Torhan was the first to wake from his slumber. He quickly realized that he was bound to a large tree by leather straps fastened to his wrist and wrapped several times around his torso and neck. He glanced over to his right and saw Katara tied the same exact way with her head down. He began working on his restraints when someone spoke.
“Stop struggling. It’s of no use, you are not going anywhere.” A cloaked, hooded figure said. He was using a walking stick for support as he emerged from around the tree.
“Untie us and let us go.” Torhan demanded.
“In due time, but first you will answer my questions.” The captor lowered his hood. He was older in years, small in stature, and frail looking, with short, cropped black hair.
“Are you Tole?” Torhan asked.
“Never mind who I am, I’m not the one tied up. Now what are you doing here?”
“We are looking for the hermit named Tole.”
“Why would you be looking for him?”
“That’s my business.”
Katara stirred awake, drawing their captor’s attention.
“Is it? I might need to ask your friend if you continue to have an attitude.” He grinned and glanced at her and then back at Torhan.
“Touch her and you die.”
The captor chuckled and called out in a strange language. In response, an ape-horse creature carrying a spear, galloped into view.
“I think my pet, Rime Lord, might have something to say about that,” he paused, “although you did dispatch his brothers rather easily. But then again, you’re now weaponless.” He laughed like an insane person.
Torhan began using his newly acquired Slipknot skill by working on his restraints ever so slightly, while hiding his movements.
“Now I am going to ask you again.” Their captor pulled out a dagger. “Why are you in my grove?”
“Tole,” Katara shouted getting their captor’s attention. “Priest Piersum sent us to find you; he said you can help us.”
Tole turned around. “Why did he send you?” He responded.
“He said you can lead us to an item called the Amulet of REM. We need it in order to help a girl named Sybil.”
“And why should I care? That ignorant fool sent me away.”
“Whatever your feelings are towards him shouldn’t matter. What matters is the girl and you can help her.”
“I don’t care. No one has done anything for me!”
Katara noticed Torhan working his restraints and needed to keep Tole occupied for a little longer. “You need to let go of your anger. You’re a man of the cloth right?”
“I was, but that life died a long time ago.” Tole turned his attention back to Torhan. “How does your magic dagger work boy?” Tole waved the blade back and forth.
“Release me and I’ll show you how.”
His comment made Tole laughed insanely.
“Tole, if you help us maybe you can give up this life of solitude and return to the Order?” Katara offered.
Tole straightened his bent form. “Maybe we can work out a deal.” He said rubbing his chin.
While Tole’s attention was diverted, Torhan finished untying his left wrist and then freed his right a few seconds later, while loosening the bonds around his chest.
“What do you want us to do?” Katara asked.
“I need you to recover an amulet called Insight. Once you have done so, I’ll help you find the one you seek called REM.” He paused. “Her parents came looking for it a long time ago,” he paused again, “you know I never did hear back from them.” He laughed loudly.
“Hey!” Torhan shouted, and Tole turned his attention back toward him. “Tell your pet not to do anything aggressive towards us.”
“Why?”
Torhan stood up, letting his restraints fall to the ground. “Because he will die.”
The Rime Lord howled in anger and galloped toward Torhan. The scabbard glowed, the dagger ripped free from Tole’s grip and engaged the Rime Lord. Torhan raced over and grabbed the hermit by the throat and tightened his hand enough for him to gag and flail about.
“Tell him to stand down, or he’ll die.” Torhan loosened his grip enough for him to speak. By now the Rime Lord was wounded in several places and breathing hard.
Tole said something in the Rime Lord’s language and the creature ran off into the woods. The dagger returned to Torhan’s scabbard after the threat was gone.
“Nice dagger.” Tole said, in between coughs.
“Where are our weapons?” Torhan barked at him.
Tole pointed to a spot several feet away.
“Don’t think about doing anything foolish.” Torhan warned as he walked over and untied Katara.
Once she was freed, he retrieved their weapons.
“Now, what is it you want us to do?” Torhan asked Tole.
Tole was somewhat surprised that he asked him instead of forcing him to tell them where the amulet they sought was.
“If you retrieve the amulet of Insight, I’ll tell you exactly where the amulet of REM is. Do we have a deal?”
“Alright, we’ll get you the amulet. Describe it to us.” Katara stepped forward.
“The amulet is circular in design and has five indentations set upon the surface. A unique stone will fit into each one.
“Where is it?” Torhan asked.
Tole Grinned. “To the north and set deep in the forest lays a mansion. The owner is a man named Fefantor and he has it.”
“What does he look like?” Torhan asked.
“He’s of medium build, middle aged, and wears his long black hair in a ponytail.”
“If you know where it is, then why do you need us?” Katara asked.
“Simply because I’m not skillful like you are. Plus he’s crazy, and if he catches me anywhere near his house, he’ll turn me into one of his creatures.”
“Creatures?” Torhan interjected, raising an eyebrow.
“He robs graves at night and somehow creates a race of super monsters.”
“Super monsters. How is that possible?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did you ever see one?”
“No.”
“We’re good fighters, so they shouldn’t be too hard to kill.” Katara added.
“Don’t take them too lightly, because once I hired a very experienced fighter to retrieve the amulet and he never returned.” Tole straightened his back and then he hunched it over again.
“Anything else?” Katara asked.
“Just be careful if you enter his house, I heard that it is full of traps. Here, take this.” He handed them a steel set of lock picks. “They’re stronger than any set you’ll ever find. Good luck.”
They bid the hermit farewell and left the grove.
Chapter 16: Finding a Lost Brother
Konafar, Tonles, Erantel, Lud, Fleck, and Thessor with his kinsmen, entered the town of Wistful just as it was starting to snow. They proceeded to the healer and after arriving at the little cottage, an elderly woman in brown robes stepped out of the house. Her youthful appearance made her look much younger than her long silver locs indicated.
She gazed at the group then plainly said. “Wounded only, please.”
Konafar dismounted, told the others that he would meet them at the inn, and bid them farewell. He turned and before he could take another step towards the house, the woman spoke.
“You’d better have enough coin, or else you’ll lose your most treasured item.” Her eyes rested on his crotch, he smiled at her, then stepped inside.
She led him down the dimly lit corridor, past a small waiting area, and into a large circular-shaped room with oil burning lamps scattered throughout. Exotic incenses filled his nostrils the moment he entered, leaving him feeling euphoric. A large table sat in the middle of the room, equipped with leather straps and several more tables lined the walls with herbs and different colored liquids in glass canisters. In the corner of the room was a small cauldron with something brewing inside.
Konafar laid down on the table, at the healer’s request, and was strapped in. She walked over to another table, poured some sort of clear liquid onto a rag, and placed it over her patient’s mouth. Konafar remained conscious for only a few seconds before succumbing to the sweet-smelling liquid.
Lud, Fleck, and Erantel went to the brothel in search of some female company, while Tonles and the two lizardmen took the horses over to the stables, and then went to the inn of the Slaughtered Fawn. As they approached the establishment, a group of men intercepted them and barred their path.
“What are they doing in this town and why are you with them?” Said a tall lanky fellow dressed in leather armor, with a short sword sheathed at his side.
“Ignorant fool,” snapped Tonles. “Step aside or feel my ax.”
“Hey big man, stand down, or you'll be dealing with me.” Someone said from his right.
Tonles glanced at the speaker siting in a rocking chair. . “This is not your affair, but if you insist on sticking your nose where it shouldn't be, then it will be.” Tonles stated firmly.
The man stood up from the rocker, stretched his arms ever so casually, and walked down the stairs. Tonles took note to his sheathed sword and chainmail armor.
“Tonlesss wesss can handlesss thessse men.” Thessor hissed.
“I'll take care of this one. You handle the others if they get involved.”
The man, taller than Tonles, stopped directly in front of him, gazing at him confidently. Tonles curled his right fist, grinned at him, and punched him in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him and doubling him over. Tonles then quickly removed the troublemaker’s sword from his sheath and shoved him backwards onto the steps. As some of the others were reaching for their weapons, Thessor and his brothers raced over and grabbed them by the throats. Their claws dug in enough to get their point across that if they reached for their weapons further, they’d pay the price.
“APOLOGIZE TO MY FRIENDS!” Tonles barked at the men. They looked at each other and then one by one, did just that. “If I catch you disrespecting another friendly race again I’ll be sure to cut you down where you stand.” Tonles said in a much calmer voice and turned his attention back to the guy he’d punched, who was getting to his feet. The man reached for his weapon and found it missing.
“Are you looking for this?” Tonles held the sword outwardly. “It's mine now.” He said waving his free hand back and forth like an adult would do to a child who was being scolded. “However, you could always try to take it from me?”
The man hesitated briefly and instead of reaching for his booted dagger, bowed his head in disappointment and walked away.
“Here keep this.” Tonles handed the sword to Thessor’s brother, who appraised its worth by the jewel-encrusted hilt and swapped it out for his own sword.
The two lizardmen exchanged words in their native tongue. “Tonlesss, mysss brother needsss to leavesss.” Thessor said, and his kinsman left.
“Let's go inside, I need a drink.” Tonles said, leading Thessor through the doors.
After Jacko and Woo parted company from the prisoners, they returned to their school; the Order of the White Fist. Mao was still running a fever, and his shoulder looked pretty bad, so they dropped him off at the healers. Woo decided that Jacko should see the Master by himself and left.
As Jacko neared the entrance to the Master’s chambers, two of his fellow students, both the rank of Gray Hawk, guarded the doors. He displayed a series of secret hand signals and was allowed to enter. He proceeded through the other rooms until he could go no further and knocked on the wooden doors. A few seconds later, an Elite Student named Wii Loo, answered.
“Jacko it’s good to see you.” He said.
Jacko bowed. “Can I see the master?”
Wii Loo returned his greeting with a nod and stepped aside, allowing him to enter. “I will tell him you are here. Please have a seat over at the table.”
Wii Loo waited for him to be seated, before leaving through the door in the back.
A few minutes later, the Master entered the room, and Jacko immediately stood up and bowed.
“Back so soon? I’m surprised to see you.” The Master said.
“There’s a reason why. While I was on my way to Mirkin, we passed by Redden. Did you know that the city fell?”
“I heard it did. Have a seat.”
After they were seated Jacko continued. “I was supposed to meet my friend Torhan in Redden and when I heard it fell; I needed to find out if he was somewhere inside.
“Just you, Mao, and Woo entered the city?”
“No. Before I left I hired several others to escort me to Mirkin. When they found out what had happened to Redden they agreed to help.”
“Did you find him?”
Jacko shook his head. “We couldn’t find him. We did rescue a dozen prisoners though.”
“You did? I must say, I'm impressed to say the least, and it was very brave of you and the others. You went searching for one person, and saved twelve. Think about that. If you’d never entered the town, those people would be dead. Did anyone get hurt?”
“A lot of people got hurt.”
“What about Mao and Woo?”
“Mao hurt his shoulder really bad, but Woo is fine.” Jacko looked down. “I feel like it’s my fault.”
“Jacko, don’t feel that way. People make decisions of their own free will. When it’s someone’s time, there’s nothing you can do about it. For your bravery, you are entitled to additional training.”
“But Master, that wasn’t my intention. I was only looking for my friend.”
“Maybe so, but you were a part of something special.”
“What about Woo and Mao?”
“Woo will receive training as well and when Mao is well again; he will be promoted.”
Jacko smiled.
“Now, tell me everything that happened and what you saw.”
Jacko told him what transpired, how they rescued the prisoners, what type of army was there, and about the brave men and women who lost their lives.
The Master processed the information and then said. “I feel it's only a matter of time before they come here and attack our town.”
“What should we do?” asked Jacko.
“I want you to go to Mirkin like you were supposed to and warn Ma's father.” The Master took out a piece of parchment, scribed something onto it, folded it up, and then slid it into a wrapper and sealed it. “After that, I want you to go to our Order a few miles west of Mirkin and present this letter to Brother Lee Chee Wa.” He handed him the sealed parchment.
“And leave you and the Order to fight?”
“Hopefully they'll leave us in peace, if not then we'll defend the town.”
“But their army is so vast. There are giant folk, war beetles, and plenty of boarmen and goatmen. I'm afraid for you and my brothers.”
“Don't worry I'll talk to the other Orders in town and try to sway them to stand with us.”
“And if they choose not to?”
“Then we'll save as many people as we can and seek sanctuary in one of our other schools.”
“Master, you're far too important to risk your life.”
The Master grinned. “Jacko, if I should fall, Brother Chee Wa and Brother Tae Fu are more than capable of taking over.”
“I'm staying.” Jacko insisted.
“No you're not. Given your skills, you would serve the Order better by doing what I ask.” The Master abruptly got up. “There’s much to do, please see yourself out.” He said and walked through the door in the back.
Shortly after leaving his chamber, Jacko sought Sun Chin and found him in the training area. He told him what happened in Redden, and he was proud of Jacko. Since Mao was wounded, he offered to escort him to Mirkin if the Master allowed it. Jacko couldn't be more happy because Sun was not only a trusted friend, he was also carried the rank of Eagle, which was three levels higher than he was and would definitely be a valu
ed asset. After Sun left to go speak with the Master, Jacko made his way over to the healers to check on Mao, and arrived just as Woo was leaving.
“How's he doing?” Jacko asked.
“He suffered a severe shoulder injury and may either lose the use of the limb or be severely hampered. That's the best they can do, the healers said.”
“I wish that he didn’t want to come along.”
“Look, it's not your fault. He, and everyone else, knows the risk you take by leaving the school and going on missions. He'll be fine. What did the Master say?” Woo asked, trying to change the subject.
“He said we’ll receive training, and Mao will be promoted for our part in the rescue.”
“I didn’t expect that.”
“Me either. Will you still come to Mirkin with me?”
Woo rotated his sore arms back and forth several times. “Of course, the school will be fine without me.”
“I feel guilty about leaving because the town may come under attack.”
“If the Master told you to go to Mirkin, then do so.”
“Let’s meet tonight at the inn of the Slaughtered Fawn. Hopefully, the others will be there. I’ll be in my room resting.” Woo said and turned.
“By the way, Sun Chin will be coming with us if the Master allows it.”
“Sun Chin? That’s good, he's quite skillful.” Woo said and left.
Jacko waited for Sun and when he saw him wearing his dark green traveling clothes, he smiled.
“Okay, the Master gave me his blessing and a new task in addition to going with you. He wants me to train you.” A proud look was etched across Sun’s face. “Maybe you’ll learn a few things.”
“Have you ever trained anyone before?” Jacko said jokingly.
“I’ve trained a few students, but none as pathetic as you.”
“We’ll see if I’m as bad as you say.”
A Demon's Quest the Beginning of the End the Trilogy Box Set Page 43
