightened instantly. “Now if you would, please Jump the report of analysis back to Kote along with the crystal.”

  Leon instantly pulled the original envelope from a pocket and soon Jumped it to the middle of the street outside where Ren quickly left to retrieve it. “Is there anything else I may do for you this morning?” Leon asked.

  “No, you did splendidly. Get back to whatever you were doing and rest. I’ll let you know later what happened.”

  The magic ended and Ren entered the room to shut the doors again. He handed the envelope to Cage and sat down again as Cage was fortifying himself some. As Cage opened it and read over the report Leon obtained about the crystal belonging to the Vlaran army and how the structure of the stone verified it was sold fifty three years ago to the previous king, Tate’s father and was reported stolen nearly thirty years ago. With the letter in hand, Cage placed the crystal in the bag with all others and tied the string closed.

  Another sight mirror appeared, but this time Cage was highly surprised to find the one he wished to see as King Tate himself appeared riding through Vin’re’s streets with a group of mounted, armored soldiers. Beside him rode Princess Amy and even General Kurk. Behind sat two red robed battle mages, one walked beside a tiger and the other rode a grizzly bear. “Talk about good timing.” Cage said mostly to himself since he hadn’t been able to contact the king or see through the castle’s wards. The only reason they could be seen was that they were not in the castle at the moment. In the mirror people bowed or gave warm greetings to the royal family and the well groomed soldiers riding through the streets. Tate was wearing a broad shirt to cover his large frame with an embroidered purple crow. Upon his brow sat the humble gold crown with several gems glittering in the early morning light. At his hip was the ruby pommel of an ornate sword that was far from decoration. Tate was a true warrior king and his regal bearing exuded confidence. It wasn’t pompous arrogance, something Cage loathed.

  Princess Amy was the picture of beauty beside her father as she rode wearing a purple dress with a red cape displaying the purple Vlaran crow only royalty and honored servants could wear. She wore a silver circlet upon her flawless brow and smiled at the many faces of her people.

  General Kurk was an impressive man as ever, but since last time the man had shaved off his mustache and looked better for it. He dressed in full armor with the breastplate also displaying his country’s emblem. Many of his men also wore the heavy armor, but were so powerful it didn’t hinder them much and the warhorses were plenty capable to carry the burden though they were unarmored.

  It was an impressive image to be sure.

  Since time was a factor Cage expanded the spell to pick up sound and to relay his voice over to the opposite end of Vlara. Immediately one of the battle mages beside the tiger yelled out “King Tate, Magic!” and the mage leapt between the king and princess and thrust his arms out along with a staff, erecting a powerful barrier. Swords were drawn immediately and the other mage on the bear jumped down to begin waving his staff to search for enemy attacks.

  Then the usual black orb appeared nearby. “Not bad for a reaction.” Cage’s words came out along with a chuckle. “Good to see you, Tate, you too Amy. Kurk, you still impress me. That signal to surround Tate was almost impossible to spot.”

  “Is that you, Cage?” King Tate asked, instantly recognizing such a voice.

  “Sure is, Tate!” He chuckled again. “Listen, I’m glad I caught you so quickly. There is a bit of a situation we need to discuss and is time sensitive. I see you’re on the main southern road leading to the castle. I’m going to Jump a package and a note in the center of the road ahead of you since you’re so close to the Twinkling Bell. Have one of your mages verify it won’t be a trap and read the letter quickly. Only you may read it for the moment. I kept it short and sweet. Afterwards, contact me immediately, in private. Instructions will be contained within.”

  King Tate looked meaningfully to his long time childhood friend and general while saying “Jormon, you and Gaz go ahead to Twinkling Bell.”

  General Kurk pointed to three armed men “Go with him and return with the package as soon as he says it is safe.” The horsemen trotted off with the thin mage and huge bear.

  “Ren, I need the sack.” Cage said and was handed it from under the table. Cage took it and placed the rolled note in the strings. When it was ready, it flashed away and appeared in the center of the street. Cage then ended the spell.

  “My Lord, the magic is gone.” The mage beside the king said.

  “General?” King Tate asked.

  General Kurk shook his head and fingered the hilt of his sword. “My King, I believe we should stay as we are. I have little doubt that was Cage, but we should remain. He was smart enough to not use magic so near to you since that is not permitted and your sorcerers would have sent it away immediately. We stay here till your safety is assured. Besides, only Cage has the gall to tell you to immediately contact him and not in your convenience.”

  “But we both know he never does anything without a good reason. And if his words are any indication, something serious has happened. I not sure if you heard, but there were others nearby by the breathing. Do you know this Ren he spoke of?”

  The general shrugged. “The only one I know of is an old lieutenant who retired down in Kote and leads the home guard there as captain.”

  “Father, they return.” Princess Amy gestured to Jormon, Gaz and the soldiers trotting quickly.

  General Kurk intercepted the sorcerer and extended a hand to which the man handed over a weighty sack while hearing “I could find no danger in the spell inside.”

  “Spell?” The general asked while untying the knots in the string. He removed a letter and personally handed it to the king who unrolled it and began reading immediately.

  “Yes, a simple preserving one to maintain temperature.”

  Out of the sack came a frigid object. The cold seeped quickly into the metal gauntlets, but a leather interior prevented too much cold to be uncomfortable. The frosty block of ice clearly contained something and using the sack as a cloth, wiped the spherical surface. “Unbelievable!” The general expressed great surprise.

  “Sir, what is it?” One of his men asked as interest grew. Few things could surprise their general like this.

  “It’s the head of the Bandit Lord!” Kurk stated and gained silence from his men, stunned silence.

  “General Kurk,” King Tate said in a clear command “make way for the castle immediately. Cage wasn’t bluffing. We need to act quickly and speak in private.”

  Enough had been said for the general to have his men form ranks around the royal family and have the horses trot quickly to the castle. Along the way, Tate let his general read the short report and agreed wholehe
artedly. At the end was an odd phrase detailing it to be spoken aloud “Thaw of winter.” He said and almost cried out when the sack immediately began to shrink and stream water. He opened the sack to find the ice melting rapidly and leave the grotesque head un-trapped.

  Inside the inner gate the king and everyone else dismounted. Tate laid a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Amy, I’ll be busy for awhile. Sorry for leaving you so soon.”

  She smiled understandingly. “It is quite alright, Father. I have a few things I too must do myself. But I do thank you for coming with me today to check on the orphanage. The children were glad to meet the king in person.”

  “It is good you do so much for our people. You take after Eleia so much. Will I see you tonight at supper?”

  Princess Amy smiled. “Of course, Father. Please let me know what is happening later.”

  It was an easily given promise. He kissed her brow and turned around to move quickly up the steps into the castle. King Tate hurried to the war room beside General Kurk, four high ranking commanders and the two loyal sorcerers and their Familiars from earlier. The staff of servants moved widely aside when noticing the determination and single-minded focus of the group. They ascended the stairs all the way to the top floor and entered the private room where a map lay on the table with many papers stacked all over. As the thick wooden door shut and the bolt slid secure, only light came through an open window. King Tate discretely touched a gem on his crown to say “Privacy, level ten.” There came a slight hiss from the door and window as the room sealed itself from being spied on. “Everyone, please take a seat. General, the letter?” Tate sat and was given the letter. “Jormon, as the strongest first class sorcerer in Vin’re and the only one to be my personal servant, can I assume you are up to date on all matters related to Cage?”

  The thin mage nodded and the bear, Gaz grunted and snorted. Jormon looked to his Familiar before answering. “I do, but may I ask if everyone knows what he really is?”

  King Tate nodded quickly. “Only those in this room and my daughter knows he is a warlock with Daku, the white griffin king. We may speak openly in here, but out there, I permit it not.” He pointed to the door. “It is also true he is the one spoken of by the Great Prophet. The last prophecy to be given. Zikon and I have spoken extensively and it is agreed he is the one spoken of.”

  “So what is all this about?” Jormon relayed his Familiar’s question.

  “Kote was attacked yesterday by bandits on a scale they’ve never used before.” The room grew tense as the king continued. “Cage and his people were there for Kote’s annual Fall Harvest. He was brief in the letter saying the bandits were all killed and sent the Bandit Lord’s head as proof.” General Kurk dropped the wet head on the table, making it clear that reports of the notorious brigand leader were true. “And that they were hired illegally as if they were mercenaries.” He handed the paper to Jormon. “Since you are of the first class and have seen Cage, conjure a sight mirror and say this phrase to bypass his spells so we may see him and speak.”

  The man nodded and did just that. Soon there came a clear image of Cage sitting at the table with a huge axe in front of him. Beside him were men and women. The king noticed the warlock and mayor while the general recognized Ren easily enough.

  Cage and the others looked up when a brown orb appeared along with the king’s voice when Jormon nodded to speak. “Cage, we are now secure to speak.” He touched a gem on his crown to whisper a series of commands that the castle allowed. “If you wish to see me within the castle this once, say ‘Hakkakamoli.’”

  He did just that and smiled when they could all see each other. Ren jumped to attention when he spotted the general as did all the others when they saw the king. The only person who didn’t move was Cage who said “You made good time, Tate. I take it you believe me?”

  King Tate nodded. “I do… And the rest of you may sit down.” He said and they did. “Where would you like to start since you called this to my attention?”

  “Since it takes a lot of power to maintain these spells I’ll be brief. We were attacked yesterday and lost four good men, but we killed over three hundred bandits. The problem I faced was they had these.” Cage held up a crystal.

  Jormon focused on the object and zoomed in on it. An engraved crow stood out in the milky gemstone.

  “What!” Tate yelled and flushed red. “How did they get of one our crystals? They are under heavy lock and key!” he turned his attention. “General Kurk, has there been a breach or a report of our crystals being taken.”

  “No, My Lo…” he began.

  “Calm down, Tate.” Came Cage’s serene voice and the king turned to the image. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch. I’ve confirmed you have no involvement and these were stolen thirty years ago. I have three hundred and twenty two in my current possession, but since I don’t know how many were missing at the time they were pilfered, I don’t know if I have them all. I had one already analyzed since each were identical.” He held up a folded piece of paper saying “Here is the report I’m speaking of. Since they belong to you, I’m willing to Jump them immediately to wherever you would like.”

  “Send them to this room immediately.” Tate said and was about to open a passage through the castle’s many wards.

  “No.” Cage said clearly and got a few dirty looks not only from those around him, but also from those beside the king. It was an order, but Cage didn’t care. “Listen, I wouldn’t open my island for you if you had something of mine. For all you know I can send a bomb and blow up the castle or all of you. No, be more suspicious, Tate. I’ll send them to a neutral place, as I’ll expect you to do if our positions were reversed. You know I’m a man of my word, but too much trust will bite you in the ass.”

  The rooms were speechless for several moments since none could say a word to either powerful man. Then Tate sighed through his nose before chuckling. No one else joined him. “Wise words. We will discuss a proper place for you to send those lost crystals. I’m not sure, but if I recall… there were three hundred and fifty that had gone missing during my father’s rule. It was a great loss and caused much worry in my father, especially when they couldn’t be found. You say three hundred and twenty two? That is wonderful, you’ve done the kingdom a great service. What else?”

  “Tate, you know I hate political thanks. It’s useless and I don’t care, but if we are going to be allies we need to be direct to each other.”

  The king smiled. “I knew there was a good reason I liked you. So what else did you learn?”

  “During the interrogation I learned the location of their base. It’s twenty miles east of Zalt. Look for a series of rocks along the river that connects Zalt to Kote. The rocks are arranged to look like the spine of a three hundred year old dragon, follow the path of the sixth spine. The other trails are death traps. Nearly all came here to Kote, but the prisoner said there was about a hundred waiting in caves.”

  One of the commanders quickly pulled out a quill and ink to write down the valuable information. He then had to ask “Can any of you confirm this?”

  “I can.” Ren stated rigidly.

  General Kurk said “Then after this, I’ll assemble a platoon to flush out those bothersome rats once and for all. Thank you, Cage. We’ve had no luck finding their base for decades and in a few months you find one of the greatest dangers to the kingdom. They will not be able to hide anymore.”

  Cage shrugged and went on. “Tate, now to get down to business. Cillian, Ren and I have no doubt that the drug lord Tran is behind the attack. This whole business reeks of his hand. What I need is advice on how to proceed. Personally I want to raze his whole operation to the ground and put his head on a pike while also destroying all of his opium trafficking. But Cillian said if I were to go and do that I could be charged with terrorizing Miot.”

  “Before I answer that, have you found this person? Opium is a problem all over my kingdom and thought I do not know this man by name, can you really shu
t down the supply routes and whole black-market operation?” Tate asked.

  “This is why Cillian told me not to go. Tran now lives in a mansion near the Duke’s castle in Miot. I have no proof of this, but I believe Tran has the duke’s backing. When I checked early this morning, the Miot home guard let Tran’s henchmen walk right by them, carrying packages I saw through as money and varying opium products and they did not even bothering to check what they had. Either the home guard there has been corrupted with bribes or the duke has become addicted on the drug and is letting things slide or is getting paid.”

  “Quite an accusation.” Tate remarked.

  “But an accurate one, Your Highness.” A bearded commander beside the general spoke up. “The duke has been acting odd as of late. I got a report last week about him ordering the small garrison we have stationed there move to the north side of Miot. One of the men said that the building they were using was filled with boxes by the very next morning, but the home guard wouldn’t allow the men to check their contents. I believe the duke is isolating my men so this Tran person can move his supply more freely. Miot is a sparsely populated place, especially around the outskirts, where one can grow poppies in private. I was actually going to personally going to see the reports firsthand.”

  “And you’ve known this for a week? Why didn’t…” Tate stopped when the man raised an eyebrow. “Oh, right. Your men are returning from Apala in two days. Sorry about the assumption.”

  “Understandable, Your Highness.”

  Tate leaned back and asked “Cage, is this a priority or can this be done discretely?”

  “Tate, we were attacked yesterday. Tran will be expecting results tonight at the latest if the bandits succeeded here. We have only a few hours before he suspects they failed and I do not doubt runners are on their way. When he finds out, he’ll either try another attempt or flee into another hole. If you don’t do something about Miot soon you will lose it. Trust me, I’ve seen towns torn apart when drug dealers take over and I doubt you’ll want to order your men to march to Miot and kill all the inhabitants before the corruption spreads.” Cage’s image was looking right at the king as an equal. “Give me permission to do this and the casualties will be far lower now than what you will be forced to do later. Today Tran will die, but with your approval, I’ll rip the city apart and dig out the rotting core.”